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usxuk Nov. 4th, 2010 03:12 pm)
kisu-fu.livejournal.com posting in usxuk Nov. 4th, 2010 03:12 pm)(I-hope-this-is-allowed-post-no.2)
As some of you already know, I'm writing my thesis about the Special Relationship and its representation in Hetalia (And yes, in Germany. senior students already have to write their first thesis) .
This is why I need some opinions from people from the US and UK themselves - What does the Special Relationship / the other country / their portrays in Hetalia mean to you? Any examples of everyday life?
Short answers are okay!
Remember, this grade will be important for my graduation, so please don't fangirl too hard. 8D;;; A small amount of fangirling is okay, though. XD Thanks so much in advance!! I'm counting on you guys!!
(Btw - answers from people from other countries are okay too - Like the way you see them etc. Be creative! XD)
As some of you already know, I'm writing my thesis about the Special Relationship and its representation in Hetalia (And yes, in Germany. senior students already have to write their first thesis) .
This is why I need some opinions from people from the US and UK themselves - What does the Special Relationship / the other country / their portrays in Hetalia mean to you? Any examples of everyday life?
Short answers are okay!
Remember, this grade will be important for my graduation, so please don't fangirl too hard. 8D;;; A small amount of fangirling is okay, though. XD Thanks so much in advance!! I'm counting on you guys!!
(Btw - answers from people from other countries are okay too - Like the way you see them etc. Be creative! XD)
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From:
no subject
From:
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The way America is represented in Hetalia mirrors the view English people have of the typical american. For example when I met Americans on the tube, who totally didn't get the train system btw, the english just sighed and rolled their eyes or huffed in slight annoyance lol it was kind of cute. It's like: they find Americans annoying but at the same time they can't help but love them. It's the country England is closest to...
(It was also rather adorable the way some of the British kids tried to talk in American accent sometimes, trying to mirror the film stars etc :P )
From:
I knew about your tesis
Well I shouldnt comment at all since I'm not from America or England but every time I enter to news related to the special relationship most of the time I find quarrel... they're specially british people who think America usually pushes around with them... such things and the fact they dont want war... however there are also a lot of people who agree with the special relationship and think it's not only about politics but also the familiar feeling to the anglo and american people... rather than only politics I want to believe it's the last one
I think it pretty much shows the kind of like/hate
USTrelationship the countries have... In some really endering way is very specialand that documental says they'll save the world from the end XDDDDDDFrom:
no subject
Other than that, I feel like it's pretty accurate. I view the "real-world" Special Relationship to be more or less like an old married couple. They're going to fight and bicker about every little thing, but it's pretty impossible to tear them apart.
I think Hetalia shows that. They fight and tease and call each other names, but America's the one at England's bedside when he's hurt; and England's constant little motherings (you should eat healthier, etc.) show that he really does care.
As for what it means to me, well, it's quite important in my life. As I said, I have British family and I simply adore them. I have multiple other friends who have British ties either currently or in their heritage. I think it really goes to show how close the two nations are. So, I suppose, it's really important to me that England and America show to care about each other. Otherwise, I'd probably be quite upset with the series.
From:
no subject
My impression as a multi-cultured American (yes, there are some out there!) is that the UK, historically, has been a very important ally for us as a country. When other nations turned their backs and reprehended our actions, the UK has stood by us and helped. (Seen in Hetalia is how it states that America's only true friends are England and Japan.) Overall, the relationships between the president and the prime minister have been good. The swirling rumors that the special relationship is over is all speculation in my eyes. I doubt that in this day and age, one country would outright say "Our relationship is over" to another. And even if countries can still do that, though I doubt they would, I don't believe the US can afford to lose the UK as an ally and the other way around.
The two nations, in current times, may not be as close politically as they were, say, during the Cold War or during WWII. However, the ties of history and culture will keep the two countries together for a very long time to come. Yes, political influence helps the diplomatic relationship of two countries. However, I believe that the special relationship is unique in that one influenced the other centuries ago and that influence and the similarities between them is enough to keep them going strong.
The relationship between England and America has reflected much of what history presents to us. A powerful empire takes on a new land and helps to raise it and guide its way in life. A war tears them apart as America takes on the challenges of being a nation and England begins to feel its influence very slowly fading. The second world war shows the personas in Hetalia as often bickering friends, with America being naive and England still a bit stiff about the revolution (which is more of the character's personality than the nation's reflection). However, they cooperate at the end of the day and into the present have remained good friends who care deeply for one another.
And we, the fandom, knows it goes a little further than that. <3Overall, the Hetalia depictions of history's events play out well and the characters of England and America come through with flying colors.(I need to find better things to do before school ... orz )
From:
First Girl from the UK to comment!
I think Hetalia does portray the relationship between the Us and the Uk brilliantly, and I believe strongly that this special relationship will last a lot longer than what the media says.
However I agree with claprov, during the revolution the british people wanted America broken off from the empire (something about a waste of money)but Hetalia keeps on dwelling on this which is annoying as it is not necessarily true to the british. I couldn't care less about losing America in the empire. Then again in Hetalia it shows Arthur and Alfred and how close their relationship, so maybe thats why.
I am surprised though that the makers of Hetalia have not made Arthur upset and angry at Alfred for being late in both wars or losing his empire which most british people do not like to be reminded of. Also I am surprised that the makers have not also made Arthur thankful to Alfred for saving us in WWII (Thanks by the way!) as most british people are very thankful for.
Though the special relationship and the portraials of the counrties has made me proud of being Biritsh, we may not have a great past, but every counrty has that. It has also saved me a lot of times in History tests!
But in both reality and in Hetalia the UK will always be there for America in sickness and in health! (just realised thats the vow for a marriage!)
From:
Re: First Girl from the UK to comment!
The worst food is turkish sweets (sorry turkish people) I know because I just tried one it has made me ill!
I have also just realised that british people (including me) do have big eyebrows maybe not as big as Arthur's though.
On a serious note, when 9/11 happened everyone treated it as if it was our own country being attacked, thats how close we are to the americans (I find them quite sweet,especially when they are in the London Dungeons! hehe). I don't know how the american media reacted for the 7/7 bombings (i can barely remember) though I think it was quite big for them as well. (could someone enlighten me about that please?)
I hope all this has helped you! =)
From:
Second Girl from the UK to comment! (maybe?)
America is pretty much exactly how most Brit's would see a stereotypical American, and England is probably like wise.
I know the British press are always on about the special relationship being rubbish...and sometimes it does seem like the US just uses us,
Iraq coughcoughbut I don't look at is a government thing, I look at is a normal people thing, even if the special relationship 'ended' People on both sides of the pond wouldn't really mind we'd just carry on like normal.too agree with Lisacreature, most people in the UK don't give a toss about the 4th of July, in fact, this year people on my road set fireworks off! we aren't taught about the empire much in history, so badly that the other day my friend asked why the Olympics were on, and I had to tell her that it was the commonwealth games, and the we used to have an empire, and the Canada, Australia etc, were still under the queen. Good or bad that we don't know are own history...hmm...
From:
no subject
Well, I'm from England and I've always thought it was depicted pretty accuratly, but not just the relationship between the countries, the relationship between the people as well. In England we always take the piss of Americans, but we actually do really like them. Even though they are so annoying. Like on the tube the are so bloody loud, in fact they're loud all the time. And they are all like "your houses are so small and quant!" They aren't small, yours are just freakishly large! Oh, and the whole "we saved your arse in the war" thing. Don't get me started.
But yet I still like them and their accents and their cluelessness at using our trains and how they stand outside nember 10 as if they expect David Cameron to wave at them or something :3 It's actually quite cute.
I think in our country we always accociate America with ourselves, and see them as our closest ally and the country we feel the most loyalty to. We almost see America as part of our country, and I can't see them not being our ally. Plus, English people actually sort of look up to Americans sometimes. ;)
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Re: +1
My favourite accent in the whole world is probably Spanish because it is smexy and cute~ <3
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Re: +1
Haha, wow. Ouch. You do know that we have internet access down here, right?
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no subject
As much as I like Hetalia, it isn’t really an accurate depiction of history and isn’t meant to be. It’s not a political cartoon. It’s just some good, light-hearted fun.
I really like Hetalia’s portrayal of each country as an individual. The stereotypes are very amusing and very true to certain pre-conceptions that are floating around there. When talking about cultural relationship, the Hetalian depiction is interesting and quite accurate in a way. Mainly in how they often bicker a lot but don’t actually hate each other. Or how there are certain things one of them thinks is just so weird but is completely normal for the other one.
Politically and historically though, I don’t think Hetalia is accurate at all, (expect in the basic facts like America joined WWII, America and England were allies, they were fighting against the Axis powers etc.)
Well, actually it's not really that it's NOT accurate but more that it's just a very shallow depiction. It oversimplifies things A LOT and ignores A LOT but, well, Hetalia’s not really meant to be an in-depth thesis on the complexities of the Special Relationship anyway… It’s hard though to fully assess how accurate their relationship is presented in Hetalia since the comic doesn’t deal with many things (like national and foreign policy, overseas trade restrictions, the socio-economic climate, the way things like World Bank and the IMF affect countries etc. and many bits of history are skipped over). Then again, I like these two when they're being stupid and adorable. Too much srs bsns is not good for the soul. ^^
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SO TRUE
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Re: SO TRUE
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I'm English. That makes you a paedo ;D
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Lets start with the bad. Historically speaking, England was quite content to be rid of America after the Revolution because it was costly and there weren't as many resources to exploit as there were in other colonies such as India and the West Indies. It was, however, a movement that inspired bigger, more earth shaking movements like the French Revolution. While I think while the population of Englishmen as a whole weren't concerned about the revolutions springing up as a result of what America accomplished, those running the government were very threatened by what loosing their colony had done. It was a danger to their power and the more people all over Europe learned about these ideas, the more they began to question their own leaders and institutions. (Nothing really came of these enlightenments in England, but the possibility was always there.) The other reason why it may have been important for the UK is because the loss of one colony was the prelude to the eventual loss of the Empire as a whole. It was a small sign, but it was there. So the drama over the American Revolution, while touching in Hetalia, isn't such a big issue to those living in the UK. Although that one line from that strip... "You used to be so big." That is a very powerful line that represents the steady rise of the Americans and the decline of the British. It's a cycle of power that reflects the real world. (Kind of like how America is starting to shrink and China is rising. *ducks flying patriot tomatoes*)
Both World Wars, while significant in that it was the start of a working partnership with the UK, are also not so accurately explored. For example, America didn't just hope in to save the day in the 2nd WW. We sent aid to the UK, but it wasn't until Japan attacked that we actively got involved in the war. The "Special Relationship" is also a topic of some discussion. While debated in the UK, is of little or no importance over in the US. Most people take for granted that the UK is our biggest ally, to be honest. On a political level, it's insignificant and washed out.
Now for the good. Culturally speaking, both countries do share a closeness that I don't think is shared with many others (Canada, perhaps, being the exception. North American Bros and Daddy England FTW!) England is looked upon as "the mother country" of the US, and indeed, there were many citizens during the revolution that were loyal to that connection and didn't want to be parted. It's also worth noting that at many points in time, fads and trends big in either country had crossed the ocean and grew in popularity in the other. The 60s, for instance, brough a new kind of invasion with the sudden enthusiasm of British rock and fashion winning the hearts of American youth. An in more modern times, England has given us bands like the Spice Girls and Coldplay, books like Harry Potter, and shows like Doctor Who.
It's also important to see how each population views one another. The US sees England as "prim and proper" and a general stick in the mud, but we also find that interesting. There's something about their accents and mannerisms we find extremely attractive. By contrast, we annoy the ever living hell out of the UK by being loud and obnoxious, but theres also something sweet about how friendly Americans are and how they seem a bit naive in the ways of the world not just because they can be self centered, but because they've had the blessing/curse of living away from most of the world.
Overall, politically, our countries have some issues to sort through. (And neither is better than the other, much as America seems to be the one that gets the most heat these days.) But on a cultural level and yes, there is a very special connection between our people. I don't think the passage of time can ever truly change that.
From:
no subject
"The hetalia portrayal of the whole special relationship is pretty accurate. We do have our fallings out. A lot mo XD Srsly, We can argue over anything. Srsly look to youtube where british and americans are talking. They argue XD Buut both countries say, the other is their most important Ally. Probably been mentioned before,
but The only innacurate thing is the 4th July.... Seriously. We don't care XD
We argue, but we stand by each other also."
From:
Another American-in-love here
From:
no subject
As a history major, a lot of what I'm learning about early relations between America and the British Empire seems to be accurate to the show. However, as history moves forward, things seem to get less accurate in Hetalia. The most glaring example is the Revolution issue. I feel like we make a way bigger deal of it than the British, and even then, we don't hold grudges or gloating parties about it anymore. There's no rivalry, and there hasn't been for a long time.
In regards to purely what does Britain/England mean to me as an American? They're a reliable people who we'll never really be rid of and never really want to. I have a lot of respect for the accomplishments made by the British especially during the Industrial Revolution, and their fortitude during WWII. I think it's impressive that they've managed to remain a political power, even as such a small country and not being an economic powerhouse.
In wartime, if I had to pick one country to ally with, it would always be England. We think of England as a permanent ally, whereas other countries are a toss-up, depending on recent events. If they were under attack, I think the entire American public would want to do something about it. That feeling is just stronger because of the way 9/11 was recieved in Britain. I got email after email circulating the story of how we'd been honored by the playing of our national anthem in England in rememberance of that tragedy.it was a big deal, to say the least.
Additionally, my own realization of just how much our culture is influenced by British culture came as a total shock. When you look for it, we have shirts, shops, food, tourist spots, towns, and habits that all have something British about them. Which is why, in fandom, I see any warm feelings toward Arthur on Alfred's part coming as an epiphany, having been something hanging around in the back of his mind for longer than can be remembered.
More than anything, it's complicated, multi-layered, and hard to define what passes between our nations. The one thing that has remained since the Special Relationship was announced, was dependability. Having England as a close ally is just a fact of life in America. The world would be spinning out of whack if that ever changed.
I just asked a friend who doesn't know Hetalia, and though she had opinions about England as a country, she admitted to not knowing what the Special Relationship was. Her opinion of England in a nutshell: Uh...bad teeth, bad weather, bad food, sexy accents, and great music. It'd be a cool place to visit. And, I mean, it's not like we're ever going to be enemies.
From:
no subject
I think Hetalia represents that perfectly. Never, besides the Revolution and the war of 1812, have America and England been on different sides, despite picking on each other and junk. England was- and still is - completely in love with America, and America looks up to England, and always has. They really do have a Special Relationship; they are able to rely on each other no matter what. They are just completely intertwined, and I just can't imagine one without the other. And that's the way it is in real life. We need each other, we are part of each other. That is the Special Relationship.