Living in England: A Critical American Perspective

From personal experience, the notion of living in England as an American can be quite a complicated one. It's about navigating cultural differences, personal boundaries, and daily hassles that make life in the UK distinctly different from what one might be used to in the States. This article delves into some of the key observations and critiques that an American might have when living in England.

Is It Really Worth It?

Consider the example of an American expatriate who recently moved to England and shared their experiences on a forum dedicated to American expats. In the thread, they have expressed their dissatisfaction with various aspects of British culture and lifestyle, highlighting the challenges they face in adjusting to their new environment.

The Two Worlds of England

One of the criticisms starts with the scope of the British Isles compared to the United States. In the American mindset, the country is vast, encompassing different cultures and regions. The expat points out that the entire area of the UK could fit within the state of Texas, a stark contrast to the expansive geography of the US. This geographical difference, combined with a lack of historical context for pre-European arrival, contributes to a fundamental disconnect.

The expat argues that the British seem to believe their country is somehow superior, a sentiment that comes from a "cultural-wide belief" of being an imperial power. However, the expat notes that this sense of superiority is often masked with feigned humility, leading to an inferiority complex among the British. This is further evidenced by the behavior of British people on the sidewalk, a recurring frustration for the expat.

Personal Boundaries and Respect

A major issue the expat faces in England is the lack of respect for personal space and boundaries. British people, in the expat's observation, are "pushy" and fail to consider others when walking on the sidewalk. They often do not yield or care to maintain a safe distance, showing a disregard for the personal comfort of others. This behavior extends to driving, where the expat notes that pedestrians are not given the right of way, and people often drive up on sidewalks, posing a danger to schoolchildren.

The expat also critiques the treatment of children in schools, noting that the American approach is seen as overly intrusive. Teachers, in the expat's view, are overly controlling and lack respect for children's personal space. This is further emphasized by the practice of mixed-gender changing rooms for physical education, which the expat finds unacceptable.

In closing, the expat emphasizes the prevalence of litter, dog waste, and the cultural practice of public vomiting as further reasons for their dissatisfaction. They also critique the inefficiency of various British systems, such as the lack of separate entry and exit doors in stores. Further, the expat points out the heavy reliance on the monarchy and the outdated TV licensing fees as other areas that seem out of step with modern society.

Overall, the criticisms from this perspective highlight the challenges and frustrations that an American might face when living in England. Whether or not these views are representative of the overall expatriate experience, they do offer a comprehensive look at various aspects that contribute to the difficulties of living in a country that is fundamentally different in many ways from the land of opportunity and diversity that is the United States.

Related Keywords

Living in England American expat British culture