I'm 24 and from the States. I'd like to take a trip to Britain but have heard several horror stories about taxi-drivers, people in pubs, etc.. going off on tangents just at the sound of our accent. This is something you would absolutely never come across in the States no matter your origin. So is it just a typical british thing, and nothing to be really concerned with, or something a bit more serious?
2007-01-24 15:50:55 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
P.s. It would be nice to have actual Brits answer. (and no i'm not saying there aren't places in the States that can be scary, but it's not typically related to one's accent is all)
2007-01-24 15:57:45 · update #1
For a lot of Brits, the American accent is a sort of early warning system - they hear it, think "oh, no, not another stupid arrogant American" and put the shutters up. This is unfortunate, but is the result of too many American tourists being, well, stupid and arrogant. Show that you are neither of these things and the shutters will come down, and you will find the Brits helpful and friendly.
2007-01-24 18:33:06 · answer #1 · answered by Martin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I love the American accent. I watch American tv films all the time and most of their programmes are better than ours. I have been to the USA lots of times and people have been nice to me though I must admit in Manhattan I did come across an assistant in a shop calling out to us "You English....come here I have something to show you" lol.!!! Of course not all Americans are like that and all Brits are not like the people your friends have come across. It takes all sorts everywhere. I dont think you will find any problem at all if you have a low moderate voice. Its the loud voice that usually annoys the Brits.
2007-01-24 16:59:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most anti-American sentiment is expressed in response to Americans behaving badly here. Many people travel to other countries and expect the natives of those countries to adjust to them rather than make adjustments themselves. Sadly the international perception of Americans is that they will behave in this way. Don't take it personally, Brits abroad are often just as ignorant as Americans. Your perception of this resentment being something you would never come across in the States is way off. I've faced it myself more than once while in America. I've just learned not to judge all of you by the actions of an ignorant, vociferous minority. Maybe you might enjoy doing the same.
2007-01-24 22:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by freebird 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word, yes. But that's just the British. We resent most things. Come over here though and show you're not a typical obnoxious and ignorant American and you'll find the immediate resentment will wain and you'll be liked soon enough.
Oh and learn to like real ales, that'll score some points in a pub ;)
2007-01-24 15:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by Scar_of_David 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just don't act arrogant and you will be fine. Sorry but American tourists are not the most understanding of people especially when it comes to different cultures. When I travelled through out Europe there were these 2 Americans travelling with us that went into shops asking "Does anybody speak American?"... that caused immediate resentment and nobody wanted to help them.
So just act relaxed and calm and willing to accept the culture shock and you should be treated well. They won't jude you by your American accent, don't worry!
P.S. I'm Australian and I have lived in the U.K. and have plenty of experience with American Tourists :)
2007-01-24 15:59:57 · answer #5 · answered by Lily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
American accent is not a problem in most part of the world except Muslim countries like Pakistan,Afghanistan and Iraq
2007-01-24 17:00:25 · answer #6 · answered by leowin1948 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of British people like Americans too. Depends, depends I think.
I suggest, you travel to Britain, represent your country proudly, respect the customs there and have fun. Have your trip.
Too many Americans, have had way too much fun in Europe. (My cousin is from Georgia and he stayed in both London and Amsterdam, enoying both. He has never shied away about admiting he's American.)
2007-01-24 16:00:41 · answer #7 · answered by rostov 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE AMERICAN ACCENTS!!! I think its hot!!! I wouldn't worry bout it though, the stories you've heard is there any fact to them? If you want to go to Britain then go, I'd like to go too. Well whatever you decide, best of luck!!
2007-01-24 16:03:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problem! We are the same as any other country in the world. There will always be the objectionable few.
I like Americans, and so do most people that I know.
Please come and see us. Good luck!
2007-01-24 15:58:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the French hate Americans more than the Brits. I don't think you have anything to be worried about.
2007-01-24 15:54:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋