Do Americans seem rude to English people? (restaurant, shops)

[orangeapple]

Originally Posted by Tama

Maybe rudeness isn't the term that should be used. Individual rudeness exists in all cultures but it could have a different intepretation. In Arab culture showing the bottom of one's shoe is rude. In the US anyone who doesn't chat incessantly and smile is in danger of being considered aloof. And on it goes.

Whole cultures have learned behavior patterns--eastern cultures don't have the "smile" but doesn't mean they are rude. American can be pushy because they have a culture of aggressiveness--the pioneer attitude--but don't mean any disrespect. The British are reserved (which I happen to like) but not unfriendly. In fact, in general, I have always found Londoners to be extremely helpful.

So--identifying rudeness is really an impossible task using anecdote coupled with one's own cultural biases. Better to reserve judgement, be aware of cultural differences, have a positive attitude, and see people as individuals not as their cultural stereotype. I do think that would make for a happier trip to foreign lands.

Very well said. You can choose to interpret a foreigner's behavior as rude or choose to give them the benefit of the doubt.

[Julia Clayden]

i don't think soooooo

[riverbottomkidok]

I am about as hillbilly, redneck as Americans come. But I can tell you I don't have a rude bone in my body. I love people, all kinds! I have this fascination and love of the Brits I can't explain. I tried to start a chat thread here and they wouldn't allow it. I'm kinda like Will Rogers, "I never met a man I didn't like". He's a fellow Oklahoman by the way. I believe that there are some really rude people over here that make us look bad but there are rude people everywhere. I like to break that stigma wherever I go. It drives my husband nuts. But it don't bother me none. LOL! Cheers Brits!

[wCat]

Originally Posted by Chava61

Yanks or Yankees are generally anyone from the northern United States or in particular from New England (the Northeast USA).

This was in response to someone who posted that "Yanks" generally refer to people from New York. I think that term is used in many different ways....some friendly and playful and some more derogatory and insulting. I live in the South and have been labeled with that term....but I took absolutely no offense. Even here in the States, we Southerner's can be caught referring to some of our Northeast neighbors as "Yanks". The difference where I'm from is I see a Southerner taking a more negative turn when they call them "Yankees". Not the Baseball team.....just "yankees". I have a co-worker from Brooklyn who has a very strong NE accent....I.E. he pronounces "oil" as "earl". It's fun...and we tease him and he gives it right back.

It all depends on the person's character....some are selfish and some are considerate.

I've lived and traveled quite extensively, and compared to other countries I've visited outside the U.S. I have to say that our neighbors in the UK have by far been the most accommodating and accepting. Not everyone is a peach, but who would expect that. Obviously there are a lot of countries that I haven't had the honor of visiting....but so far a trip to the UK would be my choice.

BTW - I love how the you (speaking to UK citz) can tell me straight up that I may have been inappropriate or rude and I feel like you have given me the nicest compliment.
I want to learn how to do that.

[neallofgran]

Yes even I noticed that there is difference in the slang of the people from place to place.



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[StefanProgovac]

When I lived in England I was described by the locals as loud, rude, aggressive, intimidating and crass. All of which Americans have described me as such So I maybe not a good example but everytime I talked to some English person they would tell me their stereotypes of an American were uneducated, loud, rude and fat. I found that funny because talking to Europeans (not from the UK) they all said they had the same stereotypes of the English!

[Yorkie Bar]

Originally Posted by StefanProgovac

everytime I talked to some English person they would tell me their stereotypes of an American were uneducated, loud, rude and fat. I found that funny because talking to Europeans (not from the UK) they all said they had the same stereotypes of the English!

Well, that is sadly true, to an extent. Many of the most frightful lower class riff-raff do frequent the Continent. Frankly it has taken us years to breed them. Since we joined the EU we're not allowed to engage in wars anymore so our only bit of fun is to unleash packs of drunken, tattooed, beer bellied scum to unleash havoc on our dearest neighbours.

However, I understand that there are now feral packs of our under class warriors who have escaped the confines of their council estate tower blocks and are now breeding in the wild. Reports have seen them as far afield as Orlando apparently. Please, I beg my American friends, if you see some of these neds and chavs wandering around Seaworld (you can recognise them from the buzz cut hair, man made fibre leisure wear, tattoos and constant use of the 'F' word) take out your gun and put them out of their misery. It really would be a kindness.

[ptrjakson]

I found the British accent is easy to understand by all.

[yankinscotland]

Originally Posted by ptrjakson

I found the British accent is easy to understand by all.

Which British accent? There are dozens. London, Glasgow, Outer Hebrides, Manchester, York???

[Scotslass]

Originally Posted by ptrjakson

I found the British accent is easy to understand by all.

I didn't know there was one.......