Embarrassed to be American

[Whispersecret]

Being proud of your nation, whatever it is, does not justify demeaning someone else's, especially if the only reason you're bad-mouthing a particular country is a difference of opinion with a person from that country.

I'm just waiting for those of you who have been maligning other countries to start yelling, "I know you are, but what am I???" <sighs>

Knock it off and grow up.

 

[CreamyLady]

I applaud the sentiment, but why be embarrassed to be American? "Americans" didn't do anything.

A group of jingoistic yahoos did, but they weren't representing America, North, South or Central, were they?

I'd put the whole bunch to work making a salt and flour map of the world, with no political boundaries. Each group would have to work on the other's side of the pond or border, and they'd have to write a paper about what they learned of the physical geography and populations.

Anyone who complained would have cleanup.

 

[SimplySouthern]

I'll be the first to admit that I am proud to be an American. Of course, I think we have the greatest country in the world...isn't that what we are taught all through school and even outside in our own homes?

However, I was also taught respect for others and their opinions and beliefs. I don't believe in trashing or badmouthing others for their pride in their countries, and to be honest, I am quite interested in the culture and the pride that goes along with being the native of another country.

Intelligent debate over which country is "the greatest" may not get us any closer to an agreement, but at least it is more stimulating that FUCK "insert name of offending country here". If you think that yours is the greatest or that some other nation truly sucks outloud (with slurpy noises) tell me why and be prepared to back it up. At that point you have a valid conversation/debate going...and not some silly rant that makes you look like an asshole.

 

[Whispersecret]

CL, you're right. In this case, America didn't do anything wrong.

People are bound to judge America on the basis of what individual Americans do. However, it seems obvious that every country has its share of loudmouth idiots.

As to America being the greatest country in the world? Although I love my country, I'm not blind to its faults. I worry about where it's headed, but then, who isn't?

I certainly think it's a wonderful place to live, but I can't honestly say I know enough about other countries to say decisively whether the U.S. is better. I expect that, as in most things in life, there are pros and cons to every country on Earth.

I don't think of myself as unpatriotic, but I'm sure there are some people ready to accuse me of that. Have at me.

 

[Mensa]

Words to live by.

True patriotism is a positive thing. Don't confuse it with chauvinism whereby everything about one's own country becomes ideal and the rest are dross. You do not need to enhance your own by diminishing others.

I'm reminded of the words of Marcel Proust, a French Jew who survived the holocaust. He was once asked if he now hated the Germans, his reply was classic. He said that he did not hate in plurals. That reply has become my motto in life!

 

[Johnny Ringo]

Alot of people from all over the world are trying to come to America. If you are embarrased, why not let them have your house and you can move into theirs in their country. That way you won't be embarrased anymore. And they can experience the joys of being an American.

Bottom line is, no one is stopping you from leaving.

http://www.johnnyringo.com

 

[Hecate]

Proud to be ...

Well - I am German ... and I am SICK of being told I can't be proud of it because of German history. (it was nothing I did - and nothing my parents even did)

I am not feeling particularly German - I have been living in Australia, in Italy and was about to move to the USA for love and work alike .. I feel -if something at all- European, but more than that just a global earth citizen.

And actually - I can't see any reason to be particularily proud of nationality because the good (and bad) achievements hardly ever are merit to "a country" but to certain people who happen to live there and give their good or bad ideas and abilities to the nation.
Plus - being born in a certain country and under positive circumstances isnt anything I as an individual feel I should be proud about either ... it is none of my doing or achievement.

I see my country (and many others) for how and what they are ... the good and bad sides - I have been a "stranger" in a few and know how it feels to try building a life in a different culture ... but I am here in Germany by choice again, so I won't complain .. as little as I will if ever I shall choose another spot to live in ... but I won't close my eyes to the things that should be looked at a little more distant and critical.

Did any of that make sense? I hope so *s* and pray I chose my words moderate enough ... hit a " touchy spot" with that subject.

 

[Jeff726]

Proud to be.....

I am an american citizen and damn happy here, but I do have my lineage.

Irish, German, French, Dutch, Cherokee Indian.

So I am a drunk, soccer-endowed, hairy, weed-smoking native american! hehehehehe


But seriously I am very happy of my place in the world. I may pick on what I don't like in other places, but hey sometimes it happens. I bag on Canada alot, but that's because Bret Hart is a whiny piece of shit and he soiled my view of most people there, with exceptions to a few nice sweet people.


Jeff

 

[Kamiyue2c]

People are bound to judge America on the basis of what individual Americans do. However, it seems obvious that every country has its share of loudmouth idiots.

How very true! As I traveled and lived overseas, it seems that I met many people who happened to meet the loudmouth idiots. Probably because they are the ones to make a spectacle of themselves and are most easily remembered. It's easy to remember the person that pissed you off but not many notice the polite one before or after IMHO.

As to America being the greatest country in the world? Although I love my country, I'm not blind to its faults. I worry about where it's headed, but then, who isn't?

I certainly think it's a wonderful place to live, but I can't honestly say I know enough about other countries to say decisively whether the U.S. is better. I expect that, as in most things in life, there are pros and cons to every country on Earth.

Also true, but when you see the news, maybe you should wonder where the world is headed. I know that I am and scared for my children's future. I'll do the best I can to make it a better place and many others will do the same, both in the US and other countries. Being able to see and acknowledge your faults is very American.

e2c

 

[Mensa]

Re: Proud to be.....

I am an american citizen and damn happy here, but I do have my lineage.

Irish, German, French, Dutch, Cherokee Indian.

So I am a drunk, soccer-endowed, hairy, weed-smoking native american! hehehehehe


But seriously I am very happy of my place in the world. I may pick on what I don't like in other places, but hey sometimes it happens. I bag on Canada alot, but that's because Bret Hart is a whiny piece of shit and he soiled my view of most people there, with exceptions to a few nice sweet people.


Jeff

Don't knock the " Hitman", he's the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. LOL

 

[Expertise]

Jeff repeat after me:

Wrestling is not real nor should I judge nations by it.
Wrestling is not real nor should I judge nations by it.

Repeat this (out loud) 1000 times and you may not need a lobotomy.

Its like saying you hate the Japanese because of that fucking Godzilla.

 

[Jeff726]

Expertise repeat after me.....

Jeff was just joking around.
Jeff was just joking around.

Do that about 100000000000000000000000000 times and it will sink in.


Jeff

 

[Mortto56]

Hi: I'm a import from another country.I live in the USA now,but I'm from Germany.I've been back to Germany several times to see relatives,and to just catch up with the latest news in the family....From the way I see it,both countrys have there problems,and there perks.I think we in America have a little more FREEDOM to do and say as we feel,than they do in Germany.But overall I would'nt mind living in Germany,if I decided to move back there....The problem with the world nowadays as I see it is,there are too many "CRY BABY PEE PANTS,SNIBBLING,SNOTTY NOSE,BIG MOUTH,AROGANTE(don't know if that is spelled right,but you know what I mean,)ASSHOLES",that all they think about is "ME,ME,ME"....or "MY,MY,MY"....Get off the "I AM BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE!" BULLSHIT.And try to contribute a little LOVE & COMPASSTION,and UNDERSTANDING to your fellow HUMAN BEING.....Well I feel better now.THANKS for letting me vent for a moment.

 

[Flagg]

That's OK, I'm REALLY glad you could SHARE that with US. It REALLY meant A LOT you KNOW.

 

[Expertise]

Sorry Jeff. It just read serious big fella'. This would be me acting contrite.

But you guys still haven't got the Crispy Crunch and until you do can you truly be anything other than embaressed?

 

[SimplySouthern]

you mean it ISN'T all about me?

 

[Amadeus]

These are good and thoughtful comments.

I am an American and have lived in Wales and Germany and spent a lot of time traveling all over the world. I loved visiting and living in Europe. Its cities are more human-sized and livable.

I have been embarrassed by fellow Americans when they acted as the stereotype some of the rest of the world has formed of us. That is, insisting on behaving in ways that fit our culture (though not completely appreciated here either) but not the one you are visiting.

The only sin is expecting Baden Baden to be just like Toledo and then being loudly petulant when it is not.

Stop and enjoy all the variety of wonderful life experiences that each country has to offer.