Why in Britain do we show so much deference to our politicians?

Answer 1

Because although we should know better, we usually believe they're more intelligent than the rest of us. Plus, they usually have great self-assuance, borne either from education or wealth, or both, that enables them to make a lot of people feel inferior!

Answer 2

I see things exactly the other way round. We don't show any deference to politicians, particularly not by the media, who seem to think that they are the new government; they certainly behave like it. Like it or not, politicians are our government and, in the interests of Britain itself, should be accorded some respect. The left wing TV media have led the assault on politicians, treating them with disrespect ( I think of Paxman here). It is dangerous, because the public are encouraged to ignore the government which could lead to anarchy.

Answer 3

There is very little deference to politicians in the UK. I think we have a very healthy suspicion of them and the media give them such a hard time I sometimes wonder why anyone would put themselves up for that treatmen.
Americans on the other hand - just watch some of their news coverage of the last Gulf War if you want to see deference. It was disgustingly, sickeningly pro-Bush. And they wonder why nobody likes them.

Answer 4

After a centuries of rule by government and the fact that the british legal system has wound down to a constant level of ineffiencey, the structure of parliment in the UK has balanced itself.

The party that politicians represent has become irrelevant in dictating policy and the leader of the party doens't make any difference on an individual level to the general populous.

In short the fact that politicians are a necessary evil to stop dictatorship or tyranny leaves us with a parliment, but who runs it these days is a matter of indifference to the country.

In very short : They are all the same!

Answer 5

I don't think we do. I never hear anyone showing "deference" to politicians - all people ever seem to do is slag them off.

I think Americans are more likely to show deference to theirs as they feel they have to stay "loyal" and patriotic. most Brits are only too happy to slag of Blair, Prescott and the like. I know I am because they're useless. They are good at conciliating terrorists and giving asylum seekers and loafers free housing but they don't give a **** for the ordinary British man in the street who pays his taxes and works hard.

Answer 6

Well,I was born in Scotland,and moved to the U.S. when I was about 7.Then spent a few years in the US air force overseas.Most of it comes from being,it's what your parents always did,and their parents.It is the same here in the U.S. most people just go along with whatever other people want them too.And for most,it is the best way for them to live their lives as they can't think for themselves.But if you don't just follow what everyone else says,then you are an original thinker like Galileo,Copernicus,Da Vanci and Gene Roddenberry.

Answer 7

The same thing happens everywhere. Look at the deference the American public gave to GWB as he led the country into a disastrous war (s).

Answer 8

Because we are decended from Vogons (or possibly the Golgafrinchan telephone sanitisers)

Answer 9

Because they earn so much for doing sweet nothing- bit like pop stars really!

Answer 10

Not me mate! I met the guy who invented the poll tax and I had the pleasure of telling him what a wanker he was to his face!
Just me and him on a scottish mountain, ah bliss,