Brits: how much do you hate Americans

[Catwoman]

I think Dana's said it all, some excellent points there my dear.

Of course there is anti-American sentiment, but lets take the word 'American' out for a second. Most people, in most countries, will be 'anti' something, most of the time. For the English, it is usually the Monarchy, the NHS, America, the French, the Germans, Scottish football, the Northerners, the Southerners... you get the idea. Wherever there is a distinction there is conflict. It just so happens that America is being run by the most incompetant deluded unfettered fool in modern history, which kind of adds to that 'anti' sentiment.

But please, most of us are not stupid enough to blame the average Joe (see how we adapt your terminology - imitation is the highest form of flattery) for political and world events. As vsp says, you get wankers in every country; don't assume all people only hate Americans. Some idiots hate everyone else too.

PS. Excuse me UT could we have a 'cup of tea' smiley please?

[melidasaur]

I lived in England this past summer for 2 months. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience and all of the English people that I met. I was never treated with disrespect or negatively because I was from the US.

I do find that many Americans, when abroad, act like spoiled brats because things aren't the same as they are in the US. Hello! That's why you travel - to experience new things... There were numerous occasions when I was quited tempted to burn my passport and renounce my citizenship because of boorish American behavior. Moral of the story - if you act like an ass, regardless what country you're from, people won't like you.

I am probably more anti-american now than I was before, but I really had a lovely time there and can't wait to go back. It's a great country.

Service in restaurants does tend to be slower than we are used to, but just chalk it up to cultural differences. Buy someone a pint, and you have a friend for life .

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Catwoman

But please, most of us are not stupid enough to blame the average Joe (see how we adapt your terminology - imitation is the highest form of flattery) for political and world events.

See, you can do it when you crave nylons and chocolate.

[vsp]

The article would've scored even more wingnut points if there'd been a suspicious group of Syrian musicians on the bus in question, playing a jaunty tune for the Brits while they berated the poor American tourist.

[Catwoman]

Originally Posted by melidasaur

Buy someone a pint, and you have a friend for life.

Aw shucks, we're not that easy are we?

Hmm methinks the restaurant issue needs clearing up. Depending on the type of establishment you frequent, the food is slower for one of the following two reasons:

- We actually cook food to order over here, rather than prick two holes in the film and stick it in the microwave for 3 minutes;
- The waitress didn't understand your order, thought you said 'Duck Liver Parfait' not a 'ten buck steak'; the scones are burning and the chef (drunk) has dropped your meal twice (already) and keeps having to re-do it.

[melidasaur]

Originally Posted by Catwoman

Aw shucks, we're not that easy are we?

Hmm methinks the restaurant issue needs clearing up. Depending on the type of establishment you frequent, the food is slower for one of the following two reasons:

- We actually cook food to order over here, rather than prick two holes in the film and stick it in the microwave for 3 minutes;
- The waitress didn't understand your order, thought you said 'Duck Liver Parfait' not a 'ten buck steak'; the scones are burning and the chef (drunk) has dropped your meal twice (already) and keeps having to re-do it.

I think the service is slower for a good reason... they want you to take your time, hang out, have an overall pleasurable experience. Unlike here - get in, get out, get on with your life. I don't mind it... it actually forces you to make pleasant conversation with your dining companions. God forbid people actually talk to each other.

Catwoman, where in England are you? I'm curious to see if I've been there.

[Catwoman]

Originally Posted by melidasaur

Catwoman, where in England are you? I'm curious to see if I've been there.

Grew up in Devon, now living in Bournemouth on the South Coast. Not a bad little town, a somewhat transient population consisting of students and holiday makers, but within 1/2 hour of the New Forest which has just become a National Park and only an hour or so from London. Spend most of my weekends in the forest where the sight of ponies wandering round amongst the houses and pubs, wild fallow and red deer and beautiful birds of prey are pretty much the norm. I sometimes forget how lucky I am.

Originally Posted by DanaC

Aw shucks, we're not that easy are we?
.....ummm....yes? Well.....depending on the pint of course

mmmmm..... Champion.... Tanglefoot... Black Sheep... Hobgoblin.... mmmmm

Originally Posted by DanaC

ahhhh *sighs* Cream Tea in a little tea shop in some narrow little village on a slightly warm summer's day. Now that's England

mmmmm.... tea.... cream.... scones.... jam...... summer.... mmmmmm

Went to some lovely little villages in Yorkshire Dana. The wheel came off our van (yes, while we were driving) in Hawes so spent a few days there (after fixing it ourselves on the road... AA my arse) and (apart from the obligatory Wensleydale trip) we ventured out to do the Three Peak Challenge (Whernside, Pennyghent, Ingleborough), ended up camping on Whernside which was really scary, trying to keep thoughts of wild moor cats and Yorkshire Rippers at bay. Overall impression of the Dales (sadly didn't get to the North York Moors) was very good: some excellent pubs, top notch beer and would definitely visit again.

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

See, you can do it when you crave nylons and chocolate.

I don't understand. Am I missing something very simple? I hate it when I do that.

[Trilby]

Originally Posted by Catwoman

Grew up in Devon.....


I don't understand. Am I missing something very simple? I hate it when I do that.

Catwoman--where abouts in Devon?? I am a hopeless Hughes/Plath junkie. They lived in North Tawton, near Exeter. I believe Hughes' widow, Carol, still lives at Court Green.

I think xoxoxoBruce is referring to how the American GI's of WWII woo'ed the English girls; chocolate and nylon stockings for their legs!

[DanaC]

Quote:
Originally Posted by melidasaur
Buy someone a pint, and you have a friend for life.



Aw shucks, we're not that easy are we?

.....ummm....yes? Well.....depending on the pint of course

I am so glad you enjoyed being in England Melidasaur. Friends of mine who have visited America tell me they were made to feel very welcome over there, it's nice to know that works both ways.

[Trilby]

everybody's that easy! Worldwide phenom---it's great! = :

[jinx]

Not me, I don't like beer.

[DanaC]

...........You could win me over with a pint of tea.....

[Trilby]

cream tea, DanaC? What'll you have, jinx? vodka rocks?

[jinx]

Originally Posted by Brianna

What'll you have, jinx? vodka rocks?

Cosmopolitan please. And keep 'em comin'...

[DanaC]

ahhhh *sighs* Cream Tea in a little tea shop in some narrow little village on a slightly warm summer's day. Now that's England