How British People Really View Americans

[@ChrisWillx]

Hello you savages. The full episode with George goes live on Monday - press Subscribe! Get 20% discount on the best supplements from Momentous at livemomentous.com/modernwisdom

[@ImperialMindMusic]

Very hard to find the full length video when using a mobile web browser BTW

[@everythingwave]

This is so good Chris. As a Californian raised by Europeans now living in Japan, listening to you and George even for a few minutes was mind-blowing for me and still has me thinking.

[@ExiledGypsy]

A more pertinent question is why people compare the U.K. with the U.S? I lived for ten years in France, and I never came across French comparing themselves with the U.S. I lived in Spain and now I live in Malta and again no one even thinks about it. The only reasons I can see for this are historical but the U.K. is far more comparable to European countries than the U.S. which made Brexit so absurd. There is no logical reason for such a comparison. As Winston Churchill put: "British and Americans are two people separated by a common language." The fundamentals are too far apart to make such a comparison viable.

[@jerryoshea3116]

I'm originally from London ( born into one of those large Irish Catholic families,u don't see anymore) But I've lived in the (US) for nearly 24 yrs!. So sure u will get asked about ur accent ( it's so cool,nice & so on) But I can assure u in ur normal daily working life,that cuts no sway! The country is ultra competitive,driven,insecure,u name it,everything is here but magnified!.. So if u know ur job,are hardworking,have a confident or forceful personality u w/b fine,but u have to up ur game&,if u can't or are unwilling to adapt,then u better go home! So I'm quite used to It now,but each day there's always room to be puzzled!... .It's nothing like the UK and nothing like the Movies or Reality Tv! A Country of extremes & extreme ways!

[@jerryoshea3116]

​@@ExiledGypsyAs a a former Londoner ( raised into a large Irish family) who has lived in the ( US) for nearly 24 yrs,I agree wholeheartedly! They watch& consume way too mucho American TV &movies and consider this their Compass & Map & are way too arrogant to be corrected or informed to the contrary!

[@matthewbloomfield9372]

As a Brit I can totally relate to Chris. I love Americans can do attitude and optimism, which is why I make sure I visit the USA regularly!

[@StephanCalvert]

I’m an American who does just the opposite. I’m 76 and I’ve visited the UK about 37 times staying as long as 4 months. I love the British and I’ve stayed as long as 2 months alone. There isn’t anywhere else in the world I would do that. I’ve never been bored, especially in London.

[@Dman-wp7ri]

We welcome you brother

[@andrewjosepholson]

I love the U.K. I love the U.S.

[@lzestrara1518]

The thing is, we Americans believe in you Brits as much as we believe in ourselves! You can do it too!

[@dontlistentoanythingisay]

We love our brothers and sisters ‘across the pond’ and we will be there when you need us

[@blakebrown534]

I'm American - that first description about the kids from different mothers has me cracking up laughing right now. I love it.

[@ridiculogan2962]

as an American, this is how I feel about Russian people

[@DC_Greed]

@@ridiculogan2962 They are more like the cousin who is a little rough on the outside, but super kind to close people, because your uncle (their dad) is a negative and neglectful alcoholic......maybe I put to much thought into that lol.

[@Beezermen]

So true, I laughed so loud I think I woke my kids up !!!

[@gomer2813]

I strongly disagreed, but I am from a crappy part of the country. I'm pretty sure that his description would not apply to 80% of the USA.

[@antoniofelis8291]

@@gomer2813 If you have a single family home, a lawn, and parking lot in front, speak English and like to eat unhealthy fatty and starchy food, you're already 80% like the British...

[@Scoots3]

I’m an American that lived in the UK for a number of years. The class divide can’t be understated. I got the vibe that in the UK you are encouraged to do as well as your class will allow. A class glass ceiling if you will. We tell children of trash men (“rubbish collector”) they can be President in the US. That’s not to say we don’t have many issues and a class problem, but you’re encouraged to break out of your class and do great things.

[@PS987654321PS]

Very true. The class issues are extraordinary and repressive. It's not even one's own personal outlook. You will be held down.

[@chrisburton4128]

Very true

[@jacobfield4848]

The USA used to be classless, now only the 1% can go to the top universities.

[@matthewdiment2325]

The class issues are the same in the U.S. Yes we have titles here but u guys have exactly the same thing but without the titles it's human nature it's the same in any country even communist ones.

[@PS987654321PS]

@@matthewdiment2325 Idiotic. It's not the same, and it's not close. And titles are irrelevant. The U.S. is far more of a meritocracy, relatively speaking.

[@philphil1766]

I was deployed in the USAF in 2002/2003 and loved being posted with the Brits. The Brits were self-deprecating, sarcastic and hilarious. I loved working with them.

[@mikehenson819]

I love British humor! They can be hilarious without being vulgar.

[@johnpersinger4358]

@@mikehenson819 their vulger is quite funny, too. 🤣

[@SS-17333]

My Dad immigrated to the U.S. from the U.K. In the 60s. He lovingly calls us His Majesty’s unruly teenagers, tell them they can’t do something and they’ll do just that.

[@kgjung2310]

We did tell Daddy King George part III that we weren't going to listen to him and that he wasn't our dad anymore.

[@markacamacho]

Here, hold my beer, lol.

[@stephenpotts832]

A working class Brit here. I was blessed with working for an American company. I managed to reach a level in the company that I never imagined possible. I am absolutely certain that would not have happened in a British company. The Americans don’t see class, only effort and ability. I worked harder for the people that put their faith in me, I think that applied to every American that I worked for and several of the Brits, but it wasn’t as universal as the Americans. Every American manager that I worked for got their position on merit. Some of British managers definitely had an element of the old boy network. The difference in GDP per capita is striking now, Britain, like the rest of similar sized European economies is well behind America. Is that down to regulation and tax or is down to the cultural differences? They maybe go hand in hand?

[@clovermark39]

Yes I worked in a few factories and I seemed to be the only one that didn’t have relatives working there.

[@chetmcdonald]

The fact that you introduced your social class in the first sentence says much about your country. Think about that.

[@happyapple4269]

its due to the sheer size of America, its colossal compared to Britain. Britain can fit in the state of Texas eight times.

[@jinkim23]

Meritocracy

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@stephenpotts832 I read ur statement& I'm curious about where u were based& pleased u had a positive experience,which has made u settle on the same outlook!

[@katnerd6712]

In England you're expected to know your place. In the US you're expected to define your place.

[@BP-or2iu]

@@Nevermind7645-x7vI don't think you really know what entitlement means.

[@katnerd6712]

@@BP-or2iu considering I’m 54 years old grew up dirt poor worked since I was 14 at any job I could get and earned a fairly comfortable life by the time I was in my 40s. You might be right I’ve yet to experience it.

[@BP-or2iu]

@@katnerd6712 I was not replying to you.

[@katnerd6712]

@@BP-or2iu Whoever you were replying to must have deleted their comment. Sorry about that.

[@DarthRaider520]

You're expected to build your place. Then define it.

[@andrewh2u]

Moved from Birmingham to London in my early thirties and pivoted to Investment Banking... realised *that* accent had to go before I changed investsment house a year later if I was gonna make it. Class systems are still a barrier in the UK no matter what your ability. Moved to NY in a few years and the whole scene is totally different... everyone can make it here no matter where you are from.

[@jbone9900]

If think America is a fantasy land sure.

[@LC-wv7tz]

I mean you are dead wrong.

[@monrush]

"everyone can make it" really??? Really. To mis quote Al Murray it's called the American dream because you must be sleeping.... Every other modern western country has the same opportunities as the US. The reason Americans have the chance to make even more money is because of the size of the country. The USA is the country if extremes. Amazing if you are rich or from a rich family but working a normal job? No healthcare, poor infrastructure, full of packing religious nuts

[@matthewlinscott7055]

I’m from the States so pls explain Birmingham accent using game of thrones. Is it more like Cersei or is it more like Ygritte?

[@andrewh2u]

@@matthewlinscott7055 Wrong show - watch Peaky Blinders

[@dougrose7334]

As a native texan with a thick accent, my first trip to the UK was a blast. One of the first things I learned is that everyone in England thinks everyone in Texas is a cowboy and owns a ranch lol. I caught some shit for it but most of it was good natured and we had a lot of fun. Love the British people and culture. It really is special.

[@laura9868]

In 2007 when I was 22 I worked at a hotel in Austin and some Australian guys came to check in and asked me where are all the horses, dirt roads and swinging doors saloons. Lol like Texas was still a old western movie. We had a laugh but it made me realize how other countries think of us Texans well at least back then.

[@4G63Tx]

I’m also a native and I’ve met people from just different states here that thought similar lmao

[@Madeleine-n4g]

Is pretty much in usa some people i think 7- percent think England is a backward country

[@israelizzyyarrashamiaak766]

Syrian Iranian - when I came to America nobody was walking around armed - I was shocked because we thought everyone did. My first international visit was to London- that’s where I applied for American citizenship. I learned English watching 5 American movie Breakfast club Pretty In pink 16 candles St Elmo’s fire Clueless. My English was SOOO bad and in London 😂😂😂😂😂 I didn’t know what anyone was saying. I was so confused how English sounded so different. Then I got to America and went to Louisiana where I loved the food but walked around like I was on mars trying to figure out what the martians were saying. Now when I go anywhere in America and hear all the accents it makes me laugh. I really expected all Americans to sound like the movies. Clueless is a terrible movie to watch to learn English. As you may notice I still don’t know the grammar part.

[@dougrose7334]

@israelizzyyarrashamiaak766 haha yeah clueless was not a good idea. As for being armed. A lot of us are you just don’t see it :) Welcome. We are thrilled to have anyone here who does it the right way.....legally. still blows my mind how many people here seem to think some laws are optional. I guess it comes down to our rebellious nature.

[@damienfallon8980]

As a 50 year old American I have always looked at the UK as our older brothers that we grew up bigger than but nobody else should mess with them or they have to deal with us. We are forever tied to each other.

[@backpackbattles4176]

As a Brit, I love this and agree.

[@nihilisticpuppy3799]

​@@backpackbattles4176 Raised as an American, our first years in school exposed us to British Patriotic songs. We are so closely tied together, so in times of the hardest turmoils, we turn to each other as brothers

[@mrEnder1974]

Amen

[@andrewbarrett42]

I view Americans aswell our closest brothers,Not so much Canadians and Australians.

[@backpackbattles4176]

@@nihilisticpuppy3799that’s cool, I moved from UK to US and have found the people to be very welcoming.

[@jackbowen4420]

I was in Wales for a friend's birthday waiting in line to get into a bar and, without speaking a word, a guy behind me said "oh, you must be American" 😅I said "How the hell did you know that?" And he said "Well, the mustache, for starters, but mainly you just look too happy" lol. That summed up the difference right then and there. And you're 100% right, Chris - I was the one American in a group of 10-12 Welsh guys and the vibe was insane.

[@wrenillusions]

That's hilarious 😂

[@Siegbert85]

Didn't know mustaches were an American thing. Here in Germany it's quite easy to spot at least male Americans: sunglases, base caps, short pants, often more buff and very short hair (I live near an American army base)

[@bulletz9280]

We can also tell by how you dress. Nobody anywhere else in the world would combine a polo shirt, cargo shorts, white crew socks and hiking sneakers/new balance and think "yep, that's a good outfit for today". Add a dad hat, fanny pack, and some gas station sunglasses and you've got the classic American tourist look. Usually all worn by someone way too young to be dressing that badly.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@bulletz9280 who are you trying to impress?

[@PGHEngineer]

Rates of depression are slightly higher in the UK than the US. Suicide rates are substantially lower in the UK. I guess appearances can be deceptive.

[@michaelhennessy5672]

I’m an American that lived in London for 8 years. I love London, England and the UK and I love the Brits. Any Brit that wants to come to America is welcome

[@happyapple4269]

id be over like a shot if i could afford it

[@michaelhennessy5672]

@MultiOpolis not an obligation

[@mattg2306]

@MultiOpolis You're coming whether you like it or not, and you will enjoy your stay. It's non-negotiable. I already booked your stay in Detroit.

[@collinb.8542]

​@@mattg2306Not Detroit lmao

[@vanessajanik4623]

@@mattg2306😂

[@nickcharnley19]

there was an American lad I worked with a few yrs ago. 6ft3 well put together etc. through himself into UK culture, played football, would even talk about his 'touch' , could handle a liquid lunch, did well with the ladies, could take the piss and visa virsa, but he was humble, we absolutely loved him.

[@mikemush9741]

What a great story. "Humble" is such a great quality. I'm glad you had that experience.

[@BriBryBriBry]

I'm American and I've been to England 7-8 different times.. we have way way more in common with you guys then anyone else in Europe obviously.. I've seen so many videos including this one that tried to tell us that we are So much different but we really aren't.. I was told many different times when I was over there that they didn't know there were many Americans like me just because I was shy and don't talk much which is how I always am.. 😂 most thought I would be very talkative and confident but I guess that's from all of the American stereotypes and media. Somehow so many like to think that over 330 million Americans are like one single person? People are people. Always liked hanging out with the Brits when I was in the military too. All of us couldn't wait to chat with the British and when we did you could tell they were excited too lol. Traded tons of stuff with them. Many different types of personalities there also. Just like everyone in the world 🤷‍♂️

[@longshotmaster]

Sounds like most American blue collar

[@annfrost3323]

If you mean he played football=soccer, he probably played it since he was five years old. Nothing extraordinary.

[@_hesha_7092]

I'm American and I take great pride in Britain. You guys are amazing. Own it. 🎉

[@billedwards3876]

We Americans ARE proud of America, in a good way, I hope. That said, we also are quite proud of your England -our grandfather and our sisters and brothers. You gave us our beginning and we stand with each other when the chips are down. Also Canadians -our kinder, better brothers and sisters, when they’re not being silly- and our smartassed, strong and irreverent Austrailian black sheep with hearts of gold. May we all learn to be more like ourselves again!

[@lds251]

American here- I always think of Canada as “America Light”, kind of vanilla. That big chunk of ice to the north where nothing exciting ever happens-:)

[@GeorgiaMartin-ll9qg]

Nicely put! (From a Canadian cousin :)

[@GeorgiaMartin-ll9qg]

@@lds251Unfortunately, it’s been too exciting (in the negative) since Trudeau JR has become our PM. In 9 years he’s done massive damage to our beautiful country. Canadians are extremely angry (which is something for us!) He’s going to be kicked to the curb in the next election which can’t come soon enough !

[@lds251]

@@GeorgiaMartin-ll9qg Yes, I’ve noticed that lately. I have a friend from Alberta who has been very upset about the whole situation.

[@okieinexile]

Don't leave out the Kiwis

[@eamonshields2754]

Essentially we are “Brit’s with self belief” because everyone who came to America in the early days was a risk taker and bet on themselves

[@RUNtvHD]

The enthusiasm and self belief of Americans is often interpreted by British people as being golden retriever like. It’s assumed you must be in some sort of naive bubble. It goes some way towards the British perception of Americans being a bit dim. Constant and unshakable enthusiasm suggests less self awareness.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

@@RUNtvHDwhereas the constant negativity and pessamism of Brits is exhausting and depressing as hell. Australian's and Canadian's have a good middle ground I guess.

[@neilog747]

Love it.

[@barnabydodd8956]

@@RUNtvHD Also, I have to make this point because many Europeans don't think about stats on U.S. education and income like this, but race plays a big factor. Europe is WAY more white than the U.S. is. Many U.S. stats, such as education, income, crime, etc, get dragged down by large and extremely poor performing minority groups. So when you look at U.S. stats on education, income, crime, etc, you might not think it's that impressive. But if you looked only at Americans with European ancestry and Brits of European ancestry in the UK, the numbers are quite a bit shocking. Americans of European ancestry are right up there with China, Japan, and South Korea in test scores. Income goes way up for white Americans. And crime is way down, on the same levels as safe European countries. My point is, many Brits look at U.S. stats and picture a white American guy when they see relatively unimpressive education stats and crime stats. But that's a false perception. Those white Americans you picture in your head actually have impressive education stats, high income, and low crime stats.

[@RUNtvHD]

@@iluvmusicqwe Probably about right, there’s a very distinct energy difference between new world countries and old.

[@tonypalmentera7752]

We (Americans) are risk-takers, and rebels. Entrepreneurship is apart of that. We socially reward taking risks and rebelling. We worship the underdog, who either started on the bottom, or fell from grace. We want to see people fall, just to watch them rise. We love comeback stories. Wait for ours...it's coming.

[@katrindivinets]

THIS. Exactly this.

[@patrickstallings9613]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@MC-xd2ti]

Spot on 🙏🏼

[@BS0821]

I think we even still think of America as the underdog and that's why we stay hungry lol

[@Wdavidmetzger]

The pendulum is swinging for both of us brother. Before too long the reasonable among us will be complaining about the right again.

[@pennywilliams2429]

I can't help but remember that the U.S. was formed by Brits who wanted to do things differently, go against the grain, as you said, Chris. The U.S. was a blank slate. Everything was adaptations of UK things or started from scratch. Entrepreneurial from the beginning.

[@ShayneWilliams]

This is a fantastic point!

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

Yeah, my family came from England back in 1640. But I feel zero connection to the UK. Strictly American.

[@aclem8246]

Brits, French, and Spanish.

[@properpolymath2097]

​@@CraigAnderson-h2h Your entire family came to the U.S. In the same year? And it was 400 years ago? That makes zero sense. You should take a genealogy test, you'll find that a couple ancestors came in 1640, then their progeny intermarried with various other immigrants who came in waves.

[@okst5314]

Not just Brits, but risk takers from all over the world.

[@Pokey324]

As an American I have so much respect for all the Brits. I had the honor to work with many of them over the years and it was so much fun we all got along great

[@ozarkmtnbear5913]

I’m a proud American but love Britain. Vacationed there for 2 weeks this spring with my family. The people were great. I say this with all the respect in the world, Britain is the 2nd best country in the history of the world and I’m overwhelmingly proud that my country was born out of it. We know where we came from.

[@peynattyl]

Californian here ~ a few years ago a Brit arrived with her horse to board at my barn. One afternoon a few teens pulled into the ranch, parked under a tree to smoke some pot and the Brit stomps down the driveway to tell them they're on private property and to get out!! The boys immediately leave and she walks back to the barn just blown away that the guys didn't tell her off. She said she would have been cussed out if this happened across the pond, but these boys apologized and peacefully left. I told her it was the accent! It saved her that day.

[@chadmaximus44]

@@DobyDukelikes to party

[@TonyShepps]

If I was a teen getting high, and a Brit woman walked over and told me to go elsewhere, that would be awesome. It would practically make my day. If those teens were drinking? Whole 'nother story, I'd wager.

[@JackCoombs-iy8vz]

The accent is amazing, especially on a woman I love it.

[@chrisokeeffe8432]

😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@PGHEngineer]

Yeah, if she was worried about being challenged by a few teens in the UK she would never have done anything. Next time you make up a fake story, try to make it coherent.

[@zoemoody6903]

I always felt like the UK was the elder brother and the US the younger--who grew up taller and got a job that paid more.

[@s.w.9809]

The U.S. is like the "red-headed step child".

[@sandrad9695]

😂

[@barronfinley3062]

@@s.w.9809 The US is the protector of UK

[@michaelhurlbut4830]

@@s.w.9809 The red-headed step child who got kicked out of the house, swore vengeance, busted his butt, and became excessively successful. And realized that success was a sweeter vengeance than anything else.

[@Alifesalife]

@@michaelhurlbut4830more like lived too far away to be heavily effected by the war that screwed over the older brother and became rich while everyone in the older brothers neighbourhood struggled to get by for the next 40 years lol

[@ThatCurious_Cat]

As a Canadian who’s lived in Midlands UK for two years now, I’ve gotta say, I feel like a space alien on the daily. I’m not an overly gregarious person, yet I’m viewed as one here. My friendliness and openness to talk to people is often rebuffed. It’s been tough. But I’m not going to give up! I do find England beautiful.

[@hirsch4155]

Wouldn’t call Canadians the most gregarious bunch, more understated and timid. Definitely a big difference from Americans in that way. They are more positive in approach than the Brits though.

[@runwithme9643]

Go further north or at least rural. Having lived in the south west, midlands, west midlands and Cumbria & West Yorkshire; the midlands is by far the worst for stranger interaction. Cumbria and Yorkshire being the best!

[@mktf5582]

Overwhelming majority of Brits view favorably/fondly Canadians, and different areas of UK act/sociably different.

[@FoundationRingsTwice]

The vast majority of Brits love Canadians, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders etc. If you’re in a city in the midlands I’d recommend trying somewhere a bit more rural. The friendliness divide here between urban dwellers who keep their heads down and people in rural areas who are nearly always more hospitable and welcoming is astronomical.

[@danielpye7738]

Which part of the Midlands? I am from Dudley but moved to NZ over 26 years ago. I can tell you right now a different accent in Dudley sticks out like a sore thumb and welcomed. Even my broken “Kiwi” accent was a major thing.

[@MichaelK979]

Some of the best nights of my life were hanging out with Brits. I don’t know how it happens, but Americans and Brits together is just magic.

[@nightwolfv7541]

The English I’ve met from Manchester were taking aback on how confident we are, I responded “we are buck wild pal.”

[@evanhughes3027]

Nothing is more annoying than watching a british lad arrive in the states and NOT immediately take advantage of the fact that he's now the most eligible bachelor in the room. It's a super power.

[@AdiPad-]

Nice American lady at the help desk in an airport in Charlotte, straight up just took me to front of the queue after customs made me miss my connecting flight. Right after asking "Is y'all accent real?"

[@sarahsparood]

Gross.

[@racheldrum1982]

He must have been to Virginia. It's the US capital of Anglophilia and the state sport is genealogy.

[@XDex91]

Another point: we Americans are all descended from someone who said, “F-it, I’m going to move halfway around the world to a new country and see what happens!” And then those people succeeded (at least the ones from whom we descend). Rolling the dice on long odds, and expecting success, is literally in our DNA.

[@peterkovic2241]

And not only from the initial wave of pilgrims on the mayflower and whatnot, but also during the other various booms of immigration. My ancestors came from eastern europe at the turn on the century, for example. They were the people in their village that decided to make a big change, and it paid off. Can we sustain being the go-to country for people who want the best for themselves and their families? That has yet to be seen. Hopefully!

[@deborahlester4018]

This is true. Furthermore, they packed up their families and pushed ever westward, despite terrible risks. Several of my ancestors, all women, were shot with arrows. Some survived. Another 12 year old ancestor was the first known white female to step into what is now WV, when her dad sent her off the trail ALONE to set up camp by a creek while the men went ahead to hunt. Crazy!

[@zs5002]

Yeah but a lot of losers in their respective country also came here

[@deborahlester4018]

@@zs5002 They stayed on the east coast and eventually got jobs in DC.😉

[@deborahlester4018]

@@zs5002 On further reflection, a lot of the "losers" were arrested for stealing food or other things needed for survival. Again, risk-taking behavior to move ahead from a bad situation instead of sitting in an alley way waiting to starve to death. From a Darwinist viewpoint, winners ...

[@amytitus2750]

When I was in England, I was shocked by the amount most people drank - like, every day, pints and pints! It felt like everyone was a functioning alcoholic. There was also a lot of pressure to drink.

[@kari8187]

Live on a floating cold rock, gotta cope somehow

[@ArchetypalMillennial]

The level of functioning alcoholism in the UK is staggering

[@garyjohnson9459]

It’s not the worst place to be. Cheers.

[@PaulaJBujak]

Have you been to Poland?

[@LordSeth-hf8ew]

binge drinking during early years basically sets most people into a addiction they don't even realise

[@nicholasvalentine2428]

I'm English and have spent two and a half years in America when I was younger (California, NY state and Kansas). My overall impression of Americans is positive. They are generally open and keen to listen and be helpful. They are similar to the British. I'm pleased that we have the Special Relationship. Sharing intelligence prevents most terrorist attacks and that's a good thing.

[@terrybreen7804]

Texan, here. I was surprised by the comment that the Brits don't show their love of country that much. I haven't spent much time in the UK, but I worked in Zimbabwe for 2-1/2 years shortly after the Rhodesian bush war. The country was full of ex-pats and that's who I spent my time with. I recall one evening a bunch of us were sitting around outside and a Swedish girl commented that the English-speaking peoples all share this love, pride and swagger about their country, unlike other European countries. I said "I think all countries have similar feelings and express them." I was immediately contradicted by the others. A Dutchman told me that the Netherlands only has two patriotic songs, and no one sings them, but the English-speaking peoples have plenty of patriotic songs. (This fellow, I later learned, as a boy had an album of American patriotic songs and he had memorized all of them and would sing them for our entertainment.) The longer I was there, the more I came to agree with her. One other thought. When I meet a European, no matter how well he speaks English, he seems foreign to me. When I meet a Brit, Aussie, Kiwi or Canadian, I feel a certain kinship. They aren't a fellow American, but they are not foreign either.

[@richardbaker595]

These countries...USA, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand shsre a special relationship thst of brothers...

[@iless664]

Anglo-American here: born in Manchester and moved to Miami where I lived from 8-20 from which I moved to London, where I now reside. One of my great advantages is my “American brashness” and ability to view everything optimistically compared to the dark depressing Brits who are pessimistic about everything.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Is it the weather, do you suppose? Is that why the Scots are so dour? 😉

[@xgtwb6473]

Question for you: seems we founded America, why do Americans consider their history to only start in 1776? I know USA has had lots of immigration from different countries but still, our history is your history

[@Scoots3]

@@xgtwb6473 as an American that lived in England, this is honestly the first time I’ve heard that perspective. But I think you kind of nailed it when you noted immigration to the US came from many sources. The Spanish were in Florida, Mexico in the southwest, native Americans are all over the country, and to a somewhat lesser extent there is French influence as well… I just think that most every American you’d ask wouldn’t see our history as just British and would likely be hesitant to own it.

[@rickclark7508]

@xgtwb6473 Depends on who you ask. As an American with mixed European Heritage but mostly German I identify strongly with Britain. UK is our parent country first and foremost. Also a history buff with a clue tho lol.

[@johnhopkinson4054]

You're in the wrong part of the country love, London is the most depressing city in the UK...Where i live no one is dark depressed and pessimistic about everything like you say...

[@samashby8203]

It can't be understated how much the physical landscape of the United States and the people that came to fill it have influenced their attitude. I'm re-reading a history of the United States and I just finished one on The British Empire. The VAST landscape, filled with every natural resource set the scene for a powerful country. Fill that with the boldest and most out-going of the UK and Europe, and you've got a recipe for success. The colonials in New England were likely the richest people in the world by the time American Independence happened (taxed 26x times less than Brits by the crown I might add!), such was their abundance. Come the Second World War which absolutely cements their self image as the world's preeminent nation and thus their attitude. I moved from the UK to New Zealand 3 years ago and it's fascinating to watch another British offshoot society. The Kiwis feel 90% British still, but with a more relaxed and sunnier disposition. But by the nature of their similar UK-sized islands, lack of natural resources and great isolation, the Kiwis aren't nearly as bold and outgoing. But the Australians become more like Americans every day, partly because of their huge landscape.

[@CJ-ft9yo]

I got from the kiwis I met, that they’re very adventurous, they leave and travel, and when I hitched I met such a can do attitude, this didn’t work - doing this now (maybe its the adventurous they pick up hitchhikers to be fair!) But found them lovely and forward thinking

[@Pbr1029]

Funny you say that. It's a great point about physical geography. Because as an American I've noticed Canadians have a superiority complex over the US. Is it because they have a bigger country? We will never know

[@marylouleeman591]

​@@Pbr1029 As an American, the Canadians completely miss what we're about, one prominent one recently saying Why dont they just have a king?!

[@Pbr1029]

@@marylouleeman591 Idk dude. I don't think it has anything to do with us being independent and them being subjects to the Crown. I want to say it's Jealousy but I honestly think it's coming from the fact that the cooler thing to do nowadays, is to hate on America. For no other reason other than it's America. Like that one kid everyone picks on. It's just popular to hate on us.

[@BardielBrinstar]

​@@Pbr1029canadian brains are 80% permafrost so they don't function as well.

[@TricksyBix]

Someone said to me once that in America you are told to "achieve your dreams, shoot for the stars, you're amazing and God will help guide you to your dreams if you work hard." And in Britain we're told "yeah you can have your dreams but they're unrealistic and it's better just to get a safe, stable job and settle down." So for me people in the US have a much more positive mentality and attitude than people in the UK.

[@4G63Tx]

Why do yall think like that though? Thats such a drag of a concept. It’s just odd to be so naturally down and out about life.

[@gomer2813]

I don'tthink so, not in the America I'm from. Lots of defeatism, pessimism. People might be optimistic in California, but not in most of the country.

[@Madeleine-n4g]

Yes that is why my ex husband moved to USA currently the CEO of a well stablished Corporation something he could only dream in UK.... and many are in the position... sad sad country UK ...

[@derek4412]

Ed Sheeran said people in the UK dislike rich people because they think they’re putting on airs. And in the US we are happy for someone being wealthy.

[@Robby_C]

i think the "putting on airs" aspect is part of the resentment... because they are "airs" to something and didn't necessarily earn their status... where as in America most people who make it had to do it on their own in one way or another.

[@CJStew06]

@@Robby_C60% of all wealth in America is inherited

[@TheToledoTrumpton]

@@Robby_C In the USA it much easier to be rich, in the UK it is much easier to be poor.

[@Robby_C]

​@@TheToledoTrumpton In the US it's easy to be anything... America was created to get away from those kinda doofy rules.

[@ridiculogan2962]

​@@TheToledoTrumpton it's only easy to be rich for a very specific type of person with a clear mentality. the vast majority of humans don't have that, even in america

[@JimmyMFP]

There’s definitely a tall poppy culture. I’ve been working on my own business and building stuff, and it’s staggering how many people you meet with the mentality that I’m full of myself for trying to do different things, and how few people have the willingness to support others; I’ve genuinely thought about moving to Texas too.

[@JR-bj3uf]

The British accent is worth 20 IQ points in the US. I worked with a young woman who, like me, grew up in American. She went away on vacation and two weeks later came back with a British accent. It was mild reminiscent of someone who was born in the UK but who had been in the US for a long time but it was there. To everyone else she just ignored their comments and carried on as usual. I asked her how she did it. She said she picked out a British actress with the accent she wanted and then she started to work on it. She figured that the accent was the same as a co0llege degree.

[@dmacarthur5356]

The perception that the British accent means intelligence is completely destroyed if you spend a weekend in a Benidorm all inclusive hotel😂. Lovely people on the whole though and always enjoy my time in the UK.

[@mrz305]

American In London here, the entrepreneurship thing is very simple, you guys have way way way more red tape towards starting, let alone succeeding in a business. I know there are cultural differences about that stuff too but I know this from experience, I would figure this has to matter quite a bit

[@BennHaze]

Interesting! Yeah I don’t think the cultural personality differences is the main reason - too simplistic

[@jackbennett5391]

@mrz305 You’re so right bro. Everyone here in the UK likes to shit on success and bring people down. “Oh that person was lucky, his family gave it to him on a plate, he’s white and went to this school etc.” People can never congratulate or give genuine kudos to entrepreneurship and graft. My experience in the US is the opposite. You champion success and are willing to take a risk. If I could actually move and work in the US, I’d go in a heartbeat.

[@samhirst2830]

​@erertertert44 I agree, we rank 8th in ease of doing business index. America ranks 6th I seriously doubt there is that much red tape when it comes to business activity between the US & the UK. I think it more down to a difference in mentality, Brits are less likely to gamble on a business startup as we all know it's statistically more likely to fail than succeed. Instead we'd rather get a job in an already well established company.

[@mrz305]

@@erertertert44 I think you just helped to make part of my point for me, this is precisely what I mean by red tape. It comes in all shapes and sizes out here. Taxation was actually almost number one on my mind. All I know is I open companies out here I open companies out there, I go to buy real estate out here I go to buy it out there etc. etc. and it is much much much easier in America. Taxation is a tremendous part of that because the bottom line is all that really counts at the end of the day and essentially it's a small business that I'd be running that I'd want to grow but it's difficult to do out here. And I say this with the utmost respect because it is not a domestic problem for British citizens and I know that it's a very sensitive issue, but there is no longer an entrepreneurial visa. We still have one in the United States of course, it's kind of a cornerstone of potentially moving to the country But it makes sense given it's more capitalistic persuasion and without trying to bring up any sort of conversation about migration because I know it's very sensitive and it's not my country to comment on, I think it's more in line with the "American dream" that I don't really see exists out here. They got rid of it a few years ago with many other laws and they were supposed to have redone it by last summer but I don't know if there's an appetite for it or politicians just drag their feet or what and again I'm not trying to open a wider conversation though for my part I would hire only British citizens I would pay well and of course I would pay all the taxes due to the government and if I failed they could show me the door. My case is unique though because I have multinational business and I'm able to operate as an extension, a satellite. However I have other business ideas that would be great for out here besides my primary business that I just mentioned and I'm happy to make any agreement with the government to make sure that the capital doesn't 'fly' out of the country (I love this place.)

[@mrz305]

@@erertertert44 i'll tell you this, I don't have much to say on the British politics because it's not my country to speak but, what we earn in America to do the same jobs even when taking into account the difference in exchange rate from pounds to dollars is almost across-the-board for any trade by the hour by the day by the year etc. or any career way more money and way less taxation combined. This applies to the entrepreneurship if you're going to be a Plumber and you decide to open your own shop and you have a few plumbers working underneath you plumbers get paid hundreds of dollars an hour in Miami where I come from. Electricians are paid incredibly well, I talked to all the trades people out here I'm in development so I have to know everything and basically they make peanuts as the going rate compared to the guys that are really doing the same tough work back inAmerica just like out here. And I pull aside all the good lads that are in a trade and I talk to them about their lives and their families and this and that but I recommended them perhaps it's to save some money in within five years to open their own shop of their own shade and have people working for them such as they work for other people And they've never even considered such a thing. It's a very different mentality. The fact that a junior doctor out here makes 32K or a nurse makes 28K is criminal to me. You have vice president of JP Morgan as a verified as that position should be that make 100k gbp, I ask why they would ever do that in America they'd be making like over 250,000 for the same position and people tell me it's because of the respect of the title of the position. Our highest tax brackets approximately 36% we have no value added tax, they just made it so that if it's 120,000 for the highest tax bracket as opposed to 140,000 now it's 45% instead of 42. I understand it's a It's a completely different economic structure, but it's so much tougher to make a buck, if I can use one of my home countries colloquialisms, out here doing the same job exact same skills and effort quality of workmanship and I think it's sad. Not to mention everything so expensive compared to America, even New York City and Manhattan which I've lived in doesn't have prices like this a couple of places in the world I could think of like Tokyo even close or exceed. I live in Marleybone and when the lads who are doing the trades come by my place they tell me that they go to the Tesco on the corner and then Coca-Cola is 2 pounds. And tell them that they said I have no idea where they live in zone five or six or whatever it's like 35 pence. It seems unless you have independent means and I've built well elsewhere or family money or something central London is not really a feasible option with any quality of living for regular folks. Forgive me for encroaching into the criticism and territory, it is what it is but my heart goes out to the people out here as far as How much harder it is for everyone out here to earn the same as they do back in the states. And believe me I know the states has its flaws, there's a reason out here I'm telling you the truth as I've seen it. Please pardon any typos I'm using dictation. Have a wonderful day :)

[@chubsteriffic]

As an American… Imagine the temperament and type of personality you might need to say screw this. I’m hopping on a leaky wooden boat and heading across the Atlantic Ocean To the New World. I do believe those genetics are with us today.

[@DERISNER]

I'm an American history fanatic. I've been to the UK once and I absolutely loved it! There is SO MUCH incredible history around every corner. For 2 short weeks I just immersed myself in that long, rich, bloody history. It was amazing!! Can't wait to go back and soak it in even more

[@chubbbubb6870]

My cousin married an English guy. We had a few conversations about class, accents, and words we use differently. The class divide in the UK is just beyond most Americans' comprehension. He explained it from the perspective of a poor east end of London expat. It blew my mind in a kind of unnerving way.

[@patrickchilds2987]

Interesting you mention class ', I came away with the exact opposite view. I thought there was a very clearer social divide which was far more prominent than in the UK. I saw it in corporations recruitment policys , in colleges in clubs, in gated communities and even in primary schools.

[@chubbbubb6870]

@@patrickchilds2987 I'm not saying there is no class divide in America. It's just so much more clearly defined in the UK. Many in America have no idea of their place in the class system.

[@jrd33]

I think the US "class" system is more associated with geography. There are inherent differences between East and West Coasters, Southerners, hillbillies, rednecks, Texans etc. Plenty of American comedy is about people from one culture trying to adapt to another. In the film Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal mocks Clarice for trying to escape from her "poor white trash" background. That's no different from a British middle-class person talking down to someone trying to escape from their working-class background.

[@hannajones0106]

@@patrickchilds2987we don’t have hard class labels that we assign to people. My great grandma was from England and still identified as working class despite being married to a lawyer. This just didn’t make sense to me growing up and wouldn’t to most Americans.

[@George-bi8sj]

The thing I noticed most about Americans during the times I've visited the States is their concept of space and time. They would drive for an hour and 20 minutes just to go to a restaurant for some food. No one in England would drive that far. I also remember driving from a camp in the Mohavi to Vegas and had a period of about an hour and a half of not seeing another car, here, I don't think you could drive anywhere for more than 10 minutes and not see another car.

[@Cheech-lk2yp]

Great observation, Americans are far more willing to drive heinous distances at the drop of a hat! I will point out though, there are plenty of small country roads throughout the UK, that lead off into backwaters and less populated areas of the shires, where you can drive for longer than 10 mins and not see a car. You may see a farmer though, haha.

[@90viper90]

Americans will literally drive for days just to get somewhere.

[@Ninjjadog]

I would, if I could afford our gas prices 😂

[@jjh2920]

I always have this issue with my girlfriend. She considers an hours drive a short one. For me anything over 20 minutes is a massive journey

[@hallowedsilence]

Lol depends... If you live here in Cornwall then that's a normal acceptable drive for a meal out. It takes 45 minutes minimum to get to our local towns.

[@tchai91]

As a Brit who is married to an American and who lives in America now, I have pondered this question, and I think that Brits generally, have a scarcity mentality, whereas yanks don’t. I think this is because most people in Britain have either experienced or are children/grand children of people who were involved in World Wars, and this mentally of feeling insecure/unsafe, added to in recent years with the addition of the threat of terrorism on our shores makes you grateful for peace and/or the little things in life. I believe that’s why we seem to get such pleasure out of the most basic things in life, such as having a chat with a stranger, taking the piss out of ourselves or having a cup of tea. Americans have no idea how lucky most of them are to live in a place with so many opportunities or relative safety. So much so that they seem intent on inventing their own problems.

[@scottduncan92]

To flip your point, Americans have felt like we were the kings of the world after WW2, and that every year that goes by we would get stronger and richer and better. Now everyone's sad that that is unrealistic.

[@KiarnTV-xo5cj]

I agree guns are a good example

[@JasmineA-111]

Being able to enjoy simple pleasures is a real gift the Brits have developed over the centuries. I think that’s lost on many of us in US these days (post 1990s). It will serve you all well as times get harder for everyone around the world. I lived in the UK for 3 years nearly 20 years ago and absolutely loved it.

[@sharonkay8638]

Love these points and it’s an aspect I’ve never thought about before - thanks everyone.😊

[@JR-bj3uf]

@@scottduncan92 The American's were kings just after WWII. Japan was in ruins, Germany was a wreck, Britain was bombed out and America was the only nation with an intact manufacturing base. America sold everything it could make form machine tools to locomotives and the Americans thought it was because they made the best products. They got a shock in the 1960s when Japan surpassed them in production and quality.

[@eigojiyouzu]

Really solid observations i hadn’t considered as an American though they ring true. They were yet felt, enjoyed but not considered. I love the witty humor, quick wittedness and sarcasm of the brits/people from the UK in general. Love my mates from London. Wish there were heaps more of you over here.

[@kramermccabe8601]

bankruptcy laws are vastly different too. There's nearly no penalties for claiming bankruptcy if you fail in the states

[@christineshah7330]

As the child of an entrepreneur, the daughter-in-law of a small business owner (he "just bought the business", lol, and then increased it's output incredibly and made his entire extended family financially stable) and now an entrepreneur myself, along with my husband: confidence in yourself is everything. Nothing matters more in entrepreneurship/business than the simple but difficult decision to have confidence in your ideas and your ability to do what you will need to do. I was lucky to be born to a confident family, to be born in America where starting businesses is so common, to be born into a business-friendly state and to marry a man that cultivated knowledge and skills I could turn into a profitable business. I turned on a dime from stay-at-home mom to business owner in 3 days back in 2014. That took, above all, confidence. Thanks to America and my parents! ;) haha

[@jimandaud]

Was married to a girl from Lincolnshire for 5 years. the bit about class expectations was spot on. In America there are more than 1000 community colleges in the US that offer opportunities to obtain a degree or certification. My wife said she did not have any options in Lincoln to attend night school and that one's choice of college or trade school had to happen at a relatively young age. After we met she began classes at the University of Maryland on the base where we lived and she soon became the registrar. Opportunities for upward mobility are more abundant in the US.

[@yaimavol]

Alabama has more colleges and universities than all of Japan. Staggering stat

[@debbygonzalez892]

My ancestors came from the UK on my mother and father's side as recently as the mid 1800s. I love so many things about Britain. I love my country. I am not, however, blind to the faults of either country. We all have room for improvement. We can learn from each other. You guys are great.

[@thefuturist8864]

I was just talking with my GF about this the other day; I’ve spent a lot of time in the US and we were talking about how, in the UK, calling someone out for being a c**t usually gets turned back on you and you end up being called out (often by the c**t). In my experience in the US doing this is often more productive: people rarely get called out for no reason and there’s never much back-and-forth afterwards. Also there’s no ‘tall poppy’ culture in the US; in the UK we will reign in and pull back anyone who stands out even slightly, but standing out is encouraged in the US. This is one of my favourite things about the US; having grown up in the UK I’ve seen countless friends (and myself too) discouraged from pursuing any skill or talent that appears indulgent rather than socially conducive. Lastly, I have ASD/Aspergers, and my various characteristics are not at all tolerated by UK society. I try not to paint myself as a victim, but at the same time I’ve lost track of the number of times an escalating situation could have been diffused by the other person realising ‘oh, he’s actually quite different’. In the UK (especially as a male) being ‘normal’ is heavily encouraged, and averageness is celebrated. This is linked to our general socio-political pessimism, as opposed to the optimism of Americans (which always seems naive to us but produces a generally much happier and welcoming people).

[@Llama_charmer]

Yep i think we could learn a thing or two from the Americans.

[@quietus13]

Sadly a lot of this is changing as "progressives" keep pushing to tear down our culture and replace it with a Marxist "utopia"

[@Madeleine-n4g]

I agree I m currently in UK and I m so so demoralised about it what I was thinking about, in America people celebrate confidence here in UK they hate it, in the USA we go forward here they still live in the past. The class system destroys people in UK sad really... yes I m going back to the States ... and warning people LOL .. mind you some people are nice, friendly but you really do not know if the mean to be nice... you never know where are you standing . byeeeee

[@Llama_charmer]

@@Madeleine-n4g i would agree for the most part except the last part. You absolutely know where you stand. The average brit very forward and will say it how it is

[@danrhodes]

This was one of the best and accurate conversations I’ve listened too in years

[@kenbagwell8551]

Brits being so self-critical, so self-aware ... I wonder if that's what makes them such great actors?

[@joe18750]

With the advent of Streaming TV (I cut the cable cord a decade ago) I watch mostly Brit TV, Acorn and MHz. The programming and acting are heads and shoulders above us in here in the USA. It's as if a car isn't over-turning or shit isn't being blown up every 5 minutes, American audiences are quickly bored.

[@GEMINI52398]

There no better then American actors or actors from any other countries.

[@allareasindex7984]

About accents - I grew up in NYC. The day I heard The Beach Boys’s accent I put my efforts to stop sounding so Nu Yawky. People tell me I sound like Frank Sinatra, hitting all the consonants clearly. Some people find it intimidating or think I’m arrogant. But even over the phone they always understand what I’m saying. Now I’ve lived in four different parts of the US, each with their own distinct accent. I find it fascinating, both the differences in pronunciation as well as syntax. In the Midwest (Minnesota) people ask if you want to “go with.” Not “go with us.” That really surprised me.

[@caracoidwren944]

I appreciate you guys being nice to us.

[@Mia-vm6pl]

Lol. Cmon now. In a world war the UK will sh it their pants and beg us for be nice to them.

[@zephyrus3554]

As a brit who moved to the US at 21 and has been here for 7 years, this is quite accurate.

[@sling247]

As an American native to New England, my family came to the US from England/Scotland in the late 1600s. My 4th great grandfather from Effingham, New Hampshire, fought the Brits in the revolution. That being said, I can't help but have an intrinsic fondness for England and a feeling of fondness when I meet someone from the UK.

[@hog7302]

@@fs5775literally

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@fs5775 Some did and some didn't The American colonies only rebelled because of unfair taxes that weren't levied on other colonies like Canada. Many colonists left for opportunity to gain land wealth not because they hate being English or British.

[@italianstuddmuffin]

I'm a brit that moved to the east coast of the US around my 30s. The US is fun and unique but I do miss British people and public transport. Americans are mostly kind and respectful, at least the ones I meet.

[@РазомСила-м2я]

12:00 as someone not born but grew up and spent most of my life in the USA, I appreciate your synopsis of how we introduce new people to a group. While we definitely can be like the British in that regard, by and large we do really hype up the new person in a friend group. You’ll see a lot of friend groups that encompass so many people that don’t, on the surface, seem like they’d get along well, yet they’re all huge parts of the others’ lives. In general, we are very friendly and welcoming people and if we introduce somebody to our friend group, we really want our friends to see all the great things about you that we do, and if you’re visiting from abroad and the trip has been planned, we will have already hyped you up big time before you even arrived. We get a bad reputation abroad, and it definitely can be well deserved, but I just wish people would remember that there are well over 300 million of us, so you’ll meet pretty much the whole spectrum here.

[@drimeloca]

Very interesting! I'm a Brazilian who's lived in London and in L.A and found the analogy of the brothers who are kinda the same but different the funniest ever!

[@SK-kp2qq]

Howmuch did you charge for the night if you don’t mind me asking

[@drimeloca]

​@@SK-kp2qqThank you for showing me your pain. May you be blessed with the knowing that your light and worthiness are bigger than all the suffering you've been through. 🙏🏻

[@quinnjohnson4690]

@@drimelocawhat a way to take the high road. Respect

[@Brooklynguy1999]

@@drimeloca Brava! Brilliant response to a very wounded human being.

[@bri_____]

It is true that Brits appear less positive. However, if a Brit says, "I believe in you. You can do this!", he genuinely means it

[@anubis8918]

Where just less fake

[@kevinprzy4539]

if an American says "I believe in you. You can do this!" they genuinely mean it as well it's baked into our culture it's why so many ingenious ideas have come from the US in the past 150 years.

[@Jay-lr3me]

Absolutely true

[@RaineChong]

I have learnt in Britain that this is not true - in Britain everyone says "well done you!" "you're doing great!" I'm not even sure if they mean it 😂😂

[@mronline1220]

​@RaineChong you don't know if it's sarcastic or not.

[@Johnstone72]

The thing to remember about UK is we have more accents than any other country. In addition if you go 5 minutes down the road between two towns/villages that distance is sufficient to ensure a level of hatred for each other not seen elsewhere in the civilised world.

[@1_mak]

It’s funny because it’s so true 🤣 like RIDICULOUSLY true.

[@helenespaulding7562]

I thought that was just about football. It extends to other things as well?

[@Patson20]

Dude there's 3 accents in just my state, let alone the region. If I drive to Tennessee, only two states away, they get confused because they know it's southern but it's not Tennessee

[@Johnstone72]

@@helenespaulding7562 the central belt in Scotland is the narrowest point in Scotland maybe 65 miles. Maybe less. Anyhoo, the divide between the West Coast and East coast of Scotland is beyond Partisan. For balance and accuracy of reporting. The West is better and the East coasters are just bitter and twisted.

[@mrbritisher9748]

It's not 'hatred' though it's a friendly rivalry that actually helps knit people together, countries that are vast have far more divisions as you have far little connection with each other, Britain is compact but we probably all get on better, we have to!

[@sclose3418]

I’m an American woman, you two are so handsome! There’s a boost for your egos!

[@Wdavidmetzger]

Definitely my favorite thing about KZbin is that i felt so alone and persecuted at times. Finding more people that thought similarly was a mighty help.

[@jamesduda6017]

As an American, I love our British cousins. Americans have inherented so much of our beliefs, culture, and way of life from the UK.

[@dew02300]

Not to mention DNA

[@heyitsme881]

Pshhh they get their culture from us

[@dew02300]

@@heyitsme881 Incorrect

[@IndiusFilms]

​@@heyitsme881we have pubs older than your country you get it from us my donny

[@asmallphd9648]

@@heyitsme881 its a two way street.

[@nickhayes7082]

Hey guys. As an older American (Virginian) I was raised to revere our cousins. Of course I was taught our differences and the reasons we are separate. I have traveled a bit and in spending a lifetime thinking about these things I think I've determined three distinct items: First, the US was created out of whole cloth, ie, we weren't something akin to a bad idea spending a lifetime trying to fix, second, we are a huge country - damn-near a whole continent so that changes everything when comparing. Finally, when you boil it all down we just simply have different cultures. I can't say one is better than the other - we're just different. And it's a beautiful thing. I believe we're fortunate to have each other!

[@brycebertolino3220]

Worked with Brits, Aussies and South African in Silicon Valley. They caught on real quick that they left the class structure far behind. After a few drinks they would lapse into their dialects and laugh at the whole thing

[@DarrellWilkerson4.6]

Australia doesnt have a class structure other than wealth.

[@tbmike23]

I would also say that Americans also tend to be hyper competitive/ hyper productive. Not necessarily in a nasty way, but are overall extremely hard working and driven. I've often wondered about what drives that in us. Given that the United States is such a melting pot of cultures, and there isn't a (relatively) universal cultural identity, perhaps being in competition is inevitable, or perhaps it was merely passed on to us by inherently daring ancestors who made that journey to the US, as described in the video.

[@jrd33]

It's in your culture. "America - the land of opportunity". You idolize people who are successful and wealthy in a way the British don't. Successful British entrepreneurs are often seen as "weird" or untrustworthy rather than admirable.

[@jeffvillapiano541]

I remember hearing about studies done in which Americans listened to an American and then a British voice explain something and the participants in the study reported feeling as though the British voice was much more worthy on placing their trust in. The misconception about Brits being more knowledgeable or intelligent in America is definitely real

[@pauljohnson3584]

I was a 10-13 American kid in Australia and became really inculcated into the practice of "taking the piss" amongst peers and it has not served me well since I returned to the States. Americans are incredibly, and exhaustingly, sensitive to mockery and frank criticism.

[@patriciasanderson2171]

Ah yes, my partner is Scottish and his humour did not go down well in America. They thought he was being really “nasty” but he was trying to banter.

[@cartermayfield]

We do that in the US, too. But ball-busting is something reserved for close friends. If you do it with people you don’t know well, then yeah, you look like an ass hole. Self deprecation always goes over well in the US.

[@xaviercopeland2789]

Depends the region and culture. Black American culture and Southern culture is known for it. Not so much other places.

[@matthewdrake9699]

So is the english football team

[@90viper90]

​@@cartermayfieldwell said. There are a few brits that can take the piss a bit much around people they dont even know. You have to build something of a relationship first before you can do that.

[@winklenator]

As an American, I would say that our country’s founding history was a huge contribution to our identity and behavior.

[@Deano-Dron81]

No fucking way. 😂 The US!

[@mh4841]

US has been built from the ground up with a very entrepreneurial spirit.

[@aaronbutler8061]

To add to the animals/humans energy example, add in persistence. Humans have the highest endurance on land of any animal. There’s actually a thing called “persistence hunting” where a human will chase an animal until they literally can’t go any farther.

[@jrd33]

Yeah, the idea that humans are less well adapted for survival than other species is just wrong.

[@demolitionderb]

Same with orcas. They'll chase dolphins until they're exhausted.

[@halvey8518]

As an American the funniest people I’ve ever met are old British men in a pub. Never laughed harder in my life.

[@donspradley6912]

What an impressive conversation! Since day one of listening to Chris, I have wanted to hear a conversation like this. No one has had this conversation before that I’m aware of

[@GivOwaMan]

I spent nearly 20 years in USA, in the south, loved it. Love the weather, the people, the space, the land. Made to feel really welcome, the Geordie accent made for some great reactions and a wonderful ice-breaker. Enjoy your time, but be careful about becoming a dual citizen boys, especially if you ever move back home!

[@rebeccabutler9728]

Why?

[@windsorpatb]

@@rebeccabutler9728 They'll probably call us "traitors". (teehee)

[@AndyWhyte_]

Saw this chap on the vlog and loved his perspective. Glad he's done a full episode. Love that you're amplifying sharp thinkers like this fella, Chris 👌.

[@barnabykent6698]

Genius comment! Why, good sir, you MUST have been brought up in the US of A what say!

[@OpieTaylor1972]

Thanks for the perspectives, mate! Some folks have never left the USA, it's a huge and diverse country on its own. But the world is soooooo diverse. Thanks for all the great content.

[@GUAMANIANable]

I could totally relate to Mack's idea about meeting siblings from a different mother - but in reverse. My first experience going to the UK I was quickly taken aback. Whoa! It really is a different country!

[@iancockerham9382]

I actually think the Brits are happy in there own skin , you hit the nail on the head with Bald and Bankrupt if he was American he’d be milking the hell out of his fame

[@queendumb]

The only problem with the A-B test theory is how do you explain the rest of the Empire? There must have been an adventurous and enterprising spirt to have built/stumbled into Empire. Not saying it is wrong, just that it is too simple. I think a lot of the modern traits of the UK and the USA comes from the end of the Second World War. America came out of the war much stronger and in a dominating position, the UK entered the war as a superpower and left as basically a vassal state of the US!

[@samashby8203]

I think you're right actually - there is a massively adventurous spirit in Britain. People go out and do wonderful amazing things all the time. BUT that attitude isn't society wide and thus is likely a class thing. Knowing you're empowered and 'entitled' to go out and do things counts for a lot. I moved from London to New Zealand at the age of 35 and I've thrown off all self-limiting beliefs as I enter my second year in business. It's a process I started in London, but coming to a place without such strong class barriers really helps. Additionally, so much of our experience of the world comes from the land we live in and the weather we experience. Australians and Kiwis are essentially Brits with 150 years of better weather. They all retain the piss-taking attitude but with a sunnier disposition. Here in New Zealand, their default attitude is 'She'll be right'.

[@KingKong11730]

I agree with this analysis. It has more to do with the recent trajectory of both countries. America has had a more or less steady rise in global influence and economy (with the exception of the last decade). Things have generally gotten better for most Americans over a long period until pretty recently. On the other hand, many Brits have experienced the height of British influence and global dominance or maybe heard about it from their parents/grandparents. Then things have been rather stagnant or declining in some aspects over the past several decades. The belief that things are generally going to get better vs. things will probably get worse is a pretty stark difference in overall outlook.

[@VTdarkangel]

I would suspect it is because we didn't stay in the empire, and our exit was contentious. Many of the people coming to America in the decades leading up to the Revolution truly did have an F-it attitude. They were people who felt they had been mistreated by the crown, such as many of my ancestors, the Scots-Irish. They then come here and are forced to move out to the frontiers where they had to fight to survive against the native tribes. These same people were the ones who drove most of the spread across the continent. I can't think of any other kind of generations long experience that can create that kind of can-do culture we have.

[@Hannah-wy1jf]

I 'm not sure about this as I'm too young to know what it was like before and during ww2 but going off what older folks say what I hear quite often the two world wars did damage to us spiritually and confidence wise so maybe we were more like the Americans originally?🤷

[@VTdarkangel]

@Hannah-wy1jf you may be right. A country that could create an empire like that of Britain at some point had to have the self-confidence that they can do it. The devastation of both world wars would be hard on the spirit and confidence of any nation, especially when the people feel they have been lied to and abused by their leadership, as was the case following WW1.

[@Jiggy609]

As an American it’s funny how much hate we get.. we all know that’s rooted in jealousy

[@mattkinsella9856]

Brits don't hate Americans at all, far from it. They love Americans like family and in the same way you might talk trash to your brother or sister, that's how they view the relationship. If you ask most Brits they feel far more connected to the states and Canada than they do to Europe for obvious reasons. I don't think there's any jealousy, there might be but I think it's mostly that in the last 120 years Britain has been going through an identity crisis. During this time the states and Britain have stood shoulder to shoulder in pretty much every war and the bonds have got closer with America being the "big brother" and Britain having to get used to that. The British empire came to a fairly abrupt end and the dynamics changed. The average Brit knows all this and I think they appreciate American influence, in trade, culture, music, film etc as well as all the other stuff mentioned.

[@freebirdtony]

My father who emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba 70 years ago used to say the same thing you said.

[@TheIceman567]

@@mattkinsella9856are you British?

[@Jiggy609]

@@mattkinsella9856 well said. And I see hate more from other countries not so much Britain as our history and relationship is intertwined.

[@debbiekern2841]

I often watch the reels of the Kings Horse Guard. Very quickly the comments turn to how stupid the American tourists are, even when the people are clearly not American. It just as quickly devolves into comments on how the USA isn't a real country, and how the USA is so young that it doesn't have a history, as well as how the USA was worthless in WWII and that the American military is worthless. My father was wounded at Normandy. He has two cousins buried in France. One particular reel showed some high ranking American military officers being escorted into the horse guard The Brits made fun of the medals on their uniforms, saying that the USA gives medals for hitting the toilet when they take a piss. I've spent a good amount of money going to England once or twice every year. My own ancestry is English. I've made friends there over the years. Knowing what I do now, I doubt that I will do it again. Time to see some of the USA.

[@AlanCanon2222]

I am a theater actor in Louisville, Kentucky, known for being able to handle UK dialects. As an experiment I recorded one of my speeches using my own Midwest American dialect (the Magrathea intro speech by Peter Jones from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), then played it back. It was so weird, after doing in the Peter Jones voice for years, and for just a moment I had a glimpse of what my American accent would sound like to British ears. Very strange. If I ever did emigrate to the UK I would be so eager to not be a bother that I bet I would way overdo it, just turn into a Leonard Rossiter character because my knowledge of British culture was formed in 1980...

[@jareddietrich2345]

This was some great content for an American like myself who doesn’t interact with Brits nearly at all, thanks for the perspective gents!

[@MrFatHand]

The Three Lions comes from house Plantagenet which was the royal house of Kind Richard the 1st. The lions are from two French provinces Normandy (which has two lions on its coat of arms) and Aquitaine (which has one lion on its coat of arms)! Love your podcast boss man! Keep Smashing it, hope to meet you one day, much love from the UK. P.S If you are interested in learning the Kings who made England check this wicked fresh tome out: The Plantagenets: The Kings Who Made England by Dan Jones

[@kev5710]

Wrong, Richard i, son of william the bastard is house of Normandie, he’s not a plantagenet. Henry ii was the first plantagenet king who claimed the English throne through her mother Matilda

[@ian_strachs]

That certainly is a wonderful Dan Jones tome

[@robertryan6782]

Weirdly called it the British Football team though!

[@lukecoburn3070]

I was sat in a Greggs in Wigan listening to this 👀

[@jeanettepowell7324]

You win! 😂

[@cornerofknowledge7761]

I was sat in a Greggs in Wigan too

[@HDY0903]

Im your neighbour from Bolton 😊

[@valeriedavidson2785]

Incorrect grammar. I was SITTING.

[@helenespaulding7562]

As an older American, watching lots of British Tv and listening to classic British musicians talk about themselves and their upbringing and society…I got the impression that, at least in the 50’s snd 60’s, stepping outside the box was not rewarded. Those who became highly successful were cut down. Brits were noted for “takin’ the piss” when it came to successful people. Getting “above yourself”. Not knowing your place. “ Who do you think you are?” Kind of mindset. That takes away self-confidence. You find allot, if not most, highly successful Brits, at least of the boomer generation, being VERY self-deprecating. You don’t see that in Americans. Americans are usually very proud and open about their success, often to a fault. And others don’t try to take them down a peg or two, like they would in Britain. British society, at least a few decades ago, seemed much more conformist.

[@LoyalandTrue.]

All is as it should be.

[@Brad-Harris]

Hearing "One American in a group of Brits is like a nuclear warhead surrounded by swords" is the coolest I've ever felt and I think I need to coordinate a binge drinking night with me mates.

[@LoxleysEscapePlan]

As an aspiring stand up comedian in Portsmouth, thanks for mentioning me on the show!🤣

[@olyjfitness]

It’s true I lived and worked in America (I’m welsh) people instantly trust you and it gets you out of bother easily . I was an idiot when I was younger. Drunk and disorderly . But my accent in America got me out of lots of issues I made for myself .

[@shawnsolis8667]

Bald and Bankrupt is one of the best channels on KZbin. Glad to hear him get a shoutout on this channel.

[@ggez5890]

The british accent is the Rolex of language. Anywhere in the world it can help you get home

[@Pedant_Patrol]

The British accent is the Rolex of English accents. English in general is probably the Rolex of languages. Perhaps French.

[@gianniclaud]

It depends on the accent. If you speak like the queen, you’ll command respect naturally. But if you have more of a cockney or scottish-adjacent where no one has an effing clue what you just said, forget about it.

[@glandersonbooper9342]

Hank Underwood from House of Cards disagrees

[@sciencefliestothemoon2305]

And then you come to a German speaking country and noone cares

[@gianniclaud]

@@fs5775 I’m actually American, and sadly agree with you.

[@AWBepi]

I lived in London for a year in 1987 when I was 19 years old. I shared a flat with a bunch of wonderful people and worked various jobs ending up as the stage door Keeper of the Apollo Victoria Theater. It was an incredible time a historic time it was the year of the hurricane and most of the trees in the Parks were blown over. I will never forget the Jolly Old England of the past.

[@jasonandconnieakathecomers5184]

I went to meet my then-girlfriend-now-wife in new york, and I lost count of how many times people told me that they loved my accent!

[@MoMu00]

Andrew Schulz said something that really got me thinking. People see America as a crazy place. Well that’s also because it was started by crazy people who decided to leave their home countries for a new land. Even now really! So many first generations leaving their families for such a different way of life!

[@tymartin3915]

I lived in Brazil for a few years and found it interesting that there were huge amounts of country pride. The radio announcers dont say "Happy Mother's Day" they say "Happy Mother's Day to all those Brazilian Mothers out there."

[@howey935]

My British accent didn’t get me far in the U.S. I’m from north east England and no body could understand me and mistook me for Irish or Scottish. I had to speak really slow compared to my normal tempo.

[@andrewbarrett42]

Interesting,when I visited the states my accent did,nt get me far either and I have a west country accent,I noticed everywhere I went in America everyone just laughed and made fun of me as the way I spoke.

[@varsityeagle89]

You from Newcastle?

[@Peachy08]

To me as an American I would make a comparison this way. Brits are in a classroom with not only the teacher but the principal are in the classroom. America...we got a substitute teacher for the day that is on their phone and told the class to do whatever you want.

[@Craicfox161]

I visited the western USA last month and had a wonderful experience. The conversations I had with the locals were great albeit brief. Quite refreshing from the sarcastic and pessimistic characters we have in Britain 😂

[@tih6317]

Aussie here. Our pop entertainment mostly comes from America but 'taking the piss' has never left out blood. It's a key attribute in a socially prosperous man!

[@lloyddossantos1800]

Interesting assessment of both the British and American mentalities and the outlook of both of them. Never had the luck on my 2 visits to New York with my essex accent but very impressed on my 2 trips to New York.

[@mmondt9440]

"we are all crabs in a bucket" I need to remember that line. Brits have an amazing ability to sum up a complicated feeling in a witty and charming analogy. Love it. 👍 From USA🇺🇲

[@niteowl75]

I moved to the US from Colombia many years ago. I had the same impression these 2 guys described about Americans but I also love the UK culture. It is a lovely place.