The View Across the Atlantic Pt 2

The View Across the Atlantic —Exploring the differences between English and American culture

Welcome to part two of my attempt to sum up some of the differences between American and English culture. I have done my best not to stereotype, and would ask you keep in mind that this only my experience of one small town, in one state! America is a huge place and much of the above and below will change depending on where you are.

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy reading these posts and learning about our two magnificent nations! Let’s make a start with healthcare.

HEALTHCARE

The American government decided to pass Obama’s healthcare plan while I was in America. As with every issue there was a mix of opinions, but being in a largely Republican part of the country- most people were opposed to the plan.

For a generation growing up with free healthcare under the NHS, we Brits tend to take it for granted. I can’t imagine having to have health insurance and/or paying money if I broke my arm or had to have a big operation! So why do so many Americans oppose the plan?

The first reason is simple. Free healthcare isn’t free! Tax rises are not popular- no matter which country you live in! Many people would rather choose to have insurance or no insurance- rather than everyone being forced into paying more taxes.

There is a common misconception about American healthcare under the insurance system. This is that those who are dying will be denied healthcare unless they are insured. Such a statement is completely untrue. When it comes to emergencies you WILL be treated- no matter how much money you have.

To sum up their disappointment with the new bill, one person put it this way: “It’s not that I’m against people getting health care. I just disagree with the government’s view of how that should happen”.

Personally, I cannot agree. Like most Brits I think free healthcare is a wonderful thing- even if it does result in increased taxes because it means everyone is on the same level. There’s still the option to pay for private healthcare but it’s comforting to know that no matter what happens, there’s a system in place for everyone that will save lives.

However, like many of these issues it is much easier to see where people are coming from when you go to the country and listen to people’s opinions no matter how different they are to your own! So it’s good to come back and be able to explain the opposite view, which I think is perfectly valid when understood correctly.

PATRIOTISM It’s true. Americans are patriotic! I saw countless American flags hanging outside people’s houses…just imagine what Independence day is like?! There must be a sea of stars and stripes.

The first film I watched after landing was ‘Air Force One’. To summarise the plot- Terrorists hijack the President’s plane (know as Air Force One…obviously!), loads of people die but the President saves all the important people i.e him and his family. So it’s a happy ending

You can’t get more “American” or patriotic than Air Force One. (By the way it’s a classic film so do watch it if you haven’t already!)

I actually like the patriotism in America. My American friends found it difficult to understand why so many people in the UK don’t appreciate the Queen. Sometimes I wish we took more pride in our country.

I’m not about to stand to attention every time I hear “God save the Queen” or hang a gigantic English flag up (you don’t see them here unless it’s the World Cup! What does that say about our country?) but there’s nothing wrong with loving the place you’re living in!

Cause if you don’t love your country, you’re probably in the wrong one!!  

FAITH Living in a secular society, sometimes you feel a little ‘attacked’. I guess it comes from being in a minority. Saying you believe in Jesus isn’t the most popular thing to do in this part of the world (not that such a thing stops me!!)

The (not so) great English professor Richard Dawkins has launched many TV programmes and books against God making statements such as:  

“Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence.”

“You cannot be both sane and well educated and disbelieve in evolution. The evidence is so strong that any sane, educated person has got to believe in evolution.”

“I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.”

I make no comment, only to say it was lovely to be in a part of the world where so many intelligent people love the God I worship. Just incase you were wondering, yes- I met a number of ”creationists”. And yes they were sane and well educated…don’t worry, I checked!!!

Is Christian radio an intrinsically good thing? Is America a safe haven for Bible believing Christians? Is evolution is obviously wrong? Do I wish every part of the world was like Joplin, Missouri?

I’m not sure about any of those questions, but I do know that it was incredibly refreshing to step out of a country that seems to laugh whenever God is mentioned and  step into a place where, when it comes to faith- it feels like the culture has been turned upside down!

Well ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming on this journey with me. It’s been fun to write and I hope you’ve learnt something whether you’re British or American……or something else!

I must just again type my appreciation to everyone from CCOJ- you guys are all so inspirational. It was a pleasure meeting each one of you.

Talking about cultural differences isn’t easy. I’ve done my best to word things appropriately. Do let me know if I’ve over stepped the mark or haven’t explained something properly! The last thing I’d want to do is offend people of either nation.

But the final words of this 2 part series must go to one very special lady! Stacey Tonks, I love you. Spending every day with you for 3 weeks was so wonderful, I love being a part of your life and meeting all your American friends. It’s no secret that the one reason I went to America was to see you and you alone! I’d travel any distance around the world just to see your cute face! Thanks for an incredible holiday. I love you.