Why do americans think Europeans have reigonal and class prejudices just look at America! agree or disagree?

Question

Why do americans think Europeans have reigonal and class prejudices just look at America! agree or disagree?
First let me say I like what I've seen of America, but I don't like how Americans acuse Europeans of class prejuice and reigonal prejudice just look at America. I can't count the number of times I've had Americans tell me that the British are narrowminded and that we have a yorkshireman, a cockney, and a person from the midlands all not relating to each other. That is not true. Look at America people from the New york/New Jersey area who act loud and spoiled and think there better and anyone from the south is scum, and people from the south who hate people from the north and these people still act like they are that different for goodness sake. Give me a break!

Answer 1

First let me say that there are certainly grander issues to agonize over.

All humans seem to create tribes based on perceived similarities and proximity. There are certainly class/regional feelings in the USA, as there are elsewhere.

However, I would note that the perceived differences in England, Europe or whatever span as little as a few miles, and perhaps as much as a few tens of miles. In the USA, it takes hundreds of if not a thousand miles or more to reach the same level of regionalism. The wonder is that such a large country as the USA manages to hang together as a relatively unified country.

England in particular is known, externally and internally as a very class-conscious society, so don't even go there. As much as there is class-consciousness in the USA, it exists more as a continuum, and is a little more subtle than in some other societies.

Answer 2

America has many regional prejudices. New Yorkers hate southerners, southerners hate Yankees, folks from Maine hate everybody not from Maine. Californians think the rest of the world is a pale copy of California, Texans think they live in an independent nation.

You have to admit that Europeans do have strong regional and class distinctions. The rivalry between France and Uk for example is far stronger than the strongest American rivalries. Americans are treated like dogs by many European citizens. The French and Swiss in particuler. Go to one of those nations and get pegged as an American and you'll get special hostile treatment by many there. Though once off the tourist laden areas I hear the French are actually pretty friendly.

Part of it is that Europeans like the Germans, Swiss, Eastern Europeans have a pretty stoic culture. Many Americans mistake this stoicism as hostility. The reality is these folks are just as cold to each other as they are too us. America has a very outgoing and friendly culture. Well except for NYC and California. NYC is renowned for it's unfriendlyness. California is a me me me culture and the uncaring attitude is a side effect of that selfishness embedded into the culture. Folks are simply too wrapped up in themselves to notice others. I hate traveling in California. Some of the most unfriendly and selfish people I've ever met in my life. Cross the border into AZ and it's like returning to America.

As a "Limey" I am surprised you've recieved much if any hostility. Brits over here are usually very welcome. The US in general has a very favorable outlook to Brits. Though you have to admit that there is distinct classes. The avg Brit is as outgoing and friendly as an American but the "stiff upper lip" crowd has made stoicism an art form. They are also capable of increadible cruelty. So there are very much disctinct social classes in the UK even today, though the class structure is melting more and more over there. The stereotypes will live on. The same stereotypes that UK exports like Benny Hill, Monty Python and Atkins make fun of. That excessive formality which borders on comedic even when done in earnest.

As for Americans. Don't judge us on New Yorkers and upper New Jersey. That is a culture all it's own. One not known for politeness or being friendly. You want friendly try the West, mid-west and the South. Also the bigger the city the more global the culture is likely to be thus the less of the American friendlyness you'll see.

Answer 3

My philosophy, don't hate/judge/accuse people as a whole. Hate/judge/accuse the individual for the a$$hole that might be.

Seriously though, I'm from the South and have an admiration of the British (even taking a trip there in mid March, a trip I've been saving a very long time for). My fear is being ridiculed for being an American! Though God help someone calling me a Yank (in which case, I'll throw out a stereotypical Southern accent and then buy them a pint.)

Bottom line: Don't buy into stereotypes.

Answer 4

Here's a little "BULLITIN" for you.

Americans don't give a sh-t what Europe thinks, your recent past history is NOT GOOD, so nobody is even the slightest bit interested in what ANY european thinks, or has to say. I think the question should be "Why do europeans think that Americans are interested in their "OPINIONS" on America" ?????? My family came over here 2 generations ago to get away from Europe and it's problem plauged history, we started our own country across the pond because we don't want to hear about how wonderful Europe, and euro-PEON'S are !

Answer 5

England gives that impression via British TV shows. Class distinction is a big comic and drama import. Maybe the impression started with Pygmalion and continues on through Harry Potter? But actually it started because we never had a royal class in America - where rule was determined by bloodline. In short, it is a picture they paint of themselves.

Answer 6

I agree that there is just as much prejudice in America, as you say. But do you really think that there's none of that in Europe as well? Come on, be realistic. I think we can all agree that prejudice is universal phenomenon.

(I'm actually kind of stunned that Americans keep lecturing you about British regional and class issues. I didn't know most of them were aware of any British regional and class issues.)

Answer 7

lol! i think there must be class prejudices everywhere! I think everyone likes to point at America for all the wrong in the world but honestly, there is just as much hatred out in the world in any nation and culture you come across.
my theory is that prejudice and hatred are innate and loving different kinds of people is a learned experience but most sociologists disagree with me.

Answer 8

i have never even heard of midlanders or yorkshiremen.
I would beg to differ with you about Americans thinking Europeans having regional and class prejudices.

Aren't you just talking about England any way? not all of Europe and all Europeans? what am i missing here?

Answer 9

Of course there are no prejudices in Europe, everything's perfect there. Prejudice is strictly an American institution. The muslim riots in France, that was all just for fun!

Answer 10

Probably because most of us came here from there hoping to get away from those things.

We were wrong, of course; but most of us can't afford to go back and live in Europe.

What seems curious is that anyone would care what Americans think about such things.