Why does it seem like...

[soulgeezer]

...every American on this BBS believes that their society is crumbling, until they are challenged by someone from another country, at which time they defend everything about American culture as good and pure?

And, why does it seem that people from countries other than the US believe that they live in some sort of crime-free, everyone-is-taken-care-of utopia?

We never seem to hear the English or Scottish or French or Australian or Finnish or Norwegian board members arguing with each other about the problems in their societies.

As to we Americans, I think it might go back to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who said "My country, right or wrong!" And, the fact that Americans are notorious for being divided until confronted by a common enemy, at which point we (historically, anyway) come together.

But, this doesn't explain why people from other countries always seem to be on the same page.

Can someone please explain this to me?

 

[labgnat]

it's like talking badly about a family member but if someone else talks bad about em u gotta defend the family member.

 

[Mole]

I'd say we don't see European, Australian, etc. members arguing with each other about their countries because they're arguing about America with Americans instead. Everyone argues about America, it's not just Americans arguing with Americans.

 

[Sonic_Death]

I just want to move to Canada, that's all. You do bring up good points though that I may address tomorrow when it is not so late.

 

[Steve]

...every American on this BBS believes that their society is crumbling, until they are challenged by someone from another country, at which time they defend everything about American culture as good and pure?

That would not be me you are talking about.

As far as the rest of the world goes, they may very well be united by their dislike for us. A large portion of which is if not justifiable, at the very least understandable.

There is a staggering culture of hubris here. Nobody likes that.

 

[bongomania]

Soulgeezer, why does it seem like all of your threads are set up to divide people and reinforce prejudices? Honestly.

 

[soulgeezer]

That would not be me you are talking about.

Your posts in the other threads just very neatly summed up an attitude I've seen around here a lot lately. But, they were the inspiration for this thread.

Nice catch...

 

[soulgeezer]

Soulgeezer, why does it seem like all of your threads are set up to divide people and reinforce prejudices? Honestly.

Honestly, they're not. They're just questions that I have that I think some of the people around here might be able to help me understand.

I don't usually start threads to piss people off, with the single exception of the Australia thread. And, that one only because I was getting really sick of the self-rightgeousness coming from a couple (not all) of our Australian TB brethren in one of the Virginia Tech threads.

 

[ROON]

We never seem to hear the English or Scottish or French or Australian or Finnish or Norwegian board members arguing with each other about the problems in their societies.

This may be due to the fact that Australian/Finnish/Norwegian's are a minority on this site. I am Australian, and there are many things that Australia does which I disagree with. Personally I am moving out of Australia when i get to around 21, having visited New Zealand four times I know its where I want to settle down.

Mole, I partly agree with what you have said. Although it is easier for us Australians to talk about American politics here rather than Australian, seeing as about 80% of the people here probably wouldn't know all the stuff that goes on down under. My guess is, it's easier for us all to talk about America seeing as the whole world has to know about them for some reason.

 

[Marlat]

Its just a population thing. Here on TB there are maybe what, 10 active Australian members - maybe slightly more from the UK. The chance of getting a long running thread involving a discussion of the politics of those countries is likely to be low given that most American's (the majority on this BBS) know very little about Australian or English politics beyond, perhaps, the identity of the head of state.

 

[ROON]

Its just a population thing. Here on TB there are maybe what, 10 active Australian members - maybe slightly more from the UK. The chance of getting a long running thread involving a discussion of the politics of those countries is likely to be low given that most American's (the majority on this BBS) know very little about Australian or English politics beyond, perhaps, the identity of the head of state.

Exactly my point, well said!

 

[mlowe]

From your previous post I'm asuming I'm one of those try to be righteous people. That's fine, my posts have been very blunt.

...every American on this BBS believes that their society is crumbling, until they are challenged by someone from another country, at which time they defend everything about American culture as good and pure?

Your government needs to answer that.

And, why does it seem that people from countries other than the US believe that they live in some sort of crime-free, everyone-is-taken-care-of utopia?

They don't. We have our fair share of crime. Just not mass shootings once a year. We just don't have the guns.

We never seem to hear the English or Scottish or French or Australian or Finnish or Norwegian board members arguing with each other about the problems in their societies.

Don't hear of any. Doesn't mean they don't exist. Ive neve seen a gun in public here in my life 36 years.. Do I need a gun to protect myself, no. I'm being honest.

As to we Americans, I think it might go back to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who said "My country, right or wrong!" And, the fact that Americans are notorious for being divided until confronted by a common enemy, at which point we (historically, anyway) come together.

If America spent as much time focusing on helping people there such as homeless, jobless, New Orleans as they do on military and unjustified wars in other countries America would live up to the hype.


But, this doesn't explain why people from other countries always seem to be on the same page.

Maybe this is because we can see from a distance. When someone observes something havn't you noticed that take a few steps back. It's hard to be subjective when you in the middle of it. Many Aussies in fact defend American public and sympathize with their aparent lack of information about the world outside.

Can someone please explain this to me?

We just don't bombard the world with our problems while others are suffering far worse. 3,500 die in towers while 20,000 die in Timor. Timor is in asia north of Australia.

Good thread, and after the dust settles my shout for beers.

 

[Siggy_Bass]

With all do respect, our societies are so totally different built up that its hard to compare. The trends and troublesome things we can find hints or examples of in Europe, are brought to life in the US as extreme events or trends, its like a very exaggerated version of European trends.

Just look at the e-democracy culture. How crazy wasnt it when California had a democratic vote on the question "Do you want to pay tax?". Of course the majority answered NO, and so for almost six months people didnt pay taxes, and instead of paychecks they got these tickets that showed what the state had indebted with each person.

With all do respect as I said earlier, that would have NEVER happened in Norway!

 

[funkydjembe]

I'm born and raised in america, been liv'in in norway for many years now. I think people are people when it all comes down to it. Norway has 4 or 4.5 million people, so it it kinda feels like a big family cause evryone knows somebody who knows somebody, BUT, the place has changed. More crime, more materialism. Maybe it's the natural course of the respective political systems we live in, who knows how Norway will be in 10 years? maybe just like USA? I grew up in very multicultural/cosmopolitan and rather "ghetto" atmosphere, and from my vantage point it seems that there are a lot of social issues that havent been dealt with properly in the course of us history, the s**t is always bound to hit the fan sooner or later. I was in Gambia a year ago, livin with some musicians in their villiage, beutiful people, with needs like the rest of us. when it comes to new cultures/things, be quick to listen and slow to speak and don't judge an Indian 'till you've walked a mile in his moccasins, cause people are people, happily or UNhappily born into their respective nation/city/ghetto. One thing is for sure: the mixture of cultures and creativity in america has paved the way for musicians all over the world and we all know that A WHOLE LOT of music comes from the blues in america. I think that even though a lot of countries critisize america, they look up to america musically. And lastly; we're all just creatures with big eyes who eat, fart, have sex and play bass. P.S. long live the fender precision

 

[FaithNoMan]

Yes, long live the Precision!

 

[morf]

I dont think I live in some everyone's taken care of utopia. Else i wouldnt wanna move

 

[soulgeezer]

Don't hear of any. Doesn't mean they don't exist. Ive neve seen a gun in public here in my life 36 years.. Do I need a gun to protect myself, no. I'm being honest.

For the record, in my 42 years, I've never seen a gun in public in the US, either. That's why they're called "concealed carry" laws.

Good thread, and after the dust settles my shout for beers.

We'll split the tab!

 

[Toasted]

...every American on this BBS believes that their society is crumbling, until they are challenged by someone from another country, at which time they defend everything about American culture as good and pure?

And, why does it seem that people from countries other than the US believe that they live in some sort of crime-free, everyone-is-taken-care-of utopia?

We never seem to hear the English or Scottish or French or Australian or Finnish or Norwegian board members arguing with each other about the problems in their societies.

As to we Americans, I think it might go back to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who said "My country, right or wrong!" And, the fact that Americans are notorious for being divided until confronted by a common enemy, at which point we (historically, anyway) come together.

But, this doesn't explain why people from other countries always seem to be on the same page.

Can someone please explain this to me?

IMHO because this is an American-dominated forum. If you want to talk about things going on that the UK I'm happy to do that - you start

 

[Siggy_Bass]

For the record, in my 42 years, I've never seen a gun in public in the US, either. That's why they're called "concealed carry" laws.



We'll split the tab!

Well, we dont have carry permits in norway atleast, making it illegal to carry arms in public (We do have permits for using guns in hunting though, but that is very strict)... I have never ever heard about anybody beeing shot in my hometown (40.000 citizens) when I lived there.

Heck even the military home defence dont have operative guns at home!


This combined with very strict hunting rifle laws, makes the tracking and defeating of gun related crimes ALOT easier!

 

[SGT. Pepper]

Political correctness is ruining America. You can't say or do anything anymore. You can't even watch old Bugs Bunny/ Loony Tunes on TV because they think they are politically incorrect. Gimmie a Break! It's a cartoon Dammit!
This whole country needs to lighten up and get a sense of humor.