As the Budget has just been announced, David turns his attention to the subject of money.
The good news is that growth forecasts, tax cuts or fiscal policy are completely off the menu.
Instead, David discusses how a bluntly inquisitive American put him in a rather difficult position.
How bizarre, it’s generally considered a rude thing to ask in the US as well. You would have been in the right to tell him to back off. But you’re probably right that he was taking the lazy route.
Though in truth, at least among people within the same industry, the only ones who really benefit from everyone hiding their income are the companies. It’s very easy to under pay people when they don’t know what the common rate for their work is, and it happens a lot. I’m sure a lot more women would fight for equal pay if they Knew they were getting paid .80 to the guy in the cubicle next to them’s dollar. (As an example)
I thoroughly agree with David! There are just some questions that it’s really better not to ask, particularly in the current economic climate. It’s safe to say that the level of etiquette of ‘Polite Conversation’ has probably risen ten-fold since the whole hoop-la of the majority of the working class being made redundant took off. People en masse generally never spoke of it before, and they’re not very likely to now.
Good point, well made by Mr. Mitchell!
p.s. It just goes to show you can’t be too careful! x
Ah, New Jersey. That’s where Bub has to be from.
As an American, one of the things I love most about the English is, when warned off a personal topic in even the most mild way– a “hem” and glance away will do it– they back off so fast you can hear tires squealing.
My sister-in-law is from New Jersey. I must have done something very wrong in a past life.
Yes, David. You are loved. Very much 
I was asked this, by an American. Actually, he just wanted to tell me how much -he- earned, thinking I’d be impressed. I didn’t want to make him feel inferior, so I just smiled politely.
That was terrific Mr. Mitchell, best chuckle I’ve had all week.
I find the idea of asking someone how much they earn, especially during a first meeting, utterly bizzare! There are SO many other interesting questions to ask when getting to know a person, personal income shouldn’t even make the list?!
Good point on the quite wrong assumption that Brits and Americans share a similar culture. We Canadians seem to straddle the two (feel free to place your entendre of choice here!) and usually aim for “politely bold”. Loved your P.G. Wodehouse moment, how very Bertie Wooster of you.
BTW- I’m thinking of borrowing the “Massive Talk” concept as a theme for a dinner party… should make for an interesting evening… and you are of course invited as the guest of honour.
That’s not a question I would ask anyone. And when when people ask what you do, respond, “About what?”.
Congratulations on your win, David!
CONGRATULATIONS David xxxx
Depends on what part of the country there from. In Washington D.C it’s consider rude to ask what one person makes unless your close to one another. While in other big city it preconceived to ask that question to figure out what it is acceptable conversation. It depends on quite a few factors. You would probably have offended him if you didn’t at least give him an idea of how much you made. I am an american and we can be forced to learn different etiquette for different states in our own country. Business people from Texas or Florida treat different situations differently than people from LA or New York.
I like to tell people how much I earn… only cos its so very little. And you can play on that idea… ‘oh, yknow, a few quid…’ Choosing to be indifferent to the subject makes you feel better in the long run.
As an American, I feel compelled to make a few points. A) Not all Americans are like that. 2) Some of us are. c.) I’ve been pigeonholed in that same way. iv.) I may know that guy.
As an American, I felt compelled to comment about your experience with Biff-Bud-Brad-What’s-His-Name. When encountering Americans abroad, it’s important to remember that their attitudes and behavior does not accurately portray the “average” American. The “average” American is overworked and underpaid. He or she does not receive enough vacation days to travel outside the US and certainly cannot afford to do so. Therefore, the “average” American is usually only found in America.
Some of the Americans who are able to travel to Europe (though not all) are able to do so because they have spent an inordinate amount of time and effort in amassing their personal fortune – to the exclusion of everything else. This can lead to a failure to adopt and employ the usual social graces that make casual conversation safe and somewhat palatable for everyone involved.
In these cases you will be faced with the obnoxious type who measures himself and all others by their earning power. “My financial penis is larger than your financial penis. Therefore I am more worthy of love, respect, and adoration than you are.” Be assured that guys like this are abhorred when they are at home in the States just as much as they are by Europeans when they are abroad. It’s okay to hate them. We hate them too.
Just remember that they are not “average” Americans.
Ye, it’s really true about people assuming that yanks and Brits are basically the same, when we’re not.
I found Americans to be pretty brutal in grading how high up the social ladder you are. I think they like pigeon holing people there (obviously everybody does, but the Americans perhaps even more so).
Also when I speak to Americans, I always have the feeling that there is some sort of hidden reality TV camera there. They make me feel like I am an extra in a film about THEIR life.
Normally it’s more like a monologue than a dialogue… I feel like I could put a nodding doll in my place and sneak away from the conversation without being noticed.
I’m loving these soap boxes, they are brilliant and hilarious. And I totally agree with your view on cultural differences. I’ve just come back from studying in Canada and I was really naive thinking that because we speak the same language, everything will be the same, only bigger and more commercial. But no! They all have so much more confidence, it was terrifying for a hermit such as myself.
You are a funny man indeed, keep up the good work. x
Yes, it is awfully rude to talk about money…unless you’re getting paid for it -
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/celebrity/article.html?in_article_id=447470&in_page_id=181
I think everyone’s already said most of what I could, but….
Brad is a stereotypical American name? o__O I’ve never known any Brads or heard much about any. Except Brad Pitt.
This should be a topic on Small talk for TM&WL, i would like to hear what the boffins would have to say..lol. I look forward to these every week xx.