Yes, I'm fine.
Instead of saying, "Hi, how are you?" the greeting here is, "Hiya, you alright?" But, if you actually answer someone with, "Hi, fine thanks, how are you?" the person greeting you gives a look as if you are an alien, a zombie, ... an American. One lady in particular scoffed because she thought I was making fun of her (taking the mick, in England). It's just habit for me to give this Ohio response, but I am slowly whittling it down to just, "Hi," with a smile. And frankly, that's more than other people do. You're lucky to get an 'excuse me' or 'please' and 'thank you' around these parts.
The people that refuse to use manners, learn to say a sentence without a curse word, or wear anything besides Adidas track suits are referred to as 'chavs.' This isn't a cutesy English term, it's a label for lazy, do-nothings who are a drain on society. A book was even recently published here called Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class, by Owen Jones, highlighting mainly the problems between social classes here in England and how they came to be. I might change my mind after living here for awhile, but I see a lot of these chavs in Preston--treating strangers rudely, disregarding public property, and harassing local shop workers. This happens daily from morning until night. Who to blame? Parents? Yes, their parents must not have modelled how to behave in public or walk without putting a hand in an inappropriate place. Teachers? Aw, yes. Their teachers must not have taught them to say 'thank you' when someone holds a door open or 'excuse me' while trying to pass someone on the sidewalk (pavement, in England). Granted, my parents and teachers did very well to teach me how to act in public and in a professional setting. Also, I grew up in a very friendly, somewhat conservative Ohio town. So, maybe my opinion is a little skewed on what I am noticing. I am, however, grateful more than ever for how I was raised.
Here's a first-hand example: The house to our left has three, unrelated, unemployed adults living together--two men and one woman. Almost every other night, Lee and I are awoken at around two or three in the morning by screaming, sounds of objects hitting walls, blaring rap music, and/or endless obscenities. We just try to get back to sleep because I am scared to tell them to be quiet and I don't think Lee wants to confront them either. I would not be posting about this in a blog if these occurrences were happening during the day when people are normally awake. But, this is a prime example of how some of these chavs have no regard for others. And they clearly know that their insanity can be heard through the walls because our landlord warned us about them when we moved here.
When I hear a chav story about being unemployed, I have no sympathy because of how they choose to act. Two weeks ago, I was behind a man with his girlfriend who was being followed by a security guard out of Primark for suspicious behaviour. Primark! They'll accept anybody, so if you are getting kicked out of Primark, you must be pretty bad. But, this man didn't just leave, he started cursing at the security guard and confronting him. I've seen many kids--ages 8 to 13--acting this way to authorities as well. But for them, my first question is, "Where are their parents?" For a 25-year-old person, I have no questions at all.
To back up these recent thoughts on chavs, I read an article in the Daily Mail this week about employers' concerns--and yes, I bought a paper just so I could continue collecting my Jamie Oliver recipe cards. The article written by Becky Barrow, entitled Three quarters of bosses say graduates are not fit for work, said that applicants are missing 'interpersonal skills' and an 'ability to focus.' 'Interpersonal skills' is a nice way to phrase the examples I've seen here in Preston. On the bright side for me, the article mentioned that employers are forced to 'recruit foreign workers.'
For now, I'm just going to keep using common courtesy, no matter what weird looks I get. Also, I will refuse to let any more groups of chavs push me off of the sidewalk. I will stick with my newfound method of just standing and holding my place, saying, "Excuse me," and ignoring all of the questioning glances.
Below are some photos for your viewing pleasure. Thanks for reading!
If you see Sammie Miles Davis, Jr. and Bella, give them my love.
Our humble abode
A view of the street
Our neighbourhood
A garden lot. You can have your own little garden if you don't have space at your house. Americans fly their flag anywhere they can.
On the way to the 'bottom of the hill' shops.
River Darwen
Another view of the River Darwen
Bachelor Buttons--I planted these back in Ohio this summer for the backyard wedding.
Views over the garden lots.
A typical day in Preston.
Views of Avenham Park
