Are Americans really an different to us?
Apr 9th 2009 | 1:31 pm
#106
Guest
Posts: n/a
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!
Apr 9th 2009 | 1:35 pm
#107
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,497
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
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??
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!
Apr 9th 2009 | 1:44 pm
#108
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
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.
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.
Apr 9th 2009 | 1:55 pm
#113
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
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
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?
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.
Apr 9th 2009 | 2:01 pm
#115
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,596
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
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
...
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
...
Last edited by anotherlimey; Apr 9th 2009 at 2:09 pm.
Apr 9th 2009 | 2:02 pm
#116
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Re: Are Americans really an different to us?
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?
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.
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?
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.
