Message from Forum:
I was wondering how British citizens felt about Americans? As an American, I picture British people as very well-mannered, orderly, and friendly, yet reserved.
How do Britons perceive us (honestly!!!)?
Thanks Alot,
Michelle (homeschool Mom)
Richard & James
Visit projectbritain.com for more about British life and culture.
Friday, March 17, 2006
British and Americans
Posted by Woodlander at Friday, March 17, 2006
Labels: questions and answers
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
49 comments:
Hello Michelle,
I can only speak for myself on this. I like Americans., I’ve never been to America, however some of my family have and they enjoyed themselves except….they said that sevice in Diners etc was pretty bad where tipping was expected, if not demanded, because I believe waiters in America are unpaid and therefore live on their tips…otherwise as I say they enjoyed themselves and found the people friendly.
My generation was brought up on American movies and of course during the war we ran after the GI’s asking for gum! they were always kind to us they were rich, everyone in America drove Cadillacs,lived in big houses…well as I say we were brought up on American movies!
The Americans I have met have been friendly & generous, sometimes they do complain about service in this country…just like my family in your country!
I enjoy the American humour, I cannot understand why they call football soccer! and they call rugby football! but they are not complaints. lol
Any faults? well I do correspond via the net with quite a few Americans and I find that they are rather insular and know little about the world outside America..and also I do find that Americans can be too patriotic sometimes, every email I receive is emblazoned with the stars & stripes and ‘God bless America’ etc. Here we generally only show the flag at national sporting events and Royal events etc.
So on my plus side 98% debit side 2%.
Ray
Picking up on your post Ray, I would suggest that the Americans tend to appear more patriotic than ourselves by flying the flag, whereas it is rare in this country to see private homes with a flag. I believe this is due to the fact that in America, Americans pledge allegiance to the flag, whereas our loyalty in this country is to the monarch hence “God bless America” compared with “God save the Queen”.
One thing I have noticed in particular is that whilst we are aware that Americans are more forthright than ourselves, it is still a suprise when asked, say at a dining table, “Gimme the ketchup” where we would say “Could you pass the Ketchup please”. It is not that Americans are bad mannered at all, it is just the way they are used to. This can lead to British people thinking Americans are brash and rude, and Americans believing we are very well mannered. Neither is particularly true, it is just a difference in the way things are thats all.
I agree Ray – mostly in this country Americans are well thought of and well liked, but one thing you should be aware of; it is almost a national trait in this country to “take the mickey” (slightly changed the words here – this is a junior school website after all!) and many Americans can be easily offended by this, don’t be. We denegrate everything and everyone at some time or another, including ourselves – just laugh along, or even join in and you will fit in fine
Steve
Here are the replies of a class of 8 year old children:
Question: What do you think American people are like?
They play baseball
Eat more fast food.
They invented Yugioh cards
They have lots of big cities like Washington and NY
They are rude they eat with their mouths open.
They have an accent ( we sound posh compared to them)
They have yellow fire engines and taxis
They speak English
They don’t tell off their children, parents are more relaxed.
They are loud.
They love their country very much
Michelle,
I have read all of the comments to your question, and because the USA is such a large, diverse country, most of the information is fairly true, depending upon where you are at the time. North-easterners (NY, Massachusettes, New Jersey, etc.) tend to be louder and more abrupt. They tend to offend southerners (NC, SC, Georgia, etc.), who think of them as obnoxious “yankees”. And there is probably as much of a culture gap between these two regions as there are with many other countries. Add California and the West Coast to the mix, and it gets more complicated. Easterners tend to view them as flightier and less grounded. And, don’t forget the mid-west: Chicago, Detroit, Iowa, Kansas… But all of these areas have well-mannered and ill mannered, crude and refined, abrasive and courteous. And these different groups usually offend each other from time-to-time.
But most of us are too inward thinking, I’m afraid. We need to realize that we are not the center of the universe, and to embrace other cultures. As to our strong nationalistic sense, 9/11/2001 really heightened this, and I hope that it continues. Even at 50 years old, I still get a lump in my throat when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner played at a sporting event. It is this that holds us together. I also feel that our morals are being eroded, as well as our hunger to learn and to strive for perfection. We tend to take education for granted.
But all-in-all, Americans usually take each other at face value and treat each other well at first meeting. We’re a great country with a lot to offer. I hope this helps.
I used to work for an American company here in the UK and found that the American visitors that travelled to us from our Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, were quite brash.
They seem to be very certain about the way they felt about everything and weren’t afraid to share it!
In the UK we would be more reserved about what we say, or how we say it, so as not to offend anyone. This can be seen as either a weakness on the Americans’ part, or on ours, as the American’s get what they want for the majority of the time, whereas we get what we want for less of the time but we ruffle fewer feathers in the process.
Generally, the American’s that I have met have friendly, positive and genuine.
Linda
I think Most “British” people would agree that Americans are seen to be loud and outgoing. Which i think is a good character trait to have. This is also common in the morth of England. especially the North east (newcastle, where the brown ale is from). But to the less easygoing paople i think this is seen as rude.
And i think that due to the “special relationship” of the two countries (U.K and U.S) there is more acceptacne of the Sense of humour over here. Our sense of humour is legendary and many people dont understand it if they are from other countries. America was (until recently) seen as a place with no sense of humour, but since the dawn of dynamite sitcoms such as will and grace and friends this seems to have changed.
Also i think that Americans say “British” a lot. But there is no basis in this as for many years now Great Britain has actually been named the United kingdom or U.K. Great Britain was the name for the four countries (England, Scotland,Wales and the whole of Ireland)and they they were united under one flag. Now Ireland is seperate and left “Great Britain” in 1922 leaving only northern Ireland under “British” rule, so the name United Kingdom was introduced. There is also the name “British isles” which is including all of the colonies of the U.K such as isle of man and isle of white.
I personally like your patriotism (is that a word), there seems to be such an exaggerated enthusiasm for all that is done in the country.
I visited the U.S recently and i thought it was great, really interesting and the people were friendly. I dont think there is much difference between the way we live. Apart from your miniscule taxes. Our tax rate are stupidly high and there is a lot of conflict about it at the moment. For example tax on clothes and mosthings is 17.5 pct, and the highest rate of income tax is 40pct.
hope thi helps
Marc
I live in California and have a very different perspective on patriotism.
Something that I think you should keep in mind is that America is as diverse as the UK.
Each region has its own identity. While there are some political opinions that are concentrated in a particular area, this definitely does not mean that it is the status quo. In fact, I think a very American trait is to not have a status quo. Sometimes this is hard to believe, especially considering the way the American media is treating the present administration.
“Being American” much like “Being English or Scottish or Welsh or Irish” is not something that is easily described. What makes you American is not the same thing that makes someone else American, unless you are specifically talking about citizenship. This also is a grey area because of parts of the south where people are both American and Mexican citizens by heritage.
Often I find myself very frustrated by the foreign policy of my birth nation. I joke with loved ones about my moving to Europe and becoming an EU member, sometimes a little more seriously than they know. I did not vote for Bush, neither did most of my friends and family. I live in what is considered a “liberal state”, but that hardly means anything if you leave the larger coastal cities. Believe it or not there are many places in California where “hard core” conservatives live.
We are a multicultural nation and yet racism runs rampant here. I think that the only thing one could say unites us under a title of “Americans” is the independent nature of our founders. I also recognize that such a statement is also very unfair considering the native peoples who originally populated this land.
I don’t really think you can speak for all Americans, just as you cannot speak for all people in any nation.
I do not put the flag up outside of my house. This is no lack of patriotism but a statement of my absolute disgust with our present administration. For this American, being patriotic is being an active member of society. I vote, I support local businesses and shop at the farmers market rather than the chain stores. I try to get to know my neighbors. I speak out on what frustrates me about our politics. In many ways, my form of patriotism is being critical of my home nation. I love it as my home, and I want to change it and make it better for the day that I have children.
Patriotism is not always blindly flashing the flag and shouting “we’re better than everyone else.” Nobody in my family believes in that.
I have really enjoyed reading everybody’s point of view. As someone who was an international student and now working in the field of international exchange (with the UK and Ireland 😉 ) I find it very enlightening to read your perceptions.
We are not so different because we are all human. Thanks for the great conversation!
-b
P.S. In my house manners have always been important. We always ask “would you please pass the…?” and say “pardon me” or “excuse me”.
I think the international interpretation of Americans is based too heavily on our Hollywood movies. I lived in Madrid for a while and was constantly stereotyped as an airhead-yoga doing-vegetarian because I am from Los Angeles (the home of Hollywood).
I’m English and proud due to the fact that i was born in England i would only class myself as British if i had all the other countries in UK in my blood but i only have english in me therefore Im classing myself as english only.
Thanks Mark….
What’s actually quite strange is that someone who comes from the UK is deemed to be British, even though Britain and the UK are not the same thing. Presumably someone from Northern Ireland is British, because that is the term to refer to someone who is a United Kingdom citizen, yet Northern Ireland is not in British.
I’m English and British, English because I was born in England (which forms part of Britain), and British because England forms part of Briatin, I normally refer to myself as English, or as an Englander
i call my self english, though i wasnt born in England…i was born in germany, though because i father was in the army, though both parents were born in england and because i have lived here all my life iclass my self as english…
When I think of england I think of corsets and men with top hats. Is this strange? You do seem old fashion.
guess you haven’t watched Harry Potter or any of our other up to date films. You seem to have only watched English films based on life over a hundred years ago.
I don’t know anyone who wears a corset or a top hat today.
I think if you watch up to date English movies you would see a much different England.
Men obseesed with boobs? I would say this would be the same world wide. Of course we have some men who are and some who aren’t.
Americans use the term ‘sir’ frequently which in the UK sounds very polite. In general I’ve found Americans to be very polite although they may often be more direct than English people.
As a side comment I understand that Great Britain is the name of the largest island in the British Isles, i.e. GB = England/Scotland/Wales. British Isles is GB+Ireland+surrounding isles. Doubt it includes the Channel Islands though.
I personally have often questioned what people in Europe, specifically UK, think of Americans. I’m an American 8th grade student living in the Southeast US. There is absolutely no doubt that Americans are ill-informed of other countries. To remedy my ignorance, I’ve been trying to educate myself using the Internet lately.
Yes, Americans are definitely loud people overall. Though this may seem disrespectful, I admit that my family is pretty rude. In contrast to the rest of my family, I’m relatively uptight. I’ve always been extraordinarily reserved in manner, and I only mention my personal beliefs if absolutely necessary. My family rarely says “excuse me” or “please.” My telephone etiquette is dreadful. But I ALWAYS say thank you and excuse me, though I admit that I don’t often say “please.” This is not an intentional omission, but I subconsciously leave out the word in an effort to make my question as short as possible. This, I regret, is because I am shy. Other than that, I try to be as polite as possible.
I agree that Americans aren’t taxed nearly enough, so it’s always unusual for me to hear people complaining about them. I’ve always thought that Americans were a bit big-headed. They were not especially patriotic until 9/11, after which American flag magnets were on the back of nearly every vehicle. I find it somewhat pretentious of us to continue to use our own system of measurement when everyone else uses Metric. And I agree on the incorrect naming of football. Everyone else calls it football! Why shouldn’t we? While I’m in no means in support of complete conformity, it seems very outlandish.
I’m not so supportive of the typical American parenting stance on education, which assumes that trying is the most important thing you can do in school. In many other countries, achievement is stressed more than merely trying. Luckily (aside from the manners) I was disciplined very well by my parents and have always strived high grades in school. This, of course, has made me a social outcast, a complete nerd. Most of the other students view me as aloof (they’ve told me so). I’m actually just shy and extremely self-conscious (social anxiety disorder?).
I’ve always thought that the British were great people with an excellent sense of humor. I’d really love to live in England, and considering the completely different religious and political opinions between me, my family, and this region, I may very likely take into consideration the possibility of moving to England when I’m old enough. I’m sorry for the ridiculous length of this comment. 🙂
wow how old are you exactly not knowing the american school system because that was a ver mature post. im in my late teens living in australia born in england. most aussies seem to think most english are like them but worse at sport and the steriotype is that they whinge lots. the genral opinion of americans is that they tend to think their superior but dont realise what people think of them. it is also bilieved that some have more money than they deseve and are generally a bit slow (to the point of being funny) if things are not done exactly the way they are used to.
I am hugely proud to be English/British, i think this country is great. I would welcome most foreign people with ease and politeness first time, whether they be American or not. However, i do not like the way the Americans boast so much about being American – it’s fine to do this, but not so they make out that they’re the best nation in the entire world – or universe even as it seems.
I think Americans should learn more about the rest of the world, and learn their history a little too – the fact that they did not just appear from nowhere – “Gods creation”, as it seems, but that their country was originally a British colony and was part of Britains Empire. I am pleased to hear (in the case of the anon. writer – April 02 2006), (although – do not get me wrong, i do not mind if they prefer living in America) that many Americans actually prefer to live in England. I welcome them greatly.
I would be greatfull if you Americans reading this could perhaps post a comment saying whether you knew/know or not that America was started by mainly Britain (plus other European Nations), and perhaps you could tell me if your family history stems back to Britain. It would be great to see your comments in the future if i am to come back to this site.
I know myself that some Americans are very polite but i know some to be very rude. I think the U.S is too much a glorified nation, i haven’t been there myself but i do know that it can’t be as glorious as they all make it out to be – it has just as many problems, if not more, than the UK. As with any nation, i do respect them greatly, and respect their customs and culture, but i take great offense when the insult my own nation – that, i cannot stand.
I do wish though that we did celebrate St. Georges day and a day to celebrate Britain with as much glory as American Independence day or any other countries patriotic day. If i go to any other country, in the whole world, i take my British and English spirit with me, and i will never, ever lose that great pride and spirit of my homeland. Even, if i am to move to another country.
I believe that the Americans, and the Brits, have massive connections, more than any other set of any other totally independent two nations. Not just through our history, but through culture, certain laws and systems etc. and language, plus much more. To be honest i don’t appreciate the way the Americans have changed so many British English words, (although i can totally understand the changes) and i don’t appreciate the way they use totally different words to us for the same meanings. Perhaps this stems from the original Englanders trying to speak better than back at home?
I do think that the Americans are way too patriotic, often it makes me squirm at the site of the US flag – i have things against the Americans, like many people, (do not be offended Americans) but it is more at the nation as a whole, not at individuals – i would be way to anti-American and much too Inhuman to think like this. I would never move to the U.S – i love this country too much, and would probably go there for one holiday, but i could not stay there. It’s unlikely that i’ll move countries anyway when i’m older.
I am in year 9 and have grown up (under my own influence) to love being British and English… and i do love living in Britain – there is so much History and Geography and beauty plus hundreds and hundreds of more things… too many lovely things to mention.
I think overall the US needs to be less glorified – it’s time for taking on so many foreigners to build it’s country has come to an end. It should stop making itself seem so attractive, and concentrate more on its more personally specific affairs. The depression era ended many years ago, and so all countries are now better and most of their inhabitants – like me are fine where they are. I don’t mind the foreigners over here but enough will soon be enough. I just hope that America will soon open up to the world and begin to respect it’s British and other connections.
Thankyou for your time.
Yours, Michael R
A Proud Brit!
I would just like to say that many, many Americans look upon the British people as superior beings, due to their ability to make even the most ignorant comments sound absolutely regal…because of that divine way of speaking. It’s simply not fair, we Americans will always sound, well, dumb. CW
I am an American living in Georgia,which is the Southern part of the US. One of the things which occurs to me as I read these comments is how Folks in Britain have a narrow view of Americans. It is important to remember that in America, we have a little bit of everything. Are we loud? Some of us are. Are we arrogant? Some, yes. But many of us are reserved and mannerly. Perhaps the traveling Americans should be given Etiquette training before they go abroad and defame the whole country! However, stereotypes do contain some truth, and so we must be honest and admit that Americans DO tend to see their own way as THE way. But, usually it is not meant as an offense. It is just that Americans are over here doing our own thing and we really don’t know what our own thing is anymore, because of the surge of globalism. So, the American as a distinct, obnoxious, loud buffoon is an endangered species. I regret the loss of National identity, in any country. For good or bad, we need our distinctions. Thank You, Catherine
I’ve had a lot of dealings with Americans – been to various places including Miami, Seattle, New York, Dallas and met various people. On the whole, the Americans who seemed the most obnoxious were those that had never ventured outside their own country. Those members of the US Coastguard I happened to meet were very diplomatic, fun, and not at all brash or loud – and they do a lot for other countries, not just protect US waters. However those I met in a Sports Bar in Seattle were quick to put down every country they had not set foot in.
I am an American who has been living in Europe for the past 10 years (England, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy). I find the comments on American rudeness very interesting. It is quite important to remember that what one person or one nation perceives as rude may not be perceived as such in another country.
Different nations, cultures, and language groups all have different ways of interacting. I don’t believe that it’s fair to impose one’s own belief system on the rest of the world. Perhaps it would be useful to look beyond the actual words to determine if an utterance is rude or not.
I find the comments on American twisting and re-shaping of British English interesting as well. Languages are living things. Because they are controlled by the populations who speak them they will change continually. Just have a look at different forms of British English – how many young people in certain parts of the country stick on the question tag ‘isn’t it?’ where ‘doesn’t it?’ or another question tag would be grammatically correct? If you don’t believe this watch ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ and listen carefully. Or what about certain parts of the UK where the ‘th’ sound is disappearing? Listen out and you’ll notice these things right in your own country.
The only way to keep a language from changing is to have a government language authority, as many European languages have, that determines what is correct and what is incorrect. No surprise here – English doesn’t have one!
I’d just like to point out (in response to some of the earlier posts) that I live on the Isle of Wight and it’s actually part of England.
I agree with other comments – I consider myself English first because I was born in England, but I lived in Wales for 9 years and then referred to myself as British to anyone foreign as I felt I identified more with that at the time.
It may be redundant to put up another post here since there’re so many already, but I think there are a few things no one has said…
I’m from California and currently in highschool. The opinion in my little posse of friends is that the English accent (what is it called? Recieved Pronounciation?) pwns our Californian accent.
And I think I read somewhere on this blog that Americans don’t use the flag on mundane things like clothes ‘n things. While it’s true, there is a great respect for the flag (for example, you are NEVER to drag it on the ground, and if you do, you burn it), it is often used on clothes, hats, etc.
British humour is also thought of as a bit… different. A lot of wordplay, puns, and more subtle. I’ve always loved British humour (I’m notorious for my punning :D), but that could be because on false assumptions exacerbated by Wallace and Gromit and Monty Python. What think you? Do those two shows stand as a valid example of British humour? Probably not.
I’d also like to take a moment to say how annoying I find the discrepancies between American and British spellings. I always mispell things because I add an extra “u” in words like colour. It hurts my brain. Sorry, random.
Personally, I love the Britons and the country as well. I’d love to visit sometime for the sense of history and of course, for the cultural experience. I wouldn’t stay though, because San Diego has spoiled me. It is the city with no seasons. I just wouldn’t last in a country with… *gasp* seasons??
Hello Ya’ll,
I am a American going into my Freshman year (year 9?). I live in Colorado right now but previously lived in Kansas for 3 years and Oklahoma for 6.
I would like to say one thing right now before I go on. You English folk think we are patriotic??? Look at some of your posts about how proud you are to be “English” (NOT British, Heaven forbid) I personally viewed these posts as a tad rude and insulting, but that is just me! I think that every country you come upon is just as, if not more, patriotic as the US.
Moving off my soapbox, I love England, the UK, Britian, whatever you want to call it. The screensaver on my computer is a British Flag, and I’m am going there on a People-to-People trip next summer! I don’t think English folks have a very good view of Americans though. We are, on the whole, very well mannered. I have an Etiquette guide in my desk drawer for Heaven’s sake! As for being rude and obnoixous, some of us are (I am often viewed this way), but most of the time that is just our American sense of humor! (So sarcastic, like ME!)
I think Americans are often viewed by just what people see of us on TV. I believe one English person in this blog said they believed all Americans to be overly rich and live in big houses, or incredibly dumb. Now I can tell you first hand we are not all rich. I live a very middle-class lifestyle. As for the “dumb” thing, please do not judge every American’s IQ by what you see on the Simple Life.(The Simple Life is a TV show that stars the airhead-heiress, Paris Hilton)
Well, I think that is all I have to say! I look forward to reading everyone’s comments. Thank you for reading mine.
With love,
An American
It’s really refreshing to read these comments. I’m a student in the UK, and have unfortunately read so many narrow minded comments from people from both sides of the atlantic, this blog is a breath of fresh air! I, unlike many I know, have decided to spend about half of next year travelling the US on a camp scheme to see the big bad beast for itself, instead of speculating about the country here alone.
The great things about the comments on this blogs shows how similar Americans and British are, just look at the comments on Patriotism! It’s really superb.
Hello Michelle,
I am an American and I have traveled to other parts of the world. My great grandmother came from England in the late 1800’s. From what I was told by family members she was a very cold person. I call it well reserved. That was the British way from what my grandfather said. In fact most of my DNA is English. In every country we have our good and bad and America is no different. American’s are called loud and brash and arrogant. Some are but then we have our well assured and confident people which can be thought of as loud, rude or what ever. Allot of American’s are to the point. We do not like to beat around the bush about things. We are also polite and use common sense and gloss over to not to offend someone. There are allot of different sides to American’s and this is something I do not think the rest of the World have tried to understand. I think we are complicated people to a certain degree. I wish people from other countries would stop stereo typing American’s thinking we are all like what they say. Just because a few people in Seattle were rude or what ever from one of the bloggers here in this blog does not mean all Seattleites are like that. I think most Americans do not care what the world thinks of us. I am not being arrogant. I am just one American tired of defending this Nation. I have several friends from Britain as well as friends from other Countries. As far as only a small percent of American’s having a pass port well what is the big deal about that? It’s made to sound like that is a crime of sorts. America is so big I still have States and sites to see that I have not seen yet. The British people are wonderful people at least the ones that I have met and know.
hi.im from england and i regularly take my holidays in the states.these guys are so cool and true americans are always friendly.dont mix these people up from some of the hispanics who i do find rude.the true americans have a right to be proud of their country,if i could ever get hold of a greencard i would be there like a shot.u.s and uk unite
I am a college-aged American from the Washington D.C. area and I started reading this blog because I’m interested in going to London for grad school. It’s definitely interesting to see what English people think of us and I’m realizing that they, along with most people from all over the world, are way too hard on us. Sure, Americans are, on average, louder and more brash, but I think people need to realize that you have to be this way in order to get by here. It’s a hard place to live in because it’s so incredibly diverse, and there are very high standards of political correctness when dealing with different cultures. I’m thinking of what my boyfriend told me about Italy – he visited Siena, Florence, and Rome and found that the Italians are openly really rude to the gypsies and treat them like second-class citizens. You couldn’t get away with that in America; everybody is uplifted here. Sure, there’s racism here, too, but the standards for the way we publicly treat minorities are really high, and I think it may be one reason why there’s a lot of quiet racial tension (the kind of stuff Borat makes fun of!). And that, I think, leads to problems in communication and a lack of understanding, which explains why we talk so loudly and forcefully. It’s hard to find common ground among people who are so incredibly different.
I am married to an American and had lived in the USA for six years. I had found great differences between our two countries, some good and some bad an both parts. I do think that we have more ignorance in the US. A lack of understanding of anything that is not American and a lack of interest. This is something I feel is very dangerous for the United States as it is very important in this day and age to understand other cultures and not appear ignorant of them. Also our view on helping others is totally different. While many Americans are very giving the fact that there is no National Health system is terrible. With millions of Americans not having access to affordable healthcare is crazy, especially with the amount of money a % of the peoples have. Education also is another. A college degree is so expensive and it makes it hard on the poor.
Another difference is customer service. But this time that is something far better in the US. Service when you go out to eat I always found great, people so fine. Even though tips are very different it makes sense as that way you do get good service. In terms of Customer service from say banks, electricity etc the US is far better. When people BS you they do it in a polite way lol.
Media is also something very different. While here in the UK we have trash newspapers our TV and Radio is pretty fair minded. In the US the media is over the top and often gives one sided reports, especially when trying to stic to public opinion. An example would be the Iraq war. Little mainstream media covered the argument for not goin to war. In fact the one person I new of that was against it (Phil Donahue) was pulled from TV just days before it started. Here in the UK I am happy we have the BBC, ITV news, Sky news, and not Fox news etc.
Over all I find americans very nice people. But I do see much ignorance from them. Many had asked me “what language do you speak in England?” or what do you do in England for thanks giving. Just little things but many really do have a lack of understanding of the world outside of the US, mostly in part because of a lack of awareness put out there by the media.
Ian
Ian wrote: “With millions of Americans not having access to affordable healthcare is crazy, especially with the amount of money a % of the peoples have. Education also is another. A college degree is so expensive and it makes it hard on the poor.”
I don’t know where you got this from but there is plenty of affordable health insurance in America for those who wish to pay for it. Same goes for going to college.
Many of the so-called poor in America would easily be able to afford such things if they learned some common sense financial responsiblity.
For example, why have children, and continue to have children if you can’t afford to pay for them? Why is it it so many so-called “poor” Americans dress with the latest fashions, have cable or satellite tv, and have cell phones?
Sorry, I’m quite proud to live in a country where those making foolish and irresposible mistakes have a harder time in life.
As for the media I wouldn’t talk considering your state sponsored BBC is one of the most biased and anti-American news organizations in the world. I wish they were banned from America.
I lived in Europe for many years and have travelled to over 20 countries and there is little difference in the level of ignorance you find in most countries. The fact is, Europeans still know very little about America and Americans. You lived here for 6 years and yet you have no idea yourself.
No offense. Maybe it is simply easier for many to believe in stereotypes, myths, and propaganda over the truth.
I like much about the UK and Europe but unfortunately the British, and Europeans in general, are way too haughty, cynical, negative, and pessimistic for me.
I also find Britons and Europeans having a sort of group inferiority complex by constantly comparing themselves to America and Americans and expressing it in a very insulting way.
I can tell you where I get this from. From living in the USA being married to a inner city school teacher. Healthcare I can give you a great example. I had health insurance. It cost over 200 dollars a month (NHS is far cheaper and you are seen faster, atleast than in Chicago) they would not cover treatment for an illness I had. I ended up having to fly back to the UK which was thousands of dollars cheaper for the price of a flight. So no, health insurance for many is not that easy for millions of americans. Ignoring the problem is why you have these problems. Education again sorry but you are wrong. Some can get help with it, but many cannot. And you forget about the working poor in this, not just those that have nothing, those that just do not have enough. It is why many american families have to re morgage a house to put the kids through college. I know as my wifes family did and most of her friends. BBC is anti American? I was not aware that the BBC puts down the US, perhaps it gives two sides to a story that does not always support the US but that does not make it anti american. Is it anti british if it reports something we have done wrong in the world? I think not. Keep watching the non bias fox though, I am sure you will learn very much from that. And again the reason we have these problems in the US is because people think the poor are lazy, cannot do anything. One point on why these people have so many kids. Religion. You will find many are catholic and practise its faith. Of course you have some that abuse the system but the problem with many right wing americans is that they think all poor are lazy and good for nothing when many are very hard working.
Nice try though, Rush could not of said it any better.
Ian
Ian, many of us think this way I am afraid to say, notice how he stats “so called poor” he just not think we have such things as poor in the USA. You are quite right, many people do work very hard two three jobs to make ends meet. It is very hard to pay for very expensive healthcare when you have to pay for food, rent, bills. I love the part of “the so called poor have the latest fashions. I guess he has not heard of charity shops that sell this things for a buck… Some people in my country cannot admit that we do have these very big problems with healthcare, education costs, and they especially hate it when someone that is not American stats this.
I have traveled around Europe several times and always found the people to be very friendly and helpful to me. The BBC my friend is a great form of news. seems to be very well run as it is state run, does Tony Blair not run the state? It shows that the BBC gives some great news from both sides of an arguement. We do not have the BBC news 24 here just BBC America with a watered down news service for about 20 minutes per day. If he read the website he would not see any bias in any reports from the BBC, you cannot tell if they are liberal, conservative. Although I found Chanel four news to be the best in the UK.
Well I have enjoyed reading these comments. I would just like to say that I hope one day we have all the things that you Europeans have such as healthcare for all and anyone can get a good education.
Peace
Hello im Mariah im american. I like the British people(scottish,welsh,english) and i love their accents. i live in a ski resort so lots of tourists come to my town. lots of people frome uk come here and i love to sit down with them and have a conversation. the british can teach you lots. i respect people from other countries and their culture. my best friend is from ireland and i love her culture. i hope the uk doesnt look at us as snobby and rude.
Hi i’m and I live in California, USA. I am quite intrestedin British people (English in particular) In PE whenever my PE teacher says we are playing football I groan, but if I lived in England that would be a different story. My friend can talk in a fake british accent and I crack up whenever she talks in it. I love Harry Potter. harry Potter books are my favorite books, the movies are my favorite movies, JK Rowling is my favorite author. One of my former teachers had the UK versions of harry Potter. I find the school systems odd though. This is what schools are like in the US
Elemantry School
kindergarten age 5
1st grade age 6
2nd grade age 7
3rd grade age 8
4th grade age 9
5th grade age 10
midlle school/ Jr. high
6th grade age 11 (that’s what I’m in)
7th grade age 12
8th grade age 13
High school
grade 9 freshman age 14
grade 10 sophomore age 15
grade 11 Junior age 16
grade 12 Senior age 17
then some people go to college
I think British people are nice,polite,smart,humourus(in a good way), and obdient
I am a chinese by origin with Chile as my home (where I grew up), have lived in the US and living in London now. I have realized that many English people have a negative image towards Americans in general, for example Americans are stared at once being heard of the accents in my college and in public places like the tube. When I was living in Los Angeles the people were mostly friendly and open, polite and fun. Although I have to agree that the American patriotism is probably one of the reasons that affected the lack of knowledge and interest in other cultures. The American government has put the thought that America is the center of the Universe and has been manipulative with other nations. In England I have found some similarities, being one of the most multicultural nations (just like US) racisim is still strongly felt here, even though the English people are too reserved and “polite” to show their feelings. In comparison I think British are more conservative than the Americans. They tend to keep their thoughts to themselves afraid to offend others, but at the same time it makes them less open to the others, and less caring. Even in college in London, teachers are encouraged to give student feedbacks but 90% of them are not dishonest in judging our works (I study design). Even my teacher told me herself she doesn’t want to offend and scare the students off. In comparison, in the American college I attended teachers were outspoken, thus helping us better understand how to improve our works and know our disabilities. I think this way it is more educational and helpful.
Being in London for almost 4 years I have made great friends, though I lament they are all international people from abroad, I only lament because I haven’t really made any English friends, and realized most of them tend to stick with themselves. There is still great separation between nationalities here. Outsiders are not easily accepted and blended in in London, even the british-indians, this may also due to the great amount of immigrants there are in this country. Does that make the English reject them more? I’m not sure. Because London is a capital city where people come and go, and people are so busy in their lives where they don’t have time for others and can be rude sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I love London but see some aspects that should be improved. In comparison my hometown Chile, and most Latin-Americans are very friendly and optimistic, even when helping strangers on the streets. I have faced different attitudes in London where people give me a rather puzzled and discontent face when I talk to them (once I just asked an english girl in front of me in a queue if she was waiting, I was being polite, but she responded “what?!” with a disgust tone and expression as if why am I, a stranger, talking to her).
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and believe that all of you are very well read, educated. However I find that many Americans and English have lack of some common knowledge. Then I wonder how are the educational systems in these strong and developed countries. Many do not know the geography well and don’t even know where Chile and Taiwan is. This surprised me as being educated in Chile, it was a very slow and still a developing country, we were well informed of other cultures; literacy and education is greatly invested in Chile by our government. Though still with many poor areas, I think it is opening up more and more. In the beginning with such few Asians, we were often insulted and laughed by the Chileans. But now with the booming of the Chinese economy and growing number of Asian immigrants, Chileans have grown to be friendly and curious about our culture. I see this as a great progress in this “little” country, compared to the BIG and powerful US and Britain. I hope this helps in understanding multiculturalism of British and Americans, and other nations.
Over thirty years ago my sister had a penpal from England come and visit us for a month. She was the most delightful person you could meet. They still keep in touch to this day.
My ex was half English and was said to have a long family line in the US. I’m second generation Italian. I currently live in Los Angeles but was born and raised in Chicago. I don’t know where I will live permanently, but am seriously condsidering leaving this country. I have not had the finances in the past to travel to other countries but I intend to find the resources to visit England and Italy.
I love the way the English speak. I was raised in a family that was always courteous. Personally I have little tolerance for loud, obnoxious peopele (loosely called Americans) who may be here as first generation from another country, here illegally, or came from a family that didn’t teach common courtesy. Because we are such a melting pot it can be a blessing or a curse to how we are represented as a whole.
I’ve always respected Great Britain, and yes, I completely am aware of them being our founding fathers. They accomplished something wonderful. However, it also saddens me to what extent it affected the American Indians. There is so much land here that they could have been treated fairly while still building a new nation.
As for the US, President Bush uses fear, 9/11, and the war to say how great America is, but the truth is if he had been doing his job there may not have been a 9/11 in the first place, nor the war which has been such a tragedy in a quest for dominance and oil. We have no right to use force to spread “democracy” as he states we are doing. If this brutality is democracy who would really want to sign up for it?
Personally I’m so fed up with US policies and US arrogance that I’m ready to leave these shores and move to Europe. If we were truly a great nation we would care more about our citizens first instead of illegal aliens. If we were a great nation we would work better with other nations. For a truly great leader values and acknowledges the good in all and works together as a team. We seem to be losing ground on that.
I’m proud of some of the good this country has done, but I also see the great improvement that it needs. I wish this country would work better with other countries. Because we need our allies, and Great Britain has always been our kindest friend.
I fully appreciate and respect the English (although we are so use to saying British I believe dating back to the history on the tea taxation when they said the “British are coming”) and find them lovely, endearing people. Is there as much a melting pot in England as in America? If not, then perhaps that is why you stay more consistent in your behavior.
As for me, I’m ready to leave here and live where people understand the value of courtesy and respect. Maybe our melting pot is having a melt down. Time to get my passport. Hee hee.
I am from the United States, Ohio. I agree that most of the patriotism, which is a word, has mostly came about after the attacks of the world trade center. After this, you couldn’t buy a flag if you wanted to, Americans were buying them all up. I used to love my country, but I’m having a difficult time loving it after the way that our President has handled things since then. After watching Faranheit 911, then doing many hours of research of my own on the internet, I’m ashamed of President Bush. I did not vote for him either time, and I would normally say you must embrace your president because the “majority rules” but I disagree this time because of the controversy of him winning the election. The whole voting system, since then, has become a farce to me. Why, after Bin Laden supposedly attacked the towers, did we go after Saddam? I don’t understand this at all, as I don’t understand when the FBI and others had Bin Laden surrounded did we just let him go. Now we have been involved in a war, that I just don’t understand. The people of Iraq, it seems to me, do not want us there. They, like us, have many different beliefs and it seems that us going over there and telling them how they should live, would offend them, the same way it would offend us if someone tried it. Now, innocent children are dying over there, one child dead is too many! And our troops are dying, for what? I’m ashamed of my country, and any day of the week I would rather say, “Long live the Queen!” then to say anything good about Bush. I am a nurse, my husband works on a road crew. I wonder, how it would be to move to England. Would the taxes kill me? Would I have the same, or close to the same kind of lifestyle there as I have here? How hard would it be to move to England? Any helpful answers will be appreciated.
I am an American – African-American, and a flight attendant. I travel to London once or twice a month. I love London. I love Europe.
On my first working trip abroad, to London, a little British girl said, “Pardon me Miss, I don’t mean to disturb you, but is there a place where I can put this rubbish?” I almost fell to the floor. When working domestic flights, I am not use to American children displaying such manners. Unfornately, an American child would most likely say, “Here, I’m finished, throw this away.” -and typically, parents do not correct them.
London-based (British) flight attendants are extremely friendly and polite. On a flight to London after Bush was elected 2nd term 2004, the British flight attendants kept saying, “What were you guys thinking? We like you Americans, but your government…???” Then when I arrived in London a British newspaper headline read “What were they thinking?” It was funny.
Yes, we need to get a grip on Healthcare, education, and learning about other countries and cultures. As a traveler, I always encourage people to cross the oceans, visit Europe, Asia, Africa, South America. Heck, take a drive to Canada or Mexico. Every American should have a U.S. passport.
And as far as our “loudness,” I once told my family that the British talk too low, I can barely hear them. Yes, we are loud. I am a New Yorker, we take loud talk to another level.
But overall, I will say it again, I love traveling and working flights to London (although, the U.S dollar is peanuts compared to the pound). As a flight attendant I will say, the British and Mexicans are the most frienliest and polite passengers. Americans, we are not the rudest, but we come close. Midwest Americans displays excellent manners (especially, the Amish – hahaha!) New York, Boston forget it! The rudest flight is Orange County, Cali. I dread working those flights.
Thanks, An American who loves traveling to the U.K.
Hello Everyone,
I’m actually responding to what Michael said in about the middle of the page. I’m sorry Michael but, I do take a slight offense to what you say about Americans and our country. All you seemed to do was complain about why you don’t like us, while at the same time contradicting yourself saying that you do like us and for us to not take offense. Yes, we all know, all too well actually, that this proud country of ours originally started being a british colony.
What do you don’t seem to understand though is that, as much as you so obviously love your country, it is the same amount of love that we all share for our country.
Yes, we all fight amongst ourselves and, I think my neighbors are extremely rude as well as my hearltess family members. Yet, I love this country becuase it gives us that right to choose. We have the freedom of choosing how we decide to live out our own lives.
It seems that no one in our country as the same views as the next person and maybe that’s why we always argue. I personally hate that our president is sending out our people to be murdered in the streets of some foreign country while the people waiting anxiously at home for them are suffeing not only the loss of their family members but also the consequences of what the president is doing, making us slowly become a poor country.
I think education should be more stressed on its importance with everyone, like in England. It is sad that we don’t seem to learn anything about other countries while the other countries learn about us along with their own history. I feel like we are being deprived of something special and important. When I hear about just some of the things that you learn in your schools it makes me feel like what we learn is nothing compared to that.
I don’t think parents should yell at their children in front of other people or at home really. But instead they should be teaching them from the begining what’s right and what is wrong, along with the proper manners that everyone should know, so that you never accidently say or do something to offend or hurt another person.
So… actually, I would love the opportunity to live out the rest of my life in England but I thikn it would be hard for me to give up my citizenship here in America. I would if it ment that I could give the same oppurtunity, education wise, to my daughter as you people have.
I’m sorry, I am not a young kid in school but a 21yr old that is in college. I have a 2yr old and ever since I’ve had her I think more and more about what is best for her, from what she eats to what I can offer her for her future, education I mean and how to treat other people. I find your comments very interesting and couldn’t help but comment back. I do apologize to anyone I might have offended though, including Michael.
I’ve always wondered… What kinds of music do the English listen to? I’m a 13 year-old living on the west coast of America. The most common types of music i hear others listening to around here are basically rock and rap. I know these are just umbrella topics covering many different variations of music, but thats it in a nutshell. Are music favorites as diverse in the U.K. as they are here in the U.S.?
Another topic I have thought about is whether or not the radio stations and such play American music in England. In America i often hear James Blunt *barf* and then the classics like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones as well as the Beatles. Are there any American songs/bands that are commonly played in England?
Thanks,
Brad
I have enjoyed reading all of these comments. I’m from America, North Carolina to be exact, and I’m a little frustrated with certain things in this country, too. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going on a U.S. bashing spree, however, one of the things I find deplorable is the politics in the courts. I divorced my ex wife ten years ago and gave her custody of our two daughters because I had no place to go and couldn’t raise them at the time. I was a long distance truck driver. After I got a place to live I obtained custody because my ex wasn’t taking care of the girls properly and believe me, this wasn’t easy as the courts are biased when it comes to men to begin with. I raised my daughters with practically no help from thier mother and started over with nothing but the clothes on my back. The mother, a vindictive type was always causing me trouble to the point I was in court almost constantly, defending myself over lies. You see, here one can accuse anyone of anything and the one accused is required to go to court, prove their innocence and foot the bills for an attourney and if you’re found not guilty you simply get “You’re free to go.” One can literally break someone up doing this and I know several people who have had to move out of state or out of country in order to stay out of the court system due to a vindictive spouse who “Uses” the courts for vindictive prosecution. Recently, after all my sacrifices and struggles to raise my kids properly, my ex talked them into living with her just to get money from me in the form of child support. In court, nothing I had done previously mattered in the least. I had no problems with paying support for my kids if they wanted to live with their mother. What I had problems with was the fact that my ex used the courts to get what she wanted, hit me for everything she could get, caused me to lose everything I had worked for a second time and the courts allowed her to do it. I have always wanted to go to England, for some reason, haver always felt an attraction for the country and the people and right now, it’s looking better than ever. Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not running from anything, if I were, I’d have done it already. Right now, I’ve been through the worst hell of my life and it’s cost me everything but I will find a way to be happy again and hope to start a new life in that glorious land I’ve heard so much about.
Hi. It’s the guy from N.C. again. I would love to talk to someone from the UK about their wonderful country as I plan to move there as soon as is financially possible. I know some things about life in England but I don’t know what part of the country to go to and where to find a job and a place to live. With my background, I can do anything, so having qualifications for a job shouldn’t be too difficult unless it’s something corporate. I think I would like to be near London but from what I’ve read, London itself would most likely be too expensive for me. I’m starting over with everything I own in a travel bag. Any helpful though not sarcastic info would be appreciated.
Hi. I just thought I’d give my two cents worth here.
Some things I’ve noticed through interaction with our Euro cousins:
1) There is this myth from the Brits that they invented us. This isn’t true. The Italians, Spanish, Dutch etc. were over here long before the Brits came over. Most Americans DON’T claim British ancestry. Also, don’t forget that there were indigenous people here long before the Euros came over, so to say that such and such Europeans “discovered” us is a bit silly don’t you think? I mean how can you claim to have discovered land that already had people living on it? 🙂
2) There are quite a few double standards towards Americans from our cousins across the pond. For instance, if the US intervenes and it’s in Europe’s best interest, then that’s okay, but if the US intervenes and it’s in our best interest, then that’s self-interest and it’s not okay. Also, if Europe spreads its culture around the planet, that’s alright, but if America spreads its culture around this planet, then it’s “damn Americanization” from across the pond.
3) The BBC IS biased. Google “BBC bias” and see what comes up. From the comments from the British about BBC impartiality, I’m guessing that any accusation of BBC bias is suppressed. 🙁
4) There is this belief that insularity is a strictly American quality. I assure you it’s not. Ask the French who liberated Paris during WWII and I’m sure you won’t hear about the Brits and Yanks.
Just some thoughts. It’s okay if you disagree with what I posted.
To the guy from NC.
I am a Sicilian/ American native Californian. I married an Engish Man last year and relocated here to the North of England.
I am 50 and let me tell you what a shock!! I would be happy to answer any questions you have about some of the challenges you might have over here from the types of food (ick) to getting a job. I am having to go back to school as many of our qualifacations aren’t recignized over here.. its bween a big challenge and not always fun.. and lots of English can be extremely rude too. as well as snobish toward us. but many are helpful and welcoming.. but if your a true American with an exploring and challenging spirit you should do fine..
I’m English and have never been to America before. Americans I have spoken to tend to be decent people, although many British people do tend to see them as loud.
I think American people must vary a lot from region to region as they do here in England.
Many Americans might think we are old fashioned etc. This isn’t always true as London is very diverse, but many areas of England do seem like they are years in the past (something which I’m proud of) for example many of the buildings here are very old compared to the USA.
Answering some of the posts above;
– music is different in different areas. Rap is mainly liked in city areas. Personally I like rock (some bands: Kasabian, Muse or Pink Floyd). There is American music played over here eg. Linkin Park, Green Day etc.
– if you are looking to live in England, around London, then I would suggest East Anglia as a possible home (where I live). It is a stones throw away from London, one of the most traditional areas of England and is mainly beautiful English green countryside. If you prefer Towns then Ipswich (pop 140,000) or Colchester (pop 120,000) would be good choises in East Anglia. Both have a lot of history (being contenders of Britains oldest recorded towns) and Colchester espcially has a decent nightlife. Jobs are relatively plentiful in industry or offices in the area (and it is easy to commute to London). Houses are a lot cheaper than London in most places.
Hope the info. helps.
I’m a soon-to-be college graduate from the States and am thinking of moving over to London for a few months with a student work visa. I have been reading all these comments about how Brits don’t seem to be too fond of Americans. Is there a stigma attached to me as an American girl trying to live abroad in London ?? Are there any tips to help me make more friends and blend in a little better with young people?
Hi Julie
Don’ worry about fitting in over here in England, I am sure you will be fine.
We watch so many American sitcoms and movies that ‘Americanism’ (if there is such a word) is very much part of the British way of life. We are even begining to pronounce and use American words!
London is a very multicutural city, so much so that you could be in any city in the world.
Enjoy your stay with us
I am from the UK, and as I live there, I would advice you (N.C)to move to the south of England, as that is where the ‘posh’ accent is spoken, and the only part of the UK it is spoken. I would love to live in central London, so consider that.
I can see how Americans are thought of as rude. One thing I have noticed is that they are in love with England (not really the rest of the UK..) all want to live there. I was born in Washington D.C. to an English father and an American mother. I am extremely proud that I have a UK passport as well as an American one and go to the West Midlands pretty often to visit my all my cousins, aunts, and uncles. My dad is also working in Surrey for a few months so that is another excuse to go over there 🙂 When I was in London, there were a huge amount of Americans everywhere! It was kind of annoying to fly across the ocean and still see so many Americans. But there aren’t much Americans outside of London because that’s mostly what they care about and then leave. I am going to go to college in Birmingham probably and I like the laid back lifestyle of England. In America, people are loud and always eat out for everything rather than have delicious tea at aunts/nans house. They also move hundreds of miles away from family and see them once a year or something. In England I feel like there is a stronger sense of family and they are comfortable with themselves.. and don’t expect things to always have to be better than they are. The summers in Washington D.C. are so damn humid too! I hate it. I’m very happy that I have the option to live in the U.S. or the European Union.
Post a Comment