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That one had me chuckling out loud. Thanks for the link, my first exposure to this comedy team. I was embarrassed for my homeland more than once when I encountered the "ugly American" while living there.
From my two years in Surrey, I got the impression from many Brits that this was the common stereotype of the American tourist. I had to explain that Americans from the south are usually a little more genteel and more conscious of our public demeanor and not to lump us all together. Guess it is part of our Southern upbringing. We used to feel the same way about northerners (Yankees) -- loud and overbearing -- when they came south.
That one had me chuckling out loud. Thanks for the link, my first exposure to this comedy team. I was embarrassed for my homeland more than once when I encountered the "ugly American" while living there.
From my two years in Surrey, I got the impression from many Brits that this was the common stereotype of the American tourist. I had to explain that Americans from the south are usually a little more genteel and more conscious of our public demeanor and not to lump us all together. Guess it is part of our Southern upbringing. We used to feel the same way about northerners (Yankees) -- loud and overbearing -- when they came south.
I agree!
Last edited by Katsmeeyow; 11-13-2008 at 05:31 PM..
Reason: Oops!
But their openness and friendliness (yes, I know I'm stereotyping) makes me warm to most of the Americans I meet. There's always idiots, I met a bit of a bigot in Lewisburg WV, but the majority make up for the minority.
And when I visit the US myself I try not to live up to the American stereotype of what an English person is like (very reserved, almost stand-offish) by being warm and open myself. I think it's great when someone in the US says to me "I love your accent."
By the way, I was exploring an overgrown cemetery in Stoke-on-Trent recently and was impressed that the military graves were actually being kept clear. Not something I would have expected in the UK, to be honest.
I was asked "Do they speak English in England?" At first I though she was taking the mick, then I realised she was deadly serious!
LOL I was asked "How long did it take you to learn English, you have an accent" that person from Alabama was dead serious. I couldn't conceal my laughter. I guess no one has heard of Scotland there.
But their openness and friendliness (yes, I know I'm stereotyping) makes me warm to most of the Americans I meet. There's always idiots, I met a bit of a bigot in Lewisburg WV, but the majority make up for the minority.
And when I visit the US myself I try not to live up to the American stereotype of what an English person is like (very reserved, almost stand-offish) by being warm and open myself. I think it's great when someone in the US says to me "I love your accent."
By the way, I was exploring an overgrown cemetery in Stoke-on-Trent recently and was impressed that the military graves were actually being kept clear. Not something I would have expected in the UK, to be honest.
Berenice, I felt the same way in reverse my two years in England. I fell in love with the people more than anything. One of the biggest GENERAL differences (and being general can play into stereotypes but go with me on this....) was that Americans are more open and warm outwardly, but you only go so deep with most. The British seem more reserved up front, but will open their lives deeper once you get to know one another.
Here is an example. In my two years in England, I got invited into more people's homes for meals more than I have been in American homes the entire 19 years that I have been back stateside.
In fact the number isn't even close. I moved to Texas from Georgia 5 years ago, and I have been invited to only three different homes for dinner from my closest friendships at work and church. Of course, Americans go out to eat together constantly, but it is rare to get invited into a home.
Maybe since all my ancestry on both sides can be traced back to Britain and Ireland, I was connecting to something deep within my DNA. I really loved my two years there and would jump at an opportunity to go back.
Anyways, I hope we'll be seeing more tourists from the US now the pound has plunged to new depths - we need the cash! I think my trip to the States at Christmas might be a touch more expensive than I'd planned
I once managed a hotel and one beautiful morning, I was helping the receptionist check out our guests, on checking out an American couple.......I asked if they had 'enjoyed their trip accross the pond' to which they replied "Oh yes, we love comming accross to England, its basicly one of our states...........I will not post my reply on here!!!!!!
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At first I though she was taking the mick, then I realised she was deadly serious!
