Quote:
Originally Posted by noodle
MMM i agree with you, but the problem with stereotypes is that it isn't usualy just from the government. All the stereotypes that i tend to agree with (unintentionally) are the ones that american's that i have met give across. eg. most americans as soon as they hear my accent is english, they for some reason want to start a debate about which country is best and which english is better... because of this, i tend to believe that A LOT of americans are stubborn and think they are the best in the world.
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That is very interesting to me (and I am happy to talk on non-attacking terms) as that is completely the opposite of my experience. I do appreciate you speaking to your experiences (no doubt 100% true), and I will tell you mine.
When I lived in Japan, I had many chances to drink with English speakers from all over the world. It didn't take more than a few occasions of drinking with a few Brits, Aussies and others that is was clear that my presence as an American was not necessary. Our government was shit. Our beer was piss. Our people were too fat. Our kids were too stupid. After a few nights of drinking with my new "friends" I was about ready to hang myself. I had never felt so forced to defend my country (or concede its faults). It was strange to me, because here we all were in Japan, in a brand new country, with pluses and minuses, but my presence led only to continued attacks on America. It was like I had a target on my chest. So I quit hanging out with them.
I visited London a few years ago, and had a really stellar time. It was a real blast, and near the B&B I was staying in was a great pub. I would go there for a couple pints before bed, and met a couple guys who were real nice and we spoke for several nights in a row. Feeling comfortable enough I asked "So what do you guys really think about Americans?" and they said "For all the shit you get, every American who comes into this pub seems to try so hard NOT to be the 'ugly American' it is laughable" (including me). He then went on to say that Americans are too shy, and that Brits like Americans (Yanks, was his word) like Americans love Brits. With open arms.
I have no doubt you have met some loud-mouthed, asshole Americans. There is no shortage, but I don't think it is a distincively or above-average American quality.