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

[Calypso 464]

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.

You know I didn't mean that negotiated infidelity is a religion.

[DEDixon 39]

There are ignorant people everywhere but the US happens to have a large population with little clue about what's happening beyond the US borders.

so what? bfd really.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

so what? bfd really.

Sure, let ignorance be. Nbd, right?

[DEDixon 39]

Sure, let ignorance be. Nbd, right?

whatever, the ignorance really shows on this thread to think that people less dignified or something just because they aren't very aware of other cultures or their geography isn't very good. the noses are really in the air here... calm down people, you aren't any better than those that don't know Vancouver is north of Washington.

[Ladylethal 12]

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

Amen!

It is also true that Europeans would have more worldly knowledge as they're easily exposed to more cultures, living there travel is cheap and there's a big variety of places to go with very distinct traits.

It's funny that growing up in Brasil in the 80's, the fashion among young teens was going to Disney. I was probably in the 5% of my entire grade that had never gone to Disney but was the only one who had visited every region of Brasil (by car) and always could relate to Brazilian Geography classes (I've been to the South to the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls; the northeast beaches; the capital of Brasilia; the Amazon; the Pantanal; São Paulo and of course, I am from Rio; as well as seeing first hand the states where all you see is soy plantations, or the huge cattle farms, or the industrial smaller cities in SP state, etc). I personally felt I had the better deal and was proud to know my country. As a young adult though I've dreamed of going to Europe, hoping to fulfill that soon.

Edited March 6, 2010 by Ladylethal

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

whatever, the ignorance really shows on this thread to think that people less dignified or something just because they aren't very aware of other cultures or their geography isn't very good. the noses are really in the air here... calm down people, you aren't any better than those that don't know Vancouver is north of Washington.

It's not about having any noses high up, it's about the value of knowing more geographically than where the nearest 7/11 is.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

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

Paranoid, huh?

[scandal 951]

Amen!

It is also true that Europeans would have more worldly knowledge as they're easily exposed to more cultures, living there travel is cheap and there's a big variety of places to go with very distinct traits.

It's funny that growing up in Brasil in the 80's, the fashion among young teens was going to Disney. I was probably in the 5% of my entire grade that had never gone to Disney but was the only one who had visited every region of Brasil (by car) and always could relate to Brazilian Geography classes (I've been to the South to the Foz do Iguaçu waterfalls; the northeast beaches; the capital of Brasilia; the Amazon; the Pantanal; São Paulo and of course, I am from Rio; as well as seeing first hand the states where all you see is soy plantations, or the huge cattle farms, or the industrial smaller cities in SP state, etc). I personally felt I had the better deal and was proud to know my country. As a young adult though I've dreamed of going to Europe, hoping to fulfill that soon.

I've been to Porto Allegre, Sao Paulo, Rio, Brasilia, Salvador, Recife, Joao Pessoa, Natal, Fortaleza.

I've never been to Disney World.

Pretty good trade off, imho.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I've been to Porto Allegre, Sao Paulo, Rio, Brasilia, Salvador, Recife, Joao Pessoa, Natal, Fortaleza.

I've never been to Disney World.

Pretty good trade off, imho.

I've seen London, I've seen France, I've seen IR5 in Scandal's pants. See how worldly I am?

[DEDixon 39]

It's not about having any noses high up, it's about the value of knowing more geographically than where the nearest 7/11 is.

and again, bfd if they don't! so what, on the grand scale of things that really matter in life, it matters none, zip, zip-o.

and again, it is about having noses in the air. pathetic!

[Ladylethal 12]

I've been to Porto Allegre, Sao Paulo, Rio, Brasilia, Salvador, Recife, Joao Pessoa, Natal, Fortaleza.

I've never been to Disney World.

Pretty good trade off, imho.

You know more places in Brasil than most Brazilians, I'd say.

I guess in the past couple of years that is changing though, as airline fairs are a lot cheaper and with the Euro and the Dollar being so high compared to the Real more Brazilians are choosing to travel around the country instead of US or Europe.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

and again, bfd if they don't! so what, on the grand scale of things that really matter in life, it matters none, zip, zip-o.

Hey, you're entitled to as narrow as a horizon as you see fit. Not my problem.

[scandal 951]

I've seen London, I've seen France, I've seen IR5 in Scandal's pants. See how worldly I am?

Ah, but have you ever been to Australia? Neener neener neener....

[Ali G. 37]

and again, bfd if they don't! so what, on the grand scale of things that really matter in life, it matters none, zip, zip-o.

and again, it is about having noses in the air. pathetic!

It does matter actually, especially when considering quality of life and standard of living.

[DEDixon 39]

Hey, you're entitled to as narrow as a horizon as you see fit. Not my problem.

this isn't about me, it is about the arrogance displayed here with people thinking they are somehow better just because they know a little geography or a few cultural characteristics of a few countries. geez, unless you study this stuff, you can't know but a little since the world is so big.

also, as for europeans traveling, so what, the US has states that are bigger than countries in europe so they travel, whoopie, it is like going from DC to North Carolina. it is a way of life for them, because they are so close, because they are so small. also, to leave one's countries in europe, it is just a matter so driving, big whoop!