Why do Americans criticise us?

Question

They always say us Brits have bad teeth, when in fact the U.S. is the most obese country in the world.

They always tell us our military is crap, even though i'd say a British man probably has the strength of about 5 American soldiers.

They always criticise Tony Blair for being a bad PM, when George Bush isn't so perfect himself. (I personally don't like Tony Blair)

Half of the Americans have never even been to the U.K. and bear in mind there are 4 very different countries here. When will Americans stop being bullies and hypocrites about us?

Answer 1

I love you Brits! I love Harry Potter and watching BBC. I love afternoon tea. I've even learned how to make crumpets.

I can't stand G.Bush, and I really don't know enough about Tony Blair to have a good opinion of him.

I think the bad teeth thing probably died out over a century ago. I've never seen a Brit with bad teeth, and you're right, our country is morbidly obese. At least you guys have universal healthcare. Plus you have way better education- I understand British children learn about all religions, and Atheism in school now.

Please don't think all Americans are like the ones you describe- many of us hate our president and way he's ruining our world relations.

Answer 2

I Used To Live in America..When I was Like 5 Lol But Upsets Me When People Criticise Americans..Aswell As The English...Just Ignore The Mean Remarks..They Obviously Havnt Met The Good English People Yet =D

Answer 3

An interesting question with many interesting and diverse answers.

As for the 5 soldiers thing, it sounds a little like ' My dad is bigger than your dad'

There are many things to recommend both countries and many things that still need a little working on, on both sides of the pond.

I was in the army while Viet Nam was on and met many American soldiers both outgoing and homecoming. Seeing the soldiers going home was heart rending, sitting at a table on their own all night with a single untouched drink. I could only imagine the horrors these people had gone through for their country.
It was then that I realised that the brave people were not the Bush's or Blaire's of this world, but the ones who had to pick up arms and fight wars so that an unappreciative people could have the right to criticise them

John UK (ex soldier)

Answer 4

Nice British accent you have there by the way, Jennifer. It came across nicely. But I think it is the British weather really that affects you guys. Americans are warm and friendlier. The Brits are rather cold, conservative and also frequently turn up their nose disapprovingly. I would rather have an obese warm person by my side than a trim cold fish. Have you heard an American laugh? You would feel like joining in. But a British laugh is not open to all. It is highly moderated, deeply reserved and precludes others.
But I am just generalizing of course. You cannot really make a sweeping statement about a country of so many diverse people.

Answer 5

You answered your own question. As an American, you have the liberty of publicly criticizing your own government. Israel is not your country, and it's not your government, and that's why you're getting crap. It might also have something to do with you being seen as the stereotypical loud-mouthed Yank (how the rest of the world, generally, perceives Americans) sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong.

Answer 6

hmm.. I personally believe that Brits have just as many orthodontic imperfections as the US. You simply have a better priority on what is important, that which needs to be corrrected for health reasons and that which is simply cosmetic. Here everyone for some reason see picket straight teeth as being attractive....and they trade character for it. Really very sad.

Those that have never served in the military, or have simply done a short tour to get college money seem to speak the loudest and most frequently.
I, myself ,was a carreer soldier and spent a great deal of time working with the British Armed Forces (as well as the Dutch, German, Polish, Russian, Norwegian....) and found them to be a very fine fighting force. There are aspects of the Brits that I admire over and above the US, mostly having to do with honour and respect for tradition.

Most Americas don't have a clue as to the politics of other countries.... again those with the least expirience and knowledge speak the loudest.

I for one have been to the UK several times, and will return several more......my family came from one of those countries :) .....
Americans really are ignorant of most things outside their borders. They derive their info from American press which tends to be askewed, and don't have the inclination to seek the full perspective. It is sad, I don't think that they/we are bullies rather more properly blowhards...

Answer 7

Well, Jennifer, you certainly stirred up a whole can of worms here, didn't you? My answer is you cannot generalise, Ive been to the USA many times, and found most of the people I met charming, I also like people in the UK, so don't look at the stereotypes, we are all individual people, I'm sure you are nice, so why not an American? so here's a toast to all the nice guy's out there!

Answer 8

The U.S is full of preps everyone here is two faced and half of them don't like anyone that is not like them. I get criticised all the time because I don't like America I want to move to another country myself but how strict the laws here are its very diffecult to even walk down the streat without getting arrested for some stupid charge. George Bush Sucks, he honestly don't know what he is doing and me and all my friends feel that he should of never been allowed to do what he has done. and our military sucks dick because they feel that if you are not in the military your the lowest person on the todem pull. anyone that is in a US survice like the military or the Army or the air force or the national gard, are preps and think they are better then us. here in america if your not exactly like the person setting next to you, your considered wierd, in my cause I've been considered wierd for a long time. lol you are lucky to live where you are because america is not up to what they say they are. I'm american and I'm not proud of it, thats actually kinda of a sham but the US brought it on themselfs.

please don't take anything personal The US really don't know what its talking about.

Answer 9

I think that most Americans wouldn't pass judgement like that. There are good and bad in every country. There will always be a minority who believe in stereotypes there isn't much you can do about that except have a sense of humour. I don't live in the UK anymore and come into contact with Americans all the time, usually they are really complimentary about our country.

Answer 10

I think it's the other way around. I very rarely see the UK being criticized but am constantly seeing people mock the US....America has to be the most criticized country in the world.

And besides, I think most Americans like the UK....we're allies, remember?

Edit: People keep saying the US is the fattest country in the world....I've been to 3 other countries other than my own, and I didn't see any more or less fat people...it was the same. People make it seem like everywhere you look you're going to see some big guy waddling down the street...that just isn't so. The majority is not fat.