Americans React To - 5 Things AMERICANS Do That Drive BRITS Crazy!

[@margaretnicol3423]

The clearing of individual plates is also rude because it makes the slower eaters feel rushed.

[@zak3744]

That's definitely true, but I think it's also because eating a meal is a shared, communal experience. Everyone sits down and enjoys it together. So breaking it up into individuals eating on their own seems a bit off. You wait for everyone to get their food before you start eating, the end of the meal should be the same.

[@paganant3623]

I had come to comment the same thing but you did it for me

[@mdnickless]

Sometimes, the meal experience goes beyond the food. Clearing plates or presenting the bill is clear pressure to vacate the premises. If the restaurant isn't busy, then customers should be allowed an opportunity to do things in their own time.

[@conallmclaughlin4545]

Also...what if I thought I was full but now I want to pick?

[@ileana8360]

​@@zak3744at least in Europe it is. In the USA they are rushed to get the f out of the restaurant to make space for the next paying customer.

[@marcblokpoel]

I am Dutch and while Britain and the Netherlands are different, i totally agree with the British view upon these "things Americans do " because they would drive me crazy as well. Especially the plates removed before everyone is finished. I would actually hate that. The hand over heart... i don't mind, but i would also not join in that. Even with the Wilhelmus (Dutch national anthem) we only do that at rememberance day (may the 4th), but on evey other occasion, we just sing along, that's it.

[@evanflynn4680]

Clearing the plate as soon as you're finished, but there are still people at the table eating makes non Americans feel like the wait staff are rushing them out of the place. Also, it means they're going to be back in a few minutes to clear someone else's plate as soon as they're finished. Every time a staff member comes over, they interrupt the conversation because we don't pretend they don't exist. We thank them while they do it and help out by passing them the plates or glasses if that makes it easier for them to do their job. If you just lean back to give them access and continue the conversation as if they aren't there is rude.

[@silverwolf3745]

I was an exchange student from Great Britain to the USA in Secondary school (High school) and was regularly in trouble at the school for refusing to say the pledge of allegiance and they wouldn't accept my reason that it wasn't my Country or Flag.

[@sagamaraia]

One thing that really annoyes me, a Finn, about the US is the notion of freedom. Guys, you seem to have less freedom than most of Europe. You should really work on that as a country because freedom is really nice and it brings peace with it.

[@grahamparsons4635]

We do tip here. Sometimes the bill will include a service charge. The big difference between the uk and america people who work in the hospitality industry they don't rely on tips to have a livable income because in america the pay is so low in this industry.

[@helenwood8482]

American patriotism, is rooted in insecurity and the idea that it is about respect for the military is disturbing. A democracy should not worship the military.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

PS: the National Anthems are generally only played at international games in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, or when the King is in attendence. There is no pledge of alliegience, but an oath to the Crown is required of elected officials, bishops, military and police officers, and new citizens.

[@Temeraire101]

Also played at Last Night of the Proms, also on TV on New Years as well I think.

[@stevelknievel4183]

Having a waiter come and take some people's plates while others are still eating would make me feel I was being pressurised into eating faster than I was comfortable with. Although it wouldn't be their intention it would make me seriously consider whether I wanted to eat at that restaurant again. To me, good customer service involves not talking to me if I don't want to be talked to so frequently coming up to the table and asking whether everything is ok would also make me feel very uncomfortable. Also, the extent to which you are brainwashed into being patriotic and think its normal is quite frankly disturbing. You have a separation of religion and state in the constitution but in reality you worship your flag, the Constitution/Bill of Rights are your holy texts and the Pledge of Allegiance functions as a prayer.

[@richmorris2870]

Said everything I was going to say.... Also on the separation of Church and State, politicians won't get elected if they don't publicly say they're religious.

[@nevillemason6791]

President Obama was at a state banquet with the late Queen. Could you imagine a waiter taking his plate away if he had finished eating first? Totally inappropriate etiquette at state level as well as everybody else.

[@ricardoaraoz717]

"come and take some people's plates while others are still eating" - not only that, your couple who is still eating looks like eating while you're not. Looks like only one of you are eating, that's uncomfortable.

[@timenchanter1983]

In the UK clearing a plate away while people are still eating or as soon as someone finishes is a passive aggressive way of telling the table that you want them out as soon as possible so that you can get the table ready for the next guests. We want to be left alone until everyone is done, or better yet, until we flag down a staff member (usually just with a nod or even making direct eye contact) so that the customer is able to set the pace of the meal.

[@davidmckie7128]

Yes in Britain it is impolite to clear plates before everyone has finished. However when we were in Turkey it was considered polite to clear away empty plates straight away as the empty plate would attract insects and I fully accepted that because it was for a valid reason.

[@Tass...]

The clearing plates thing is very true and really emphasises a culture difference. That being in the UK (and Europe in general) a sit down meal with friends or family is a social event where the entire table expect to he left alone while they eat. That means everyone at that table. In the USA eating is just a means to an end. It's just much more casual. But if you ever go to any silver service restaurant in the USA you will see they most certainly would never clear part of the table whilst others are still eating. So America do know it's not the done thing. It just doesn't filter down to all dining establishments.

[@tonybaker55]

The US National Anthem music is actually a British piece of music, written for use in a gentleman's club when they were drinking. They had slightly different words for it though! Cutting a steak with the right (or dominant hand) whilst holding it with a fork in the left, then putting the knife down and putting the fork in the right hand to eat...bizarre.

[@helenwood8482]

Americans like waiters to act like their mother. Brits want to be treated like adults. Never interrupt our meals, for anything.

[@glenfitzgerald]

Hey 😊. Gotta say the clearing plates thing it true and annoying I get why people consider it offering pre attentive service but to clear some of the plates before the whole table has finished is a BIG no no never take just one plate you serve the table as a whole and wait till everyone has finished eating. I disagree about the Brits don't tip thing.... I have been a hotel & restaurant manager for over 20 years and I think the Brits are very good tippers it's just a common misunderstanding that we don't tip here. I tent to find customers will tip a lot more if service isn't included but when service charge is applied to a bill/check automatically it can get customers backs up

[@adeaston6553]

I agree with your comment. Perhaps you might not be aware that as from the 1st of July 2024 that all businesses in the UK must pay by law100% of Tips or gratuities to their employees. "Finally"! No more scrounging employers. Google it.😀

[@davidranger4468]

Service automatically being included on the bill should be illegal. Businesses should set their prices according to their costs. I've never understood tipping culture, I dont think it should be expected or the norm. If someone wants to tip that's entirely up to them. I've worked in minimum wage jobs where accepting a tip from a customer is considered gross misconduct and a sackable offence. The company line being, exceptional service is what you're paid to deliver.

[@adeaston6553]

I completely agree, giving tips should be up to the customer if they so wish for exceptional service. The law that comes into effect in the UK on the 1st of July 2024 makes sure that all gratuities 100% is passed on to staff and not creamed away by greedy employers on the basis of AHH! we pay our employees enough and then think they are entitled to divert tips intended for the staff their way. If you have ever watched Amy's Baking company on Kitchen Nightmares is a classic example of this. Unfortunately this new law only applies to the UK and not the US or EU.@@davidranger4468

[@allenwilliams1306]

@@davidranger4468 Imposing a service charge (so described) in England & Wales means tipping is not expected, and most people won't pay a service charge and tip as well. Moreover, if there is a service charge, a customer may refuse to pay it if the service has not been of the quality demanded. They would simply strike it out and pay for the food alone. This is perfectly legal. I have done it. Bad service includes, in my book, being pestered by waiting staff asking questions or initiating conversations, clearing plates before everyone has finished eating, pouring out or topping up drinks uninvited, and delivering the bill before being asked for it.

[@davidranger4468]

@@allenwilliams1306 I am aware of the distinction between service charges and tipping and that it's one or the other. My point was that the automatic addition of service charges should be illegal as the payment of a tip (for in essence that is what a service charge is) should be entirely discretionary. The reason establishments do it, is because it increases the amount of people who pay a tip. It's just psychological trickery as most people are less likely to look someone in the eye and essentially say "I don't want to pay you this tip please remove it" than they are to simply pay it. Indeed more are likely to pay a service charge added to a bill than voluntarily leave a tip. While it may be perfectly legal to refuse to pay it, it's effectively trying to guilt trip you/ pressure into paying it which is wrong. It's also normalising tipping culture, which in my view is wrong and should be avoided. It also encourages the creation of a system where one set of minimum wage workers are valued more than others. Why tip a waiter for doing what they're paid to do and not a retail worker, or a hotel receptionist, or a call center worker. Why shouldn't we start tipping nurses or healthcare workers too? Arguably they 'deserve' it more than a waiter who... gets paid to do their job of delivering great service. I believe in a fair days pay for a fair days work. I don't believe in customers being expected to pay extra for good service and I don't believe we need a culture that expects you to tip or looks down on you if you don't.

[@Phiyedough]

One thing that gets on my nerves is when Americans talk about graduating elementary or high school. To me it devalues the whole concept of graduation. In UK to call yourself a graduate means you have some form of degree (BA, BSc, MA, PhD etc.).

[@laguna3fase4]

In 1980 ( yes I'm Old) I went to work on a summer camp in New Jersey. After flying into JFK the following day I was put on a bus to Paterson NJ and then I had to telephone the office to arrange a lift. I didn't have any change so I found a Bell Telephone office and went in to ask the lady at reception if she had any change. She looked at me in awe and asked " can you say that again, I just love your English accent". I repeated my question and then she gave me some change. After I called the office and spoke to the director on the phone he said to me " What are you doing in Paterson? its the murder capital of America". He came as soon as he could and picked me up to go to a safer part of New Jersey.

[@scottythedawg]

having someone take the plate is rude because not everyone has finished - nothing to do with tipping or service. We like to wait for everyone to be finished- it is like eating desert while someone is still eating their main course, or starting to eat before everyone is served.

[@Jeni10]

Clearing the plates before everyone is finished, leaves Brits (and Aussies) feeling like they’re being rushed, as in “Hurry up and finish so the next group of customers can come in.” It’s a horrible feeling and you never want to come back to dine there ever again!

[@houghi3826]

Eating out in Europe is done because it is a social event, not because you are hungry. Fast food restaurants are not even seen as "going to a restaurant". So having a slower service is wanted most of the time. Clearing of a whole table at once instead of individual plates is a LOT easier. So clearing it once, means I am not interrupted and can enjoy the social part, like talking to the other people. So it is easier for everybody NOT to do it. And the National Anthem is not about the respect, but the fact that it IS played at a sports event that are not international at all.

[@Peterraymond67]

I live in Wales but as loads of us not a Welsh speaker. When in the US I am often asked to speak Welsh, I usually recite the Welsh national anthem, Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, but they can never give me enough beer to sing it! Other English speaking countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia never seem to be crazy enough to ask me to speak Welsh, oh, they also know that Wales is its own country.

[@brentwoodbay]

Duw Duw mun!

[@marianjeffrey8684]

Cymru am byth.

[@vilebrequin6923]

How many Brits spontaneously burst into a rendition of the National Anthem as the young video couple failed (appallingly!) to even have a grasp of the words!😊 p.s. I even threw in a second verse just to attone for them!

[@ladykaycey]

I was pretty shocked that they didn't know at least the first verse of the national anthem. Also, it's common courtesy to stand for another country's national anthem. I think Joel and Lia are really showing their ignorance here.

[@evanflynn4680]

National anthems at sporting events are weird, except in international competitions where they play the anthem of the countries competing. In Australia, we really only do the anthem when the game is played on ANZAC Day, or for the Grand Final. Also, the pledge of allegiance is weird. We don't do anything like it at all, except when an immigrant becomes a citizen, and when someone enters the military.

[@evanflynn4680]

Loud Americans: His dad speaking quietly is the perfect example. If the rest of the restaurant wasn't speaking like they were trying to communicate with someone through a door, he'd be perfectly fine speaking as quietly as he was. Indoor voices, especially in public, are something so many Americans have problems with. Just pretend you're in a library. Plus, no one will overhear all your personal conversations.

[@Peterraymond67]

There’s nothing wrong with being patriotic but the Pledge of Allegiance being recited daily by children feels a bit unreal. Saying it this often reduces its meaning. I used to run a Scout Troop and we felt that reciting the Scout Promise every meeting reduced its meaning and energy. We decided it to special events and when a new Scout is invested. I will always stand for any ones national anthem, as a means of respect even when some are not the easiest to sing. The Welsh national anthem sung at the start of national events, especially rugby is heart felt and very touching and musical and sounds good even if you can't understand the language.

[@irreverend_]

The pledge of allegiance in US schools thing, feels very WW2 era Germany to me. The only thing close to it I've experienced was in my infants school, they used to make us recite the lord's prayer in morning assemblies. I usually refused to join in even when I was 4, but that was never a thing in school after I was 6 and went to primary school.

[@danmayberry1185]

The Star Spangled Banner is sung to a 1766 British melody, "To Anacreon in Heaven."

[@TukikoTroy]

How is the pledge 'just a sign of respect'? "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There is no mention or inference of 'respect' for firefighters, soldiers or anything in those words. It is just you promising loyalty to the state (a sing-song mantra every little kid is indoctrinated with as soon as they start school). And as for the second bit: "One nation under God" - added as a response to the perceived communist threat. "Indivisible" - have you seen the state of US politics? "With liberty and justice for all" - If you can afford it. As for the freest county? The US doesn't even make the top ten (eight of which are in Europe btw).

[@Phiyedough]

To me it's a sign of brainwashing.

[@paulknox999]

the first time I came to the states the waitress clearing plates really annoyed me, and then putting the bill on the table while we were still eating made it worse. they just want you in and out like a production line to get the next customers in. For me eating out is a social event not an excuse just to eat as fast as possible and move on. You want to get maximum tip from a brit, leave them alone, dont come up asking if everything is OK every 5 minutes just leave them alone but keep you eye on the table, if you see someone looking around for a member of staff then jump straight in brits will ask you when they want something and they will ask you when they want the bill.

[@richmorris2870]

Amen!

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@richmorris2870 And we don't get religious about it either.

[@vinvivofikas9973]

clearing the table while somebody is still eating is considered rude in most European countries. It makes one feel unwelcome (eat quicker, pay and leave!) Also we don't want to be disturbed all the time by the waiter ... if needed we'll call the waiter. Interesting, what is considered "good service" by one culture, is rude by another.

[@micade2518]

Point 2 about clearing the plates before everyone has finished: in France too, it's SO rude! But in most places, the waiting staff hasn't been trained in a specialized restauration school! For fun, take a look at this (on YT): "Louis de Funès: Le Grand Restaurant (1966) - Folie collective!" - Le Monde des Avengers. It's in French but even if you can't get the Google English subtitles, the images speak for themselves. Enjoy! Point 3 about the Americans being loud, I have a personal anecdote: I was crossing the Channel on a night ferry (long before the Tunnel was constructed) in an early January. The sea was quite rough and, as I and other passengers were trying to get a little sleep (I would have to go to work immediately upon arrival in London in the morning), there was that American woman who kept repeating, like a mantra: "Oh Gowd, I'm gonna be sick ... I really feel I'm gonna be sick..." on and on and ... loudly for everyone to hear. Call me rude but, I eventually told her, pointing in the direction of where the toilets were:"Madam, the toilets (did she understand that I meant what you call "bathroom"?), why don't you just go there and be done with it, but, please!.... She finally went quiet!

[@nancyrafnson4780]

I’m a Canadian and a sports nut. So I’ve been to NHL and MLB games and I would ALWAYS stand for both anthems! I don’t place my hand over my heart or sing the American anthem, but I respect it. I would do this for any other country as well.

[@hannahjordan9833]

So often with American comedy I'm like "WHY are you yelling at me? Volume doesn't make your joke funnier. STOP SHOUTING"

[@jacquelinemcmanus3495]

Brits are used to sitting for hours for meals, but hate being rushed!. Think they are being hurried up !.

[@panchopuskas1]

- reminds me of a restaurant where I used to have workday lunch.......it was : sit down, eat, pay and then F off.....get the next table filled. Not nice......

[@DougBrown-h1n]

Kansas has some very strange laws: Pedestrians crossing a highway at night must wear a tail light. It's illegal to shoot rabbits from a motorboat. It's also against the law for restaurants to serve cherry pie on Sunday. Go figure!

[@DavidSmith-cx8dg]

It's not customary to play the National anthem at domestic sporting events , but it is before International events and it's expected to stand for the other Countries as a mark of respect .

[@davidmckie7128]

The confusion occurs because there is Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression.

[@old.not.too.grumpy.]

Those two are young and don't remember that God Save the Queen/King was played every night when TV and Radio stations closed for the night before 24 hour broadcasting. It is still played every night on BBC radio4 before handing over to the world service. It was also played at every concert or stage show, usually before they started. Also at the end of the night in every cinema We also used to sing it regularly at school assembly. I am old, so anyone under the age of 50 won't remember this happening😂

[@jamesrowe3606]

I'm 71 and we never sang the national anthem at school. Maybe pupils at fee-paying schools did, but not in my state school. It was played in cinemas, but the overwhelming majority left while the titles were running. By the way, I'm Scottish (and not a Rangers supporter!).

[@old.not.too.grumpy.]

@jamesrowe3606 nope, I went to one of the first perpupose built comprehensive schools in England. At the 'all school' assemblies, once a week, we always sang Jerusalem and God Save the King. We didn't at the normal morning assembly. We did have a very old-fashioned headmaster

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@old.not.too.grumpy. You can't say "nope", to someone stating facts, as to their life actual experience, that's just rude. 2 points, 1) As another Scot, a couple of decades younger than @jamesrowe3606 , I can confirm that at no point, in Primary or Secondary school, was God save the Queen sung, at school assemblies or otherwise (except perhaps in a music lesson). 2) Jerusalem is considered a very English song, so I wouldn't expect for that to have been sung outside of churches, anywhere else but in English schools.

[@old.not.too.grumpy.]

@Thurgosh_OG in my state school, we did. Probably as you are aware the Scottish and English have always been different

[@jamesrowe3606]

@@Thurgosh_OG No worries. People have been a lot ruder to me than that. And they were my mates! 😏

[@MMartec]

Considering me Portuguese... Brazil is for us, a bit like the US is for the UK, often all that they said came to mind on that level, we feel mostly the same about Brazilians in very similar things 😅 But, I did live in England for 11 years, so I totally get those guys hehe, actually I thought they were quite funny and friendy hehe... You both too! You're both very nice 😉I enjoy a lot listening to your opinions from a completely different perspective from where I stand.. And, you're normally very sensible and good hearted! 😉👍

[@old.not.too.grumpy.]

There is one thing that drives me mad about Americans. If they visit or see a photo of the UK, they only see everything as the set of the Harry Potter films🤬🤬🤬 The rich history of the nation has been reduced to film franchise. I would say some books, but most Americans have only seen the films😂😂

[@XRos28]

When you go to the UK and happen to meet a royal, as an American you don't have to bow, or curtsy, yes it's a plus if you do, but you don't HAVE to. Same goes with the standing up with hand on heart, while the US anthem is playing, it's a plus for a foreigner, but not a MUST, hey, it's not his/hers nation to respect.

[@Jeni10]

Hand on heart and saying “I pledge…” is a serious thing, even if the attitudes have changed.

[@kathleenpont5986]

As an Australian who has travelled extensively, when your in another country you need to respect there culture, you may not agree with the culture BUT you are in there country.

[@Jeni10]

Actually, yesterday I watched a reaction video from a quiet American, and afterwards, I left a comment thanking him for not shouting at me.

[@helenroberts1107]

Clearing plates when someone is still eating makes that person feel so rushed and uncomfortable in UK. American patriotism seems a bit cultish

[@stephenlee5929]

Its offensive to the person still eating, its also offensive to those who have finished. Its all round not friendly. It say can you please get on with finishing this and leave.

[@nightowl5395]

"with Americans there is no such thing as an indoor voice, is there..." that comment and your reaction did make me laugh; love you two...and a great combination watching you react to Joel and Lia 👍💙

[@wncjan]

I would probably tip mord if I was left alone to enjoy my meal. Also in Denmark wd normally stays for an hour or more after finished eating just chatting and enjoying ourselves, pl3ase do don't bring the check until we ask for it

[@matthewjamison]

We do tip. But nobody gets offended if you don't.

[@MrAnno1366]

If you search "which country has the most laws" the top answer I got is this... "geez Louise, it's the United States. We not only have the most laws in all of history, but we also turn out more new laws and regulations to manage our people every single year than most countries turn out in decades." So yeah, the "land of the free" thing is a fallacy. It's highly regulated.

[@Phiyedough]

USA also has the highest proportion of its citizens in prison.

[@emmahowells8334]

Nothing wrong with being patriotic i think that's great, i am also very patriotic of my country too, which is Wales i love my country, but pledging allegiance to a flag, to the uk that is a little weird lol. only things that do annoy me is the ignorance, arrogance & Loudness other than that, that's it, but i do love the confidence that americans have that i wish i had tho there are beautiful parts of your country, the scenery i mean it's stunning.

[@adeaston6553]

I am a Brit but I think there should be a patchwork of all the UK flags hanging in the backdrop if that's what the Mid West Americans want. If they want to share our culture and our stuff then equally show our flags.We are 4 nations and proud of it. But not the EU Flag. The UK is not part of the EU. But Hey Ho ! this is a light hearted channel. let's not get political.

[@emmahowells8334]

@@adeaston6553 Yeah they could do,.but it's their channel and their decision I guess.

[@adeaston6553]

Yes. Thank you for you kind reply of course it is their choice absolutely. But maybe a little bit of Honing or a bit of polish will make things more fluid. If you are in this game you need to play it. But I do love their Channel. @@emmahowells8334

[@emmahowells8334]

@@adeaston6553 You're welcome and yeah I can see where you're coming from and I agree.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@adeaston6553 Officially the EU do not have a flag, as that symbol was taken (with permission) from the old Council of Europe. We shouldn't be flying it anywhere in the world because it doesn't represent a country or nation but only a glorified trade club, with aspirations of 'United States of Europe'.

[@brigidsingleton1596]

Some of the singers who perform at national events who screech... 🇺🇸"...the land of the Freeeeeeeeeeeeee...and the Home of the Braaaaaaaave!!"🇺🇸 😮😏🥺 Sigh!!! Lol. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🧡🇬🇧🖖

[@Temeraire101]

Whitney Houston and Maria Carey 🤣

[@brigidsingleton1596]

@@Temeraire101 R.I.P. Whitney Houston.😥 Mariah screeches in most songs (sorry Mariah) but I don't recall her singing her National Anthem - does she *belt it out* ?! 🇺🇸🥺

[@danmayberry1185]

Jim Jeffries has a killer joke about this.

[@brigidsingleton1596]

@@danmayberry1185 I bet he has...or, as an Aussie might say "Too F**King right!!"?! 🇦🇺❤️🙂

[@marksummerson3966]

Clearing the plates sends the signal, "Hurry up and get out of here, we want to sell this table again." In the UK we are used to having a table for a couple of hours.

[@markharris1125]

"Anyone who does have those thoughts doesn't even deserve to live". I was kind of with them until that moment (especially the plates thing) but boy, that's a tad extreme.

[@MrPercy112]

@markharris1125: yes, that was utterly disgraceful; and all too typical of the ilk.

[@neiljones2341]

The dinner plate is mostly due to the fact we are brought up that if someone finishes they wait until everyone is finished then they clear plates . It's more manners to wait

[@okidoki878]

Telling that they save us in 2 WW they don’t the Canadians did and we thank them still ever year for that

[@Maria-js9ou]

Regarding point 2, clearing the plates while other person(s) are still eating is rude because you are saying to whoever is still eating " Hurry up, you're being lazy, your friend(s) are already finished, it's just you who's delaying the service". And we must not forget that if there are two or more people at a table, you must treat them as a group, together, and not each one individually. And the pace of the group is always that of the furthest behind. In the same way, the waiter must bring all the dishes at the same time, because EVERYONE must start eating at the same time, and if you bring the dishes in turn, do it both ways - or people wait for everyone to be served, and the dishes that came first are getting cold, or some start eating first, which is rude.

[@CharmingNewSociety]

Regarding sitting for the national anthem, and this is coming from a fellow American, I've never understood how it's seen as disrespectful. Like where's the middle ground? We treat it as if not choosing to show an outward display of respect is equivalent to doing the opposite. Like not openly praising something is the same as giving it the finger. It's really weird to me. Logically I think not standing for the anthem should be seen as neutral rather than actively disrespectful.

[@Maria-js9ou]

Yes, sitting during the anthem is disrespectful. Where is the middle ground? Listening standing up, quietly, and still, there is no need to sing, much less to put your hand on your heart.

[@CharmingNewSociety]

@@Maria-js9ou That's not a middle ground. It's participation, albeit minimal participation. You're still leaving no neutral area. It's just such a uniquely American disposition, you know, the idea that something passive can be disrespectful. To almost anyone anywhere else in the world non-participation in something is a neutral act and makes no commentary upon that thing. But we treat it as the same as a "fuck you" to it. It's essentially the notion of someone not complimenting you being tantamount to insulting you. We're seriously weirdos over here.

[@seanpittaway5341]

I'm a brit and couldn't care less about the plate thing, it does wind me up when I here an American say 'I could care less' because it means you do care. The tips thing isn't a thing over here so you don't have have to go out of your way to please.

[@seanpittaway5341]

Hear....

[@Knors666able]

Hera, hear! That really annoys me because they are saying that they agree with what the person says. I could care less doesn't 😊mean I really couldn't care less about it.

[@delboy1727]

On the worldwide freedom index, the US comes in at 17 (having an equal freedom score as the UK strangely). Interestingly North Korea doesn't score anywhere in the table. One can only assume that not enough data is available to give it a score, but if it was, I'm pretty sure that you are right, and it would be at the bottom.

[@Thurgosh_OG]

I've just looked at that website and cannot see the UK scoring the same as the US. In fact for the past few years, it shows that the UK has consistently had a higher (not by much) score than the US.

[@Satankat666]

In restaurants in the UK we still tip. Also in taxis. Can't really think of other places we tip though. I know it's not as many places as in America. Also I've always known tips to generally be about 10% rather than the 20%I hear is normal in America. Our servers just don't tend to interrupt us so much because they know we go out to eat and speak with the people we are with. Plus, they have plenty of other people to see to generally.

[@brigidsingleton1596]

😮 And, though I'm English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and not Welsh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ... I feel slightly uncomfortable that the Welsh flag is on its side and facing the wrong way on the wall behind Ethan there...😳🤔😢😶😕🧡🇬🇧

[@gillcawthorn7572]

I take your point. .If the argument from Americans is that it`s about showing respect to the flag of the Nation ,then THAT is disrespectful

[@MrPercy112]

@brigidsingleton1596: I thought so too.

[@England-Bob]

Best bit about Brits not joining in with the USA national anthem is that it is based on an old English drinking song. The Anacreontic Song

[@joannacurran8475]

As a Brit we may like an accent but we would never ask someone to say particular words!!

[@colingregory7464]

One of my favourite laws that I saw quoted was that you must walk on correct side of the road ? (In light of Jay walking laws), do you need to walk to the nearest crossing point away from your destination in order to then walk on the correct side ? In the UK you are "supposed" to walk towards the on coming traffic, so that you can see it coming and evade if necessary on sections with no footpath (I've had to dive into hedges on narrow roads a few times, in the face of traffic speeding on 1.5 car wide roads)

[@colingregory7464]

Some Brits are loud, I have volume control issues ! Every so often I notice I have got LOUD !

[@colingregory7464]

I've seen Brits berated for not standing up and hand on heart, the silence I understand

[@colingregory7464]

You tend to get the national anthems at international Rugby or Football matches, Six Nations starts early next month (Feb)

[@colingregory7464]

Pies on window sills - Bears ?

[@enemde3025]

Speaking in the " Dick van Dyke" English accent !!! Wait until EVERYONE has finished eating before taking the plates away ! In the UK, we used to play the national anthem at the end of a film at the cinema. Not any more though. Our national anthems ( England, Scotland, Wales or N. Ireland) are only played before international or World Cup football matches or if you win a medal at the Olympic or European athletic Games.

[@bearofthunder]

Greetings from Norway at minus 20 celcius. This year have been uniqely cold in Norway because low pressure and high pressure systems have conspired to pump down air straight from the north pole. Last year we hardly had any snow in the lowlands in the south east, but this year enormous amounts of snow followed by extreme cold maxing out below minus 20 for a couple of weeks.

[@paulguise698]

Hiya Ethan and Angela, A pet peeve of mine is when Americans say the phrase "Bad Boys" when describing food, when I used to live in St Bees you could here American friends and families trying to shout over the top of each other, it was really loud, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

[@MMartec]

And lol, yes, Americans are much louder, you can spot an American easy from the other side of Piccadilly Square straight away 😂 I feel the same as a Portuguese comparing with Brazilians, or worst.. the Spanish hehe....

[@bearofthunder]

In Norway also, everybody keeps their plate until the last person is finished eating. If you are the only one with a plate it feels like the others ar rushing you, and eating together means you start and finish together. Finishing means the plates are removed, before that happens anybody could potentially have some more, so having your plates means you are still part of the meal. Is the american practice here about the restaurants efficiency? To get people out as fast as possible, to make room for the next customer? Is topping up your drink all the time also to make people finish faster? I think in Europe, going to a restaurant is also a social event. You are expected to hang around after your meal to catch up and talk for a while, maybe have a coffee, things that may be concidered "unproductive" time for the restaurant occupying a table. Maybe in Europe the restaurant prices includes this "sitting fee", but culturally we need the time to feel like "going out" was worth it. But on an endnote, for example MacDonalds here in Norway do not encourage sitting around, and neither do Burger King, so in these places we expect to a quick in and out, which make those places "food stops" and not really "restaurants", the way we see it.

[@alansmithee8831]

Hello Ethan and Angela. Chill out! Cool! My boss is a Green Bay fan from US. Did you get stopped and asked to "say something" in UK? You seem more "normal" from seeing US TV all the time as a kid, here in northern England, than the two posh southern presenters. Still, I was brought up to see tipping as insulting and would feel like calling the owner "Scrooge" from this upbringing, if presented with a service charge.

[@lottie2525]

They are totally correct - clearing the plates away before everyone is finished is so, so rude in the UK and the constant interrupting to see if everyone is ok would also be seen as rude and annoying. It's funny how in the UK we view both those things as bad service and rude whereas you see it as helpful and providing good service.

[@Markevans63]

Yea that Jaywalking crap is totally nuts.. Fully grown adults cant cross a road when or wherever you want! Bizarre

[@grahvis]

Some years ago, motor manufacturers lobbied to make walking in the road illegal because they thought pedestrians in the road might put people off buying a car. An example of corporations controlling how people live their lives.

[@manueltapia1859]

Another could be they want to pay in dollars despite the store owners explain only accept the pounds or the euro in other countries of Europe, that even the other person doesnt talk english they start to talk slowly in english (like that works 😅)

[@Thurgosh_OG]

And call the language they use 'American'.

[@abbibrophy7671]

clearing plates before everyone is finished is rude in Australia too

[@jamesrowe3606]

Wait staff aren't trying to be as efficient as possible for service-based reasons. It's all about tips, because American restaurants won't pay their staff a decent wage. Anyway, I really don't like intrusive or sycophantic "service" in restaurants and I don't want staff to be friendly. I much prefer them to be efficient.

[@matthewlizotte8904]

How British say water is exactly how born and raised Mainer's say water as we have tossed that R out long ago on ending of words.

[@bingohall1333]

I'm a slow eater and like to chew my food. And everyone who is on the aircraft and from America should be told when you are going to a foreign country taxes are different and we don't have state and federal tax and so many a times I been asked by Americans about how much state and federal tax to pay. And I would say the tax is already on that book for £19 and it's been on discount from £95 down to whatever price is displayed. Going out for the night always keep an eye on credit cards and never let your card go to a card reader if possible pay in cash. And you after buying stuff sometimes tipping is a thing, it depends on you check small print at the bottom of the bill sometimes it says card payments pay extra for processing card payments, if you been served by many wait staff, then if you have one young woman or man server, then a few two or three pound coins, will not be going to that service person, it will be shared out with the cook staff and waiting staff at the end of the night. That's not football it's known as American run ball and ill advise to men and soccer is what children play with shorter playing to 20 minutes each half and played on shorter pitches by half normal pitches. I wish they would not play national anthems at sporting events

[@marianjeffrey8684]

Love that you have my flag up. The Welsh flag. I now live in Australia and still fly my flag.

[@evanflynn4680]

The Klan: Still exists, but isn't anywhere near as numerous or influential as they used to. They tend to glom onto other hate groups at their rallies. Proud Boys rallies will often have a few Klansmen in the mix, for example.

[@MrPercy112]

@evanflynn4680: excepting the black members of the Proud Boys, right?

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@MrPercy112 Well, who knows for sure?

[@neiljones2341]

Also it's done in restaurants and pubs you wait to all finished as it makes people feel you are rushing them

[@jopatto]

Look up the history of the American anthem you will find it very interesting

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

We wrote it as a drinking song.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Thurgosh_OG]

@@PUNKinDRUBLIC72 'We' being the British. Got to love that.

[@funkyshakespeare6122]

The plates thing is also considered rude in France.

[@OneKnightGaming]

I'm American and I also dislike the plates being cleared so quickly as well, though not all restaurants do it at the same speeds.

[@orrbugger]

I don’t know the lyrics for our (UK) national anthem either. Never sang it. However, every day in assembly at my infant and junior school (1980’s) we had to recite “the Lord’s Prayer” Looking back I find it a bit odd. I’m non religious. But was forced to mumble that dreary prayer along with the rest of the kids…. Every day!

[@joannacurran8475]

I live in a country when most of the ex-pats are north Americans and what drives me mad are the esting habits- using the cutlery cut, put down knife if they use one, swap hands, use fork like a shovel.....also put all the food on the same place - savoury, desserts,.....gross

[@andyt8216]

This is the first time I’ve watched your vids whilst in the USA! Boston MA. Stay warm 🥶

[@kashers5884]

Fun video, I enjoyed it a lot. To be honest, there's not too much that annoys me about Americans. The only thing I can come up with is their apparent incessant need to say "God bless America." I mean, in the first place why would He bother doing such a thing? Isn't it being just a tad presumptive that He may even think of doing so, let alone actually wanting to? But I think what most gets my goat most about it is the overwhelming assumption that God as an entity in itself exists at all, let alone that He does so for everyone, whether that be in regards for just America or indeed for the world as a whole. So, saying such comes over as 'aren't we the luckiest country in the world to have the one and only vaild religious deity.' Let's face it, there hasn't been an American politician that hasn't said this trite phrase and whenever they do, to my non-American ear at least, it comes over as: "God bless America and to hell with every other country."

[@Will-nn6ux]

Well, I could list a few things that Joel and Lia do that drive people crazy. ;)

[@weejackrussell]

I agree!

[@elemar5]

Like pretending that they pronounce all the lettahs in words.

[@tomnicholson2115]

I agree, to be honest I find both of them to be a bit vacuous, not my favourite British KZbinrs, I am a Brit btw.

[@MrPercy112]

I’m embarrassed by them; they behave like teenagers. Not a good export.

[@ambrosewhite1359]

Hello team, just watched this. I do agree with the loudness. I remember in NY catching the Subway and I could hear this woman from the Street. I thought it was hilarious actually

[@bigdaddigaming]

Americans are loud but after 23 of living here I've learned to adjust to them in conversations, I now catch myself getting loud to keep up

[@thespyjournal1792]

love you guys, Nice to have you back. From a brit

[@midwestamericans3806]

Aw thanks!

[@davidmunro546]

“Brits don’t tip” 😱 That’s an over generalisation. I’m Scottish and I have experienced English people abroad, not using indoor voices and they totally ruined the ambiance. Especially when I was in a coffee shop in Amsterdam. 😡

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

I think it`s a bit of a myth that there are so many things practiced by North Americans to the displeasure of us English / British. No doubt there are Americans that get a little `itchy` as regards some of our own habits and peculiarities. Oceans and other large bodies of water ( none anywhere near the size of any ocean ) have a cooling effect during the summer months and a warming effect during the winter months. This generally explains why the closer you are to an ocean the better one will fare year - round if one is not comfortable with extremes in temperature. I once lived in the Republic or Ireland away from the coast - on a tiny island. But even I ( growing up on the north east coast of England with the North Sea ) noticed how cold it was inland in that tiny island of Ireland. Oh - but you drive on the wrong side of the road. That does irritate me a little but is something one must get used to whilst on practically any foreign sojourn from the British Isles. I was quite insensed the first time I went abroad - all these people drving on the right hand side of the road. Who do they think they are ?

[@Badgersj]

You two are such fun!

[@geekexmachina]

These two are pretty hit and miss. I think many people would say that copying an accent is more important when talking a different language because it aides communication. The key is we are pretty reserved in many situations (not in others), so fake accent and volume generally doesnt go down well, also when accents are attempted it usually ends up being mixtures of different uk accents mashed together people will copy what they think they hear not what they actually hear. The dinner table thing, often eating out is an intimate or private affair and sometimes delicate or sensitive subjects are being talked about so we talk not too loud, but also we dont want hovering waiting staff eaves dropping, or interrupting. It can be common to sit chatting for more than 30 minutes after eating which is a cultural thing and we dont like being rushed out the door. in some restaurants the service between courses is deliberately slow to allow conversation.

[@janolaful]

We don't have a constitution in the uk we just have the magna carta which exercised a strong influence both on the United States Constitution and on the constitutions of the various states The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee that no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” 😊

[@Thurgosh_OG]

The US National Anthem - The Star Spangled Banner is a celebration of a victory by the young US against a squadron from the British Royal Navy. This happened during the USA's unsuccessful war to take over Canada, which at that point was another British Colony in North America, during 1812-14. The fort successfully prevented Royal Navy ships from attacking Baltimore Harbour, despite being shelled for many hours, after which the Star Spangled Banner was raised in the fort to show that the US was still there and prepared to fight. There are some other reasons for why the war started but the main one was the invasion of Canada, which at the end of hostilities, saw the the US soil captured by British forces and the British (Canadian) soil captured by the US being returned to the original powers. Had the British not been fighting a much bigger war, against Napoleon in Europe, then there may have been a very different result for the US.

[@maxmoore9955]

- 1 here in my Part of Britain dropping to - 4 tonight. That's Negative 1 to Negative 4 Minus 1 Minus 4 .to Brits .

[@Thurgosh_OG]

-14c in the Highlands last night.

[@GaryBarker-sn6vw]

Re: plates, it's not for you to decide what is rude in another culture.

[@pepelemoko2820]

I'm Scottish and trust me, I'll have an American accent any day and American charectaristics over those two english kvnts any day.

[@timothybird4264]

Always seem to signs about don’t park or walk here when I see programs from America