It is most certainly the case that living away from one's source culture has a profound effect on your perception of the world. It's important to note, however

It is most certainly the case that living away from one's source culture has a profound effect on your perception of the world. It's important to note, however, that none of what Mr Carson describes was caused by Britain and the British specifically. I can say that because I'm from there and I am one. And yet I can report much the same: I moved overseas to unfamiliar shores, and the result has been an enlightenment, a much clearer perspective on the parochial vs the universal. To look back at one's origin with fresh eyes. It's refreshing and challenging and will change anyone with a shred of self-analytical capability. This became clearest to me when living in the Netherlands. There were two identifiable Dutch social modes: either cliquish & insular, or open & welcoming. The latter was strongly correlated to those Dutch who had travelled. I'm not saying the former were unfriendly, it was a matter of acceptance: I was simply always a guest. I have observed this trait in many since, and in myself. Note that I do not believe an overseas holiday is sufficient to achieve this. You'll have to stay somewhere, become at least a little bit of a local. My experience has been that six months is sufficient, two years is optimal.