Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Is Bill Bryson right about the British?

I must say that I agree with you there

Wow Dave, no wonder you think they are stupid as well. Imagine ignoring the nudge! Shame you can't tell though, sounds like it would make a good book.
However, in defense of my original post, I do think that type of person doesnt represent your average genial citizen....you are talking politician type people!
It's made you cynical.....I see some really nice people doing nice things all the time.
Nick

Wow,
So many differing opinions, where to start? Tipping !!, an American invention where everyone is made to feel that they, as customers, should subsidise the wages of company employees. Why, we don't tip bus drivers or airline pilots so why taxi drivers?
We don't tip shop assistants or solicitors so why waitresses?
Out in the country, people seem to have more time to stop and talk and perhaps care about their neighbours but in big cities, and yes I have lived in both, people seem to be in such a hurry that they couldn't care less however, take the time to scratch the surface and the inherent British character will come out.
Why do you think the world and his wife want to come here, we are nice people with a good sense of fair play.
If Bill Bryson doesn't like what he sees whilst making a lot of money writing about it then I suggest he goes back home preferably by BA so we get his money.
Phew, that feels better !!!!

Reg

Agree but where I would just take issue if I may is that tipping originated in British taverns in the 17th Centuary where a gratuity would be given to bar maids to ensure a swift service

It became a custom for all members of society and spread throughout Europe

It spread to America much later in the late 1800's when wealthy travelling Americans brought it back to America after visiting Europe as a way of showing off their wealth and education

But who, in reality, had not understood anything and, as a consequence exaggerated the practice and stuffed it up.

I am reminded of a short tale of the father who, standing in front of the juvenile magistrates bench, stated that he was extremely sorry that his son had stolen the pens from the shop as the lad only had to ask and he'll bring him any amount from work..

Morals are morals..

In total agreement - Monkey see monkey do.

The generation we are talking about are possibly the first that grew up as latchkey, at the very time the moral code should have being learnt there was no one home and when the parents did turn up they were too tired..

But the kids would get brought every conceivable toy or game in recompense of course, our children had acquaintances like this and they are still a pain at 37 or so years.

Yeah....I'm one of that group.

Are you sure it wasn't that they just got a***holed?