Global May Great Britain

My Perception of Britain

Britain has always seemed like a distant land of the people who’s belief system is much different than that of America. When I think of Britain, I think of the royal family, the British invasion, (both the actual British invasion and the one of the 1960’s.) I also think of a people whose culture and everyday socialization’s are much different than what I’m used to. Overall, my perception of Britain is based on the monarchy, the music and the caricature of the British bestowed by American media.       
If asked the main difference between the United States and the United Kingdom, one would probably mention the royal family in the U.K. Ever since I was little, I knew the distinction between the United States and our democratic government versus the monarchy and parliament of Britain. Simply from the monarchy’s existence, Britain seems more like a society with class distinction than that of the United States. The royal family gives Britain a high society edge that the U.S. simply does not possess. In addition to these assumptions, I also always thought that everybody in Britain is essentially obsessed with the royal family and emulated them and all of their actions, although they serve as figureheads in this country. The royal family and the obsession surrounding them makes me feel that British culture is very obsessed with status — a materialistic trait. The United States is also a status-obsessed society, but the difference is they do not keep the dated traditions of Britain’s royalty.
The music of Britain has affected me most more than others, because of my love of music from the British invasion. I am a huge Beatles fan; I also love the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, among many other British bands. Throughout my life, listening to all of these British artists, I have produced some kind of picture of Britain. Usually those songs speak highly of Britain, alluding to the rainy weather and beautiful landscape. One song that comes to mind in particular, is “Penny Lane” by the Beatles — this song is essentially an ode to Penny Lane in Liverpool and discusses the ins and outs of a charming small town. Nevertheless, a less-than-flattering picture has been painted of England by some punk songs, such as “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols. The disdain for the United Kingdom in these songs usually arises from the class distinction so prevalent in British society — according to them, the so-called leaders of the country receive much merit without earning it. I also see much pride within British culture with songs such as “Mull of Kintyre” by Paul McCartney, which celebrates the traditions of British culture.
Overall, my perception of British culture is that they have a tighter bond to tradition than U.S. culture does. They also are very aligned with class distinction and the perception of high society. I am excited to explore more facets of this culture and to get a better grasp of what being a Brit really means.

This page has paths: