I am a big fan of the new-look television comedy on the BBC called Room 101. It's a show now presented by comedian Frank Skinner and he invites personalities from the world of media or politics so they can rant about the things which annoy them about modern life, people, going out, and so on. Anyway, last Friday they had comedian Micky Flanagan as a guest and he said in the "Modern Life" category that he cannot stand "Americanism". He explains on the show that he dislikes the use of American language being used in the UK in relation to daily conversations. He said we are "cheapening the English language" as it creeps into modern language with people he knew saying they were "rocking up" somewhere which, according to the Urban dictionary is basically "turning up". "Americanisms" did not get into Room 101, instead it was "people playing loud music in public places" suggested by Bafta award winning actress Rebecca Front.
Does Micky Flanagan have a point? Although he says he loves America as he has been a few times but he seemingly suggests that American culture should stay in the US. Let's analyse this. We could agree that Britain has a proud culture. When I was young we used to appreciate the royal family. We used to appreciate our local produce. We still have a clear national identity and that is why a lot of people from countries abroad visit the United Kingdom to "bask in the ambiance" if you like. However, today we are seeing the rise in Americanisms. There is an increased demand of US produce, starting around the time when Walmart became the holding company to Asda and the number of McDonalds and KFCs are growing like trees. In addition, there is an increase in the demand for American content on our televisions. For Sky subscribers, there is "Sky Atlantic" which shows all the high-end dramas usually seen on HBO while on the BBC at night times we see programmes like repeats of "Who do you think you are USA" and nightly Hollywood films on ITV2. Tonight, for example the second instalment of Eddie Murphy hit comedy Nutty Professor. Regardless, the use of Americanism is on the rise and despite presenter of Room 101 Frank Skinner saying this can be a good thing, on this occasion I have to agree with Flanagan. Let me explain why.
Last night, I watched the final instalment of Celebrity Apprentice USA. According to Wikipedia, this series was filmed in the States in 2009 but nonetheless, British viewers had the opportunity to watch the drama. For the British Celebrity Apprentice USA may have been unpopular simply because we are unfamiliar with those involved apart from presenter Donald Trump for those who have an interest in American business and politics, despite the fact the 2008 winner was our very own Piers Morgan. Anyhow the final was a clash between comedienne Joan Rivers and female poker champion Annie Duke. Having said "clash", okay maybe I should have said "war" instead. To say it lightly, they absolutely hated each other. So much in fact, the words they were saying to each other's faces and behind their backs were ludicrous. Rivers said Duke was "worse than Hitler" while attacking her poker friends for being "worse than white trash". Duke on the other hand behind Rivers' back said she wants her competitor to "die". To me, it was very childish but nobody can deny their passion and determination throughout the process and perhaps both deserved to be in the final. I should know, I followed most of the series. However, with these comments, I was left wondering what would happen if that happened in Lord Sugar's boardroom in the British version of The Apprentice. Surely he'd fire both? Comments like those made by Rivers and Duke would mean that they would be kicked off the series, surely? It does show that our attitude in Britain is very different to those in the United States.
This attitude has streamed onto American politics too. A US soldier went on a shooting spree in Afghanistan and murdered a number of families in their sleep. Fifteen were killed in total according to sources and in Britain, it has caused uproar especially after a month ago, the American troops were caught at an Afghan detention centre burning Islam's holy book, the Qur'an. In the process, dozens of locals died while protesting when they discovered the US' actions. This news came after it was suggested that the relationship between the United States and Afghanistan reached "normality" but now, it's seemingly back to square one. Barack Obama has since apologised for what happened which was fair enough, however Newt Gingrich, who wants to compete against the current President to be at the White House come November says it is the Afghans who should apologise to Americans. "This destructive double standard whereby the United States and its democratic allies refuse to hold accountable leaders who tolerate systematic violence and oppression in their borders must come to an end," said Gingrich. This to me is astonishing considering the British approach was to evacuate their civilians from the area where the Qur'an burning occurred for national securities, and national interest. I'm happy to hear that those who burned the holy book could face disciplinary action but how would their punishment fair compared to Britain? The answer of course would be uncertain but in my opinion, it's not the punishment which I am more interested in but the public reaction.
Unless I'm being far too conservative and "stuck up"? I'm unsure but to me, the attitude in American is a little too laid back for my liking. Obviously, having not been to the US myself, I mustn't judge the American lifestyle but this has been heavily focused by the British media. We see Americans as those in Jersey Shores. We see Americans as those who adore Mitt Romney. We see Americans as those like the cast in Sex and the City. We see Americans as Justin Bieber (who is Canadian but still North America). And all of this has been imposed in the British modern lifestyle. Yes, we must move on from our "traditional" times of Winston Churchill and Vera Lynn but seriously, have any of us enjoyed Geordie Shore? Have any of us genuinely enjoyed The Only Way is Essex? We even had Desperate Scousewives at some point and that was recently cancelled due to its embarrassing reviews. Trust me, Americanisms would never work in Britain - for me, and for others it would be too much of a culture shock at such a short space of time.
The main issue here is, despite Americanisms not being accepted in British society, we still try too hard and keep connected with that lifestyle. David Cameron is heading to the States to meet President Barack Obama this week. When I first heard this, I thought straight away "that's good. They might be discussing global issues such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and perhaps giving foreign aid to Africa." This may be the case but the event has been given a more relaxed approach with, according to The Times, golfer Rory McIlroy, school girls from a private school and British actor from drama Homeland, Damian Lewis (shown on Channel 4 in the UK) travelling with the British Prime Minister and his wife to a "state dinner". I hear Obama is a fan of the thriller about a US Marine. To me, that sounds like a party. I recall last year, I wrote a blog post that the relationship between Cameron and Obama is a little unhealthy and this trend has continued. It will drive me up the wall if I see them on the front page playing table tennis at some point this week. Yes, they want to show that politics can be "fun" but in reality, it is very serious and you always have to be on your feet making key decisions. They do visit each other with positive intentions but with the British Budget coming up next Wednesday, Cameron I think must concentrate on home truths. It is not encouraging for the public who at home face high levels of uncertainty to see their Prime Minister banter in a party with his American pals.
This is not a blog post to attack contemporary American society but my intention is to say that their attitude is completely different to the British and indeed, I agree with Micky Flanagan. It's a concern for the future as now, young people haven't heard of The Beatles but instead adore the Jonah's Brothers. I love America and adore the entertainment industry, and the fact that it's a fantastic tourist point. I've been told I should go to the Grand Canyon, New York, LA constantly. One day I will experience the culture and I hope they accommodate me in the States like how we welcome Americans in the UK but their culture taking over the British culture in Britain is something which I fear.
Enjoyed reading this blog post, like "John Saleh Price blogging" on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @johnsalehprice or add me on Google+ (John Saleh Price).
Does Micky Flanagan have a point? Although he says he loves America as he has been a few times but he seemingly suggests that American culture should stay in the US. Let's analyse this. We could agree that Britain has a proud culture. When I was young we used to appreciate the royal family. We used to appreciate our local produce. We still have a clear national identity and that is why a lot of people from countries abroad visit the United Kingdom to "bask in the ambiance" if you like. However, today we are seeing the rise in Americanisms. There is an increased demand of US produce, starting around the time when Walmart became the holding company to Asda and the number of McDonalds and KFCs are growing like trees. In addition, there is an increase in the demand for American content on our televisions. For Sky subscribers, there is "Sky Atlantic" which shows all the high-end dramas usually seen on HBO while on the BBC at night times we see programmes like repeats of "Who do you think you are USA" and nightly Hollywood films on ITV2. Tonight, for example the second instalment of Eddie Murphy hit comedy Nutty Professor. Regardless, the use of Americanism is on the rise and despite presenter of Room 101 Frank Skinner saying this can be a good thing, on this occasion I have to agree with Flanagan. Let me explain why.
Last night, I watched the final instalment of Celebrity Apprentice USA. According to Wikipedia, this series was filmed in the States in 2009 but nonetheless, British viewers had the opportunity to watch the drama. For the British Celebrity Apprentice USA may have been unpopular simply because we are unfamiliar with those involved apart from presenter Donald Trump for those who have an interest in American business and politics, despite the fact the 2008 winner was our very own Piers Morgan. Anyhow the final was a clash between comedienne Joan Rivers and female poker champion Annie Duke. Having said "clash", okay maybe I should have said "war" instead. To say it lightly, they absolutely hated each other. So much in fact, the words they were saying to each other's faces and behind their backs were ludicrous. Rivers said Duke was "worse than Hitler" while attacking her poker friends for being "worse than white trash". Duke on the other hand behind Rivers' back said she wants her competitor to "die". To me, it was very childish but nobody can deny their passion and determination throughout the process and perhaps both deserved to be in the final. I should know, I followed most of the series. However, with these comments, I was left wondering what would happen if that happened in Lord Sugar's boardroom in the British version of The Apprentice. Surely he'd fire both? Comments like those made by Rivers and Duke would mean that they would be kicked off the series, surely? It does show that our attitude in Britain is very different to those in the United States.
This attitude has streamed onto American politics too. A US soldier went on a shooting spree in Afghanistan and murdered a number of families in their sleep. Fifteen were killed in total according to sources and in Britain, it has caused uproar especially after a month ago, the American troops were caught at an Afghan detention centre burning Islam's holy book, the Qur'an. In the process, dozens of locals died while protesting when they discovered the US' actions. This news came after it was suggested that the relationship between the United States and Afghanistan reached "normality" but now, it's seemingly back to square one. Barack Obama has since apologised for what happened which was fair enough, however Newt Gingrich, who wants to compete against the current President to be at the White House come November says it is the Afghans who should apologise to Americans. "This destructive double standard whereby the United States and its democratic allies refuse to hold accountable leaders who tolerate systematic violence and oppression in their borders must come to an end," said Gingrich. This to me is astonishing considering the British approach was to evacuate their civilians from the area where the Qur'an burning occurred for national securities, and national interest. I'm happy to hear that those who burned the holy book could face disciplinary action but how would their punishment fair compared to Britain? The answer of course would be uncertain but in my opinion, it's not the punishment which I am more interested in but the public reaction.
Unless I'm being far too conservative and "stuck up"? I'm unsure but to me, the attitude in American is a little too laid back for my liking. Obviously, having not been to the US myself, I mustn't judge the American lifestyle but this has been heavily focused by the British media. We see Americans as those in Jersey Shores. We see Americans as those who adore Mitt Romney. We see Americans as those like the cast in Sex and the City. We see Americans as Justin Bieber (who is Canadian but still North America). And all of this has been imposed in the British modern lifestyle. Yes, we must move on from our "traditional" times of Winston Churchill and Vera Lynn but seriously, have any of us enjoyed Geordie Shore? Have any of us genuinely enjoyed The Only Way is Essex? We even had Desperate Scousewives at some point and that was recently cancelled due to its embarrassing reviews. Trust me, Americanisms would never work in Britain - for me, and for others it would be too much of a culture shock at such a short space of time.
The main issue here is, despite Americanisms not being accepted in British society, we still try too hard and keep connected with that lifestyle. David Cameron is heading to the States to meet President Barack Obama this week. When I first heard this, I thought straight away "that's good. They might be discussing global issues such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and perhaps giving foreign aid to Africa." This may be the case but the event has been given a more relaxed approach with, according to The Times, golfer Rory McIlroy, school girls from a private school and British actor from drama Homeland, Damian Lewis (shown on Channel 4 in the UK) travelling with the British Prime Minister and his wife to a "state dinner". I hear Obama is a fan of the thriller about a US Marine. To me, that sounds like a party. I recall last year, I wrote a blog post that the relationship between Cameron and Obama is a little unhealthy and this trend has continued. It will drive me up the wall if I see them on the front page playing table tennis at some point this week. Yes, they want to show that politics can be "fun" but in reality, it is very serious and you always have to be on your feet making key decisions. They do visit each other with positive intentions but with the British Budget coming up next Wednesday, Cameron I think must concentrate on home truths. It is not encouraging for the public who at home face high levels of uncertainty to see their Prime Minister banter in a party with his American pals.
This is not a blog post to attack contemporary American society but my intention is to say that their attitude is completely different to the British and indeed, I agree with Micky Flanagan. It's a concern for the future as now, young people haven't heard of The Beatles but instead adore the Jonah's Brothers. I love America and adore the entertainment industry, and the fact that it's a fantastic tourist point. I've been told I should go to the Grand Canyon, New York, LA constantly. One day I will experience the culture and I hope they accommodate me in the States like how we welcome Americans in the UK but their culture taking over the British culture in Britain is something which I fear.
Enjoyed reading this blog post, like "John Saleh Price blogging" on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @johnsalehprice or add me on Google+ (John Saleh Price).
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