Will my life be better if I move to USA?

[Yatre]

I truly hate the UK class system.

I hate the whole private school vs grammar school vs state school elitism.

I hate the Oxbridge elitism and how Oxbridge-educated people dominate public life and the arrogance many of them have.

I hate the posh Etonians and Harrovians.

I hate the elitism of the Royal Family, the British aristocracy, all those titles and landed estates, the House of Lords etc.

Just the existence of certain British politicans (regardless of their politics - because this isn’t necessarily about their political beliefs) really irks me. Think David Cameron or Boris Johnson. Both upper-class, privately-educated, Oxford/Bullingdon Club, which have given them a great sense of arrogance about their position in life.

I hate the Oxford Union and the way they all dress up in posh attire, acting all special, and thinking their oratory skills will materialise into anything of worth.

This arrogance has been talked about before with many Brits believing that these Oxbridge, privately-educated, middle and upper-class people have the arrogance to think they have the right to run the country.

They’re present everywhere. Edward Davey, Keir Starmer, Suella Braverman, Tony Blair etc. it’s not just a right-wing thing. In fat, you could argue, these days, it’s more so left-wing.

Even successful British actors like Emma Thompson, Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Redmayne etc exhibit these attributes. They

I just don’t want to have to live in the same country as these types of people or listen to their antics.

Luckily, I’m a dual UK-US citizen since I was born in the US while my parents were living there for a while, but I have never been there since my parents returned and I don’t know anyone there.

I really want to move to the US.

If you know what it’s like to live in the USA, can you just tell me whether if I moved to the USA, I wouldn’t have to come across any of those posh, aristocratic, upper/middle-class, privately-educated, titled, Oxbridge graduate snobs that I mentioned.

I would live in a much more meritocratic country where nobody would tolerate Oxford Union debaters thinking their opinion matters or privately-educated people thinking they have a right to run the country.

At least Trump’s wealth or that of the Kardashian’s isn’t offensive to me because it just feels different - it doesn’t feel as layered and it doesn’t make them act as entitled or snobbish.

So, if I move to USA will I be free from these types of people or will I still see some of them/hear from them? I’m not sure if America is dominated by middle-class or posh, Oxbridge graduates or aristocrats.

Sorry for the rant. Just felt overwhelmed.

Bit aren't they cutting Medicaid at the federal level and limiting the amount states can tax health insurers to provide it to people at lower incomes. So a whole life of people currently on Medicaid are probably going to lose it.

Lolllll good luck

Yes, to a point. I have many friends there who should be retiring now, and here they would certainly be wealthy enough to do so. Why don't they? Absolute fear of losing their health insurance and the impact that could have on their finances.

This gets complicated. The Federal government funds 65% of the state's Medicaid expenditures. The states have to fund 35%. States have been allowed to tax healthcare providers up to 6% of their revenue. This has the perverse effect of qualifying them for more Federal matching funds while lowering the state's contribution and raising healthcare costs for everyone, even those with private insurance.

That 6% cap is being lowered to 3.5%, so the states will be able to take less of their funding from doctors and hospitals. They'll have to make it up as part of the 35% they are supposed to be contributing in the first place. If you really want to understand what's going on, read this:

https://www.kff.org/medicaid/5-key-facts-about-medicaid-and-provider-taxes/

New York has already announced that it will increase funding to make up for the lower tax on medical providers.

www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/01/gov-kathy-hochuls-fy-2027-executive-budget-proposal-numbers/410802/

Also, medicare and medicaid have gap fees that still render care unaffordable for many Americans

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-the-medicare-donut-hole#payment-plan

https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/cost-sharing/cost-sharing-out-pocket-costs

That’s why almost everyone on Medicare takes out gap insurance or enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, which has more restrictions than traditional Medicare but eliminates the gaps.

https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/campaigns/medicare-eligible-options/

It is worth noting that people over 65 are by far the most affluent cohort of American society.

There are also people like me who retire with their private insurance coverage from their employer, and Medicare becomes their primary coverage and the group policy is secondary coverage. I have no copayments or deductibles for anything. My group plan waives them all because Medicare pays for most medical expenses and they only have to pay the remainder.

I'd rather a 'class' system than being shot dead while standing in a line at McDonalds or my children shot at school. I'd rather healthcare, and maternity leave, good holiday pay, and access to abortion if needed. I'd rather not need to declare bankruptcy because of hospital bills. I wouldn't be caught even visiting that country. You'd have to be mad to want to live there.

"It is worth noting that people over 65 are by far the most affluent cohort of American society."

Same here.

Except for the ones that aren't, of course.

It’s just that there is this thing about the USA right now. Don’t know if you have noticed?

Is the question addressed to me or the OP?

I loathe the class system in the UK. I object to private schools and the knock on impacts - even ignoring private education there is so much discrimmination in the education system so that good state schools are in expensive areas etc. Nepotism is prevalent which promulgates differences and restricts social mobility.
But this exists in the US and other countries as well - just less openly.
Just because it doesn't come with an obvious accent doesn't mean its not there.

But there are so many other problems and issues in teh US that class is just a minor point.
Plus you have to be honest and think - are you really impacted by the UK class system - other than just not liking it in theory and finding posh people annoying?
has it taken away your opportunities?
it sounds like you are reacting to superficial things as much as anything

On the other hand, there is usually a thread running about what a horror show the NHS is, where everyone agrees how bad it is and adds their own awful stories.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5479482-ae-bad-experience

I’d say neither system is perfect.

I had major surgery right before Christmas. I was diagnosed on a Thursday and had the procedure first thing the following Monday. When I mentioned that on another thread, everyone was shocked at how quickly they got me in. I then spent five days in a private room in the ICU and the whole thing is costing me nothing.

i also have no problem getting a GP appointment the same day if I’m sick. It might not be my regular GP, but someone in the practice will fit me in. There are also no delays or barriers to getting diagnostic imaging tests like MRI’s or CT scans.

We probably spend too much on healthcare and you probably spend too little.

As another dual citizen who has lived in both, I can assure you the class system is just as alive and well in the states as it is here. Pop to the Hamptons or Martha's Vineyard for a weekend and you'll see.

If you're well off then the standard of living in the states is better, but that doesn't seem to be your primary concern.

Yes. Classism is shit. British culture, politics, media, business etc are riddled with it.

Would running away to America be preferable?

Fuck no. Are you mad? 🤪

I've always thought 'trailer trash'/rednecks are kind of America's version of chav stereotypes. Like 'bogans' in Oz. Every country has people that look down on the poor/those they see as uncivilised.

The very sad thing is that Minnesota used to be one of the very best, open, progressive places until not too long ago.

what Field do you work in or where do you live that these things bother you so much?

The UK isn’t perfect by any means but I know which government is more corrupt and it isn’t ours. Not a fan of Starmer, didn’t vote for him but at least he’s not a sex offender.
The contrast between rich and poor absolutely sickened me when I went on holiday there. Far, far worse than here. You should quite hung up on class etc. I wonder why.

I know, it's got such a lovely reputation for having really kind, and charming folk and it breaks my heart what is happening there.
I do slightly regret posting that , it was unnecessarily snarky and in poor taste 🥺.

Still is, that's why the Republicans hate it and are doing their best to break it.

They appear to be biting off a bit more than they can chew though, Nazis never do well at invading cold places in winter.

I dislike elitism and cronyism and how pervasive the class system is in Britain too, OP, but it feels like maybe there's something going on here. It's not something I give a huge amount of thought to on a daily basis - do you work with lots of people like this or something?

Otherwise I very genuinely think you are letting this take up too much space in your mind - being this angry all the time about something is exhausting. If you moved to the US might you not develop a hatred for gun worshippers or the disgusting greed of megachurches, both of which have huge amount of political influence there, or is it solely class-related anger, and why do you think that is?

I'm genuinely interested to know, btw. I think the British class system and its resulting effect on social and political influence is horrendous, but I can't fathom - even considering that - and looking at the US as a better alternative right now.

From my personal experience I'd say the British "Class System" is dead!

What really matters is the education you get, then the career and that leads to the company you normally meet.

One of my younger relatives has married into what would have been called Aristocracy a generation or two ago. Totally "working class" family, studied hard and got excellent Degree, got London career and moved in very different social circles as a result. They are only judged on their abilities and character, not their "class".

Of course there are still a smattering of Hooray Henry/Henriettas around but they are, literally, a dying breed.

The key is education and career.

Thought the same!

America has Ivy League colleges.

Haven’t RTFT because MN skews both negative and clueless when it comes to all things US.

I moved here from London in 2024 and it has been fantastic - my quality of life is much much better. A big move is always going to be daunting but I only wish I’d done it sooner. Truly. I’m living a great life in my dream city and can’t believe my luck half the time. ☺️

Feel free to DM me @Yatreif you have any questions.