Why is there such an anti-American bias from some of our British comrades?

Question

I just don't get it. I know for a fact there is no such reciprocal attitude in the U.S. at all. Both my wife and I can trace our family trees almost exclusively back to Scots, Irish, and English ancestry. We are both proud of our roots in the British Isles. Some of the bitter rhetoric I have read on this forum amazes me. The true spirit of Anglo-American understanding and cooperation has led to a great many wonderful accomplishments since the beginning of the 20th century. What is going on? My dream vacation has always been a visit to Great Britain for at least 3 weeks to see London’s sights and then to slowly drive north to Scotland stopping frequently along the way. Would my wife and I have a bad time because we are Americans?

Answer 1

Most americans are anti-Mexican i don't get why the are anti-Mexican

Answer 2

Its only a minority, we love you really.  Those who spout the most anti-American stuff are usually ultra-liberals.

Its your dopey chimp president who has done the most damage.  Most of Europe hates him and his policies.

But we like American people.  We like to take the mickey out of you but its affectionate.

Come on over and bring your wife! Make sure to drop in and visit Wales while you're here (maybe on your way over from London, before you go to Scotland), I'll be happy to show you round our local castles!  

Croeso (thats Welsh for "Welcome!")

Answer 3

The anti American bias you experience on the net is against your president due to frustrations about his handling of foreign affairs. He's the figure head for all Americans, so you all get it in the neck. But you will find that People here will treat you with respect, you are you first, American second

Answer 4

Because we are the US. Just like Yankee haters would answer why they hate the Yankees: "BECAUSE THEY ARE THE YANKEES!!!"

Logic doesn't play into every feeling and decision my friend.

Answer 5

As a brit I've heard some unkind comments about americans, I personally don't understand it. I doubt you'll have much of a problem as most MOST people over here respect americans, I just think your president has given you all a bad name.

Answer 6

Yes you do.

On this forum, I have heard Americans claim they protect the whole of western Europe, and that NATO is not a "mutual" defence pact.

Your country men have mocked me when I pointed out that we have sent soldiers to four wars that the US have been involved in the last seventeen years.  Namely:  The two in the gulf, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

This annoys us.  A lot of British soldiers have died, sometimes at the hands of your own incompetant "friendly fire" bombs.

You treat your friends with jingoistic contempt and seriously underestimate your enemies.  If you want respect:  Earn it.

Addenda:

My partner is black.

The next time you use the word "w**", I will report you.  I'm not being a troll.  I'm warning you "upfront"

Answer 7

To be honest, I think part of the problem is that some of your countrymen have preceded you in coming over here and have not, shall we say, conducted themselves that well.  There's going to be very few people over here (especially in tourist areas) who haven't had to deal with the stereotypical  ugly American.  I'm sure you've heard of the type - loud (we really don't care what you have to say), obnoxious, arrogant, keeps going on about how everything is 'better in the States' (we really don't think so), moans about how small everything (usually, they're just fat), tells us that we don't speak English properly (and who was it that invented the language again?).  As you can probably imagine it can be somewhat irritating to say the least!  As long as you don't act like that you'll be fine on your holiday.  In fact, when people realise that you're not the stereotypical 'ugly American' they'll probably welcome you with open arms.

Answer 8

I would suggest that you read the following article.  It will explain most, if not all, of the animosity.

http://www.inteldaily.com/?c=173&a=2228

Answer 9

It is just friendly fire.