Kevin Connolly's take on America

[Sundae]

I think it's because firstly he is writing for a British readership, and those unfamiliar with real American life will actually find it quite critical by our standards. And secondly he is not intending to criticise the country, but point out differences that the average Brit is unaware of.

Before I came here I had no understanding of the issues surrounding gun control, the role of religion in politics, American manners. Well, okay - I encountered Americans when I was waitressing but I thought then quite rude, only redeemed by their tips - it took me a while to realise we have different ideas of polite and they were behaving politely by their standards. And that in fact the opposite was true - I'm sure many Americans have been appalled by the lack of manners of our shop staff, while we consider them perfectly polite.

And after all, people can look down their nose at anyone.
We even have a specific word for them in this country.
Cunts.