Japan Wants Foreign Tourists to Avoid Public Flatulence

[Fleetwood Mac]

Well, I've met one or two arrogant Yanks, in the US, in Europe and in England. (There used to be a big US airforce base near to us in Norfolk, England and my uncle worked there.) However, the vast majority of Yanks I've met have been very nice, including one who paid me my first compliment when I was nine!

I think we all generalise though don't we at times, the voluble Frenchman, precise German, inscrutable Japanese, eccentric English with bad teeth, (I read on another forum of an American who went to study in England and was warned about the teeth) loud Aussies, etc. etc.? I just think the national stereotyping has grown up over the centuries. It doesn't resemble reality.

There is some truth in the 'bad teeth' in Britain sentiment.

You probably won't see much of it these days in anyone under 40, but say 20 years back it was common.

Perhaps it's the sign of the times in that we have followed suit with other countries who believe straight, white teeth is the window to the soul.

Possibly a good thing, or a bad thing, depending upon point of view.

[Steadmund Brand]

I'm always shy everywhere, but I am a bit of a delicate little petal anyway.

You left off "dainty" just like me my Aussie Twin ��

Steadmund Brand

[Robert]

I'm wondering though whether the aim isn't to look better or younger, but to flaunt wealth. I was listening to a radio programme a few years ago. It mentioned boob jobs, and the women who have them. Not film stars, just ordinary women. Now, I had always imagined that the women would try to pass them off as their own. Not a bit of it! The jaw-dropping truth was that the women were trying to impress one another with their ability to afford the operation.

[Robert]

People who had the worst teeth imaginable now look like Hollywood movie stars.

That's the problem!

[c.d.]

Cosmetic dentistry can do amazing things these days. My dentist has several books in his waiting room showing before and after pictures. People who had the worst teeth imaginable now look like Hollywood movie stars. It just takes commitment and unfortunately a good deal of money.

c.d.

[Shaggyrand]

I don't know if we British have bad teeth, because I don't look at people's teeth. Except for Americans. I look at their teeth because you can't avoid the bloody things. There are old hobble-de-hoys in their 80s flashing pearly white choppers. It ain't natural. I'm scared.

In Mexico the colloquial phrase for crooked and messed up teeth is 'dientes ingles'- English teeth. Really not very fair, I've known plenty of English with great sets of chompers... I always do look though. Mine are nothing to write home about... I am just looking for an international group of messed up teeth people, kindred spirits of mouth wonk if you will.

[c.d.]

Yes, they are so white and sparkly, onlookers are almost blinded. Maybe they aren't natural, though!

I did get mine whitened. One of the best decisions I ever made. Expensive and the process was painful at times (big time sensitivity when you have the gel on your teeth) but to me it was well worth it.

c.d.

[c.d.]

I don't know if we British have bad teeth, because I don't look at people's teeth. Except for Americans. I look at their teeth because you can't avoid the bloody things. There are old hobble-de-hoys in their 80s flashing pearly white choppers. It ain't natural. I'm scared.

And of course there is always "The Big Book of British Smiles" from the Simpsons episode.

c.d.

[Rosella]

Yes, they are so white and sparkly, onlookers are almost blinded. Maybe they aren't natural, though!

[Robert]

I don't know if we British have bad teeth, because I don't look at people's teeth. Except for Americans. I look at their teeth because you can't avoid the bloody things. There are old hobble-de-hoys in their 80s flashing pearly white choppers. It ain't natural. I'm scared.

[GUT]

Loud AND drunk, Gut, though I've never met any of those outside Oz, London and Bali! We're always very polite and shy when we are overseas. You know that!

I'm always shy everywhere, but I am a bit of a delicate little petal anyway.

[Rosella]

Loud AND drunk, Gut, though I've never met any of those outside Oz, London and Bali! We're always very polite and shy when we are overseas. You know that!

[GUT]

Well, I've met one or two arrogant Yanks, in the US, in Europe and in England. (There used to be a big US airforce base near to us in Norfolk, England and my uncle worked there.) However, the vast majority of Yanks I've met have been very nice, including one who paid me my first compliment when I was nine!

I think we all generalise though don't we at times, the voluble Frenchman, precise German, inscrutable Japanese, eccentric English with bad teeth, (I read on another forum of an American who went to study in England and was warned about the teeth) loud Aussies, etc. etc.? I just think the national stereotyping has grown up over the centuries. It doesn't resemble reality.

I thought it was drunk Aussies.

[Rosella]

Well, I've met one or two arrogant Yanks, in the US, in Europe and in England. (There used to be a big US airforce base near to us in Norfolk, England and my uncle worked there.) However, the vast majority of Yanks I've met have been very nice, including one who paid me my first compliment when I was nine!

I think we all generalise though don't we at times, the voluble Frenchman, precise German, inscrutable Japanese, eccentric English with bad teeth, (I read on another forum of an American who went to study in England and was warned about the teeth) loud Aussies, etc. etc.? I just think the national stereotyping has grown up over the centuries. It doesn't resemble reality.

[Fleetwood Mac]

I'm sure that there are things Aussies take for granted that annoy other cultures. Just as I am sure much of it is generalisations, most Aussies find it a bit funny that Americans seem to think they are the greatest nation on earth (and yep that's a generalisation and I know many really nice Americans) and seem to think everything in America is bigger, not realising that Australia is about the same size but with only 6 States so when the go on about how big, say Texas is, we find it a bit laughable.

But I know some Aussies who are real arrogant too.

I've never met an American who I'd class as arrogant. I've been over there and I've met some here, and to a man/woman I've found them well mannered and courteous.