Excusing Americans

[Ishmael]

Busty, your questions/concerns seem sincere, and without the intellectual arrogance of "some" others; and I shouldn't "bait" you the way I was.

Busty, I am probably more aware of how other countries view the U.S. than most people you will talk with. I grew up mostly outside the U.S. and for the last 17 years, I have traveled internationally more than 35 weeks each year. I work for a Swiss company and I manage operations and sales in Latin America.

Let me give you a little perspective. You and I are Americans. You don't like Bush...... I do. You think the "War against terrorism" is a sham...... I think it's been handled pretty damn well. You probably favor Palestine in their conflict with Israel..... I think Arafat is a war-monger who wants regional war in the worst way....... NOW, if you and I can have such diametrically different views of politics and social policy in America, but we are both Americans, WHY IN THE HELL would we expect people from any other country in the world to agree with either one of us on anything.........?????????

Most people in the world have a bit of resentment for the U.S. because we have so much influence on their lives, but we really never acknowledge their existence. What I mean is this, the export of American pop-culture through movies, TV, and music has a daily and very noticable influence on the daily lives of most people in the world. Yet, we are like the older brother who is adored by the younger brother, but we ignore him in public.

The Middle-East is another story completely. That seems to be a land of tribalism and hatred. As the world gets smaller, the reach of middle-eastern hatred reaches further. We are no longer out of reach. Just NEVER blame the actions of the criminal on the behavior of the victim.

My reasons for saying (in my earlier post) that I really don't care what the rest of the world thinks about America or Americans, is that I don't think there is a damn thing we can do to help our "image" in the rest of the world. Regardless to our actions and policies, we are damned if we do, and damned if we don't.

Good post Texan. Probaly as good an explanation as can be had.

As far as what foriegners thinks of the US? I think back to something my grandfather used to say. "Forget about the mule. The mule's fine, load the wagon."

Ishmael

 

[Texan]

Good post Texan. Probaly as good an explanation as can be had.

As far as what foriegners thinks of the US? I think back to something my grandfather used to say. "Forget about the mule. The mule's fine, load the wagon."

Ishmael

Thanks Ishmael........... I read a lot more than I post, but when I read threads that you are in the middle of, I usually find myself in agreement with you.

That, of course, is probably because we are both over-40 white males......hahaha...... "They ignore us..... they insult us........ but they still send us the bill......."

 

[BustyTheClown]

Thanks Ishmael........... I read a lot more than I post, but when I read threads that you are in the middle of, I usually find myself in agreement with you.

That, of course, is probably because we are both over-40 white males......hahaha...... "They ignore us..... they insult us........ but they still send us the bill......."

For the record, I tend to almost always disagree with Ishmael, so it sort of scares me that I, too, agree with you, Texan. I see what you meant now, and I can understand why you feel the way you do -- it's understandable that people in other countries would dismiss us because we have so many different views. But that begs the question, do all people in other countries/nations have the same view of something just because it is law? I don't think that's the *best* reasoning, but I definitely see where you're coming from. Thanks for clarifying.

By the way, I don't support either the Palestinians or the Israelis. I'm one of those "Why can't we all just love each other?!" people and I cannot understand why these nations are fighting -- and have been fighting -- so vehemently for whatever it is they think they're fighting for. I don't think they even know anymore. In any case, I don't think war is EVER a solution to conflicts with other countries/nations -- or a solution to conflicts within a country -- and therefore cannot condone any of what is going on in the Middle East.

 

[bored1]

the only thing i can think of is that many people see the people of the country as represented by the government we have. and since our government is currently comprised of upper class white conservative males, and they have this thought that they need to protect us from everything.

anywyas, aside from political issues i'd say that some people disagree with the nation as a whole on its religious views, let alone political views. and i would say that the religion thing lies more heavily as a reason than anything else.

And what were we when Clinton was Presidente? The world always hates the top dog. Easier to blame America than deal with your own governments failings. Fuck what others think.

 

[paphian]

<snip>
In any case, I don't think war is EVER a solution to conflicts with other countries/nations -- or a solution to conflicts within a country -- and therefore cannot condone any of what is going on in the Middle East.

Abstracting this from the Mideast situation, wars are sometimes necessary. WWII being a prima facie example of one that was, IMHO.

As regards the Mideast, though, I suspect that one thing, and one thng only maintains the rest of the world's interest in the area: Oil. Were it not for that, I suspect most of the rest of the world would be perfectly happy, at this point, to allow all of the parties involved to hammer away at each other until there was only one of them left. I know I sure would be. The amount of completly conterproductive mule-headedness on both sides of the conflict over there beggars rational description.

As to the opinions of other countries about the USA...

In the times I've been overseas, I've noticed many Americans do much to reinforce bad opinions of us. They publicly denigrate anything that's not "American enough" for their comfort. IMO, this is just like going over to a new acquaintances' house and vilifying their decorating. It's rude, at the very least. And one can't be truly surprised at the results.

I personally think we Americans live in one of the best places in the world. Obviously millions of immigrants each year share that opinion. Nonetheless, that doesn't automatically make every other place a "shit hole," any more than me liking my house best makes yours a pit.

My 2¢

 

[p_p_man]

A mixture of many things:

On Lit we have a majority of thoughtful, intellectual, educated and experienced individuals who can answer a thread like this and reply to it with honesty. They can truly see themselves as others see them. Unfortunately they are the majority only on this Bulletin Board.

The minority are the usual court jesters, spoilers and abusers who are inapable of replying to a thread like this without repeating a string of jingoisms, sound bites and popular myths.

Unfortunately it's the Court Jesters who seem to be in the majority in the US as a whole, or, if not in the majority the most vociferous.

A collection of the Court Jester Statements That The World Has Thrust Down Its Throat

America is best
America is the Leader of the Free World
America has the greatest democracy in the world
America is the only true democracy
America kicks arse
America has the biggest (insert anything here)
America has the best (insert anything you want here)
America has the the greatest (insert anything you want here)
America is the richest
America is the wealthiest
America is the greatest
America has the strongest economy
America has the biggest military
America doesn't care what other countries think of her
America saved your arses
America got you out of shit
What business is it of yours what America does?
Everyone is jealous of America
Everyone hates a top dog
Everyone else is jealous of us
Everyone else wants to be like us
Everyone else wishes they were us
Everyone else criticises America and then get their sorry arses over here as quick as they can

Now that's just a sample. The list can go on and on and on.

Saying something repetively over and over again has one of two effects.

Either the rest of the world begins to believe what you're saying or, and this is what actually happens...

Look upon you as a bunch of uneducated, arrogant boneheads who are so wrapped up in your egos and steeped in the belief of your own propaganda that you can't see beyond your own coastline. A people who can't take criticism and a people who lash out at everything and everyone if they feel they are being even remotely slighted.

Why is it that the arrogant, bullying, stupid, aggressive, ignorant, unworldlyand uneducated sterotype doesn't quite fit in with all the Americans I've ever met personally?

ppman

 

[bored1]

Re: A mixture of many things:

On Lit we have a majority of thoughtful, intellectual, educated and experienced individuals who can answer a thread like this and reply to it with honesty. They can truly see themselves as others see them. Unfortunately they are the majority only on this Bulletin Board.

The minority are the usual court jesters, spoilers and abusers who are inapable of replying to a thread like this without repeating a string of jingoisms, sound bites and popular myths.

Unfortunately it's the Court Jesters who seem to be in the majority in the US as a whole, or, if not in the majority the most vociferous.

A collection of the Court Jester Statements That The World Has Thrust Down Its Throat

America is best
America is the Leader of the Free World
America has the greatest democracy in the world
America is the only true democracy
America kicks arse
America has the biggest (insert anything here)
America has the best (insert anything you want here)
America has the the greatest (insert anything you want here)
America is the richest
America is the wealthiest
America is the greatest
America has the strongest economy
America has the biggest military
America doesn't care what other countries think of her
America saved your arses
America got you out of shit
What business is it of yours what America does?
Everyone is jealous of America
Everyone hates a top dog
Everyone else is jealous of us
Everyone else wants to be like us
Everyone else wishes they were us
Everyone else criticises America and then get their sorry arses over here as quick as they can

Now that's just a sample. The list can go on and on and on.

Saying something repetively over and over again has one of two effects.

Either the rest of the world begins to believe what you're saying or, and this is what actually happens...

Look upon you as a bunch of uneducated, arrogant boneheads who are so wrapped up in your egos and steeped in the belief of your own propaganda that you can't see beyond your own coastline. A people who can't take criticism and a people who lash out at everything and everyone if they feel they are being even remotely slighted.

Why is it that the arrogant, bullying, stupid, aggressive, ignorant, unworldlyand uneducated sterotype doesn't quite fit in with all the Americans I've ever met personally?

ppman

p_pman I just returned from what you all call a pub. So I must repeat myself. Fuck what others think

 

[p_p_man]

Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

p_pman I just returned from what you all call a pub. So I must repeat myself. Fuck what others think

I always ignore people who have been drinking.

They are talking whilst the balance of their minds is disturbed...

 

[WriterDom]

Re: A mixture of many things:

America is best
America is the Leader of the Free World
America has the greatest democracy in the world
America is the only true democracy
America kicks arse
America has the biggest (insert anything here)
America has the best (insert anything you want here)
America has the the greatest (insert anything you want here)
America is the richest
America is the wealthiest
America is the greatest
America has the strongest economy
America has the biggest military
America doesn't care what other countries think of her
America saved your arses
America got you out of shit
What business is it of yours what America does?
Everyone is jealous of America
Everyone hates a top dog
Everyone else is jealous of us
Everyone else wants to be like us
Everyone else wishes they were us
Everyone else criticises America and then get their sorry arses over here as quick as they can

It's asses, not arses. Learn to speak English you King sucking Brit Euro want to be.

 

[bored1]

Re: Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

I always ignore people who have been drinking.

They are talking whilst the balance of their minds is disturbed...

I'm a disturbed individual, the imbibing of Dewars brings it all to the surface.

 

[Mischka]

Re: A mixture of many things:

America kicks arse

Americans don't kick arse. We kick ass. Silly foreigner.

 

[p_p_man]

Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

It's asses, not arses. Learn to speak English you King sucking Brit Euro want to be.

and that's wannabe you arrogant, egoistic ex-colonial...

 

[p_p_man]

I always thought Americans said asses...

because they had some sort of unhealthy affinity with mules and donkeys...

Kiss my ass?

 

[amiss]

Well, many of you have very valid points. But I'm not going to add a rebuttal or tack anything on to specific points.

In general, it seems that Americans are so poorly perceived by others because (as a whole) they come across as over-the-top-patriotic (thus leading to views of self-absorbtion and egocentricity) and uncaring/unknowledgeable of others.

In school, Americans pledge allegiance. I'm not speaking for anyone, but I can't think of another country that does that. They're also tirelessly taught about American history and geography. Last I heard, you didn't really cover any other countries in those lessons. At least in Canada (if not other places, such as Britain perhaps), we're taught some American content, as well as other countries. Because we recognize their importance.

Americans seem to have little regard for other countries, outside of how it effects them. (Above posts have simply reaffirmed this point.)

So why does everyone hate America? Well, it's been summed up before, and will be again. I won't bother repeating the insults; you already know 'em.

 

[Cheyenne]

Thanks Ishmael........... I read a lot more than I post, but when I read threads that you are in the middle of, I usually find myself in agreement with you.

That, of course, is probably because we are both over-40 white males......hahaha...... "They ignore us..... they insult us........ but they still send us the bill......."

Can an over 40 white female join in on this party of agreement?

Except on that cheese thing. Forget BOTH the frog cheese and the California cheddar. You need real Wisconsin cheese, from America's Dairyland.

 

[WhiteRose]

Re: A mixture of many things:

America is best
America is the Leader of the Free World
America has the greatest democracy in the world
America is the only true democracy
America kicks arse
America has the biggest (insert anything here)
America has the best (insert anything you want here)
America has the the greatest (insert anything you want here)
America is the richest
America is the wealthiest
America is the greatest
America has the strongest economy
America has the biggest military
America doesn't care what other countries think of her
America saved your arses
America got you out of shit
What business is it of yours what America does?
Everyone is jealous of America
Everyone hates a top dog
Everyone else is jealous of us
Everyone else wants to be like us
Everyone else wishes they were us
Everyone else criticises America and then get their sorry arses over here as quick as they can

Don't be bitter just because most of that list is true, and ask yourself why so many of your own threads are aimed at putting America as a country down.

America DOES have problems, and I think almost EVERYONE agrees with that. Does that have anything to do with the American people? Not all of it. Putting the government decisions aside (which has made mistakes during every one of it's presidential terms...but then our government, like yours, is made up of people, not gods...and they have human failings and shortsightedness), yes we have poverty here, yes we have crime here, and yes we ARE working to fix those things, albeit slowly it seems. Personally, I wish we'd concentrate more on fixing the things within our own boundaries first before getting involved in issues further afield, but you name any two large countries in a war who DON'T expect the U.S. to step in and help one or both of them resolve their differences...and you name ANY country that doesn't have problems. Sure, we're the big kid on the block, which makes us easy targets for finger pointing, but we've also done a lot of good in the world.

 

[sigh]

Well, many of you have very valid points. But I'm not going to add a rebuttal or tack anything on to specific points.

In general, it seems that Americans are so poorly perceived by others because (as a whole) they come across as over-the-top-patriotic (thus leading to views of self-absorbtion and egocentricity) and uncaring/unknowledgeable of others.

In school, Americans pledge allegiance. I'm not speaking for anyone, but I can't think of another country that does that. They're also tirelessly taught about American history and geography. Last I heard, you didn't really cover any other countries in those lessons. At least in Canada (if not other places, such as Britain perhaps), we're taught some American content, as well as other countries. Because we recognize their importance.

Americans seem to have little regard for other countries, outside of how it effects them. (Above posts have simply reaffirmed this point.)

So why does everyone hate America? Well, it's been summed up before, and will be again. I won't bother repeating the insults; you already know 'em.

so untrue in so many ways

we pledge allegiance...so what?...i find it a little odd myself but believe me, it didn't indoctrinate me to be a mindless little patriotic robot...if you knew me (or anybody apparently from the states) you couldn't say this and mean it...ask the conservs here...i'm a bee in their collective butts

uncaring and unknowledgeable?...well isn't that rude...when i was in second grade (a pubic school) we were studying china and brazil, then in third we did egypt and france and it was two countries a year through fifth grade...i didn't get a single, fully dedicated unit on american history until i was in middle school and yes, from that point on we got a good dose of american history but i took world history for a full year in high school and various lit courses that reflected all cultures

world geography? spin a globe and stick your finger on it at random and i'll bet i could tell you more about that place than 95% of the people on this earth

in college i studied world religions and the cultures of eastern africa and southeast asia before immersing myself in my major field of study (and this was strictly on an elective basis because i WANTED to...pretty strange behavior for a self-absorbed egocentric, wouldn't you say?)

i have yet to insult anybody ever in my entire life based only on where they are from or what country/race/religion they may have had the fortune or misfortune to be born into because i was taught that such generalized stereotypes are wrong

clearly you can't say the same

and guess what? despite what some americans here are said, many, many, many of us do care what the world thinks of us...and the fact that our current president doesn't is, in my opinion, a sad and dangerous thing



(edited for content, to make a sentence mean what i meant is to say)

 

[p_p_man]

Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

Don't be bitter just because most of that list is true

Maybe it is but what I refrained from mentioning is that the constant repeating of it to the rest of us can only mean that you either don't believe it yourselves, you know like the person who's always saying they're the best person in the company at their job and they'll never be replaced, or Americans haven't yet come to terms with learning humility...

ppman

 

[amiss]

Apparently my benign comments have lead to acid-laced remarks

Quote:

Originally posted by amiss:
Well, many of you have very valid points. But I'm not going to add a rebuttal or tack anything on to specific points.

In general, it seems that Americans are so poorly perceived by others because (as a whole) they come across as over-the-top-patriotic (thus leading to views of self-absorbtion and egocentricity) and uncaring/unknowledgeable of others.

In school, Americans pledge allegiance. I'm not speaking for anyone, but I can't think of another country that does that. They're also tirelessly taught about American history and geography. Last I heard, you didn't really cover any other countries in those lessons. At least in Canada (if not other places, such as Britain perhaps), we're taught some American content, as well as other countries. Because we recognize their importance.

Americans seem to have little regard for other countries, outside of how it effects them. (Above posts have simply reaffirmed this point.)

So why does everyone hate America? Well, it's been summed up before, and will be again. I won't bother repeating the insults; you already know 'em.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Originally posted by sigh:
so untrue in so many ways

we pledge allegiance...so what?...i find it a little odd myself but believe me, it didn't indoctrinate me to be a mindless little patriotic robot...if you knew me (or anybody apparently from the states) you couldn't say this and mean it...ask the conservs here...i'm a bee in their collective butts

uncaring and unknowledgeable?...well isn't that rude...when i was in second grade (a pubic school) we were studying china and brazil, then in third we did egypt and france and it was two countries a year through fifth grade...i didn't get a single, fully dedicated unit on american history until i was in middle school and yes, from that point on we got a good dose of american history but i took world history for a full year in high school and various lit courses that reflected all cultures

world geography? spin a globe and stick your finger on it at random and i'll bet i could tell you more about that place than 95% of the people on this earth

in college i studied world religions and the cultures of eastern africa and southeast asia before immersing myself in my major field of study (and this was strictly on an elective basis because i WANTED to...pretty strange behavior for a self-absorbed egocentric, wouldn't you say?)

i have yet to insult anybody ever in my entire life based only on where they are from or what country/race/religion they may have had the fortune or misfortune to be born into because i was taught that such generalized stereotypes are wrong

clearly you can't say the same

and guess what? despite what some americans here are said, many, many, many of us do care what the world thinks of us...and the fact that our current president doesn't is, in my opinion, a sad and dangerous thing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I did say "in general" and "as a whole." I know that individually Americans are not bad people, or self-absorbed, etc. I meant as a country, this is how they are viewed. Not necessarily by me, I might add.

I didn't saying pledging allegiance indoctrinates all Americans into patriotic robots. But you can't argue that Americans are very patriotic. And I just meant the system is set up to foster it.

So apparently some schools do teach content about other countries. One of my best friends grew up in the States, and what he learned in school about other countries could fit on an index card. (One of the small ones, with large type.) That's why I said "last I heard" because that's what he'd told me. I didn't mean to imply all schools, definitely. As for post-secondary education... most of that is by choice, and thus irrelevant to my point.

And I'm sorry if you don't feel represented by your government. That's what most people see when they look for the identity of a nation: the government. The government is supposed to represent the people, and be indicative of their beliefs. Besides that, and the Americans I've met, how else am I supposed to explain my views on a country as a whole? I know it sounds stereotypical, but that's the nature of the prevalent question.

 

[WhiteRose]

Re: Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

Maybe it is but what I refrained from mentioning is that the constant repeating of it to the rest of us can only mean that you either don't believe it yourselves, you know like the person who's always saying they're the best person in the company at their job and they'll never be replaced, or Americans haven't yet come to terms with learning humility...

ppman

Actually I DO believe it, but when told repeatedly by non-Americans that our country sucks, you're going to hear all the good things about us all over again. Why? Because it's true. Simple as that. We're as proud of our country as you are of yours, yet you haven't heard us attacking you about your country, have you? It's so easy to point fingers, isn't it? Try something constructive. Your complaints are getting boring.

You haven't listened to one word the Americans on this thread have posted, you just keep attacking us. We've FREELY ADMITTED that we have problems. The nice thing about America, is that we're always changing. When something doesn't work, we change it. No, the changes don't happen overnight, and it would be stupid to think they would.

Americans haven't yet come to terms with learning humility...

YOU haven't learned that WE aren't our government. You continuously attack the citizens of our country personally and stereotype us, which is no different than idiots who believe that every American is represented by the guests of the Jerry Springer show. YOU have failed to see beyond the propaganda and really gotten to know US. Look in the mirror before you judge others.

 

[WhiteRose]

In school, Americans pledge allegiance. I'm not speaking for anyone, but I can't think of another country that does that.

Um ever been to China? Ever been to Iran? Ever been to Israel? Ever been to any of the dozens of countries who maybe not require their children to pledge allegiance IN SCHOOL, but have enforced military obligations or required religious observances or other patriotic requirements?

They're also tirelessly taught about American history and geography. Last I heard, you didn't really cover any other countries in those lessons. At least in Canada (if not other places, such as Britain perhaps), we're taught some American content, as well as other countries. Because we recognize their importance.

We started studying other cultures back when I was in 2nd grade (before that I was LIVING abroad and had up close and personal daily contact with other cultures). In 4th grade we learned about the Greeks and Romans and their civilizations and history. In 5th grade, we not only studied other cultures from textbooks, we had to do an extensive project including studying their foods, languages, music, art, etc. and present it in class over a month period. I'm sorry whoever you got this information from had a lousy education, but that has more to do with their school district and their parents and their initiative (which is NO different than in any other country) than America as a country. Gee, they COULD have picked up a book or even watched a documentary once in awhile instead of playing video games...imagine that.

Americans seem to have little regard for other countries, outside of how it effects them.

Your opinion and your stereotype. You're welcome to them, however erroneous they be.

So why does everyone hate America? Well, it's been summed up before, and will be again. I won't bother repeating the insults; you already know 'em.

So everyone hates us? Again, your stereotype. I've done a lot of travelling all over the world and have wonderful experiences with the natives of each country. No, not all of them were "positive" experiences, but you couldn't really blame the Iranians for trying to push my schoolbus off the road in 1978 when they found out there were American children on board. Do I hate them for it? Of course not. During that same period, I got to know some wonderful Iranian people, and we got to share our cultures and enjoy the similarities and differences between them.

I prefer getting to understand people rather than just hating mindlessly and blindly. Most Americans do. You have to remember that every single one of us (unless we're fullblooded Natives came from another country, whether it be in our generation or 10 generations ago. Why? Because most of our ancestors were being persecuted in those other countries and they came HERE to find a better life, and for the most part, they did. Hm...yes, that DOES make me proud to be an American.

 

[p_p_man]

Re: Re: Re: Re: A mixture of many things:

YOU haven't learned that WE aren't our government. You continuously attack the citizens of our country personally and stereotype us, which is no different than idiots who believe that every American is represented by the guests of the Jerry Springer show. YOU have failed to see beyond the propaganda and really gotten to know US. Look in the mirror before you judge others.

Quote from ppman above:

Why is it that the arrogant, bullying, stupid, aggressive, ignorant, unworldlyand uneducated sterotype doesn't quite fit in with all the Americans I've ever met personally?

 

[amiss]

Apparently you didn't bother to read my FIRST reply to acid-laced comments regarding my intended-benign post. So I'll provide you the same curteousy, then, and not bother to read yours.

Um ever been to China? Ever been to Iran? Ever been to Israel? Ever been to any of the dozens of countries who maybe not require their children to pledge allegiance IN SCHOOL, but have enforced military obligations or required religious observances or other patriotic requirements?


We started studying other cultures back when I was in 2nd grade (before that I was LIVING abroad and had up close and personal daily contact with other cultures). In 4th grade we learned about the Greeks and Romans and their civilizations and history. In 5th grade, we not only studied other cultures from textbooks, we had to do an extensive project including studying their foods, languages, music, art, etc. and present it in class over a month period. I'm sorry whoever you got this information from had a lousy education, but that has more to do with their school district and their parents and their initiative (which is NO different than in any other country) than America as a country. Gee, they COULD have picked up a book or even watched a documentary once in awhile instead of playing video games...imagine that.


Your opinion and your stereotype. You're welcome to them, however erroneous they be.


So everyone hates us? Again, your stereotype. I've done a lot of travelling all over the world and have wonderful experiences with the natives of each country. No, not all of them were "positive" experiences, but you couldn't really blame the Iranians for trying to push my schoolbus off the road in 1978 when they found out there were American children on board. Do I hate them for it? Of course not. During that same period, I got to know some wonderful Iranian people, and we got to share our cultures and enjoy the similarities and differences between them.

I prefer getting to understand people rather than just hating mindlessly and blindly. Most Americans do. You have to remember that every single one of us (unless we're fullblooded Natives came from another country, whether it be in our generation or 10 generations ago. Why? Because most of our ancestors were being persecuted in those other countries and they came HERE to find a better life, and for the most part, they did. Hm...yes, that DOES make me proud to be an American.

 

[sch00lteacher]

Texan, I think you just hit on the real reason for so much of the US bashing. On the whole, we really *don't* care what the rest of the world thinks.

Man ya'll need to see Americans on vacation in foreign lands. Rude, loud, demanding assholes. Not our best foot forward.

I have been in a lot of different places at, different times working for the DOD. Not always easily recognizable as an American. I have seen the way these Ambassadors of good will treat the locals. Not good. I remember one family getting very loud (well the dad, not the whole family) in a very nice, and small Italian restaurant in Italy. He was pissed because his overweight adolescent son couldn't get a damned chesse buger.

The same isn't true of your average GI overseas. He/She tries to fit in, learns some of the lingo, eats the local food. They at least try to act a little decent.

I have also seen Americans do their best to put their best foot forward when visiting overseas. It just take a few to ruin it for everyone.

This personal touch added to what our Government does or doesn't do... It is tough to be an American in some places in the world.

 

[WhiteRose]

Apparently you didn't bother to read my FIRST reply to acid-laced comments regarding my intended-benign post. So I'll provide you the same curteousy, then, and not bother to read yours.

Well, that's too bad. My response was to YOUR first post in this thread. You did state those opinions then came back in a second post to temper your words and clarify that you didn't necessarily believe them, though apparently on the page before, you did. At least that was the impression several of us got from it. You judged our entire country's education level by your one friend and stated your opinion on it without doublechecking the veracity of your conclusion.

Besides that, and the Americans I've met, how else am I supposed to explain my views on a country as a whole?

I don't know...maybe get to know us as human beings and individuals, do a little homework, separate reality from propaganda BEFORE you come up with an opinion? (and no, this isn't just aimed at you, but at every non-American who forms opinions about the American people without getting to know us first.) If you have questions about the U.S., just ask. Most of us are pretty open to questions, but just like Canadians, we don't like to be attacked by people who are stereotyping us without knowing the facts.

There are some pretty horrid stereotypes about Canadians too, remember? "Nothing in Canada but sluts and hockey players." Is that true? Of course not! But would you be happy if the whole world believed that of Canadians as a whole? I don't think so.

(edited to add: And no, I don't have anything against Canadians at all. My great-grandfather on my adopted father's side was from Ontario...and then he chose to move down to the States... )