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.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

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

Ha! I just made the mistake of googling the cunt. Based on his website the USA is only one item of many he has contempt for.

I've learned a lot from you as well Sundae. The British contingent has helped me look at America differently.

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

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.

Heh. In 2004, I made the big jump over the pond and visited your fair country. Mum and I visited a local pub near our hostel at King's Cross (yeah, I'm a cheap traveller - who needs a fancy hotel room when all I'm going to do in it is sleep?).

Anyway, after a fine supper of bangers and mash, washed down with a few pints and followed by a nice smoke INSIDE AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT (WOW! Awesome!), I took a fancy to the pub's big glass ashtrays which had the pub's large logo imprinted on it. Asked the waitress politely if I could buy one to take home with me.

She gave me an odd look and said she had to ask the manager.

???

She came back with a brand new ashtray, set it on the table and said, "The manager said you can have it for (I don't remember the actual price - it came to about $5 USD). But, you know, most people just steal them."

I suspect I gave her a much different impression of us Yanks, and for that I'm proud. We're not ALL ugly Merkins.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Yeah Glinda, now they think we're stupid for buying what other people get for nothing.

Just kidding, you done good, I'd have done the same.