Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

God how awful, I'm sorry that happened. I've had loads said to me in the pub here (american in the UK), but at least then I can respond freely. when you're 'on the job' it's a difficult situation to handle.
I had a boss once who didn't see me in the room when she launched into something, then spotted me. I just shook my head and told her I was disappointed in her.
I never know exactly how to respond to the 'what gives you the right...' comment. I usually say something about if I'm good enought to pay taxes, etc.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

There's always:
"Yeah, It's called the first amendment, it applies to everyone in this country."

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

I had a customer (who was not getting her own way) tell me to 'go back to my own country and learn to speak English', silly cow!

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

In the almost 10 years I've been here, the only anti-Brit comments I've come across have been wind-ups, by either family, friends or colleagues.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

You made me think me of a black tutor I had at college, she was chatting one day and said, "I've never been called a nigger", quick as a flash someone came back, "You need to get out more!"

The only time we had a tirade was from a crazed neighbour whom I asked to drive slower (she speeds around madly in a Porsche and there are no sidewalks). She started screaming at the 4 of us to "Get back to London - or Pakistan - it's the same thing" and then threatened to run us over.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

So you're from Bradford too then?:D

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

:lol: it would seem so.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

Talking Bradford. Georgie boy is back! :D

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

That sucks!

I've had a few bad experiences, mostly the insults and ignorance about socialism, cameras and "you guys have no guns". It's bullshit and I try to ignore it, but I am one of the few patriotic Brits and my patriotism is so strong that I do not let that nonsense slide.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

And here he is. Nice tan, too.

Does this mean that Bradford is back in England?

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

Plainly not - it is being renamed to Bradfordistan as we speak.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

I've found I cannot let myself get into conversations with anyone here in the US about politics or religion, and it's amazing how many conversations want to veer towards one or another . . . or both, now that the election is looming. This includes extended family members too--in fact it's worse with the relatives! It's too bad because I'm a dual & can intellectually understand where both sides are coming from. But when Americans start their knee-jerk clueless ranting against socialism & the NHS I have to walk away. Just walk away. (They should be so lucky as to *ever* experience anything even remotely similarly civilized in this country.)

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

I used to be such a nice person. :) Now that I've moved back to the US I'm always on the verge of arguing with someone. Any conversation that strays into politics..... it's just best if I don't go out in public much these days.

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

It's easy to find ignorance wherever you live: I just ignore it; nothing you can say or do will change their minds so why waste the effort?

Re: First anti-immigrant encounter
 

Yes! Often, anything turns into a political argument. If I talk about the weather for example, I've had instances where Al Gore and liberals have been brought into the conversation, as in trying to say that global warming doesn't exist.

I avoid most conversations here period as I get very easily angered and offended by such blatant and intentional ignorance.

I do understand the mistrust of government here and the fact that guns are sort of political statement rather than being anything to brag about, but I wish that many Americans would give me and the UK the same respect, i.e. that we do a lot of things differently and it's not about right or wrong or black or white; a lot of Americans never want to be seen as wrong, unlike a British person who will back down from an argument and walk away.