Does she seem like royalty to you?
I'll admit she does seem to have amazing qualities..but royalty?
shareAre you saying “royalty“ is a quality? Harry and Meghan didn’t want to be royals. They wanted to be normal people. She had money, he has his part of his mother’s inheritance, so they chose to leave England and just be themselves. They seem so much happier than William and Kate.
Also, I don’t blame them. I’m an American who has lived in the UK for the past 12 years and I can not wait for my husband and I to move to America. It will be a couple of more years, but I’m patient, lol.
As someone who has never actually been to the UK, your post has made me curious. Why are you eager to move back to the US? Just homesickness or something else?
shareThere is so much I could say, about how living in the UK is terrible. I can’t imagine what it’s like for people living in the cities or even towns. The only good thing is that we live in a beautiful village that looks like it should be in a painting. Every single expat that I am
friends with here in the UK, feel exactly as I do. The English think they are so much smarter and how stupid Americans are, blah blah. And the funny thing is, I write University and High School textbooks, and let me tell you.. it isn’t Americans I have to dumb absolutely everything down for. The food is vile. There is no passion in their cooking. They think an English fry up is the best breakfast ever, where in America we have so much choice. The weather is hell. They are unfriendly and just miserable. I could literally rant for a day.
I have lived in many other countries as well and they were all amazing with incredible people. This is the absolute worst! Don’t ever come here. Ever.
Wow. I know people who have visited and said they liked it, but never anyone who has actually lived there.
I have indeed gotten the vibe that they think all Americans are stupid and they are intellectually superior. It seems that much of the world feels this way. It's kind of funny since we are the ones who have the lion's share of the technological advances in the past hundred years
Are people there really unfriendly? That's a shame to hear.
To visit would probably be ok, but trust me you NEVER want to live here. Them thinking they are superior, is an understatement. The people here are just miserable. That is literally the best way to describe them. In 2019 I was in Tokyo for 8 months, and it is literally the opposite of here, lol. I cried coming back here.
I remember before I moved here, on trips and whilst playing Xbox or PS they would talk about “fat Americans”.. so I thought it is going to be really weird to get there and everyone is skinny. Wrong. They are fat. As fat as anywhere else. The fattest in Europe I believe.. They are obsessed with bad mouthing America, and deflecting. That’s their strong point. If you say something or there is something in the media they instantly deflect it to America.
The weirdest thing is, in America, England isn’t even mentioned. We don’t discuss them, there’s nothing here we want etc.. but here, it’s constant.
That's disheartening since I often think of England as our brothers across the sea. Maybe they're still bitter about 1776 and our rise to stardom.
What was Japan like?
It's not like that where I live. Nobody cares who comes from where 🤷♀️.
In my experience, Americans aren't viewed as dumb or fat and the rest. Sounds like this poster either lives in a really terrible village, or is just hostile to others and so they are the same back.
It's fun to visit another country for awhile..at the minimum to see/feel something different and get a different perspective.
I would love to live in the U.K. for at least 6 months, maybe even a year or two but after that I'd probably want to try it again in another country.
I live in a village, where people drive to, just to take pictures of it. So, terrible it is not.. everything else I said is true.
shareAlso, I have lived in several countries. This is the only one that has been unpleasant.
share"and our rise to stardom"
Yeah, that's the stuff I'm talking about...
I think you don't realize that a lot of Americans also give off the vibe they're better than anyone else. The greatest country on earth, God bless America, chanting "USA!" and stuff like that.
shareWell a lot of Americans--though far too few for my liking, as many have been brainwashed by the Marxist idea that this is a horrible country--are proud of their nation and recognize what has been accomplished in just 250 years. We went from a colony of England to the world's #1 superpower. It's difficult to act as if that's not an accomplishment.
Furthermore, do you not take pride in your own country? Do you not think of it as a great nation? Do you not sing songs in its honor?
I actually think that Western Europe is crumbling right now because they forgot to be proud and they forgot to hold onto the values that were once self-evident to them. I've heard British soldiers, for instance, say they receive little support from their countrymen. And Christianity has largely been abandoned whilst Islam is given a wide berth to spread across the land. Fuck that!
I encourage taking pride in one's nation, not just for Americans but for anyone who lives in a nation that has something to be proud of. Much of the world has forgotten how to be patriotic. To be proud of where you come from doesn't mean that you're against anyone else.
"Furthermore, do you not take pride in your own country? Do you not think of it as a great nation? Do you not sing songs in its honor?"
Songs??? No, not really. A lot of countries don't really feel the need to constantly remind themselves of their greatness, especially compared to other countries. We're more focused on how we can improve things domestically. Nothing wrong with taking pride in your country, but a lot of people feel that some Americans take it to the extreme, even more so when bothering the rest of the world with it.
I mean, the fact that you blame the controversial image of the US on jealousy kind of proves my point. You really don't think it's a two-way-street?
Well I assume you at least have a national anthem. If it makes you feel any better, I bet most Americans don't even know all the words to our anthem, or the Star-Spangled Banner for that manner.
I think what must be acknowledged is that the world is a competitive stage. And I don't say this out of any arrogance, but just as way of explanation: Only a few countries right now are competing for dominance because there are only a few that are in the position to do so. I don't expect Switzerland to be concerning themselves too much with their place in this competition because, while it may be a delightful country, it's not nearly powerful enough to compete. The United States, however, is in a constant state of competition at the highest level: for a while against England, and then for a while against Russia, and now the big rival is China. Because of our place in the world, we have a lot of enemies and we have to busy ourselves with them constantly.
Regarding taking national pride to the extreme, I think it's interesting you say that because I feel right now that patriotism is on life support here. Many young people in particular are almost enemies of the state, with their going on about how awful the United States is. You say the world sees us as taking patriotism to the extreme; I think we should be far more extreme!
But like I said, to be for your own country doesn't mean you're against everyone else. I have always looked at Europe--especially Western Europe--as our allies and friends. The same with certain nations of Asia. England in particular I've always thought of as our brother, and so it does depress me when I hear reports of how this sentiment is not reciprocated.
The UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Poland . . . as far as I'm concerned we ride together and die together. Whoever else wants to hop aboard is welcome to do so.
I'm not sure what being a strong economic power has to do with a general feeling of superiority.
I think every country should pursue their own best interests and encouraging the people to have a love for their own country certainly helps with that. But constantly stressing your own greatness compared to the rest of the world just seems like you really have some sort of inferiority complex going on.
You say you're disappointed with the English, but perhaps their attitude is simply the result of them taking their national pride to the extreme??? If it's an excuse for the Americans, then why not for them?
Like I said, in order to be for yourself, you don't have to be against someone else. I've always thought well of England and have wanted them to be a great nation--like I said, I think of our countries as brothers--and I would hope that feeling is reciprocated.
When an American takes great pride in America, and wants America to do well and succeed and overcome all rivals, that doesn't mean we're saying "Fuck you" to Norway or whatever. I want Norway to succeed as well . . . I just don't want them to succeed quite as much as we do.
What really makes me feel bad is seeing Europe overrun and transformed by leftist policies and unchecked immigration.
"Like I said, in order to be for yourself, you don't have to be against someone else."
Who's saying anything about being for or against someone? Maybe that's the simplistic thinking that annoys a lot of people. Just because the English may be critical of Americans doesn't mean they're "against" them. Your belief that any bad blood is to be blamed solely on the rest of the world is hilarious.
You can feel bad about the current leftist policies in Europe just like many Europeans as myself, but the aggressive wokeness that's taking over the continent at the moment has been imported from the US...thank you so much...
Well, I mean, if someone calls you an asshole on the streets are you going to think they're your friend?
As for wokeism, y'all may be getting some overflow of the BLM nonsense, but don't forget that Antifa started in Europe. And furthermore, Europe's shift to the Left really began with its large-scale abandonment of Christianity, embrace of secularism, the throwing open of the doors to waves and waves of migrants, and the subsequent embrace of multiculturalism and coddling of Islam. That didn't just start happening; it's been a slow process that's been going on for years.
And don't think you got that from us. As I have heard Europeans say multiple times, America's liberal politicians would be right-wing in most European countries.
"Well, I mean, if someone calls you an asshole on the streets are you going to think they're your friend?"
Who exactly are you quoting here???
"And don't think you got that from us."
I totally think we got that from you. Racial politics (black vs. white) never even existed here.
"As I have heard Europeans say multiple times, America's liberal politicians would be right-wing in most European countries"
Lol, you've been reading too much left-wing media. The Democratic party are definitely socialists now.
First off, there is no country in which there are no racial politics or no racism. This sounds like we're no longer having an honest conversation so I'm going to dip out. See ya.
share"First off, there is no country in which there are no racial politics or no racism."
Talk about being dishonest! I never claimed there wasn't.
The concept of racial politics (and I specified black vs. white) wasn't a thing here until after the radicalisation of social activism in the US in the 1960s/1970. And the European left gladly embraced it.
Now where did you get your "asshole" quote? Clearly you're only dipping out because you've got no arguments left to support your nonsense.
Okay, try to keep up with the conversation.
Obviously the "asshole" quote wasn't a direct quote. How can an entire nation collectively speak? Or did you not understand what I was talking about all of England?
You said, "Who's saying anything about being for or against someone? Maybe that's the simplistic thinking that annoys a lot of people. Just because the English may be critical of Americans doesn't mean they're 'against' them."
Well if a nation is consistently critical it's essentially the same as that nation calling you an asshole. So as I said, if someone called you an asshole would you think they're you're friend?
Regarding black/white politics, how about this: I'll concede that point. Okay, fine. You win.
But somehow you missed the fact that that's not even what I was talking about. Let's look at my exact quote:
"Europe's shift to the Left really began with its large-scale abandonment of Christianity, embrace of secularism, the throwing open of the doors to waves and waves of migrants, and the subsequent embrace of multiculturalism and coddling of Islam. That didn't just start happening; it's been a slow process that's been going on for years."
Europe is less Christian, more secular, more open to migrants, and more friendly to multiculturalism and Islam than the US is.
So like I said, don't think you got that shit from us. What's unfortunate is that I see the US slowly going the way of Europe on these matters and I think it's a damn shame.
"Obviously the "asshole" quote wasn't a direct quote. How can an entire nation collectively speak? Or did you not understand what I was talking about all of England?"
If nobody was calling anyone an asshole then why are you asking me whether that gives the impression they're a friend? What is it exactly what English people are actually telling Americans? Is it really that hostile? Criticism doesn't mean you're NOT a friend.
"But somehow you missed the fact that that's not even what I was talking about."
What you've missed is that what you're bringing up has nothing to do with what *I* was talking about or the point of discussion: how Americans are perceived in the UK (and abroad).
Well in any case, it sounds like you and I both are not in favor of all the woke bullshit, and that makes me happy. I hope to see that the matters is resolved, in both of our countries.
shareIt's true but I've been to a lot of countries and it seems very common for foreigners to not fit in very well, often being arrogant, angry, silly, unwelcomed guests. I saw a guy from a country that's definitely not from America sulk outside a bar for awhile then rush in and smash a guy over the head..the bad guy was jealous the guy had a pretty girlfriend. Crazy shit happens all the time with foreigners, American's aren't really all that bad unless it's near a military town, but then the locals know how to deal with them.
shareThat's some really silly generalization there. I've been ALL over Europe and have never seen crazy shit like that. Just so you know, American tourists don't have the best reputation either. It's all subjective.
shareyeah it never happens in Europe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlLd_WrE7nw
shareYeah, it never happens in the US:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2012/mar/28/shawn-tyson-guilty-murder-british-tourists
🙄
It's funny you should say that. When I heard that Meghan was unhappy in the UK, I was totally unsurprised. The times I have been in the UK, I have been totally miserable and could not wait to get back to the USA (and I'm an immigrant! I'm not even from here, but, man, bring on the McDonalds). People were so unfriendly and supercilious. Everything seemed to be organized in such a way as to make things as inconvenient as possible. There was a very strange sense that even if something wasn't working, that it was unchangeable, that as an American I don't understand. And it was cloudy all.the.time. I'm sure that people who are from the UK love it, and probably would think the same about the USA in reverse (all the things we see as "normal" that they would think "Ugh, how can anyone put up with this"); UK expats I have known do talk about missing "home." They have lovely gardening instincts and the parks are very pretty in the spring. But if I were Meghan, I think I also would be very unhappy there. Of course, Harry is probably not very happy in the USA (because he is experiencing in the USA the same thing as Meghan experienced in the UK) so it must be quite a dilemma for them. I feel bad for them.
shareI think Megan was more concerned with the strict royalty rules that come with marrying a prince. The higher up the chain, the tighter the rules get. Harry loves her so much thar they decided to both leave for a more relaxed life. Don't blame them either tbh.
shareYes I can imagine that would also have played a part. American culture is very spontaneous, whereas the culture of the UK royal family seems very bound by tradition and habit. At the same time, she chose to marry a prince of the UK, the rules kinda go with the territory, along with the "fun" things like being really famous and having access to lots of money and a circle of other very famous people. I think when you dig into it a bit, it's easy to see that the rules are there partly to keep the royals safe and private.
I don't know, to some extent, I think she just needed to learn how to "work the system" the way Kate Middleton did. It takes time to learn how to do that. KM was criticized early on for waiting around for William to propose, for skirts that were too short and not wearing weights in her skirts (so they would tend to fly up in the wind), for being awkward at public appearances, and for doing too few of them. She weathered it and learned how to handle herself in a way that would garner her good press. I think Meghan could have done the same.
Anyway, they know best what will work for them. I hope they are happy now and I wish them all the best.
Absolutely, couldn’t agree more xo
shareWow...this whole post is a joke, surely? It's like a collection of the most common cliches ever about the UK. We all eat fry ups ???
You seem to be living in some sort of closeted bubble, and only mix with other expats and believe all the silly stories they tell you.
I don’t live close to any of my expat friends. And yes, you guys think the fry up is the absolute best breakfast, that anyone could ever eat in their life.
I have lived here a long time, I don’t have to go by “stories”... it’s all true.
Where you live you mean. The whole of the UK is not the same. A full English is eaten about twice a year by most locals, if that. I've not had one for a couple of years now.
Living in a small village, doesn't offer diversity. Go to a town or city and nobody cares who you are or what you look like.
Meghan absolutely wanted to be a royal, there have been interviews with former friends and agents who have confirmed she'd been trying to snatch up a royal for years. There have been articles describing a whole timeline of her activities in the UK.
If they don't want to be royals, they can give up their title any time!
Interesting!! Could you please post a link to those interviews? I’m really interested in reading the ones where she stated she wanted to snag a royal! I really look forward to it. Thank you in advance!!
share"I’m really interested in reading the ones where she stated she wanted to snag a royal!"
I never said such a thing, so I'm not sure why you expect me to post links to articles I never claimed existed.
She did however admit to having a childhood fantasy of being a princess and still seemed to be fascinated by it as an adult woman:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2018081361135/meghan-markle-princess-old-blog/%3fviewas=amp
Thank you xox
share