I have a friend who is from England, and has a strong English accent. And there seems to be a stereotype that people with British accents (especially Scottish or English accents) are people with high intelligence. Maybe it’s all the James Bond movies where most of the good guys are really smart with strong British accents, but it seems to be that having an English accent gives people instant credibility with even total strangers.

Like, when my friend and I were at a restaurant, I told the waiter the mashed potatoes were watery and he didn’t do anything about it. BUT then my friend told the waiter the mashed potatoes were watery and he said “I’m sorry, ma’am” and he promptly ordered more mashed potatoes for us. We’ve had similar experiences where maybe we’re at church and the temperature is too hot. I’ve told one of the deacons who didn’t take me seriously, but then my English friend told a deacon and they immediately adjusted the thermostat. And I’ve been going to this church for a long time, but they ignored my comment, but my British friend mentioned the temperature and they immediately fixed it.

I believe someone with a British accent could say the earth is flat, or the same person could say that dinosaurs are still alive, and a bunch of people would believe it just because some British said it. Has anyone else had experiences like this with friends who have strong British accents? Any thoughts on why British accents seem to give someone instant credibility?