to british: why mostly people dislike the americans?

Question

I personally don´t, but I curse their politics

Honesty:
I was not talking to the british themselves about this, but the similarity appeared also to other great nations like chinese, japanese, south koreans, indians, singaporeans, indonesians, malaysians, kiwis /australians, brazilians, hungarians and even the canadians. they do have the similar feelings and thoughts

Answer 1

It's not he point we dislike them - i think it comes from when as a UK tourist in the States any one you speak to says 'Oh your from London do you know...(some random name is mentioned) they live around the corner from horse guards parade. The other fact that London is the only place in the UK, according to most Americans.

Answer 2

I DON'T, and I'd say that generally the Brits hold Americans in great affection as traditional allies and our saviours in past conflicts. To dislike an entire nation is as irrational as disliking everyone with dark/blonde/red hair etc.!

What are some of the reasons quoted by Brits for negative impressions of Americans? Well, you hear the following:

A dislike of the Bush regime.

US Brashness or loudness.

US Ignorance of other countries/cultures.

The US's late arrival on 'our' side in the two World Wars - older Brits often refer to this.

The way that Hollywood emphasises American triumphs and caricatures other nations, such as Britain.

An impression that Americans are less supportive of the weak, marginalised or poor in their own country.

A perceived US 'greed is good' mentality.

An unease about the influence of the Christian right-wing in the USA.

I don't agree with these points, but you will hear them made if you ask Brits about their impression of Americans. Personally I think stereotypes are very dangerous and I like the 'good' aspects of America and dislike the 'not so good': the same way I view my own country.

All the best.

Answer 3

I'm not British but Canadian and if I may, Americans themselves are not what people dislike about America, it is the Government, in particular, the current President and to a degree, the entire Republican Party. They are seen as extremist and overbearing. They are reactionary by nature when they should be pro-active. The American people themselves are actually wonderful people who are just as concerned about the tide that is turning in the world.

Answer 4

I don't, but there is a perception that they want to rule the world. They find themselves in the unfortunate position of being the only world superpower with a lunatic running the show. I think people generalise as they are such a big nation, how can you dislike them all?

Answer 5

We can't understand how they manage to get through life thinking that their way is the best and only way. Americans are generally very arrogant and self righteous and condemn or bomb anything they don't understand. Add to that their lack of knowledge of the rest of the world and you'll have an idea of why we feel contempt towards them - not the individual people, but the "American Way"

Answer 6

I find it funny how some of you are describing Americans. I'm American born and raised and do not know anybody who thinks like that. I mean, I'm sure there are some...but not the majority.

I've met many people from Britain (England mostly), and they were all very friendly...none of them seemed to hold anything against me simply because I'm American. Nor did they treat me like I was incapable of intelligent thought because I am American.

Stereotypes really do suck...

Answer 7

This American had no problem in Britain with anyone hating me. They were lovely people! I'd go back to visit in a heartbeat. I'm guessing it's our crappy American president that people dislike. Even American folks are dismayed by what is going on.

Answer 8

Considering American is basically like a rip off version of Britain anyways, I'd have to say, good question. I mean after all, the U.S. is basically learning from what their parent country did for hundreds of years before and there was no complaining then, regardless of whose country Britain romped across, ripped apart, or spread disease to. It was okay then but God forbid another country does the same a couple hundred years later. If they (and the rest of the world for that fact) are so heavy on criticism they why don't they refresh the masses on their own bloody history? But ops, that's the past and we don't speak of such things unless it boosts someone's ego.

Answer 9

i'm british, and i dont have much against the americans. i think alot of people dislike them because of the american government, or because of the global warming thing. but i think mostly its because they are the epitimy of capitalism and globalization, but we're close behind! we havnt got anyone else to hate for those things apart from them. they do those things bigger and more than us, i spose thats why ppl hate them.

Answer 10

Wow! I'm American! I love the Brits, especially the accent! I didn't know we had some folks in Britain who don't like us. I don't really believe that though.