or is prejudice against America considered OK by most of mumsnet?

[VajazzHands]

Comments about America on mumsnet, really ridiculous comments (basically that all Americans, are fat, stupid, god botherers bent on taking over the world) seem to be largely ignored and accepted as fact in a way that comments about any other country never would.

Blatant sexism, racism, xenophobia, disablism would never be tolerated on MN in any other circumstance. Why do people let it go about Americans?

yep, baby stuff is a lot cheaper there. When we joined a lot of people told us nappies and formula are very good there (we use reusables and I BF) but we have got some for when we travel and it's a lot cheaper than the local stores.

Quite a few people are absolutely flabbergasted that we don't own a car. Completely inconceivable in their eyes.

Anon I'm not sure. I found a website from '98, but things may have changed after 9/11. But I know not all states require it.

yank the yankee doodle song has been in my head lately and I blame it all on you. Just so you know.

:o Sprightly little tune, isn't it?!

I knew it!!! It was you!!! When I get songs, they get stuck for DAYS

I found this:

webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7L9uYNBNZkcJ:policelink.monster.com/topics/79531-non-citizen-leo/posts+non-citizen+law+enforcement&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari&source=www.google.com

I don't know how to put links in better (sorry).

Key phrase "Citizenship is a requirement" in working in law enforcement.

I didn't believe Tiddles was a US citizen, look at her / his syntax, choice of adjectives. More like Greater London possibly Surrey.

But then this is an anonymous forum, so ultimately, who cares

"I agree that the talking/smiling to strangers isn't due to London. It is a very British thing" Really? I must be an odditty then and so must most of the people I talk to and smile at

"I didn't believe Tiddles was a US citizen, look at her / his syntax, choice of adjectives. More like Greater London possibly Surrey."

Are you talking about me?? Born and raised in the US (all over the states, thanks to a father in the military, then settled in Phoenix,AZ area for quite a few years), thanks. Moved to the UK about 8 years ago, at the age of 36. Where's Surrey... not actually even sure where it is. Must get out a map....

Oh, and I've had people strike up conversations with me loads of times here in the UK. Because after a few sentences, I always get the "oh my - you're not from around here!"

Penguin I often wonder about the cost of food thing being a west coast thing... l live in BC and its outrageously expensive up here too and then some more being on Vancouver Island, compared to the exact same products in Ontario. Sometimes I feel like the damn hippy farmers are taking the piss charging me $4 for celery!

I understand that there is a lot of people in London, but things like saying hello to your neighbour or the clerk at the shop you frequent or being friendly with the bartender at your local seems to be a hard shell to crack. I'm not suggesting saying hello to everyone you pass on the street or anything; that would be daft. I don't even do that in my city.

I think the BF thing is the same up here too in that its just accepted to BF your baby, no qualms about it and it is more expensive, as BM is free. However, if you do FF, its not such a big deal. Its accepted that BF is best, but if you have to FF, so be it.

Now that the Canadian dollar is on par, I can't wait to start doing more traveling in The States. Seattle is less expensive than Vancouver!

I love Americans! In fact, I shagged one yesterday . That he happens to be by husband of 16 years is neither here nor there. Seriously though, I get so sick of all the anti-American smuggery in this country at times, especially in the media. It makes him feel such a stranger here and quite alienated even after being here for 20 years and having duel nationality. His family are lovely and yes, they're all Christian (as are we), but they're so humble and loving, not at all like the dreadful stereotypes you see bandied about in this country. I've been there heaps of times and have met with such kindness and courtesy from so many strangers. So, dislike Bush and Obama and the US administration if you will, but seriously, give the ordinary Americans a break, please. Darn it - I might just break out into The Star Spangled Banner now !

"Ooohhhhh say can you seeeee...." :)

The reason some Americans seem to be against social programs, benefits, etc (and I am not one of them) is that one of our country's most respected documents, the Declaration of Independence, say: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

The founding fathers didn't want anything like a monarchy or a class system; they wanted a country where it was understood that all people were born equal (well, white people anyway, apparently ) and it was up to them from there. Some people see supporting people who, in their eyes, "won't work", as a direct contradiction of that, and they feel that government is only required to allow for the pursuit of happiness, not the happiness itself. Again, I am not one of these people.

Says, not say.

also "all men are created equal"

I know, right?!

kitkata

re no formula feeders who I know

No no not a cost thing with the lack of mums formula feeding...... its a health thing why they all breast feed( for them and baby)- they are just really clued up about what is best for baby( no offense to formula feeders as we all know that debate) from breast milk to cloth diapers to sun cream- I have learnt so much from them. Clearly all the mums I know are sahm but the few I know who have gone back to work( indeed very quickly) all pump.The amount who breast feed beyond 12 months is astonishing also. I just think many( certainly the moms I have met) are a bit ahead of us maybe on that front- in that more of them are committed to breast feeding, certainly in the groups of mums I have met. I am really surprised as when I returned to the UK briefly I just saw so many more babies being formula fed-an excellent alternative if breast feeding does not work out is not possible we all know, but the difference is striking to me. 18 months and I just see one mum bottle feeding in my circle-it turns out her beautiful daughter is adopted.In California though so no obese people around here- in fact I am the only mum with a few pounds to lose post baby- all my peers seem to have slimmed down really quickly- again they are more health conscious than the mums I knew in the UK- out hiking/running/yogaing with babies pretty soon post birth-it is an inspriring bunch of mums to be around.

Anyway I digress. The yanks are bright, on the ball and just generally sweeter than us Brits in my opinion. I like them a lot and feel lucky I get to be a mum around such good people.

Going to get my stars and stripes flag and table cloth to see the day in with my appreciation wave and admiration. Thank you America for being such a welcoming country...and for getting Osama too.

Are you in California permanently? Lucky thing!! You have to admit though that your group of mums sound like what we call yummy mummies over here? Not the average working class mom? or, am I wrong? They sound pretty affluent.

I would say here there is a clear ethnic/class divide on FF and BF.

I am not affluent (working in a uni), but many around me are.

abit like here then really.

and no alas I'm on staying in CA :( we move back in August (for a bit anyway)

kitkatya

I'm not sure I would call them affluent ( lots of them rent rather than own homes and usually 2 bed places from what I can gather)unless that just means being able to survive on one wage- which seems more common here than in the UK-but they are certainly educated/award of issues to do with babies, and have taught me a thing or two about certain babycentric things I would not have been aware of.

A fair number seem to be able to work from home in their jobs- and of course I don't meet all the ones who have gone back to work as they never come to playdates.But I can tell you playdates in the sun every day/open air pools/zoos/botanical gardens/gorgeous indoor playspaces( 3 within 15 mins of our home).....well this stay at home motherhood feels like one long glorious holiday.No one told me motherhood was this enjoyable-but the california factor must help! I know how lucky I am and that i will look back on this period of life as being as good as life gets. Love living in california and love the californian mums I have been so lucky to get to know-just their warmth alone is enough to get full marks. I really have learnt a lot about manners and graciousness from Americans and hope that if we have to return to the UK one day, it will stay with me.I hope we get to stay here a long long time.

Isnt it only us that is obbsessed with owning property?

Yes, you are very lucky. I take it you arent in W Hollywood where my friends live, that has never struck me as being baby friendly!! unless you are a pooch.

No I was not so keen on w hollywood- not enough greenery for me....good for the singletons but hollywood is like living in leicester square...all neon and no greeon!

Well I am obsessed too but not at the prices property is at the moment in the UK-it is a bot cheaper here but not much.

Yes, but you cant get a drink after 1130 not even down Sunset!! That intrigues me.

Im sure you are having a lovely healthy lilfestyle there!