The Welsh.

Why are the Welsh so self-deprecating? Have they really undergone such ritual bullying and humiliation that even a simple ''hello'' can lead to them disparaging themselves?

I was introduced to a Welshman today and experienced it first hand. I wont use his actual name as I can't remember it.

Me:   ''Alright mate, I'm Dean.''
Him: ''Hey, I'm 'Welshman Exhibit A'. I know, I know. You can hear the accent, right?
         I'm Welsh. Across the border in the land of leeks. Sheepshaggers, all that.
         The valleys. It's a shit hole but it does have a  few nice bits.
         Unpronounceable names, ridiculous, isn't it?
         Saying I work in a mine, get that a lot.
         We all walk around with leeks up our arses.
         Can't keep many of us in one place or we'll start a choir.
         Did I mention the sheepshagging? Oh yes.
         Only gay in the village....he was welsh wasn't he?
         Only listen to Tom Jones. Bunch of egg-chasing bastards we are.
         Have to be because we're crap at football.
         What do we call three sheep tied to a lamppost? Leisure centre.
         Yup, that's been told to me many times. Swansea...rough innit?''
Me:   ''Errrrm......nice shoes.''