What are the worst things you've heard someone say about your culture or country here in the States?

[SunDrop 59]

what happens when it depreciates to zero?

Well, if you're self-depreciating, you control the index

[Texanadian 10]

Interesting thread. I didn't know it was 3 hours to fly from New Zealand to Australia. Why is it that both countries don't like being referred to as the other by foreigners? You seem to be way out by yourselves out there. Obviously you sound very similar to a non NZ/AUS person.

Ukraine vs the Ukraine. I see this as sweating the small stuff. If I ask where you're from and you answer "I'm from Ukraine." It sounds like broken English. An American wouldn't answer I'm from USA. They'd say I'm from the USA. Somebody from the British Virgin Islands wouldn't answer "I'm from British Virgin Islands." They would say the first.

As far as international travel goes, it's already been mentioned that with 50 US states and most of them being different, that in itself is essentially the same as traveling. Compare it to the EU. It's really the same. One currency in either area. Different accents. Different climates. Different population sizes. Different state sizes.

[Ali G. 37]

Then tell me about Australia's contribution to the real world. They're not a major player. What did they invent? Sheep herding? What are they so well known for around the world? Technology? Medicine? Humanitarian efforts? Manufacturing? Science? Or how much happier the residents are? Please. As I said, they are a grain of sand in the world economy.

You're right! As such, I have highlighted the leader of the following in red. Interesting results for 'sheep herders'.. Australia aside, what's your response towards everyone else that is ahead of the US?

Population

AUS : 22 million

USA : 303 million

~ US has 13.8 times the population

Unemployment Rate

AUS: 5.3%

USA: 9.7%

Debt as % of GDP

AUS: 14%

USA: 71%

Age of Independent Nation

AUS: 109 years

USA: 234 years

GDP - Interesting for someone who is "not a major player" out of 180 nations

AUS: 13th

USA: 1st

People dying from lack of health care

AUS: 0

USA: 45,000

Government's Net Debt

AUS: $16 Billion

USA: $12,000 Billion

HIV/AIDS Rate

AUS : 108th

USA : 67th

Minimum Wage - per hour:

AUS: $12.70

USA: $7.25

Mandated Vacation Time

AUS: 4 weeks

USA: 0

Murdered by means of Firearms

AUS: 59

USA: 9,369

~ US has 158 times the homicide rate by means of firearms.

Homicide rate - per capita

AUS: 1.2

USA: 5.4

~ Australia has 77% less murders per capita

Life expectancy

AUS: 5th

USA: 38th

International Education Index

AUS: 1st

USA: 19th

Corruption Index

AUS: 8th

USA: 19th

Legatum Prosperity Index annual ranking of 104 countries, according to a variety of factors including wealth, economic growth, personal wellbeing, and quality of life.

AUS: 1st

USA: 6th

Human Development Index - (Quality of life) which measures standard of living, in an attempt to quantify the options available to individuals within a given society.

AUS: 2nd

USA: 13th

Commitment to Development Index The Commitment to Development Index (CDI) rates 22 rich countries on how much they help poor countries build prosperity, good government, and security. Each rich country gets scores in seven policy areas, which are averaged for an overall score.

AUS: 8th

USA: 17th

Democracy Index

AUS: 10th

USA: 18th

Economic Freedom

AUS: 4th

USA: 5th

Ease of Doing Business Index

AUS: 9th

USA: 4th

World Competitiveness

AUS: 15th

USA: 2nd

National Brand Index

AUS: 9th

USA: 7th

E-readiness

AUS: 4th

USA: 1st

Global Peace Index (I'm probably driving this one down)

AUS: 19th

USA: 83rd

Failed States Index

AUS: 170th - 8th last

USA: 159th

The Economist's World's Most Livable Cities 2010

AUS: 4 in the top 10

USA: No City ranks in the top 50

Beer Consumption - Most important of them all

AUS: 4th

USA: 13th

Other points:

• Average household income in the USA: $44K
  
• Average salary per person in AUS is now: ~$53K USD
  
• To be considered in poverty in AUS, a family of two has to be making under $37,033 USD.
  
• To be considered in poverty in the USA, a family of two has to be making under $22,050 USD
  

Edited March 7, 2010 by Booyah

[Ali G. 37]

Once again, let me reinforce - This is not a pissing contest... It just illustrates that in 2010, others are doing things better.

Ignorance is not bliss, it simply leads to a poor quality of life. I have a family member who works in the state government in AUS and I will email them ideas form things I see here, that they could look into implementing. Here is another example of learning from others, Germany not too long ago implemented roundabouts after seeing their effectiveness in AUS. They're cheap and much safer than idiotic four way stops.

Edited March 7, 2010 by Booyah

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Once again, let me reinforce - This is not a pissing contest... It just illustrates that in 2010, others are doing things better.

Ignorance is not bliss, it simply leads to a poor quality of life.

As I said, what has Australia contributed to the world? We don't need anymore of your stupid statistics. You still haven't shown Australia's importance in the world. It's more like a private country club. If Australia disappeared, it would barley make a blip on the world economy.

[Ali G. 37]

As I said, what has Australia contributed to the world? We don't need anymore of your stupid statistics. You still haven't shown Australia's importance in the world. It's more like a private country club. If Australia disappeared, it would barley make a blip on the world economy.

Newsflash bud but a hell of a lot of engineers and scientists here are from foreign countries. They're not some corvette driving, gun-toting, dumbazz.

13th economy in the world is hardly "a blip on the world economy". Nevertheless, you are missing the overall picture, that a hell of a lot of Australians are very affluent - that is what matters. Hence the article of El Salvadorian immigrants in Australia, who started with diddly-squat, are cleaners, yet have purchased four homes, with some being in the US. US homes that actually cost less than the deposit of a house in AUS.

Edited March 7, 2010 by Booyah

[wayno 9]

Gotta love it when someone who lives here in the U.S. bashes it so much. Must live a miserable live to trully hate the place they live. Go home to your beloved land.

Of course to kinda keep on topic, what´s wrong with the fact that most Americans don´t travel outside their country? I´ve mentioned it before, arctic, desert, tropics, volcanoes, glaciers, Rockies, Appalations, sea shore, beaches, water sports, skiing, fishing, hunting---Why get a passport. I only have one because the type of fishing i do takes me to other countries to continue the season. Guess I´m an ignorant and bad American too. I personally take an interest in geography so can tell where most, not all, countrys are. If you don´t, oh well, perhaps not interested. It doesn´t make you bad. Bet there are many things you know that i don´t have a clue about. Does it make me an ignorant A-hole. Nope, just not interested.

Of course if i didn´t like the place I live I´d get out of there and go home. Why liove in a place and be miserable?

[Ali G. 37]

Gotta love it when someone who lives here in the U.S. bashes it so much. Must live a miserable live to trully hate the place they live. Go home to your beloved land.

Of course to kinda keep on topic, what´s wrong with the fact that most Americans don´t travel outside their country? I´ve mentioned it before, arctic, desert, tropics, volcanoes, glaciers, Rockies, Appalations, sea shore, beaches, water sports, skiing, fishing, hunting---Why get a passport. I only have one because the type of fishing i do takes me to other countries to continue the season. Guess I´m an ignorant and bad American too. I personally take an interest in geography so can tell where most, not all, countrys are. If you don´t, oh well, perhaps not interested. It doesn´t make you bad. Bet there are many things you know that i don´t have a clue about. Does it make me an ignorant A-hole. Nope, just not interested.

Of course if i didn´t like the place I live I´d get out of there and go home. Why liove in a place and be miserable?

Ah Wayno, I believe you and I have had a run-in before. Than man from the crappy eastern shore. How's the green Atlantic water out there working out for you?

Care to show me where I 'bashed' the US? Or is it just a case of anyone that disagrees with others baseless rants that the country is 'the freest and best country in the world' automatically becomes anti-America / or bashing America.. Rather than ranting on about geography, which was never the point regarding international exposure, pay attention to the original post. Would you hear a Canadian say something as stupid as this?

and he says ''they have college in Brazil?''

Share some of the stupid, racist, diminishing, moronic, or just plain mean things people have said about your country and or culture.

Edited March 7, 2010 by Booyah

[SunDrop 59]

Interesting thread. I didn't know it was 3 hours to fly from New Zealand to Australia. Why is it that both countries don't like being referred to as the other by foreigners? You seem to be way out by yourselves out there. Obviously you sound very similar to a non NZ/AUS person.

Ukraine vs the Ukraine. I see this as sweating the small stuff. If I ask where you're from and you answer "I'm from Ukraine." It sounds like broken English. An American wouldn't answer I'm from USA. They'd say I'm from the USA. Somebody from the British Virgin Islands wouldn't answer "I'm from British Virgin Islands." They would say the first.

As far as international travel goes, it's already been mentioned that with 50 US states and most of them being different, that in itself is essentially the same as traveling. Compare it to the EU. It's really the same. One currency in either area. Different accents. Different climates. Different population sizes. Different state sizes.

How do most Canadians feel about being referred to as American? One could argue apart from the interjection of 'Ey!' in the strangest of places, Canadians and Americans sound very similar to non-North Americans.

How is it sweating small stuff? It's good grammar. You don't say I'm from the Canada, or the England. Using 'the' before a country name is more common when a country name is a plural. The States, The Islands, The Kingdom, The Union. Ukraine is just a single country, not a collective or plural of any kind.

Not all of Europe has a single currency. We have more than different accents; we speak entirely different languages. Each European country has its own unique history, society and accompanying norms. I know that I have drawn a comparison between Europeans traveling in Europe and Americans traveling in the US, but it was drawn on technical and practical grounds, by way of understanding why Americans don't travel abroad. Most Europeans would be apoplectic to hear you describing it as a Federation or Union comparative to the US.

Unfortunately, it's these kinds of mis/uninformed sweeping generalizations that make North Americans come across as ignorant. And it's not the lack of awareness that makes people roll their eyes, it's questioning why a New Zealander doesn't want to be lumped in with an Australian just because they happen to be in the same location on the globe. You aren't suggesting that Japan also be included in this "geographical" group, but it's pretty close to New Zealand too. They even have their own indigenous populations of Maoris and Aborigines! Having said that, I'm sure there are plenty of Europeans who think of Canada as an extension of the US (they have the same country dialling code, after all...)

[Ali G. 37]

When you read some of the responses on here, you really have to wonder about some folks with foreign spouses.

[Ali G. 37]

We have more than different accents; we speak entirely different languages. Each European country has its own unique history, society and accompanying norms. I know that I have drawn a comparison between Europeans traveling in Europe and Americans traveling in the US, but it was drawn on technical and practical grounds, by way of understanding why Americans don't travel abroad. Most Europeans would be apoplectic to hear you describing it as a Federation or Union comparative to the US.

Unfortunately, it's these kinds of mis/uninformed sweeping generalizations that make North Americans come across as ignorant. And it's not the lack of awareness that makes people roll their eyes, it's questioning why a New Zealander doesn't want to be lumped in with an Australian just because they happen to be in the same location on the globe. You aren't suggesting that Japan also be included in this "geographical" group, but it's pretty close to New Zealand too. They even have their own indigenous populations of Maoris and Aborigines! Having said that, I'm sure there are plenty of Europeans who think of Canada as an extension of the US (they have the same country dialling code, after all...)

You nailed it. I have traveled to various countries and have enjoyed the various people, customs, cultures, and lifestyles other countries have to offer. While yes Seattle is different to Atlanta, the difference is hardly the same as comparing London to France - which are across the pond.

This indifferent attitude of the world is why I myself have had responses like "where did you learn to speak American." or my favorite, "How did you get here? Using Amtrak.." or "do you have Kangaroos and Koalas in your streets"

Edited March 7, 2010 by Booyah

[TheBears 9]

Ummm... Soo....

Talking with one of the neighbors today, I mentioned my desire to take culinary lessons during the next trip to visit my husband. She goes, "Oh! Great! You can teach me how to make wonton soup!" Eh... Er... Yes, ma'am.

Same neighbor, months ago when discussing bringing him to live here: "Does he know karate?"

Silly Americans, too. At the bank to change my last name.

Bank Officer: What kind of last name is that?

Me: Thai.

Bank Officer: (responding to my fair hair, skin, and eyes) You don't look like you're from Taiwan.

Me: No. I'm from here. My husband is from Thailand; it's his name. (Duh!)

Oh! An aquainance from school. "Does he know any of those ladyboys?" Umm...

[Ali G. 37]

Ummm... Soo....

Talking with one of the neighbors today, I mentioned my desire to take culinary lessons during the next trip to visit my husband. She goes, "Oh! Great! You can teach me how to make wonton soup!" Eh... Er... Yes, ma'am.

Same neighbor, months ago when discussing bringing him to live here: "Does he know karate?"

Silly Americans, too. At the bank to change my last name.

Bank Officer: What kind of last name is that?

Me: Thai.

Bank Officer: (responding to my fair hair, skin, and eyes) You don't look like you're from Taiwan.

Me: No. I'm from here. My husband is from Thailand; it's his name. (Duh!)

Oh! An aquainance from school. "Does he know any of those ladyboys?" Umm...

[SunDrop 59]

Oh! An aquainance from school. "Does he know any of those ladyboys?" Umm...

LMAO wow.....

I'd go, "Sure he does.. you mean you weren't buddies with any Branch Davidians?"

[wayno 9]

Ah Wayno, I believe you and I have had a run-in before. Than man from the crappy eastern shore. How's the green Atlantic water out there working out for you?

Care to show me where I 'bashed' the US? Or is it just a case of anyone that disagrees with others baseless rants that the country is 'the freest and best country in the world' automatically becomes anti-America / or bashing America.. Rather than ranting on about geography, which was never the point regarding international exposure, pay attention to the original post. Would you hear a Canadian say something as stupid as this?

If I was in NC it would be just fine as the bluefins are thick off hatteras. Of course where I´m at now the warm pacific is doin me good. Be back in the pretty blue atlantic off home in a couple of month´s though. Lookin forward to the eastern shore livin. fishin, huntin, shootin, and toyin with my truck!

Payed attention to the original post and in my previous post I stated "kinda" on topic. It´s been dereailed a while ago.

Heard many of those comments from people everywhere. Coments like that are said by people regarding all countries. have said a few myself regarding the places I´ve been when I first started travelling. I never felt bad about them, i just didn´t know. People say the same things towards the U.S. as well. They just don´t know. They may be educated in other things just not other cultures. A lot of the coments are people trying to show interest in something they know nothing about just to make conversation. True, there are ignorant people in all country´s who want to offend but most of the remarks are innocent. If not, ignore them and walk away.