Why are the British so rude?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the constant "she's an American!!!1!!" Meghan Markle hate is a bit OTT and offensive.

Except, she is so obviously a social climber.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the constant "she's an American!!!1!!" Meghan Markle hate is a bit OTT and offensive.

Except, she is so obviously a social climber.

Then say that, instead of doing the xenophobic American bashing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the constant "she's an American!!!1!!" Meghan Markle hate is a bit OTT and offensive.

Except, she is so obviously a social climber.

This misses the point that in the US, a trust find guy without a university degree, who left the army after a couple of tours for a guaranteed job in the family business, would not be considered the social superior of a woman with a degree from a top university who has been self supporting all of her life. She has earned at least as much from acting as he inherited from his mother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another American twat who doesn't know what he/she is talking about?

Anonymous wrote:Theyre angry about becoming a largely irrelevant nation when they once were the greatest superpower. Sour grapes

Totally agree with you. And I love the use of "twat". You are definitely British.

I am the poster who posted the post with twat. I am actually American. I lived in the U.K. so that's why I know the British aren't obsessed with the loss of empire or "decline." It is, after all, still the fifth or sixth richest economy with an impressive intelligence sector and an armed forces that is still far larger than almost everyone else. The vast majority of people today have no memory of the empire nor is there any desire to return to those days (everyone knows the empire bled Britain dry).

There are many national issues and national topics, but the empire or decline of influence isn't one of them. If they get annoyed or sensitive about anything, it is people, especially Americans, who speak as if the British are going around moaning about loss of power or prestige.

The UK is highly focused on the NHS. As PP said, empire was a drain and is now coming back to bite the Brits on the butt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First of all I apologise but I didn't read all 19 pages, sorry. I do have an opinion/idea about this as I'm British. I lived in DC for 3 years but left in August and shall be back in January, hence still being on the board (it's addictive. So sue me)*.

I think part of the problem is that to the rest of the world including, but not limited to, America, Britain is the land of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Downton Abbey and perhaps, at the other end of the social spectrum, Eastenders. The livelihood of most British performers and British media relies on the rest of the world believing that all of Great Britain lives in some twee Austen-esque bubble where all the men are charming James Bond types who wander around in 3 piece suits all day, opening doors for ladies and the women are busy having vapours whenever they’re not shagging Oliver Mellors. Either that or we’re ‘salt of the earth’ cockney types who are all busy being cheeky, chirpy and working class whilst singing ‘I’m Getting Married In The Morning’.

This is so far from the truth of Great Britain in the 21st Century it’s unreal. It’s like suggesting that everyone in America is a gun toting, tobacco chewing fat person or that every American is an aggressive Wall Street type who wears shoulder pads and chants ‘Greed Is Good’.

The reality is that just as you in America are millions of people who all behave totally differently, so do we. Some Americans I have met are wonderful; you’re funny, welcoming, generous and kind (so kind. Really. Almost to a fault). Some of you are, frankly, horrible. You’re loud at inappropriate times, you’re obnoxious, you have some strange idea that the rest of the world can’t function without you intervening.

Do you get what I mean? Lots of great behaviours and a fair amount of negatives too. It’s the same with Great Britain and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish. Some of us are chuffing awesome. Some of us considerably less so. Also Italians, French…… see where I’m going?

None of us live in a vacuum; we are all the sum of our experiences and our demeanor reflects that. To suggest that an entire nation is a particular way because you’ve met, what, a dozen of them is a preposterous generalization.

The only difference that I can see between a cross section of Americans and a cross section of Brits is that I’ve never come across a message board thread in the London saying “Why are Americans so…(insert negative generalization to make myself feel better about my general shittiness)….?”

*I felt a qualifier was needed before someone inevitably started screeching about people outside DC posting. Yawn.

Another Brit here and I agree with the above.

I honestly don't recognise the "appalling" rudeness referred to by PPs. If anything, many Americans I've met here have talked about typical British politeness. I'm quite offended by this thread and also a bit shocked that so many people are willing to generalise about an entire nation in this way. To those who've received rude treatment by British people, I'm sorry for you. But I've received rude treatment from countless Americans and I certainly don't think those Americans are representative. I don't think that English people are inherently rude. I can think of two things that might be difficult to understand and be perceived of as rude: 1) British people are often more reserved than Americans - less likely to smile at or approach strangers, etc. That's because most people think it's better to "mind your own business". 2) Banter - that specific kind of joking and taking the piss that British people do with each other. I guess that could come across as rude but it really isn't intended that way or taken that way by those involved in it.

Not a Brit but an Anglophile, but I've noticed that Americans and Brits have a different sense of humor, more of a gallows humor about events, such as terrorist acts. When the car drove through pedestrians on London Bridge, Americans were posting the usual "thoughts and prayers," "we stand with England" aphorisms. Several Brits came on with cheeky, irreverent comments that sent the Americans around the bend and expressed "horror" at their lack of sympathy.

[Anonymous]

British people are rude because we enjoy it. Its a national pastime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First of all I apologise but I didn't read all 19 pages, sorry. I do have an opinion/idea about this as I'm British. I lived in DC for 3 years but left in August and shall be back in January, hence still being on the board (it's addictive. So sue me)*.

I think part of the problem is that to the rest of the world including, but not limited to, America, Britain is the land of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Downton Abbey and perhaps, at the other end of the social spectrum, Eastenders. The livelihood of most British performers and British media relies on the rest of the world believing that all of Great Britain lives in some twee Austen-esque bubble where all the men are charming James Bond types who wander around in 3 piece suits all day, opening doors for ladies and the women are busy having vapours whenever they’re not shagging Oliver Mellors. Either that or we’re ‘salt of the earth’ cockney types who are all busy being cheeky, chirpy and working class whilst singing ‘I’m Getting Married In The Morning’.

This is so far from the truth of Great Britain in the 21st Century it’s unreal. It’s like suggesting that everyone in America is a gun toting, tobacco chewing fat person or that every American is an aggressive Wall Street type who wears shoulder pads and chants ‘Greed Is Good’.

The reality is that just as you in America are millions of people who all behave totally differently, so do we. Some Americans I have met are wonderful; you’re funny, welcoming, generous and kind (so kind. Really. Almost to a fault). Some of you are, frankly, horrible. You’re loud at inappropriate times, you’re obnoxious, you have some strange idea that the rest of the world can’t function without you intervening.

Do you get what I mean? Lots of great behaviours and a fair amount of negatives too. It’s the same with Great Britain and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish. Some of us are chuffing awesome. Some of us considerably less so. Also Italians, French…… see where I’m going?

None of us live in a vacuum; we are all the sum of our experiences and our demeanor reflects that. To suggest that an entire nation is a particular way because you’ve met, what, a dozen of them is a preposterous generalization.

The only difference that I can see between a cross section of Americans and a cross section of Brits is that I’ve never come across a message board thread in the London saying “Why are Americans so…(insert negative generalization to make myself feel better about my general shittiness)….?”

*I felt a qualifier was needed before someone inevitably started screeching about people outside DC posting. Yawn.

Another Brit here and I agree with the above.

I honestly don't recognise the "appalling" rudeness referred to by PPs. If anything, many Americans I've met here have talked about typical British politeness. I'm quite offended by this thread and also a bit shocked that so many people are willing to generalise about an entire nation in this way. To those who've received rude treatment by British people, I'm sorry for you. But I've received rude treatment from countless Americans and I certainly don't think those Americans are representative. I don't think that English people are inherently rude. I can think of two things that might be difficult to understand and be perceived of as rude: 1) British people are often more reserved than Americans - less likely to smile at or approach strangers, etc. That's because most people think it's better to "mind your own business". 2) Banter - that specific kind of joking and taking the piss that British people do with each other. I guess that could come across as rude but it really isn't intended that way or taken that way by those involved in it.

Not a Brit but an Anglophile, but I've noticed that Americans and Brits have a different sense of humor, more of a gallows humor about events, such as terrorist acts. When the car drove through pedestrians on London Bridge, Americans were posting the usual "thoughts and prayers," "we stand with England" aphorisms. Several Brits came on with cheeky, irreverent comments that sent the Americans around the bend and expressed "horror" at their lack of sympathy.

It's not just that. I can deal with gallows humor. When Americans are killed in a mass shooting or terrorist evnt, many Brits will chime in with America bashing, "this is your own fault" statements and downright despicable comments.

Seeing the contrast has made me realize how much America values compassion/kindness as a cultural value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think they're rude because Britain is a caste system and those low in the totem pole, however clever they think they are, know they'll never be much. In America you can rise the ladder, not so in Britain -- this stokes intense envy and hatred.

The class system died a long time ago. Nor was it ever anything like the rigid Indian caste system. And don't kid yourself into thinking America doesn't have its own class system either. People use the class system just as an excuse for their own failures. Or Americans who can't figure out why they can't fit into the U.K.

Have you ever been to Britain? Do you know any Brits? What is knighthood?

What are you? A high school kid trying to maintain a false argument? The fact you mentioned a knighthood tells me that you know nothing about what the British class system was or is or what it's like today.

There's little difference between the UK and the US in terms of class divisions these days. Just because there's a handful of people with titles doesn't say anything, titles are cultural leftovers and carry little social or political prestige. The vast majority of British have never met anyone with a title, for example.

OBEs are fairly common, particularly for entertainers who bring in money for UK charities. They do allow one's daughter to marry at St. Paul's Cathedral, so there is that. My favorite thing is when the Queen distributes coins to the elderly on Maundy Thursday, followed by swan upping on the Thames. The swans belong to the crown and volunteers count the swans each year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:British people are rude because we enjoy it. Its a national pastime.

I think this is the real answer.

The French call S&M "the English vice" and I think it's true- there is a touch of sadism in almost every Brit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DH is British and I don't think he'd argue with you. On the one hand, Brits can be incredibly polite and never really tell you if they're upset, offended, etc. On the other hand, many, particularly the younger ones think Americans are obnoxious and full of themselves. They hate Trump and perhaps group us all together. The worst is when they hear things like us chanting 'USA USA USA.' They don't understand all the patriotic stuff and think we're arrogant. These are obviously vast generalizations and not always the case. What kind of snide comments are you hearing, OP?

[b]

I think the British are lovely and Americans are rude. The USA chants are obnoxious.

- Canadian

French or British?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the constant "she's an American!!!1!!" Meghan Markle hate is a bit OTT and offensive.

Except, she is so obviously a social climber.

This misses the point that in the US, a trust find guy without a university degree, who left the army after a couple of tours for a guaranteed job in the family business, would not be considered the social superior of a woman with a degree from a top university who has been self supporting all of her life. She has earned at least as much from acting as he inherited from his mother.

His mother would have had little had she not received the divorce settlement from the firm. Lucky she divorced Charles or Harry might have been forced to stay in the Army to earn a few quid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First of all I apologise but I didn't read all 19 pages, sorry. I do have an opinion/idea about this as I'm British. I lived in DC for 3 years but left in August and shall be back in January, hence still being on the board (it's addictive. So sue me)*.

I think part of the problem is that to the rest of the world including, but not limited to, America, Britain is the land of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Downton Abbey and perhaps, at the other end of the social spectrum, Eastenders. The livelihood of most British performers and British media relies on the rest of the world believing that all of Great Britain lives in some twee Austen-esque bubble where all the men are charming James Bond types who wander around in 3 piece suits all day, opening doors for ladies and the women are busy having vapours whenever they’re not shagging Oliver Mellors. Either that or we’re ‘salt of the earth’ cockney types who are all busy being cheeky, chirpy and working class whilst singing ‘I’m Getting Married In The Morning’.

This is so far from the truth of Great Britain in the 21st Century it’s unreal. It’s like suggesting that everyone in America is a gun toting, tobacco chewing fat person or that every American is an aggressive Wall Street type who wears shoulder pads and chants ‘Greed Is Good’.

The reality is that just as you in America are millions of people who all behave totally differently, so do we. Some Americans I have met are wonderful; you’re funny, welcoming, generous and kind (so kind. Really. Almost to a fault). Some of you are, frankly, horrible. You’re loud at inappropriate times, you’re obnoxious, you have some strange idea that the rest of the world can’t function without you intervening.

Do you get what I mean? Lots of great behaviours and a fair amount of negatives too. It’s the same with Great Britain and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish. Some of us are chuffing awesome. Some of us considerably less so. Also Italians, French…… see where I’m going?

None of us live in a vacuum; we are all the sum of our experiences and our demeanor reflects that. To suggest that an entire nation is a particular way because you’ve met, what, a dozen of them is a preposterous generalization.

The only difference that I can see between a cross section of Americans and a cross section of Brits is that I’ve never come across a message board thread in the London saying “Why are Americans so…(insert negative generalization to make myself feel better about my general shittiness)….?”

*I felt a qualifier was needed before someone inevitably started screeching about people outside DC posting. Yawn.

Another Brit here and I agree with the above.

I honestly don't recognise the "appalling" rudeness referred to by PPs. If anything, many Americans I've met here have talked about typical British politeness. I'm quite offended by this thread and also a bit shocked that so many people are willing to generalise about an entire nation in this way. To those who've received rude treatment by British people, I'm sorry for you. But I've received rude treatment from countless Americans and I certainly don't think those Americans are representative. I don't think that English people are inherently rude. I can think of two things that might be difficult to understand and be perceived of as rude: 1) British people are often more reserved than Americans - less likely to smile at or approach strangers, etc. That's because most people think it's better to "mind your own business". 2) Banter - that specific kind of joking and taking the piss that British people do with each other. I guess that could come across as rude but it really isn't intended that way or taken that way by those involved in it.

Not a Brit but an Anglophile, but I've noticed that Americans and Brits have a different sense of humor, more of a gallows humor about events, such as terrorist acts. When the car drove through pedestrians on London Bridge, Americans were posting the usual "thoughts and prayers," "we stand with England" aphorisms. Several Brits came on with cheeky, irreverent comments that sent the Americans around the bend and expressed "horror" at their lack of sympathy.

It's not just that. I can deal with gallows humor. When Americans are killed in a mass shooting or terrorist evnt, many Brits will chime in with America bashing, "this is your own fault" statements and downright despicable comments.

Seeing the contrast has made me realize how much America values compassion/kindness as a cultural value. [/quo
You are so wrong. Americans like to "act" as if they have compassion and kindness. The "thoughts and prayers" posters on Facebook are simpleton virtue signalers, an unfortuante cultural norm rather than a cultural value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First of all I apologise but I didn't read all 19 pages, sorry. I do have an opinion/idea about this as I'm British. I lived in DC for 3 years but left in August and shall be back in January, hence still being on the board (it's addictive. So sue me)*.

I think part of the problem is that to the rest of the world including, but not limited to, America, Britain is the land of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Downton Abbey and perhaps, at the other end of the social spectrum, Eastenders. The livelihood of most British performers and British media relies on the rest of the world believing that all of Great Britain lives in some twee Austen-esque bubble where all the men are charming James Bond types who wander around in 3 piece suits all day, opening doors for ladies and the women are busy having vapours whenever they’re not shagging Oliver Mellors. Either that or we’re ‘salt of the earth’ cockney types who are all busy being cheeky, chirpy and working class whilst singing ‘I’m Getting Married In The Morning’.

This is so far from the truth of Great Britain in the 21st Century it’s unreal. It’s like suggesting that everyone in America is a gun toting, tobacco chewing fat person or that every American is an aggressive Wall Street type who wears shoulder pads and chants ‘Greed Is Good’.

The reality is that just as you in America are millions of people who all behave totally differently, so do we. Some Americans I have met are wonderful; you’re funny, welcoming, generous and kind (so kind. Really. Almost to a fault). Some of you are, frankly, horrible. You’re loud at inappropriate times, you’re obnoxious, you have some strange idea that the rest of the world can’t function without you intervening.

Do you get what I mean? Lots of great behaviours and a fair amount of negatives too. It’s the same with Great Britain and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish. Some of us are chuffing awesome. Some of us considerably less so. Also Italians, French…… see where I’m going?

None of us live in a vacuum; we are all the sum of our experiences and our demeanor reflects that. To suggest that an entire nation is a particular way because you’ve met, what, a dozen of them is a preposterous generalization.

The only difference that I can see between a cross section of Americans and a cross section of Brits is that I’ve never come across a message board thread in the London saying “Why are Americans so…(insert negative generalization to make myself feel better about my general shittiness)….?”

*I felt a qualifier was needed before someone inevitably started screeching about people outside DC posting. Yawn.

Another Brit here and I agree with the above.

I honestly don't recognise the "appalling" rudeness referred to by PPs. If anything, many Americans I've met here have talked about typical British politeness. I'm quite offended by this thread and also a bit shocked that so many people are willing to generalise about an entire nation in this way. To those who've received rude treatment by British people, I'm sorry for you. But I've received rude treatment from countless Americans and I certainly don't think those Americans are representative. I don't think that English people are inherently rude. I can think of two things that might be difficult to understand and be perceived of as rude: 1) British people are often more reserved than Americans - less likely to smile at or approach strangers, etc. That's because most people think it's better to "mind your own business". 2) Banter - that specific kind of joking and taking the piss that British people do with each other. I guess that could come across as rude but it really isn't intended that way or taken that way by those involved in it.

Not a Brit but an Anglophile, but I've noticed that Americans and Brits have a different sense of humor, more of a gallows humor about events, such as terrorist acts. When the car drove through pedestrians on London Bridge, Americans were posting the usual "thoughts and prayers," "we stand with England" aphorisms. Several Brits came on with cheeky, irreverent comments that sent the Americans around the bend and expressed "horror" at their lack of sympathy.

It's not just that. I can deal with gallows humor. When Americans are killed in a mass shooting or terrorist evnt, many Brits will chime in with America bashing, "this is your own fault" statements and downright despicable comments.

Seeing the contrast has made me realize how much America values compassion/kindness as a cultural value.

You are so wrong. Americans like to "act" as if they have compassion and kindness. The "thoughts and prayers" posters on Facebook are simpleton virtue signalers, an unfortuante cultural norm rather than a cultural value.

No, it's genuine. But you sound sociopathic so you wouldn't understand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First of all I apologise but I didn't read all 19 pages, sorry. I do have an opinion/idea about this as I'm British. I lived in DC for 3 years but left in August and shall be back in January, hence still being on the board (it's addictive. So sue me)*.

I think part of the problem is that to the rest of the world including, but not limited to, America, Britain is the land of Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Tom Hiddleston, Downton Abbey and perhaps, at the other end of the social spectrum, Eastenders. The livelihood of most British performers and British media relies on the rest of the world believing that all of Great Britain lives in some twee Austen-esque bubble where all the men are charming James Bond types who wander around in 3 piece suits all day, opening doors for ladies and the women are busy having vapours whenever they’re not shagging Oliver Mellors. Either that or we’re ‘salt of the earth’ cockney types who are all busy being cheeky, chirpy and working class whilst singing ‘I’m Getting Married In The Morning’.

This is so far from the truth of Great Britain in the 21st Century it’s unreal. It’s like suggesting that everyone in America is a gun toting, tobacco chewing fat person or that every American is an aggressive Wall Street type who wears shoulder pads and chants ‘Greed Is Good’.

The reality is that just as you in America are millions of people who all behave totally differently, so do we. Some Americans I have met are wonderful; you’re funny, welcoming, generous and kind (so kind. Really. Almost to a fault). Some of you are, frankly, horrible. You’re loud at inappropriate times, you’re obnoxious, you have some strange idea that the rest of the world can’t function without you intervening.

Do you get what I mean? Lots of great behaviours and a fair amount of negatives too. It’s the same with Great Britain and the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish. Some of us are chuffing awesome. Some of us considerably less so. Also Italians, French…… see where I’m going?

None of us live in a vacuum; we are all the sum of our experiences and our demeanor reflects that. To suggest that an entire nation is a particular way because you’ve met, what, a dozen of them is a preposterous generalization.

The only difference that I can see between a cross section of Americans and a cross section of Brits is that I’ve never come across a message board thread in the London saying “Why are Americans so…(insert negative generalization to make myself feel better about my general shittiness)….?”

*I felt a qualifier was needed before someone inevitably started screeching about people outside DC posting. Yawn.

Another Brit here and I agree with the above.

I honestly don't recognise the "appalling" rudeness referred to by PPs. If anything, many Americans I've met here have talked about typical British politeness. I'm quite offended by this thread and also a bit shocked that so many people are willing to generalise about an entire nation in this way. To those who've received rude treatment by British people, I'm sorry for you. But I've received rude treatment from countless Americans and I certainly don't think those Americans are representative. I don't think that English people are inherently rude. I can think of two things that might be difficult to understand and be perceived of as rude: 1) British people are often more reserved than Americans - less likely to smile at or approach strangers, etc. That's because most people think it's better to "mind your own business". 2) Banter - that specific kind of joking and taking the piss that British people do with each other. I guess that could come across as rude but it really isn't intended that way or taken that way by those involved in it.

Not a Brit but an Anglophile, but I've noticed that Americans and Brits have a different sense of humor, more of a gallows humor about events, such as terrorist acts. When the car drove through pedestrians on London Bridge, Americans were posting the usual "thoughts and prayers," "we stand with England" aphorisms. Several Brits came on with cheeky, irreverent comments that sent the Americans around the bend and expressed "horror" at their lack of sympathy.

It's not just that. I can deal with gallows humor. When Americans are killed in a mass shooting or terrorist evnt, many Brits will chime in with America bashing, "this is your own fault" statements and downright despicable comments.

Seeing the contrast has made me realize how much America values compassion/kindness as a cultural value.

You are so wrong. Americans like to "act" as if they have compassion and kindness. The "thoughts and prayers" posters on Facebook are simpleton virtue signalers, an unfortuante cultural norm rather than a cultural value.

No, it's genuine. But you sound sociopathic so you wouldn't understand.

I don't know how genuine it really is.... just look at the sheer hatred and disgust and contempt many people have expressed towards anyone, regardless of reasons, who voted for Trump. Or even Republicans in general. There's plenty of anti-social divisiveness in America.

But thankfully most people aren't like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the constant "she's an American!!!1!!" Meghan Markle hate is a bit OTT and offensive.

Except, she is so obviously a social climber.

This misses the point that in the US, a trust find guy without a university degree, who left the army after a couple of tours for a guaranteed job in the family business, would not be considered the social superior of a woman with a degree from a top university who has been self supporting all of her life. She has earned at least as much from acting as he inherited from his mother.

His mother would have had little had she not received the divorce settlement from the firm. Lucky she divorced Charles or Harry might have been forced to stay in the Army to earn a few quid.

He'd have received an allowance from the Queen (or Charles) and a free house/estate. Like all the other spare sons.