Man I am so down... What do you foreigners LIKE about the U.S.?

[SINthysist]

From the tenor of the comments the only thing I can garner is that we make an excellent example of what NOT to be...

 

[Bindii]

Oh no, from what I've seen people are the same the world over.

 

[takingchances42]

From the tenor of the comments the only thing I can garner is that we make an excellent example of what NOT to be...

Who would you rather be? Where would the world be without us?

You can't read too much into the comments of the Europeans here. They are a bunch of jaded, has-beens... Rich, wealthy, and educated, sure, but lacking even the vitality to maintain order in Europe without US help, let alone defend themselves against the rest of the world.

It is a shame that we don't hear more from our replacements here on the boards, or in the media. The vital, fast growing powers that look at the US, and instead of envy say "we can take you guys..."

I wonder how the Europeans will fare in the Age of Asia, which will be here long before the 21st century is over. When they are second tier powers within a civilization that itself has already been displaced by a larger and more vital one...

 

[SINthysist]

They can't be.

If they were like Kansans, we'd be living in peace, everything would be plowed or painted, and it'd be as clean as Switzerland...

 

[Guest]

Your pomposity, your arrogance, the way you stick your nose into other countries business. The way you brag constantly about your power. They way your people all think they are God's Gift.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

You feel you are owed something by the rest of the world, you want to be the ruling power, but unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You are a nation based on greed and self servedness.

A typical "ME ME ME" look at me" mentality.

 

[zach79]

You watch too many movies or Entertainment Tonight.

Not all of us are that way. Also we know we can't be the ruling power forever, but we did have a nice run (it isn't over yet though)

BTW "pomposity" is not a word; how about pompousness

 

[Lust Engine]

Your pomposity, your arrogance, the way you stick your nose into other countries business. The way you brag constantly about your power. They way your people all think they are God's Gift.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

You feel you are owed something by the rest of the world, you want to be the ruling power, but unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You are a nation based on greed and self servedness.

A typical "ME ME ME" look at me" mentality.

Not being an American born, I too can understand the arrogance that America shows at times too, but also in times of need, Americans are also the first to respond with their generosity.

When floods come, Americans are there to help sandbag.

When famine strikes, Americans send massive amounts of food to stave off starvation.

When illness strikes, Americans send their doctors & medicines over.

While I agree that the US isn't all it's cracked up to be in its ideals, I wouldn't trade my US residency in for anything else in the world. I look hard enough and can see the good that America has to offer.

 

[Pixie]

You watch too many movies or Entertainment Tonight.

Not all of us are that way. Also we know we can't be the ruling power forever, but we did have a nice run (it isn't over yet though)

BTW "pomposity" is not a word; how about pompousness

pomposity n

1. an excessive sense of self-importance, usually displayed through exaggerated seriousness or stateliness in speech and manner

2. an act, remark, or gesture that is exaggerated in it's seriousness or stateliness and conveys an excessive sense of self-importance

 

[zach79]

My mistake...

Thanks for not shoving that error in my face pixie; and you weren't nasty or rude about it like most are.

It is appreciated.

 

[Rex1960]

From the tenor of the comments the only thing I can garner is that we make an excellent example of what NOT to be...

Don't cry for us SIN...
we all want to be the big guy in the block and since we aren't that buff we just point our fingers and talk about education and stuff still complaining that he's the one who has all the big breasted blondes on his cadillac's backseat. Then we're starting the jokes about blondes and trying to argue that a Chrysler Horizon is not the worst car....

Rex

Btw. I'm driving an Audi station wagon, a BMW convertible and all my girls are dark haired. And I don't work out 'cause I'm so educated.

 

[Tantanah]

I like the choices.

I like the fact that each state is so different.

I like the opportunities and resources that are available for the kids at school.

 

[android1966]

I like your peanuts. I ate a pack earlier today.

 

[fgarvb1]

I guess that sometimes the usa meddles in the affairs of other countries because we can.
The people here mean well, but from time to time we have some fucked in the head leaders who owe their position to rich and powerful people and organizations. They don't always what we want or even what is right.
Add in the media and the way the world works and the people in the USA get blamed for a lot of shit that we had rather had no part of.

Sometimes we never find out the true story. Sometimes we don't care what the true story is.

When someone needs help or as a country pisses us off we do what is in us to do.

It just so happens that as a country we have the money/or can get it, and the power to do it.

This pisses more people off.

We will be what we will be until we are no more.

 

[android1966]

Penn fishing reels are good, I own two.

 

[Coolville]

Americans are also the first to respond with their generosity.

When floods come, Americans are there to help sandbag.

When famine strikes, Americans send massive amounts of food to stave off starvation.

When illness strikes, Americans send their doctors & medicines over.

I don't want to diss your post, but these things are universal (and thank god for that) . Just look at the floods in Central Europe or China recently. Or the humanitarian aid pouring into Afghanistan and elsewhere. The willingness to help is human and not specifically American in character.

Politics aside...
Things I like about America:
- New York City. It belongs to the world. A fantastic place.
- American friendliness: the easy going, "Howya doin?" attitude. Always easy to chat with a stranger.
- Their love of sports. (even though I don't like the sports they love )
- the multiculturalism
- the drive, the 'go for it', 'go get 'em' attitude.
- always a firm handshake.
- Cars with automatic gears. Cruise Control.
- The highways.
- Big sky country
- The neighbourly attitude.
- Lawn mowers you can sit on.
There's more...

Things I don't like about America:
- Lack of eye contact with strangers.
- the food. Too much. Too greasy.
- only 6% of americans have passports. If more people travelled, that might help.

 

[Gord]

as in everything this thread is just one huge generalisation

you cannot pigeon hole all americans just as you cannot pigeon hole Europeans - that is absurd.

I have travelled to some great place in the US and met some great people - some are very knowledgeable about Europe and yes some think the UK is Greenland - but the same goes about Europe

In some parts of the US your technology is miles ahead and yet in others it is way behind and you think shit is this the US.

The thing about US is the size and the possibilities - you are very lucky. You can see every climate in the one nation - when you have it all on your door step I suppose their is little need to travel abroad. -

I dont think Europeans hate the Americans any more than they hate us - sure we have a little piss take now and again but that is normal , and fun ,

To the poster who went on about the death of Europe in the shadow of the Eastern / Asian markets - I think our death is a bit premature. Westen Europe is doing just fine at he moment

 

[Rex1960]

I like the choices.

I like the fact that each state is so different.

I like the opportunities and resources that are available for the kids at school.

i like your new av

 

[oceanbaby28]

Why hide behind your cloak???

Your pomposity, your arrogance, the way you stick your nose into other countries business. The way you brag constantly about your power. They way your people all think they are God's Gift.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

You feel you are owed something by the rest of the world, you want to be the ruling power, but unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You are a nation based on greed and self servedness.

A typical "ME ME ME" look at me" mentality.

I am not defending one or the other...

I was raised in a very european manner, but am born a US citizen. So I feel I have the best of both worlds.

If you're going to make any type of statement like that and feel that strongly about it... say it in full disclosure.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Coolville]

oh, and I like SINthysist for dusting off his karma in this world of differences and starting such a thread.

Too often we talk about what we don't like.

It's nice to talk about things we like.

 

[Rex1960]

Your pomposity, your arrogance, the way you stick your nose into other countries business. The way you brag constantly about your power. They way your people all think they are God's Gift.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

You feel you are owed something by the rest of the world, you want to be the ruling power, but unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You are a nation based on greed and self servedness.

A typical "ME ME ME" look at me" mentality.

??
You're definately not american since I don't think ANY american would be that cowardly hiding...

 

[Rex1960]

oh, and I like SINthysist for dusting off his karma in this world of differences and starting such a thread.

Too often we talk about what we don't like.

It's nice to talk about things we like.

I like the danish way of life... and thinking

 

[takingchances42]

To the poster who went on about the death of Europe in the shadow of the Eastern / Asian markets - I think our death is a bit premature. Westen Europe is doing just fine at he moment

Oh, I didn't say anything about "death". I do like Europe and Europeans in general. But it is quite ironic that so many Europeans complain about American arrogance. Yes, we deserve that. But the Euro-centric arrogance is even worse, and less deserved.

The second and third largest economies in the world are now China and Japan. It is not a matter of looking over your shoulder and seeing them coming. Asia has already passed Europe and is still accelerating.

Being an American or a European is a pretty good thing in 2002. Only 10% of the world's population, and we consume half the world's resources. Yes, you and we are doing just fine. For now...

 

[SINthysist]

Everyone needs some good kharma dusting!

I always like to think we get the best of all cultures...

Sort of like the Yankees and their roster.

 

[RosevilleCAguy]

Your pomposity, your arrogance, the way you stick your nose into other countries business. The way you brag constantly about your power. They way your people all think they are God's Gift.

I could go on and on, but you get the drift.

You feel you are owed something by the rest of the world, you want to be the ruling power, but unfortunately, that's not going to happen.

You are a nation based on greed and self servedness.

A typical "ME ME ME" look at me" mentality.

OMG. You mean we've become european?

 

[70/30]

I happen to be from America, so maybe I can give some of our good friends around the world some hints. I was told once that the ice cream cone was invented in the Great USA!!! I think the hula hoop was created here too. I'd even bet a reliable American dollar that the frisbee, pogo stick, and skateboard were created in the LAND of OPPORTUNITY! It is not just an opportunity to prosper financially and free of oppression but provide kids a chance to enjoy the splendors of youth. In my book that garners at the minimum three cheers!