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

[jundp 191]

I suspect that you were outnumbered on that tour bus x : 1 as Europeans are much better known for their travel skills and interest in traveling than Americans.

Which is likely because the US is so large and spread out. Whereas in Europe it's much easier to travel to a different country. Add to that the allotted vacation/holiday/travel time most Europeans get as opposed to most Americans and I could see why Europeans have more opportunity to travel.

Also, are you moving to America?

[ValerieA 350]

That's a terrific religion. It's based on the belief in a unifying deity that absolves you for every transgression of the flesh, and encourages you to try some more. One Hail Mary followed by two shots of tequila.

Do I have to practice infidelity, or can I just have the tequila?

[Susita 175]

People in this country baffle me when they don't even know their own geography.

I was in Atlanta for a year, and when people would meet me they'd ask me where I was from and I'd say NY. They'd ask "Where in NY?" Which, in and of itself is impressive, because most people assume you mean Manhattan automatically. I would say "Long Island."

I think they confused Long Island with Staten Island because people would ask me if I had met any of the members of the Wu Tang Clan, did I know the Gotti family or if I'd ever seen anyone get shot.

I've also had people assume I don't know how to drive because I take the subway everywhere

[Susita 175]

And since Starbucks is now no longer in the Forbidden City in Beijing it's hardly surprising that I didn't hear a single American accent when I was there last month.

I thought this thread was to complain about people who make silly assumptions, not make them!

I like Dunkin Donuts, and friends don't let friends drink Starbucks!!!

[ValerieA 350]

I've also had people assume I don't know how to drive because I take the subway everywhere

They may be thinking that because they had to dive off the sidewalk when you were parking...

[Susita 175]

They may be thinking that because they had to dive off the sidewalk when you were parking...

I would have agreed with you like 6 years ago Val, but I'm a good driving Mommy now

[alienlovechild 75]

So, you're the American who believed that Auckland was connected to Sydney by a bridge, right?

I suspect that you were outnumbered on that tour bus x : 1 as Europeans are much better known for their travel skills and interest in travelling than Americans. BTW - did you notice that I said it wasn't just Americans who make silly comments / assumptions? And since Starbucks is now no longer in the Forbidden City in Beijing it's hardly surprising that I didn't hear a single American accent when I was there last month.

I'm not the individual who made the comment about the bridge but thanks for proving my point about knee-jerk anti-American idiots like yourself.

You weren't on the tour bus so stop making moronic defenses of Euros too lazy to spend a dollar to see an historic site.

Unfortunately, some Americans are going to hear your accent for a long while in this country but I hope they won't hold it against you.

[Ali G. 37]

I hear an Australian douchebag preach how much better it is in Australia and yet he lives here, What an idiot. If you don't like it, get your faggot a$$ out.

Are you the infamous and internationally renowned stereotypical yank male or what... It's why I like you..

[Ali G. 37]

So, you're the American who believed that Auckland was connected to Sydney by a bridge, right?

I suspect that you were outnumbered on that tour bus x : 1 as Europeans are much better known for their travel skills and interest in travelling than Americans. BTW - did you notice that I said it wasn't just Americans who make silly comments / assumptions? And since Starbucks is now no longer in the Forbidden City in Beijing it's hardly surprising that I didn't hear a single American accent when I was there last month.

Considering that less than 24% of American have passports, such ignorance is not surprising. After all, it's why so many think it's the best country in the fregain world. A thought solely based on opinion of course.

Many here laugh and mock Canada, yet if only this country could be 1/10th of what Canada is. Not only is Canada internationally recognized for its extremely high quality of life but it has internaitonal respect. Whereas, lets face it, the US is the butt of Jokes abroad - anyone in a first world country knows that first hand.. I still remember the response of my friends from the UK living in Sydney when I first mentioned I am moving to the US.

Edited March 6, 2010 by Booyah

[Susita 175]

Considering that less than 24% of American have passports, such ignorance is not surprising. After all, it's why so many think it's the best country in the fregain world. A thought solely based on opinion of course.

I have a passport but admit, many Americans don't travel as much out of the country... but I think there's many different reasons for that. For example, my mother has been to almost every single state in the US including Hawaii and Alaska because she made a goal that she wants to see the whole country before she dies.

Patriotism is good. However saying that your country is superior to all others is just ignorance.

[jundp 191]

Considering that less than 24% of American have passports, such ignorance is not surprising. After all, it's why so many think it's the best country in the fregain world. A thought solely based on opinion of course.

Which is likely because the US is so large and spread out. Whereas in Europe it's much easier to travel to a different country. Add to that the allotted vacation/holiday/travel time most Europeans get as opposed to most Americans and I could see why Europeans have more opportunity to travel.

[Ali G. 37]

Patriotism is good. However saying that your country is superior to all others is just ignorance.

It's also why numerous things are the way they are. Why would someone bother improving when they have been indoctrinated, like a cult, to believe since birth that the US is the best at everything period. Maybe it once was, between the 50s to early 70s, unfortunately this is far from reality in 2010 - very far actually. Unfortunately building the latest and greatest fighter jets, or winning the most gold, does nothing for the quality of life for the average American.

It's like I argued with spook the other day, most other first world countries tend to learn from one another. We get that maybe Germany has better ideas in achieving x, while Germany can learn from Canada regarding Y. Over here it's a case of not interested and neither do I care in what anyone does, let alone better. Yet you will then hear these same folks saying 'our health care' or (insert anything really) is the best in the world.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Which is likely because the US is so large and spread out. Whereas in Europe it's much easier to travel to a different country. Add to that the allotted vacation/holiday/travel time most Europeans get as opposed to most Americans and I could see why Europeans have more opportunity to travel.

That's a valid point. However, as they say: worldview comes from viewing the world. There's a lot of truth to that when you think about it. I sure wish Americans would travel the world more. We'd have a different quality of discussions in this country.

[jundp 191]

That's a valid point. However, as they say: worldview comes from viewing the world. There's a lot of truth to that when you think about it. I sure wish Americans would travel the world more. We'd have a different quality of discussions in this country.

I don't disagree at all. And I'd say that for the most part, the Americans who travel around this country (America) are also those who are more likely to travel outside of the country as well. I know that when I was growing up we traveled quite a bit in and out of the USA.

I do again think some of it goes beyond nationalism and extends into practicality, especially when it's so expensive for many Americans to travel outside of the US. That doesn't mean I think we should live sheltered here, but I can understand how and why many don't travel. Which is why I'm excited to be taking students this summer to travel -- some are going on their very first trip outside of North America (most have been to Canada, considering how close we are to the border).

[Ali G. 37]

Irrespective of the reasons behind it, the reality is that it has kept a lot of Americans ignorant and done the country more harm than good. It's why so many here, for example, don't understand that what's cool and trendy here, is not shared by the rest of the world.

Edited March 6, 2010 by Booyah