posted 11-10-2004 21:51            

In Britain when we go off to college we really are expected to be adults. We are responsible for where we live, how we eat, how we pay for everything, etc. From what I understand, American kids going to college are still quite protected....dorm curfews, meals in dining halls, all included in the college fees, etc.

In Britain as a student it is not unusual to WALK to the local pub for a couple of drinks several times a week. In the US, drinking establishments are not as mainstream and often not within walking distance (hence the concerns about drunk driving).

Last, but not least, contrary to popular opinion, Brits are nowhere near as prudish, straight-laced, or worried about naked bodies as Americans seem to be!

I realise I am generalizing to some extent here and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone; I am just constantly intrigued by all the differences between us even though we speak roughly the same language.

posted 11-10-2004 23:33               

quote:

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Originally posted by niumom:
In my post I admitted that my comment would be taken as harsh and I am sure your girls are good kids. But I just get very frustrated with the tolerence levels of parents of boys and girls today. I seem to find myself spending alot of my time trying to understand the acceptance of behaviors from parents.

I was standing in my sons dorm at the elevator last week and a girl walks up beside me in a TOWEL and NOTHING ELSE! She is 5 feet from my sons front door, but he is not supposed to react or he is the one in trouble.

I am truly concerned for you and your kids because as previous posts have said even the most understated incident can change their lives forever and yours.

Sorry if I suggested any personal insult.

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Yo only admit that your comment would be viewed as harsh, and not the fact that it was harsh and totatally inappropriate for you to cast your judgement on someone else.

This dorm incident certainly has nothing to do with a responsible parent trying to find out the legal drinking age in a country.

Perhaps, you should stop being concerned about other people's kids and concern yourself with your own kids. Drinking does not always equate to inappropriate behavior, and contrary to what you might believe, it does not equate to easy girls.

BTW, there are many young people who are very responsible even while drinking. I have a drink every once in a while, at social functions, I have never in my life have gotten drunk, and don't even think I have ever felt tipsy, I never, ever have more than two drinks, at home or out, and I have never driven a car while having even one drink. My father was an alcoholic, and I know the devastation alcohol can have on a family, but that is the main reason why I am so aware when I drink and others drink around me.

There is something wrong with your line of thinking, if you are equating having a drink, with all other kinds of inappropriate behavior, they are both two separate things, and you have no right judging someone else and making such generalizations.

Why don't you let everyone know what resort you will be staying so they can avoid people like you. How do you feel someone not wanting to stay in the same resort as you because of your judgemental views.

[This message has been edited by bsifonte (edited 11-10-2004).]

posted 11-11-2004 04:06               

quote:

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Originally posted by llandaff:
I'm finding this an interesting topic. Being British I totally identify with Floridahippy and Keith, but having lived in the US for 10 years I know how different the two cultures are in so many cases.

In Britain when we go off to college we really are expected to be adults. We are responsible for where we live, how we eat, how we pay for everything, etc. From what I understand, American kids going to college are still quite protected....dorm curfews, meals in dining halls, all included in the college fees, etc.

In Britain as a student it is not unusual to WALK to the local pub for a couple of drinks several times a week. In the US, drinking establishments are not as mainstream and often not within walking distance (hence the concerns about drunk driving).

Last, but not least, contrary to popular opinion, Brits are nowhere near as prudish, straight-laced, or worried about naked bodies as Americans seem to be!

I realise I am generalizing to some extent here and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone; I am just constantly intrigued by all the differences between us even though we speak roughly the same language.

Vicki.

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I believe you hit the nail on the head. In the US, we still consider children as kids until they are 21.

posted 11-11-2004 06:38               

quote:

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Originally posted by llandaff:
Last, but not least, contrary to popular opinion, Brits are nowhere near as prudish, straight-laced, or worried about naked bodies as Americans seem to be!

I realise I am generalizing to some extent here and I certainly don't mean to offend anyone; I am just constantly intrigued by all the differences between us even though we speak roughly the same language.

Vicki.

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I agree absolutely Vicki. Can you imagine a mainstream newspaper in the US carrying a photograph of a topless model on Page 3 every day?? To me, what summed up the UK impression of the US was the hysterical reaction to the "Janet Jackson Incident" at the SuperBowl. Shock horror at the exposure of naked human flesh, I admit it wasn't the most appealing image I have ever seen but apparently not a second thought at the gun laws which are shocking to those of us this side of the pond. I think we are two nations divided by more than just a common language.
I'm not saying that either of us are right or wrong, just that we have to accept the different values.

Again, something of a generalisation, but I think the UK is less polarised than the US. There is less of a religious fundamentalist sector than seems to be the case in the US.

Once again, let me say that I am not saying that one is right and the other wrong, simply expressing my view of the differences.

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Regards

Keith

posted 11-11-2004 08:28            

Yes, and isn't it grand? I'm not religious (I'm spiritual), but I certainly have no problem with the way religious people are showing their clout in this country. Our country was founded on religious principle.

A large group of nuns and priests from Ireland visited our neighbors next door for a day of fun and sun on the river with swimming, boating and jet ski rides. Our neighbors said they practically had to buy out the neighborhood convenience store of all their beer and they had plenty of wine on hand.

Yes, cultures are different throughout the world. It seems Americans go overboard on most everything including food, drink and other addictions, because of the instant gratification factor that is at our fingertips. People from foreign countries visit our supermarkets and ogle in awe at the abundant choices and the vastness of those markets.

Most old but modern countries have been taught moderation in everything from childhood on, but it seems Americans are like kids in a candy store in their overindulgence.

We are still a very young country and we are still floundering around trying to find our identity on this earth with the wonderful, diversified and rich country that we have been so blessed to be a part of, but over abundance and over indulgence has not been reigned in, and until we get a grasp on it and teach our children about moderation in all things our country will continue to overindulge.

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