Kevin Connolly's take on America
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humm, Seems like a sketchy impression. I wonder what he did the other 1094 days. :)
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Reinforcing his initial impression.
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Excellent, thanks Bruce.
I routinely read articles/ comments/ books written by Americans in Britain, and generally judge them fair and/or amusing (usually both, as with Bill Bryson). Or sometimes just correct - grudgingly. Paul Theroux's Kingdom By The Sea was about an England already disappearing when it was written (I was 10) so I had to take it in a historical context. And also accept it was not designed as a puff piece for tourism, but was a real experience. In that way I came to enjoy it, and accept the criticisms. I did bristle a bit initially. Like when outsiders criticise the Cellar because they're not fitting in :) In fact it was at Theroux's recommendation that I read Cherry-Garrard's The Worst Journey in The World which is in my Top Ten and sparked a real interest in the Antarctic, so for that reason alone I'm so glad I read it. |
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That said, I do read UK articles and find them interesting. I am only referring to this article. |
That was a nice piece. One of Pete's step-sisters married a self-styled expert on America travel writer from Britain who enjoys looking down his nose at Americans, it is nice to get a clear eyed view. To some extent we'll find what we want to find, but a real journalist can take off the filter.
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I think it's because firstly he is writing for a British readership, and those unfamiliar with real American life will actually find it quite critical by our standards. And secondly he is not intending to criticise the country, but point out differences that the average Brit is unaware of.
Before I came here I had no understanding of the issues surrounding gun control, the role of religion in politics, American manners. Well, okay - I encountered Americans when I was waitressing but I thought then quite rude, only redeemed by their tips - it took me a while to realise we have different ideas of polite and they were behaving politely by their standards. And that in fact the opposite was true - I'm sure many Americans have been appalled by the lack of manners of our shop staff, while we consider them perfectly polite. And after all, people can look down their nose at anyone. We even have a specific word for them in this country. Cunts. :) |
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I was looking for a real critique from experience instead of vague impressions, some borne of old stereotypes, like the possible reason for the tea party movement.
Come on! :P and no, again, I wasn't looking for unwarranted criticism for criticism sake. I was looking for some revelation. sheesh I love America! I think I could love a lot of other countries too, like Britain. I just don't mind the unvarnished truth. Like what SG said. Quote:
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You'd definitely need a book for that Sky - if not a couple of volumes.
And I mean that to apply to any country. |
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"...it would just be Britain with bigger portions and better weather."
I love it. |
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You're asking for the impossible, libraries have been written, since de Tocqueville, about what America is or isn't, and none are accurate or complete. Partially because it's a moving target.
What Connolly found, was a key trait to the American character, that is more telling than all the pissant criticisms compiled. You can criticize the tea baggers, but you know what, half the country disagrees with you, so is your criticism valid? The same for Connoly, would any criticisms from him be valid, if half or more of 300 million people disagree? |
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I've learned a lot from you as well Sundae. The British contingent has helped me look at America differently. |
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