Geoff Dyer on Americans

events

Sunday, 18 September 2011 - Sunday, 18 September 2011
11.3
Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn.
Book online: theschooloflife.com/sermons

"For a while, on flights back across the Atlantic from America to Euroland, we are under the spell of America. Instead of plonking ourselves down next to someone without a word we say, 'Hi.'  Maybe even indulge in a little conversation… For a week or so after landing, a form of what might be called  Ameristalgia  makes us conscious  of  a rudeness in British life   - a coarsening in the texture of daily life  - that had hitherto seemed quite normal.'
– Geoff Dyer.
 
Ten facts about Americans:
1) The natives are friendly and hospitable.
2) They don't all carry guns.
3) They are also incredibly polite.
4) They address bus drivers and bartenders as "sir".
5) They aren't constantly scared of being overheard.
6) They don't start every sentence with an apology.
7) They have a can-do attitude.
8) They are also charming. And most charming of all, it rarely looks like charm.
9) They talk to strangers.
10) Muddling on and making do isn't a national pastime.

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