I was on a site chatting with someone from Wycombe? He said the general opinion of Briton's is that American's are and I quote, "silly, fat, inbred and racist". I was less than impressed, and thought I would ask that question here. Just about every Arfcommer across the pond seem to be standup guys to me.



Well?

I didn't know Obama was from Wycombe.........

I like you.

The stereotypical view of the Americans, they're loud (sometimes mistaken for arrogance) and over weight. Not sure about the silly and racist thing as a general opinion.

It seems there are two types of people here that have been to America, those that have been to America and met the americans working at theme parks and hotels and those that have been and met real americans that don't rely on tourists for their income. The first group will never understand who americans are and will only see the harsher side of people under stress (and many of them are probably not american anyway).

I've travelled, worked and just hung-out in the States many times, mainly mid-west to west coast and everyone have been more than nice to us, even going out of their way to accomodate some dumb requests from an ignorant Brit. There will always be one or two ass holes but then we're used to them, we even vote for them over here.

Of those that haven't been to the States most will only believe what they're told by the mass media, or have met tourists. The tabloids are notorious for hating anyone on the up, better than us, or who is flavour of the month for bashing. Unfortunately the US regularly comes into one of those categories, the papers will only tell the sensationalised version and the sheeply will believe it without all the facts (a bit like many americans liking Tony Blair after seeing him in Washington but not realising what he'd done to the UK). As these people are often the tabloid-buying majority the papers will pamper to their needs for more scandal and so the cycle goes on.

I wouldn't worry about it, people who will generalise on a whole country with millions of diverse inhabitants with no real evidence or basis aren't worth talking to. We'll still love you here in the UKHTF

I have always had a good opinion of tony blair. Please explain.



Awwwww......I love y'all tooo.

Personally I base my opinion on the American people I have met at work, online and a couple of friends who live here in the UK. I have found them all to be very friendly people that I got on well with. What does annoy me is some of the idiots over in GD who bash us Brits, probably without ever having met one.

One of my mates is actually British, but lived in the US from his early teens until about 30. He served as a US Marine and a NYC police officer, and we basically think of him as American rather than British. He is now a Metropolitan Police Officer, very hard working and a good friend.

Pretty much the view of the entire planet not just him from Wycombe

It's no coincidence - the people who hold a poor opinion of Americans are generally the same people who think a lot of Tony Blair. They either only believe what the media tell them or are the sort of liberals that make Obama look conservative.

Blair (and then Brown) damn near bankrupted this country with their misguided socialist ideals. On top of this; both are slimy two faced self-important fuckwits who I wouldn't trust with a partially eaten sausage roll. They are a pick 'em choice for the worst UK Prime Minister of the last 100 hundred years. Even when Brown was comprehensively beaten at the polls; he tried to find a way to stay in power. He left Downing Street as a Prime Minister that was never voted for to lead the country - he took over when Blair realised that he had fucked things up so badly that if he wanted to feather his nest then he had better get on with it

I have been to the States on several occasions, both for work and for holidays and I have found the people to be very friendly and helpful. If I left  the UK, then the U.S. is top of the list of places I would choose to live - and not just because of the gun laws.

Then you might be surprised to learn that Tony Blair was essentially the front man for the Labour Party (read Communist Party), who had to re-brand themselves to stand any chance of being elected. Unfortunately enough people fell for it and assisted by a huge display of political indifference by much of the population, got into power. Once in they showed their true colours and set about building the nanny state and sought to make as many social groups as possible utterly dependent upon them to ensure re-election, which worked once before enough people wised up and got interested again......bit like your man.

I have only been to your colony the once and seen a very small part of it (Texas I think it was called) but found it a thoroughly nice experience and liked everyone I met, especially in Hooters. I've probably met more Americans over here, although my wife has relatives over there, and never had a problem with them.

+1 for Hooters (and it has to be said for American girls generally )






























 

Americans have electrolytes!

Tony Blair was a wanker of the lowest order. He and that dour communist arsehole Gordon Brown were champagne socialists who systematically ruined this country with their fiscal policies and nanny state.

As for Americans.  I generally really like them.  I don't think many are particularly well travelled outside of the US unfortunately, and as a result have a somewhat narrow view of the world sometimes  (that could be said of some of the people here as well), but generally I find Americans to be mostly very pleasant pleople with a good sense of humour and I'd share a beer with most of the "yanks" I've met anytime.

As with all nations, it's easy to stereotype, but that just demonstrates a lack of imagination and a poor understanding of the complexities of people.  Also, most of people's impressions, either this side, or on your side of the pond, or for that matter anywhere in the world come from the media, propaganda or some description or misguided perceptions of others.  Doesn't matter where you are in the world, people mostly share the same fundamental values, they just go about it in different ways.

I think anybody who stereotypes an entire nation whether positively or negatively is only demonstrating their own ignorence.

I can only speak for those Americans I have lived with ( lived in San Francisco ) on a working holiday ( cough ahem ) for a few months when I was 20yo, and those I have met since.

Some good, some bad and some indifferent. No better or worse than any other country I have lived in, worked or visited.

And what I noticed is that because the USA is huge, trying to lump them all together is like saying all Europeans are the same. From experience, the people from the east coast are TOTALLY different
to those on the west coast etc

What I would say is, I would live there in the morning given the oportunity and a decent job in a state of my choosing  

And I think BHO is doing a really great job as POTUS -

Here in West Cumbria we have a lot of  Americans working at Sellafield and we get some interesting interactions with the local populous, as one who has many interactions with them here and as part of my day job I work with US DOE I have always found them to be very friendly and accomodating, I have travelled extensively in the US as part of my job and would have to say, like the UK there are regional variations but the stereo typical US citizen is not loudmouthed, over weight, arrogant  and racist, I think you will find people like that in the US as much as you will find them here in the UK, I know of quite a few in West Cumbria lol

I was hoping you would chime in. I always enjoy your posts. Now that I have heard about Tony Blair from people with my line of thinking, my opinion has changed.

And to everbody who replyed; Thank you for taking the time!!!!



-OBR





ETA: If your ever out by way of Oregon, drop me a line!!!!! Ive got lots firearms and lots of cool places to shoot them!!!

ROAD TRIP!

Now you've done it!!!!!

The entire UKHTF will be banging on your door within 48 hours demanding to play with your pistols and semi-auto rifles

As a Brit in the USA I actually find that there may be some truth in that guys comment. Not that its true, but a truthful representation of how the 'general UK populace' thinks about the Americans.

(Except the racism bit, I don't get that bullshit. If I had to pick the most racist population from anywhere in Europe it would be the UK)

This board is biased, all the UK guys here partake in a hobby that brings them closer to the USA and brings them closer to the US culture via ARFCOM, Meeting people, reading stories, seeing political threads, trips to shoot real guns instead of the gay single shot shit they have in the UK, basically the UK people on ARFCOM are USA friendly.

Your standard, middle of the road, Sun reading Brit thinks Americans are loud, obnoxious and stupid. The stupid thing is generally based on Geography. [see the here be dragons map for an idea]. The British have a very 'Island' based mentality, anything outside the way they do things is seen as odd.

I've pointed out to my English parents before now that American schooling is some of the best in the world. 14 of the top 20 Universities in the world are in the USA. Americans being poorly educated is an incorrect idea held by many British.

I've had English people tell me when I told them I was relocating to the US "OMG, did you know 90% of Americans dont have passports" or "Did you know they are really into survival and SHTF situations?"

Given the scope of the USA, I actually don't see WHY anyone would need a passport, you can experience every landscape type in the world on one continent. From Desert to Polar Ice to Mountains to Tropical beaches without needing a passport.

And it seems as if a LOT of British don't understand the need to prepare for SHTF type situations, but maybe thats just me living in TX and on the coast where I've seen Katrina aftermath and am acutely more aware that this stuff is real likely.

And I kid you not, a lot of this Anti American sentiment/misinformation is perpetuated by people like Jeremy Clarkson with his constant anti USA rants from their cars to their politics. A lot is also tabloids, and some weird inbred hatred of anything different. People just believe what they are told, they don't do their own investigations or have experience of the real USA like a lot of people on this board do.

On the whole, Americans have a far better outlook on the UK than the UK does on America.

There is a very insular, island mentality to Brits, based upon their own experiences that are separate even from Europe generally.

So in essence, that guy is right in a way, the mass uneducated probably do think that, and the educated are generally misinformed.

I have heard it said that number of US citizens unable to read and write past 10yo ability is quite high per capita.

I have also heard that complete illiteracy is quite common in some parts ?

Is this true ? Are there any figures / statistics ?

If so I've never met 'em. Maybe some children of illegal immigrants and kids in Appalachia. But the Appalachian kids are products of very clannish Scotsmen, so really Scotland should get credit for them!

We certainly don't have the highest literacy rate in the world. My guess is that award goes to a country in Northern Europe with a more homogeneous culture. One thing I've heard Brtis that come here say is how different it was then what they were expecting/told. You have all heard rumors or myths about crime everywhere, rudeness, etc. Yet when Brits (and other foreigners get here) they find that crime is very easy to avoid, most people have great manners, and the common "It's huge!" surprise reaction. I think education is the same as crime. Very easy steps to follow to reach your goal.

Eh, I've known quite a number of home schooled kids. And usually they are exceptional compared to others their age.

I'd be surprised if the literacy thing is true overall. Maybe in some very poor areas in very remote states, but even then its unlikely, the elementary schools have a 'no child left behind' policy which means they all get good teaching with the 3 Rs.

The homeschooling is nonsense, where did you hear that? Homeschooled kids generally have better knowledge than state schooled. Its like having a teacher dedicated to you for 7 hours a day, imagine how much you'd learn! Parents who do homeschool their kids put a lot of effort into it too.

Something I have noticed overall is grammer usage, Americans use a far more diverse selection of words, and know the meanings. Another thing that leads me to believe the literacy thing is tosh. Try asking a 7 year old British kid how to spell yield, and the meaning. Then ask an American.

Statistical numbers can be adjusted any which way you want for the preferred result but it'd be interesting if there were any. Regardless, being on the ground is the best evidence and certainly kids in Texas are better educated, more polite and less racist than UK kids.

Adults I can't speak for, I work in an industry where most people are non native.

I have a couple of kids who work for me at the store who were homeschooled. Education wise I see no differance than the kids who go the public or private hihschool. Social skills speaking however. The home schoolers are socially retarded. They just don't know how interact with others. One of them was scared of her own shadow. Just my observation.

I dont remember the documentary but I believe it dealt with US born kids from poorer backgrounds in the southern states. I remember being startled by the figures. Seemed like there were little pockets of extreme poverty and under development akin to 3rd world standards nestled amongst a very rich country. And the percentage / per capita figure was high.

Yes, good point re vocabulary - I am meeting Asian ( Indian and Pakistani ) young adults who speak their second language of English very well and can express themselves to a degree English born and educated young adults cannot ( i refer to a certain class and economic sector here - if you have money its easier - but the Asians with good English are from poor backgrounds.)

See he's right about the spelling. (Mind you, Bradders is Irish, you know)

For goodness sake. It's 'fucking' keyboard, not f**kin'...................

In the USA, erm, 2,5 years now I think.

In Texas, not living there permanently yet and I'm back in the rainy UK for the next 3 weeks! When I go back, it's on a different visa and permanently to TX.

My experience is based predominately on areas such as the Gulf Coast and Alaska.

I'd agree with this sentiment from the people I've met. I'm slightly desensitized to social retards being as I spend most of my time with geologists.

Well at least half the population here is an idiot FBO

I'd agree that a lot of the people over here have a very skewed perception of the USA and Americans.  The number of people I have met that have never been to the US or spent time with an American, yet have a preconcieved notion that Americans are gits is quite high.  I have had numerous discussions with people over here who have been quick to criticise without cause and have pointed out that the very narrow minded nature of their views is exactly what they are accusing others of.

Hipocrisy is rife.

As for Clarkson, he pokes fun at anyone and everyone is fair game.  It's meant in jest and should be taken as such.

What a word to pick on , such as "yield".
In Britain, that word, was last used in the middle ages...i kid you not. I seriously doubt anyone under the age of 20 having any idea what it means...it just isn't used here anymore.

Ireland ? different matter.
Its on their road signs in the south....in place of our "give way".

I wouldn't be unduly concerned OP, the rest of Europe hates us Brits as a nation too....even Brits hate Brits..

I personally believe it comes down to a country's government when it come to such generalization, xyz's government did, does this so the people there are bla bla bla. When in most cases the people are very disconnected from the actions of their government.

Very true, there are people I have met who are great, but I do not care for their government which taints them as a nation...............

True dat.

Let's try this one for the Americans in the thread.

What is the general consensus Americans have about Britons?

As for me, I don't really hang out with people who form blind opinions. So I don't really know. And I visited the country when I was somewhat young so I don't even remember my preconceived notions. I think most will find stereotypical perceptions of one country towards another are formed on a smaller social level, rather than at a larger national level. It's all about the quality of people you associate with.

Have you ever seen Benny Hill, that

Age and maturity will dictate your view in a large way. When I was younger I didn't have much of an opinion, I was too busy chasing the ladies to worry about anything outside my little world. As I grew older and became interested in the history behind WWII is generally when I started forming opinions. The UK has been our country's strongest allie my whole life, which make my view of them very high. But once again, because China has a communist government doesn't make the vast majority of the people there bad people.

To a degree yes, but our Govt is freely elected by the people of our country and while it is clear that not all people share the same views, it is still reasonable to say a Government is reflective of the majority people it represents.

People need to start thinking for themselves over here and not expecting the Govt to both fix everything, and protect them from everything.  Same goes for perceptions of other nations.  Add in the media influence and the political spin and you have a recipe for rather convincing bias that easily convinces the sheeple that we are right and everyone else is wrong, giving rise to generalisations and stereotyping.

I sometimes think that we spend so much time looking outwards that we forget to look inwards at the hipocrisy and xenophobia wihin our own nations........... that goes for all nations. Misrepresentation of the facts and failure to recognise the opportunities and risks presented by an ever shrinking world is going to leave some of the most powerful nations in the dark.

I think the UK is going through a transition where we are finally beginning to wake up to the fact that  we are no longer a global superpower . Suddenly it is beginning to become clear to a lot of people that resting on our laurels with an economy based entirely on service industry is a very short sighted way of operating.  It's little wonder that the former superpowers and developed world feel vulnerable when faced with the progressive nature of emerging economies and in their shortsightedness turn to blaming the allies that have stood so close throughout important periods of history,