Question for British people?

Question

Which culture and society do you feel closer ? American or French ?

As for me, I feel close to British culture and society, but most Americans seem to me coming from another planet.

Answer 1

Why only American or French?
Okay, culture - definitely French, modern America does not have a culture. It's culture is the native Indian. It's about the same as Australia - whose culture is Aboriginal.
Society - harder to answer but I think that I would have to swing with the French again. Unfortunately those Pilgrim Fathers made a mess of society when they migrated to the New World. Messed up the language as well. Despite the fact that we are frequently at loggerheads with the French politically, I think that the man on the street usually has the same values as us.

Answer 2

I have lived in both cultures for short spells. I would say that the French are a warmer society, with stronger bonds whereas the Americans are very open and welcoming but appear false at the same time.

I have worked under a few American CEO's in the UK. I have also worked with a French line director. I much prefer the French way than the American way of doing business.

The French are physically closer, the Americans appear to be many miles away from my understanding of a strong and healthy society.

Having said that, the French also have problems with racial integration and my view may be quite heavily tainted by my experience. Given a different experience, I would probably have a different opinion.

The society I live in is obviously closer than either of the above.

Answer 3

I'm proud of the society and culture that already exists here in the UK. As for who I feel close to, well, things get tricky.

I feel close to America because you guys are everywhere and love it or hate it, there is no getting rid of you. You're a great bunch of people and sometimes you come out with decent films - Indiana Jones being (in my opinion) the best example. America has been know for some really cool scientific discoveries and you're the home of NASA.
Aside from the occasional blooper when it comes to your national elections, I like most things about America.

On the other hand, France is just there and is essentially the gateway into all of Europe for most Brits. Apart from the Snobs, French people are great people. France has done some cool stuff in the past and I'm told they also have great food. Then there is the EuroTunnel.

I've never thought about things in the way your question puts it. At the end of the day America and France (although for different reasons) are both as good as each other.

Answer 4

French

Answer 5

I don't feel close to either French or US Culture, but closer to France, possibly. The French are very easy to talk to in general, though in some country areas they are quite clannish. I have friends in France, but have never known an American or visited US, or felt any urge to do so. When I hear American tourists they seem quite strange. I have friends in Canada, though, but they were originally from France or South America.
I feel more comfortable in Europe Asia and South America than US or sub Saharan Africa. Presumably it is all a matter of familiarity.

Answer 6

French

Answer 7

Britain is the 51st state of the US.
We suffer from American "cultural imperialism" as do many countries around the world. This brings both good and bad aspects to our culture.

In my youth there was no fast food establishments. ( Myself and the french do not class them as restaurants)

Our artists sing in Fake American Accents and our children follow
the gang culture of east Los Angeles for some unknown reason!

Also, when did motorhomes start getting called RV's in the UK?
As a nation of teadrinkers we are slowly succumbing to the starbucks coffee culture of the states.

At the end of the day American culture is OK as it sure beats the class system of the UK.

Even our royalty have to lick American *** such is the power of the Yankee Dollar.

Answer 8

Neither. I am British by birth, but English by the grace of God. Not only that, I was born in Northumbria. If anything, I feel a great affinity with Germany. I have visited the country three times, and it's true what they say; the country is very clean and well organised. As far as France is concerned, the Bretons are a good bunch of folks. Not once did I feel intimidated when visiting there. A completely different breed to your average Parisian. They are the more stand-offish types.

Answer 9

I feel close enough to the British culture I was brought up in, I have admiration for a lot of people from other countries and respect their ways and their culture, if I chose to go live in another country I would respect the culture of that country but would also always respect my own too.

Answer 10

i like the french society more, i've been there a lot on holiday, can speak the language and dated a french girl but our way of life is closer to american's....and if people can't acknowledge that then that's their problem

no one on mainland europe likes the british because we're so similar to america