wonderful, refreshing article. i feel very sad at times to have so many crazy people around me in the us... but as long as we know britain is near by, and not crazy, there is hope!

truen , brooklyn, ny, usa

It was impolite of Russell to inject his politics at an event meant to celebrate music where Dems and Repubs were in the studio and home audience. It's just rude; how does he not expect those he insulted in the audience not to get upset? He has the right to speak, we have the right to react.

connor, ridgecrest, us

I once again have to reiterate that "spaz" does NOT have the same meaning/connotation in the States as it has in the UK. I was frankly surprised the first time I saw an article about it in a British paper. No American would use it to describe someone handicapped - the connection is not there.

Katherine, AZ, USA

Americans have a fetish for pornography? Well that might be so. But then so do the Brits. A study from the Independent Newspaper (an English Newspaper) declared UK the fastest growing porn market in the world. Double standards anyone??

Frank Constanza, Sydney, Australia

Why the fuss, India? Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, David Letterman, and Jay Leno make fun of Bush every night, so Brand did nothing new or edgy there. It's not new to make fun of Christians and virginity in the US either. It's unwise to generalize about a whole country by a few comments on a blog

Carrie Gorr, Chicago,

The majority of people who watched this were deemed to be in the 16-24 age bracket. I suspect most of them are not in the least bit bothered about what RB called Bush. They are up in arms that he dared to mock the Jonas Brothers. To be honest I found Jordan Sparks' comment far more offensive

Lindsay, Scotland,

Brand is 100% responsible for the reaction to his speech. Any experienced public speaker knows that you first must build rapport with your audience and gain their trust. If they identify with you, they will go along with the sarcasm. Instead the audience saw him as an odd, alien, attacker.

Greg F., Redondo Beach, CA, USA

Great article and most of the comments above just reinforce the point.

keith, Boise, USA

The "humor" of Mr. Brand was ill placed, ill considered, and will be ill received. All he managed to do was inflame the opposition a great many Americans have towards the coastal effete elites. As a 25 year old American Attorney, I ask Mr. Brand to stay out of our political affairs.

Ben, Tempe, USA

Well, yes Ms. Knight. But frankly, I wouldn't want my young children to watch British TV, pre-watershed or no! It is in almost every case prurient, foul-mouthed and bordering on the obscene. What did I read recently? The highest level of teenage pregnancy? Thank goodness for the oceans dividing.

Jimmy, Washington, USA

I remember the outrage in the UK in the 60s when Bernard Braden - a Canadian - set himself up as tribune of the people, supposedly righting bureacratic, and other, wrongs. You're right! People do NOT like foreigners telling them what's wrong with their country! Islamists take note!

Archie, Thrapston, England

William, Beaumont, PA, USA

Doesn't feel free to ridicule muslims? We are referring to the man who likes to dress as Osama Bin Laden on possibly the most innapropriate day imaginable...

Kiki, Newcastle,

The more I read about the British and the opinions that the British have about America and the Americans, the happier I am to be an American and to live in America. The only reason Brand derides America and Americans with his brand of "humor," is that he is a bad joke himself, with no self respect.

Jeff Coignard, Warner Robins, Georgia, USA

Funny thing always go funny way, usually people do not need to become too seriously, or think too much. Of course, the humour with high quality deserve our sincere respectation, no mention a talent work often deliever something, fresh or inspiring, which is a great seasoning to people's common life.

Yabin Li, Shanghai, P.R.China

Many Americans feel the way they do about issues such as promiscuity because of their religeous faith. Mr. Brand feels comfortable ridiculing this faith because it has become acceptable to publicly ridicule Christian beliefs.. I'm sure he wouldn't feel as free to ridicule Muslim beliefs...

William , Beaumont, PA, USA

Its just a shame that the US obviously feels ashamed of its leader and is denying to itself that everyone the world over hates it, because, admittedly it is powerful. It is human nature to rebel against the people that have the power. Dont take it seriously, hes a comedian. He was telling jokes!

richard, crawley,

Only 8.5M people out of 350M (US population) saw the award show. We give a voice to a small minority of people and then amplify it as if it is the general opinion of the majority. The fabricated outrage gives newspapers their fabricated story. The moral is - don't believe everything you read.

j marr, Denver, USA

There seem to be a lot of American's retorting with 'you wouldn't like it if an American comedian insulted the Queen'. Quite frankly, I don't think anyone would give a monkeys! Get a sense of humour, you sanctimonious cry babies!

Alice, Leeds,

Wow. 73 comments and counting.

It's almost as if American's can't take a joke.

Surely not...

Richard, London, UK

Let's remember that mockery is the lifeblood of a free society and if the U S of A truly wants to show it's the land of the free then like us British more Americans have to learn to laugh at themselves exactly as Edie Spencer of Portland says-alas,she's too rare a voice of maturity and common sense

Dave, London,

Thing of it is, Russell Brand is not funny, and I'm not referring to his bomb of a performance at the awards either. He's over rated and I wish you'd keep him at home.. morons like him will help encourage votes for McCain.

Marie, Boston, MA US

I saw the headline "America is so odd." We may be odd, but in a crazy way it all works. As much as I have enjoyed visiting other places in this great world, the UK inclued, I would not trade my American birthright for anything!

Sean Hallissey, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA: "your economy will never match US growth..."

No offence Kevin, but have you seen the news at all in the last year? You haven't noticed how your lot have just buggered the whole world's economy? I bet you'll notice when they repossess your house...

Tom, Liverpool, UK

I enjoyed the article, but I caution against generalizing about Americans or anyone else. We don't each embody the contradictions in the article. And yes, many Americans are angered when you criticize the USA. They don't understand criticism can bring self-knowledge and improvement.

Brad Pauley, Los Angeles, California, USA

I agree with Margaret Ev from Toronto. Russell is a demi-god to those of us here in the US that are thoroughly and completely sick of the moron in the white house and the insufferable McCain/Palin robots who would take his place. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves, every one else does!

Donna, Wheat Ridge (Denver), CO, US

"He showed disrespect to his hosts by his partisanship...."

Yes he did. As a British subject, he had no business doing that. He's neither a citizen or a legal resident of the US and should have been mindful of that fact. Basically, he was a guest in a foreign country. His jokes were just ok.

Brenda Spencer, Montclair, USA

The problem is that few of us, regardless of nationality, enjoy watching foreigners poke fun at our institutions or way of life, regardless of how ridiculous we may believe them to be ourselves. It provokes a defensive response, hence many of the comments below. Get over it folks, storm in a tea cup

Andy Price, Halesowen, UK

g botterel london : america prevents a russian tank from every street corner in europe? they didn't hurry to prevent german tanks doing the same thing & if i lived in london i would prefer a russian tank in the street to the out of control knife & gun gangs that patrol that once great city

larry mclean, perth, perth

If anyone watches south park or family guy, they constantly poke fun at the British. There's an episode of south park where the queen tries to re-invade the US, and eventually tops herself when it doesn't work. These shows are really popular over here, because they are JOKES, and we can take it.

Gerald Smythe, London, UK

God has chosen America as his favourite country,thats why politicians are forever saying "God bless America"

iain rae, tunbridge wells, t.w.

As an 18 year old. I didn't watch the VMAs but wish I had. Brand is hilarious and I loved what he said. Americans are odd. and proud!

PS. Is it suddenly 1992? No one says spaz. Maybe those who remember the 1980s.

Kate, Seattle, United States of America

India, this is a great country- but like all great countries, it does have it's contradictions! People can be smart, kind and generous- and they can also be mean, petty and trivial. Tell Russell to not take it personally and go ahead and step it up- many of us can laugh at ourselves!

Edie Spencer, Portland, Oregon, USA

No one minds here if the Queen is insulted.The Royal Family (who are Germans after all) and our prime ministers have been the butt of biting, cruel jokes (Spitting Image) for centuries. Honestly,Russel Brand is very mild!The British frown on excess "patriotism" and love free speech in all its forms.

FJ, London, UK

I find it amusing to read comments from so many of our American cousins along the lines of "how would you like it if an American comedian starting mocking your government / monarchy". This has been going on for decades, and is very well-received. Sanctimony was the right choice of word from IK.

Ed, Zurich,

we were in LA 3 weeks ago, and recently California,and Florida. What time was it, it was 1983! yep, music, hair, home decor, fashins, technology, inner cities, The place is a kinda cute time warp. Bless! They need to get out more.

JG, Auckland, NZ and UK

Ms. Ev from Toronto:
Russell Brand is not a demi-god in my Canada. Don't generalize.

Tom, Walnut Grove

Tom, Walnut Grove,

Wish I'd seen it, hopefully there will be reruns. In any case, it's always a bit tetchy when a foreigner starts giving voting advice here, but his remarks about President Bush are supported or at least accepted by three quarters of the country. Trouble is, the fundies are a nation unto themselves.

DBX, Chicago, USA

I suppose "brilliantly written" means "I agree with it" to Margaret. Ev in Toronto. Sheesh. What bothers me is that comedians ought to lampoon all politicians, including Obama. Finally, I bet Bush could beat Brand in a debate.

tkehler, vancouver, canada

To tell you how important it was...I didn't even know it happened. You mean people still watch MTV? As for crackpots...they're everywhere.

DOug, San Antonio, US

VMA's is a big deal in America? You've got to be kidding. Far more offensive jokes about the Jonas brothers are routine on morning radio all over the States.
The Brand story was NOT a big deal; it's getting more attention in the U.K. than the States. Perhaps India is the odd one.

T., Madison, USA

Well put Erin. Imagine a US comic on a UK TV show being broadcast around the world saying that the head of state is a retard, and making fun of Brit youth culture, say, gangs on no-hope council sink estates, teenage welfare dependency or the regular fatal knifings. Gee that would be a giggle.

David Bewley, Brisbane, Australia

I'm an American, for better or for worse--sometimes I'm proud and often I'm embarassed...but most times I just say, "hey, what can I say?" and shrug my shoulders--and collectively we are the strangest, oddest, most contradictory bunch in the universe. It's all material for my novel.

Robin, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA

Though I agree with a lot of what is being said, I am not sure how much I agree with the critical standpoint that is being taken. America as a relatively new cultural formation continues to develop itself through the insecurities and fears of its history. And this, we must learn to respect.

Yasushi, London,

As a Brit living in Boston it's hard to recognise the part of America that finds R.Brand offensive and Sarah Palin as a saviour. The Americans I know are intelligent and deeply ashamed that their nation voted Bush in twice and could be about to inflict another disastrous administration on the world

James, Boston, USA

"The show goes out live and is a very big deal in America."
It is not a big deal in America, no one cares about the MTV Video Awards. I don't know anyone who watched it, and I am in a key demographic group for the damn thing.

Tim, Arlington, VA, United States

I for one enjoyed Russell Brand. It's MTV, after all! I thought his jokes were tame compared to some of the stuff that's happened at those live awards in years past.
MTV and the VMAs have become so irrelevant to anyone over 18 years of age, it was nice to have someone smart bring incisive humor.

Jeanie, Miramar, USA

What I love about America, is that as an ordinary middle class guy I can afford a great big comfortable house, whereas to achieve the same standard of living in the UK, I'd need to be one of India's set!

Richard, Chicago, IL

India,

I don't think "odd" is the correct word. The thing is the United States has literally hundreds of different cultural groups, so of course there will be vast numbers of contradictions.

Lisa, Webster Groves, USA

I think the most troubling thing for me was how comfortable everyone is using the word retarded. It's an unnecessary slur that hurts and demeans people with special needs. Say what you want about President Bush, but don't drag down people with special needs along with him. They are innocent!

mary, nyc, usa

Frankly, I'm glad we dumped the loathsome Brand on the Americans. They deserve each other!

William, Guildford, UK

I am an American who had no problems with what he said and talked about it the next day with my friends , who also laughed just thinking about his comments . No offense was taken, many of us in the USA know Bush should be brought up on war crimes.

steve, Boston, USA

Amazing how often I read in the British press about Americans not observing our prized ideal, "Freedom of Speech," because some of us don't like something that's been said and go out of our way to say so. Pardon me, but that is exactly free speech. It cuts every which way. Say it; but be ready!

mark peters, pierce city, USA

Why no jokes about Obama? Is he the Untouchable One?

Mike, Rome, Italy

Do you actually believe enough people in the United States cared what Russell Brand said on MTV to merit this silly, pointless article?
Watch Tina Fay parody Sarah Palin on Saturday
Night Live. Funny and relevant. Russell Brand was neither.

J.Mitchell, Geneva,

Hm, Mrs. Knight, you are quite good in making up prejudices about other countries. Weren't you the one that recently stated how evil Austrians are? Who's next on your vilification list?

Tom, Cardiff,

An Englishwoman calling Americans weird.

So which are you, Ms Knight - the pot or the kettle?

John F, London,

To say that Brand's jokes were "sanitised for America" is complete nonsense. He had to tone it down because the program was going to air on LIVE television. The same would have been done in the UK. Plus, the VMAs are broadcast around the world, not only in America.

Mark, dayton, USA

I didn't have any problems with Brand's jokes. But just to put it in perspective, imagine an American comedian calling the Queen (YOUR chief of state) a retard.

Also, I remember the outrage that insued when Marat Safin said he hated London and couldn't stand your pasta. So don't act so pure.

Mark, dayton, usa

I must say that from reading these comments from U.S compatriots I am quite embarrassed to call my self American, apologies for our naivety.

I also believe RB is rather humorous.

Regards

Jon

Jon, New York,

Ms Knight is right. Americans are odd. Why, they have have protected all of Europe from the Russians for 60 years, and still have not imbibed UK, or Euro, sensiblities.

I know, many Europeans would prefer to have a Russian tank on every street corner, and perhaps they will still get their wish.

Germaine Botterel, London,

The problem is that you can't make generalizations about a country with 300 million people of various shapes and sizes. Articles like this only serve to show how silly the Brits are when it comes to trying to "understand" America. Russell is great, but even he doesn't get it sometimes.

Guy, Minneapolis, MN

".. bottomless abuse for anybody who has the temerity to voice dissent"? Try the liberals - they enforce an ideological purity which is positively Stalinist. Just ask Joe Lieberman. Ms. Knight is the first person I've seen who thinks Californians are somehow normal. Cor stone the crows.

Jonathan Hayes, Corvallis, OR, U.S.A.

I'm a huge fan of Russell Brand (and that other hilarous Goth Noel Fielding) and I thought that he had toned it down a hell of a lot.

Easily offended Americans, you should hear some of the hilarously offensive stuff he comes out with, on second thoughts, it's probably better you don't!

kim, london,

Excellent article describes the US perfectly. The abstinence programs that don't work ,the USA has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in the developed world, and a vast appetite for porn. "and above all the sanctimony ." GW deserves as much malice as can be found. Many US citizens think so too.

Bernie, Romford, UK

"Television news and entertainment channels talked of nothing else for days, editorials were written, the blogosphere went mad"

Now that's completely absurd. The only thing on tv news lately has been election coverage and hurricanes. This was not THAT big a deal. Anyway, blame the damn neocons.

Hail, Cleveland, usa

What on earth do Americans think would happen if someone insults the Queen? That they would be carried immediately to the Tower for beheading?

I'm no fan of Brand but this is on a par with the furore about Janet Jackson's breast - a storm in a D cup.

J.Wilkes, Gloucester,

Imagine Brits giving Americans election advice! Your democracy has been stolen by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, crime in London is worse than the worst US city, your economy will never match US growth, and there are no-go 'hoods in your cities because of a problem that can't be discussed!

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

...and this from a dope that looks like a used toilet brush!

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

Americans think we dont insult the royal family (not that they compare to the pres) or the PM ( a better comparison)?!
They are the butt of all jokes here, we Brits can take it as much as we can dish it thank you very much.
The U.S claims it is the land of free- pff
PS- THE QUEEN DOES NOT GOVN UK

Lewis Kne, Dubai, UAE

I think the reason for the outrage is that there is a segment of the population for whom being Republican is a religion, and making fun of Bush is blapshemy. Since they have to endure quite a bit of it, they are waiting for a chance to crucify someone who steps over a line.

kh, Boston, MA, USA

Justin Saj - Benny Hill is cerebral? In any case, have you even seen Brand perform or are you going by his picture and this exaggerated incident? I think charming and cerebral is an apt description.

kh, Boston, MA, USA

I adore Russell, his jokes are barely offensive and I think this article is spot on. Everyone's just overly sensitive nowadays, trying to be politically correct. You have to admit, George Bush is an idiot, and compared to him, Russell Brand is a genius.

Hannah, London,

Erin: "Perhaps the Americans do not appreciate a foreigner, who knows very little of their culture and way of life, coming to their country and behaving like a crass, unfunny loudmouth."

Sounds like 90% of American tourists I've had the misfortune to meet in our city.

Anna, Zurich, Switzerland

Russell Brand - a charming, cerebral comedian ? You are either lying or have no idea what a good comedian is? Try Peter Sellers, Benny Hll or even Ricky Gervais.
Secondly, how would it go over in Britain if an American comedian attacked the queen or attacked Niclaos Sarkozy in France?

Justin Saj, New York,

It is funny that some Americans think it is an argument that Russell Brand being a foreigner is not aloud to say stuff about the US or the president etc . America is probably the country interfering most in the business of other countries (not in a happy comedian kind of way ) so kettle..black?

Maria , Amsterdam, Netherlands

Funny ,isn't it, that you and the foul mouthed Brand, think he can be insulting and that is funny. (I' d like to see him insult Islam in Pakistan.) However, when people 'insult' him back that is 'toxic'. No my dear lady, that is their view and they are entitled to it - try a little tolerance!

Summer, Milton Keynes,

Calling Bush a retard is hardly the soul of wit or originality. I find Brand utterly ghastly, witless and depressing. He showed disrespect to his hosts by his partisanship, and incidentally made his countrymen look like retards- after all, we created this grotesque.

Colin MacKinnon, Oxford, United Kingdom

I am from America. I, for one, love Russell. He is brilliant in my opinion. This article is great and I concur. thanks

stang, Pasadena, USA

You have it wrong. (except the part about Spears which is, sadly, all too true.) The only sane places in this country aren't in California or in New York, (We can debate parts of Washington and Oregon another time.) Christians aren't allowed to speak, save ersatz comments by socialists.

Lissa, Sacramento, USA

Idiotic humor, or shallow, tasteless humor is offensive and insulting to one's intelligence. I expect that some folks in the UK would take exception if another country's "comedian" crudely insulted your Queen. On the other hand, perhaps I expect too much from a once great nation.

Al, Florida

Al Ventoso, Hobe Sound, FL

Many of us "cross ponders" have had a strong appreciation for British humor dating back to Monty Python days, but is MTV a shrinking teapot with a new tempest? Surprised anyone who watches MTV programing would be adversely affected by the critical remarks of the newest imported jester.

david tinnon, Nampa, Idaho, USA

there is no homour without malice.the guy was malicious about george.w. bush. people are partial but t savage someone and keeping sient about a wind bag is nuseating.

r.kshan, mumba, idia

Russel Brand was diluted for the American audience who cannot cope with satire at full strength. The fakes of their own show-biz world completely collapse under objective scrutiny from outside. American popular culture is so thin and fragile it is like a mist easily blown away with a puff of wind.

Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom

Agree with Erin from Dublin, and I guess the folk from over the globe enjoying US "education" by force on how they should live their lives would agree whole heartedly but might wish it was words and not bullets, or economic blackmail that the point was being made with to them.

mike, B'ham, England

I think that when you are a guest in another country it's not the done thing to rip into that nations elected leader in such a rude manner; comedian or not. Remember, the man was elected after all, so Brand is insulting the judgement of a hell of a lot of people whom he's never met.

Kenny Moore, Niagara Falls, Canada

Perhaps the Americans do not appreciate a foreigner, who knows very little of their culture and way of life, coming to their country and behaving like a crass, unfunny loudmouth. Just a thought.

Erin, Dublin, Ire

The Dixie Chicks got death threats for saying that they were ashamed that Bush was from Texas, and many country radio stations pulled their music. Mocking Bush is like mocking their god.... But many Americans cheered when the DC's response, "Not Ready To Make Nice", won every Grammy award going.

Tina Rhea, Greenbelt Maryland, US

Go on the 'net, talk to Americans and find that they are, apparently, crackpot and as thick as two short planks. But it's an act. Victorian Britain had cognitive dissonance due to great disparity in wealth and official Christianity. The USA has it far worse, being richer and founded by Puritans.

Jim Guest, G. Manchester,

It seems peculiar that some people feel that they can insult anyone they please without consequence and call it 'artistic licence'. However, you reap what you sow! Don't cry about it.

Chris G, Nottingham, UK

Not all Americans are like that - no one I know wears purity rings, I hate George Bush, and I found Russell Brand funny. You should be wary of lumping all Americans together. Just because some people give us a bad name doesn't mean that the entire country thinks that way.

Kate, Connecticut, U.S.

the problem with Russell's act was not that it was edgy, it was; but also mean spirited and unsubtle. but it was not funny; the line about the scissors is at least 25 years old, and unlike most of Russell's humour, the act didn't have a complex and sweet natured centre...it was just spiteful.

michael, long beach, usa

l too been quite taken aback by the reaction to Brand's performance at the VMAs. What India didn't mention was Jordin Sparks' 'comeback' to his comments re promise rings and the Jonas Brothers' well-documented virginity. I wasn't aware that sexually active "girls and guys" are "sluts".

Jennifer Bailey, London, UK

Brilliantly written
Mr.Brand went off a real treat in Canada..he said a lot of stuff about the US that we're too polite to say here in North America's last commonwealth (Canada).
Needless to say Russell is now a demi-god in Canada.
I'm sure many women here would love to pour maple syrup all over him

Margaret Ev, Toronto, Canada