Kevin Connolly's take on America

[Sundae]

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.

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Reinforcing his initial impression.

I was thinking the stereotypical, British polite. Come on Keven, tell us how you really feel. It read like an old time silent black and white reel.

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

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.

Yes, I am used to the American shoot from the hip and take no prisoners kind of journalism.After being here for three years, I would have expected something with a little more teeth in it.

That said, I do read UK articles and find them interesting. I am only referring to this article.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by skysidhe

I was thinking the stereotypical, British polite. Come on Keven, tell us how you really feel. It read like an old time silent black and white reel.

You were obviously disappointed by the lack of criticism, maybe hoping he would shore up criticisms of your own? C'mon skysidhe, tell us how you really feel.

[Griff]

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.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Griff

To some extent we'll find what we want to find, but a real journalist can take off the filter.

To bad that is such a rarity in our own journalism.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

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.

Beautiful post. I agree completely. I have similar views about the Brit journalists. I follow the BBC on-line regularly and watch their evening news as well. I love my subscription to The Economist for their insightful views as it adds to the views of other commentators I enjoy.