Spin-off: American and British/Irish culture Q&A thread.

[NotUrsula]

Which brings us on to, Irish Travelers.
Do our American friends know about this ethic group, a sub set of native Irish people?

I do, but I grew up knowing them as Tinkers, which is an older name my parents used. My mother's family hire them often as seasonal farm labor.

I'd say a fair number of Americans are aware of their existence now, especially in the Southeast, where I believe most American "Irish Travellers" are based, though I've heard there is also a largish contingent in Texas. They managed to stay below the radar here for a very long time, but in the past 20 years or so their existence has become better known. In the US most of the men work construction in one way or another. Unfortunately, they tend to have the same reputation here as in Ireland, whether or not it's deserved.

 

[john7994]

I do, but I grew up knowing them as Tinkers, which is an older name my parents used. My mother's family hire them often as seasonal farm labor.

I'd say a fair number of Americans are aware of their existence now, especially in the Southeast, where I believe most American "Irish Travellers" are based, though I've heard there is also a largish contingent in Texas. They managed to stay below the radar here for a very long time, but in the past 20 years or so their existence has become better known. In the US most of the men work construction in one way or another. Unfortunately, they tend to have the same reputation here as in Ireland, whether or not it's deserved.

Far more aware of the Eastern European version ... especially from my paternal grandfather's side.

 

[Jangles]

Something to be aware of if travelling in Wales.
Physically punishing a child in Wales is against the law and this applies to visitors/tourists. https://gov.wales/ending-physical-punishment-children

 

[mikalkwin]

Something to be aware of if travelling in Wales.
Physically punishing a child in Wales is against the law and this applies to visitors/tourists. https://gov.wales/ending-physical-punishment-children

Also true in Germany, France and probably other countries.

 

[Buzz Rules]

The Appleby Horse Fair. A traditional horse fair dating back to the 18th century, said to be the biggest Gypsy, Roma and Traveller gathering in Europe…, which suggests that there is something bigger outside Europe. USA???

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_racing_in_the_United_States

The US has had horse races since the 17th century. Events varied from each colonial state.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Question for the UK people - do you learn much about the Commonwealth - like the history of the colonized countries, governor generals, etc as it's a part of your history?
Does it seem weird to visit other Commonwealth countries and see the Queen's picture on the currency, etc?

 

[Buzz Rules]

Question for the UK people - do you learn much about the Commonwealth - like the history of the colonized countries, governor generals, etc as it's a part of your history?
Does it seem weird to visit other Commonwealth countries and see the Queen's picture on the currency, etc?

I will say as an American, most of us find the idea of the Commonwealth weird.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Diolch yn fawr fy ffrind.

Oh by the way @Jangles, did you know forms of early modern soccer/association football were played not only in 18th century Britain but also in Colonial America?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_soccer_in_the_United_States
The Great Depression was one of the reasons we are slightly behind in terms of development in comparison to Europe. That 100 year gap is closing fast though.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I will say as an American, most of us find the idea of the Commonwealth weird.

I can guarantee you that 99% of Americans have no idea that the Commonwealth exists.

 

[Jangles]

Question for the UK people - do you learn much about the Commonwealth - like the history of the colonized countries, governor generals, etc as it's a part of your history?
Does it seem weird to visit other Commonwealth countries and see the Queen's picture on the currency, etc?

We are very proud of the Commonwealth and its objectives, but I doubt whether many people could name all the member countries. It’s an important bond. I think it will be interesting whether the British monarch retains ‘leadership’ after the Queen’s death, or whether leadership passes to each country in turn.
I don’t know whether it forms part of the school curriculum, but I am sure someone will answer.
I like seeing a familiar face on other currencies.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I can guarantee you that 99% of Americans have no idea that the Commonwealth exists.

I can guarantee your wrong. More than half the country does.

 

[Jangles]

Oh by the way @Jangles, did you know forms of early modern soccer/association football were played not only in 18th century Britain but also in Colonial America?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_soccer_in_the_United_States
The Great Depression was one of the reasons we are slightly behind in terms of development in comparison to Europe. That 100 year gap is closing fast though.

My son attended Charterhouse so I know a little bit about the history of football.

 

[TippyThomas]

I can guarantee you that 99% of Americans have no idea that the Commonwealth exists.

I think you'd be wrong but neither of us has any way to prove it now do we?

I think your opinion, stated as fact, is tainted with personal feelings at best.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I can guarantee your wrong. More than half the country does.

I think you'd be wrong but neither of us has any way to prove it now do we?

I think your opinion, stated as fact, is tainted with personal feelings at best.

Heck most Canadians don't even know much about the Commonwealth. I doubt there is vast knowledge about it across the USA.

 

[TippyThomas]

Heck most Canadians don't even know much about the Commonwealth. I doubt there is vast knowledge about it across the USA.

I still think your guarantee of 99% is a bit of a reach but again, neither of us can prove it one way or the other.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I still think your guarantee of 99% is a bit of a reach but again, neither of us can prove it one way or the other.

What % would be your estimate? And yes my answer was part hyperbole but the USA is known to be very insular.

 

[CdnCarrie]

We are very proud of the Commonwealth and its objectives, but I doubt whether many people could name all the member countries. It’s an important bond. I think it will be interesting whether the British monarch retains ‘leadership’ after the Queen’s death, or whether leadership passes to each country in turn.
I don’t know whether it forms part of the school curriculum, but I am sure someone will answer.
I like seeing a familiar face on other currencies.

Is there any sadness when places like Barbados cuts the ties? I admit on my part there would be if Canada cut the ties during my time. I would understand it but would feel sad.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Heck most Canadians don't even know much about the Commonwealth. I doubt there is vast knowledge about it across the USA.

Most Americans know about it is for two reasons. First it does get mentioned briefly in most US High Schools. And second, we see on our news when commonwealth countries decide to go fully independent like Barbados.

 

[Buzz Rules]

What % would be your estimate? And yes my answer was part hyperbole but the USA is known to be very insular.

70%.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Then that's about equivalent to the average Canadian.

Do you watch the Commonwealth Games Buzz?