What do you think the special relationship between the USA and the UK?
By sblossom
@sblossom (2168)
September 24, 2009 11:31am CST
Before I moved to the UK, I already heard the USA and the UK has a very special relationship.
Today I listened the news. The British premier and American president both said the relationship between the USA and the UK is still very special. I don’t think I really understand the meaning of special relationship.
I asked my husband, but he could not give me an answer. I asked him do you think the USA and the UK will have a war in one day. He replied: no.
So what do you think the special relationship between the USA and the UK? Thank you very much.
3 responses
@rameshkumaar57 (5908)
• India
28 Sep 09
Hi there sblossom, have you forgotten history, the early settlers of USA were the English people, so it is natural, that both UK and USA have a very special relationship. It is like this, the English were the masters of India, till about 60 years ago, but even now the special relationship is there between India and UK. It is the same with USA and UK.
One more thing, till 60 years back, UK was ruling the world.Today it has become a colony of USA. Just Joking.
@sblossom (2168)
•
28 Sep 09
I suppose British people would protest for what you said.
In fact I found here British people are very proud of their history and culture, especially their language.When I study a new word and try to speak it out, my husband always tries to correct my pronounciation. He's not tolerant with my American accent. To me it doesn't matter, as if it's a English word and people can understand. Also I don't think I have the American accent as well as British accent. I just have my Chinese accent.
I don't forget the history. I know some of American origin blood are British, however some are from France, Italy, German too. I just don't understand why just the two countries always emphasize they have a special relationship.
Yesterday I read a news about how Abama couple welcomed the leaders of different countries. They showed the warmest welcome to the British premier and his wife.I think now I can understand a little why and really see it is true.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
24 Sep 09
Hi sblossom, the term special relationship between the two countries dates back to the war years when they were allies with a common enemy to fight. I believe that the UK as the smaller power these days places more emphasis on this special relationship than the US does, and nowadays is happy to follow the US lead, rather than lead itself. But the two have an almost similar language and generally the same nations to worry about, so their foreign policies are close. As I say though I think the relationship is less special in the US, and they don't in general know about the UK or its politics and politicians beyond the fact that they are usually amenable to following the US lead.
@sblossom (2168)
•
25 Sep 09
It’s really a complicated topic. From your both answers I feel the special relationship is not exit. American is proud of their strong, but British are proud of their culture. However it seems these two nations both avoid to be considered to be follower.
All people think David Cameron will win the next vote, however I don’t think so. Compared to Golden Brown I think he’s not professional and reliable. I like Brown. I think he’s a reliable leader as well as a man.
Thank you for your response and happy mylotting.
@frogdropping (45)
•
24 Sep 09
I don't think they have a special relationship, just a mutual understanding. And I agree with your husband, they won't start fighting.
To be honest, as a Brit, you don't even think about it - unless you're an avid follower of overseas political relationships.
And the heads of government will always claim they have a special relationship. It's call back-scratching ;)
@sblossom (2168)
•
24 Sep 09
I like your saying: back-scratching. Recently I heard a lot about the saying from my husband because he laughed at my activities in a review website. Basically members gave each other rating on their reviews. My husband called it back-scratching.
Just now I told him what you said about the special relationship between the UK and USA, he said you are very clever. The saying is very appropriate.
thank you for your response and happy mylotting!