An American student in London

Here's a link to an interesting article I came across just now. It's one American girl's perspective/experience dealing with the British while studying in the UK.

http://timesonline.typepad.com/schoolgate/2010/01/studying-abroad-and-being-an-unpopular-american-in-london-one-students-story.html

Nice link.  I used to find it so frustrating that people associated me with whichever president was in office.  Some people were nicer than others, but i also feel like whenever people in the UK bring up US politics, it's more about making small talk, or wanting to get a better understand of how things are over in America.

I do my best to represent the US, but sometimes find it difficult to be....let's say "friendly" in situations like this:

Once even, while having a jolly jaunt in the City, a young man shouted, “Do you know what your country has done to the world?

It's not always easy being an American, but I wouldn't wish to be anything else.  Similarly to the author though, I have noticed that people are a lot nicer/more optimistic with Obama in the white house 

The summer before the election, I travelled to several different countries in Europe (incl the UK). It did not fail- I was asked to discuss my politics (an basically they wanted me to apologize for Bush) on a daily basis. The entire month. People on the street would ask who I was voting for. They were a bit confused when I explained that actually, in the States, this is something private unless you choose to share! In my French classes, I've had to answer for the French government's anti-America stance during the early parts of the war in Afghanistan. I always explain that govt does not equal every day opinion and that normal every day citizens are not necessarily responsible for every decision their government makes! As in... please stop blaming ME for things my government does. They don't exactly call me up every morning for a consult!

In my French classes, I've had to answer for the French government's anti-America stance during the early parts of the war in Afghanistan.

I bet THAT was tough! I can only imagine what it was like to 1) be blamed for everything our county's done, and 2) try to defend yourself and the US at the same time!

If we all went around and spoke negatively about the government, then I'm sure Europeans would start to talk about how *all* Americans are disgruntled with politics--which wouldn't make us look good either.  It seems we can't win either way!

Great article! Thank you for sharing it gottogettolondon! It was very spot on and thankfully, I didn't move to the UK until Obama was in office. However, when I was in Japan, it bugged me when people thought it would be cute to spoil my commute with their comments about American politics. No, I did not vote for Bush, why? Because I was TEN was he first claimed office.  I've never been rude about it as I don't want to leave them with a bad impression of Americans, but it does get tiring.

I fully empathize with her comment of "I came for the soup, not Question time." That's why I let my accent blend in instead of standing out sometimes Then, I am studying politics at uni, so I kind of ask for it  I don't speak up much at seminar anymore for this reason  I'll usually forward my comments to our group leader and just let them deal with it. 

I'm still trying to feel for my confidence in this new country. I'm trying to meet new people and feel for the social cues of trying to be 'true' to my self but still learn how to interact in this culture. It can get so lonely sometimes... not to mention that the insecurities eat away at your ability to be easy-going and social. I want to secure when I'm speaking to British people, wishing to become their friend. I'll get there eventually...

I never had a problem making friends with fellow students, whether they were British or from elsewhere. We had other American students that segregated themselves and really only socialized with other Americans, but I was determined to meet people period. I just asked questions and showed interest, nothing special or extreme effort was needed.

I only once had someone in a pub hear my accent and try to start crap with me about Bush, to which I replied "It's funny how you think that everyone in America all voted for him. It wasn't a unanimous vote, you know." He looked momentarily astonished and then said "touché" and bought me a pint! We then had a great conversation about the British and US government systems and how they worked (instead of even political opinions). It was a great pub night!