Cookie cutter British English teachers

**tomcat** · 17th October 2011 07:50

^...you are Guest Guru's vision of heaven, the very sustenance that feeds his core, the individual that unknowingly sacrifices itself by rising to every bait, investigating every trap and snare, exploring fully the dankest corners of every dark and haunted basement: naive ingenue meets ancient troll...

**goo_stewart** · 17th October 2011 08:07

I am the cookie cutter! Sums me up perfectly - apart from that weird music era thing, I am definitely into my handbag house.....

**cujo** · 17th October 2011 08:56

Oh look, it's Smeg.

**8ball** · 17th October 2011 09:28

Originally Posted by Guest Guru

I also do some academic work for a few of British Universities

,,,,,,,

**happynz** · 17th October 2011 10:32

Originally Posted by venting

I don't think anyone has a beef with Welsh...

Only some of 'em...Nigel Owens, that Welsh rugby referee, sheesh. Pot-bellied bandy-legged bugger had to keep blowing on his whistle to stop play because he couldn't keep up. To be fair though, that probably isn't a defect of the Welsh as that sort of thing could happen in any population.

**Teachermark** · 17th October 2011 11:37

Originally Posted by venting

I don't think anyone has a beef with Welsh, Scots or (northern) Irish.

That's because no one can understand a word they say. Give me a neutral Aussie or Kiwi accent any day. (Or God forbid ... even a South "Ifrican" if the pickings were slim)

**yobbo** · 17th October 2011 13:07

Dear Guest Guru,

I have looked carefully at your list of ten characteristics, and can honestly say that only two of them apply to me.

I have never voted Tory (and never will), and I am also a bit of a stickler for grammar - although my colleagues regard me as more of an expert than a stickler or a pedant. I am, however, a little surprised that a learned intellectual, such as your good self, would be guilty of such egregious generalisation.

I look forward to reading a more reasoned presentation of your hypothesis, so that we may engage in a sophisticated academic debate.

**Teachermark** · 17th October 2011 13:28

^ Mod Sock

**WilliamBlake** · 17th October 2011 14:33

1. Anti-American Not since Obama
2. Anti-Christianity (which they feel a need to express frequently) Don't really dig on religions
3. Working class socialist (or at least far left) in political orientation I don't believe in isms, only good solutions
4. Hatred for American slang That's what she said
5. Listen to pop/rock music from a different era Try "different century"
6. Condescending attitude towards Thai and other “non-native speakers”, especially Thai teachers and administrators Nope
7. A tad anal over grammar rules Nope
8. Sticklers for classroom rules We're supposed to have rules now?
9. Grumpy and complain quite often about working conditions Who's working?
10. Pessimistic about the future with low to moderate ambitions Meh, who cares?

**natalie8** · 17th October 2011 14:52

OK, I'll copy WB's style for my points.

Originally Posted by Guest Guru

1. Anti-American Nope
2. Anti-Christianity (which they feel a need to express frequently) I'm not anti any religious following, yet not pro any either. People who preach religion really get on my nerves. It's usually Christians who do this, and for their own limited version of it.
3. Working class socialist (or at least far left) in political orientation I have no idea what left or right is in politics as I find discussion of politics extrmely boring. From GG's descrition, it seems like left is socialist so in favour of easy handouts like welfare for people who don't contribute to society.
4. Hatred for American slang I'm not sure what this means.
5. Listen to pop/rock music from a different era How about from many different eras?
6. Condescending attitude towards Thai and other “non-native speakers”, especially Thai teachers and administrators I haven't seen this from any native speaking teachers that I've worked with.
7. A tad anal over grammar rules. ME! ME! ME! How about spelling?
8. Sticklers for classroom rules This depends on many other factors.
9. Grumpy and complain quite often about working conditions Again, I don't really have experience with this. I must have worked at good schools.
10. Pessimistic about the future with low to moderate ambitions This is another point that I don't understand.

**Teachermark** · 17th October 2011 15:06

Are Brits and Canucks one and the same?

**natalie8** · 17th October 2011 15:15

Originally Posted by Teachermark

Are Brits and Canucks one and the same?

No, of course not. Canada is the best country in the world, with the bestest people, all strong, attractive, mature, hot, sexy, gorgeous, honest, intellectual, hard working, beautiful, non criminal, trustworthy, caring, loving, and any other positive adjective you can add.

Canada is number one! Rah rah rah!!!!!!

**tomcat** · 17th October 2011 16:15

Originally Posted by natalie8

It's usually Christians who do this

...I see you've had limited experience with Muslim culture...

**natalie8** · 17th October 2011 16:19

TC, when I first started working in Dubai, every second person asked me if I was Christian. These Christians preached and blabbered on endlessly. Even when they were reminded that they were in a Muslim country, they had no clue. I avoided these people like the plague.

**slamb** · 17th October 2011 16:34

Originally Posted by Guest Guru

1. Anti-American.
America's great, except for the South of course.

2. Anti-Christianity (which they feel a need to express frequently).
Vehemently

3. Working class socialist (or at least far left) in political orientation
Working class social capitalist since you asked. Never voted Tory as they haven't existed since 1834.

4. Hatred for American slang
Innit.

5. Listen to pop/rock music from a different era
Doesn't every middle aged person?

6. Condescending attitude towards Thai and other “non-native speakers”, especially Thai teachers and administrators
Admin?. Yes. Thai teachers? Some. 'Non native speakers?' I hate the world!

7. A tad anal over grammar rules
What's grammar? I'm a science (technical vocab) teacher.

8. Sticklers for classroom rules
No point. We can't enforce them (it).

9. Grumpy and complain quite often about working conditions
Quite often? Daily, hourly or sometimes minutely.

10. Pessimistic about the future with low to moderate ambitions
Go-getter! Got my eye firmly on that 60k pm native speaker ceiling in 10 years time.

I had to write something here.