|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Haven't read this whole thread so apologies if this is either a duplicated point, or if the thread has now died out, but the book Culture Shock USA is a good one to read, in my opinion, for foreign nationals coming into the US. I found it really funny and helpful and realistic in terms of some of the differences you will encounter. My mantra throughout my first few months was "It's not wrong, it's different", about all the things I found were unfamiliar to me. If you can keep an open mind and open yourself to new, and maybe different friendships, you'll enjoy the company Americans, and others will provide to you during your stay. Good luck!
|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by yodfrodo
(Post 7466883)
In september i will be moving to US for 6 months to 1 year. I basically want to know what Americans are like. I hear alot of stereotypes but im not sure i believe them. Are there any clear differences which are obvious??
i will be very lonely if i cannot make friends. I am quite a shy person but when people are very like me i can usually come out my shell. i like making a joke out of everything, i like 'taking the piss' out of my friends, i sort of like spontaniaty (sp) and self-depricating people. i find people who take themselves seriously quite intimidating. do you think i will be liked? Is there any anti-english people there? does being english make you kind of stand out?? Regarding sense of humor and meeting people, maybe refrain from taking the piss while you feel out the personalities of others. I am a fairly sarcastic person (by American standards anyway) and I have to watch this myself. I have many friends who I would tease or 'take the piss out of' (not sure we have an equivalent?). They are all people who share the same sort of sense of humor - we are out there you know! Here's an example I can give you. I'm in a new department at work, so meeting new people. My department was holding a welcome happy hour for two of us who were new to the department. One man in my department, who is about the nicest person you could ever meet, sent me a note explaining that he was very sorry he couldn't make it due to another engagement. I was a bit surprised that he even bothered to send me an apology for not being able to attend! My immediate reaction was to say something like "Oh I see how you are. Too good to come to my welcoming." or similar ... but I stopped myself. You see, as sweet as he is, I've never heard him make a similar remark. I was afraid he would take it the wrong way, so I simply said "I hope you're able to come next time!" I talked this over with a co-worker later who said "probably smart" - you see, he's a sweetheart but doesn't have a sarcastic bone in his body. There are plenty of us who do, and if you are just polite and friendly initially it will be clear who is who. Just wanted to share that this is something many Americans have to feel out too! |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by sunflwrgrl13
(Post 7468099)
The US was the first to kick out a monarchy and realize that someone, by virtue of their birth, is not the best leader for a country. Regardless of the 'power' HRM may or may not hold, she is still considered the Head of State. A bit old fashioned, no?
If you speak to Americans about what you find lacking here, in the same tone that you write with here, no wonder you think all Americans can't take criticisms of the government. I find many faults with my country and am open to discussing them, but I wouldn't tolerate the insults that you spew forth. If you spoke to me with the same condescending tone you have here, I would have bitch-slapped you into the middle of next week. |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by surly
(Post 7468137)
As you may have noticed us Brits are self depreciating.
|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by elfman
(Post 7468145)
speak for yourself - personally I think I'm holding my value pretty well
|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by Kaffy Mintcake
(Post 7468119)
Hi there! I hope you will have a positive experience in the US.
|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
(Post 7468149)
That picture of you is 10 years old though
as it were |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by exvj
(Post 7467917)
I said we can all post and all nationalities welcome - correct me if I am wrong ?
It's the people who go round in a group and try to squash anyone who points out something they don't like about their country who are trying to set indirect rules on their own It's natural for immigrated Brits on BE to say what their likes and dislikes are - I just down think they should be howled down by the same band of americans that's all I'm like sunflower & KezzieCheesecake.. willing to discuss the shortfalls of my own country/countrymen, considered sarcastic by most who know me in person, certainly have traveled & lived abroad and enjoyed (and suffered!) it. I'd never take that away from any expat anywhere.. you think I think the Greeks are as smart as they think they are? And that I didn't miss peanut butter when I lived there? :lol: What I personally can't tolerate is the wholesale, authoritative statements that spring from one person's limited experiences and are cast over "Americans" or any group of people. Like the way you generalize about Mexicans from the few people you've met in your community. It's obvious from what you say that you have no experience or knowledge of the European influence on Mexico.. it's laughable to anyone who does. You, individually, can not seem to make the distinctions, and *that* is what bugs me about your posts. If you perceive a gang up mentality, maybe you're just an equal opportunity offender. I've never needed to PM anyone to join a thread you are participating in. Yesterday, I was reading the paper & asked DH, ok, what would you guess is the percentage of Americans who have never lived anywhere but their home town? He said 73%. Percentage of American adults who have never moved away from their original hometown: 37 Percentage who have never lived outside the state in which they were born: 57 Percentage of Texans who still live in Texas: 76 The US is a big place, with a lot of people. |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by elfman
(Post 7468157)
but I've put on about 25 pounds since then - more bang for your buck
as it were |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by exvj
(Post 7467859)
Think of it as a girlie night out or a boys booze up - these groups like to be alone and to talk about the other lot sometimes
Or is that too PC and it doesn't happen in america ? Yes people of all nationalities welcome as long as they don't become oppressive in squashing opinion of other nationals with heavy handedness and banding together an sending PM's to each other or to people who might support a poster against their wishes 1st amendment and all that you know It's obvious to everyone by now that americans are incredibly sensitive to perceived slights against their country, and it deters the flow of people's experiences Perhaps thats the biggest difference of all - Britons come from a quietly assured country whose long history has worked out many questions, whereas the US is a new born and still trying to find it's self image Nothing more prickly making than a sense of insecurity Britain had its civil war before the US We had our bill of rights before the US We had votes for women before the US We banned slavery before the US We had a woman head of government before the US We halted public executions before the US etc etc etc etc etc The US is still finding its way as society and so the Brits should make allowances I suppose and compliment them all the time for what they have achieved in the way that we only compliment children and we don't point out their failures ... |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by meauxna
(Post 7468161)
More self-serving BS or a complete lack of understanding?
I'm like sunflower & KezzieCheesecake.. willing to discuss the shortfalls of my own country/countrymen, considered sarcastic by most who know me in person, certainly have traveled & lived abroad and enjoyed (and suffered!) it. I'd never take that away from any expat anywhere.. you think I think the Greeks are as smart as they think they are? And that I didn't miss peanut butter when I lived there? :lol: What I personally can't tolerate is the wholesale, authoritative statements that spring from one person's limited experiences and are cast over "Americans" or any group of people. Like the way you generalize about Mexicans from the few people you've met in your community. It's obvious from what you say that you have no experience or knowledge of the European influence on Mexico.. it's laughable to anyone who does. You, individually, can not seem to make the distinctions, and *that* is what bugs me about your posts. If you perceive a gang up mentality, maybe you're just an equal opportunity offender. I've never needed to PM anyone to join a thread you are participating in. Yesterday, I was reading the paper & asked DH, ok, what would you guess is the percentage of Americans who have never lived anywhere but their home town? He said 73%. Percentage of American adults who have never moved away from their original hometown: 37 Percentage who have never lived outside the state in which they were born: 57 Percentage of Texans who still live in Texas: 76 The US is a big place, with a lot of people. In fact it doesn't require a lot of wit or intelligence. |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by surly
(Post 7468175)
Sarcasm and piss taking isn't a very high form of humour though is it?
In fact it doesn't take a lot of wit or intelligence. |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
(Post 7468177)
Oh lighten up will ya!!!!!
|
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by surly
(Post 7468185)
Go take a ride on a #22 will ya!!!!!!!
I'm on the top deck with Elfman! |
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
(Post 7468187)
:lol:
I'm on the top deck with Elfman! |
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 4:03 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.