NationStates Jolt Archive

Cold, rainy and arrogant: how American students see modern Britain
By Danielle Demetriou
19 June 2004


It is a distant, rainy land, inhabited by stuffy tea drinkers who whip their children and idolise the hockey player David Beckham. Welcome to Britain in the 21st century - at least in the eyes of young Americans.

A study published yesterday revealed that thousands of black, Asian and Hispanic Americans subscribe to what might be described as an alarming caricature of Britain. Many believe the UK plays only a minor role in international relations and that the British are unsporty and arrogant. And at least two-thirds of the students, all from ethnic minority backgrounds, felt unable to describe the UK as a diverse land.

When asked about school discipline, one respondent said: "They're strict, wielding punishment other than detention. Do they whip kids?" Offering an opinion on the British character, another said: "They talk really proper. You get a sense of arrogance. Everything's 'bloody this', 'bloody that'."

The British Council commissioned the study, entitled Pale People in the Rain, to examine perceptions of Britain by America's students. It was based on research among the Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American populations at 4,000 high schools and college pupils in Texas, California, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Their views are likely to surprise British politicians hopeful of forging academic and diplomatic links. "The UK/US special relationship will have to be worked at," said Sir David Green, director general of the British Council. "Unless the UK's profile in the US is raised, future generations of leaders are more likely to look across the Pacific than the Atlantic for education and employment opportunities."

Nearly two-thirds of the pupils questioned said Britain's cold weather and perpetual rain meant they would never want to live there. None of those questioned was able to name a British scientist or technological achievement. And while some were unable to name any British sports stars, others identified David Beckham as a leading figure in hockey, baseball or golf.

Is this really how Amerticans think of the Britsh?

It's not how I think; however, I do find it to be quite funny. :lol:

Now that's an interesting news report. I have to say it's right, though. That's more or less how the British are viewed.

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I like big butts!
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I'm American and the two places i'd like to live, other than America is Britain and Canada. That's just the American minorities' opinion. Don't take it personally. The majority of our black citizens are ignorant anyway. :D

i feel quite offended!

* laughs*

Well look at it this way.. how many Brits see Americans as loud, boorish, gun-toting, Super-size everything, SUV driving, ignoramuses???

Yeah that is what I thought.... :lol:

Stereotypes are a bitch..... :P

Americans don't have to think. We just watch TV and get fat. Anyone for McDonald's? You know I'm lovin' it. :D

Americans don't have to think. We just watch TV and get fat. Anyone for McDonald's? You know I'm lovin' it. :D

I'm not fat. :D

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

Americans don't have to think. We just watch TV and get fat. Anyone for McDonald's? You know I'm lovin' it. :D

I'm not fat. :D

you're still young, you have your whole life ahead of you, don't worry, it's just a matter of time!

Some of those views are stereotyped in all people here, mostly the stuck up 'they talk all proper and drink tea all day' view. I'm not sure where the harsh punishment comes from, never heard that before.

Americans don't have to think. We just watch TV and get fat. Anyone for McDonald's? You know I'm lovin' it. :D

I'm not fat. :D

you're still young, you have your whole life ahead of you, don't worry, it's just a matter of time!

so the stereotypes go both ways, huh?

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P

Americans don't have to think. We just watch TV and get fat. Anyone for McDonald's? You know I'm lovin' it. :D

I'm not fat. :D

you're still young, you have your whole life ahead of you, don't worry, it's just a matter of time!

so the stereotypes go both ways, huh?

sorry, i was only joking, you're lovely and you won't get fat

british technelogical achivement: hover craft

Most people i know see americans as hill billys who try to re-write their own history.

Yeah, tinkerbelly, somehow I think everyone's going to come out of this one feeling offended.

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

Some of those views are stereotyped in all people here, mostly the stuck up 'they talk all proper and drink tea all day' view. I'm not sure where the harsh punishment comes from, never heard that before.

Public schools probably...

british technelogical achivement: hover craft

and the internet

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:

who invented slim-fast?

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:
Good luck to you. :D

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:
Good luck to you. :D
Thank you! Just doing my bit to break down stereotypes :P

british technelogical achivement: hover craft

Most people i know see americans as hill billys who try to re-write their own history.

That's just our government. :D

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:

Gotcha beat. I *am* a Brit on my father's side.

I don't see how that stereotype got into place. True, in the old days there WERE harsh punishments (just look at the Pink Floyd song!) and true, British people make damn good tea, but other than that, it's just stereotypical. I don't know... *sigh, goes off to play in the sandbox*

Japaica, hello! Elbowdepp, that was kinda harsh

british technelogical achivement: hover craft

and the internetNo, I think the internet was either made by some kids at Stanford or a few Fins.

Japaica, hello! Elbowdepp, that was kinda harsh

Yo. Looks like i've passed you in the post count. :D

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:

Gotcha beat. I *am* a Brit on my father's side.

I don't see how that stereotype got into place. True, in the old days there WERE harsh punishments (just look at the Pink Floyd song!) and true, British people make damn good tea, but other than that, it's just stereotypical. I don't know... *sigh, goes off to play in the sandbox*

Bloody Americans and their bloody steriotypes about the British what.

Nope doesn't happen like that. We actually have fairly leniant punishments as well.

Just ignore the trolls.
I'm removing all trace of it.

mate, i'm british and i know some of this is offensive, but your just being a cock now. shit loads of innocent people died in that, all just doing there job or whatever, and you laugh because they died? this is sick, i reckon the mods should know. Its not funny at all, you're just some sadistic fuck!

Cold, rainy and arrogant: how American students see modern Britain
By Danielle Demetriou
19 June 2004


It is a distant, rainy land, inhabited by stuffy tea drinkers who whip their children and idolise the hockey player David Beckham. Welcome to Britain in the 21st century - at least in the eyes of young Americans.

A study published yesterday revealed that thousands of black, Asian and Hispanic Americans subscribe to what might be described as an alarming caricature of Britain. Many believe the UK plays only a minor role in international relations and that the British are unsporty and arrogant. And at least two-thirds of the students, all from ethnic minority backgrounds, felt unable to describe the UK as a diverse land.

When asked about school discipline, one respondent said: "They're strict, wielding punishment other than detention. Do they whip kids?" Offering an opinion on the British character, another said: "They talk really proper. You get a sense of arrogance. Everything's 'bloody this', 'bloody that'."

The British Council commissioned the study, entitled Pale People in the Rain, to examine perceptions of Britain by America's students. It was based on research among the Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American populations at 4,000 high schools and college pupils in Texas, California, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Their views are likely to surprise British politicians hopeful of forging academic and diplomatic links. "The UK/US special relationship will have to be worked at," said Sir David Green, director general of the British Council. "Unless the UK's profile in the US is raised, future generations of leaders are more likely to look across the Pacific than the Atlantic for education and employment opportunities."

Nearly two-thirds of the pupils questioned said Britain's cold weather and perpetual rain meant they would never want to live there. None of those questioned was able to name a British scientist or technological achievement. And while some were unable to name any British sports stars, others identified David Beckham as a leading figure in hockey, baseball or golf.

Is this really how Amerticans think of the Britsh?

of course not. dont be silly

nice one myrth

Yeah, I was waiting for someone to say something about that, Japaica. I was also wondering why whoever that was chose to mention it at all, as the subject tends to stir up sympathy for Americans and that doesn't quite seem the goal of this thread.

Wow Myrth! You're so cool!


PS. I'm a lame troll, Myrth rocks.

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:

Gotcha beat. I *am* a Brit on my father's side.

I don't see how that stereotype got into place. True, in the old days there WERE harsh punishments (just look at the Pink Floyd song!) and true, British people make damn good tea, but other than that, it's just stereotypical. I don't know... *sigh, goes off to play in the sandbox*

Bloody Americans and their bloody steriotypes about the British what.

Nope doesn't happen like that. We actually have fairly leniant punishments as well.

I'm aware! I am QUITE aware. I keep in touch with people in England.

wtf? do you think the world trade centre was funny?

wtf? do you think the world trade centre was funny?

wha....

Wow Myrth! You're so cool!


PS. I'm a lame troll, Myrth rocks.

Awww thanks :oops:




:twisted:

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:
Good luck to you. :D

thanks Aust :D

Wow Myrth! You're so cool!


PS. I'm a lame troll, Myrth rocks.

Awww thanks :oops:




:twisted:

Har!!!! :)))

the post got deleated greater vilia

the post got deleated greater valia

ah... troll i think?

Personlly I see Americans as large, SUV driving, idiouts, coming from a underfunded eduacation systerm, that don't speak right, love guns, and who all seem to think that they are the best.

But thats my opinion. Also just to prove this report wong, I don't drink tea and I speak with a strong Yorkshire accent.

And you wonder why some Americans see Brits as arrogant? :roll: :P
j/K, I mean I know a few Americans and I know their not like that, other than the large bit, but then again he is the prop forward in our rugby team...

LOL no offense taken I am engaged to a Brit... :wink:
Good luck to you. :D

thanks Aust :D
No problem. Just to say, I didn't make this thread to annoy anyone or anything, I was just suprised if this was even close to true.

Cold, rainy and arrogant: how American students see modern Britain
By Danielle Demetriou
19 June 2004


It is a distant, rainy land, inhabited by stuffy tea drinkers who whip their children and idolise the hockey player David Beckham. Welcome to Britain in the 21st century - at least in the eyes of young Americans.

A study published yesterday revealed that thousands of black, Asian and Hispanic Americans subscribe to what might be described as an alarming caricature of Britain. Many believe the UK plays only a minor role in international relations and that the British are unsporty and arrogant. And at least two-thirds of the students, all from ethnic minority backgrounds, felt unable to describe the UK as a diverse land.

When asked about school discipline, one respondent said: "They're strict, wielding punishment other than detention. Do they whip kids?" Offering an opinion on the British character, another said: "They talk really proper. You get a sense of arrogance. Everything's 'bloody this', 'bloody that'."

The British Council commissioned the study, entitled Pale People in the Rain, to examine perceptions of Britain by America's students. It was based on research among the Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American populations at 4,000 high schools and college pupils in Texas, California, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Their views are likely to surprise British politicians hopeful of forging academic and diplomatic links. "The UK/US special relationship will have to be worked at," said Sir David Green, director general of the British Council. "Unless the UK's profile in the US is raised, future generations of leaders are more likely to look across the Pacific than the Atlantic for education and employment opportunities."

Nearly two-thirds of the pupils questioned said Britain's cold weather and perpetual rain meant they would never want to live there. None of those questioned was able to name a British scientist or technological achievement. And while some were unable to name any British sports stars, others identified David Beckham as a leading figure in hockey, baseball or golf.

Is this really how Amerticans think of the Britsh?

You can thank Pink Floyd for most of the "strict disipline" stuff. Like, the music videos of kids being hit and put through meat grinders. And the whole "Brick in the Wall" thing. Oh, and I am American, and I never thought that about the UK. Just about France :lol:

Cold, rainy and arrogant: how American students see modern Britain
By Danielle Demetriou
19 June 2004


It is a distant, rainy land, inhabited by stuffy tea drinkers who whip their children and idolise the hockey player David Beckham. Welcome to Britain in the 21st century - at least in the eyes of young Americans.

A study published yesterday revealed that thousands of black, Asian and Hispanic Americans subscribe to what might be described as an alarming caricature of Britain. Many believe the UK plays only a minor role in international relations and that the British are unsporty and arrogant. And at least two-thirds of the students, all from ethnic minority backgrounds, felt unable to describe the UK as a diverse land.

When asked about school discipline, one respondent said: "They're strict, wielding punishment other than detention. Do they whip kids?" Offering an opinion on the British character, another said: "They talk really proper. You get a sense of arrogance. Everything's 'bloody this', 'bloody that'."

The British Council commissioned the study, entitled Pale People in the Rain, to examine perceptions of Britain by America's students. It was based on research among the Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American populations at 4,000 high schools and college pupils in Texas, California, Massachusetts and Virginia.

Their views are likely to surprise British politicians hopeful of forging academic and diplomatic links. "The UK/US special relationship will have to be worked at," said Sir David Green, director general of the British Council. "Unless the UK's profile in the US is raised, future generations of leaders are more likely to look across the Pacific than the Atlantic for education and employment opportunities."

Nearly two-thirds of the pupils questioned said Britain's cold weather and perpetual rain meant they would never want to live there. None of those questioned was able to name a British scientist or technological achievement. And while some were unable to name any British sports stars, others identified David Beckham as a leading figure in hockey, baseball or golf.

Is this really how Amerticans think of the Britsh?

You can thank Pink Floyd for most of the "strict disipline" stuff. Like, the music videos of kids being hit and put through meat grinders. And the whole "Brick in the Wall" thing. Oh, and I am American, and I never thought that about the UK. Just about France :lol:
Agreed, also i think that even if you watch freinds or The Saimpsons, you wills ee bland sterotyping of british Caricters. I can't rember a single American show that fetured British Caricters that wern't sterotyped, especally the accent.