Your Country and You

[Pheasy]

I was born in Hampshire and up until 5 years ago always lived in southern England. When we moved to PA I was surprised (more than I thought I would be) by the difference between the British and American people. I sometimes wonder if moving to Japan (or another non-english speaking country) would have been just as daunting.

It became very apparent that we are (to a certain extent) our country. I was just wondering what/how you saw yourself in relation to your country, and how much of this is due to your nationality?

Like, I was shocked at the Americans obsession with their flag - Pheasy runs and hides

[kazalala]

Pheasy;825995 wrote: I was born in Hampshire and up until 5 years ago always lived in southern England. When we moved to PA I was surprised (more than I thought I would be) by the difference between the British and American people. I sometimes wonder if moving to Japan (or another non-english speaking country) would have been just as daunting.

It became very apparent that we are (to a certain extent) our country. I was just wondering what/how you saw yourself in relation to your country, and how much of this is due to your nationality?

Like, I was shocked at the Americans obsession with their flag - Pheasy runs and hides


When hubs was in the RAF we were stationed at S.H.A.P.E for a while and i was amazed at how differnt Americans are to us,,, i think its cos we both speak english we dont expect them to be as ,, er foreign as say japanese:wah::wah: or they us i expect:-3

[Pheasy]

:wah: You $#%@ Jimbo :wah:

I'm glad its not just me who noticed this. Its not so apparent here at FG (excluding Jester and Spot ) more in RL.

I lived in Canada and Wales for sometime too - I have to say I did not notice the differences so much. Also, both countries have road signs written in 2 languages

[qsducks]

Pheasy, I will have to grant you that issue on the flags. I don't even own an American flag, but I have lots of garden flags:wah: The only people here in this country that have steering wheels on the right side are the postal carriers. I've always been curious myself as to why we drive on the wrong side of the road.

[Pheasy]

qsducks;826027 wrote: Pheasy, I will have to grant you that issue on the flags. I don't even own an American flag, but I have lots of garden flags:wah: The only people here in this country that have steering wheels on the right side are the postal carriers. I've always been curious myself as to why we drive on the wrong side of the road.


:wah: Garden Flags!! :wah:

Actually I do think the majority of countries drive on the right , so you might be the norm on that one.

What sort of garden flags? I worry :wah:

[qsducks]

I have several ones. Halloween, Christmas, St. Pat's, flower ones. I'm looking for either a Phillies or Red Sox garden flag at the moment and am stuck. Can't find them. I'm talking about the little flags not those giant ones (can't stand them).

[Pheasy]

See everyone, you don't know what its like - I dream about Americans chasing me with flags - even Ducks admits to a wee flag fetish (just kidding with ya Ducks :-4).

[pinkchick]

Pheasy;826047 wrote: See everyone, you don't know what its like - I dream about Americans chasing me with flags - even Ducks admits to a wee flag fetish (just kidding with ya Ducks :-4).


Pheasy there is a certain "obsession" with flags in NI too but for very different reasons! :rolleyes::wah::wah:

[RedGlitter]

So it's true then about the British? You guys aren't that patriotic about your country? I thought that was just Spot's take on it all this time but no?

That flag means a lot to most Americans. A big lot. We puff up and tear up when we see it. Not completely because of that stuff about us being the "best" country because many of us don't really think like that. It's just that it stands for home and where else do you love and value the most but your home? Next time you're at an American parade for instance, watch the faces of the old war veterans when the flag goes by and see if your eyes don't water a bit. When I look at our flag I see their faces. I see many other things too but....

So, we all know about driving on different sides of the road but what about more subtle things we may not think about? What other differences have you noticed? Are there any you like better? Are there any that make you nuts?

[kazalala]

RedGlitter;826074 wrote: So it's true then about the British? You guys aren't that patriotic about your country? I thought that was just Spot's take on it all this time but no?

That flag means a lot to most Americans. A big lot. We puff up and tear up when we see it. Not completely because of that stuff about us being the "best" country because many of us don't really think like that. It's just that it stands for home and where else do you love and value the most but your home? Next time you're at an American parade for instance, watch the faces of the old war veterans when the flag goes by and see if your eyes don't water a bit. When I look at our flag I see their faces. I see many other things too but....

So, we all know about driving on different sides of the road but what about more subtle things we may not think about? What other differences have you noticed? Are there any you like better? Are there any that make you nuts?


I think there are quite a lot of patriotic people left in Great Britain, but sometimes we get told off from the pc brigade if we fly our flag:-5:-5:rolleyes:

[Galbally]

Its an interesting one, I remember when I was in College in the 1990s, and I lived in a big student residence with 16 other people, about 12 European's from all countries France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Gemany, Britain, Ireland, Sweden, and 3 Americans (Boston, California, and Indiana), and a fella from Asia (thailand), it was stricking how similar the Europeans all were in many basic attitudes despite the language and culture differences, and how different the Americans were in their basic attitudes to the Europeans, including the Brits.

It was one a time that made me realize how similar Europeans are in general, without really realizing it, and how British and Irish people are not at all like Americans, in spite of the fact that we speak the same lanugage and we understood a large amout of the cultural references of the American students (which were all based on the same TV and movies that we watch here) we were just fairly typical Europeans (depsite living on the Islands). It actually took the American students quite a while to get used to being in England, as they kept saying how alien it was compared to America, but they eventually got used to it, and they quite liked in in the end I think, apart from the rain, and Eastenders.

What I liked about the Americans was their general positivity, get up and go, politeness, the homliness, and they were kinda straight forward about how they dealt with things. The things I didn't like was the sort of general disregard for cultural things, they kinda had a dismissive attitude about the wider world outside the states, and the food they used to get sent over from home, which was all like plastic, but they assured us was lovely. Though the girls did thanksgiving dinner for us, and that was lovely because it was home-cooked.

[Pheasy]

My take - I am talking for me and not my fellow country folk. We British are very patriotic but we do it in a way that allows us to be individuals too (I can't think of how else to explain it). There is a lot brain-washing in the USA, particularly noticeable in US forces and ex- forces.

Also many people around here have never left the USA - visiting other countries does allow a better understanding in every way.

When I first moved here I was hit with an overwhelming 'I'm a nobody feeling' - an ant and not an individual with voice that should be heard.

[Galbally]

In terms of my own country, I am completely typically Irish in my outlook, as any irish person would tell you. Though because I was born in England and lived there as a child, I do have a sense of what its like to have a different identity as well, and its quite different though still generally it has a lot of similarities, I think its good to experience life in other countries, as it teaches you a lot about yourself as a person, and how much of what you consider to be your own opinions are actually just the collective opinions of your fellow countrymen and women, its human nature, one part of us is quite individual, but the other is totally collective, like bees.

[Pheasy]

I shouldn't generalize about any of us ..... I am talking about the majority I see. :-4

[Clodhopper]

I love it here. :-4

Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Yes, I've been to other countries (really liked Australia - but after a while missed the million shades of green we have here. Australia is brown. Do Aussies miss their million shades of brown when they go abroad?) both far and near. India was amazing.

I feel lucky to able to go to different countries like Scotland and Wales without difficulty - and they ARE different countries, to any Americans who think because we're all in the Union we are one country - we are three countries and a province in one State.

But England is my place, my home, my land and my history, from the wild North York Moors to the soft rolling hills and red soil of Devon and the bubbling action that is London. Wandered round it all my life and there's so much more to see. It's a big country in a little place. Don't need to shout about it, it just IS.

That's settled what poem I'm posting today!

[kazalala]

Clodhopper;826144 wrote: I love it here. :-4

Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Yes, I've been to other countries (really liked Australia - but after a while missed the million shades of green we have here. Australia is brown. Do Aussies miss their million shades of brown when they go abroad?) both far and near. India was amazing.

I feel lucky to able to go to different countries like Scotland and Wales without difficulty - and they ARE different countries, to any Americans who think because we're all in the Union we are one country - we are three countries and a province in one State.

But England is my place, my home, my land and my history, from the wild North York Moors to the soft rolling hills and red soil of Devon and the bubbling action that is London. Wandered round it all my life and there's so much more to see. It's a big country in a little place. Don't need to shout about it, it just IS.

That's settled what poem I'm posting today!


Yes there are some beautiful places to see:-4

[RedGlitter]

Galbally, I always like how you write things because you're eloquent and you get your point right across. I like that.

I have to agree about the lack of regard for cultural things. That may be because we're a fairly young country in comparison and were never really instilled with an appreciation for history, be it our own or that of another country. And it may also be because Americans have a regard for all things "new." You can see it in our consumerism for instance, we want what is the newest, thinking it's also the "best." You can also see it in the way the art movement is all but nonexistent in the US. I think as a generality, we don't all appreciate the beauty, history and finer aspects of other countries.

I am happy to read of the things you liked about us. Especially politeness because I'm so used to hearing about how Americans are demanding and rude, so that was nice. We are straightforward, you pegged us there, but I always thought British people were too, just in a more polite way. That was probably as clear as mud. :wah:

Pheasy. what made you feel like a nobody? I'm surprised to read that because Americans generally prize individuality, or at least we say we do. What's up there?

And no offense was meant about the patriotism, btw. How do you mean that about being patriotic but as individuals? Militarily of course, we are taught to be conformists but that aside, how do we differ?

Thanks for the topics. It's nice to be back in a discussion again. :-6

[RedGlitter]

kazalala;826083 wrote: I think there are quite a lot of patriotic people left in Great Britain, but sometimes we get told off from the pc brigade if we fly our flag:-5:-5:rolleyes:


Wow, is that right?! That's a shame, Kaza. Here, we're looked down upon if we don't show love for our country.

I have noticed on FG a distaste for our patriotism by some non Americans but I don't know why. The impression I get from them though is that the world's situation is directly the US's fault so we have no right to be proud of America.

JAB;826171 wrote: I agree with Red about Americans and the flag. I do get teary eyed over it and this is from the perspective of an immigrant to the US. And if the Star Spangled Banner is playing too, then my heart swells with pride even more.

From when I was little, I always remember my parents flying the flag as a way of respect and saying 'thanks' to this country for allowing us to be a part of it. My grandfather served in WW1 so it was a way of honoring his service to our adopted land as well.

From what my parents tell me of the Polish flag, it originally had an eagle but while it was under Communist rule, the 'official' flag had the eagle removed. Having a flag with the eagle would have been prohibited but many fiercely guarded it in private. Not sure of all the timing in this but it's now back with the eagle I believe.


JAB, that makes me proud to read. You just said what I couldn't say the other day in the immigration thread. Thank you.

[Pheasy]

RedGlitter;826179 wrote: Wow, is that right?! That's a shame, Kaza. Here, we're looked down upon if we don't show love for our country.

I have noticed on FG a distaste for our patriotism by some non Americans but I don't know why. The impression I get from them though is that the world's situation is directly the US's fault so we have no right to be proud of America.



JAB, that makes me proud to read. You just said what I couldn't say the other day in the immigration thread. Thank you.


I don't think it's a distaste for your patriotism - unfortunately it can come across as a very blinkered view someimes.

[Imladris]

I think a major difference between the UK and the US is our sense of humour in one particular aspect - we take the pizz out of ourselves all the time.



I've found Americans not to quite 'get' that side of us, Aussies generally do though.



I don't think that we're ashamed of being patriotic it's just that in the recent years we've had it constantly drip fed to us that we are a multi-cultural society and we've been made to be embarrassed to be a 'native' of these islands. Also when you get the National Front and football hooligans rallying around the union flag it does rather send the wrong image....

[kazalala]

Imladris;826223 wrote: I think a major difference between the UK and the US is our sense of humour in one particular aspect - we take the pizz out of ourselves all the time.



I've found Americans not to quite 'get' that side of us, Aussies generally do though.



I don't think that we're ashamed of being patriotic it's just that in the recent years we've had it constantly drip fed to us that we are a multi-cultural society and we've been made to be embarrassed to be a 'native' of these islands. Also when you get the National Front and football hooligans rallying around the union flag it does rather send the wrong image....

Yes that is a terrible shame Immy:( and i agree about our sense of humour, and it can sometimes be quite brutal:wah:

I used to go to a chat room on another forum, a man used to come in who supported Newcastle, and i of course support Sunderland,, so bitter rivals.. he was however a very nice bloke although we used to rib each other all the time.. i even met him and his partner at a meet i went to from that site, very funny and a gentleman. Anyway sometimes he used to come in to the room and really have a go at me,, ( i of course knew it was in fun) and i used to go back at him hammer and tongs,,, what made it so funny was how everyone else in the room slowly either left or went quiet:wah: i noticed though that even when other men were in no one ever took him to task for some of the things he said,,, then when he was gpoing he would say "right im off then see you later kaz sweetheart take care xxx" and i would say "bye darlin give my love to rachxxx" I often wonder what other people must have thought:wah::wah:

[Imladris]

kazalala;826231 wrote:

Yes that is a terrible shame Immy:( and i agree about our sense of humour, and it can sometimes be quite brutal



I used to go to a chat room on another forum, a man used to come in who supported Newcastle, and i of course support Sunderland,, so bitter rivals.. he was however a very nice bloke although we used to rib each other all the time.. i even met him and his partner at a meet i went to from that site, very funny and a gentleman. Anyway sometimes he used to come in to the room and really have a go at me,, ( i of course knew it was in fun) and i used to go back at him hammer and tongs,,, what made it so funny was how everyone else in the room slowly either left or went quiet:wah: i noticed though that even when other men were in no one ever took him to task for some of the things he said,,, then when he was gpoing he would say "right im off then see you later kaz sweetheart take care xxx" and i would say "bye darlin give my love to rachxxx" I often wonder what other people must have thought


It's like me and Jimbo - if you didn't know us you'd think we hate each other whereas I know that really he's desparately in love with me!!!:wah::wah::wah:

[kazalala]

Imladris;826241 wrote: It's like me and Jimbo - if you didn't know us you'd think we hate each other whereas I know that really he's desparately in love with me!!!:wah::wah::wah:


:wah:hes gonna get you for that:sneaky::wah:

[Pheasy]

Galbally is right the European mentality is very similar. Is it geographic? Maybe we need some Canadian comments as they are closer geographically to the US. I personally think that the Canadian mentality is closer to the British/European, as with the Australian.

[Sheryl]

Are you kidding there's a difference between the Americans depending on what part of the country you are in. For instance those up around Ohio, and such eat nasty brown gravy on their chicken fried steak, when the folks in the south know it's cream gravy you eat on chicken fried steak. :wah:



As to the flag, it's pride. It used to be folks were raised to have pride in their country, and the flag represents that. I don't think it was so much a "we are the best attitude", but this is who we are attitude.

[qsducks]

There's also that Pennsylvania attitude. James Carville who is helping to run Hillary Clinton's campaign called our state "There's Pittsburgh, then Philadelphia and Alabama in between".

[Pheasy]

qsducks;826449 wrote: There's also that Pennsylvania attitude. James Carville who is helping to run Hillary Clinton's campaign called our state "There's Pittsburgh, then Philadelphia and Alabama in between".


:wah::wah: :-5

[qsducks]

I take it Pheas, your not part of the Alabama?

[Clodhopper]

I couldn't believe this woman was giving me lessons in ettiquite because she thought we were uncivilised and uncouth


:wah::wah: My gawd! What had you done? Or not done?

[Nomad]

Pheasy;825995 wrote: I was born in Hampshire and up until 5 years ago always lived in southern England. When we moved to PA I was surprised (more than I thought I would be) by the difference between the British and American people. I sometimes wonder if moving to Japan (or another non-english speaking country) would have been just as daunting.



It became very apparent that we are (to a certain extent) our country. I was just wondering what/how you saw yourself in relation to your country, and how much of this is due to your nationality?



Like, I was shocked at the Americans obsession with their flag - Pheasy runs and hides


How else are we different ?

Is our thinking different ?

Whats right with us ?

Whats wrong with us ?

Were you welcomed well and made to feel comfortable ?

Are the differences big things or small day to day things ?

Is our government very different in the sense of priorities ?

Have you traveled since you have been here ?

How do you like PA ?

Are you in the mountains ?

Amish country ?

Do you prefer our food or back home food ?

What kind of food do you love here but cant get there ?

What does our accent sound like to you ?

[Clodhopper]

It wasn't by any chance because all she knew of Aussie was Crocodile Dundee, was it? Wouldn't surprise me. chortle. (shakes head in disbelief)

For any Americans out there who need a quick lesson in Aussie:

4 main cities:

Wakmurrawurracatarrh (pronounced "Perth") population 7, rising to 50 on market day.

Carambabolluxboobies (pronounced "Cairns") settled mostly by Spaniards escaping the Armada (Franco's title as Dictator of Spain) after the Second European Civil War. Well known for it's locally made cocktail, Fruitbhats. Walk into the bar and ask for a midi of freshly blended Fruitbhat in Spanish and the locals will know immediately you are one of them.

Geezemaitwaretheellawi ("Melbourne") where the snow falls in metres and the home of the Great White Snow Shark - the only place on earth you can fish while skiing.

And Sydney. Probably mythical and the reputed home of the King's Cross, lost by King John in the Wash.

Contrary to popular belief, Brisbane isn't a place. It's state of extreme drunkenness also known a Krookaburra.

[Pheasy]

You have remember I am in NE, and I think Fuzzy said it well ... its a little different up here.



Nomad;827065 wrote: How else are we different ? Light years away in some things.

Is our thinking different ? yes

Whats right with us ? you are friendly, yet distant

Whats wrong with us ? you are pea in a big bag of peas

Were you welcomed well and made to feel comfortable ? YES!!

Are the differences big things or small day to day things ? small things - -mostly

Is our government very different in the sense of priorities ? mmmmm

Have you traveled since you have been here ? only to Virginia

How do you like PA ? mmmmm

Are you in the mountains ? yes

Amish country ? sorta

Do you prefer our food or back home food ? same, but very different

What kind of food do you love here but cant get there ? pizza

What does our accent sound like to you ? right sexy :D - snigger - not really - talk to me Nomie

I have heard Amercans say us British are reserved, after being here for 5 years, I really don't know where that comes from. Americans (PA) are SO reserved in many ways, and a little blunt in others. :wah:

[Nomad]

Pheasy;827084 wrote: You have remember I am in NE, and I think Fuzzy said it well ... its a little different up here.





right sexy :D



I have heard Amercans say us British are reserved, after being here for 5 years, I really don't know where that comes from. Americans (PA) are SO reserved in many ways, and a little blunt in others. :wah:




Answer the rest please, Id really like to know.

I used to work with a cute British girl and God her accent would send me over the edge.

Too hot !

[Pheasy]

PA mountain men vs Brit man - Brit man wins

[Pheasy]

Nomad;827088 wrote: Answer the rest please, Id really like to know.

I used to work with a cute British girl and God her accent would send me over the edge.

Too hot !


I DID !! :wah:

[Nomad]

Pheasy;827091 wrote: PA mountain men vs Brit man - Brit man wins


Why ?

[Pheasy]

Pheasy mops her brow .... whens the good cop arriving

[Nomad]

Pheasy;827093 wrote: I DID !! :wah:




How else are we different ?

Is our thinking different ?

Whats right with us ?

Whats wrong with us ?

Were you welcomed well and made to feel comfortable ?

Are the differences big things or small day to day things ?

Is our government very different in the sense of priorities ?

Have you traveled since you have been here ?

How do you like PA ?

Are you in the mountains ?

Amish country ?

Do you prefer our food or back home food ?

What kind of food do you love here but cant get there ?

What does our accent sound like to you ?

[Pheasy]

Nomad;827094 wrote: Why ?


Far to hairy and muddy. And the dead animal blood on their clothes smells horrid.

[Pheasy]

Can someone get that light out of my eyes. :wah:

[Betty Boop]

Clodhopper;826144 wrote: I love it here. :-4

Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Yes, I've been to other countries (really liked Australia - but after a while missed the million shades of green we have here. Australia is brown. Do Aussies miss their million shades of brown when they go abroad?) both far and near. India was amazing.

I feel lucky to able to go to different countries like Scotland and Wales without difficulty - and they ARE different countries, to any Americans who think because we're all in the Union we are one country - we are three countries and a province in one State.

But England is my place, my home, my land and my history, from the wild North York Moors to the soft rolling hills and red soil of Devon and the bubbling action that is London. Wandered round it all my life and there's so much more to see. It's a big country in a little place. Don't need to shout about it, it just IS.

That's settled what poem I'm posting today!


OIY!!! What happened to Cornwall!! :wah:

[Nomad]

Pheasy;827101 wrote: Far to hairy and muddy. And the dead animal blood on their clothes smells horrid.


Oh you mean real mountain men men.

Yea I can see where bloody hairy smelly men might not be your cup of tea.

If your extremely picky that is. :p

[Pheasy]

Nomad;827098 wrote:

How else are we different ?

Is our thinking different ?

Whats right with us ?

Whats wrong with us ?

Were you welcomed well and made to feel comfortable ?

Are the differences big things or small day to day things ?

Is our government very different in the sense of priorities ?

Have you traveled since you have been here ?

How do you like PA ?

Are you in the mountains ?

Amish country ?

Do you prefer our food or back home food ?

What kind of food do you love here but cant get there ?

What does our accent sound like to you ?


I answered those