Something has been running through my head all day and I figured I would ask since there is a good mixture of different nationalities on here..
My wife and I are Americans, we live right near Washington DC, so we have normal run-of-the-mill (IE: non-southern) American speech patterns. We watch a lot of BBC America and had this discussion the other night with some of our friends who agree:
Most Americans find British accents to be suave, even sexy sounding. I find females with a British accent to be more sexy than if they spoke with an American accent, as do some of my friends. My wife feels the same way about males with British accents (I need to be careful not to introduce her to any), as do some of her girlfriends.
Scottish, Irish, Welsh (very hard to understand) and other UK accents are similarly rated, but not as high as British (primarily the London, Liverpool and even Cambridge dialects, not so much the Cockney and others).
I was wondering if those in the UK have the same feelings about American accents, speech patterns, or whatever you'd like to call it?
Thanks!
Bill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6K8yfQYOTQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6K8yfQYOTQ)
To me, the American accent is not one I typically associate with intelligence or sincerity.
Thankfully, I don't allow this xenophobia to penetrate my decision making, so yes, I will gladly seduce your wife. I am British so it shan't be a problem for her.
Well, I'm not from the UK but one thing I dislike is the southern/texan accent, just like I dislike the southern german accents.
I like how much you must hate me entirely based on my voice seeing as I was born in the southern part of West Germany (yes I know that country no longer formally exists, but I was born there!!!) and have lived the majority of my life in southern Texas. :(
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 20:25:07
Well, I'm not from the UK but one thing I dislike is the southern/texan accent, just like I dislike the southern german accents.
Is it universal that southern accents suck? Cause the South Swedish accent sound horrible as well... ???
Generally its the northern british accent which is frowned upon.. until you hit scotland and then no cares anymore.
If your british its usually best to be from the oxfordshire area re:accent.
Im from Nottingham but i dnot really have a conventional notts accent.. im also awesome with a bow and arrow.. its in the blood.
Oh no Monkey! Double whammy!
Interesting thoughts on the subject. My wife was in Paris for a few weeks while in college and had similar problems with preceonceived stereotypes about Americans.
I don't know which I dislike more, the fact that Europeans feel that way about us, or the fact that so many of my countrymen must have been bumbling idiots in a public way for this to have become the norm...
-Bill
QuoteI don't know which I dislike more, the fact that Europeans feel that way about us, or the fact that so many of my countrymen must have been bumbling idiots in a public way for this to have become the norm...
I hope that it isn't that way with Canadians. :P
I actually remember hearing my old teacher way back in high school, would tell us that Americans would stitch a Canadian flag to their backpacks and whatnot just so they could be treated with respect when traveling over seas. I wonder if that is true.
I think the reason America (in a very general sense) is so despised by europe is the kind of isolationist thing you have going on.
I was once asked by an American if England was part of London or if they were separate states.
That kind of ignorance annoys us a great deal since it belittles us as not important.
I can name all the US states and roughly point them out on the map and they don't even know where London is?
Also the whole religion thing in the states doesn't help. Around half of Americans don't accept evolution and consider it some kind of scientific conspiracy against god with no evidence. And the main problem with that is that it isnt just random nutcases. You have governors and presidential candidates believing that stuff.
And then you have George Bush.. when your president says "is our children learning?" it really doesnt help your case as a progressive nation.
Again, It's obvious not ALL americans are like that. Its a stereotype and for every nutcase who rejects evolution in the place of magic you have someone who doesn't. Its just a culture that isnt very compatible with european thinking.
Quote from: monkey_05_06 on Wed 02/12/2009 20:43:10
I like how much you must hate me entirely based on my voice seeing as I was born in the southern part of West Germany (yes I know that country no longer formally exists, but I was born there!!!) and have lived the majority of my life in southern Texas. :(
Oh boy, oh boy... I'm glad I didn't have to listen to you yet...
Just kidding ;)
Quote from: jon_swe on Wed 02/12/2009 21:55:20
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 20:25:07
Well, I'm not from the UK but one thing I dislike is the southern/texan accent, just like I dislike the southern german accents.
Is it universal that southern accents suck? Cause the South Swedish accent sound horrible as well... ???
Maybe.
I've often been to Sweden, but always to the very south (Småland that is), so I only experienced that accent. Then again, I don't even understand a word...
Quote from: Ryan Timothy on Wed 02/12/2009 22:07:13
I actually remember hearing my old teacher way back in high school, would tell us that Americans would stitch a Canadian flag to their backpacks and whatnot just so they could be treated with respect when traveling over seas. I wonder if that is true.
I heard that too. And I know a Simpsons episode where Lisa does the exact same thing, while Homer is waving a US flag, telling everybody not to mess with America. Ah, it was that funny episode where the Simpsons went to England and Tony Blair had a funny appearance at the airport.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 22:18:01
I was once asked by an American if England was part of London or if they were separate states.
That kind of ignorance annoys us a great deal since it belittles us as not important.
Yeah, just watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE
(admitted: The reporter just picked out some of the most incredible nutcases and you could do such a survey in any country)
Quote
Its just a culture that isnt very compatible with european thinking.
Nah, they are just still young and can't overcome puberty, in fact, they're children from Great Britain.
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 22:37:31
Maybe.
I've often been to Sweden, but always to the very south (Småland that is), so I only experienced that accent. Then again, I don't even understand a word...
Well, if you go there again, listen to how they do not say R alot and when they do it's some kind of throat sound, not a rolling R.
But I was thinking more of the more southern parts like Skåne... a horrible place...
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 22:37:31
Yeah, just watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE
(admitted: The reporter just picked out some of the most incredible nutcases and you could do such a survey in any country)
I dont think you could do that in any country. You'd have to walk around britain for quite a long time to find such a massive collection of idiots.
They arent stupid, just very ignorant of the world outside the US. Like i said.. isolationism.
Have you ever met anyone from around the Birmingham area in the UK?
Sexy and suave kind of breaks now there... ;)
Quote from: jon_swe on Wed 02/12/2009 22:47:36
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 22:37:31
Maybe.
I've often been to Sweden, but always to the very south (Småland that is), so I only experienced that accent. Then again, I don't even understand a word...
Well, if you go there again, listen to how they do not say R alot and when they do it's some kind of throat sound, not a rolling R.
But I was thinking more of the more southern parts like Skåne... a horrible place...
What? Scania (Skåne) is not horrible, it's a beautiful place! I've spent many summers there >:(
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 22:18:01
I was once asked by an American if England was part of London or if they were separate states.
That kind of ignorance annoys us a great deal since it belittles us as not important.
I can name all the US states and roughly point them out on the map and they don't even know where London is?
Hahaha, I once got the question: "This 'Sweden' you talk about, is it in Alaska?"
Quote from: Bulbapuck on Wed 02/12/2009 22:54:50
What? Scania (Skåne) is not horrible, it's a beautiful place! I've spent many summers there >:(
Hahaha, I once got the question: "This 'Sweden' you talk about, is it in Alaska?"
It's horrible because they speak horribly... I can understand a thing...
hehe Alaska, that's a good one...
I was asked once: Why doesn't Sweden celebrate 4th of July.
everyone knows where sweden is.. through the magic wardrobe, past the Tree of Life, second star on the left and straight on till morning..
Stupid and ignorant people aren't an American exclusive. The world is full of them.
I think the problem is, for whatever reason, my country (and everybody else) seems to want to showcase the stupid and ignorant people here.
Anyway ... back on topic:
For me, growing up, I had very little diversity in accents. Maybe a slight Canadian lilt (eh?), or a southern drawl (y'all) when I visited family down south but for the most part it wasn't much different. There were variances but it was still basically the same English. So when I hear an accent that is noticeably different I find it slightly appealing, sure. This isn't ignorance or stupidity. It's just an appreciation of the difference.
I think another reason you find Americans enjoying a foreign accent is because America is large. I have made the road-trip from Michigan to Florida many times. It is very far (roughly 1300 miles) yet I don't leave the country. Were I to make a similar length journey in Europe I'd probably travel through 3 countries minimum (I didn't load google maps to make a scientific study of this ... I'm just making a point). So maybe Europeans are just more accustomed to hearing a variety of accents/languages which makes it more normal and less "exotic" for them?
Quote from: Ryan Timothy on Wed 02/12/2009 22:07:13I actually remember hearing my old teacher way back in high school, would tell us that Americans would stitch a Canadian flag to their backpacks and whatnot just so they could be treated with respect when traveling over seas. I wonder if that is true.
When I was in Vienna last year Nacho, Lorena and I went into this restaurant. The waiter wouldn't speak to me when he found out I was American. He would ask Nacho to ask me questions. It was hilarious. I could care less ... if he is that ignorant I don't think there's anything I could do to change his mind. As I said above, ignorance is not exclusive to Americans!
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 22:52:27
Quote from: Mr Matti on Wed 02/12/2009 22:37:31
Yeah, just watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE
(admitted: The reporter just picked out some of the most incredible nutcases and you could do such a survey in any country)
I dont think you could do that in any country. You'd have to walk around britain for quite a long time to find such a massive collection of idiots.
They arent stupid, just very ignorant of the world outside the US. Like i said.. isolationism.
Now now ... we generalizing and stereo-typing here (which is just as bad as the claims being made). I know people that are isolated, sure. But most of the people I associate with are very knowledgeable about the "outside" world and would have gotten those questions correct. If I had been asked those questions I would immediately have seen the real reason behind it and would have put the guy in his place because I find that kind of thing to be just as ignorant as the ignorance they were attempting to point out. Of course I would end up on the editing room floor 'cause they couldn't show that!
Sure that video is funny but why do they not show the people that got [at least] some of the answers correct? Because that wouldn't be as funny! I guarantee you if you gathered up the equivalent kind of people from any country the results to those questions would be the same.
Darth i'm fairly sure (as ironic as it is) that you are using 'ignorant' in the wrong context.
Ignorant doesnt mean you ignore someone or something. It means you arent aware of something.
Someone cant be "ignorant to you" and if someone ignores you they arent being ignorant.. they are being rude
Im saying that Americans simply dont look outside their back yard (again remember i AM stereotyping heavily and you are lovely yourself)
It just seems to be the culture. Americans like all-american things and see little point in extending their horizons beyond your shores and it can appear insulting to people who arent american.
We use the term 'Americanisation' as a synonym for 'homogenisation'
The appropriate term is Amerikaanization to distinguish "The United States of America" from the American continents. :P
P.S. This is entirely based upon my own methodology and preference and in no way reflects the opinions of others.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 23:14:58
Darth i'm fairly sure (as ironic as it is) that you are using 'ignorant' in the wrong context.
I didn't read Darth's comment as taking ignorant to mean to ignore. The waiter was ignorant because he conflated Darth with the Americans that he disliked, to the point that he wouldn't talk to him simply because of his accent. That shows ignorance because he couldn't or couldn't be bothered to differentiate between different Americans. To him all Americans were the same. Isn't that similar to the attitude that you say Americans have?
Personally I'm not so bothered by accents as I am by attitude. Maybe certain accents tend to carry with them certain attitudes, either by pure accident of sounding like an attitude or by the fact that the accent comes from a certain culture and history. Okay, maybe I'm not using the word attitude correctly here, but you know. It's like how British accents lend themselves better to sounding haughty than, say, Mexican accents. You just need to look at the accents in movies and how they are used to see how this works.
Quote from: auriond on Thu 03/12/2009 00:19:22
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 23:14:58
Darth i'm fairly sure (as ironic as it is) that you are using 'ignorant' in the wrong context.
I didn't read Darth's comment as taking ignorant to mean to ignore. The waiter was ignorant because he conflated Darth with the Americans that he disliked, to the point that he wouldn't talk to him simply because of his accent. That shows ignorance because he couldn't or couldn't be bothered to differentiate between different Americans. To him all Americans were the same. Isn't that similar to the attitude that you say Americans have?
I guess that makes sense, I apologise if i misunderstood Darth,
The only reason i said that is because that word very very often misused.
Just wanted to chirp in to say that if you're travelling through France with any flag sewn to your backpack, you're carrying a gigantic "obnoxious" tag around with you. That's the main stereotype about Americans around here, "loud and obnoxious" (and fat).
I don't really care about accents.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Wed 02/12/2009 23:14:58Darth i'm fairly sure (as ironic as it is) that you are using 'ignorant' in the wrong context.
Ignorant doesnt mean you ignore someone or something. It means you arent aware of something.
Someone cant be "ignorant to you" and if someone ignores you they arent being ignorant.. they are being rude
If you're referring to my story of the waiter
ignoring me I was not calling him ignorant 'cause he was ignoring me, I was calling him ignorant because he was treating me rudely because I'm an American. He didn't know me, didn't know what I was like, etc. That is ignorant behavior. It was just coincidence that his ignorance stemmed from ignoring me :) (which has now been pointed out during the time I was posting this!)
But still ... I think broadly accusing all Americans of being ignorant of the outside world (the stereo-typing) is a bit ironic as it shows a lack of knowledge and/or understanding of American culture and her people. ** shrugs **
I think i frequently said i wasnt branding ALL americans in that way.
But darth, 50% of your population rejects one of the most evidence supported theories in the history of mankind saying there is "no evidence for it"
In what way is that NOT ignorant?
Just to be clear, I don't think Americans are perfect (VERY far from it!). And yes I think denying evolution (if that's what you are referencing) is extremely close-minded.
The very last thing I want to do is bring religion into this thread as it'll go even more off-topic :)
I also think that the UK can be quite guilty of this.
I think it stems from a country believing they are better than they actually are. the idea that "we are the greatest nation in the world!" is dangerous and breeds complacency.
America has a higher infant mortality rate than cuba and britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in europe.
we are massive economies.. we should be better than this.
EDIT: sorry i have thread-jacked a little havent i.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Thu 03/12/2009 00:34:56But darth, 50% of your population rejects one of the most evidence supported theories in the history of mankind saying there is "no evidence for it"
In what way is that NOT ignorant?
At the risk of destroying an otherwise perfectly good thread, I just wanted to point out that as ignorant as it would be to say that there is no supporting evidence for the
theory of evolution, it is still equally ignorant to suggest that there is no scientific merit behind the
theory of creation.
I emphasize "theory" in both cases because from a purely scientific standpoint that's exactly what they both are. Legitimately plausible scientific theories.
That said, yes, let's not turn this into religious debate. :P
It is much easier to judge people on an individual basis. Trying to define what is wrong with whole countries/populations/accents/regions is too difficult as there is rarely any great denominators, apart from the lowest.
I know some sexy Americans, and I include Darth in that bracket, but I also know some stupid ones. I know some sexy British people, and I include myself in that bracket, but I also know some stupid ones.
Maybe that could be the new lowest common denominator: Some people are sexy, some are stupid.
Quote from: Zooty on Thu 03/12/2009 01:21:05
Maybe that could be the new lowest common denominator: Some people are sexy, some are stupid.
I'm willing to go with that as a thesis.
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Thu 03/12/2009 00:55:51
America has a higher infant mortality rate than cuba and britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in europe.
I just needed to comment briefly on this statement, and I in no way mean to derail this thread, but the reason Cuba has such a "low" infant mortality rate is because the Castro government manipulates statistics.
If a baby dies within the first 24 hours of its life or is stillborn, it's never documented as having been born at all, simply for the purpose of keeping infant mortality rates low. Also, Cuba is has the third highest abortion rate out of 60 countries surveyed, and the government actively encourages women who have a high risk of giving birth to mentally or physically disabled children to abort.
Anyway, to be on topic, I agree with Zooty: it's better to deal with people on an individual basis. Also, Zooty fits into the sexy bracket.
Is the Castro Govt. the jerkiest government in the world?
It's a tough contest, Iran are close at their heels.
Out of curiosity, why do the figures get massaged in this way? To look good? Is the infant mortality rate Cuba's biggest problem?
I quite like a well-spoken American accent... Frasier Crane, to me, has the perfect American accent... although, he has a great voice to go with it, so maybe I'm just judging his voice...
I generally don't really like the southern accent... but it can be damn sexy when coming out of a hot chick... but then again... I might just be judging the hotness of the chick (and even though she's getting on a bit, I could listen to Dolly Parton's voice all day).
I can't really tell the different between, say, Florida and California, although I'm sure there is a massive difference.
And the New York accent is fascinating... I love how such a small area in such a large country has such a very unique accent when the rest of the country is pretty much the same (to my untrained ear).
I hate to admit, I can't tell the difference between a Canadian and an American accent either (except when the Canadian's start speaking French... that's always a clue).
I like how the dialect spoken by French-Canadian's is called Canadian-French...
Sorry, Grundislav, but where did you get that 'info'?
Cuba is an open country (it's not that cubans can't talk about the problems in Cuba), it's a fact that their health care system is rather good and even the CIA (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html) states that Cuba has an infant mortality rate of 7.24 / 1000 (while the USA have a rate of 8.38 (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html)). Sorry for going even more off-topic.
Zooty, no! Keep it on topic!
Mr Matti: I've done research on the subject, and I'm close to the source. I know this sounds vague and unfounded, but I don't want to derail the thread any further. PM me if you want to discuss it further.
Frasier Crane? I always thought Kelsey Grammer was trying to sound British in his accent, or at least like people did back in movies from the 40s and 50s. I forget what that accent is called.
Quote from: Grundislav on Thu 03/12/2009 02:09:16
I always thought Kelsey Grammer was trying to sound British in his accent, or at least like people did back in movies from the 40s and 50s. I forget what that accent is called.
It's called the Mid-Atlantic accent. It was the officially posh American accent of old Hollywood films.
Also, what do I have to do to get on the sexy list?
- Ponch
Quote from: markbilly on Wed 02/12/2009 22:54:07
Have you ever met anyone from around the Birmingham area in the UK?
Sexy and suave kind of breaks now there... ;)
Breaks down and explodes. I try to keep my prejudices to a quiet minimum, but a broad Birmingham/Dudley accent is far more simpering and grating than any American accent I've heard. My partner and I are at a loss as to why we moved here in the first place; there are places minutes away that are very reminiscent of City 17.
Perhaps life would be more enjoyable if I kept a crowbar closer to hand.
The Brummie accent does get a lot of stick, but unfortunately it's not without reason... it is pretty unpleasant to the ears...
As for Geordies, I quite like the Newcastle accent in general, but why to Geordie women have to SQWARRRK like that when they talk? It hurts!
Right. Back to the initial question. ;-)
Here in Germany, what you learn in school is quite mixed up. In the first years, you'll learn British English, and British English only. Then, you switch to American English (and again, American English only) for a year or two, after which both the pupil and his/her teacher are allowed to choose which one to use, as long as they stick with it. That said, you don't learn genuine accents at all (which is why most Germans still speak with a typical German accent).
Most people will be heavily biased afterwards. If they've been to either country, they'll prefer the corresponding accents (and despise the others). Curiously, this is not true for people having been to Australia or New Zealand, they'll still choose between British and American accents (although most of those (read: everyone of them I know personally) would go for British). Other influences play a certain role, too. In the vicinity of Darmstadt, for example, you'll find quite a few Americans (they've still got army grounds there), so most of them (again: everyone I know personally) prefer American accents and are either completely neutral or negative when it comes to British accents. Same goes for people whose families have any kind of connection to either country ("My mum was a hippy in the 60s" does count pro-American, "the Americans are bringing their crap (McDonald's etc.) over here!" pro-British.). Again, the rules for people having been to any of those countries apply, curiously even stronger (dismissing the other accents as "not proper English").
Speaking for myself, I've been to Bristol (the UK one) quite a lot, and I have many very positive memories connected to that place, so naturally, I prefer British accents. (Funny thing is, I've developed a bit of a London-ish accent, although I've been there only twice.) I don't mind American accents though, I just don't think they sound as pleasant as British ones (at least around where I've been).
Although I do quite like how what I believe to be an urban New-York-ish accent turns "person" into "poison." That's your Freud right there, lads.
/tbi
P.S.: And yes, "skånskan" does suck. :-P
Quote from: Stupot on Thu 03/12/2009 09:18:38
The Brummie accent does get a lot of stick, but unfortunately it's not without reason... it is pretty unpleasant to the ears...
As for Geordies, I quite like the Newcastle accent in general, but why to Geordie women have to SQWARRRK like that when they talk? It hurts!
Haha I used to work with a guy from there, and we used to mock him by calling him "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARK" all the time - imitating his horrid ex-girlfriend (naturally).
It was the most amusing thing ever. Except I think we may have destroyed his will to live after about 2 weeks of it non stop. ;D
Incidentally, I love the range of British accents, and do so enjoy walking around saying "off to pub with lads" and "watchin roogby leeaague, shoutin' at telly" in my terrible attempt at an impersonation.
Wow this thread has blown up.. Several things I want to respond to:
Calin: The evolution thing, and the "American Denial" is just ridiculous. It is not the nationality, it isn't even a majority of our nation that believes that. It is the super-religious zealots who are so caught up in their religion that they have no conception of science. I seriously hope you don't believe that 50% of Americans believe this.
Stupot / Others: Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) is just well spoken. Like Ponch mentioned, his accent is learned/acted, it isn't natural. It is the 1950s/1960s high-society accent that used to be spoken here (think of the Millionaire character on the TV show Gilligan's Island). If you hear him talk in real life, he sounds like an average Joe. I live in the mid/north-atlantic (right outside Washington, D.C.), and we don't speak like that :) I would think most Americans think that type of speaking sounds old-timey and out dated, maybe even weird.
Stupot: Canadians do sound differently than Americans. They tend to draw out their OO sounds. The word "About" is perfect as an example. Americans pronounce it "Abowt", but canadians generally pronounce it "Aboot". See the South Park movie for further examples :)
Bedminster: The New York accent isn't all of New York. There are separate, extremely "thick" or "strong" accents in several regions of New York. There is the Long Island accent, the Manhattan accent, and a few others. Then there is New Jersey... Don't even get me started on New Jersey :)
Most of America (Florida and California for example) have the same accent. In my personal opinion, the majority of places where the accent is non-standard are those which were rural for many many years before seeing migrants, and those which were the settling points for colonists from England back in the 1700s. Places like Boston and New York have very distinct and very pronounced accents as compared to other eastern coast states here. Places like Alabama and Georgia have southern accents, but those were more isolated for a longer period of time. Again, just my opinion.
-Bill
Quote from: poc301 on Thu 03/12/2009 13:27:45
Calin: The evolution thing, and the "American Denial" is just ridiculous. It is not the nationality, it isn't even a majority of our nation that believes that. It is the super-religious zealots who are so caught up in their religion that they have no conception of science. I seriously hope you don't believe that 50% of Americans believe this.
http://richarddawkins.net/articles/706 (http://richarddawkins.net/articles/706)
Only 40% of americans believe Evolution to be true, 40% believe it to be false and 20% are not sure.
Well perhaps it was a misleading poll?
Compare that will Denmarks
80% acceptance...
Quote from: Calin Leafshade on Thu 03/12/2009 13:34:47
http://richarddawkins.net/articles/706 (http://richarddawkins.net/articles/706)
Only 40% of americans believe Evolution to be true, 40% believe it to be false and 20% are not sure.
Well perhaps it was a misleading poll?
Compare that will Denmarks 80% acceptance...
Wow, just wow... This scares me.
That is not true, not at all. There are many differnet TYPES of beliefs regarding evolution vs creationism. Hell, I found 3 different poll/studies from 3 different (news) sources within 10 minutes which go against the numbers you are stating:
CBS News : http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/22/opinion/polls/main965223.shtml
51% say we Evolved, but God guided the process
30% say we Evolved, but God did NOT guide the process
15% say it was Creationism, and NOT evolution.
81% belief in Evolution, that is a far cry from the numbers you listed.
Here is another one..
Gallup Poll for Darwin's birthday : http://www.usnews.com/blogs/god-and-country/2009/02/11/gallup-darwins-birthday-poll-fewer-than-four-in-ten-believe-in-evolution.html
Basically saying education plays a big role in this. Idiots with lots of religion play into the belief system, while 70+% with college graduate degrees believe in evolution. This one says 39 percent of Americans believe in the theory of evolution. 25% say they don't believe in evolution, and 36% say they have no opinion.
And the third one:
National Geographic : http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/08/060810-evolution.html
Basically saying Americans are less likely than other Western nations to believe in evolution. The numbers given though are 25% of Americans rejecting evolution, versis 7% in GBR and 15% in the Netherlands.
So the numbers here are higher than Europe, but by no means 50%. I think it again goes into the theory that many Europeans have a negative stereotype of Americans being bumbling, bible thumping idiots. Sure, some are, but that is the way in every country (as was established earlier).
**EDIT: And I am allowed to hijack this thread, since I started it lol**
-Bill
Quote from: Ponch on Thu 03/12/2009 06:05:21
Also, what do I have to do to get on the sexy list?
- Ponch
You, my friend, are firmly on the sexy list! ;)
I have to agree with those who have said that it is some and some. It seems to me that when people (maybe mostly Americans) talk about the "British" accent they are talking about the "Oxford" or "London & Home Counties" posh English accent, i.e. Joanna Lumley and I can well understand why people think that is sexy! However there are plenty of other accents in Britain which range from lovely to listen to to grating on the ears.
I suppose it's the same for America, some accents sound fine to me and others are horrible! (personal preference of course) and just as you cannot judge everyone in a nation as stupid you can't really say they all have sexy or pleasing accents.
I basically like the british accent though I can't differentiate between british accents. But one thing's for sure: When I watched Trainspotting in English I only understood approximately 2/3 of what has been said in the movie. At least I could follow the plot.
Quote from: poc301 on Thu 03/12/2009 13:55:15
That is not true, not at all. There are many differnet TYPES of beliefs regarding evolution vs creationism. Hell, I found 3 different poll/studies from 3 different (news) sources within 10 minutes which go against the numbers you are stating:
CBS News : http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/22/opinion/polls/main965223.shtml
51% say we Evolved, but God guided the process
30% say we Evolved, but God did NOT guide the process
15% say it was Creationism, and NOT evolution.
81% belief in Evolution, that is a far cry from the numbers you listed.
Here is another one..
Gallup Poll for Darwin's birthday : http://www.usnews.com/blogs/god-and-country/2009/02/11/gallup-darwins-birthday-poll-fewer-than-four-in-ten-believe-in-evolution.html
Basically saying education plays a big role in this. Idiots with lots of religion play into the belief system, while 70+% with college graduate degrees believe in evolution. This one says 39 percent of Americans believe in the theory of evolution. 25% say they don't believe in evolution, and 36% say they have no opinion.
And the third one:
National Geographic : http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/08/060810-evolution.html
Basically saying Americans are less likely than other Western nations to believe in evolution. The numbers given though are 25% of Americans rejecting evolution, versis 7% in GBR and 15% in the Netherlands.
So the numbers here are higher than Europe, but by no means 50%. I think it again goes into the theory that many Europeans have a negative stereotype of Americans being bumbling, bible thumping idiots. Sure, some are, but that is the way in every country (as was established earlier).
**EDIT: And I am allowed to hijack this thread, since I started it lol**
-Bill
You've read the first poll wrong due to bad page formatting..
read above... 51% believe god created man in his present form..
sorry to break that to you..
your second poll puts the number at around 41%... still stupidly high
and your last source says only 14% believe evolution to be definately true!
your sources dont support your conclusion
Screw it. I'm moving. Any room in Europe?
I guess it is a good thing that nobody I know believes in that trash. That is just way to freaking high of a percentage.
-Bill
It fairly vital that i link this at this stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNACBKwi-As (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNACBKwi-As)
Quote from: poc301 on Thu 03/12/2009 13:55:15
36% say they have no opinion.
I don't get how people can have no opinion on a topic like this... like such a big question that one of the main benefits of religion is that it answers it (whether true or false, it gives answers).
Are there really so many people who are saying "well it happened a long time ago and the answer changes nothing today..."?
Is there anyone here who feels this way and is willing to enlighten me?
p.s. I think I read somewhere that the sexiest accent right now is the Irish accent, which recently took over from French
My personal favorite accent is German... but only on women. I think it is so sexy. I don't think it sounds stupid or silly on guys, it's just not sexy (to me).
As for the evolution/creationism topic; I think, on some level, most of that 50% probably do believe in evolution. They just can't, for whatever reason, go against the views [religion] they were raised under.
I was forced to go to sunday school as a child ... I would always ask the teacher(s), "How was Noah was 600 years old? People don't live that long now?" or "If our God made ALL of mankind ... why are there different religions?"
I wasn't very popular with those teachers.
I didn't rebel too much though ... 'cause I got tons of swag every December and in March I got a lot of candy. Seemed a fair trade to me.
Quote from: Mr Matti on Thu 03/12/2009 14:14:31But one thing's for sure: When I watched Trainspotting in English I only understood approximately 2/3 of what has been said in the movie. At least I could follow the plot.
Uh... wasn't that Scots? Anyways, if you want to clearly hear the differences between British accents, listen to a Manchester Radio Station and then continue with a, say, Bristolian one? Or listen to any song by The Futureheads (especially "First Day") and then continue with a song from, say, Hard-Fi.
/tbi
Quote from: Mr Matti on Thu 03/12/2009 14:14:31When I watched Trainspotting in English I only understood approximately 2/3 of what has been said in the movie.
Try reading the book then! I did, and gave up...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0099465892/ref=sib_fs_top?ie=UTF8&p=S00H&checkSum=7aPv4be2hcnfV4PHrGw8x7%2BQmqwohFoLjZaVCmv3AjY%3D#reader-link
Quote from: The Bedminster Incident on Thu 03/12/2009 18:53:48
Quote from: Mr Matti on Thu 03/12/2009 14:14:31But one thing's for sure: When I watched Trainspotting in English I only understood approximately 2/3 of what has been said in the movie. At least I could follow the plot.
Uh... wasn't that Scots?
Ah, stupid me! Of course it was scottish. It's been a long time so I didn't remember.
Edit: But I remember having some problems with the Guy Ritchie movies (Snatch & Lock, stock...)
It's hard to do any sort of study on Americans believing in evolution because the likelihood of completely equal numbers from each state and region taking part isn't very high, and attitudes are so different. Yes, if you go to the bible belt or parts of the Midwest, you're going to find people refusing to accept any theories over than creationism. But the rest of America, forget it. The northeast, northwest and mostly everywhere in between have a majority with science as their main factor.
And as for the original point about accents...I love American accents, even those from Texas. But even if I didn't, I'd still prefer it ten times out of ten to the English scouse.
Quote from: Ponch on Thu 03/12/2009 06:05:21
Also, what do I have to do to get on the sexy list?
- Ponch
Show us your teats!
On topic:I'm an American who likes British accents.
I have no idea what the differences are, though. I know there are different variations depending on where you are from, but it does not make me ignorant, I just do not know. I never acquired that knowledge. I've never been outside the USA. Would I like to be? Yes. Will I ever? There's more of a chance of me strapping cardboard wings on my arms and making it safely to the ground from the roof.
I agree that we as individuals shouldn't judge each other based on where we are from. It's just as bad as basing our outlook on someone because of their religion, race, size or disabilities. It'll never end though, that's the sad part. People, no matter where they're from, will remain to be this way.
It would have bothered me so much to be Darth sitting in that resturaunt and having the waiter ignore me because I'm an American. Do you know me, asshole? No, you don't. Laugh and shrug it off?, shit, if I had gum in my mouth I'd spit it at the guy's head and walk out.
Would I really? No, but I'd like to. Would I even have gum in my mouth at a resturaunt? No. Do I even chew gum? Only for a quick breath freshener. I was thinking of the quote that has stuck with me for years, by Las Naranjas:
Americans are fat, lazy, bubble-gum chewing couch potatoes.
I think there's a reason Americans (on average, that is; I've seen quite a few in the UK) don't tend to travel beyond their own borders and it has nothing to do with ignorance. Take me, for example. I live in England. My choice of holidays is very restricted if I stay domestic, because I don't go much in for country walks or angling. Our two most popular resorts are probably Southend and Blackpool, both of which are...well, let's not mince words, awful. We're not going to experience a massive cultural experience even north of the border, as the UK isn't big enough to be distinct. If we want culture we have to go to Prague or Berlin. If we want a good sun holiday (you know, where there's actual sun) we have to go to Benidorm, Ibiza, Tenerife etc. We have to go abroad.
Whereas Americans, they have everything a tourist could possibly need in their own back yard. If they want a cultural city break, they can go to Seattle or Chicago. If they want a sun holiday they can go to Palm Springs or Florida. Each of the 50 states has something unique to offer the tourist. I don't know if I'd bother crossing the Atlantic (and spending loads of money) when you can get a cheap internal flight to somewhere you've never experienced.
I think a PERSON cant be judged by their nationality but PEOPLE can.
It would be ridiculous to say that an American is superstitious but you can say America is a superstitious country simply based on statistics. These things are not really based on nationality but on the culture of that nation. America is one of the most god fearing nations on earth. They rival the middle east in terms of adherence to religion. The only difference is that America benefits from western capitalism. You can't let god get in the way of cold hard cash.
But electorally America is hugely conservative when compared with Europe. It makes my head spin when a country like America, which is built upon possibly one of the greatest and most humanitarian documents ever written, is voting against whether or not gays should be allowed to marry. and that was in New York remember which is one of the more progressive states.
American is one of the few countries in the world to have a legislated separation of church and state and yet they still have "In God We Trust" on their currency. How is that not unconstitutional?
and don't get me wrong I love America and everything it stands for. The ideals laid out by the founding fathers are verging on perfect but they seem to have been lost a little somewhere.
But you still can't apply the American tag when talking about the religious question. Statistically, alot of the country does base their life around religion, because it's centralised in an area where the bible is everything. 'American' defines a large section of completely secular states and cities, towns, suburbs etc as well as the Gawd Fearin' ones.
And as for the gay debate in New York, think about Britain. If we hadn't had Harry Wilson as a Prime Minister homosexuality could have been decriminalised far later than the 1960s. Gays have been a tricky issue for most western countries.
As for being on parr with the Middle East...that's a little harsh to say the least.
QuoteI think a PERSON cant be judged by their nationality but PEOPLE can.
So if you honestly think that way, then you must think that same way for race? You must. You can't really say what you just said, mean it, and not think the same way towards race. So you won't judge one black or chinese guy (whatever ethnic background), but you'll judge the whole lot of them? Am I right? Probably not, eh? And stop with statistics, I'm asking YOU.
You know, statistics are what they are, but, none of the people I've ever known through my entire life (which is quite a lot - not to mention all the people THEY knew), nobody was ever involved in any of these serveys. No matter what you do, statistics aren't going to be 100% correct unless you get everyone to do it.
If you get 10 people to do a servey (ten is just an example) and 6 of them are bible thumpers and 4 are not, no matter what you do, the servey will always be 60% for the bible thumpers. These 10 people do NOT represent the entire human population. It's rediculous sometimes.
Let's grab another 10 people randomly. Now there's 6 people who do not believe in God but the other 4 do. Now this servey says that 60% do not believe. Can you see what I'm getting at here? It all relies on the people you get at the time.
I've gone off a bit I think. Sorry if the above doesn't make much sense, I had a hard time trying to explain what I was thinking.
Snake, are you saying that you cannot conduct statistical surveys?
With a selection of ten you're bound to fail, but with 1000 you're probably getting pretty close to reality (given that there is a certain demographic spread in the survey group).
Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about ;)
But yes, I guess I must agree that if there is a good demographic spread within those 1000 people, it might be more close to truth. But yet, like 10 people, 1000 is still a small amount to be labled as the majority.
Obviously I don't know much about statistics and how they are worked, so I'm all done discussing it. I just don't like how Calin's views are influenced by reading statistics. If they are not, it's just how it sounds and I'm sorry.
If there were demonstrable, statistical data which somehow defined race then, yes you could make generalised comments. However that is not the case beyond trivial things (for example, black men on average do infact have bigger penises)
However even if it were the case that race was somehow an indicator it would still be wrong to discriminate against those people since it was a generalisation.
Thus I can say that, on average, Americans are more superstitious and less scientifically educated than much of Europe. Thats just fact. Much of Europe simply kicks your arse on education (not Britain unfortunately, we suck just as much as you do). However it would be wrong of me to deny a scientific job to someone based on the fact they were American, since it would be both illegal and stupid to assume that single American was any more or less ignorant than the population at large.
Q.E.D
This is my say on the nationality debate ;D .
I think that all we need to know is really that every country and race is different to another.
why I say every race is different is coz ,why do Chinese,Africans, and watever all have different skin colors ??? cause we are all different maybe. But that is my logic anyway :P
I don't think the differences matter though.
But I know everybody here just loves to argue anyway cause it is fun (so do I) :D .
I don't find American accents that sexy or anything, as an Australian, we get to hear the accent so much thru movies and TV that it kind of just sounds normal, boring, I guess an unusual accent is more a turn on.
As for the American and Canadian accents, they are different, but I think even some american accents closer to canada sound a bit canadian too. Though not being north american it isn't as easy to tell the difference.
It would be similar to the Australian and New Zealand accents, it's easy for an aussie or kiwi to tell the difference, but they do sound similar to people from other parts of the world.
I find French and Swedish accents quite appealing, but when they are speaking English, not their native tongue. (though I'm sure I wouldn't be able to pick variations of those languages accents)
Which is an interesting point, Some people who don't speak English may not be able to tell the difference between, any English accent whether it be Irish or Canadian.
As I wouldn't know the difference between a German and Southern German accent, all sounds German to me.
So the finer details are really noticed the more you hear an accent, as I'm sure if I went to germany for a while and spent time in different areas I would eventually notice.
As I'm sure French Canadian accent is different to French (as i'm sure there are many varieties of french accents in other french speaking countries and within them too.) As with Spanish.
Interesting topic anyway.
As accents are changing all the time (as you notice when you hear old speaches from the 30's or 50's even 70's) I'm talking about speaches from within your own country (may be more apparent in US and AUS) You notice the accent has changed over time.
With more communication over the world, with movies, tv, internet, etc we are probably all effecting the way each other speak, it will only be apparent in generations in the future.
And will we end up with more pockets of different accents, or will there eventually be a common accent of the world. possibly eventually a common language we all speak, but that will cause more wars than religion, and I think if the climate doesn't get us, we will probably kill each other before we finally agree and are at peace.
Maybe it will eventually take an intruding being, for us all to team up as a united world, then we will still be trying to kill someone, just not each other, haha, i think i've gone off topic.
Accents that aren't as familiar are usually more intriguing to me.
Quote from: Timosity on Mon 14/12/2009 11:17:40
I find French and Swedish accents quite appealing, but when they are speaking English, not their native tongue. (though I'm sure I wouldn't be able to pick variations of those languages accents)
Are you saying that a Swede speaking English and a French speaking English sound alike? Or am I misunderstanding something here?
Quote from: jon_swe on Mon 14/12/2009 11:25:17
Are you saying that a Swede speaking English and a French speaking English sound alike? Or am I misunderstanding something here?
No, I'm not saying they sound alike, I'm just saying that those 2 different accents whilst speaking in English are appealing.
They are quite different to each other
Where I say "though I'm sure I wouldn't be able to pick variations of those languages accents" I mean different accents of french or different accents of swedish
Ok, I understand now. 8)
this seems almost relevant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MGnCp3gbkk&feature=sub (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MGnCp3gbkk&feature=sub)
That's crazy... ???
Wow.. But then again, there are idiots in all countries. She probably plans on getting through life on her looks. Poor girl.
-Bill
shes not necessarily an idiot.. just ignorant of the facts..
No one is saying americans are stupid.. just very insular.
yea their just uh............. mentally challenged
Sorry I had to joke about it. It is just like a hobo or tramp no i mean .......homelessly challenged ;D
I believe they also like to choose a few 'idiots' for that show once in a while, since it wouldn't be as fun if everyone knew all the answers (it's not jeopardy :P).
You all sound like sexy, exotic movie-stars to me :=