I'm going over to the UK to study (college) and I'm very nervous. I'm friendly and intelligent and open minded, but I'm afraid that once someone hears my accent or figures out that I'm American, that I'll have to deal with lots of animosity.
Be completely and totally honest, in the UK, just how bad is anti-Americanism? I don't mean hating the government (I hate our gov't too)...do British people generally hate normal American citizens?
2006-09-22 06:40:05 · 15 answers · asked by Damn Dirty Ape 1 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ Other - United Kingdom
Okay, I guess you guys are right. I'm not pushy and definitely don't feel that America is better than any country in the UK. I'll just be myself and hope that's good enough. Maybe I'll make a few friends when they realize I hate the President too!
2006-09-22 06:46:13 · update #1
LOL! where do you get your ideas from ?
We don't hate Americans , we don't hate President Bush
we just get on with life .
We have many many Americans living here ,
and apart from our awful weather, things are not too bad .
We even have sort-of decent coffee now !
Come on over and don't be shy
You are always WELCOME!
>^,,^<
It is OK here !
2006-09-22 06:55:11 · answer #1 · answered by sweet-cookie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No Worries. As soon as you get local clothing nobody will even know you are an American until you open your mouth.
There is the reality the current US policy has made it an open target for those who like to talk politics. What you do is just refuse to be baited into any sort of political discussion at all. I have been living outside the US since 1996 and this is how I handle those who do want to argue with me as if I could just call the president and tell him what they think.
The good news is that about 90% of the people I have met have any interest in taling about politics. It won't be like a chatroom. Those militant like typists are just that from any country. You won't run into those guys because there are on the computer all day long, honestly.
Just don't feel the need to protect the dignity of your home country. That's what the armed forces gets paid to do so it isn't our job to stand up in a pub and straighten anyone out. Just by the fact that you posted this questions means you will be conscious so will not be looking for trouble. I think you will find most of the UK to be far less aggressive than the US. British people are generally, very polite. Of course there are thugs but you will see them coming a mile or kilometer away so just cross the street and avoid them.
The best attitude is that you are there to learn. Learn everything, the culture, the people, the history. Be respectful and I think you will find people will for the most part be respectful of you. One good clue, is to never say, "this is how we do it where I come from.." Forget about asking "why" something is done differently, and just accept the changes and take it all in.
2006-09-22 07:00:06 · answer #2 · answered by Jamie Piro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the very fact that you are asking the question would suggest that you are open to seeing how other countries and cultures do things
yes there are some idiots (plonkers) wh may make some silly comment - but that just shows their ignorance.
There is some anti americanism, and you will come accross some at a universtiy or college (thats just student politics [usually the uncaring unthinking). There is soem in the more hardline socailist parties & neo communists, there is some with some of the Muslim community.
however they are a minority, and despite their rantigns and pleadings they are an irrelvancy.
like any traveller you may see a situation or behaviours that are different to home, providing you dont jsut sound off "my ways better" - you may believe it, and you may be right but no one likes a smart ar!se.
in anticipation of your imminent arrival you may profitably spend some time with the translation and getting to know English English. You may think they are the same, but boy, are you in for a surprise. The other probem you may find is the wide range of speech patterns and jargon - British English is filled with euphamisms
finalyy come on over, and enjoy yourself......
2006-09-22 07:01:17 · answer #3 · answered by Mark J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no time for the loud arrogant Americans who sometimes choose to visit us, but I really like the many friendly American people who come here and enjoy our country with its long history and many interesting places. I can see that you have a really good attitude and am sure that you will feel very much at home here. I certainly hope so. :-)
2006-09-22 06:51:37 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your going to be fine. I have been in Italy several times and no one ever bothered me and I wastreated very well. The Brits like Americans so no worries! Havea good time and enjoy that beautiful country, I envy you!
2006-09-22 06:44:24 · answer #5 · answered by missmoon_1953 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself. I have traveled all over Europe and not all people react same way to a citizen from U.S.A. You don't have to be all things to all people you meet. You don't have to defend all actions of your political leaders. Europe and the U.K. are open minded societies --just mingle with the right people.
Bon Voyage.
2006-09-22 06:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by s t 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey Honey,,,
I went to college there years ago... Americans are not liked because they seem to be arrogant,, and braggards...
Just be yourself.... you will have a good time,,,
And , don't be down playing the president,,, remember Tony Blair is his buddy there....dont end up like that singing group,,,, the Communist Chicks....
good luck
2006-09-22 07:07:14 · answer #7 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Brits don't hate us...that's generalizing. You should have no problem. Matter of fact, take the time to look up how many companies are owned by the British in our own country.....they should love us....they still own us!!!!
2006-09-22 06:44:35 · answer #8 · answered by voandginger 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no, British people do not normally hate Americans, sometimes they can be rude, but so are some Americans. Be nice and you will recieve niceness back!
2006-09-22 06:42:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely come over, enjoy yourself and get to know people, If your friendly then the people you meet should be the same, enjoy your stay.
2006-09-22 21:55:33 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋