An American woman living in the UK has revealed the one British attitude that made her question everything she knew about the country.
Ellen Ferrara Bencard, who originally hails from the US, shared her observations of UK culture on TikTok, where she racked up more than 50,000 views.
Before relocating across the Atlantic, the corporate communications executive had visited the UK several times as a tourist and believed she was familiar with the country.
But when she made the official move overseas, there were three things that had her baffled.
The most surprising revelation, according to her, was that the English are ‘ignorant of their own history,’ with the average person having limited knowledge of their nation’s past and culture.
‘Considering how much my American education focused on English history, culture, and literature, I assumed it would be similar for everyone here. But that’s not the case,’ she added.
‘I was actually shocked to find that the average English person knew far less about his or her history than I did.
‘This was validated on Guy Fawkes night when I found myself in an English office, being the one to educate the English natives on the holiday’s origin, reasons for celebration, and customs – go figure.’
Ellen Ferrara Bencard, originally from the US, shared her insights on British culture via her TikTok channel, garnering 50,000 views on the platform. Pictured
Before moving to the UK, Ellen, a corporate communications executive, had frequently visited the country as a tourist and thought she understood it well.
‘That’s not to say there isn’t a robust and large minority of history nerds who keep things like podcasts and reenactment weekends going,’ she assured.
‘But your average English person lives in the modern world probably never steps foot in historic properties or their local museums.’
So dedicated to changing that ‘ignorance’, Ellen said she now makes significant effort to ‘drag along’ her English friends to visit the ‘wonders of their own culture’.
Also on her list of surprising components of UK culture was the British attitude towards patriotism.
She said: ‘The English attitude towards patriotism – generally not cool. Do not fly the flag, do not need to be vocal pride in the English, generally considered a bit tacky and in recent years, associated with racism.
‘That was not an association when I moved over but in today’s culture wars, that one has really taken off.’
However, according to the American native, there are exceptions. These include ‘going to an international sporting event’, where she observed many Brits will dress head to toe in the Union Jack.
She also pointed to royal jubilees and a Last Night of the Proms concert, other instances in which she said you can ‘knock yourself out’ with symbolism.
While many Brits agreed ‘tall poppy syndrome’, fewer accepted that they don’t know about their own history
Thirdly, she said the English have a unique attitude towards success. Describing what she perceived to be the general view, she said: ‘Success is okay, but one mustn’t be too loud about it.
‘Don’t be boastful, don’t brag. This is difficult for Americans who have been encouraged to shout about every success from the time they are a small child and appreciate anybody being successful.
‘That is not the way it is here. In fact, if you’re too successful, the English rather love cutting you down. It’s called tall poppy syndrome.
‘So if you want to get on and you are successful and you need to master humility and self-deprecating humour, that is how you show success. in this country and keep being one of those cut poppies.’
Ellen said she has since learned how ‘to cope’ with them since becoming accustomed with the UK’s culture.
While many Brits agreed ‘tall poppy syndrome’, fewer accepted that they don’t know about their own history.
One said: ‘I agree with 1 & 3 Guy Fawkes?? We all know about him. “Remember remember the 5th of November”. Gunpowder, treason and plot.
A second wrote: ‘Depending what kinda school you went to (catholic / CoE etc) learnt differently about if guy fawks was a good or bad guy!! I learnt this as a adult, crazy.’
‘I love it when Americans try to educate people about British things and it NEVER comes across as arrogant,’ a third wrote.
