Stephen Fry in America

In my experience in the States, I didn't have to watch a documentary to run into the freaks -- they always seem to be well represented in every store, checkout line, party of a friend, workplace.  It's a lot easier to run into strange people with whom ten minutes of conversation reveals that they don't seem "quite right," in the US, than in the UK. Yes there are normal people there, but even some of them seemed off. Those documentary makers really don't have to look all that hard...

Wow...that's harsh and to think I classed myself as somewhat of a normal person. Maybe my only fault is being American. I keep telling my husband that pretty much the entire world population has a serious disdain for Americans and he doesn't believe me. But it's interesting to hear conversations of others when I don't open my mouth and give away the fact that I'm not English. I'm just surprised that someone would say that here when most of us that frequent here are Americans or have close ties to one.

But, that is what America is about, the right to say what you believe.

Oh, of course you're right.  It has absolutely nothing to do with producers searching high and low for fat, crazy people spouting off about Jesus and ignoring 99.9% of the rest of the people who happen to be normal and therefore not good television.

People who "spout off about Jesus" might be saddend to hear you dont think they are normal.  It just goes to prove my point really, give someone an oppertunity to jump into a big hole and they will do it. Dont take offence, all documentaries want interesting quirky people.

Maybe what I should have said was 'spouting off about [insert here: Jesus, the CIA, guns, trailor parks, their 4000 tattoos, guns, etc, etc. ].'  It doesn't have to be Jesus.
If you were American, you'd probably notice it more.

In my experience in the States, I didn't have to watch a documentary to run into the freaks -- they always seem to be well represented in every store, checkout line, party of a friend, workplace.  It's a lot easier to run into strange people with whom ten minutes of conversation reveals that they don't seem "quite right," in the US, than in the UK. Yes there are normal people there, but even some of them seemed off. Those documentary makers really don't have to look all that hard...

Huh. Well, I could say the same thing about the UK tbh. I think the UK is chock full of freaky eccentrics. Just a different kind to the American variety. Heck, I live with one right now. My FIL is a flippin' barn pot.

LOL!  I was going to say that being eccentric, or even completely unhinged, isn't something the Americans alone have a corner on - plenty of Brits fall into that territory as well...    And then there are those American-British... 

In my experience in the States, I didn't have to watch a documentary to run into the freaks -- they always seem to be well represented in every store, checkout line, party of a friend, workplace.  It's a lot easier to run into strange people with whom ten minutes of conversation reveals that they don't seem "quite right," in the US, than in the UK. Yes there are normal people there, but even some of them seemed off. Those documentary makers really don't have to look all that hard...

Bit harsh, don't you think?  Especially on a site where most of the people ARE Americans.  I am not easily offended, but, I think that this is ridiculous.  I am a normal person and am pretty sure that the majority of Americans I know are not freaks, either.  Personally, I am sick to death of this attitude.  I had to endure a driving test where the British examiner insulted Americans and women and then promptly failed me for being both an American and a woman (my driving was fine and I have filed an appeal).  Strange people exist in all cultures, so, please do not generalize Americans as freaks.  You may have lived there, but, I do feel that you are being overly harsh. 

Theroux?

Indeed. I really enjoyed Louis Theroux's stuff. And I'll watch the Fry programme - not only because I really enjoy him but because I do think finding eccentric people does in fact make good TV! 

In my experience in the States, I didn't have to watch a documentary to run into the freaks -- they always seem to be well represented in every store, checkout line, party of a friend, workplace.

I would be sincerely curious as to what people consider freaky. I've still got a bit of indy girl in me and some of my colleagues tell me I'm a bit mad - I guess I hold that being individual might make some people uncomfortable but it's what makes life colourful IMHO. One of my very best friends is liberally pierced and covered in tatoos, has ever changing hair colour and dresses however she wants. She is one of the single most loyal friends I've ever had and has a very successful career. Though when she was over here staying with a friend in a London suburb she had nothing but abuse from people who somehow felt it was their right to judge what she looked like. Interestingly she never has those sorts of experiences in London or in the Bay Area.....

Plus I'm thinking how freaky can people be in New England

Heeeee! I'm hoping he pays a visit to Providence! Freaks aplenty!

But I have to agree with everyone else. There are freaks in all countries, not just the US. And they're part of what makes life (and television) so damned entertaining. 

In my experience in the UK, I don't have to watch a documentary to run into the freaks -- they always seem to be well represented in every store, checkout line, party of a friend, workplace.  It's a lot easier to run into strange people with whom ten minutes of conversation reveals that they don't seem "quite right," in the UK, than in the US. Yes there are normal people here, but even some of them seem off.

Hmmmm....seems to work both ways! We were talking at work the other day how anti-Americanism is so acceptable here. This was after I overheard a colleague talking about 'annoying Americans'. I'm fairly certain she's never even been. I love The Daily Show, but it doesn't do anyone any favors in it's portrayal of Americans. 

I like Stephen Fry and hopefully it's a good show!

...producers searching high and low for fat, crazy people spouting off ...

It was interesting for us to see a BBC reporter right outside the door of Walmart the other day, interviewing people (that seemed to fit the description above) about the upcoming election. We listened a bit, and some of their interviewees had a really hard time making any sense at all (to put it mildly)! The BBC chose to camp out in front of the one store that maybe isn't so representative of people in this area and milk it. Not surprising, though.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing what Stephen Fry has to say. My husband loves him, but I'm on the fence. Hopefully it'll be funny!

Wal-Mart isn't "representative"?

Wal-Mart isn't "representative"?

not really.

This was after I overheard a colleague talking about 'annoying Americans'.

I heard some blowhard British idiot spouting off on the bus last week..."Those stupid Americans - all their banks are going bust, because of those stupid Americans and they don't know how to manage the money...blah blah blah.  You know as long as you stay with a British bank, you're going to be alright, because British banks are as solid as you can get...blah blah blah..." 

Wal-Mart isn't "representative"?

There was no Walmart where I came from in the US, so I guess I can't comment.

On the other hand, the above statement is a comment.

not really.

Who says? How is "representative" defined? Is there such a thing as a representative supermarket? Would Kmart or Piggly Wiggly have been better?

Who says? How is "representative" defined? Is there such a thing as a representative supermarket? Would Kmart or Piggly Wiggly have been better?

How about visiting a couple of different towns or areas within the US? I know what's representative in Maryland certainly isn't representative of my friend's town in southeastern Montana.