Is it true that British citizens don't like Americans? If so, why?

Question

Ok, anyone that is going to say something stupid such as "Because of Bush, or because they're conceited, or because they stink" then just don't bother answering. If you're going to make a generalized statement, then I don't want your ignorant opinion. I want to know if a good American who isn't conceited, who Hates president Bush, and who is well mannered can live in England without having to worry about his wife being harassed just because she's American.

Answer 1

Aside from all the niceness of the answers (and Americans thank those nice people), there is no doubt Yanks have taken a hit in the UK. It doesn't mean that "British citizens don't like Americans." It means there's a fair chunk of Brits who do not hold the yanks in as high esteem as they used to.

UPDATE:
Let me assure you there's absolutely no reason to worry about harassment. My English friends would be appalled to think anyone would worry about that. In general, I think you'll find English manners and general comportment quite comforting.
By the way, they don't usually think of themselves as "citizens."

Answer 2

I have plenty of British friends. Certainly, we don't dwell on the subject of Bush and Blair; or the war in Iraq.

Just before September 11th, and the total war against terrorism, Americans were well thought of in the British Isles. I am sure that Americans thought well of the British, for the point that Tony Blair quieted down the Irish problem, right up to 2001.

These issues are very difficult, and general opinion sways with the weather. When a political figure does GOOD, popularity lasts only as long as the GOOD work continues. One mistake is deadly.

Answer 3

I believe it is not true to say that british citizens don't like americans remember many people have never met an american
i understand what you say about bush but you cannot get away from the fact that he is in our faces on the box and in the papers
and many are irritated by the forgein policy which our muppet of a pm has fallen for.he does give your the US A a bad reputation
the media image and considerable marketing of american products and companies often lead the more reserved british
to wrongly believe all americans to be loud brash and greedy
the fact that as a country theUS uses far more of the worlds resources per person than any whgere else on the planet a perception of the americans as the world worst polluters is not an edifying spectacle but it is not personal.while Ihave seen americans at our airport shouting over everyoner to get their currency changedPERSONALLY i have met americans who have been very polite kind and generous anyone who has travelled significantly as i have been lucky enough to do realises
people are the same whatever creed colour or nationalityi think webritish , particularly englishmen like myself do find the invasion of american culture and language irritatingsadly we have allowed the overbearing american culture to invade us because of glamourous film and television.in conclusion i think it would be right to say many british people donot like the image of americans
but when they meet an american i'm sure on the whole they would have no problem as long as their personality didn't mirror the media image of the loud brash american abroadIbelieve it is true to say the proportion of british people who have travelled abroad and hold a current passport is considerably higher than the proportion of americans who have travelled outside the US
don't confuse the image with the personal SADLY THE IMAGE OF AMERICANS IS AFFECTED BY THE WORLD POLICEMAN IMAGE THE US HAS MADE FOR ITSELF

Answer 4

Hmm, I really think this has a lot to do with ignorance more than anything. The fact that people say such immature things like "I don't like Americans because they think they rule the world" just goes to show that they're ignorant people. I think the main reason has a lot to do with the way people "paint everyone with the same brush" for example, just because someone has had a bad experience with a certain American individual at on one point, they think that all American people are the same. Being British, and having the honour to meet some wonderful American people in my time, I can proudly say that the majority of American people are wonderful.

Answer 5

I am sorry 2 be in a minority then! I have quite a lot of American friends I was working in the states but only 4 a few months found the people 2 be very friendly so no its not true that all " Brit Citz" dislike Americans but at the moment it seems 2 be a cool attitude to have ,when I mention that I have American friends and have no problems with American people People treat me like a t**d in a swimming pool but without exception these are people that have had no contact with any Americans only what they have read in the SUN newspaper !

Answer 6

For all the bad things he has done, Anti-Bush prejudice is a highly simplistic attitude towards politics. Disliking Americans is a similarly pathetic racism generally espoused by types who claim not to be racist.

It is highly unlikely that you or your wife will face any taunts or find anyone who will openly admit to disliking Americans. Even if it should be brought up in conversation they will 'make exception for you'.

Meanwhile, Blacks, Asians and other racial types easily displayed by the colour of their skin, people who quite possibly will have been born in this country, face frequent stereotyping, verbal and sometimes physical abuse.

Please stop whingeing x

Answer 7

I'm an American who lived in the UK. I have a good idea why.

I resented that point of view until I saw that Americans coming over to visit were often cultural uncurious and unaware.

We come off as isolated, unaware, and uncaring when we go abroad. The reason we're disliked is because we do nothing to meet our brothers in the international community anywhere near halfway.

When you go, open your mind to new things and you may be very pleasantly surprised at your reception.

Answer 8

I can not believe how much that hurt.

The bruise on my head from banging it on the wall is 'large'!

I am not a citizen, I am an Englishman.

I, or we, do not dislike Americans, we just don't understand each other.

And you speak a different language.

Email me with one thing you like about the British, and one thing you hate about us.

I will do the same in return.

To get the ball rolling, I say this:

I love the way you use most of the worlds resources.

I hate the way you can't see what your doing.

Try me.

Answer 9

Not really. I don't think that is true I just think some people in other countries look down on America because of the issue with Iraq and President Bush.

Answer 10

Nobody much likes Americans as a group anymore because they are judged by their (expletives deleted) government. Also Americans tend to be arrogant, bossy and impolite. Many, though , are very nice. This kind of prejudice can be very limiting and unfair. Anyway, not all or even most Brits agree on anything, so my answer to your question would have to be "no"

Answer 11

Americans has an image to other countrys, that we're the best country in the world, and as an American I don't think we have the best country in the world. We have our ups and downs. Some countrys are better at things than others, and thats the truth.