I'm worried that I won't get on with people there -- the culture seems completely different. I always assumed it was the same (perhaps because we speak the same language more or less), but after meeting some other American people, I've noticed that there's a huge difference between them and British people.
How do you think they're different? Will I be able to get on with people over there?
Thanks.
I can tell you that we Americans are as foreign to you, as say the Chinese are. Our food is different, our language is certainly different, even though you try to copy us, our way of dress is different. Our politics are different, when you live here, you will find out just how free you are in the U.K. Regardless of what that xenophobe has said our crime rate is far above that of the UK. Unlike you in the UK we cannot criticize our leaders and institutions as you can, because if we do we are said to be unpatriotic, regardless of if or not the person is entirely wrong, like the previous president.When you come to the USA as I hope you will, do not expect to find the same sense of humor that you have. When you go into the post office and they have a red line for you to wait behind make sure you stay there even if no one else in in there.The one word that you will come across daily is "cooperation" we are all expected to cooperate with "them", whom ever "them" are, not to do so is considered unamerican. Our police are very much a law unto themselves and they are completely humorless, so dont try to be cute with them. You will find that quite a lot of Brits come to work here and enjoy their life, others find it too restrictive and go home. You will have to make up your own mind about that. If you have "opinions" you may find life here a bit confining because basically we can do and say just what we like, as long it is what "they" want us to say and do.Why do I feel qualified to say this?, because I go to the Uk several times a year to lecture law at your universities, I have been doing so for the past 11 years. So you see I am amongst young people that do have thoughts of their own so am able to make these comparisons.I nearly forgot the one most important thing, we even drive on the other side of the road!!!
Nobody will care who you are or where you are from . Yes you will get a few people who will notice your accent , and might make fun of you or just try and have a normal conversation with you.
If you walk down the street you are likely to get mugged , beat up , shot , raped ect.... just as a "normal" American would.You will not be a target just because you are from Britain.
It is all about your surroundings.You want to be "hip"(ooh look at me I grew up in the suburbs , but now I live in the big city,I'am "urban"now) and live in NYC or Chicago then you will have to deal with many unsavory people.
Only thing that might hold back from people accepting you will be your accent , then again that is only 1% the other 99% could not give a s**t,they have there own lives and problems too deal with.
Enjoy your stay.
There are so many ways that we are different it would be hard to keep track. One way that I find makes it hard for us to communicate is probably how open, honest and straight forward we are with others. We do this because people had to be that way to win friends fast when settling the country. The British are already settled and have been so they tend to do things to keep their lives very private such as false modesty (not judging just an observation) slower to make friends and share experiences with others.
it depends on which region you're moving to the people in the south are usually very conservative on all views from religion to sexuality. the people in the west/southwest are more liberal. the midwest is also somewhat conservative. the east is probably the most with mixed views. well most americans have a strong sense of family, faith, patriotism, and work. yes you'll be able to get along. just be kind and you'll be returned the favor.
i think we're more opinionated. if you insult us.. we don't like it.
someone on the inside can say, "oh ha, ha, america sucks!" and it can pass.. but there's nothing we hate more than some european who comes and bashes us down. seriously, we get it enough. keep the insulting light.
sure, you probably like your own politics better, and i'm not saying that you should keep them to yourself.. just please be polite about it.
and actually, the guy above me is wrong. the crime rates here are lower than in europe.
now, if you're sweet and polite, everyone will love you. talk in your cute little accent and everything will be fine! and in advance, welcome to the country!
I have found Americans very pleasant welcoming people.
They accept you for what you are, are not critical, and are often really interested in people from England and about our country.
You can't help but fit in.
As the poet said ....''Oh let me count the ways''.
The 'differences' are as different as are 'the similarities'.
Sash.
Is you... Madonna? Awright!
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