There was an article today in the Seattle Times by a transplanted Brit, Sarah Franklin, titled "Upbeat, helpful Americans give a transplanted Brit an attitude makeover".

Tinman

Tinman... that was a great article! Thanks for sharing.

Yes, Tinman, that was delicious.

Of course, though, she missed the point (in time she will get it)...it's her English accent! It would be a cold day in Hell before most of us would be treated like that when late for an appointment.

You Brits don't know how valuable that accent is!

I think the answer lies in the fact that the American civilisation is much younger than that of the British and other Europeans. There is something child-like about American enthusiasm and "get-go" compared to British world-weariness and cynicism. Most Brits working in service industries tend to feel that the job is beneath them, whereas Americans have a proper respect for the dignity of labour.

Americans' love of a British accent is similar; here, children tend to be fascinated by an unusual accent, but adults merely find it annoying.

Note that by comparing Americans to children I am not trying to be disparaging in any way. I am talking about the American culture, and most certainly not individual Americans.

In my own experience there is a more positive attitude towards service in stores and retaurants in the USA than there is in the UK - though how much of the restaurant attitude is due to the obligatory 20% tip I couldn't guess.

However, I have also experienced the customer service offered by Manhattan cabbies and I can tell you that they could certainly use a few lessons from London's - and in geography as well as manners!

And as for accent - heaven forfend that anyone should infer that my diction is anything more than that with which I was imbued by my parents and contemporaries.