10 Things Most Americans Don't Know About America

[Bonobo]

http://bananenplanet.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/10-things-most-americans-dont-know-about-america/



Imagine you have a brother and he’s an alcoholic. He has his moments, but you keep your distance from him. You don’t mind him for the occasional family gathering or holiday. You still love him. But you don’t want to be around him. This is how I lovingly describe my current relationship with the United States. The United States is my alcoholic brother. And although I will always love him, I don’t want to be near him at the moment.

1. Few People Are Impressed By Us

Unless you’re speaking with a real estate agent or a prostitute, chances are they’re not going to be excited that you’re American. It’s not some badge of honor we get to parade around. Yes, we had Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison, but unless you actually are Steve Jobs or Thomas Edison (which is unlikely) then most people around the world are simply not going to care. There are exceptions of course. And those exceptions are called English and Australian people. Whoopdie-fucking-doo.

As Americans, we’re brought up our entire lives being taught that we’re the best, we did everything first and that the rest of the world follows our lead. Not only is this not true, but people get irritated when you bring it to their country with you. So don’t.

2. Few People Hate Us

Despite the occasional eye-rolling, and complete inability to understand why anyone would vote for George W. Bush, people from other countries don’t hate us either. In fact — and I know this is a really sobering realization for us — most people in the world don’t really think about us or care about us. I know, that sounds absurd, especially with CNN and Fox News showing the same 20 angry Arab men on repeat for ten years straight. But unless we’re invading someone’s country or threatening to invade someone’s country (which is likely), then there’s a 99.99% chance they don’t care about us. Just like we rarely think about the people in Bolivia or Mongolia, most people don’t think about us much. They have jobs, kids, house payments — you know, those things called lives — to worry about. Kind of like us.

[el_bryanto]

1. That's worth reading

I kind of expected the standard "America sucks" piece that is common with a certain segment of DU - but that's a lot more nuanced and well written. It does shoot itself in the foot with the tone, which is a bit condescending in parts.

Bryant

[socialist_n_TN]

15. A bit condescending, huh? Kind of like.......

The way Americans think about the rest of the world.

[el_bryanto]

34. Yes exactly - when we condescend to the rest of the world

its annoying at best and offensive at worst. And it can certainly overshadow your message.

[whathehell]

87. Who's this "we"?

My friends and family neither look nor THINK like that supposedly "typical" American family,

and I would imagine the same for the rest of DU.

Can we stop preaching to the converted, already?

[el_bryanto]

125. Actually my point isn't that we condescend to the rest of the world

it's that we, here at DU, condescend to Americans, on occasion. My point was more that if we find it offensive to condescend to the French or the Mexicans or the Thai, why do we think it's fine to condescend to the south or the midwest?

Bryant

[whathehell]

130. Thanks for explaining that. I'd love to see your question answered because you are correct.

Were the condescension regularly expressed here toward the US (I don't think it's limited by geography, btw)

expressed toward ANY other country, it would be greeted with outrage and hidden in a New York minute.

[whathehell]

86. Newsflash: Conservative America doesn't = America. Sorry.

Maybe most Americans in Tennessee look and think like that, but not where I live.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I want everyone to read this

You had me at point #2. I traveled to Western Europe - and a LOT of time in France during the Bush Cabal Years. That 'hatred' of Americans only exists if you order fat free ranch dressing on the side at one of those little ten table cafes in Provence.

[Myrina]

11. There's a scene in the movie 'A Good Year' ...

... that plays out almost exactly as you describe. Finally, the waiter says something to the effect of 'Please leave the cafe. McDonald's is THAT way.'

[JustAnotherGen]

21. Oh

I've only read Mayle's book! I'll have to check that out. It's a Russel Crowe flick right?

[Myrina]

24. Yes, and it's a visual orgasm.

He chews the scenery a bit, but the story is cute. The cinematography, though, is ... ohhhhhh ....

[geek tragedy]

81. Or if they think you're British.

[whathehell]

88. Yup...The Brits on the board may not want to read this but they made the "worst tourists"

list for at least two or three recent years in a row.

[Warpy]

102. Now if they had an award for tackiest tourists

I think Americans would win, hands down.

This was a great list, about how most of us are not living well and how this is such an unhealthy country. That is by design, of course, crushing wages for 40 years and making sure health care access is treated like a luxury.

[whathehell]

103. I'm betting there's no distinction between "worst" and "tackiest".That being said, Brits = Worst.

although it does vary from year to year. One year it's Americans, another it's the French.

One year the Brits and the French were tied.


http://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_rn=11&gs_ri=psy-ab&gs_mss=Bristish%20wor&cp=22&gs_id=2f&xhr=t&q=british+worst+tourists&es_nrs=true&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&oq=Bristish+worst+toursis&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.45921128,d.eWU&fp=dfdc3a77d7d1212d&biw=1600&bih=702

[Spitfire of ATJ]

114. I have a friend in Rotterdam who speaks 7 languages. He told me about an IT trip to Germany,...

Seems the people in the office heard he spoke English and were thrilled. They would struggle to ask a question in really BAD English and he would answer in fluent High German,...this went on for some time and they never took the hint.

[whathehell]

120. I'm so very impressed.

When, on the other hand, you tell me more about "the people in his office" -- Who they were, what nationality, etc.

I might even understand how it relates to my point about tourists.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

141. I was reminded of this:

[Quantess]

132. A lot of ESL speakers like to practice speaking english.

That could explain that...

[Spitfire of ATJ]

142. This was right before the internet became so popular too...

English is fast becoming the universal language of Europe.

My friend told me that story to point out the Germans may have a reputation for engineering but,...

[whathehell]

91. Everyone likely has read it. It's old....It's been posted here before. n/t

[Bucky]

3. They hate us for our Freedom Fries

[FiveGoodMen]

67. Nicely done!

[Brickbat]

4. Regarding the photo....

Roger Minick's "Sightseer" series is a fascinating look at the American tourist. He moved from disdain of people who rush from spot to spot photographing themselves to prove they were there to seeing them as subjects themselves, and his photos capture the excitement of travel and sometimes odd family dynamics that show up when we travel.

We are inclined to turn images into symbols, which is what the person laying out this blog has done: an artistic observation of travel and family can become an object or ridicule when paired with a description of how we see our country. I feel bad for this family and how their image is being used, and for Roger Minick, whose artistic work is uncredited on bananenplanet.

http://sightseerseries.com/

[cyberswede]

9. Fascinating photo series

I enjoyed reading about how it evolved, and why he chose the film/composition choices, etc.

And the 80s clothes were a blast from the past!

[Brickbat]

28. Some of those were really fun.

I loved the pictures of older people in the 80s; they reminded me of my grandparents.

I do feel like this family is being put forward as a symbol of what's wrong with America, which I think is too bad.

[JaneyVee]

46. THIS

[DreamGypsy]

53. And this...

[cyberswede]

60. *everyone* wore those style flip flops back then

There were several examples in the series, but this one is the BEST!

[Skittles]

73. I have never ever EVER worn flip flops

I don't care if you put diamonds on them - they are SHOWER SHOES!!!!!

[Lasher]

138. Why would you, with your extensive collection of Crocs?

And pajama jeans.

[Skittles]

149. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa

KICKING LASHER ASS ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buns_of_Fire]

135. I could never walk more then five steps before losing one (or both).

Besides, I could never tolerate the Toe Wedgies. I stopped even trying to wear them when I was around six, and I think it made me a better person.

[Ikonoklast]

65. Go to almost any European beach or summer resort.

Bring eye bleach, waaaay worse than this country, trust me.

[Pelican]

92. As someone who has lived in both...

[fishwax]

41. interesting

I'm responding mainly to mark the post so I can come back and find that link when I have more time to peruse.

Thanks for sharing that

[Newest Reality]

5. The article was interesting.

Thanks.

I tend to think of America as big personification of what we call EGO. And, in that sense, it is rather empty and tenuous inside with a strong need for identity based on conflict and conquest.

Collectively, our military, industry and politics seem to suggest that the outward spasms of aggressive empire building and flagrant abuse and self-styled immunity to international laws are indicative of something wrong at the core and that, unfortunately, includes all of us consumers -- who were once predominantly referred to as citizens.

Of course, that is a generalization which always tend to be a distortion, yet, even when you throw a pebble in a pond, the variegated reflection has some validity.

Oh, and to those who criticize being critical about this, America #1 is doing extremely well and I would assume it is fully enjoying the fruits of exploitation and inequality to the fullest in a "world" of innovation and magical marvels within a cornucopia of affluent living. Go for it!

[FSogol]

6. 5/1/2013. I find myself recommending a post from Bonobo.

[HughBeaumont]

7. Great article.

Too bad yearly . . . even once-a-decade . . . overseas travel is but a pipe dream for me and many Americans who cannot afford to do so. That's another thing sucking about 'Murca - "life experience" isn't the bargain it used to be.

Flights are so expensive, my driving window is now increased to half-a-day instead of 5-6 hours. For example, Southwest (which is usually the cheapest airline) now wants $200, twice as much as I used to pay, for a city that's 5.5 hours away from me. That's NOT a last minute rate and NOT on a weekend. Oh, and all of the flight times that are now available are ones that require me to eat a vacation day, whereas before, I could just take the after-work hours flight. There are also never any early-morning return flights, so, again, eating a vacation day.

[Myrina]

13. Not to mention the PITA of needing a passport to get anywhere close to an airport ...

Canada? A passport? Really?

[liberal N proud]

19. Your going to spend half a day at the airports and traveling by air

All to be scanned, probed, disrobed and stuffed in a child seat and launched through the air only to be served stale peanuts and soda. We so glad you chose to fly with us today!

My driving threshold is much larger for two reasons, the hassle and limitations of flying vs the freedom of the road and I enjoy driving cross country.

But you are so right about the overseas travel, I have only been overseas because my company paid for it, once to Europe, three times to China and Hong Kong and twice to Singapore.

The European trip just made me want to go back, but damn, I can't afford that.

[cyberswede]

8. Great read

So, now this has me examining everything we do with the kids...how we're perpetuating some of the things in the article. Hmm...gotta think about ways to counteract some of this stuff. Food for thought...

Thanks for posting!

[oldandhappy]

10. I've lived out of the country.

This seems fair to me. I noticed that young people from the Commonwealth countries were far more likely to take a year off before or after college/university and travel. I think this is good for awareness in their countries. Most of them work their way along their path and gain a great appreciation for the folk of each place they visit. Wish we had a cultural reward for people who take some time out and learn about other places in the world.

[Poll_Blind]

12. +1. I could have sworn I'd read this at some time in the past.

And it was just as "good" then. I mean sobering, really.

PB

[Dreamer Tatum]

14. Great - I was hoping I'd be goaded into feeling ashamed of myself again. nt

[whathehell]

107. LOL

I know exactly how you feel.

[Quantess]

16. The article is just okay.

All of his main points are right on, but some smaller points are just his own assessments. His comment about picking up women is kind of iffy and irrelevant (but then again I don't pick up women so what do I know). Also, his suggestion that the USA is the #1 in innovation is completely NOT true. It's Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and Finland. USA is abbout #10 or #11 in innovation.

[zipplewrath]

37. Likewise

It's a huge opinion piece, not a piece of research. It is as full of misconceptions as the people he references. There is as much truth as there is distortion.

1) "American" (which is really more western european) culture influences the world. Notice I say influences, not dominates. Every culture takes their piece and incorporates it. But Hollywood exports a tremendous amount of culture to the world. Not always for the better I'll grant you. I'm probably more sensitive living in the shadow of Disney World, but they all know where I'm from and they all know Disney and Tiger Woods.

2) People are interested in Americans. Everywhere I've ever been, someone wants to talk to the Americans. Not everyone always wants to talk to the Americans, but someone always does. (And I'm sure they want to talk to the Australians, etc.)

3) People in other countries are as ignorant of our geography as we are of theirs. People always want to know how long of a drive it is from Florida to places like LA, Seattle, etc. They really don't understand how big the country is. They also don't understand how big the Rocky Mountains are, not just in height but length and breadth. They don't understand how big the "Great Lakes" are.

4) His comments about how uptight we are come off a bit strange. Every culture tends to think the other one is somehow "constrained" in some way. We way over do informality compared to many other cultures, but can also be strangely impersonal in others.

[Quantess]

51. #3 Europeans are mostly terrible at American Geography.

I've done enough awkward explanations of where American cities /states are in relation to other places to know that they are usually clueless.
Me: "I'm from the west coast".
"Oh, so you live near Colorado?" Or, "Is that close to Washington?" I reply, "Yes but there are two Washingtons..."
"How long does it take to drive to New York City from there?"

I've even had someone ask me how far away Oregon is from USA.

Also, Americans are not uptight. I think that assessment is way off.

[zipplewrath]

54. It goes both ways

I used to hang out in USENET travel groups. Americans got hammered regularly about common confusions. Mixing up Sweden and Switzerland, confusing Austria and Australia. Misunderstanding how close together things were in England, these kinds of problems.

But it was no better in the USA travel groups. My favorite was the European who was going to NYC on some kind of trip for a week. He thought he'd take "Wednesday" to travel by train to Denver AND BACK, to visit some relative while he was "in the US". Wanted to know how frequently the trains ran.

At the end of the day most of us are ignorant of things much outside of our daily exposure. There's a time travel movie where someone gets dressed first so as to fit in when they get there. The problem is, fashions change FAST. +/- 5 years and you can show up looking pretty goofy. They didn't do their research well and they show up looking quite out of place.

[Autumn Colors]

68. Are you familiar with specific cities & provinces in other countries?

You're kind of comparing apples to oranges, aren't you?

Americans can't find ENTIRE COUNTRIES on a map. Europeans would fail in a similar fashion if they couldn't locate the USA on a world map.

Completely understandable if they aren't familiar with where certain states within the USA are. As for "American Geography", I bet most of them could point out where Canada, the USA, and Mexico are. That would be similar "American Geography".

You might know where France is on a map, but do you know where every one of France's Departements is located? If not, then I guess you fail at European Geography.

Here's a map to help you out.

[Quantess]

69. Meh. France is the size of some US states.

I still say there is plenty of geographic confusion to go around, no matter where in the world.

[Autumn Colors]

79. OK, then pretend I said all the administrative regions of Russia (nt)

[octothorpe]

144. Do you think most people from France would be able to name all the

administrative regions of Russia?

[Autumn Colors]

145. No, and that's the point I was trying to make :)

The person I responded to was using an example of a European not knowing where various states within the USA were located.

I was trying to make the point that I wouldn't expect someone from another country to be able to know the locations of various states/provinces/administrative regions of a country other than their own, esp. a large country like the USA or Russia.

OP was talking about people not knowing where entire countries were located on the map/globe, so I thought that expecting someone from Europe to know where specific states within the USA wasn't a good example.

[whathehell]

89. Thank you....This has been my experience as well. n/t

[quakerboy]

99. There is a major lack of experiential reference

How do you go from a place where each major city is only a few hours drive from the next, and all easily reachable by public transit, to the Midwest or Western US. I don't think most people coming from the one place can really internalize the distances involved until they come here and experience it. I find that to be true even of many US East coasters who come out west for the first time.

It goes both ways though. Even with Google maps, and a pretty good ability to name and correctly place all states and most countries on the map/globe, I found it hard to internalize how close together everything in the UK is, or how you can go from NYC to Philly, have a full day to explore, and then be back in time for bed. It still throws me a bit when I think of it. If I went to DC for a week of exploration, I could take a day in philly just as easily as going to Hillsborough from Gresham, not really a big deal. But in my mind, I would have to force myself to think that way. Cities just don't happen that close together unless they are suburbs of the other, in my lifetimes experience of geography.

[whathehell]

106. Stop making sense...DU needs their Five Minutes Self Hate!

It doesn't MATTER how dumb, tacky, whatever, any other country is!..There are

a certain number of DUers who NEED to self-flagellate!

I'm sure the Non-Americans here get off on it to no end.

It's always struck me as a sickening S&M dance.

[Violet_Crumble]

136. As a non-American, I don't think what you said about us was really fair...

While I do agree with the main points of what he said in his article, that doesn't mean I 'get off on it to no end'. And I'm pretty sure agreeing with it doesn't mean me or anyone else here hates the US.

I've read similar critiques of Australians written by other Australians (different points are made of course), but I don't go into a rage about it because I can see that much of what's said is true, even if it is uncomfortable. So I don't think there's anything different when it comes to an American pointing out some of that sort of stuff about the US and Americans...

[whathehell]

137. Good point: Broad brushing is rarely fair. What concerns me is how few care when it's done to us.

As far as speaking for all non-Americans, I'm not sure you can actually do that, since there are people from a number of different countries here.

That being said, I accept that my statement probably doesn't apply to you.

Here is the paragraph I'd like to discuss:

"I've read similar critiques of Australians written by other Australians (different points are made of course), but I don't go into a rage about it because I can see that much of what's said is true, even if it is uncomfortable. So I don't think there's anything different when it comes to an American pointing out some of that sort of stuff about the US and Americans".

I understand, but my guess is that you probably don't "go into a rage" because it's Australians criticizing OTHER Australians.

That's easy to understand. What I need from you now, is an honest answer to the question: How would you and the majority of

your countrymen feel about criticism from Non-Australians, from Americans, or some other nationality, especially if you knew

they'd likely never set foot your country....That's really the issue, in my view.

You see, there is something I regard as a near universal truth: Like members of a family, citizens of a country are often

quite comfortable fighting and criticizing each other.....What most do NOT like, however, is when "outsiders",

most of whom have never even visited their country, come in and do the same....If this board were limited

to Americans, I'd have far less of a problem with it.




.

[Violet_Crumble]

150. I have encountered such criticism once or twice at DU...

Not so much generalising about us as a people, but holding me personally responsible for the racism that was deeply ingrained in our society and to a lesser extent still is. It was irritating, but I didn't get cranky. The only time I've gotten cranky was when a natural disaster hit the city I live in, and while most were sympathetic and help came from all round the country, there were a few very vocal calls to leave us to fend for ourselves and we deserved it for having a city where massive fires hit every couple of decades, because the stereotype of us is that we're a bunch of affluent, lefty, latte drinking bureaucrats (Canberra's the seat of govt and the public service is the major employer here). That was hard to take and I fumed.

There are stereotypes when it comes to most nationalities. A few are that the British are a bunch of whingers who don't wash much, the Germans are dour, highly efficient but soulless and Germany is gloomy and dark, and the French are arrogant and refuse to talk English at you if you go to France. None of those are particularly true, but because we develop these stereotypes, we look at the rare ones we encounter who fit the bill and go 'Aha! I knew it!' I recently went on a cruise from Sydney to Cairns on an American cruise ship and we were standing next to some Americans when we were dropping off our baggage. They were two elderly couples wearing matching tracksuit tops and bottoms, tennis shoes and sun visors. My sister snickered and whispered to me that she'd guessed they were American even before they started talking, but they talked to us and they were lovely and friendly, and the other several hundred Americans on the cruise weren't suffering from fashion failure like them, but they did fit into a stereotype I'd held for a long time so they sort of stuck out for me...

The stereotype I held for Americans and America developed from watching telly and listening to others was that there's lots of people shooting each other, and cars explode when they crash. That if I were there and got sick I'd need to get the first flight home otherwise I'd lose my house and all my savings when I got the hospital bill (that one's somewhat true). That Americans are loud and obnoxious and don't know anything about the world other than how exceptional the US supposedly is. When I met Americans both here and travelling overseas, and listening to my brother gush about the US and how friendly he found Americans after his return from there late last year, I know that stuff is a generalisation. There are many Americans, including here at DU, who clearly are aware of the world around them and take a real interest in it, but the ones that don't are louder and fulfil that particular stereotype...

But, yeah, I get what yr saying about it being like you can criticise yr family, but it's different when an outsider does it. That's only when it comes to stereotyping, though. When it comes to things like guns and reproductive rights and especially the series of misguided war adventures the US embarked upon where my country followed, I do criticise and sometimes quite loudly...

[Demo_Chris]

17. REC!

[riverbendviewgal]

18. Inspires me to do more traveling

I have seen 2/3rd of the USA....and now am traveling to Europe. I went to UK and Ireland last fall. loved it.
Want to do South America as well.

But this year it will be UK and France.

Don't think I will be visiting the USA anymore. Too much of the world to see.

[Janecita]

47. You are going to love France!!!

And contrary to the American perception, French people are courteous and nice. My favorite people on the planet. Enjoy your trip✈

[LeftinOH]

20. "We Are Poor At Expressing Gratitude And Affection". Well actually,

I'm pretty sure that's cultural trait -and not necessarily a good or bad thing. "Outside of getting shit-housed drunk and screaming “I LOVE YOU, MAN!”, open displays of affection in American culture are tepid and rare." That's just how we roll -similar to the British and other Northern Europeans. Thus, I wouldn't say that we are "poor" at expressing affection; just reserved.

[treestar]

29. That one was way wrong

Depends on the country. Some countries are uncomfortable with gratitude. I found you have to compliment the country rather than saying thank you (Australia). If you thanked anyone they minimized it by saying they were just doing their job or they enjoyed whatever it was, too.

[Violet_Crumble]

133. No, that's wrong

I found you have to compliment the country rather than saying thank you (Australia).

I've been here my entire life and have always found a 'thank you' or 'cheers' when someone does something for me works well. I suspect I'd be viewed as a bit of a wanker if I gave that up and instead said: 'My, what a wonderful country we live in, wouldn't you agree?' Mind you, I've encountered foreign tourists who like to talk about what a nice country they're visiting, but if I help them or do something for them, I expect a thank you, not a touristy gush about kangaroos and shit...

[treestar]

147. Well I found it to be a pattern

Saying thank you got thrown back at me as I described. Maybe you're in a different position, not being a tourist. I did not find myself guilty of "touristy gush" whatever that is. But found that stating the place was beautiful or the trip enjoyable better than saying thank you per se.

[whathehell]

151. For god's sake, can't people do both?

No one's suggesting you exchange "thank you" for "gushing" about a country be it yours

or someone else's. Thanking people for something they've done for you, whether it's here

or anywhere else is simple courtesy. As for the 'touristy gushing" I have no idea what that is,

but I suspect that if the tourist in question did NOT compliment the host country,

they'd be criticized for that as well.

[spooky3]

55. I also disagreed. I think people don't feel the things he wants expressed, not that they don't

express their feelings in the US.

[OKNancy]

74. This was the one that I thought was wrong... at least where I live

In fact I've noticed over the last few years that many of my female friends have picked up the "double cheek kiss" greeting. And everyone hugs hello and good-bye.

[whathehell]

90. As compared to WHO?

The Brits?

[LittleGirl]

22. former expat here

I lived abroad for 3 yrs and came back in '09. Stepping outside of America for that time gave me a whole new perspective of life and cultures and this author pretty much nails most of observations. Except for the Indians and how they died. We slaughtered most of them and for that, I am ashamed of America. Howard Zinn's book "The People's History of the U.S." is a must read for all Americans and should be required reading for our students before graduation.

[siligut]

45. And we brought the disease and plague

Native Americans were wiped out largely disease and plague (not us)

Small technicality there.

[smirkymonkey]

84. Actually though, it wasn't the "Americans" who slaughtered the Native Americans,

it was the Western Europeans. They eventually became Americans, but they weren't technically "Americans" when they first came here.

[LittleGirl]

131. true. Thanks for the clarification as you are correct. eom

[nadinbrzezinski]

23. Yup...I have made those observations myself

Self absorption is killing us

[hobbit709]

25. Nothing new there. I could have told you this 40 years ago.

[whathehell]

104. That's odd, considering things have a tendency to change over 40 years -- even in America.

[hobbit709]

116. The average American is even more ignorant of the world today than back then

[whathehell]

121. The average Euro living in Texas is hardly capable of judging "average" Americans,

Texas, by its own admission, being "a whole 'nother country".

[hobbit709]

122. I've lived in the U.S. since 1959, in TX since 1974

There are parts of TX that are way beyond "a whole 'nother country". i.e. East TX, West TX, and the Panhandle-which I consider beyond the edge of the known universe.

[whathehell]

127. I don't know where you lived, or if you were even cognizant during your first 11 years here, but

Texas is still nowhere near "representative" of America as a whole -- Sorry if you haven't

lived outside of it long enough to understand that.

Also, if you feel so superior to the "average American" why do you deign to continue living here?

Does looking down on the rest make you feel like the proverbial big fish in a little pond?

[hobbit709]

128. I live here because I am an American citizen by birth. I am also an Austrian citizen by birth.

The only two states I haven't been in are Alaska and Hawaii. I've seen a fair amount of the world, so I know at least a little something about other cultures.
I don't believe in American "exceptionalism"

I don't have much use for stupidity and willful ignorance and way too many Americans practice that.
Open your eyes and look around you.

[whathehell]

152. Oh...Right.

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 08:26 AM - Edit history (1)

You're just another American who happened to be born in another country...Say hello to John McCain, my niece born in Germany and probably a million others.

"I don't believe in American "exceptionalism". Wow. Do you imagine that distinguishes you in some way, like

being 'born in Austria', perhaps?

Hate to break it to you, bro, but I know of NO one on this board who believes in American Exceptionalism.

As for your claim that you "don't have much use for stupidity and willful ignorance", well, I'm afraid I have to regard

that with some skepticism, as you DO, after all, choose to live in Texas with a governor like Rick Perry.

- - That tells me you've got lots of "tolerance" for it!..

[hobbit709]

154. Well, bless your heart.

[whathehell]

155. And yours too!

[zeemike]

26. K&R for a very good read.

[treestar]

27. There is nothing there in statistics to back up what they are saying

And the in-house America bashers usually think it is all about us too, as if no other country does evil things.

Listening to the BBC news, I learned there is a lot going on in the world for good or ill. And there is a lot of American news, too. They covered the mother and children of Michael Jackson suing someone with great enthusiasm.

Right wingers maybe could benefit from this article, but to me it sounds like someone somewhere is envious and has a bone to pick. Note the use of the obese looking family to stand for all of us.

[Quantess]

30. Pretty sure the overweight family represents what the rest of the world imagines Americans look like

That's the stereotype of Americans.

Anyway, the article is just okay.

[treestar]

31. Or movies stars

There are a lot more of those to come to the attention of the rest of the world. Notice also they are white and we are much more diverse.

We're the only remaining superpower, we have influence for good or ill. We don't have to be smug about it, but then this articles comes off as bigoted and stereotyping.

[Quantess]

36. Unfortunately our crappy, embarrasing, TV shows are also exported to many parts of the world,

which I believe has de-glamourized our image abroad. I have gotten remarks in Europe such as "you're not fat at all!"

USA exports Dr Phil, COPS, Ricki Lake, Oprah, and also other freaky reality shows. It was better when we exported Baywatch and Dallas and Miami Vice.

[treestar]

38. That remark about you not being fat

could be considered stereotype, as if Europeans do not know much about the rest of the world, either.

[Quantess]

50. No, they are aware of the REALITY that a lot of Americans are overweight or obese.

But they have to admit that some Americans are slim, too. Yes, they have their own stereotypes of Americans, and many are pretty lousy at American Geography.

People in other parts of the world aren't any smarter or any dumber than Americans. There is plenty of ignorance to go around, all over the world.

[spooky3]

57. yes, and many sitcoms and action movies

[whathehell]

146. That means there's a market for our crappy, embarrassing tv shows and tells us something

about the recipients abroad, doesn't it?

You might consider the phrase: Bad Taste Without Borders.

[JDPriestly]

39. Actually, the picture is pretty accurate about what Americans look like outside America.

Most people in the world walk more than we do. The problem in the US isn't just our diet. The average American does not walk much.

[whathehell]

108. Europeans walk more because they tend to live in cities more often and have much less in the way of

overall space. Many of our states are bigger than their individual nations.

Were they to drive as much as we do, they'd find themselves in different countries!

[JDPriestly]

110. True. Also, they have better public transportation, in part because they are likely to live

in cities. They walk to the bus or train.

[AZ Progressive]

115. Not just that, but their cities tend to more thoroughly be walkable than ours

Only the northeastern cities, older midwestern cities, and cities on the pacific west (especially San Francisco) tend to be walkable throughout most of the city. Other American cities may have some neighborhoods walkable but once you go outside of the inner core neighborhoods, the walkability most often goes downhill.

American cities that had much of its growth boom during the postwar years built out in a suburban sprawl style that favored cars and highly discouraged walking. Cities like Dallas and Houston are far less walking friendly compared to Chicago or even Los Angeles (which had its growth boom during the streetcar era.)

[treestar]

124. It's the relative newness of the cities

Cities that started to be built or built up later in time will be more spread out.

It's not a policy choice Europeans made. Their cities were there in medieval times and earlier. When there were no cars, you have 5 foot wide streets, circuses, narrower streets.

Explains why LA is the most sprawled out. And all areas built after cars came about.

[JDPriestly]

143. So true. Los Angeles was planned if you can call it that. Let me start again, neighborhoods

in Los Angeles' inner core and areas nearest that inner core were planned for walking and for streetcars. I live in such an area. But most of our city is unwalkable.

[marshall]

156. Isn't that a picture of the author of the blog?

There isn't any caption and I figured it was the author and his or her family.

[spooky3]

56. As an aside, the overweight family was visiting Mt. Rushmore in the US, not Europe, Asia, etc.

There is a correlation between obesity rates and social class and many people with the means to travel the world are in the upper classes and not obese.

My experience is that people visiting here from overseas often are influenced by TV images more than anything else. I was stunned at how widely distributed many of our TV programs are. It really paints a distorted picture.

[Quantess]

63. Personally I think it's kind of insensitive to use their photo for this article.

The point seems to be like, look at those fat American tourists!
Not everyone can be a fashion model, and really, so what if they're fat? I think the photo was kind of a mean gesture.

[Brickbat]

126. I thought so too.

They're on vacation, clearly having a good time. For all we know, they're making an effort to walk a lot on this vacation for the first time. Or they've been walking for a year and are actually in better shape than they used to be. Or maybe they're not -- it really doesn't matter for the purpose of the story beyond "hee hee hee, FAT AMERICAN FAMILY! This is how America looks when it travels! FAT!"

[whathehell]

140. Yup, and that shows their ignorance.

As the great Will Rogers once said: "We're all ignorant, just about different things"

[heaven05]

33. yeah

yeah, yeah

[whathehell]

105. No, of course not...It's just the same tired bigotry.

[whathehell]

109. Yes, I think we all noted the "obese looking family meant to stand for us all".

"Right wingers maybe could benefit from this article, but to me it sounds like someone somewhere is envious and has a bone to pick"

Ya think?

I've been saying as much for awhile. Good to see a few others finally catching on.

[Violet_Crumble]

134. Are you disputing that few people are impressed by or hate Americans?

You shouldn't need any statistics to know that he's spot on with both those points, except for the bit where he says the British and Australians *are* impressed if someone's an American, coz at least in Australia, that's just not true...

[treestar]

148. I have no idea

There simply are no statistics. The author seems to want to take us down a peg and so do you.

[heaven05]

32. thank you

I love reality speak.

[nolabear]

35. There's a lot of wisdom here. I've always said America is an adolescent country.

I hope the world and we last long enough for us to mature. The characteristics he describes are not pathological if you're in an adolescent stage of development, but it's painful and traumas like 9/11 and Boston are terrible things and will take a long time to become (in addition to traumas; I'm not denying that they are and should NEVER have happened) sad and maturing learning experiences as well.

We think we're tough when we're actually scared and have to have a facade of tough, we can't figure out gender and sex in a way that takes all our lovely foibles and fascinations into account yet, we can't accept that bigger and meaner isn't better, we have an out of proportion sense of our own worth and a fear that taking care of the rest of the world is our job, we cluster into cliques and factions to reassure ourselves that we are okay and right...all normal adolescent traits. But adolescents, for all their wonderful energy and optimism and creativeness, require a lot of tolerance and compassion, and I hope the older countries continue to appreciate our fine points and put up with our low ones.

[Auggie]

40. Maybe I should visit that in-law that moved to Japan

[Lasher]

42. Those are some good points.

But all this leaves me wondering why so many people want to come here.

[HangOnKids]

72. Rich come to make more $$$$$ and Poor because they are suckers

Any more questions?

[dbackjon]

75. That is pretty condescending

Many, many people come here for education, to make better of themselves, and often they suceed.

[HangOnKids]

77. Of course they do

Please don't whine when they take your already shitty job.

[dbackjon]

78. Since I have a good job, and have had it for 16 years, not worried about that.

Go America Hate somewhere else.

[Pelican]

95. I sense some projection going on here...

Hangon has likely made some poor career choices....

[Quantess]

76. Many people want to move to many other countries, too.

People still want to immigrate here, but they want to immigrate to a lot of other countries, too.

[Lasher]

83. 150 Million Adults Worldwide Would Migrate to the U.S.

Potential migrants most likely to be Chinese, Nigerian, and Indian

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- About 13% of the world's adults -- or more than 640 million people -- say they would like to leave their country permanently. Roughly 150 million of them say they would like to move to the U.S. -- giving it the undisputed title as the world's most desired destination for potential migrants since Gallup started tracking these patterns in 2007.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/153992/150-million-adults-worldwide-migrate.aspx

23% of these potential migrants identify the USA as the country where they would most like to go. The next most desired destination is the UK, at 7%. Canada comes in third, at 6%. The 12 other listed countries rank from 5% to 1%.

[Lasher]

100. I agree, devilgrrl, we should be more civil to our invited guests.

But all things are relative, and I believe we are more benevolent in this respect than other countries. This belief is supported by the article that I linked upthread:

The reason the U.S. is such a highly desired destination for potential migrants, in addition to being the land of opportunity, could be that many Americans are accepting of migrants in their communities.

[MrScorpio]

43. As someone who has seen this for myself

It has my ringing endorsement.

Travel is the best and most enlightening thing that one can do.

[tblue]

48. Excellent read! Yeah, we are a mixed bag.

Eye-opening, even for Americans who have traveled outside the US. It never hurts to understand how we are perceived by others.

What I've seen is that people generally like Americans as individuals and as a people, but much of what our government does freaks people out and makes them glad they live where they live. Some English friends told they're scared of being shot if they come here. It's similar to what some of us think about Israel and bombings.

[raccoon]

49. Great article. Some things that particularly stood out for me:

6. The Rest Of The World Is Not A Slum-Ridden Shithole Compared To Us ( I believe many conservatives think that.)



10. We Mistake Comfort For Happiness

Yep!

[wickerwoman]

64. I think 10 was the only one I really disagreed with.

I would add 11: We think Happiness is attainable all the time and that we are entitled to it. I also think it's a very upper/middle class assumption that comfort isn't something worth striving to attain or that it doesn't create happiness for those who actually know what poverty is like.

It's fine to jet around the world but at least recognise that that comes from a place of extreme privilege. I think the article reads like something written by someone in their mid-20s who has had some grand adventures around the world mostly on mom and dad's dime and has "slummed it" a bit in some third world countries (again with a financial bail-out only an email away) and who thinks because they got a lot of attention in some of these countries that therefore the people are "friendlier" as opposed to "curious about this person from a strange country".

I'd like to hear back from this person in their 40s after an extended period of unemployment about how "We Mistake Comfort for Happiness" and that's a bad thing.

[raccoon]

70. No. 11 sounds good to me! Re: comfort and happiness. I am not dissing comfort--not at all.

As we get older it's very important to us. I grew up without AC and would hate to live without it again.

I think the consumer culture feeds us the idea that Happiness is attainable all the time and that we are entitled to it,
also it conveys the idea that if we have a big enough house, nice car, etc., we'll be happy. Those things aren't bad to have
but you can have them and still be in emotional/physical pain.

[AnneD]

52. Hits the nail on the head....

I think all American's should be required to go overseas. It is a real eye opener.

[Arugula Latte]

59. Well, that would be nice, but, another crappy thing about the USA

even if U.S. workers could afford to travel abroad (which is getting rarer and rarer), most corporations and other workplaces give Americans very little vacation time. In comparison Europeans get weeks of vacation and don't have to worry about paying for healthcare. Higher education is more affordable for them in general, too. Again, it's the lower standard of living we have here.

[AnneD]

62. Although I am ...

an RN, I have chosen to work as a School Nurse. Initially it was to have the same schedule as my daughter. Up until 7 years ago, I did PRN summer work to make up for my salary loss. But now that my baby has left the nest, I use the time to travel. I was flying on a plane to visit a friend in Switzerland. I was talking to a Swiss businessman. I told him of my plan, and that I already seen England, Germany and France. He asked how long it had taken me. I told him I was on the last week of my 6 weeks travels. He was flabbergasted. It is well known through out Europe that American's only get two weeks, if that. They think we are crazy workaholics that can't take time to enjoy life. But when I told him that the only luggage I had through most of the trip was a rolling carry on.....he was really impressed (I can pack like no other).

Traveling was once viewed as a way to broaden our horizons. It really does much to dismiss the notion that we are the best and our way is the only way.

Now I like that all our electrical outlets are the same as are our toilets. But frankly that is one of our best features any more. We killed democracy a long time ago.

[Redford]

58. Haters gonna hate

I have lived in three other countries and have travelled all over the world. He's pretty condescending and not accurate in the least. In spite of having way too many Repubs, Texas is my favorite place.

[pampango]

61. 1. Few People Are Impressed By Us; 2. Few People Hate Us ...

Unless you’re speaking with a real estate agent or a prostitute, chances are they’re not going to be excited that you’re American. It’s not some badge of honor we get to parade around. ... As Americans, we’re brought up our entire lives being taught that we’re the best, we did everything first and that the rest of the world follows our lead. Not only is this not true, but people get irritated when you bring it to their country with you. So don’t.

Despite the occasional eye-rolling, and complete inability to understand why anyone would vote for George W. Bush, people from other countries don’t hate us either. In fact — and I know this is a really sobering realization for us — most people in the world don’t really think about us or care about us. I know, that sounds absurd, especially with CNN and Fox News showing the same 20 angry Arab men on repeat for ten years straight. But unless we’re invading someone’s country or threatening to invade someone’s country (which is likely), then there’s a 99.99% chance they don’t care about us.

Americans tend to assume that the rest of the world either loves us or hates us (this is actually a good litmus test to tell if someone is conservative or liberal). The fact is, most people feel neither. Most people don’t think much about us.

Remember that immature girl in high school, who every little thing that happened to her meant that someone either hated her or was obsessed with her; who thought every teacher who ever gave her a bad grade was being totally unfair and everything good that happened to her was because of how amazing she was? Yeah, we’re that immature high school girl.

[Nye Bevan]

66. The 11 million people who are prepared to risk the consequences of living here illegally

must see something about the US to be impressed about. Not to mention all of the legal immigrants.

[AZ Progressive]

71. When you are desperate, you'll take anything

Including a country that has advertised itself as THE country where you can become prosperous and rich if you just work hard enough. If you grew up poor, you'd be more likely to appreciate money and have fantasies of being rich or prosperous and having possessions than someone who grew up in the middle or upper classes.

[Malone]

80. ..

Everyone is an individual and should be treated as such. Every American is different just like every Frenchman is different. Lumping people into generalized categories and stereotypes is simplistic and doesn't work.

[2naSalit]

82. My two cents on this...

And just to preface my feelings, I am a cultural anthropologist, have traveled abroad and all over the US... and I agree with Mr. Jackson...

[NV Whino]

85. Read this!

Gawd, I remember going to Scotland in the 60s and trying to overcome the "ugly American" label. Fortunately, the Scots loved us. The English not so much.

But, really. We aren't the center of the world.

[Major Nikon]

93. Lost me on #1

I've been to both China and India and just about everyone we saw were impressed by Americans. Perhaps it's mostly because we are so easily separated from our cash, but still...

[whathehell]

94. One thing you don't know: This has been posted on DU before. Try something new.

[sibelian]

117. One day you are going to realise

that America's rubbishy attributes, which are legion, (just like the rubbishy attributes of EVERY country are legion) AREN'T YOUR FAULT.

Every single time anyone posts anything here that's critical about your nation you are right in there, flinching and wincing and totally uninterested in rebutting even ONE of the points raised, other than with the occasional, entirely valueuess and isolated "counterexample".

If you love America so much why don't YOU post something POSITIVE about it? You haven't a hope of contradicting anyone on the subjects of gun violence, incarceration rates, quality of life, if you want people to react emotionally to your country in ways that you would prefer why can't you come up with reasons why they should?

There are plenty of things to love about the United States, in particular the people of the United States are unlike any I have ever met, sure, they're self-absorbed, they're also unusually honest, robust in the face of adversity, generous with compliments and, when they ARE concerned about something they don't sit around apathetically like the inhabitants of a lot of other industrialised nations, they get up off their arses and DO something about it (wich, interestingly, is exactly what you are NOT doing), usually something constructive that actually solves the problem rather than a whole bunch of useless confrontation. (Bet you didnt know THAT. Most of you think you're apathetic. Pfffff! No.)

Americans are GOOD at the third way. Sure, a lot of you are unusually stupid, also, a lot of you as unusually astute.

I am reminded of my own country, Scotland. Scotland is good at coming up with good ideas and TERRIBLE at making them work. Everywhere's a bit cruddy, that's the way it is. You're never going to get anywhere if you don't listen to people pointing out how cruddy you are! You're a like teenager whimper-shouting "DON'T JUDGE ME."

Are you actually a Democrat at all? There isn't a left winger in any nation who's primary focus isn't sorting out their country's problems by CRITICISING IT. Waving your arms and going "ooooo you're JUDGING ME" is the province of right wing hacks.

[Number23]

98. In all seriousness, this is one of the dumbest and most pointless things I've ever read

[gateley]

101. I really enjoyed this -- thanks!

[Nanjing to Seoul]

111. Snarky, but all true

I lived in China and Korea for the past six years. I agree with pretty much everything in this article. Americans (and I am one) make me sick to my stomach. I am married to a Chinese girl. Pretty, wonderful, treats me amazingly well. The only two things my friends in the States says are: 1) Can you find me someone that looks like her. I love Asian girls; and 2) It’s so easy because they all throw themselves at American men.

1) No I can’t, asswipe. I speak Chinese and that helped finding a girl because it showed her I cared about her culture and ways. You love Asian girls? Racist ass. . .I didn’t marry an Asian girl. I married a Chinese girl.

2) No, they do not throw themselves at American men. They actually are afraid of “lao wai” because of a host of reasons (abandonment, social stigma, family pressure, etc).

I’ve been all over East and SE Asia (Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, PI, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia). Americans who have never lived here tell me what life if like here and get angry when I tell them they are full of crap! After all, they’ve been to China. They either changed planes in Shanghai or they spent four days in a hotel in Beijing.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

112. What's funny is how many Americans actually believe EVERYONE IN THE WORLD wants to come here.

[whathehell]

123. Where in hell do you live? I have to ask, because no one I know actually feels that way.

It's like your stuck in a forty year old stereotype.

[PNW_Dem]

113. American "exceptionalism"

I don’t see anything here that is not true.

Also, I will support anything that attacks the notion of “American exceptionalism”. Too many Americans have forgotten that exceptionalism has to be earned. It isn’t something that is granted by an imaginary friend in the sky.

K&R

[davidpdx]

118. I think he has a point on some of those

The unhealthy part is very true. I do think he makes generalization on some of those that are not necessarily true.

On the first one "We're number one" he'd be shocked to find out that South Korea believes this as well. Yes, they believe they are superior. Why? Because that's what they are taught. I'm not saying it to put down Koreans, in fact I live in South Korea so this is exactly why I know this. South Korea and Japan have a long standing feud with each other that includes cultural and geographic aspects to it (I understand why, so don't try to explain it to me, I'm just simplifying how I am putting it).

Maybe some countries don't push this as much (I'm talking Australia, New Zealand, or Canada as they are laid back, again I'm not putting anyone down and it's actually more of a compliment).

I admit I didn't know much before I traveled outside the US for the first time in 2001 (this was right before 9/11) when I went to Europe for three weeks. Two and a half years after that I moved to Korea and learned so much about Korean and Asian culture. Almost ten years after that I couldn't imagine not have doing this.

When I first got here, I did have a lot of people come up and try to talk to me (I don't know why they don't now, maybe I'm just ugly) and they were curious where I was from and why I lived there. Some of it could be that now there are 1.2 million foreigners here and it is more common to see a foreigner than it was back then.

As of being proud of where I'm from, yep damn straight I am. It isn't uncommon for me to be seen out wearing a t-shirt with an American flag, or an Obama shirt (just got a nice new one that is a non-campaign shirt). I don't put stickers on my car, nor do I fly a flag at home. I think most people are proud of where they come from, even when things are bad. The war protests in 2004 and 2005, as well as the anti-American beef protests (mad cow) were not the best of times, but it doesn't change how I feel.

[Douglas Carpenter]

119. as someone who has lived outside the U.S. approximately half their life I thought this article was

truly fair. balanced and very observant

[DrDan]

129. we have lived abroad for 10 years . . . and travel outside of the U.S. annually

one thing we have noticed EVERYWHERE we have visited is that everyone is proud of their country - and rightfully so. Each country has its proud moments and places worthy of visiting. We have yet to visit a county where our time spent was wasted. They each have something to offer.

More importantly - not everyone aspires to live in the U.S. We do not have a stranglehold on health, weath and promising futures.

The sooner we all realize that, the more we will grow in the eyes of the world.

[whathehell]

153. I've lived in Europe for a time as well and also travel outside the U.S. annually

"one thing we have noticed EVERYWHERE we have visited is that everyone is proud of their country - and rightfully so. Each country has its proud moments and places worthy of visiting. We have yet to visit a county where our time spent was wasted. They each have something to offer".

Agreed, and I'm assuming you're including the US in that mix as well.

As far as thinking that "everyone aspires to live in the U.S", I'm sorry, but I've NEVER assumed that and honestly

don't know anyone who does. It's like some outdated notion from the Fifties, or something. Yes, I'm sure

there are more than a few provincial conservatives who still think like that, but is this really "news"

to anyone on DU?...I ask, because, like some others here, I keep wondering why so many here seem

to think they need to talk to DUers as if they were members of Free Republic.

[DrDan]

157. and your point is? c'mon, spell it out.

[whathehell]

160. Hostile much?.....Maybe you could tell us the "point" of your post.

[DrDan]

161. thanks - you confirmed what I thought was your point

[whathehell]

162. Sure..

I'm guessing communication isn't your strong suit.

[Spider Jerusalem]

158. Author proves his own point 3

"we don't know much about the rest of the world"

in his point 1: "not many people are impressed by Americans"...I live in the UK; I can tell you that Brits are by and large not very impressed by Americans. Also: "British", not "English" ("England" is not "Britain" is not "the UK"; despite what geographically ignorant Americans may think, the terms are not interchangeable.)

[upsidedownforklift]

159. Us, We, We

Stop saying "We." You are not your government, you are only responsible for your own actions. If you travel abroad to kill people, you are doing it for yourself, not for your government.

[Enrique]

163. 10 things this person believes about America n/t