Is it normal to be afraid of what americans might think of me and my family?

I'm English, and I have minor aspergers autism. This year I'm going to the USA (Orlando, FA) for a holiday and I'm kind of afraid of what any Americans might think of me, because I'm from across the pond and such. Will I be treated like a regular human being or like a stereotype?

I'm afraid of the common things they might say like "Hey, you're teeth aren't that bad!", "You're not posh!", "I thought you guys wore suits!" and "I thought you guys drank tea, not Cola" etc.

There might also be a couple of Americans that go up to tease me about my country's size, our weather, our food (which isn't that bad!) and our boring cities. And I definitely don't want this: "You would have lost WW2 if it wasn't for us lol!"

And what's worse is that my cousin Seth's coming along too (he's 8) and he's going to join a kid's holiday club there. What if the other American kids make fun of him? They've watched American films and kids shows of course, and they might have got the wrong idea from the stereotypes, like in Garfield 2.

It's not that I'm expecting lots of abuse, it's just I've heard that some Americans can be really patronising because we're different. Plus, there'e not that book that American man wrote that was big-selling in the US "100 Ways Britain Ruined the World".

My autism might explain my concerns... oh, and please be aware that I have nothing against Americans, I just don't want to be treated like a stereotype. I think I'm a bit paranoid. IIN?

Voting Results
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Based on 54 votes (27 yes)
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Comments ( 26 )
  • Americans think people with accents are smarter than them.

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  • dappled

    Americans are more welcoming than we English are. And they're definitely curious about our accents. They may occasionally ask what it's like to live in London (even if you don't) but they're just trying to engage. Go have a great time!

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  • goldenpony

    I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Just as you think that you are misrepresented in movies, so are we. Have fun and enjoy!

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  • penpal21

    I'm American and I really wouldn't care where someone was from let alone go out of my way to stereotype them. I think you're being paranoid. Just go on your vacation and enjoy.

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  • America is not bad at all.

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  • tierynxana

    Brits are sexy.

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  • so many people travel internationally now, dont worry. england has a rich history which is older than america's. be quietly proud of your country

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  • nAt2017

    I'm American, and I don't think we're all that mean to foreigners. We like accents.

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  • Legion

    Im American, and I love a lot of things british, especially the TR6 and MG roadsters.(ironically, my favorite American cars are the large Chrysler "Land Yachts") Some of my favorite programs are British, Red Dwarf, Monty Python, and Top Gear. (They tried to Americanize 2 of those and they bombed). and finally, I love the accent on women.

    Not all americans are like me, but many are very open and welcoming.

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  • Pmon wtf only racist people wont
    Like u if ur not their color in america where we live NOBODY GIVES A FUCK i see just about every single race where i live

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  • shy88girl

    You think if you walk down the street in America people will stare at me cos I am not groomed or plastic like them cos that's all I hear but it is stupid cos not everyone is plastic and well groomed there.

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  • smileyfaces:D123

    relax, it'll be fine... we're not that mean :P

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  • TyLee

    Don't worry! My ex was English and I thought it was really hot!!!! People will be interested in you and want to get to know you. In America teasing is usually flirting so don't take it the wrong way. Like if someone says "hey you are from across the pond!" don't get upset they are probably are trying to get to know you. Don't worry.

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  • SoularWind

    We like it when people visit because 1. Your accents are awesome 2. Were curiouse and 3. It makes us feel even more awesome :) you can get so much ass with just an accent!

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  • Americans love all thing British. The royals, the accents, everything. I was born in the US and raised here but also a U.K. citizen. If I drop my east coast snoot accent and switch to Posh all men within earshot have an orgasm.

    My father is from London and whenever he visits (I live in Chicago right now) my friends all drool over him (of course he does look like Colin Firth).

    When you meet people they will often open with "I love your accent", or "Do you know the Queen?"

    If they say stupid things it's not because they're American, it's because they're stupid.

    And since you're in America you can shoot them!

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  • Not very many of us are that rude so dnt worry

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  • We Americans can be harsh

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  • OatmealCP

    As someone said above, most Americans LOVE British accents, especially the opposite sex. American men love women with sexy British accents, and American women swoon over guys with accents as well. Just act with confidence and no one will be too negative. Unless you're going to like some backwoods stereotypical American redneck bar, you'll be just fine.

    When it comes to your little brother, who knows. Kids are annoying brats. They'll always pick on each other for small things. Just make sure your brother isn't worried; he needs to have confidence and be assured that he'll make lots of friends. Don't send the poor kid in there paranoid and whimpering because then the poor kid really WILL become an easy target.

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  • America gets thousands of British tourists a year, so you won't be like alien to them. And if they ask you stereotypical questions about British teeth and tea parties with the Queen and all that crap, just laugh and make a joke of it. Besides, most Americans are aware that we are nothing like what TV makes of us. Look at Charlie McDonnell for example on YouTube, he's British but the Americans think he's the best and some even say "I wish I lived in England!"

    And as for Seth, I'm certain he'll get on with American kids, unless there's a really nasty one who actually believes that every British kid is a snobby spoiled brat (like Veruca Salt in CATCF). If he gets made fun of the holiday rep will probably sort it out anyway.

    One more thing: That "101 ways Britain Ruined the World" book was hated in America, it wasn't popular. It sold just because it was controversial, and hardly anyone found it funny or insightful.

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  • snapdog

    In addition to my post above: I'm American in America by the way...

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  • snapdog

    Most Americans I know are curious and interested in folks "across the pond". Just be yourself and youll be fine. And people will probably love your accent. Especially the opposite sex!

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  • CountryRoads

    You're paranoid. Plus, all kids get made fun of for something.

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  • wreckd

    My friend's boyfriend came to America from England a few years back when we were in high school. Everyone ADORED his accent. You'll be fine. :)

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  • howaminotmyself

    Your concerns are valid. Many Americans say some pretty stupid things. Just learn to laugh at yourself. Don't take the ignorant comments to heart. And I really doubt WWII will be a topic of discussion.

    But it's Orlando, FL,I doubt you'll be the only "foreigner". Just enjoy.

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  • pmon

    You're lucky your skin color is white, it's worst here for people with brown, yellow, black etc. Etc. Skin color.

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    • chewy

      are you racist?

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