While I tend to focus on the comical differences between the United States and the United Kingdom, there are also many interesting similarities. Most have considered the U.K. to be a significantly smaller version of the U.S. The U.S. and the U.K. share the same movies, music, TV shows, shops and above all else, language.
Are we not simply two countries divided by an ocean?
When tourists enter either country, locals expect them to speak English, rather than adapting to their language.
Here in New Mexico, there are fewer and fewer Spanish speakers. In 2013, only 36.1 percent of New Mexicans spoke a language other than English at home, not too much higher than the national average of 20.7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Similarly, in the U.K., although we are a part of Europe, most do not speak another European language such as French or Spanish. However, on the continent, it is common for residents to speak three or four more languages — as well as English.
Further, while we are members of the European Union, many Brits would not consider themselves European. Our currency is not the Euro; we speak only English and we involve ourselves with more U.S. affairs than European ones.
Since World War II, the U.S. and the U.K. have had a special relationship as wartime allies. That Anglo-American alliance continued through the first Iraq War. However, the United Kingdom and Europe do not have that same special relationship, as our Prime Minister is in the process of a referendum on whether to leave the European Union altogether.
Is the U.K. America’s 51st state? Are we not like Hawaii, but further away? A collection of islands with men in flowery skirts (we just call them kilts).
The same applies to food. I arrived here expecting traditional American fast food, but everywhere sells Mexican. If you come to the U.K. you’ll never see a sign that says “English restaurant.” Instead you will be presented with Indian restaurants all serving the U.K.’s most common and popular dish, chicken tikka masala. Keep in mind, India is not next door, but some 4,000 miles away.
My experience here would have been completely different if New Mexicans still relied heavily on Spanish speakers. I would not have been able to be so lazy and expect others to adjust to my culture. Compared to other states in the U.S., New Mexico has one of the richest cultures and most fascinating histories. I would hate to see this culture and history disappear, simply because English has become the norm. So let us embrace the best of all cultures, American and Mexican and British. So, buenas días, old boy.
Sophie Earle is a columnist for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.
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