American in a British pickle...Should I switch?

Question

I'm an American studying at a British university. Everyday a different Brit tells me that Americans are stupid and then they go on and on about it.

I get it. Americans are stupid & Brits take the piss. As a result, I just concentrate on my studies and try to get through the year. I know my own course pretty well(European History and Politics)and a fair bit about other subjects. I'm starting this year ranked as the number 3 student in terms of marks. Anyway, a lecturer, with whom I have to study again this year, told me that the reason he gave me a lower mark is because I don't engage non-written debate when it deals with the 'States.

I think he's trying to screw me over. Brits think what they think about the US and that's it! No need for debate. Although it irritates me, I'm thinking of changing my course to French. On the one hand, it feels like avoidance and cheating b/c I've been a Qualified Interpretor for the past 3 years but on the other, what are my options?

Answer 1

If you are already doing well and can avoid this difficulty simply by taking a few classes in a language that you already speak fluently just go ahead, switch majors, skate through the classes and get on with your life.

Answer 2

I am sorry that you are being given a hard time in Britain, that shouldn't be happening. There does tend to be an anti American sentiment here and the war has made it worse. Americans are usually loud and in your face, know it all's when abroad, at least those I have met or heard of, including my American cousin who came to visit. Never the less I suspect the tutor would like to hear your opinion as an American. In a debate you can add a valuable contribution as someone who is coming perhaps from a different cultural background. The tutor is probably frustrated with you that you don't bring your unique personal knowledge and opinion into the debate about the US, which is to the rest of us a foreign country. You could give insight that most of us simply don't have.

Answer 3

Don't switch courses unless it is a decision you make based on personal preference. Any other reason and you are allowing them to hound you out of the course simply because of your country of origin.It seems that your classmates are pigeon-holing you for being American which is quite sad. Imagine if you were from say Nigeria. Suddenly the argument that all Nigerians are stupid starts to sound pretty racist doesn't it?

You can ask for your coursework to be marked by someone independent as your willingness to engage in non written debate should have no bearing on the work you submit or exams you sit. You should speak to the lecturer and argue your case to him as he is marking you on your behaviour/personality and not your ability.

Last but not least, engage in the debates. I know it may not be your style but if you have a rational debate with the m in a classroom setting and make your points in an intelligent well argued manner you may not change their views but I think you will give a few of them pause for thought

Answer 4

It's a bit unfair of them to expect you to engage in a debate about your own country, when your in a room full of people who have that kind of attitude towards your country.
Surely your lecturer could see that they have an unfair advantage because you are the only American there, challenge him - what he's done is really unfair. Can you speak to someone who runs the course or someone higher up to complain?

Changing courses is a bit drastic? Rise above it if you can. I'm sure if you did challenge them you'd find that most of them haven't the first clue what they're talking about (which you know already!), because they've never been to America and your probably the first American they've ever met - your clearly NOT stupid or you wouldn't be in Uni - that's their theory out the window!

I'm a Brit, who's sick and tired of hearing people here, saying what they want, whenever they want, and yet haven't got experience of any of it.

Answer 5

" Brits take the piss"
It's good to see you're learning the language.

(I'm going to be a Brit in Wisconsin next week, and I'm expecting a few shocks)

"...I don't engage non-written debate when it deals with the 'States."
Well with people who are ignorant, or have already made their minds up, what's the point? -- that would tend to be my reponse, but I can see it wouldn't be calculated to get more marks from the lecturer.

Brits are not monolithic in opinion, though some have thought processes best compared to large lumps of stone.

One option: quote enlightened, bright, intelligent and humane Americans, but only reveal the sources later.
Mark Twain and Adlai Stevenson are always good
(even the latter's crack about "thinking Americans": self deprecation generally goes down well.)

If all else fails, start reciting Monty Python sketches, or expressing an appreciation of Red Dwarf. That will jar stereotype-fixated brains.

Answer 6

Engage!! Take the piss back. Seriously it's not anyone being personal with YOU it's just how Brits are and if you don't say anything you're an easy target. It's only words/debate nothing that is said makes any of it true. Tell them next time they buy a Mickey D they are obviously buying into American stupidity so that's cool with you. Or say hey Henry Ford coulda moved from Ireland to England but the english screwed the Irish so bad he took his enterprise to the states. Act like you don't care and they'll leave ya alone. Act like you care and it'll go on and on and on.

Next time someone says Americans are stupid say "yeah, that's funny, you're right dude" - how are they gonna be able to goad you any further if you do that?

If you can't beat them join them and they'll be too stupid to know the difference ;o)

Answer 7

For one thing, in these days, anti-Americanism is not just found in the UK. You'd find it all over Europe. Its far worse in France!!!

As for the Irish poster who said the Irish don't hate the Yanks . . .er . . . 'scuse me but there's some real anti-American sentiments going round Southern Ireland these days!

I would just say stop whingeing. When they take the piss come back at 'em.

We Brits respect someone who can stand up for himself in an argument. We don't respect whiners who run home crying to mummy. If you want your fellow students to beleive that Americans are no idiots then stand up and show them that you're not.

We had an American professor at Uni in Cardiff and used to take the piss out of him all the time. He had a good sense of humour and would just laugh at it. To be honest, it was mostly affectionate - he was most peoples' favourite professor. When we graduated from Uni he was the one we all wanted to sign our books and keep in touch with.

Answer 8

Well, first of all we are stupid. (Yes I do live in the states) That aside, you should partake in the debates in the classroom / structured setting. Maybe you won't change most peoples minds but at least they will have a different viewpoint to the topic being discussed. And if you express yourself in a controlled and intelligent manor just maybe you will at least convince some to at least be open to new views.

Now when your in the pub having a few pints that's probably a different story.

Answer 9

Hello, I give you so much credit for dealing with it for as long as you have. I could not do it! You have to decide what is right for you! If the lecturer or any other of the university staff treats you unfairly, you have the option to report them to the heads of the university. I'm sure that you already know that! But as the other one suggested. COME HOME! Good Luck to you!!!

Answer 10

They're taking the piss because you let them and they can, the same as the Australians do to the English.
As Byzantium said they wouldn't do it if you were Pakistani, Chinese or African they'd be accused of racism.
My son in law comes from Texas and gets on with most people here.
Stand up for yourself and your country.