Revealed: Why we want to be like Europe, not the US

IRISH people want to become more European and are highly critical of the US, its values and culture, a recent study found.

Like the British we see ourselves as an island off the continent of Europe, but have completely different attitudes to it.

The Irish are welcoming and eager to learn about the different European cultures while the British were described as “insular,” feeling they have more in common with the US.

Many Irish hold anti-US views and dislike the influence of American culture, despite the strong links to the US and the emigrant communities. They see being part of Europe as a way of fighting American domination. “Anything which helps to stem the flow of American culture is worthwhile,” said one Irish person.

Many no longer see western culture as something European, but associate the term with the US and globalisation.

One Irish person quoted in the report said: “I would immediately think of America when I hear of western culture, I think greed, oil, exploitation, colonialism and certain religious values. Americans tend to think the US is the world.”

Wanting to get to know fellow Europeans has become an aspiration for many of the Irish, the report says.

This is in contrast to the British who react badly to the idea of “European culture”, typically associating it with France. Younger interviewees believe they have more in common with the US than Europe.

“They exist as an ‘insular race’, focusing on themselves, displaying little curiosity about other cultures, speaking only English and showing no interest in foreign films”, the report says.

The British fear their individuality is being influenced by Europe although they are pleased that certain Mediterranean customs such as outdoor cafes are being adopted.

More than 26,000 people were interviewed for the study in all 27 EU member countries. It found two-thirds believed they shared elements of a collective European culture while 90% believed culture, cultural exchanges and intercultural dialogue should have an important place in the EU.