Abby wrote: > Many of the Brits I got to know would say things like: "Americans are loud and > obnoxious."
Nah, we're just like big friendly dogs that have been pent up too long and get rambunctious when we get let out in a new place ;-) I sometimes wonder about the basis of some European attitudes towards Americans. Maybe a lot is what people see in movies and TV. I think American films and TV tend a lot to portray over-the-top characatures and stereotypes, which Americans might guffaw at and find amusing but perhaps are taken as typical of us in other countries. The British and other foreign films, on the other hand, tend to portray themselves as more noble, charming, endearing or deep and not so much as complete buffoons. This take on "foreigners" happens even within the U.S., especially against Californians ;-) When I was in college just "next door" in Arizona, a lot of people who just go on and on with every slam in the book against Californians. Needless to say, I didn't leave there with such warm feelings after college (although I had great friends from Chicago and had acquired a Chicago accent by the time I left). Our northern neighbors Oregon and Washington like to have a go with us, too ;-) I was in a Starbucks in Portland a few years ago and all I said was "Latte, please" and the woman at the counter immediately glared at me and said "you're from California aren't you?" When I asked how she knew she said "I can tell by your accent!" Sheesh! At any rate, I've met or "met" some really fantastic and seriously nice jmdlers from the U.K. here and have been really bowled over by their charm and generosity. I hope they don't say I'm obnoxious behind my back! ;-) Kakki
