At this point in my year abroad, I feel I should compile a couple of shared interests or occurrences that the UK and the USA have in common.
One of which is the love of football (soccer): even though United States citizens do not live near the cities that English football teams play in, it doesn’t quash their support. In America you can frequently strike up a conversation about the Premier League, for instance, on either the chances of Liverpool or the shortcomings of Manchester United.
This similarity helps to make up for missing out on the hysteria of match-day in a pub: watching the game among drunkards with a drink in hand—game of pool or burger consumption optional.
More recently, another similarity includes enjoying a sunny day out and yet having to prepare for the worst weather-wise, such as packing a coat and a hoodie despite going out in shorts. Though, thankfully, I have yet to see the typical British sock and sandals combination. Dad, I’m looking at you.
Another aspect that makes the gap between my current region and home seem smaller is the constant debate between the two main opposing political parties. The constant back-and-forth between the Republicans and Democrats is similar to that of the Conservatives and Labour party.
Though, I do wish there were some amusing slanderous advertisements here much like recreations of David Cameron’s relating to the NHS (give it a quick Google); his shiny forehead is a treat.
There are huge differences of course between the political ideologies and legislative setup of the respective nations, but the idea of sitting on one of two sides of almost every political topic—whether it be immigration or the environment—is definitely a shared tradition. However, I do miss the debate, being from such a politically involved family, since my mother is currently a parliamentary candidate for the Labour party.
Both nations also seem to revolve around the seasonal holidays of Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day and St. Patricks Day. Stores transform to change all of their stock to fit the season and staff don apparel to relate to the holiday—whether this is a pair of antlers or a pair of Cupid wings. Though I guess this relates to the commercialisation of each holiday more than anything else.
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