Does Britain have an authoritarian culture?

[Wilson23]

I recall in "Life of Python" -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Python -- one of the Monty Python team, I think it was Eric Idle, said, "Authority in England is this great looming nonsense, and you're not allowed to laugh at it, except quietly among yourselves." He gave the impression that this is something that needs explaining to Americans.

Britain has long been considered the most libertarian country in Europe -- if the above is true, what does it say about the Continent?!

 

[Wilson23]

I have noticed that on "Doctor Who," authority figures are usually assholes -- it's much more marked than in any American show.

 

[Bray123]

I have noticed that on "Doctor Who," authority figures are usually assholes -- it's much more marked than in any American show.

Maybe it's because Americans are brought up to obey cops, if you are doing nothing wrong you have nothing to fear etc. Millionaires and Hollywood stars are all hard working and talented.

Brits are told that upper class twits and pompous oafs are to be disrespected. I'd be hard pushed to think of any recent TV show that presented upper classes to be better than the working class 'just because', since the era of Tarzan and Robin Hood who disappointingly had to turn out to be nobility.

Two of the UK political party leaders have knighthoods, but both were routine awards from previous jobs rather than hereditary. In the US only multi-millionaires become presidents.