Pages

Saturday, April 14, 2007

The British Invasion

In the past the term "British Invasion had a different meaning than it does to me today. "The British Invasion" was an influx of rock and roll, beat and pop performers from the United Kingdom who became popular in the United States, Australia, Canada and elsewhere. The classic British Invasion was in 1964-1966, but the term may also be applied to later "waves" of UK artists that had significant impact on entertainment markets outside of Britain.
Now, I use the term "British Invasion" when I talk about ATM machines. This may not be true in all areas around the U.S., but here in Iowa this holds true. Do you know what I am talking about? You pull up to an ATM machine to get some cold hard cash.... pop in your card... and then she speaks to you. The ATM belts out a greeting in a British Accent. Wait a minute... I thought I lived in the United States... Not England. So I proceed with my transaction and then the British voice (I call her Matilda) says goodbye. I just wonder why? Why a Britsh accent? Why not something that makes me feel like I am in my own country? Just a thought.

1 comment:

  1. I think an ATM with a voice of Indian tech support would be even funnier :)
    (imagine Apu greeting you at the ATM)

    ReplyDelete