Were they nice? What do you think of Americans in general?
PLEASE... Be very honest!
2007-10-23 18:55:51 · 7 answers · asked by Claire 6 in Travel ➔ Ireland ➔ Other - Ireland
These are GREAT answers, everyone!
Thanks for being so honest, and I'll tell ya, it's gonna be very hard to choose a best one. Good work!!
~Claire
2007-10-24 21:57:51 · update #1
They were ..... American. They were the product of their culture.
99 times out of 100, any American I ever meet tells me that they are 'Irish' in some way, their grandma was an O'Brien from Dublin or something, and expect me to be bowled over .... I'm afraid I've heard this so many times from so many Americans that it really is like hearing the same old phooey over again - sorry, but it's true. And I think, that's nice, but honestly? I really don't care ...
Most of the time they're grand. Yes, they talk loudly, but I can live with that for a few minutes at a time. Yes, they can be opinionated, but who isn't - and we Europeans too can be highly judgemental about failed foreign policies and bad choices of presidents. Glass houses and all that.
No, what I find really irritating are the types who feel that, because they are American, they are automatically and without question better than anyone else. Or they know better than the locals - they type who, when in a pub in Ireland and there's a music session playing, want to hear all the really nasty nationalist songs, because the 'English are all bastards'. Hallo? Aside from the fact that many of the people enjoying the session are often British, this is the 21st century, England and Ireland are now political equals and have gone a long way to building up a working relationship, in particular in relation to Northern Ireland. How dare some misinformed idiot reared in a far away country come in and tell us how we should treat our nearest neighbours?
Most Americans seem to understand that the relationship between Britain and Ireland is very complicated, and this is fine. It's not something that can be discussed in an hour, anyway.
2007-10-23 21:51:40 · answer #1 · answered by Orla C 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I spent nearly 3 months in the States travelling around about 8 years ago, so I met a lot of them. I had a great time, highly recommend anyone to go. The ones that actually leave their country are a different breed to the ones that ask 'how many undiscovered caves are there in this area' with all sincerity (that happened when I was up the Rockies).
The Americans I meet in Dublin seem to spend too much time apologising for that idiot they have running the country, but apart from that I think they are friendly, smart, accommodating, they get a lot of stick that I don't think they deserve. And I've yet to have one ask me if I'm related to their great great grand dad etc, but then again, I've a very common surname (not quite Smith and Jones, but nearly). I'm going back to the States on Sunday, so I'm really looking forward to it. As for using different spellings and words to describe things, then viva la difference. However, its not 'quaint' to be asked the time every times its a quarter past the hour - but that's just me.
However, I would never live there, but that's not because of the people, more to do their annual leave entitlements...they work too hard
2007-10-24 01:33:52 · answer #2 · answered by Christine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Found americans to be generally quite nice. However having been to america and other parts of the world, i can see how the irish have the reputation of being "a friendly bunch". Even though our own general manners are decreasing i still think we are the friendliest pepole especially when it comes to talkin to strangers.
This is the thing though. I'd say about 99% of irish people hate and i say that word strongly, being greeted with top o the mornin to you. We dont say that and i dont even think we ever really did. Leprechans pots of gold and other objects that "make us Irish" go over our heads.
I suppose the most annoyin thing really is that some americans in general still seem to think that we all live in the country side were electricity is a rare gift and were tv doesnt exist that aint the case. That being said you told me to be honest so that just what i think. Overall Americans are a grand bunch really!
2007-10-23 22:51:58 · answer #3 · answered by SarahJ 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
well most of the americans i have met are my relations and they are really nice. they have the american accent but they also have the irish way about them and love coming over here and seeing their irish families and heritage.
i have also overheard a few stereotypical americans while at home and on holidays in other european destinations. they complain loudly when there is really no need to, ask for rest rooms instead of the toilet - i always laugh at that one - as if you're actually going in for a rest, and once or twice heard derogatory remarks about the place they are in - if you dont like it - go home.
having never been to america, i would imagine that in general most of them are ok, but you know what they say - there's always one...........
2007-10-23 22:53:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
raveled in America always on me own and found the people brilliant and helpful the only American that wreaked me head is me cousin she spent 1 year here in Ireland studying Irish history and thought i knew nothing she even wreaks her American cousins heads
2007-10-27 01:58:24 · answer #5 · answered by slim trim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love America so much, that I became an American! It's wonderful not having to worry about religion all of the time! Americans are free to do whatever we choose and are so diverse. I love it!
2007-10-23 19:01:35 · answer #6 · answered by Rex B 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
All I can say is Orla C, you are a real Gem!!
Thank you for being so honest it is nice to hear!!
Anyhoo sorry I didn't answer the question
I have met a few Americans bit rude and arrogant but I'm not Irish so sorry xx
2007-10-24 02:51:21 · answer #7 · answered by Madness 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋