Crossing borders and learning about other cultures helps give you a link to the world by revealing similarities you might not have anticipated. However, the things that are much more fun to explore are the differences. My time in London has revealed to me just how alike large international cities are, regardless of where they reside on a map. London seemed to me a British New York which is crawling with people who always have an agenda and seem to never be getting anywhere on time. Aside from these interesting similarities, it was the differences in clothing and attitude which were much more entertaining to me. Being a native Austinite, I have lived my life in close proximity to very interesting and fascinating people; I must admit the people watching in London is equally as fabulous.
In regards to fashion, we all see those sad mothers in the States who try to dress like their teenage daughters, and we all know that the eighteen-year-old always wins. In a somewhat more horrifying manner, the older women here seem to follow the trends of the current day with no thought to the body-flattering factor. To watch a 65 year old woman in sheer tights with a barely bottom-skimming t-shirt is like slowing down to observe a car wreck; you are intrigued, disgusted and yet, you simply can not look away. The closer you get to Tottenham Court the more you will observe pierced, tattooed, army boot clad adolescents. While I went through my wear lots of black and listen to Led Zeppelin too early in the morning phase, never did I puncture holes in every available body part at such a young age. The clothing seems to reflect a less optimistic attitude toward life that seems to be much less apparent in the U.S. Perhaps there is a simple explanation like having a higher population of troubled teens with daddy issues.
Equally as disturbing and perhaps more enticing to watch is the blatant P.D.A. (public displays of affection) that occur in the parks, on the tube, and on the general street corner. A common stereotype of Americans is that we are more of a “prude” country than others; such as Brazil where women sport the thong bikinis on public beaches. It is impossible to take an afternoon stroll through the park without seeing a couple (and not always the young spring chickens) holding hands, sitting in uncomfortable proximity (like on top of one another) or playing tonsil hockey like there’s no tomorrow. The worst is when you are in a crowded tube and one such pair starts making out very near you and you are terrified if the train jolts and you engage in an accidental butt-graze that they might ask if you want to join in. I am all for affection and letting people know you are in love, but within reason. I’m not exactly sure what it is about our culture that keeps couples from practically fornicating in public but I’m definitely not complaining. The British have a long line of sexual misconducts since many women were married off more in the way of a business transaction than for love; thus leading to various lovers and acts of adultery. Even King Henry VIII was known to keep a young thing on the side from when his billionth wife turned cold or couldn’t produce a male heir. Perhaps this history of sexually devious behavior has shaped the U.K. attitude to make it much more open about physical acts of love.
While I do still believe that Austin gives a wide range of interesting characters to observe, I certainly have not been disappointed by what London has to offer. I look forward to making a return trip in the future to probe further into these interesting and somewhat disturbing cultural differences.
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