Is it just me, or are the British slightly more blunt/harsh when asked for an opinion on something?

Question

Like, for example, in this one movie "About a Boy", one of the lead characters is told by this lady that his life is a "complete disaster and there is no point in living it", and then shortly afterwards the lady is asks him to be the godfather of her child, as if everything's normal.

I've also noticed that whenever the British are asked an opinion on something, more often than not they give a very pessimistic answer. Like, "well, it's a complete and utter disaster and I don't see this project going anywhere, honestly. I think it's best if we give up and go home," or something along those lines.

Is it just me? Or are the British just very blunt/pessimistic when giving their opinion/view on something? I could see an American getting very offended by some of the things they say. :P

Answer 1

well living in Britain i do not think that this is entirely true some people are like this, not everyone.

Answer 2

I'm a Brit, and I think you should base your views on people who you know personally not on characters from the movies or portrayed in the media.  My own personal experience has taught me that us Brits aren't that different to People in the US, Austrailia, or any other English speaking country.

I seriously believe a media so obsessed with sensationalising the differences between cultures, damages international relations and our understanding or each others peoples.