American View of the UK?

[ChaoticCharlie]

Hey! I just went to the US recently (Florida) and it was great! :jumpy: The people there were really nice and generally a lot more helpful in the UK. People also seem to talk to each other a lot more there, in the UK people generally like to keep themselves to themselves in public. But Americans can be loud! :mushy:

Anyway, I was just wondering what the American view of the UK and the British people is? I suppose the British think of the US as the country where everything is bigger and cheaper! This country is quite a lot more expensive; it's so unfair! In the US computer games, for example, are around the same price in dollars as there are in pounds in the UK!

Thanks for your replies!

[PWNAGE]

I have a friend that lives over somewhere in Machester. we met at an exchange thing over the summer a year or so ago. I've never been to the UK though. they are still cool in my book.

[optid]

Anyway, I was just wondering what the American view of the UK and the British people is? I suppose the British think of the US as the country where everything is bigger and cheaper! This country is quite a lot more expensive; it's so unfair! In the US computer games, for example, are around the same price in dollars as there are in pounds in the UK!

I don't want to get too general, but I do like most Brits that I've met. I love the way they use language as well as their understated sense of humor.
While the British may not be as outgoing as Americans when you first meet them, when you get to know them better they are actually quite friendly. That's just my experience.

BTW, our "lower" prices come at a cost. People in the UK pay VAT on most items. But as a result, you have access to many services that many Americans can only dream about.
In our country, 44 million people have no medical insurance. By contrast, everybody in your country has access to basic healthcare, even if the system has some flaws.

[CarolinaThunder]

I think the UK is actually quite cool. I must be honest in saying that your accents make me want to chop my head off, but it's all good:P. Oh yeah and i'm a little mad for them shitty Busted people from the UK people coming here. I've always wanted to go to London, and one day i probably will.

[The_Rezovor]

I deeply respect the UK, I have many friends over there and I for one am planning on moving there one day.

[Crossfire]

s. But as a result, you have access to many services that many Americans can only dream about. Yes, nighmares are horrible.

[optid]

Yes, nighmares are horrible.
And if you had a health problem and were one of the 44 million Americans with no medical insurance, you'd have nightmares every night.

[Mosquito]

I think the UK is actually quite cool. I must be honest in saying that your accents make me want to chop my head off, but it's all good:P.Don't worry, we feel the same way about yours! :P

(And I'm not going to begin on the absurdities that you inflict on English spelling!)

[Crossfire]

And if you had a health problem and were one of the 44 million Americans with no medical insurance, you'd have nightmares every night.I sure as hell don't want to pay for their insurance through my taxes when I get of working age. Nor do I want to have my health care paid for by others while I am young and poor.

[Stazi]

I like the UK, the accents are awesome.

[PWNAGE]

I like the UK, the accents are awesome.
yea luike Liz Hurley is just that much hotter because of the accent

:P ooooh, Liz Hurley

[Martin0934]

I have friends in the UK, and friends who moved here from there...my first question always is, "Why didn't you stay there? Why'd you move to America?" Cuz personally, I'd stay there...

[Crossfire]

I have friends in the UK, and friends who moved here from thereIt's people like them who cause America to still be great.

[CarolinaThunder]

Don't worry, we feel the same way about yours! :P

(And I'm not going to begin on the absurdities that you inflict on English spelling!)i seriously don't think i have an accent....i say all my words normally...i thiink:P

[Mosquito]

Funny, me too!

[optid]

I sure as hell don't want to pay for their insurance through my taxes when I get of working age. Nor do I want to have my health care paid for by others while I am young and poor.

Just to avoid hijacking our new friend Charlie's thread, I created a thread about Bush and healthcare in Debates.
You can continue to expatiate your compassionate conservative views there...
http://forums.govteen.com/showthread.php?t=101181

[AverageJoe25]

Just to avoid hijacking our new friend Charlie's thread, I created a thread about Bush and healthcare in Debates.
You can continue to expatiate your compassionate conservative views there...
http://forums.govteen.com/showthread.php?t=101181
I can't actually believe you fucking posted this, YOU OPENED THE DOOR TO THIS LINE OF DISCUSSION, you first mentioned it, if he wants to debate you, he can.

[Africa]

"Why didn't you stay there? Why'd you move to America?" Cuz personally, I'd stay there... The rain. It might be okay for two weeks, but it really gets you down after twenty years or so.

Which is why the retired population of Britain practically deport themselves to Spain for six months each winter.

[PWNAGE]

i seriously don't think i have an accent....i say all my words normally...i thiink:Pnow i know you have got to speak with a Philly accent lol

[Crossfire]

I can't actually believe you fucking posted this, YOU OPENED THE DOOR TO THIS LINE OF DISCUSSION, you first mentioned it, if he wants to debate you, he can.Exactly.

[Keith]

I like the UK. I know lots more Irish people, so I'm privy to a bit more bashing of the English than praise. But they're all expatriates being away on gap year and whatnot which makes them: A.) Homesick and B.) Overnight Sinn Fein supporters. Empathy is very important.

Something I did notice is how vicious your tabloids are over there. We hear about all these libel and slander suits, but ya'll are meaner to your celebrities than we are! It's wacky.

[roan]

Mr. Bean is cool.

[swany]

My mom and dad were born there and i have family there. I have a thing for girls with accents so yah love the UK

[Olly]

I suppose the British think of the US as the country where everything is bigger and cheaper! This country is quite a lot more expensive; it's so unfair! In the US computer games, for example, are around the same price in dollars as there are in pounds in the UK! It's also worth noting that the difference to Americans isn't that big because salaries are lower and don't forget that the dollar doing terribly at the moment so we get far more than we deserve when going to USA.

I heard that in america, if a guy walks into a shop and asks for twelve of anything instead of saying dozen, the shopkeep most likely won't know what he's talking about.

Personally, I don't think that the rain is at all bad. It gives the perfect excuse to use an umbrella, which in turn can be used to strike unsuspecting victims in the buttocks.

[CarolinaThunder]

I heard that in america, if a guy walks into a shop and asks for twelve of anything instead of saying dozen, the shopkeep most likely won't know what he's talking about.
That's the stupidest thing i have ever heard.

[Africa]

That's the stupidest thing i have ever heard. I think he meant it the other way round. I would hope so, anyway.

[Olly]

That's the stupidest thing i have ever heard. Me too.

[Mr_Roboto]

i always thought the UK was rainy, gloomy, and was loaded with Victorian/Gothic Architecture (28 Days Later, Underworld). I've never actually seen a more "modern" district of the UK with buildings more akin to the ones over here in the states. I also figured that the cars were smaller and the roads were cobblestone. As Stazi said though, the accents are sweet! yes, yes i know i'm brutally ignorant of the UK, and i would love to actually visit the place sometime in the future.

[Africa]

I also figured that the cars were smaller True, but we aren't as fat as you lot, and there aren't a lot of moose to crash into.

[Mr_Roboto]

True, but we aren't as fat as you lot, and there aren't a lot of moose to crash into.
true, but at least we have good teeth and good breath...hey, fair's fair. ^_^

[EricM]

Everyone has an accent. I didn't think I had an accent until recently when I went to the US. :P

[Africa]

Everyone has an accent. I didn't think I had an accent until recently when I went to the US. :P People who are dumb (in the literal sense) dont.

[Mr Anonymous]

I like the UK. When I look at the government, I see chairs filled with sensible people. I can't comment on its People because I've never met people from the UK. Frankly, the closest I've ever been was Amsterdam, Holland. None the less, I do hope to travel there someday.

I also find it very interesting, that our nations once bittery hated each other, (And without that dissent, the US would not exist, odd) and now, share a bond unique in the world.

[Olly]

Unfortunetly, a lot of the stereotypes carried down to USA citizens from the point of view of people from the UK are brought about by your president. Stereotypes may include: stupid, dumb, fat and war-mongering. I think a lot more people should talk to the average American before making these assumptions. Although America does appear to have a poor education system, the other stereotypes are false.

[optid]

Unfortunetly, a lot of the stereotypes carried down to USA citizens from the point of view of people from the UK are brought about by your president. Stereotypes may include: stupid, dumb, fat and war-mongering.
You probably know that I loathe George W. Bush, but it's hardly accurate to call him "fat".

[Olly]

http://www.forums.govteen.com/images/smilies/laughing.gifYes I know, but it's another stereotype. I'm in a laughing mood today.

[crazydude88]

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->

Unfortunetly, a lot of the stereotypes carried down to USA citizens from the point of view of people from the UK are brought about by your president. Stereotypes may include: stupid, dumb, fat and war-mongering. I think a lot more people should talk to the average American before making these assumptions. Although America does appear to have a poor education system, the other stereotypes are false.
Poor education syastem, please tell me your kidding we go to school i belive the second longest of every country a year. We have by far way more colleges than any other country in the world the next being India which just so happens to have almost as many americans in their colleges as people from there. You probally get that from the way we talk but the history behind American english goes back to the early 1800's when a fellow named Webster and few others wrote a dictonary and decided to change some words so they'd be spelled more like they sound. any ways I like the UK they've been AMericas greatest ally for over a century now, and most of the people i have talked to from there seem pretty cool. I don't see my self moving there or anything though because im a proud American born and bred here, but I would like to visit there some time.

[Olly]

Poor education syastem, please tell me your kidding we go to school i belive the second longest of every country a year. Poor education system? Please tell me you're kidding! I believe that our school year is the second longest of any country.
That's how I would write it. In case you didn't realise, your way doesn't make sense. Not understanding sentence structure? Not knowing the difference between your and you're? Great education you've got yourself there...:yawn:

We have by far way more colleges than any other country in the world the next being India which just so happens to have almost as many americans in their colleges as people from there. Please tell me that you mean per mile squared! If you don't then you have no point: America is the only rich huge country there is.

It might be an exagguration to use you as an example of poor education.

[CarolinaThunder]

Poor Education?
the U.S. has a literacy rate of 97% and the UK has a literacy rate of 99%, you people must forget we have FAR more people to educate, considering our much larger population.
Hm, i guess they don't teach you common sense there:roll:

[roan]

You guys suck at counter-strike.

[roan]

but seriously, i dont have a problem with the UK. they're cool in my books.

[&#1071;]

Poor Education?
the U.S. has a literacy rate of 97% and the UK has a literacy rate of 99%, you people must forget we have FAR more people to educate, considering our much larger population.
Hm, i guess they don't teach you common sense there:roll:

You have more people to educate, you also have more people to be the educators.

[BATTLE_DONKEY]

*mod edit*

[Africa]

my view of you guys is that you are very simple people with very small penis Not funny. And reported.

[Olly]

Poor Education?
the U.S. has a literacy rate of 97% and the UK has a literacy rate of 99%, you people must forget we have FAR more people to educate, considering our much larger population.
Hm, i guess they don't teach you common sense there:roll:
You have more people to educate, you also have more people to be the educators. Yes, as well as many, many more resources and riches than the average country to fund anything with, yet you still have a lower education standards and literacy rates than the average MEDC. If you re-read my inital post you will see that it is mainly compliments and wasn't drawing any particular attention to your education, but you complained about it. I would like to re-state that I don't have any problem with Americans' education, or see Americans as being stupid, but you noticed it and picked a fight so I will stand by what I said.


my view of you guys is that you are very simple people with very small penishttp://www.d.umn.edu/%7Epete2358/pictures/warning%20-%20moron%20posting.jpg

Credits for picture to user Ethereal from www.umdstudents.com.
(http://www.umdstudents.com/viewtopic.php?t=5268)

[smile!]

good things about america compared to the U.K:
good immigration laws compared to the UK who let anybody in and so have a failing national health service (which is one of the UK's major advantages over america)
from what i can see, looks after its citizens very well compared to the UK who try to be so PC that they only look after ethnic minorities who have come here illegally
laws that make sense as oppose to the UK who are imposing a law where comedians can get up to 7 years for mocking ethnic minorities, and murderers get an average of 6
Citizens who dont complain when its government try to protect them from terrorism by introducing ID cards, but will compalin that the government didnt do enough to stop the terrorist attack that will happen.
spends alot on defence whereas the UK decide to introduce further cuts to its defence system leaving us completely open to attack

Things that the U.K has over America:
NHS (which we won't have very soon)
smaller but much better trained army as opposed to the many, many cock-ups of the US army (and the many cock-ups of their security sevices like the FBI)
a leader (prime minister) who is chosen by his skills as a leader and a prime minister as opposed to voting for the 'nicest guy'
america seems to be a very insuler country, the world stops at the borders of america for them, also america, who are the biggest polluters of the world, where the only country not to aggree to cut down on its pollution, and so secure an early demise for the human species.
I'm from the UK by the way, and want to move to america when im older as it seems to look after its citizens well.

[Africa]

good immigration laws compared to the UK who let anybody in and so have a failing national health service (which is one of the UK's major advantages over america) Agreed. Although our immigration officials do a good job, they dont have the power to deport people soon enough, which is hurting us indirectly through the benefits system.
from what i can see, looks after its citizens very well compared to the UK who try to be so PC that they only look after ethnic minorities who have come here illegally I wouldn't say that, but, yes, we do look after our ethnic minorites very well.

laws that make sense as oppose to the UK who are imposing a law where comedians can get up to 7 years for mocking ethnic minorities, and murderers get an average of 6 Comedians are now exempt from the new 'Incitement to Religious Hatred' laws. Possibly on the grounds that anyone preaching hatred isn't funny.

Citizens who dont complain when its government try to protect them from terrorism by introducing ID cards, but will compalin that the government didnt do enough to stop the terrorist attack that will happen. Nope. No terrorist attack yet. We are being put into a climate of fear (like the Americans have, in some ways), just so the government can control us better.

spends alot on defence whereas the UK decide to introduce further cuts to its defence system leaving us completely open to attack Not quite... but I am against the defence cuts.


NHS (which we won't have very soon) Thats good. Much better than 30 million with no healthcare.

smaller but much better trained army as opposed to the many, many cock-ups of the US army (and the many cock-ups of their security sevices like the FBI) Too true.

a leader (prime minister) who is chosen by his skills as a leader and a prime minister as opposed to voting for the 'nicest guy' A leader chosen, because he has the best smile, wasn't it?

america seems to be a very insuler country, the world stops at the borders of america for them, also america, who are the biggest polluters of the world, where the only country not to aggree to cut down on its pollution, and so secure an early demise for the human species. Yup.

I'm from the UK by the way, and want to move to america when im older as it seems to look after its citizens well. El stupido. I want to move, but I think I'll go to Canada, or New Zeland.

[Brit Twit]

Although our immigration officials do a good job, they dont have the power to deport people soon enough, which is hurting us indirectly through the benefits system.Either get some decent officials who dont sit around masturbating all day or ban them from getting benefits. Problem solved.

but, yes, we do look after our ethnic minorites very well.They get treated better than we do, the fags

[Dward]

Poor education syastem, please tell me your kidding we go to school i belive the second longest of every country a year. We have by far way more colleges than any other country in the world the next being India which just so happens to have almost as many americans in their colleges as people from there. You probally get that from the way we talk but the history behind American english goes back to the early 1800's when a fellow named Webster and few others wrote a dictonary and decided to change some words so they'd be spelled more like they sound. any ways I like the UK they've been AMericas greatest ally for over a century now, and most of the people i have talked to from there seem pretty cool. I don't see my self moving there or anything though because im a proud American born and bred here, but I would like to visit there some time.

If you go to school "for so long" (I think that's what you're attempting to say) then why don't you use the things you pick up there and learn how to use correct punctuation and spelling?

Silly American.

But aside from that, I agree. I assume the basic conception of my country is generally.. tolerable. I like American people, they're funny. Although, there are a lot of obese ones, doesn't mean you can't get to know them. I have a number of friends in America, and they're all courteous.

[Hologide]

I'm from the UK, and I'd love to go to America, just to experience things like football match or early release dates for new videogames. I geuss everyone wants to experience different cultures without language problems

[Aeboi]

Well I am quite pleased with the way the UK works; even though they have a queen their democracy is quite exceptional. I think the UK and US are great allies in the since that we back each other up like Iraq and when Hitler was bombing London we sent a parade of ships to protect the coasts.

[optid]

Thats good. Much better than 30 million with no healthcare.
Actually, bro, it's over 40 million. :(

[css181]

The rain. It might be okay for two weeks, but it really gets you down after twenty years or so.

Which is why the retired population of Britain practically deport themselves to Spain for six months each winter.


LOL hilarious!

[quietguy]

UK is awesome in my view and i don't think anyone should hate the UK...and oh yea, the reason why some people don't use grammar and punctuation in this thread is because quite frankly, they don't want to, like me for instance...seriously, unless the person can't spell for life, shut up about this grammar problem (can't tolerate with this grammar bull crap anymore)...

[Mosquito]

when Hitler was bombing London we sent a parade of ships to protect the coasts.Err, when exactly?

[Munky]

good things about america compared to the U.K:

Citizens who dont complain when its government try to protect them from terrorism by introducing ID cards, but will compalin that the government didnt do enough to stop the terrorist attack that will happen.
spends alot on defence whereas the UK decide to introduce further cuts to its defence system leaving us completely open to attack.

I disagree with the lot of that as a comparison to the UK, ID cards wont stop terrorism at all. I mean, how is an ID card going to help the police find a terrorist? Will they a little tick box saying "Al-Queida Terrorist Yes/No"? And the reason most of us are against the stupid cards is there hasnt been a terrorist attack, so far our security seems to be working. Stupid compulsory cards which increase government monitoring is wrong.