How are American's viewed

[attagirl]

I am wanting to move to London, from the U.S. I have heard that American's are looked down on. is this true and if so what I can do to show that not all Americans are the same.

[Peterc]

Well you get some people that refer to the Americans in a derogatory view but most people are very accepting of the Americans although people do make fun of the accent. You did save the English in both world wars - don't let them forget that.

[attagirl]

Thanks for that, I will definitely have to remember that although I do not think that saying anything would really go over that well. My experience is that the ones I have met in the US find Americans to be funny.

[Maya]

Although there are some jokes about Americans (especially George Bush), you will find that people in the UK are friendly and accept people at face value. It may take you a little while to link in to the British sense of humour.

[LostAgain]

First thing - don't take offence.

Yes, we do tend to ridicule Americans and American culture, but as somebody that has escaped you will be included on the joke (and the butt of it). We're not seriously anti-American, you will find that we ridicule ourselves far more than we do Americans - at least most of us do. There are idiots here who are intolerant, just like everywhere - we ridicule them the most.

[synthia]

For some reason, people seem to think that Americans like and appreciate having their country criticized and blamed for everything in the world. They'll ***** about McDonalds, Bush, and anything else they want to say, and expect us to not only listen to us, but be grateful to them for pointing these things out. But try criticizing their country, and watch the reaction!

Your real issue is that you can't just pick up and move to another country because you want to live there. You have to get an appropriate visa, so unless you have an EU passport or are being transferred through work, that's the first thing you should look into.

[Peterc]

You are right there, the Americans are the butt of many jokes here. Some, especially those in East London do look distainfully on Americans habits and unique way of spelling some things and speaking. You will find though, the asian population also do not like the Americans, this is for obvious reasons. The majority of the British public however are most welcoming.

[attagirl]

These things are always nice to know, especially when an opinion of a country can be based on ones experiences in the country including how they are treated. If you expect it and do not let it bother you then it should be ok, right.

[attagirl]

it is just sad that people are this way.

[mkettner]

I have heard that in order to have a better experience in Europe Americans will put Canadian Flags on all their luggage and other items so that they are identified as a citizen of a more favourable country. While I have not witnessed this I have had experience with people thinking I was an american but when I show them my Canadian passport their attitude completely changed on me.

This is a sad reality and I am not sure what can be done other then just showing them that you are different.