Irish hate Americans?

Rowan · Post by **Rowan** » Mon July 23rd, 2012, 9:14 pm

Okay my friend in Florida got a good deal on airfare to Dublin so she and one of her daughters are going to go over there. She's just told me that she's getting down because she's read that the Irish hate Americans and so do Brits. Of course the belief regarding the Brits is being exacerbated by the fact that some company in London is selling merchandise for the Olympics that says "I rented my flat to some fat Americans."

So what say you Irish folk here? Do you really hate us?

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 8:14 am

I've never heard that the Irish or the Brits hate Americans. I think differing nationalities find funny things to say about each other as a bit of banter.

Mythica · Post by **Mythica** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 10:17 am

I've only been to Ireland once but I spent some time in the country, not just the tourist spots, and never felt any kind of animosity from the locals. Certainly in my 6 years of living in England, I never encountered any anti-Americanism. Some even express genuine affection for America, kind of similar to how some Americans are "anglophiles". Honestly, I've met more Americans who hate their own country/culture/people than any foreigners who feel that way about the US.

LoobyG · Post by **LoobyG** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 10:34 am

I can't say I've ever come across anyone, Brit or Irish who has professed to hate Americans

EC2 · Post by **EC2** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 4:54 pm

I've never heard that one before either. On the whole the British and the Irish are very welcoming to Americans. The Irish have a particularly strong bond because of the migration of Irish immigrants to the USA during the potato famine years, but I've never come across anyone having a problem, or of there being a problematic atmosphere. Doesn't exist IMO
I do have one friend who had a problem with Japanese tourists, but that is cauused by her living in a chocolate box house in the Cotswolds on the coach tour circuit. She often has people coming up and peering in her windows and has had to have special shutters fitted for high season!

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 5:01 pm

I've been to the UK three times and have never had a problem. I found the British to be polite and very helpful. When my kids were 13 and 9 (they are now adults!), my sister and I took them to London. We were at Buckingham Palace awaiting the changing of the guard when an elderly gentleman came up to us and explained where we could have a better view of the band and the guard marching to to the palace. On our last visit, we went to a pub near the Arsenal stadium (my husband is a great fan!) to watch a game as we could not get tickets. We met a couple on the Tube who had come all the way from Wales to do the same thing. They took us to their usual pub and we had a wonderful time although Arsenal lost.

Rowan · Post by **Rowan** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 5:03 pm

Thank you all for confirming my thoughts. I don't know how, but my friend found a series of blogs where the bloggers were Irish and hated Americans. I figure the ones they profess to hate are the ones we'd hate ourselves: those who are just plain rude and obnoxious. Those type would be rude and obnoxious anyway, no matter where they go and the Irish or anyone else have every right to hate them.

Thanks again!

Mythica · Post by **Mythica** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 7:46 pm

There are rude and obnoxious people everywhere you go. I have met some truly rude and obnoxious British citizens. Anyone who uses it as a reason to hate all peoples from that culture is just an idiot minority. I always say the internet gives idiot minorities a big voice. Really, take no note of them.

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 7:57 pm

The Irish are considered by many to be the friendliest people in the world. There are probably a few exceptions (and for some reason the most obnoxious branch of any group is always really active online), but I'd tell your friend not to worry.

annis · Post by **annis** » Tue July 24th, 2012, 10:06 pm

All the Irish I know personally (and there are a few because my son has an Irish partner) are notable for their wonderfully open and non-judgemental hospitality.