What Does It Mean to Be a Londoner in the Modern Era?
Modern-day London is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, where the barriers between enigma and reality blur. Our behaviors and habits, once subtle markers of belonging, have evolved in the age of Brexit and global opinion shifts. From the way we dress and interact to our food choices and consumption habits, Londoners have developed a distinct yet evolving set of characteristics that define us.
lo?t Habits of a Modern Londoner
For the boys, the pursuit of a uniform is central. A London football club shirt may be seen during the weekends when enthusiasm unites; perhaps a fashionable haircut, or in many others, an untamed mane, reflects their age. Mysteriously, avoiding eye contact has become an art form, an avoidance craft to shield from being perceived as either a creep or someone willing to challenge another. Vaping, a quintessential modern ritual, is seen as both a fashion and health statement, while a light jacket with good pockets or a trendy man bag is essential for the all-important Oyster card, clearly visible as a testament to the daily commute.
And what of the girls? The skyline is often adorned by Norwegian Fox backpacks, Pauls Boutique bags, or an earbud adorned ear. Tattoos, symbols of rebellion and individuality, are proudly displayed. A costly coffee in hand from Pret or Costa, not just for the taste, but for the image it conveys. And let's not forget the expensive, top-of-the-range phones that often accompany these fashion statements.
Refusal to Engage
The refusal to socialize on public transport is profound. Instead, we carry disapproving glances or exasperated expressions, to any who dare to break the air of silence. Overpriced and barely-tasteful bars and restaurants, often with limited menus and quirky decor, hold our attention because they are either new, owned by someone famous, or simply trendsetters from New York. We engage in endless debates about which side of the city is superior, often crossing the North-South River, a divide that signifies more than just geography.
Identity Beyond Markers
The common assertion that people in London can be recognized by their knowledge of the London Tube network is a myth. While some may indeed be Tube aficionados, the majority struggle just as much to navigate through the labyrinthine system as anyone else. Despite this, the iconic and unique features of London, like the Oyster travel card, often face unintended comedic situations, such as trying to use it to open a front door only to find it's a tool for transport, not entry.
London's reputation has taken a hit in recent years, not just from Brexit, but also due to enhanced xenophobia and global perception. With the UK Post-Brexit world facing a mixed reaction, Londoners, like US citizens under the tenure of Donald Trump, find themselves in a challenging position. We might lack the comfort of well-known wellies and may even shun our traditional coffee preferences for a Tassimo machine, both in pursuit of modern convenience.
As the world changes, so does our identity. The pint of beer, once cheap and abundant, now carries a hefty price tag of at least ￡5. This is a cost many are willing to pay for the essence of a moment that encapsulates London's culture and lifestyle. So, perhaps we no longer scream about our identity as much as we embody it in every facet of our lives, from our attire to our participation in society.