A while ago an old friend and her American husband came to visit us. We had a marvellously English afternoon, long lunch, walks through the English countryside, past a cricket pitch and a good game of 'Charge' (a Pants Family Specialty this game, like rugby but without the ball, rules or a referee).
When we got back, the American Husband and Adam settled into a game of dominos. After a long time of intense competition the result ended in a draw.
American Husband commented 'isn't it great! A draw means we both win!"
Adam countered 'No it isn't, a draw means no one wins"
Ever since American Husband has been using this example to demonstrate the difference between the two cultures. Annoyingly I'm starting to think he has a point.
Hmmmm....think he might be right...
ReplyDeleteOhhh yes, he does have a point..everyone's a winner in America. We have so many medals in our house - you're guaranteed one just for taking part. I can't decide if I approve or not.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is starting to be a winner over here too ... Very amusing! -HMx
ReplyDeleteMy husband thinks it's hilarious that cricket and soccer matches can end in a tie/draw. Here; we can literally sit for hours of extra innings at a baseball game waiting for someone to win. They even resort to sudden-death situations rather than declare a tie.
ReplyDeleteJohn Clease was asked by a TV talk show host in the US, what the difference is between the English and the Americans. He said, "1st, we speak English, 2nd, when we have a World Cup, we invite other countries, and 3rd, when you greet our head of state, you only have to go down one one knee.
ReplyDeleteI'm increasingly of the view that we are two totally separate cultures and people - the more I work with Americans, the more I realise is how different we actually are
ReplyDeleteHaving to write a US reference for an MBA course was an eye opener - I got given a guide for how to write a US reference, basically be ridiculously positive and affirmative. Shudder
Sniggering at Wally B's comment and can't, as a result, think of anything sensible to say... Sorry!
ReplyDeletefair point!
ReplyDeletelove wally B's comment
My son plays chess. He gets endless trophies and medals. At one chess tournament, they actually had more medals than competitors!
ReplyDeleteMy other son, when aged 13, got a shield for participating in a soccer league. Fine for a 3 year old, but 13? Honestly?
These examples make me sound critical, but to be honest, I like the 'glass half full' approach to life. I really do.
My 6yo plays tennis, at the annual get together medals are given out...he didn't get one (there was one per class) and he coped well (a few tears but no hysterics). Now, he really wants to get one next year and has something to aim for.
ReplyDeleteI too am a fan of the glass half full but there is room for a little disappointment and a bit of striving too.
I think its nice everyone being a winner lol! But I am soft in the head :) x
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to kids in California where we live, kids win all the time, whatever the score, there are treats and snacks and trophies galore!
ReplyDeleteUgh cannot stand everyone's a winner baby! Yuck. When the kids are little well that's ok, but as they grow surely they have to learn the realities of real life - there are winners and losers, and no one will give you a medal for trying or doing your best! I'm not sure it's an American thing though, as I've observed a similar kind of approach in the UK - from my Kiwi perspective - and it's been difficult to understand, especially when it comes to the kids and their school work. One delightful teacher told me that my Son's D mark was the average mark for the class and not to worry! Excuse me?
ReplyDeleteI think this means American's are more optimistic; the glass is half full and so on. But I do not like the culture of everyone wins/it's the taking part that counts. We are not encouraging competition which is why the rest of the world whoops our butt at everything; except maybe darts. I rest my case. x
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Sadly I'm doubly British because not only do I say the kids win or lose, I tell them it's a good lesson to learn how to lose! All that is bad about being a brit!
ReplyDeletehmmmm he does have a point!
ReplyDelete