View Full Version : Yeah right ...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46846467
Britons like to think they have a "special relationship" with the US, based on a common language and cultural, historical and political ties.
But, according to one of the UK's most respected polling companies, there's one chasm the English language can't always bridge - the British love of passive-aggressive statements.
In the words of YouGov, "half of Americans wouldn't be able to tell that a Briton is calling them an idiot".
YouGov showed a number of common British phrases, including "with the greatest respect", "I'll bear it in mind" and "you must come for dinner", to Britons and Americans.
"While not all the phrases show a difference in transatlantic understanding, there are some statements where many Yanks are in danger of missing the serious passive aggression we Brits employ," YouGov said.
The starkest difference was in the phrase "with the greatest respect" - which most Britons took to mean "I think you are an idiot", but nearly half of Americans interpreted as "I am listening to you".
Try working for a US company. It can be a bizarre experience at times mainly due to their total lack of cynicism. The 'This plan may look flawed and even totally idiotic but if we all believe it will work, then it will work' approach. Even after 12 years I can't get my head around it.
walpurgis
12-01-2019, 14:08
American companies seem to believe in psychological subtleties and what is done or said may have an intent not immediately apparent.
American companies seem to believe in psychological subtleties and what is done or said may have an intent not immediately apparent.
And here's me thinking it was just because they are desperately naïve.
Crackles
12-01-2019, 14:21
Got to say I find this hard to understand. I agree that some Americans have a different sense of humour and some of them don't get our cynicism or sarcasm, but overall I think most of them are pretty switched on. South Park is as sharp as it gets when it comes to passive aggressive comments and observations.
I think the more simplistic 'everything's awesome' mentality belongs to twee middle class, small town America, but I don't think it's typical of all of them at all.
On another note, has anyone else noticed how young Americans have started dropping their 't's when they speak? I think it's definitely something they have picked up from Brits in the YouTube age. E.g., they would have pronounced rotten as 'rodden' before, now they are saying ro'en like working class Brits do.
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walpurgis
12-01-2019, 14:27
And here's me thinking it was just because they are desperately naïve.
Listen mate, after you've worked for Dick Cheney (his spybots will pick up on that mention), you take nothing at face value!
Got to say I find this hard to understand. I agree that some Americans have a different sense of humour and some of them don't get our cynicism or sarcasm, but overall I think most of them are pretty switched on. South Park is as sharp as it gets when it comes to passive aggressive comments and observations.
No I think it is definitely still a minority. South Park is seen as a bizarre counter-culture comedy rather than a razor-sharp satire and social commentary.
But there's nothing worse than a British person who has rejected the healthy cynicism imparted in him by his upbringing and embraced the awful 'You can achieve anything if you want it badly enough and work hard at it' philosophy.
Got to say I find this hard to understand. I agree that some Americans have a different sense of humour and some of them don't get our cynicism or sarcasm, but overall I think most of them are pretty switched on. South Park is as sharp as it gets when it comes to passive aggressive comments and observations.
I think the more simplistic 'everything's awesome' mentality belongs to twee middle class, small town America, but I don't think it's typical of all of them at all.
On another note, has anyone else noticed how young Americans have started dropping their 't's when they speak? I think it's definitely something they have picked up from Brits in the YouTube age. E.g., they would have pronounced rotten as 'rodden' before, now they are saying ro'en like working class Brits do.
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not up here they dont:)
Crackles
12-01-2019, 16:03
No I think it is definitely still a minority. South Park is seen as a bizarre counter-culture comedy rather than a razor-sharp satire and social commentary.
But there's nothing worse than a British person who has rejected the healthy cynicism imparted in him by his upbringing and embraced the awful 'You can achieve anything if you want it badly enough and work hard at it' philosophy.Maybe you're right. I admit that when I've been to America I have met a lot of incredibly 'middle of the road' people.
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Pigmy Pony
13-01-2019, 11:06
Maybe you're right. I admit that when I've been to America I have met a lot of incredibly 'middle of the road' people.
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I quite like "Chirpy Cheep Cheep" and "Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum". Didn't realise they had such a following Stateside.
Pigmy Pony
13-01-2019, 11:09
not up here they dont:)
Pretty close though, instead of ro'en, you might say roa'en. :)
Pretty close though, instead of ro'en, you might say roa'en. :)
nah, they say, shite ;)
There really isn't one America , so it really depends on where you are standing here.
If fact it is daft to insist all Americans even speak English any more. These divided states of America are nearly close to a second civil war and may be all ready past the point of reconcile.
I am near 53 years old and have been in 23 or 24 states and have never seen such an attack on all things European, male, heterosexual, Caucasian,Christian or Jewish. Of course I live in California where people are Socialist ,communist,Buddhist Muslim what ever but anything Anglo is criticized ( old white men need not apply ).
This is really happening in the most rural parts of even Northern California ( Ronald Reagan country) This is why Donald Trump has such a large following, 50% of the U.S.A. are scared of the flood of immigrants that don't want to be Americans of embrace our culture , they want to take control of the country and change us to be like where they came from.
Every year America is less and less European in it's culture and English is soon to be the second language.
And yes, We rarely do sarcasm that is far to subtle , here if some one has an issue with some one they are more likely to be demonized both directly or behind their back.
Not nearly as bad in most parts of the country as here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Presidential_Election_by_County.svg
Pigmy Pony
14-01-2019, 07:46
I think it's similar the world over. I like to think we can all embrace other cultures (certainly the greater variety of foods is a bonus!), but if it gets to a point where a nations identity is lost that would be a shame. The only countries that would be safe from this will be the ones these people have come from, because no bugger wants to live there :(
The alternative to giving refugees a home would be to "sort out" their home country, and we know that doesn't work. So it will have to be a case of "Come in, you're very welcome! But we're a bit stuck for space, so try not to breed too much".
Be nice if the breeding thing could apply to everyone, a maximum of three should do it.
Crackles
14-01-2019, 08:00
There really isn't one America , so it really depends on where you are standing here.
If fact it is daft to insist all Americans even speak English any more. These divided states of America are nearly close to a second civil war and may be all ready past the point of reconcile.
I am near 53 years old and have been in 23 or 24 states and have never seen such an attack on all things European, male, heterosexual, Caucasian,Christian or Jewish. Of course I live in California where people are Socialist ,communist,Buddhist Muslim what ever but anything Anglo is criticized ( old white men need not apply ).
This is really happening in the most rural parts of even Northern California ( Ronald Reagan country) This is why Donald Trump has such a large following, 50% of the U.S.A. are scared of the flood of immigrants that don't want to be Americans of embrace our culture , they want to take control of the country and change us to be like where they came from.
Every year America is less and less European in it's culture and English is soon to be the second language.
And yes, We rarely do sarcasm that is far to subtle , here if some one has an issue with some one they are more likely to be demonized both directly or behind their back.
Not nearly as bad in most parts of the country as here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Presidential_Election_by_County.svgI try to stay out of politics on this forum, as from experience elsewhere on the internet things I find can get very nasty in the current climate. But I mainly agre with what you say.
However the comment about English becoming a second language seems pretty far-fetched?
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this is last stats i could find..
Most US Native Speakers By Language
Rank Primary Language Spoken at Home in the US Number of speakers
1 English 231,122,908
2 Spanish 37,458,470
3 Chinese (incl. Cantonese, Mandarin, other Chinese languages) 2,896,766
4 French and French Creole 2,047,467
walpurgis
14-01-2019, 09:00
50% of the U.S.A. are scared of the flood of immigrants that don't want to be Americans of embrace our culture , they want to take control of the country and change us to be like where they came from.
We have that too. Right here where I am!
Anybody who thinks I'm exaggerating is welcome to a tour. Not at night though, I want to get back in one piece.
50% of the U.S.A. are scared of the flood of immigrants that don't want to be Americans of embrace our culture , they want to take control of the country and change us to be like where they came from.
I bet that what the Native Americans said, back in the day.
I bet that what the Native Americans said, back in the day.
More like take control of the country and kill us all along with the buffalo.
I bet that what the Native Americans said, back in the day.
point well taken.
Keep in mind it was far less peaceful before we came, the tribal wars where brutal and on going.
I try to stay out of politics on this forum, as from experience elsewhere on the internet things I find can get very nasty in the current climate. But I mainly agre with what you say.
However the comment about English becoming a second language seems pretty far-fetched?
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You don't live in California, I am sure my prospective here is shaped by my surroundings. I can tell you in less than 3 months my neighborhood has changed even more.
Nice 2 bedroom condos now with 3 familys living there and no place to park because of all the cars. These places where not made for that the laundry room runs 24 hours a day and there is hardly any hot water to take a shower because the hot water tank can't recover from all the people using it. Some living rooms have home made bunk beds from 2x4's like military beds with duffel's and large travel bags every where.
Bedbugsand T.B. are back now. It is not been positive for use.
Ever hour there is homeless going through our garbage cans ,all day then at night looking for cans and bottles , they rip open the bags and dump the trash out and pour what ever is in the can on the drive way a sticky stinking mess. and trash blows down the street when they are dumped because it is now all lose. Leave anything out side like my sons scooter and it is gone. I had to camera my front porch so packages would no longer be stolen.
If you think I am kidding ,I will take pictures.
point well taken.
Keep in mind it was far less peaceful before we came, the tribal wars where brutal and on going.
Yep a dose of smallpox soon sorted that problem out. Pretty difficult to have an inter-tribal war when everyone's lying in their wigwams dying slowly and painfully.
Anyway the Neanderthals had just as bad a time of it in Europe and they didn't even get casino licences in compensation.
yeah but the Neanderthals got cocky ;)
That's right, they sowed the wind and they reaped the whirlwind. And don't even get me started on Australopithecus. Total bastards.
Crackles
14-01-2019, 16:25
That's right, they sowed the wind and they reaped the whirlwind. And don't even get me started on Australopithecus. Total bastards.We evovlved from them rather than replacing them. Probably still bastards though.
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We evovlved from them rather than replacing them. Probably still bastards though.
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Well we're the biggest bastards so far so it must have been passed down in the genes. God knows what will evolve from us. Probably a species so awful you'd cross the street to avoid them.
Actually thinking about some the people I know I think that process has already started.
37% of london's pop is foreign born
walpurgis
14-01-2019, 17:18
Nice 2 bedroom condos now with 3 familys living there and no place to park because of all the cars. These places where not made for that the laundry room runs 24 hours a day and there is hardly any hot water to take a shower because the hot water tank can't recover from all the people using it. Some living rooms have home made bunk beds from 2x4's like military beds with duffel's and large travel bags every where.
Bedbugsand T.B. are back now. It is not been positive for use.
Ever hour there is homeless going through our garbage cans ,all day then at night looking for cans and bottles , they rip open the bags and dump the trash out and pour what ever is in the can on the drive way a sticky stinking mess. and trash blows down the street when they are dumped because it is now all lose. Leave anything out side like my sons scooter and it is gone. I had to camera my front porch so packages would no longer be stolen.
Sounds even more like here, they've been learning from us!
walpurgis
14-01-2019, 17:27
Well we're the biggest bastards so far so it must have been passed down in the genes. God knows what will evolve from us. Probably a species so awful you'd cross the street to avoid them.
Well whatever it may evolve to be, it'll probably wear funny clothes and expect all to kneel before some non-existent all powerful deity.
Well whatever it may evolve to be, it'll probably wear funny clothes and expect all to kneel before some non-existent all powerful deity.I exist
37% of london's pop is foreign born
That's Irn Bru, isn't it?
walpurgis
14-01-2019, 17:37
I exist
:)
That's Irn Bru, isn't it?More like Iran bru
Pigmy Pony
14-01-2019, 17:39
Well whatever it may evolve to be, it'll probably wear funny clothes and expect all to kneel before some non-existent all powerful deity.
You must be thinking of chavs, though I wouldn't call smartphones non-existent.
More like Iran bru
Or Ivan Bru if you're in Belgravia.
Anyway, I've been pondering. Is there such a thing as a 'national character' and, if so, what constitutes it? Is there such a thing as a typical Englishman, or Scotsman, or Welshman (leaving aside cross-breeds such as myself)?
In so much as there are stereotypical British values (tolerance, respect for the law, love of fair play) it seems to me that these are mostly self-declared, and honoured as much in the breach as the observance.
there were studies done of this; quite a few if memory serves, and they mostly disagreed with each other suggesting it was hokum.
That said, there are obviously some based more on religious beliefs and political will. not sure they are national characteristics as such, as if these oppressive ideals were removed the people would soon change too(slowly tho)
walpurgis
15-01-2019, 09:09
In so much as there are stereotypical British values (tolerance, respect for the law, love of fair play) it seems to me that these are mostly self-declared, and honoured as much in the breach as the observance.
Those values did exist. Certainly in England post WW2, when for instance, a burglary made front page in the local papers and murder front page in national papers. Things have changed.
Those values did exist. Certainly in England post WW2, when for instance, a burglary made front page in the local papers and murder front page in national papers. Things have changed.
pre ww2 there was more of a case for it, although much of that may have been misinterpreted. Brits were seen as fair play but also empire builders ; admired by many, despised by more. germans were seen as arrogant, militarism types who murdered for the sake of it. americans as cocky rich show offs etc.
the french, well, as the french..lol. but again these were views mostly from our viewpoint. everything changed after ww2. brits had been all over world, and seen many nasties. their cities lay in partial ruin, and attitudes definitely changed; and not always for the better. neighbours were less of part of the extended family and more....them next door.
But got to Germany etc and ask the same question and you will get a different response
When I was at primary school, there were stereotypical jokes about many nationalities/religious groups; thus Scots and Jews were mean, Irish were thick, Germans were cruel, Americans were boastful, Italians were cowardly, etc etc. The only ones not slagged off in such jokes were the English.
But once you narrow your focus, the stereotypes fracture. When I was doing my MA, a fellow-student mentioned a German Christmas tradition. Another student, who was from eastern Germany, said, in a contemptuous tone 'That is only in Bavaria. They are all mad there'. Similarly, a friend of my daughter's from Northern Italy speaks in tones of disgust about Southern Italians, whom he describes as 'animals'.
walpurgis
15-01-2019, 09:58
Most stereotypes (and I don't mean audiophiles :)) are pretty old in origin. You have to ask yourself how they arose though. Is there a glimmer of truth behind them?
Most stereotypes (and I don't mean audiophiles :)) are pretty old in origin. You have to ask yourself how they arose though. Is there a glimmer of truth behind them?
Tell me what a stereotypical Englishman is like and I'll let you know. Generally speaking it seems to be a case of demonising 'the other' so you* can feel better about yourself.
* Not you personally, of course.
walpurgis
15-01-2019, 10:06
Tell me what a stereotypical Englishman is like and I'll let you know
Judging from how the English and England are portrayed in American TV dramas and movies, I'd say that at least in the US there is a perceived English stereotype there.
stereotypes and actual characteristics are likely on only cross occasionally. every country has them and of others...and as said even within a country
walpurgis
15-01-2019, 10:27
Generally speaking it seems to be a case of demonising 'the other' so you* can feel better about yourself
That may be true. But stereotyping tends to be targeted at groups of people, each group being characterised by different 'attributes'. How were said attributes identified as pertaining to these particular people?
Anyway, I've been pondering. Is there such a thing as a 'national character' and, if so, what constitutes it? Is there such a thing as a typical Englishman, or Scotsman, or Welshman (leaving aside cross-breeds such as myself)?
I think much depends on your own (often biased) preconceptions and how well-travelled (or not) you are, certainly in terms of whether your views on the matter will have much basis in reality.
I do believe that there are (inherent) traits often displayed by people of certain nationalities, but they are mostly always (and often grossly) exaggerated. Quite simply, it comes down to your available point of reference - and your most recent experiences in that area will heavily influence your current thinking.
Therefore if, say, you've just returned from holiday on a Spanish beach resort, and the Germans there were all rowdy, arrogant buffoons, and someone soon afterwards asks what you think of the Germans - what's your answer likely to be?;)
You views on the matter will almost certainly be tainted by that experience. But of course that doesn't mean that the other (how many million) Germans, living in Germany, are the same! And the same could equally apply to the English, who are also often accused of being arrogant...
Much depends, therefore, on how able you are to view the bigger picture/wider world [and that's where education, experience and greater knowledge comes in], rather than, in that respect, simply relying on the contents of your most recent point of reference, or worse, just ignorantly reinforcing common stereotypes.
Marco.
very much so, as well as that of your peers and parents. these things are obviously passed down; don't marry him/her they are ...such n such.
Yup, and I hate that kind of ignorant, narrow-minded pish.
Marco.
Judging from how the English and England are portrayed in American TV dramas and movies, I'd say that at least in the US there is a perceived English stereotype there.
And would you say that such a stereotype is a fair and/or reasonable portrayal of the English?
I recall one US sitcom where one character is holding forth about the English and says 'Tell me one good thing about the English'. To which her friend replies 'They hate the French even more than we do?'
And you wonder why the world's in such a state....
Marco.
Well the English and French were fighting for centuries, so its not surprising there are some that still feel antagonism. Much of it is just bravado tho. deep down its probably not as bad as that. Scotland has always been a traditional friend of France as you'd expect:D
As usual Terry Collier explains it all:
Bob: 'I'm learning a lot about you. I could go round the world and you'd have a pat response.'
Terry: 'I've travelled. I've seen the world!'
'What do you think of Koreans, then?'
'Not to be trusted. Cruel, like all Orientals.'
'That's a third of the world's population dismissed in a phrase. Russians?'
'Sinister'
'Egyptians?'
'Cowardly.'
'Italians?'
'Greasy, but less than the French.'
'Germans?'
'Arrogant.'
'Spaniards?'
'Lazy.'
'Danes?'
'Pornographic.'
'That's about everyone. Americans?'
'Flash.'
'So it's down to the British?'
'Well I haven't got time for the Irish or Welsh and the Scots are worse than the Koreans.'
'And you never could stand southerners.'
'I don't like anyone much, outside this town. A lot of families on our street I can't stand, in fact I don't even like them next door.'
Well the English and French were fighting for centuries, so its not surprising there are some that still feel antagonism.
What - over stuff that happened centuries ago. and long before you were even born?? Only a neanderthal knuckle-dragger, who can't let go of the past, would behave that way. And if you're like that, then it's YOU with the problem, no-one else!:rolleyes:
The proper (and more reasonable) way to behave, is to judge people, of ANY nationality, as you find them today, because they'll have had nothing whatsoever to do with what their ancestors did in the dim and distant past!!
Scotland has always been a traditional friend of France as you'd expect:D
Yes "the English" have always wanted to fight with everyone;)
Marco.
What - over stuff that happened centuries ago. and long before you were even born?? Only a blinkered idiot would behave that way. It's completely ridiculous! And if you feel that way, then it's YOU with the problem, no-one else!:rolleyes:
The proper thing to do is judge people, of ANY nationality, as you find them *now*, because they'll have had nothing to do with what their ancestors did in the dim and distant past!!
Yes "the English" have always wanted to fight with everyone;)
Marco.
The English had no option since the French and Spanish were always trying to invade us. Most of the Empire was acquired not because of any intended territorial desire but in a bid to keep the continentals from taking the places for themselves and so becoming too powerful.
People pay far too much attention to lefty, revisionist, back-of-a cornflake-packet history these days. I've no idea why but it seems to get worse as time passes. The way it's going in another 20 years they'll be telling us that the British started WW2 in order to conquer Germany and Hitler wasn't a mass-murdering lunatic bent on world conquest but a brave freedom fighter making a stand against English imperialism.
As usual Terry Collier explains it all:
Bob: 'I'm learning a lot about you. I could go round the world and you'd have a pat response.'
Terry: 'I've travelled. I've seen the world!'
'What do you think of Koreans, then?'
'Not to be trusted. Cruel, like all Orientals.'
'That's a third of the world's population dismissed in a phrase. Russians?'
'Sinister'
'Egyptians?'
'Cowardly.'
'Italians?'
'Greasy, but less than the French.'
'Germans?'
'Arrogant.'
'Spaniards?'
'Lazy.'
'Danes?'
'Pornographic.'
'That's about everyone. Americans?'
'Flash.'
'So it's down to the British?'
'Well I haven't got time for the Irish or Welsh and the Scots are worse than the Koreans.'
'And you never could stand southerners.'
'I don't like anyone much, outside this town. A lot of families on our street I can't stand, in fact I don't even like them next door.'
great episode that...so true as well
The English had no option since the French and Spanish were always trying to invade us. Most of the Empire was acquired not because of any intended territorial desire but in a bid to keep the continentals from taking the places for themselves and so becoming too powerful.
People pay far too much attention to lefty, revisionist, back-of-a cornflake-packet history these days. I've no idea why but it seems to get worse as time passes. The way it's going in another 20 years they'll be telling us that the British started WW2 in order to conquer Germany and Hitler wasn't a mass-murdering lunatic bent on world conquest but a brave freedom fighter making a stand against English imperialism.
:lolsign:
It was a little bit different though, on home soil, with your battles against the Scots and the Welsh...;)
Marco.
https://imageshack.com/a/img923/733/RZl76v.gif
:lolsign:
It was a little bit different though, on home soil, with your battles against the Scots and the Welsh...;)
Marco.
That was six of one and half a dozen of the other though. And it was the middle ages, everyone was fighting everyone.
You got to bear in mind that these days the rich have a lot of potential entertainment possibilities but back there was bugger all to do with all their spare time except going to war against someone.
Mmm... Best leave that one there, I think, as we're not going to agree on the matter, and most likely strongly disagree!;)
Marco.
Mmm... Best leave that one there, I think, as we're not going to agree on the matter, and most likely strongly disagree!;)
Marco.
I was joking but history is always more complicated than you think. It's very rarely goodies versus baddies or us against them. Did you know for example that more Scotsmen fought with the English at Culloden than fought against them?
Yesh, they were traitors!:D
Marco.
Yesh, they were traitors!:D
Marco.
Lol. people tend to act in their best interests both now and then. All this high fallutting nonsense about fighting for freedom, or principle or for king and country or whatever is complete bollocks and always has been as anyone who has read a bit of history will know. It's all make-believe just to get the rubes fired up and ready to die. And it works!
Pigmy Pony
15-01-2019, 18:01
Is it true that during WW2, Italian army tanks were fitted with five reverse gears? :D We've all heard the jokes, and some are actually funny. But regarding attitudes to other nationalities and cultures I agree with Marco (#55) that you take people as you find them, as they have absolutely nothing to do with what happened centuries ago, and possibly what may be happening now.
Last line of Marco's post contradicts this somewhat - I'm English and I don't want to fight anyone (unless there's five of us and only four doughnuts) :D
Forty years ago I had an Armenian friend who told jokes about the Kurds, and they were just the same as the jokes English told about the Irish. The humour didn't work very well, as none of us knew anything about Kurds, or Armenians for that matter.
Is it true that during WW2, Italian army tanks were fitted with five reverse gears? :D .
.
I think it is about as true as the advert that appeared in The Times in September 1940'
'For Sale - 2 million French rifles. Never fired, only been dropped once. '
Forty years ago I had an Armenian friend who told jokes about the Kurds, and they were just the same as the jokes English told about the Irish. The humour didn't work very well, as none of us knew anything about Kurds, or Armenians for that matter.
Even the Irish tell jokes against the Irish, claiming that people from 'the Midlands' are [I]really thick.
Playing poker in America you always get some good-natured ribbing from the rest of the table when they realise that you're English. They're straight onto the Revolution, or criticising our cars, or our sports. Right bunch of wind up merchants but it's all in fun and it breaks the ice.
Lawrence001
15-01-2019, 23:33
The English had no option since the French and Spanish were always trying to invade us. Most of the Empire was acquired not because of any intended territorial desire but in a bid to keep the continentals from taking the places for themselves and so becoming too powerful.
People pay far too much attention to lefty, revisionist, back-of-a cornflake-packet history these days. I've no idea why but it seems to get worse as time passes. The way it's going in another 20 years they'll be telling us that the British started WW2 in order to conquer Germany and Hitler wasn't a mass-murdering lunatic bent on world conquest but a brave freedom fighter making a stand against English imperialism.I took my daughter to the museum of London at the weekend and took advantage of a free guided tour of their Victorian street. The young woman showing us round informed us she was a trained historian specialising in gender issues. Around 30% of the tour consisted of slagging men off. A couple of gems were in the toy shop saying that the toys were designed to enforce gender stereotypes from a young age. Looking at the dolls she told us women were forced to wear hats whenever they were outside to restrict their freedom of expression. (No mention of the fact that men were also expected to wear hats whenever they went out.) Looking at an early urinal, she said they only had public toilets for men to restrict the distance women could travel away from their home. Similarly the design of early bikes was so that women couldn't ride them in their restrictive clothing and be free to travel further. This is being sold as the truth by the foremost museum of the history of London.
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I
That female (mis)guide(d), who showed you around, needed a damn good (verbal) slap! How did you resist?
I'm a feminist at heart, but I detest the overtly-PC/deluded version of the breed, like her, who give real women (and the rights that they fully deserve) a bad name!!
In fact anyone who comes out with prissy snowflake-phrases, such as "enforce gender stereotypes", deserves a royal cockpunching (or other).
Marco.
Lawrence001
15-01-2019, 23:52
I know I was really tempted but with my young daughter there I didn't want to make a scene and just uttered profanities under my breath. God knows what the mainly foreign tourists in the group made of it all.
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Fair enough, Lawrence. You did the right thing in the circumstances. What age would you say that the (mis)guide was? I find that many of the under 30s come out with that shit now, both men and women, as they've become brainwashed by the bollocks that they read on social media!:doh:
Marco.
Tell me what a stereotypical Englishman is like and I'll let you know. Generally speaking it seems to be a case of demonising 'the other' so you* can feel better about yourself.
* Not you personally, of course.
My stereotypes of Englishman all come from British comady, when I order something direct from England and it is sent by Royal Mail I some how expect Jhon Cleese will deliver it to my door . Parcel for you sir, please sign here sir.
Not realistic but a stereotype non the less.
Pigmy Pony
16-01-2019, 07:55
My stereotypes of Englishman all come from British comady, when I order something direct from England and it is sent by Royal Mail I some how expect Jhon Cleese will deliver it to my door . Parcel for you sir, please sign here sir.
Not realistic but a stereotype non the less.
My stereotypes of Englishmen come from American comedy. On one show (I forget which), The character thought that all English people lived in castles and drank tea all day. Another one (Family Guy) showed all Englishmen to have terrible teeth. There may be some truth in this - I for one have a smile that slightly resembles a broken piano, so perhaps best that I stay away from the place, lest I reinforce this stereotype.
Having said that, I'm nothing like as bad as that old "chavs' choice" The Jeremy Kyle Show. Maybe this gets aired in US in the same way that we get Jeremy Springer. When I go in the tool shop for a new saw, I always tell them my old saw has less teeth than the Jeremy Kyle Show, and no doubt they inwardly groan.
My stereotypes of Englishman all come from British comady, when I order something direct from England and it is sent by Royal Mail I some how expect Jhon Cleese will deliver it to my door . Parcel for you sir, please sign here sir.
Not realistic but a stereotype non the less.
The other one is the chirpy Cockney geezer, as portrayed by Dick Van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins'.
When I go in the tool shop for a new saw, I always tell them my old saw has less teeth than the Jeremy Kyle Show, and no doubt they inwardly groan.
They probably think *you* are the tool:D
Anyway, as the old saying goes... "Happiness is a RIGID tool": https://www.ridgid.eu/gb/en/bolt-cutters
Marco.
Beobloke
16-01-2019, 12:46
Even the Irish tell jokes against the Irish, claiming that people from 'the Midlands' are [I]really thick.
I can't remember who it was but one comedian turned this into a whole routine, the general gist of which was that:
- People in the world generally make fun of the Irish for being a bit daft.
- People in Ireland made fun of the people in a certain area
- The people in that area made fun of the people from a particuar town
- The people in that town made fun of the people from a particular neighbourhood
- The people in that neighbourhood made fun of the people in a certain street
- The people in that street made fun of the people in a certain house and the people in that house made fun of one bloke in an upstairs room.
His conculsion therefore was that the Irish having a reputation as being thick was actually all down to one bloke... :D
Crackles
16-01-2019, 20:56
I took my daughter to the museum of London at the weekend and took advantage of a free guided tour of their Victorian street. The young woman showing us round informed us she was a trained historian specialising in gender issues. Around 30% of the tour consisted of slagging men off. A couple of gems were in the toy shop saying that the toys were designed to enforce gender stereotypes from a young age. Looking at the dolls she told us women were forced to wear hats whenever they were outside to restrict their freedom of expression. (No mention of the fact that men were also expected to wear hats whenever they went out.) Looking at an early urinal, she said they only had public toilets for men to restrict the distance women could travel away from their home. Similarly the design of early bikes was so that women couldn't ride them in their restrictive clothing and be free to travel further. This is being sold as the truth by the foremost museum of the history of London.
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I
It is worrying the number of young people being indocrinated with this rubbish by universities. Gender studies is just a course in how to be a man-hating loon.
Professors are being paid to make up that rubbish your tour guide came out with.
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