Thursday, December 17, 2020

Brits Copy American Customs, Wares

An 1892 American patented tea pot — “ American practices and precedents are freely quoted and adopted in English society. American ideas are copied without stint, and American wares, novelties, and inventions are generally advertised by London tradesmen.” 



Anglo-American Imitation

It is time that the truth should be understood in this matter of Anglo-American imitation. The opinion prevails that it is wholly one-sided, which most emphatically is not the case. The American leaven works in England about as strongly as the English notions obtain this side the water.

It is not a concession to American good sense and example that the English young woman of the best families now often walk the streets unattended by footmen! Such a thing a few years ago would have been impossible. American practices and precedents are freely quoted and adopted in English society. American ideas are copied without stint, and American wares, novelties, and inventions are generally advertised by London tradesmen. 

The most conservative of the London society and women's periodicals constantly set forth the “fads” of American women, and they long ago ceased the tone of half apology in which such items used to be couched. There seems, in fact, quite as great and admiration and respect for things American over there, as there is here for things English. — The New York Times, 1892



Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

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