RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Aug 23rd 2010, 6:04 pm
#16
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by chrisbeale
As a Brit I think I fall into the 'not shiny-happy all the time, but genuine when needs be and the first to help in an emergency' category, and I can say it's true for a lot of us, but not true for some people I know who wouldn't put you out if they had a bucket of water and you were on fire (there's a phrase along the lines of this but probably against the rules 
) and I can't speak for Americans really. I cannot fake being pleased, and sometimes even when I get the best present ever I'm still like "Oh, thanks" - I'm a miserable English git. But I'd happily jump into the proverbial for almost anyone in trouble.
) and I can't speak for Americans really. I cannot fake being pleased, and sometimes even when I get the best present ever I'm still like "Oh, thanks" - I'm a miserable English git. But I'd happily jump into the proverbial for almost anyone in trouble.
Aug 23rd 2010, 6:07 pm
#17
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by robin1234
I agree. I'm kinda sick of the glassy-eyed interactions at the supermarkets etc. that I frequent here.
"Hi how are you today."
"Did you find everything you needed."
"have a nice day."
If you present them with an actual problem or complaint, they've lost their place in the script.
"Hi how are you today."
"Did you find everything you needed."
"have a nice day."
If you present them with an actual problem or complaint, they've lost their place in the script.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:01 pm
#18
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Dan725
I agree with Lisa, its all a bit swings and roundabouts.
While people in the UK might be grumpy buggers and not deliver your food with a smile, it feels more real to me. Come an emergency or something that is really important, I feel that more people there would be more inclined to lend a hand -but here in the US, where it's all well mannered surface smiles and very nice, come the day when help is really required, I wouldn't be surprised to be hearing crickets. But again, this is just a perception and all really depends on individuals, it's not a national thing.
While people in the UK might be grumpy buggers and not deliver your food with a smile, it feels more real to me. Come an emergency or something that is really important, I feel that more people there would be more inclined to lend a hand -but here in the US, where it's all well mannered surface smiles and very nice, come the day when help is really required, I wouldn't be surprised to be hearing crickets. But again, this is just a perception and all really depends on individuals, it's not a national thing.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:03 pm
#19
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Michael
The facts don't back that up. As a percentage of gdp, US residents give over 2x the amount as the Brits and 10x the amount of the French to charity.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:04 pm
#20
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Michael
The facts don't back that up. As a percentage of gdp, US residents give over 2x the amount as the Brits and 10x the amount of the French to charity.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:08 pm
#21
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
A tax-deductible donation is different from being there for somebody.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:08 pm
#22
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Michael
50% of American don't pay federal income tax but are some of the biggest givers as a percentage of their income.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:15 pm
#23
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Well maybe we can say we are as kind as each other just that going with a stranger to a hospital for example is more public (and therefore noticable) act of generosity than donating to charity. Both are worthwhile. Although a bit of TLC is sometimes needed more than cash, New Orleans and Haiti come to mind. A bit of cash more than love is more needed in other situations; the recent Pakistan floods 'need' more British donations for instance.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:28 pm
#24
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Does that include contributions to churches?
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:30 pm
#25
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Does that include contributions to churches?
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:37 pm
#26
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Does that include contributions to churches?
For instance, donations to churches.. I'm an atheist so am not a member of a religious congregation here in the US, or in England. I don't give a tax-deductible "tithe" to a church or anything. But, I like visiting churches in England (to check out the rood screen or whatever..) I always put a few pounds in the donations box. Is that loose change actually compiled and included in this comparative data? How about when I go to visit a cathedral in England; most of them charge for entry, £5 often. Is that an entry fee, a charitable donation, or part one, part the other?
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:39 pm
#27
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Michael
The facts don't back that up. As a percentage of gdp, US residents give over 2x the amount as the Brits and 10x the amount of the French to charity.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
http://www.jonholato.com/2007/06/26/...other-country/
Also the more conservative you are, the more you will likely give.
Going back to England in 6 weeks.Looking forward to taking notes.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:49 pm
#28
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by robin1234
I also wonder how the data is compiled.
How about when I go to visit a cathedral in England; most of them charge for entry, £5 often. Is that an entry fee, a charitable donation, or part one, part the other?
How about when I go to visit a cathedral in England; most of them charge for entry, £5 often. Is that an entry fee, a charitable donation, or part one, part the other?
"How much is your donation Sir?"
"O I'll pay 20 for both of us"
"How much is that each? How would you like me to split this Sir?"
"Ummm does it matter? 10 each, whatever, is that OK?"
"Well I need to put in the exact contribution per visitor"
"O right well I'd like to pay $10 for each of us"
"Are you together?"
"Liiiike 'together' together? No"
So she gave me $10 change for my 20 and I gave the $10 to my friend and he gave it to her.
We went through wondering whether it was us or her who was being an idiot. Probably all of us.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:53 pm
#29
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
Does that include contributions to churches?
I do think Americans are generous in their charitable giving, but I would like to see the methodology of the country by country comparison before accepting it at face value.
Aug 23rd 2010, 7:57 pm
#30
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Re: RECENT TRIP TO ENGLAND
Originally Posted by Giantaxe
Yes it does. And to private educational establishments.
I do think Americans are generous in their charitable giving, but I would like to see the methodology of the country by country comparison before accepting it at face value.
I do think Americans are generous in their charitable giving, but I would like to see the methodology of the country by country comparison before accepting it at face value.
