Why do many Americans seem to be obsessed about getting a title?

Question

Like becoming a duke or and earl in Britain, i've seen a few Americans who have actually asked if they can 'buy one'. I cant believe it! You cant just give those things away you know!

Answer 1

To most of the American people I know, they feel important enough be Americans (and rightly so) and as an Australian born bloke who is proud of being British .. none of my friends and acquaintances, American and/or British seem to be particularly interested in being 'titled' but then I am not interested in counting the hairs on my knee caps either .. so I suppose it is just that they have too much money and too little viewpoints on life to be overly interesting either through the wealth or their lack of sophistication

Answer 2

I think that they may have low self-worth and need something as artificial as a title to make themselves feel better inside.

Sadly, titles ARE for sale, and currently there are 2 TV reality shows  that offer an American cast and an Australian cast a chance at receiving a British title as first prize. The shows are,"American Princess" and "Australian Princess". The shows feature Princess Diana's butler, a etiquette teacher, and the daughter of a princess as the main judges, along with various experts in fields that are considered essential knowledge for a "Princess" to possess.

Answer 3

I wouldn't want a title even if I found out I was entitled. Royalty and that whole aristocracy c**p is -- c**p.

Answer 4

we don't have titles in the states, so its something we cant have and want. everyone thinks these people are a bunch of fools. then again i do know i few ex pat Brits who like to make hints that they have estate and title back home, claims which i doubt

Answer 5

"I dub thee, sir rossis of the Liver" !

Answer 6

Don't worry. People (not just Americans) who generally purchase a British title are seen as an absolute joke in England.

Answer 7

I totally agree. A real aristocrat title is inherited at birth and only blue-blood families are privileged to have such a title usually given by a monarch. An aristocrat title also symbolizes a very long possibly even royal family lineage full of nobles, dukes, lords, earls, count, princes and even perhaps a monarch.

Even if someone was allowed to buy an aristocrat title, they will not be recognized and definitely not acknowledge by other real blue-blood aristocrat families. An aristocrat title will loose all of its significance, importance and privileged status if it was put up "for sale.” A title may be bought but definitely not the entire privileged blue-blood family lineage that must follow behind the title.

It is a hereditary honour and not something you could become when you won the lottery. You could be an aristocrat even if you didn't have a huge estate or money as long as you were born into a blue-blood family and inherit the title from your father, and he inherit it from his father and so forth.

There are some things that money just cannot buy...you are who you are and nothing will change that.

Answer 8

Why don't the Republican party vote for new legislation that would make it possible for the wealthiest American land owners to adopt an American noble title? It would be just the thing they would do.

Answer 9

Many people are looking for an edge, and scamming a peerage would be an edge in certain circles.  I'd accept one, but I wouldn't pay for it.

Rob, Duke of Earl, Earl of Duke, Baron of Lamb, etc.

Answer 10

maybe they want to seem important or they want to impress someone.  they want bragging rights.

Answer 11

I am an American and the only "titles" I every wanted was Mrs. & Mom.

Answer 12

I don't know anyone, or have heard of any such obsession. Wouldn't they have to move to your country for that status anyhow? They don't exist in the usa.

Answer 13

Well those titles are a bit silly don't you think? I mean the Countess of Bankruptcy is mucking out her own stalls! Why bother--