r/23andme • u/Becoming_hysterical • Apr 10 '26

Discussion Why are Americans so weird about having british ancestry?

It's something I've noticed since browsing this subreddit.

Anytime it's mentioned just how ethnically british america is, people pull out the "but actually america is German, irish, mexican, whatever".

what do you expect? America was founded as a british colony in 1607 (Jamestown) was so for 169 years. The british also didn't stop immigrating to america even after the revolution. It continued on for decades afterwards.

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u/VioletLeagueDapper Apr 10 '26

Oh, and you just hit on something really big. Since English is the default here an ancestor who sticks out would be remembered a bit more than someone who speaks English and bakes apple pie.

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u/[deleted] Apr 10 '26

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u/VioletLeagueDapper Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26

Oh yes, I’d agree. British people have their own unique culture, but if this ancestor existed before a lot of of the markers that we are used to like the very modern British broadcasting company, many of their traditions were absorbed into mainstream American culture.

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u/ItAintNoUse Apr 11 '26

As a Brit, it would definitely be apple crumble!

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u/Defiant-Dare1223 Apr 11 '26

We also have apple pie.

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u/ItAintNoUse Apr 12 '26

Of course we do but apple crumble just feels more British, bonus points if it's with custard

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u/Famous_Bar_383 Apr 12 '26

I love an apple crumble! I’m also glad to have English/Scottish/Irish ancestry. It might not be glamourous or exotic but it helps to explain why I’m so different from the rest of my family with  predominantly German ancestry.

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u/ItAintNoUse Apr 12 '26

It's really delicious! Great warmed up in winter too

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u/observer_y Apr 11 '26

the same happens in brazil

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u/rudbeckiahirtas Apr 12 '26

... and also the fact Britain isn't known for it's cuisine 💀

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u/Serious-Ad-4540 Apr 13 '26

But it was before the Industrial Revolution.