Jack of all trades. Currently (nights) Tesco. Married, 6 children. Coach gymnastics and athletics. ...
Jack of all trades. Currently (nights) Tesco. Married, 6 children. Coach gymnastics and athletics. Interests almost anything. Originally from Liverpool but now living in the sunny Southwest. Degree Recreation, Masters Transport, PGCE in Adult Education.
Member since:01.10.2004
Reviews:8
Members who trust:1
Being another of those exiled from Liverpool I agree with the sentiments of the article. Unfortunately, lots of fellow Scousers leave and don't go back except to visit. Why? Well Liverepool is great to visit and live, certainly it gives you a great grounding in life if you are brought up there. However, the seafairing culture gives those who are able an instant escape route. The cosmopolitan nature of the city is such that people can easily move on. They still reminisce about the old days and the school of hard knocks. In essence Liverpool is a melting pot and spews out entertainers, sports people and all manner of artisans onto an unsuspecting world.
Part of the culture of Liverpool is one of conflict especially against authority. It's the only place in the UK where the Police have been on strike circa 1919. It presents a very individual social pecking order which for most people is a certain kind of social pravado which is seen by outsiders as that cocky cheeky scouseness. Most tourists will not really see this. Some students will and for those that really want to know the city getting to know the inhabitants at first hand is essential. For the most part they build walls of isolation and a social hardness. It is for you to knock the walls down. If they blank you (ignore you then they are testing you to see what you'll do next. If you go back or stand up to them they will be more welcoming, especially if you buy them a pint.
Yes, the city boasts fine buildings, hopefully they will finish renovating Lime street station one day or have they already done that. Culturally, it has always had lots to offer so read Newty well as the piece provides excellent details on architecture, hotels, eating out (Isuppose he thinks the only true team on merseyside is Tranmere?)
Finally, the main reason for the supposed decline (more in the doldrums) was the shift of power in the import business. As the UK left EFTA (EuropeanFree Trade Area) in the late sixties and early seventies and we became more involved with europe then the economic wealth shifted to the east coast. The building of Seaforth container basin and the rationalisation that caused in labour meant the malaise of the sea front. The docks lost there economic clout. The old over head railway Dockers' Umbrella) was dismantled (strange as it was superior to the Docklands Light Railway) thus showing the shortsightedness of policy makers. It would make an excellent tourist attraction. All this plus the miltant stance of the workers and changes in production added to the 1970's decline BL was one of the first manufacturers to suffer. If you look at the massive investment in the Garston/Speke area then you wouldn't believe the decay (unless you go off the beaten track as some of the areas are still a little bit more bleak than the tourist trail would like to reveal). The battles that ensued with the Thatcher era and the post-modern transition to globalism thwarted individualism as it was pitted against centralisation.
The city has undergone vast transformations and hopefully it will benefit from the investment like Leeds in the 1990's and Newcastle over the last 5 years. The City of European Culture should finally complete the cycle started in the 1980's with the investment in the Garden Festival which promised lots, gave hope but presented little in concrete infrastructure. It did however, allow the begiinings for a Pheonix to rise out of the ashes.
Hopefully, this will be the kick start.
Whether you go and enjoy the superficial tourist track or get a little more embroiled in the local culture I say enjoy it but most of all experience it.
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Good review. Nice try at explaining the essence of Liverpool, see Pies and Prejudice by Stuart Maconie for similar writing.
As an exiled scouser too I take exception with your cited 'disadvantage', be careful. Why? Liverpool is no more dangerous than any other city in the UK and indeed much safer than plenty.
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Advantages: vibrancyhumour, world-class, history, nightlife, people, heritage, future... Disadvantages: all of those - like run-down etc - are being overcome
Advantages: Excellent coffee, relaxing atmosphere, delicious food and sweet treats Disadvantages: Over priced, lack of comfy seating, upstairs seating area closes before the café does
Jan 22nd, 2008
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