How Do Americans View The British Royal Family?

[Hobgoblin]

I was a history major in college, so I can appreciate the history of the royal family. Part of me is glad to see their story continue but in all honesty, I'm personally indifferent.

 

[Kurosawa]

I think the royals are cool for the UK but obviously it would never work here. One of the many cool things about President Washington was that he refused the King title and established the two term tradition that was later codified with the 22nd Amendment.

But for the UK I like them. I think they do a lot of good for the country in terms of prestige and England is just awesome anyway.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I did not. I over-simplified it. What's wrong with wanting a historical connection? Hell, what's wrong with "knee-jerk" nationalism, if that's what you feel and if that's what makes you feel better? Taking small comforts do not mean that someone's been "drinking the kool-aid" as it were.

Wanting a historical connection is fine in some ways but getting it through an "special" bloodline of elitist and false idols is unhealthy to say the least. Definitely Jonestown territory.

and knee jerk nationalism allows the blind to lead the blind. An extreme danger to our democratic institutions.

 

[Manic]

The British Royal Family is just another group of untalented celebrities who are famous for being famous, except they have less sex tapes and more kids dressed as Nazis.

 

[Marvolo]

Wanting a historical connection is fine in some ways but getting it through an "special" bloodline of elitist and false idols is unhealthy to say the least. Definitely Jonestown territory.

and knee jerk nationalism allows the blind to lead the blind. An extreme danger to our democratic institutions.

In history our teacher described true nationalism as following a country blindly and following its image whether right or wrong. Notice how communists and the Nazis used the word nationalist and nationalism to appear harmless and hide behind to gain power while behind the scenes and eventually out in the open they are murdering people. This doesn't mean nationalism is a bad thing, but it can be used in a very bad way. You can respect the blood line as a national emblem, but said bloodline doesn't need to live for free in a big ass palace when people are starving on the streets. There is no reason for it. They are citizens just like everyone else and are just as human as the next person. I once read that it used to be a rule, might still be, but it used to be a rule that if the queen or king had to take a crap it was required that the bathroom remain vacant for at least 3 hours after defecation because the queen or king were above such bodily functions and could not appear to make such a foul stinch. Lol, imagine if the queen farted while at court. Talk about awkward.

All this being said though, I do respect the queen as a person simply because during WW2 she worked as a mechanic. She did her part, and for that I do respect her.

 

[chamber-music]

I'm British and I don't care about the Royal Family. Everyone I know does not care about the Royal Family.

The only arguement you hear for keeping them in Britain is tradition and they are trourist attractions thats it.

Great Britain never had a violent revolution that abolished the monarchy because they adopted a constitutional monarchy about a century before the French Revolution occurred. The king/queen is only the head of state, not the head of government.



As for my view, I'm a European history buff so I enjoy it from that perspective. It's not my country and the royal family doesn't wield any significant political power anymore so I don't really care.

Well their was the English Civil War which got rid of the Monarchy before most other European countries did and there was the revolution of 1688.

After the English Civil War Britain reinstated the monarchy where other countries didn't.

 

[scifiwolf]

As an American, I personally don't care about the family. I don't actively follow them, but in a passive sense I do maintain some awareness of what's going on with them. I respect the good things they do with their status, as well as what service they seem to provide to the UK.

Individually, Americans may not care a whole lot about the royals or think that they're necessary. Looking at our own political history and pop culture, I think our tendencies paint a different picture. Politically, we seem to place a lot of importance on families and dynasties, most significantly with the Kennedy family. Hell, JFK's administration was referred to as Camelot. Even with the Bush family, much has been discussed about that family's role and influence. We constantly look to the young members of those types of families with the expectations that they will become leaders. We do the same with celebrities, placing power couples and families up on pedestals. We give these bloodlines in politics and entertainment so much more importance than what is actually there. So, regardless of what any American may say to the contrary, we as a people care, not so much about the royal family itself, but the notion of a royal family. It's something we've never really had, and I think it's the one thing we've missed from our British cousins.

 

[J'adore]

They love 'em more than us! I bet you more Americans will be tuning in to that Royal Wedding than we will.

Even though I'm actually going down to Westminister

(We get a day off! At least thank the people who gave it to us!)

 

[SuperFerret]

Wanting a historical connection is fine in some ways but getting it through an "special" bloodline of elitist and false idols is unhealthy to say the least. Definitely Jonestown territory.

and knee jerk nationalism allows the blind to lead the blind. An extreme danger to our democratic institutions.

You do realize we're talking about the English equivalents to Paris Hilton, right? You're really starting to sound paranoid, like there's a conspiracy for the royals to just up and take over again.

 

[Manic]

I do admit, I'm taking a slight interest in William & Kate's wedding. I don't know when it is. I don't know what they're going to do for the wedding. I don't even think I'm going to watch it. I just think Kate isn't bad to look at.

Charles needs to take a lesson from his son about not marrying living burlap sacks. *coughcamillacough*

 

[Raiden]

I don't really care that much about the royal family, and I perceive them more as a rich, famous family than monarch of UK. I do think that the image of the royal family had improved under the late Princess Diana, and I think her two sons have helped made them seemed more people-friendly (unlike their father Charles).

 

[C. Lee]

I'm still waiting for my invitation to the royal wedding to arrive.

 

[BestGirl]

Mostly I think royalty is a waste of money and attention. If these people weren't royal no one would care about them at all.

I'm glad we don't have a royal family here. The notion that someone by virtue of their birth was somehow superior to me and to be cared for with state money for life would really irritate me.

 

[J'adore]

I'm glad Will's marrying Kate. Her Grandpa was a Truck Driver!? And now she's a Princess!? I think good on her for earning an education and good on Will for not being so snobby!

 

[Metamorpho1977]

To people I know, they're about as special as Jersey Shore.

 

[HighFivingMF]

The British Royal Family is just another group of untalented celebrities who are famous for being famous, except they have less sex tapes and more kids dressed as Nazis.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Besides the Nazi part.

 

[Lord Valumart]

Well being from Scotland I'm genetically designed to hate them posh German scum. I honestly wouldn't care if it weren't for the following facts:
1. they get paid.
2. they get paid.
3. the royal wedding is a ****ing crock. A day off for everyone? HUZAR!! Everything is going to be closed and **** all is going to be on the telly? **** you...
5. they don't do anything.

The Queen came to the town I work in and all we could do was make jokes about how we were in the ebst position for shooting her. An actor form Skins comes to town and EVERYONE makes a fuss. The Royal family is a joke and the quicker they're put into council houses and forced into work the better...

 

[Octoberist]

With all that wealth, I don't understand why William just get some plugs, or even shave his head. He looks awful; shallow I know, but my GOD compare him to how he was in the early 2000s. Jeez.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I see the British Royal Family as a cross between Paris Hilton and welfare abusers. They're famous for being famous, but just live of the state/country. At least Paris isn't leaching off the taxpayers.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Well their was the English Civil War which got rid of the Monarchy before most other European countries did and there was the revolution of 1688.

After the English Civil War Britain reinstated the monarchy where other countries didn't.

Very true. My knowledge of pre-19th century Europe is limited. From what I remember being taught, the English Civil War/Glorious Revolution doesn't resemble much of what happened in France.

I'm glad we don't have a royal family here. The notion that someone by virtue of their birth was somehow superior to me and to be cared for with state money for life would really irritate me.

We have that here. Presidents have a pension and health care for life.

 

[Shemtov]

We have that here. Presidents have a pension and health care for life.

True, but he Actually DOES stuff.

 

[Kane52630]

Why do you must MOCK ME!

 

[Spidey-Bat]

True, but he Actually DOES stuff.

Sometimes it'd be better if they didn't.

 

[Kane52630]

Why do you must MOCK ME!

 

[Alex The Great]

I have nothing against the Royal Family. It's all for the sake of tradition and history. I don't think the Royals have any actual power over anyone. The Queen can boss us Canadians around, but she never does.