Stephen Fry’s programme was overwhelmingly positive. It is a measure of Carol Gould’s paranoid obsession with seeing anti-Americanism everywhere that she can produce such a warped account of the programme. No doubt the usual suspects, who of course will not have seen the programme, will back her up in spewing lies and distortions about the UK.
What is notable about Fry’s peregrinations is the generosity of spirit afforded him, bordering at times on obsequiousness and, at its worst, reverence. How many expatriate Americans would love to be treated this way in Britain! (My most recent encounter with a cab driver: “You people don’t do yourselves any favors, do you? I mean, you don’t do much to make anyone like you!” Hmmm.)
You’ve said it! Stephen Fry was liked wherever he went because he is friendly, open-minded and witty. It’s pretty obvious why British cab drivers don’t take to Carol Gould, who is miserable, carping and precious.
