does anyone think it's offensive for me to be studying it?
To elaborate, I'm Australian, and I'm doing a PhD in Tudor history (English royalty). I had an English guy tell me off in no uncertain terms for it, he claimed that because I wasn't English, where do I get off being an 'authority' on English history. I was talking to a friend who is also Australian, who works for a company to mediate deals between Australia and Japan. She claims she gets similar comments. Is this a common opinion?
2006-11-02 01:08:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Is there anyone who agrees? I'm curious for their perspective.
2006-11-02 01:28:38 · update #1
I have an opinion and this is it:
I, for one, would be honored of someone from another country or culture chose to learn about my history. It is a matter of record and is learning the knowledge, anyway. If you learn all about a topic, particularly history that is set in stone so to speak and will not change, you can sure be an authority on it whether you are originally involved in it or not. I think your ornery Englishman sounds a bit jealous and definitely pompous.
2006-11-02 01:30:53 · answer #1 · answered by AKA FrogButt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'M OFFENDED at those who are offended at your breadth of knowledge! Those people are probably like the majority of people who inhabit their own countries - they don't know much about their own countries and find it daunting when someone from another country knows more than they do. We have people in America who cannot even name the Vice-President, let alone know much about our history.
Yes, it is, here, WAY across the pond in the U.S. I have been heard and have been involved in similar conversations and a few heated arguments here at the University on the same issue.
Please don't "dumb down" for the likes of them! Forget about them, go on with your Doctorate studies and REALLY pi** them off! Enthrall them with your command of the Tudors!
2006-11-02 09:26:00 · answer #2 · answered by Hawke Ranger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a very ignorant opinion, in my view. There are some of their own culture who know nothing about the very culture that they were born into. And to be doing study of the culture is a great way to learn. I say good for you, who cares of their opinions, we all have a right to them, but that doesn't mean they are correct. I think that man needs to find something else to complain about. Learning of other cultures and studying them does not require you be of that culture. That sounds so ridiculous. Good luck and God bless
2006-11-02 09:13:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More English Majors out of the US than the UK, that's just rude for them to say that. I know a Vietnamese girl that is a Spanish translator. Kinda funny isn't it?
2006-11-02 09:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by myothernewname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd think they'd be honored that you are interested enough in their culture to learn about it!
People like this, you just can't let get to you. They are ignorant and bigoted. Best of luck to you, and it certainly does sound like an interesting subject!
2006-11-02 09:16:33 · answer #5 · answered by skatoolaki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope not, because it is disgustingly uneducated. They should rather be pleased that you are interested in their background. Hang in there.
2006-11-02 09:15:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am shocked and disgusted
2006-11-02 09:11:53 · answer #7 · answered by morts 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋