The decline and fall of the American Empire

A sign of British intelligence and refinement

Stereotypical thinking

After moving to Britain one of the first stereotypes that we were cured of was the thought that British people felt themselves intellectually and culturally superior to Americans. But two news items from today have given me pause to rethink my change of mind.

British people for the 15th year in a row have chosen the Labrador Retriever as their favourite dog. Obviously a sign of intellectual prowess and cultural refinement.

At the same time, this article appeared in today's Sun:

David and Victoria Beckham received an early welcome to the United States when their wax doubles went on display, draped with the stars and stripes.
Madame Tussauds in New York unveiled the celebrity couple to the strains of Neil Diamond's America last night, in honour of their upcoming move to Los Angeles, where David has signed a five-year contract with LA Galaxy.
Decked out in American flags, the Beckhams are joined by a wax figure of President Bush holding a sign reading: "Welcome to America.''

A washed-up, has been footballer and his pampered wife are getting $250 million for five years and have already achieved celebrity status. Maybe the stereotype isn't that far off.