Why is it the People of the UK can admit their countries shortcomings?

Question

And the USA people just take everything as a insult to their people?

Answer 1

we are realistic. The americans are just over-patriotic idiots

Answer 2

We believe in our country but don't wave our flags as often as the people of the USA, we only seem to want to put them out for a football match. We vote in our politicians but are still happy to speak out when things don't measure up to our expectations.
I hope that the incomers that we have in the UK will come to love our country as much as we do because together we could make it great again.
Our problems are not so different on the other side of the pond.

Answer 3

It's a fundamental difference in perceptions.

America is a culture that loves success and heroes.
The UK has a culture that favours the grotty old rogue.

Have you seen the show "Red Dwarf" - it's a BBC comedy show set in space. In the UK version the main character Dave Lister is a lazy, unwashed loser while in the US version he is a typical action hero.
If you think about comedy shows in general the characters in US ones are successful and heroic while the UK ones are normal people who are a bit naff.
Friends, Seinfeld, Frasier- all about successful people.
Steptoe & Son, Dad's Army, Extras - all about the underdogs.

So the UK acceptsit's own shortcomings because it finds humour in them, while the US idolises sucess and sees little humour in failiure.

This is not true of every person in each nation. I am sure the BNP find no humour in crappy things in Britain while many people in the US can and do laugh at America.

Answer 4

Brits tend to be more realistic and accepting. 'My country right or wrong' is a frightening thought as all people and countries makemistakes. Perhaps we are a little more mature, as an older country, have had an empire and lost it and can't get too excited when negative criticism comes along. Many Americans seem personally offended if you say anything critical, and seem to instantly peg you as anti american.
Perhaps you could compare it to the Romans and the older Greek civilisation from who they learnt so much.
It is unfortunate, as generally Americans are just about the most friendly and hospitable people you meet, but they do seem to paint things as black and white. You either agree or you are against them. The world has many shades of grey, and other colours too.

Answer 5

Have you read anything on Y!answers or elsewhere? There are tons of people who highlight shortcomings and criticize stuff.

But, I do think that in general, we don't like it when "outsiders" criticize us. Its called nationalism. And I'm sure you birts don't like it if somebody outside the UK criticizes your country.

Its sorta, "in the family" type of thing ay mate?

Answer 6

It only goes to prove the old saying, that where necessary, 'to sometimes admit defeat, and then go on to better and greater glories is the British way'. Perhaps Dunkirk and Norway in ww2 can act as prime examples!

Rule Britannia!!

Answer 7

As the USA doesn't have short comings the UK has none also

Answer 8

Because the UK people realise that recognising you have an illness is a major step towards curing it.The Americans just get sicker & sicker.

Answer 9

It is called misconception of reality and protection of an oversensitive ego.
It happens when an ant wants to lift a rubber tree plant, but can't and when an elephant is invited to tea and hopes it shan't have problems with the crumpets.

Answer 10

Admitting their weakness but doing something about it is their lack. UK has jolly well educated the back bone out of their populace. One day they will wake up just like they did when Hitler's bombs rained down. Hopefully not too late, huh?

Answer 11

The USA wants to be always the center of attraction. The UK don't