Why Do People Hate That Fat Guy So Much?

[Starkers]

In the US, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, which sometimes gives you permission to step on others.

In the UK, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, as long as you don't become too much better than anyone else. Otherwise you'r a big head know it all who's too big for his boots. Or similar.

I wouldn't say that's true, I'd say it's when you start becoming an arsehole then you get it, not just because you're a success.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things, so we tend to find people who are succesful and in our faces about things a bit offputting at times. I think another reason is that because the talent pool in the UK is smaller its a lot easier for people to become over exposed, and that can be a bit annoying as well. I mean I love David Mitchell to bits, but has there been a panel show in the last 12 months he hasn't been on

 

[Bob The Skutter]

In the US, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, which sometimes gives you permission to step on others.

In the UK, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, as long as you don't become too much better than anyone else. Otherwise you'r a big head know it all who's too big for his boots. Or similar.

I wouldn't say that's true, I'd say it's when you start becoming an arsehole then you get it, not just because you're a success.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things, so we tend to find people who are succesful and in our faces about things a bit offputting at times. I think another reason is that because the talent pool in the UK is smaller its a lot easier for people to become over exposed, and that can be a bit annoying as well. I mean I love David Mitchell to bits, but has there been a panel show in the last 12 months he hasn't been on

Yeah, but David Mitchell doesn't seem to be an arsehole in the same way as some others, so I don't think there's been so much of a backlash against him, Robert Webb on the other hand seems to have the occasional bounds of sounding like a twat and gets occasional stick over it.

 

[setvenharis]

The problem at The Glamour awards was James Corden thought he was being funny by throwing out below the belt disparaging comments to the previous awards presenters and recipients and Patrick Stewart was listening and getting pissed off with him while slowly getting drunk on the free wine. Then the final "bullet" was the appearance of Corden looking visibly bored to tears when Sir Patrick was talking on his presentation.

Light blue touch paper and stand back material.

 

[Starkers]

I wouldn't say that's true, I'd say it's when you start becoming an arsehole then you get it, not just because you're a success.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things, so we tend to find people who are succesful and in our faces about things a bit offputting at times. I think another reason is that because the talent pool in the UK is smaller its a lot easier for people to become over exposed, and that can be a bit annoying as well. I mean I love David Mitchell to bits, but has there been a panel show in the last 12 months he hasn't been on

Yeah, but David Mitchell doesn't seem to be an arsehole in the same way as some others, so I don't think there's been so much of a backlash against him, Robert Webb on the other hand seems to have the occasional bounds of sounding like a twat and gets occasional stick over it.

True, although often I think Webb does a lot better when he isn't around Mitchell.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things, so we tend to find people who are succesful and in our faces about things a bit offputting at times. I think another reason is that because the talent pool in the UK is smaller its a lot easier for people to become over exposed, and that can be a bit annoying as well. I mean I love David Mitchell to bits, but has there been a panel show in the last 12 months he hasn't been on

Yeah, but David Mitchell doesn't seem to be an arsehole in the same way as some others, so I don't think there's been so much of a backlash against him, Robert Webb on the other hand seems to have the occasional bounds of sounding like a twat and gets occasional stick over it.

True, although often I think Webb does a lot better when he isn't around Mitchell.

I don't know, did you hear him presenting that movie gaffs thing? He sounded like an insufferable smug git.

 

[Starkers]

ha ha I only caught a bit of that, I think anyone who presents one of those 50best insert things here shows ends up being very sarky don't they?

He definitely doesn't get as much work as Mitchell, but then (rightly or wrongly) it always strikes me that David is the talented one (although on the other hand Robert is Sir Digby...)

 

[Checkmate]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things...

Say what?

I've never seen a culture more trigger-happy to use the word "brilliant" about themselves in all my life.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

ha ha I only caught a bit of that, I think anyone who presents one of those 50best insert things here shows ends up being very sarky don't they?

He definitely doesn't get as much work as Mitchell, but then (rightly or wrongly) it always strikes me that David is the talented one (although on the other hand Robert is Sir Digby...)

Yeah, I think that's the general perception.

 

[Australis]

In the US, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, which sometimes gives you permission to step on others.

In the UK, you're encouraged to be the best you can be, as long as you don't become too much better than anyone else. Otherwise you'r a big head know it all who's too big for his boots. Or similar.

I wouldn't say that's true, I'd say it's when you start becoming an arsehole then you get it, not just because you're a success.

Mmmm. I've seen both, where the person becomes an arsehole or not. But I take your point.

Just adding that in Australia it's called the tall poppy syndrome. People pre-emptively cutting you down before you become an arsehole.

 

[Silent_Bob]

Yeah, but David Mitchell doesn't seem to be an arsehole in the same way as some others, so I don't think there's been so much of a backlash against him, Robert Webb on the other hand seems to have the occasional bounds of sounding like a twat and gets occasional stick over it.

True, although often I think Webb does a lot better when he isn't around Mitchell.

I don't know, did you hear him presenting that movie gaffs thing? He sounded like an insufferable smug git.

That was the joke. The smugness is put on for comedic effect.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

True, although often I think Webb does a lot better when he isn't around Mitchell.

I don't know, did you hear him presenting that movie gaffs thing? He sounded like an insufferable smug git.

That was the joke. The smugness is put on for comedic effect.

Yes, I know. And that's generally his character in a lot of stuff smug unintelligent prat. I'm not saying that's how he really is but he's that way in a lot of stuff.

 

[Tulin]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things...

Say what?

I've never seen a culture more trigger-happy to use the word "brilliant" about themselves in all my life.

In my perception, as an outsider(Aussie), the useage of the word "brilliant" in England does not mean "SUPER FANTASMAGORICAL WONDERFUL!!!!1!!!!11"

In English slang it means "pretty good" or even just "good".

It certainly does not mean what the word actually means which is something like "brightest or best of the best".

But then, I'd rather be around some Brits who use ONE word to describe something and just say "brilliant" than be with a bunch of Yanks who are not content until they have used every adjective in the dictionary to describe ANYTHING.


Case in point - my partner and I were discussing our travels the other day and he mentioned his Contiki tour(tour company for younger people)to Europe in '98. He said he COULD NOT stand the Yanks that would see something and then had to proclaim VERY loudly for all to hear

"OH ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL! HARRY LOOK AT THAT, OH MY GOD, THAT'S THE MOST INCREDIBLE THING I'VE EVER SEEN, HARRY ARE YOU LOOKING, WELL GOLLY GEE WILLICKERS!!!!!!1!!!!"

I compared that to my own experience of two eight week holidays to the EW-ESS and they were similar.

Cut to this week and I am talking to one of our department heads who has done a river cruise holiday through Europe, since we are also looking at doing one. I asked her about the people on the boat and she says,

"The people were very friendly, nice Canadians, New Zealanders and English people...........oh but the WORST thing was the Americans - they need to desricbe EVERYTHING very LOUDLY!"

I cracked up laughing and told her our experiences.

Seems other people have had that problem too!

 

[wamdue]

I think one problem James Corden has was the failure of the sketch show and his move to Sky, which save alot of posters of him plastered in alot of city advertising spots.

I personally did not feel his level of taletnt jusfited the level of promotion he got from Sky.

 

[IndyJones]

Seems other people have had that problem too!

Funny thing that. People tend to hear what may not be there to reinforce the stereotypes they already hold.

I was on a train in Italy once (sitting quietly) and there was a loud group of people a few rows down. The Italian woman across the aisle shot them a dirty look and then said something derogatory about Americans. And yet, it was the American - not the Italians, and not the Canadians- who was sitting quietly. And if I kept my mouth shut, no one would have known any better.

But please excuse me, I'll pipe down so you can once again complain about how loud and obnoxious Americans are and how demure and well behaved the people of all other nations are.

 

[Starkers]

Well I was gonna bring up Americans, but not in a loud and lary kind of way, was just going to say that I don't think we Britis are the country most likely to define ourselves as brilliant. I'm sorry but I've seen so many American politicians and comentators over the years who can't wait to mention how the US is the greatest nation on Earth, the richest most powerful most free most best at everything ever!

Which clearly isn't true. Everyone knows the best nation on earth is North Korea...well that's what the great leader tells me anyway. Ok kidding, Sweden is the best nation on earth.

Although only Britain's great

I think there are loud and lary examples of most peoples (heck I wouldn't deny the British can be anything but shy and retring)

 

[wamdue]

as for David Teannant, well there was that Daily Mail article about him being on TV & Radio too much over Christmas.

 

[captcalhoun]

which was kinda the point since he was going to be appearing a lot less since he was leaving Who.

and re-runs aren't his fault...

 

[Sci]

I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things,

Right, because if there's one thing the founders of the largest empire in human history are known for, it's their humility.

 

[captcalhoun]

mongolians don't have much to boast about these days

 

[Starkers]

I think as well whereas certain other nations are very comfortable with shouting from the rooftops how brilliant they are, us Brits do tend to be a bit more self consious about these things,

Right, because if there's one thing the founders of the largest empire in human history are known for, it's their humility.

Aw now you're just trying to flatter us...