Disappointed with UK. Are you?

Question

I'm from Singapore and I'm here since Oct 06. I have never been to any of the Europe countries so this is my first time coming to UK London. I am really really very disappointed. I always thought the people here are more friendly and educated since the living standard here is higher than any of the Europe countries. One example, I was dragging 2 big luggages going to liverpool station. I asked for help from a guy to open up the glass gate to let me through and to my surprise he told me to open up the glass gate myself and I tolerate that. What anger me was he even WANTED me to close up the stupid glass gate. Is this some kind of racism or is that the services from UK? Or is UK is not welcoming any visitor/tourists. I tell myself that I won't even recommend any of my friends to come here for hoildays. I hope the government can try to do something about it. Try going to some eastern countries, you might feel the different approach by the people. So warm and friendly.

Hey guys! I'm not judging from one fellow. Is only ONE EXAMPLE. And TFL is manage by the govenement country itself so is the staff being train in this way?

Answer 1

First of its not Racism at all. I have been to other countries and some people have been friendly and some have not. I dont think just because you had a few unpleasant experiences you should write off a whole county that is insane. I have had family come to the UK and they have never been upset. Also what on earth do you want the Government to do?? People are individuals and can really do as they please.

Answer 2

It's the same the world over: you get, to a very large extent, what you give.

Let's run this again.

1. You come to the UK dragging two big suitcases. That is not wise -- why take so much? Unless you're rich enough to employ servants, the rule worldwide is do not take more luggage than you can comfortably carry leaving one hand free at all times.

2. You come to London, a capital city bustling with busy people from all over the world and you expect people to stop and help you on demand. You're not going to find that in many capital cities. In fact the only big city where I'm aware of that happening routinely is Glasgow, in Scotland -- and that's not a capital city. I've been in Singapore and found it characterised by a singular lack of people available to give help. Far fewer people available at the airport, for example, to handle enquiries than you would find in the UK ( but a very much nicer airport than any in the UK! ).

3. You've generalised about the UK from your experience in London. There are four COUNTRIES in the UK, all of them very different from each other.

Dump your suitcases in left luggage somewhere. Get out and about with a small backpack. Talk to ordinary people without demanding anythng of them. Doesn't matter what country you're in, you'll find a lot of nice people and a few nasty people.

Answer 3

I lived in Wales for 4 years so I know how you feel. This type of attitude is everywhere. However, there are also some very nice people living in the UK. I have travelled all over the UK, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, Liverpool, Blackpool, Coventry, London (every 2nd or 3rd Weekend),Yorkshire, Oxford...you name it I made it my point to travel the country and the one thing I have noticed is that there are good and bad apples no matter where you go. So please do not let your bad experiences determine how your life will be there otherwise you will end up being very bitter about the whole time there and unable to appreciate the friends that you will make and the interesting things you will see and the fantastic places that you will go. I almost fell into this rut and had to get myself out of it like in my third year...it can be damaging. Take life as it comes and enjoy your stay. By the way, I find one thing about people in the UK, they are more independent...their idea is do your own thing...just get on with it....this is their culture...so when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Good Luck and enjoy your stay :-)

Answer 4

As you can see, there are many in the UK who are xenophobic and do not take kindly to criticisms from foreigners. But before you judge us too hastily, the UK is probably not worse than other European countries. In fact you may find that we are slightly better, although recent events may have caused some to be more hostile than usual.
Without knowing the circumstances of your encounter, such as how you asked the 'guy', what he was doing when asked, etc., it is difficult to condemn him or you. Don't forget we tend to use 'please' a lot. There are some very, very helpful people living here and I hope you will meet some of them. They will go out of their way to help you, much more so, even than in Sg. One's impression will inevitably be coloured by one's personal encounter and unless you meet some friendly Brits, you will go back thinking that we are all like that guy. That would be unfortunate. What you say about the east is unfortunately not always true either. I have been there and have met with some very rude people in Beijing, Bangkok, Malaysia, Sg, etc. But I would be wrong to tar the rest with the same brush. As they, 'You meet all sorts', and one has sometimes to take it on the chin and move on. Tidak apa, lah!

Answer 5

I'm FROM the UK and I got so fed up with high costs and "living to work" rather than "working to live" that I now live abroad. Currently in Central America and loving it.
However, that said, Britain will always be my home. Don't worry about grumpy responses (they only add weight to your point, incidentally!) - it's like your own family. You can say what you like about them, but you don't like it if someone else criticises them! I think that sometimes people can forget what it's like being a stranger in a strange land, so try not to let rude and miserable officials ruin your stay. Talk to the people on the street and you'll often find them friendly and welcoming.
I hope that you do find many positives during the rest of your stay...

Answer 6

I don't think one guy not opening a gate for you can be construed as racist!!
People can be friendly- but are you friendly 24/7? probably not, so you can't expect others to be all the time.
I, for instance, will always help anyone who asks for directions, but I get irritated when people are stood in the middle of busy pavements or push onto tube trains when people are trying to get off.
I understand you may be feeling a little disappointed with the country, but are you not being a little hasty by assuming that the whole of the UK is disappointing on one guy not opening a gate???? Surely that in itself could be considered to erring on the side of racism in itself?

Answer 7

Here's a tip. Don't come visiting a country then slate it on a web site visited by the Inhabitants of that country. Your question has got my back up. For all the problems we have in this country (and I think I've mentioned politics before!!) I'm still proud to be British. One guy not helping you, wow! Did you ask him nicely, or did you expect help cause you looked like you needed it? Be warm and open to any nationality in any country and you'll get a warm and friendly response. Oh, and don't be so judgemental of a country you've hardly visited. Stay longer and see more before writing anywhere off.

Answer 8

1 incident between October 06 and Feb 07 isn't that bad, is it? Maybe he just got fired, is struggling with life, we'll never know. Start looking for the good things around London, its culture, racial mix, architecture, museums, other people, whatever you like here.

And spend more time with locals - remember, like most huge cities, it has a transient population that often doesn't provide the best mix for an introduction to its people at their best.

Go visit some lesser known UK cities, Salisbury, Lichfield, Wakefield or small rural villages and towns. They and their people are nothing like they are in London.

Answer 9

If that person was an employee at Liverpool Street station then he was a bad worker and you should have complained. Most companies want their staff to give good service and they can only know about faults like this if they are reported.

That said the problem with London (especially if you come from an over regulated place like Singapore) is that people from all over the world come here to work and live here that it not as easy to control as a smaller city.

Network Rail operates Liverpool Street Station: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Rail

Answer 10

I am sorry you have had some bad experiences but this happens everywhere. The guy you talk about does sound particularly ignorant - he's probably like that with everyone, you just had the misfortune to meet him! London is not a very friendly place anyway - I am not friendly to people I don't know because I am a naturally un-trusting person, but not all people are bad.