Indeed! Living around Washington DC most of my life will do that. My 15 years down in the South has done little to change my accent ...tho' I've been known to utter the occasional "y'all" once in a blue moon.
I think I can safely speak for all Americans when I say we accept no responsibility for Dick Van Dyke's horrid accent and bad comedy. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the last straw...ye gods.
i lived in Laurel Maryland for 8 years and got accused of having a southern drawl, albeit, not thick. Dont think that being in Washington DC will save you from being accused of a redneck up her in Massachusetts. as for the yanks, i love listening to all the english accents, from england all the way down to new zealand and Australia. and they're the nicest most civilized people. then again i was born in germany and love a good german or european accent too. but voice doesnt make the person. its about having fun, not what accent he/she has!
PS i loved chitty chitty bang bang!! horrid accent or not, they were fun movies
<S> to all!! no disrespect meant to anyone!