Anyone know where the literary cliche of an "American friend" being implicit with adultery comes from?

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Fri, 2005-08-12 13:39

I'm writing my creative writing dissertation at the moment (thanks to ABC for suddenly coming to life just when I didn't need any distractions!) and for a reasons that are too dull to explain I want my character to be reading a novel in his English class where there is an adulterous American friend. American friends - correct me if I'm wrong - are often associated with adultery. Yes? Any ideas of books that contain these elusive American friends?

I would much appreciate the help.

Thanks!

Joe

Fri, 2005-08-12 16:16

radiodenver

I've not heard that one before. If it's a British thing, then perhaps it relates to when Edward abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry the divorced American Wallis Simpson. Maybe. Back then, being divorced was not a sign of high moral standard, so perhaps it may relate to this. Plus, it's not uncommon to demonize another culture by creating a handy foil, and Americans are great targets to use for such purposes. I'm guessing at all of this, does make one wonder. Over here, we have the stereotype Brit as being a stodgy, self indulged nit-wit. It's not a bug...it's a feature.

It's not a bug...it's a feature.

Fri, 2005-08-12 16:34

justyn_thyme

I never heard of it either, 'our American friends' appears in British spy novels in reference to the CIA.

Fri, 2005-08-12 17:00

camus

I have a feeling that having an 'American friend' may have started during the second world war when the G.I's came. Many women had affairs with the American soldiers, (my Grandmother included) whilst their own boyfriends, fiances or husbands were away fighting.

Fri, 2005-08-12 23:04

tcook

Never heard of it. I think a 'Ugandan relationship' is more widespread.

Sat, 2005-08-13 00:20

radiodenver

I think Camus may be on to something...it never occurred to me that many British women weren't chaste during the war. It's not a bug...it's a feature.

It's not a bug...it's a feature.

Sat, 2005-08-13 01:16

Tyler King

Never heard of it

Tyler King

Tue, 2005-08-16 10:51

Brooklands

Yes, I think Camus is right too. It sounds convincing to me... Well, it's in th dissertation now. The English class became a History class. Cheers! Joe

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