How can I assimulate into British culture and/or beat the loud/rude "American" stereotype?

Question

My husband and I have recently relocated to the UK...specifically Suffolk county. My husband is in the United States Air Force which is way we moved. What I want to know is how I can make people see past the stereotype they have of American service members...I know some(okay alot) of them are rude, cocky, and think the US is better than everybody...but we are not all like that. I always try to be extra polite and smile and make nice small talk, but it never seems to get me anywhere. Any suggestion on what I'm doing wrong?

Answer 1

If it helps any, I don't consider all Americans to be loud and rude! (Having said that, I did know one American who sometimes used to pretend he was Canadian because he thought that would go down better!)

Maybe you could try getting involved in some things in your local area - joining a club, taking evening classes, something like that - as a way to meet people. That way, over time, they'd come to know you as a person, beyond any stereotyped ideas they may have of you.

And, on the subject of stereotypes, I know we Brits are generally thought of as being pretty reserved - so maybe it's just that people's reactions in Britain are more muted than you're used to, without it meaning anything much?

Best of luck - and welcome to the UK!

Answer 2

first stop brushing your teeth and don't bathe very often
wear your clothes for weeks without washing them
eat terrible tasting food;
enjoy the miserable weather
get used to the ignorant shopkeepers gawking at you if you ask a question
learn to drink warm beer and ale
and for god sakes don't dare say
anything about the Royals..good or bad as they don't like Yanks