What do other nationalities think of the British

[Baggingarea]

For non UK MNers, what are your general impressions of the British?

I was watching a documentary recently and a Spanish man said our houses are all dirty. I'd never heard that before but can see why someone might think that with muddy weather etc etc.

What do you think about us? Promise I won't be offended (no racism/sexism/general bigotry though please). Can't vouch for others though.

@mbosnz

What do you think about the other nations and cultures that have not enjoyed the benefits of Empire, but have suffered the disadvantages of Empire? Do you think they have the right to point the finger? Or do you think they should just shut up and be grateful that they were colonised by the English (Clearly superior in practically every way) rather than the French or the Spanish?

Puerto Rico depended on US and look at us, we mess up their country and leave them stranded too when they needed help. All this time, they could develop a system for themselves but instead, they developed a system around us.

In my experience of travelling I find I get a much better reception when people find out I’m Scottish...! I would always refer to myself as Scottish anyway, I really don’t see myself as British.

I’m Canadian, lived in the U.K. for years so I’m too close to it to say. I met an older couple the other day, though, who are very keen to go to Britain post-Covid. They’ve only ever been to London once but say they are Anglophiles (thought it was a bit odd they’ve only been once then as they’ve enough money to travel).

It struck me that they have an impression of the U.K. based (as they admit) solely on classic literature, a bit of PG Wodehouse, and carefully selected bits of naice telly. They’re hoping to see Cornwall because of Doc Martin, for example. Gritty dramas set in London, Birmingham, Leeds etc are not their speed. I suspect them of thinking Downton Abbey is a documentary.

So that’s one type of impression people abroad have of the British.

We had a holiday in Japan, and were waiting for a train after a long flight. The kids asked if they could sit on the platform floor and I went to say no, and then looked down and the floor was spotless. Everywhere we went that holiday was REALLY clean. I did think then that general state of our UK streets must be a shock to Japanese visitors. I’ve lived and worked in various countries and I appreciate the security we have in UK, I live in a quiet end of the country and I don’t worry day to day about my physical safety in a way I have in other places. Years ago I taught English to foreign students and remember having to specifically discuss the faffing about we do in UK when we want to say no. So- if I don’t want a lift for instance I don’t just say ‘no’ I say ‘oh that’s really kind, thanks so much , but actually I’m fine because I need to ....’ etc etc. Other nationalities can come across as rudely blunt in comparison even though they are just honestly answering the question. Ive found the Dutch are particularly direct in ways that have made me properly laugh because it’s SO not how a Brit would respond.

Ritascornershop, I also know an elderly couple whose dream is to visit Cornwall because of Doc Martin! It's a pretty place. I am tempted to go there as well one day.

The teeth thing is really, really annoying. It's something that Americans in particular seem to believe.

Overall Americans have far, far worse teeth because so many people in the US can't afford dental care. Celebrities or politicians in the US have whiter teeth than their counterparts in the U.K. for sure but it's a cultural difference that people in the public eye have expensive cosmetic work. It doesn't mean their teeth are actually healthy and it definitely doesn't mean that most Americans have teeth like that. Spend some time in the US and you will see really quickly that most regular people have terrible teeth.

Cathpot your points about safety are interesting. The couple of South Africans I know who moved to Britain (England) came here to get away from the violence. One was a doctor who thought that Friday nights in Barnsley A & E were very tame .

The other was someone who married an Englishman. She said that at first she couldn't sleep at night because the houses over here didn't have bars on the downstairs windows, and didn't have "safe" rooms. I can't imagine just how scary it must be to live somewhere where those are necessary.

martysouth, the American TV news presenters look very fake, like dolls in comparison to their British colleagues who look like normal people (and with good normal colour teeth).

Have to really disagree with houses being dirty...
Many houses are immaculate and we take our shoes off as we come in to stop our floors getting dirty.

Carpet isn't as popular as it use to be, although I agree it's disgusting in the bathroom.

NHS, if I got knocked over by a bus tomorrow I would be very happy with the nhs looking after me and all the wonderful workers. (Not sure why anyone would slate them)

Pleased many of you think we have a good sense of humour, we definitely do! And I'm proud that we are known as polite, we may not be direct and to the point but thats because we care about others feelings.

Have to really disagree with houses being dirty...

I also disagree with this. I've never heard this stereotype about Brits. Also, I lived there for years, and never especially noticed dirty houses as a common thing. I did see unclean houses sometimes, but certainly no more than in other countries. Also a lot of you seem to have rules about shoes off inside, no feet on the sofa, no touching the walls, no eating unless at the table etc. You also seem to go into a blind panic if you're in someone else's house and accidentally cause some sort of mess. All this gave me the impression that you guys are a fairly house proud bunch.

Ihouses around the world are dirty, even in the US. Have you seen hoarders on tv? Those are real. I have witnessed it many times

My Sunday night encouragement message.

As a Canadian married to a Brit, with a son and his family in the UK and many longish visits. Also brother and sister in law and long term friends through my DH.

1. British houses are not dirty. Au contraire. Very clean and organized.
2. The British are very inclusive of their older population. I enjoy meeting older Brits (as an older Canuck) at bus stops and many other places. Our elders in Canada are not so integrated or valued.
3. Brits are friendly and inclusive (usually).
4. The supermarkets are fantastic.
5. Traditional type restaurant food is great. International maybe not so much but hey I live in Vancouver.
6. UK's education system challenges children well.
7. The UK has an awesome system of support for history and science. The museums inspire and educate me. The galleries amaze me.
8. The history is overwhelming and preserved.

I am more than happy two of my grandchildren are growing up in Britain, and just as I happy two are growing up a few blocks from me in Vancouver.

I wish I had eaten a Sunday roast in a good pub today.

Cheers!

@MacDuffsMuff

Spent a couple of years in Kent :)

@IceniWarrior

I've been to Norway, Finland and Iceland a lot, and love that dark rich bread but can't find it over here. What is it? Rye or pumpernickel? It's soft. Made Rye but took forever and tasted too sweet.

Very likely rye. German "fitness bread" should taste similar. Unless it disappeared from the shelves already.

Very true about absence of real bread. One has to be very selective what one buys in a supermarket, it just became a habit over the years. Food is sadly not British forte. Most so called farmers markets and foodfairs a complete waste of time.

@WeWantTheFinestWines

The way parents serve their children a meal of processed crap and then cook a lovely meal for themselves later. Why don't families eat together? And why put a baby/toddler in a stuffy bed for their nap? In Scandinavia all napping happens outside - it's deemed healthy.

You'd have a squad of well meaning neighbours ringing various relevant authorities within five seconds of letting your baby nap outside. I know what you mean though. I was surprised when children were given a separate table at a family gathering, which was very modest, I sort of expected them to join adults at a festive table ( family and friends).

Programmes like World's Strictest parents have not shown English teenagers in a good light.

I am British and have lived in Asia a long time. I am surprised about the level of nastiness on this thread, real viciousness. I have to say I have not experienced any hatred of this kind in Asia towards the British. I wonder if this is largely a European view of us.

I also have to say, you rarely hear (educated) British people stereotype other nationalities in such a hostile way - which in itself is a lovely thing I think.

The French on the other hand have a quite a poor reputation where I live.

All this time, they could develop a system for themselves but instead, they developed a system around us.

@Blueberries0112, Puerto Rico didn't 'develop a system around the US'.

Puerto Rico became a US territory after the Spanish American War, in 1917.

All of the systems of finance, law, government and administration, and education in Puerto Rico were imposed after that by Washington. Because of this, Puerto Rico could not 'develop a system for itself'. It is essentially a colony.

I'm English and have lived in the Middle East for 13 years. We are definitely considered as the people with the dirtiest homes among locals and other expat nationalities here. People always seem quite surprised to see mine clean :) Otherwise I think we are considered a 50/50 split between drunk yobs and educated, cultured types.

But to be fair so many in the Middle East have live in help to clean their houses. Same in large parts of Asia. It is easy to have a sparkling clean house if you have someone whose job it is to clean it everyday. This would be the exception in the UK.

I think "dirty houses" comes from using carpets and not taking shoes off not because they're cluttered or something. Many people still need a reminder to take their shoes off especially the older generation.

TRus, try Ocado for dark rye bread; they have a good choice. It's not like Iceland's or Fin bread but still has that sweetness in it. Baker Street seeded rye bread is also very nice and can be found in some corner shops and also Ocado.

Agree @SunnyDayatSiestaBeech to some extent but it's the shoes thing for sure. Wearing shoes in houses is an absolute no no here and we seem to be the only nationality which accepts it (here, anyway).

I'm eatiing a slice of toast made from a French boule loaf that I bought in Tesco. It is crunchy and full of flavour. I don't understand the comments saying that all bread here is tasteless pap. The wrapped, sliced white bread is, but I don't buy that.

@TheAirbender the shoes thing is the same where I am - even you know delivery guys will slip off their shoes before bringing stuff into your home. We have got into the habit of it too - and it is sort of shoes straight off as soon as you enter the home and almost certainly before you enter someone else's home.