Antiamericanism??

As I've been reading through various postings, I'm sensing that some of you  have experienced antiAmericanism while living in UK.  I was wondering to what degree you thing antiAmericanism exists and what your experiences have been?  I've visited the UK eight times and have never experienced such a thing; I've always found the British people to be friendly and hospitable.  I'm going to be moving to the UK this summer, and needless to say what I've been reading makes me feel slightly apprehensive.  Any comments?

Other than the odd idiotic(drunken/ignorant) comment that's easy to laugh off, I've experienced real anti Americanism once in nearly sixteen years.  So, I wouldn't worry about it. 

I only experienced >>>IT<<< once -- right after Bush invaded Iraq.  Other than the odd comment -- "Are you American?" --- nothing too traumatizing

I don't find "Anti-Americanism"; I just find some of the Brits would prefer not to get involved with me since I am not married to a Brit.  Typical response is -- oh, you're American.... I know this other American.... you really should meet her....   I think - what about you becoming my friend?  About the 3rd question asked is "how long are you going to be here".   I haven't gotten attacked for my political beliefs or for "just being an American".

I've been asked "how long are you going to be here?" and I never thought of it as being anti-American. Lots of people move to the UK temporarily--to attend university, on work assignments, etc. It seems like a perfectly sensible question to ask a foreigner.

No real problems here and I have been here nearly 5 years. Most of the British people are very welcoming!

I find that a lot of people are anti-American GOVERNMENT ... but this doesn't translate to Anti-American CITIZENS.

I find that a lot of people are anti-American GOVERNMENT ... but this doesn't translate to Anti-American CITIZENS.

Yes I did run into this once.

I find that a lot of people are anti-American GOVERNMENT ... but this doesn't translate to Anti-American CITIZENS.

And don't forget a lot of us are anti British government too.

Dave

And don't forget a lot of us are anti British government too.

Dave

Right, Dave! But it doesn't mean we don't love British people! I just meant that if you're a gung-ho Bush supporter, you might run into problems if you get very vocal about it. Otherwise, people will accept you happily and you'll be fine.

Right, Dave! But it doesn't mean we don't love British people! I just meant that if you're a gung-ho Bush supporter, you might run into problems if you get very vocal about it. Otherwise, people will accept you happily and you'll be fine.

I realised what you meant and I was agreeing with you,sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.As for loving Brits,well can I think about that one for a while LOL.
Also you mention Bush,I believe he is the problem,Clinton never had a problem over here, and when he was in office I don't recall any anti American government talk.

Dave

As for loving Brits,well can I think about that one for a while LOL.

 

trudif,

Some Americans do make themselves a big target by wearing baseball caps, printed T-shirts, and American sports clothes, and by speaking loudly.  Of course that behavior is not unique to Americans in Britain.

I wear local clothes and hats and do not let myself be overheard.  I never encounter any anti-Americanism.

Jim

The only time I've felt anti-americanism has been the British news and television media, especially 9-11 coverage. Not focusing on the atrocity, but more on why it happened, did we have it coming sort of thing, which made me feel very isolated and out of place. Only when I listened to the local Coventry station a few days later, where callers were ringing in to express sympathy and outrage, did I feel that anyone here wanted to do anything but point fingers.

Outside of the media, I've not experienced any negative comments/behaviour but I've known of incidents that have happened to others. Usually involving alcohol. 

Everyone has been friendly to me, as much as I get out. ;-) And I'm sure that it depends on your location as well. Small villages, I've heard, can be harder to become part of than more urban areas. It's all relative.

I guess I'll get rid of my baseball caps then 

trudif,

Some Americans do make themselves a big target by wearing baseball caps, printed T-shirts, and American sports clothes, and by speaking loudly.  Of course that behavior is not unique to Americans in Britain.

I wear local clothes and hats and do not let myself be overheard.  I never encounter any anti-Americanism.

Jim