It is almost inconceivable that this would be a debate. I mean, who would contest the refined mannerisms of the typical Englishman, let alone compare them to the boisterous American?
It is like comparing Bridget Jones’ Diary with Sex and the City or trying to remember the awkwardness in Friends in the episode that they went to London.
Being from neither continent, I have had the privilege of having been exposed to both peoples. Whereas the British is firm, his attitude is bearable and he will not lord over you the fact that he is British. The Britons are tad bit more adventurous too and you will find them going for rough-terrain safaris. They are eager and more patient to learn about other cultures.
It is more probable to find a Briton in a far-away country somewhere in the bush, adopting and learning the culture of the locals; shorts, backpack and old English charm being all he is wearing.
The American thrives on decibels; he will make sure you know his nationality within two minutes of meeting him. He is more inward looking and has that we run the world attitude’ which makes him very rigid.
They love their comfort and can be petty over small things. A friend of mine who works in the tourist circles tells me that they are good tippers, though. They need it. They come armed with all their stuff and will not engage in adventure. They do not see the need to learn other people’s ways- after all they are the best. So they exude.
Among themselves, the Americans are more histrionic as opposed to the Britons. Can you compare the bullish way that George Bush went around handling the Iraq war compared to Tony Blair? The latter used logic and wit to convince a hitherto skeptical House to back him. Logic? Wit? Those are qualities that Americans find unnecessary, finding brute force and theatrics preferable.
The mannerisms of a Briton are intrinsic, he is keen to express himself skillfully in his use of language, and he has more depth in his conversation despite not having the shock value that is the Americans’ mainstay of good speech’.
The British appreciate, even value, good old Victorian habits with an almost nostalgic tag. The Americans have neither the patience nor the depth to swim in these cultured waters. Consequently, the finest of American habits are largely British in appearance and in return, some of the ill-mannered British aspects of life are not only recent, but more American- like the teenage violence and urban gangs which Americans have always blamed that on rap music or other intangibles which takes the blame from themselves. You cannot compare that to the social approach that the British are approaching the same problems, for example.
Ever wondered how come the more cultured Americans- those that the rest of Americans find uptight- behave like Britons?