Preconceived ideas about America/Disney

[SlightlyGoofy]

Mandymouse, I am so relieved at your words as I am so guilty of many of the things that you say. I always worry that I am offending.

It is not all the accent though. I love to read and I read a lot of history and I am fascinated by your country as well as its people. An awesome bunch you were and are. I would not want to fight against you, again. LOL

Just remember that Churchill was half American. (smile)

I hope you never learn that we have rude and obnoxious people here too. just mostly they just do not choose to go to DW.

Save me a dessert or two also, especially those Micky Bars. It is so lovely to be able to eat what I want without gaining weight. When I win the lottery I am going to move into the park for a year or two until I am thin.

Slightly Goofy

 

[WIcruizer]

We're planning to travel to Great Britain within the next two years, and I have my own preconceived notions. I expect the food to be bad. (I am a picky eater.) Mostly though, I expect a a pretty strong anit-American attitude. Not to pull politics into this, but I am very conservative, and proud of what Bush/Blair have done and are trying to do in the war on terror. I expect to experience an anti-Bush or anti-USA attitude, and it wil be difficult for me to stay silent.

The comments about NHC is fascinating, because there is a constant discussion about NHC in the US, and I don't think those people really understand what goes on in other countries. No system will ever be perfect, but as with most things the private sector can handle it better than the federal govt.

 

[pmcpmc]

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have lots of ideas of what to expect when I visit the UK. I fully expect to meet a lot of nice people and a few jerks, just like here. (smile) Some people will like me, some will not. I will like some people more than others. I will see many familiar sights and notice many differences.

In short, it will be much like here only you all talk funny. (running for cover before you beat me about the head)

Anyone who wants to bash Bush/Blair can tell their tales to me and those who approve can also do so. I like opinions, even ones different from mine. Is how I learn things. I am a firm believer in being able to disagree without being disagreeable or disloyal to my country. Any country that allows people to stand in a public park and speak their mind is alright by me. No one has to listen but it is good to be able to speak. IMO

Slightly Goofy

 

[Frances999]

We're planning to travel to Great Britain within the next two years, and I have my own preconceived notions. I expect the food to be bad. (I am a picky eater.) Mostly though, I expect a a pretty strong anit-American attitude. Not to pull politics into this, but I am very conservative, and proud of what Bush/Blair have done and are trying to do in the war on terror. I expect to experience an anti-Bush or anti-USA attitude, and it wil be difficult for me to stay silent.

The comments about NHC is fascinating, because there is a constant discussion about NHC in the US, and I don't think those people really understand what goes on in other countries. No system will ever be perfect, but as with most things the private sector can handle it better than the federal govt.

The food will only be bad if you choose bad places to dine at. Many restaurants here offer cuisine equal to or far better than found in many restaurants in the USA. Also, I doubt you will sense a strong anti-american attitude either - particularly as a tourist to the country. I'm not sure what you mean by "it will be difficult for me to stay silent", but I doubt anybody will openly criticise Bush/America directly to you.

 

[JerJan]

I just have to say that I find it almost amusing that so many of you think that Americans in general are so polite??!! I actually find that alot of americans are extremely rude and have a me, me, me attitude....it's ALL ABOUT ME!!! My DD13 had the opportunity to go to Australia for 3 weeks this past summer and when she came home she commented repeatedly about how POLITE the Australians are compared to Americans! I guess it's all a matter of perspective!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have often wondered about what others think of Americans but most of the people I meet are too polite to tell.

I read a lot and from what I read you would think that Britian is made up of a country of excentric people who all live in rose covered cottages and eat bland food and love it while keeping their old traditions just for the sake of tourists. (not my thinking at all)

I find it difficult to believe that, in any country, you would find the people to be all exactly alike. Sure is not that way here. LOL

BTW, I go to DW to experience all the polite people that I do not always meet in my 'real' life.

That being said, I have found, that if you are polite most people will be polite back.

JerJan, when you are the big dog you do tend to think that IS all about YOU. It is one thing I would like to change about our country. We all live on one big ball and had best learn about each other, respect each other and get along. Life is too short not to do so and we would gain so much from it.

(Please forgive my lack of smilies as I seem to have lost the ability to smile LOL) (Wish you could see the big one I wear on my face though)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[Coastie]

No matter how you look at yourself or anyone else, deep inside, we are all human.

While in the UK last week, I could not help but feel a little out of place with my American accent. However, this soon deminished with the vast number of other languages I heard while touring the Parliment area. I would also like to say, ALL the people I met were extremely friendly and helpfull.

I had asked about wearing Disney clothing in London on another thread... reason? Our State Department provides military personnel with advise prior to any foreign travel, blend in and don't make a scene due to hatred of Americans by a very small minority. I was not authorized to wear my uniform and had to wear suits to all my meetings (too bad not my Disney clothes!!).

London is a fantastic city and I can't wait to visit again. Even the punk rocker on the Westminster Bridge was all smiles and provided a friendly greeting to passers-by.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have always found the Americans extremely friendly.

You can go and sit in a bar and have great conversations with people you have met for the first time, within minutes you feel like you are life-long friends.

We went to Old Town on our March trip and got talking to some guys from Michigan, within a few minutes we were sat together talking, exchanging e-mail addresses, I am not saying that wouldn't happen back home but they did have a fascination with us - I have always felt that they really like us British.

They defiinitely cannot pick up our accents though.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Johnny, we like you, we really do!! LOL Just because a child runs away from home it does not mean that they do not have a fond spot in their heart for their original home and besides we sort of talk the same language and most Americans are not able to speak anything except English (I am guilty too). I not only cannot pick your accent but sometimes cannot understand it either. Being hard of hearing is just part of the problem but it sure is fun to try. Bet it works in reverse also.

Coastie, it had not even occured to me not to dress like an American. No Disney clothing?? Do not people there go to DW and the like as well? Are there any fashion faux pax that I should avoid? I had a feeling that they dress much as we do here. As far as everyone being friendly, you tend to get what you give and anyone open enough to look at a Punk as if they were human, as they are, is likely to be appreciated.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Miffy2003]

I wear Disney clothes all the time, don't worry

 

[Bonnie]

I'm currently wearing a Pooh and Piglet sweatshirt over a Minnie and Mickey t-shirt, with Pooh slippers... so yes, we definitely wear Disney clothes here, hehe!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Whew, I am relieved to hear that I can wear my Mickey's without being a target. As long as I do not flash my nonexistent diamonds, big wad of cash or loudly declare that I am more important than anyone else no one will notice that I am not a local??

Hey, I am from a tiny town. I know how to behave. You have to when everyone knows your name, where you live and everyone you know. (giggle)

Slightly Goofy

 

[Coastie]

Slightly Goofy... It took me less than 5 seconds, I proudly wore my Disney jacket and did as the Romans, ops... as the English all over town!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Coastie, what took you 5 seconds? I am so slow that just breathing takes me longer than that. LOL

Slightly Goofy

 

[floridalol]

The food will only be bad if you choose bad places to dine at. Many restaurants here offer cuisine equal to or far better than found in many restaurants in the USA.

This is the funniest quote I've read in ages. In America it is genuinely difficult to find a BAD meal, lots of ordinary meals admittedly but very hard to find a bad meal, in Britain it is genuinely difficult to find a GOOD meal, almost as difficult to find an ordinary meal but certainly very easy to find a BAD meal. In general over here you get served a luke warm gelatinous mess. I live in Bournemouth a supposed top resort in England but you can easily count on both hands the number of restaurants serving a good meal. Egon Ronay used to say that no matter what the price you are paying there is no excuse in serving anything but delicious food. I think that America must have catering schools because their service and quality are in general excellent.

It's also nice to know that some people on these boards are so perfect that they can discriminate against others without even knowing them - perhaps they can share the secret of their success so we can all aspire to be as perfect as them?

I love America and Americans, I have always found their country and themselves welcoming and look forward to my return as soon as possible.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. As far as our American food goes much of it is Italian, Chinese, Mexican and other ethnicities Other than Arthur Treacher's which has long disappeared I cannot think of an English restaurant. I believe that there is much Indian cuisine in your country. I figure that the best food in either country is probably served in the homes.

I would be most interested in hearing from others about what foods they eat on a regular basis. Might be a difference in tastes that accounts for the differences, if any, in our diets. I fear that fast food is taking over the world. No matter where you go you tend to see many such nowadays. I was sad when I got to the Bahamas only to be greeted by McD, KFC and other familiar signs. Viva la differences!!!!

I find much of the food at DW to be mundane but even mundane wins out if it means that I do not have to cook. LOL

As far as discriminating goes, it is only possible to discriminate against those you do not know. Knowledge always gives us wisdom. It is the fear of the unknown that fosters discrimination.

Slightly Goofy

 

[carolfoy]

Hi Linda
McD's KFC etc are to be found on almost EVERY street corner, as in the states but you are right in thinking that this is only a small proportion of 'our' food. for instance in my small town we don't have any of those types of 'restaurant' so I guess we're all quite healthy!!
for everyday food - I've just had my lunch, smoked cod on a layer of cheesy leeks and broccollli, a typical light lunch for me, I eat pasta a lot, usually just with a little home made passatta and parmesan, fish and chips and an indian takeaway are my real vices, LOVE chicken tikka massala.
for typical pub food around here read scampi and chips, curry, trout in almonds, steak and chips, the usual pub fare really but the portions are WAY smaller than the states.

 

[Disneyfan63]

Hi,

I have to agree with you, Slightly Goofy/Linda: fast food is taking over American cuisine. Within walking distance of my house are two McDonalds, a Wendy's, and a Taco Bell/KFC, not to mention two Dunkin' Donuts. Then there are chain restaurants such as Friendly's Ice Cream Shoppe, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill, Lone Star Steakhouse, Fuddrucker's and Chili's, all (except for Chili's) also within walking distance. Arthur Treacher's can still be found in the food court of a shopping mall as part of Nathan's Famous, which was originally a Coney Island hot dog stand, but the one at my local shopping mall (which itself has fallen on hard times, with only 53% occupancy and most of those on rent relief) has closed and moved out.

Because I have never been to England, I cannot comment on the food there.

Jim

 

[Frances999]

This is the funniest quote I've read in ages. In America it is genuinely difficult to find a BAD meal, lots of ordinary meals admittedly but very hard to find a bad meal, in Britain it is genuinely difficult to find a GOOD meal, almost as difficult to find an ordinary meal but certainly very easy to find a BAD meal. In general over here you get served a luke warm gelatinous mess. I live in Bournemouth a supposed top resort in England but you can easily count on both hands the number of restaurants serving a good meal. Egon Ronay used to say that no matter what the price you are paying there is no excuse in serving anything but delicious food. I think that America must have catering schools because their service and quality are in general excellent.

How ridiculous. How many US states have you visited? How many US restaurants have you dined at? In Orlando it is very easy to find a bad meal - many people often complain about the dining offered at certain establishments. In the UK we have many high-end restaurants offering excellent cuisine - as well as many bad places - just like in the USA.

I don't mean to "bash" Bournemouth, but please - how many people "vacation" there who are particularly seeking excellent dining? Very few.

I think your assumptions are just that - assumptions.