Sandra, take these comments and replace "Americans" with "Jews". Or "African Americans". Or "Latinos". What do you get then? Racist comments. Now put the word "American" back in there. What are they now? Still racist comments. Generalizing the entire population of a particular country in an overtly negative way, that's simply what we call racism.
This means you have every right to feel offended by these comments. But it also means that you should realize that people that make such comments are a dumb, ignorant minority and are not worth your energy.
This is true, but I feel like if all I'm doing is trying to enjoy and discuss a Blur video or watch a clip a Sacha Baron Cohen I really don't need to read 25 comments about how stupid and fat Americans are. I really don't see people attacking let's say the French or the Italians. It's always: you Americans. And it's said with such disgust it makes me sad. I mean, I don't think the people I know are trying to destroy the world. We're just trying to live. Our government is just as imperfect as any governent, but I'll quote a line from an old movie here:
"You American haters bore me to tears, Ms. Barham. I've dealt with Europeans all my life. I know all about us parvenus from the States who come over here and race around your old Cathedral towns with our cameras and Coca-cola bottles... Brawl in your pubs, paw at your women, and act like we own the world. We over-tip, we talk too loud, we think we can buy anything with a Hershey bar. I've had Germans and Italians tell me how politically ingenuous we are, and perhaps so. But we haven't managed a Hitler or a Mussolini yet. I've had Frenchmen call me a savage because I only took half an hour for lunch. Hell, Ms. Barham, the only reason the French take two hours for lunch is because the service in their restaurants is lousy. The most tedious lot are you British. We crass Americans didn't introduce war into your little island. This war, Ms. Barham to which we Americans are so insensitive, is the result of 2,000 years of European greed, barbarism, superstition, and stupidity. Don't blame it on our Coca-cola bottles. Europe was a growing brothel long before we came to town."
So there are many ways to look at the world and who bares what responsibility. Don't put it all on our shoulders. Now I know a lot of people think Bush is the modern day Hitler, but I think that if you really think about it there's a huge difference. I don't say he's not dangerous (or him and the people around him) or hasn't been the cause of many deaths, but there's a huge difference. And we are certainly not behind him. For the most part. It's a huge country so there's always that faction out there. That scary, close minded, violent faction. I just think it's unfair to lump us all together as fat, stupid war mongers. We're people and especially when we're just posting about some stupid band we don't deserve a million insulting comments.
I admit to begrudging the fact America's involvement in WW2 was a bit late and at a great cost to Britain...
It's interesting you feel that way, Apps. I always thought that FDR did a lot before the U.S. entered the war to help Britain (such as the Lend-Lease Act). Britain won WWII with U.S. help, but lost its empire. I think the loss of territorial possessions had more to do with the post-war economy in Britain than anything the U.S. did. I think Britain is still struggling with its post-colonial identity. The Beatles were a great part of Britain losing the stodgy old-school class-structured Britain for something cosmopolitan, radical, multicultural (white guys in love with black music).
My only problem with Britain politically is that damned monarchy. After you guys chopped off Charles' head, you should have done with it. The Restoration was the worst thing to happen to Britain in the last 500 years.
I only bring the topic up as means for a discussion. It's no argument. I have visited several boards and inevitably the anti-American sentiment comes up. I don't feel I was attacking people from the UK either, only stating that the majority of comments came from them. Probably because of the whole speaking English thing. I mean, I know the sentiment is felt throughout the world. Political stuff aside my point was that I don't think it's fair or right to generalize an entire nation of people. THAT creates boundries. Discussion can only bring enlightenment.
Also, when I said I didn't know how to take that I wasn't being a jerk or anything. I seriously didn't know how to take it. The as it goes part threw me. But I suspect that if any of us met in person we'd seem to be nothing like we are on this site. Or at least seem very different. Well, I know I'd be. I usually keep this stuff inside and just try to keep everyone around me happy. Anonimity allows for certain privileges I guess.
On a more serious note, I think we all get critisised wrongly sometimes, due in part, to a lack of understanding of another people's culture. I can completely empathise with how you feel Sondra. I've been brought up with other people saying things like: 'You English and your tea', 'You English and your weather', You English and your Monarchy', You English driving on the left', You English and your queueing'!!! Mostly irritating I know, rather than insulting, but a lifetime of it really makes you mad sometimes. Sometimes ignorance can be bliss, and sometimes not. For those that are ignorant by choice, pity them. Smile and nod, and know that you're above that.
On a more serious note, I think we all get critisised wrongly sometimes, due in part, to a lack of understanding of another people's culture.
True. I once heard Bill O'Reilly say on TV that a lot of thing are going the wrong way in America and that if they wouldn't be careful, "America could end up just like The Netherlands". I was very insulted when I heard that.
Of course you can legally get cocaine in every supermarket here, our women have abortions just for the fun of it, we have government funded campaigns to convert people to homosexuality and we have more brothels than houses, but I don't see what's wrong with all that?
The Americans i have met have always been nice people , so i can only judge on my experience which as been good. I don't like rudeness and i find the internet a very rude place to be sometimes , ive seen a lot of things written and i just think where are your manners , that might be a bit old fashioned but i was taught " Good Manners " if you can't make a point without been rude you should be silent . My mum always says manners cost nothing and i agree with her ?
I think Britain is still struggling with its post-colonial identity....
My only problem with Britain politically is that damned monarchy. After you guys chopped off Charles' head, you should have done with it. The Restoration was the worst thing to happen to Britain in the last 500 years.
Agree with the first bit totally. Britain has three choices - side with the US, side with Europe or go it alone. It's still not sure what way to go. Re the monarchy - I used to feel the same as you, especially re The House Of Lords. But bear this in mind - Britain has had stable government for 300 years now, free of the revolutions, totalatarian governments and civil wars that have beset everyone else (including your good selves.) It is a nation proud of it's traditions of civil liberties, free speech and tolerance.They must be doing something right.
I admit to begrudging the fact America's involvement in WW2 was a bit late and at a great cost to Britain...Thats a power struggle though by power hungry politicians...not peace-loving individuals.
I can't hold that against them. they had involved themselves in a european war in 1917 just to see the continent tearing itself apart again barely a generation later. Why should americans die for what would be seen as protecting the Soviet, French and British empires (that themselves enslaved and exploited millions). If I'd been an american in 1939 i wouldn't want my country involved in another european squabble.
Be yourself, no matter what they say. Administrator
Posts
4,199
Gender
Male
Posts Per Day
2.72
It's a fair point Kevin & AdamZero earlier. On re-reading this thread, i stand a bit more enlightened and apologise for my own tone. Just hope my brother gets home in one piece instead of defending stupid oil lines!
This is a pandora's box of a subject and can be justified/villified in many examples. I wish I never grew up at times to learn the worlds sins.
Home
Calendar
Search
Register
Login
Sandra
Female
Male
Logged
