aKula

Yes such views are certainly outdated. My grandparents live a whole 10Km from the French border (in Germany). One of the most memorable days I've spent with them is when we drove to a park where some Generals were buried from the world wars and even the Franco-Prussian war (if I recall correctly). We also drove to another cemetery and memorial in France (on a hill overlooking the area). My grandfather reflected on how many people have died in fighting over these hills and the border is still nearly exactly where it used to be, it's rather arbitrary as to which government controls the land. So I think you'll find that surrounding the feeling of nationality is that the French are just our neighbours, they live their lives in much the same way as we do. There is, I guess, a feeling of unity between the people. Living so close really puts things in perspective, it is much better when the countries are on good terms with each other, so the people don't feel as if they cannot be.