The attached article, if you take the time to read it, is the epitome of what some (not all) Americans say to Europeans and others when they are traveling. Is there any doubt as to why many of them think the way they do about us?
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/ame ... 766040.ece
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Accountable
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Don't you think that's just a tad tongue-in-cheek over the top?
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Thats an interesting article, and some of those opinions were a little chilling, I though that the black man's attitude was particularly sad. But I would say that taking the people on that cruise as representative of the general opinion of ordinary people in the U.S. would be akin to going to a national front rally in London and claiming that as the general opinion of British people, which is obviously absurd. So its highly unfair as a piece claiming to represent what "Americans" think. There is a strong right-wing reactionary wing of opinion in the U.S., and equally there are hard left ranges of opinion in the U.S. as well that are equally as extreme, and the point is that to date at least the system in the U.S. has been such that it has retained the ability to include all these strains of opinion, and also allow people to voice opinions such as these. The Civil War is the obvious example of where the consensus eventually broke down and resulted in war, but compared to how we conducted our politics in Europe up to 1945, this is not a bad record.
In relation to the opinions, well, what can you say, I think people see what they want to see when they are afraid, and that never changes. There are certainly problems in the world (as always) and yes extreme religiosity (which is not just an islamic phenomena BTW), Islamic political extremism, the blanket denial that climate change is an absolute reality, the continuing diaster that is the middle east, poverty, inequity, and the general attack on secularism and rationality that seems to be in the vogue are all a bit worrying, but you know, life's like that, problems, always problems, but the important thing is not to panic!
In relation to the opinions, well, what can you say, I think people see what they want to see when they are afraid, and that never changes. There are certainly problems in the world (as always) and yes extreme religiosity (which is not just an islamic phenomena BTW), Islamic political extremism, the blanket denial that climate change is an absolute reality, the continuing diaster that is the middle east, poverty, inequity, and the general attack on secularism and rationality that seems to be in the vogue are all a bit worrying, but you know, life's like that, problems, always problems, but the important thing is not to panic!
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
American Thinking
Well, I have good news, you see David Beckham has gone to LA to join the Galaxy Team (which they should change to LA United as it's more footbally sounding (sorry soccer)). Now its not likely that Americans will give up on their own well-loved games, but maybe, the all conquering Beckham will finally make soccer a popular sport with ordinary Americans.
I can see it now, Boston Rovers take on Cleveland Villa FC. Once this happens, Europeans will once more love America, as this is actually the major cultural fault line going on, (oh its true, its true) then they will love us again, we will all be friends, and then we can attack all the other countries in the world that are crap at soccer, (lets face it, that wouldn't take long, though India and China will probably take a couple of weeks to overcome) and then we can install a glorious civilization based on freedom, tolerance, and understanding the offside rule. You see, sport, its such a positive influence on the world. :wah:
I can see it now, Boston Rovers take on Cleveland Villa FC. Once this happens, Europeans will once more love America, as this is actually the major cultural fault line going on, (oh its true, its true) then they will love us again, we will all be friends, and then we can attack all the other countries in the world that are crap at soccer, (lets face it, that wouldn't take long, though India and China will probably take a couple of weeks to overcome) and then we can install a glorious civilization based on freedom, tolerance, and understanding the offside rule. You see, sport, its such a positive influence on the world. :wah:
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
American Thinking
Lon;660557 wrote: The attached article, if you take the time to read it, is the epitome of what some (not all) Americans say to Europeans and others when they are traveling. Is there any doubt as to why many of them think the way they do about us?
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/ame ... 766040.ece
Good God you enjoy pigeon holing people. Do I really have to say "there are morons everywhere" ?
What does moronic behavior have to do with nationality ?
You do realize its not an exclusive trait dont you Lon ?
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/ame ... 766040.ece
Good God you enjoy pigeon holing people. Do I really have to say "there are morons everywhere" ?
What does moronic behavior have to do with nationality ?
You do realize its not an exclusive trait dont you Lon ?
I AM AWESOME MAN
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Accountable;660658 wrote: Don't you think that's just a tad tongue-in-cheek over the top?
Not really, it's more common than perhaps you realize.
Not really, it's more common than perhaps you realize.
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Galbally;660660 wrote: Thats an interesting article, and some of those opinions were a little chilling, I though that the black man's attitude was particularly sad. But I would say that taking the people on that cruise as representative of the general opinion of ordinary people in the U.S. would be akin to going to a national front rally in London and claiming that as the general opinion of British people, which is obviously absurd. So its highly unfair as a piece claiming to represent what "Americans" think. There is a strong right-wing reactionary wing of opinion in the U.S., and equally there are hard left ranges of opinion in the U.S. as well that are equally as extreme, and the point is that to date at least the system in the U.S. has been such that it has retained the ability to include all these strains of opinion, and also allow people to voice opinions such as these. The Civil War is the obvious example of where the consensus eventually broke down and resulted in war, but compared to how we conducted our politics in Europe up to 1945, this is not a bad record.
In relation to the opinions, well, what can you say, I think people see what they want to see when they are afraid, and that never changes. There are certainly problems in the world (as always) and yes extreme religiosity (which is not just an islamic phenomena BTW), Islamic political extremism, the blanket denial that climate change is an absolute reality, the continuing diaster that is the middle east, poverty, inequity, and the general attack on secularism and rationality that seems to be in the vogue are all a bit worrying, but you know, life's like that, problems, always problems, but the important thing is not to panic!
As I said in my opening post, not all Americans.
I appreciate your response.
In relation to the opinions, well, what can you say, I think people see what they want to see when they are afraid, and that never changes. There are certainly problems in the world (as always) and yes extreme religiosity (which is not just an islamic phenomena BTW), Islamic political extremism, the blanket denial that climate change is an absolute reality, the continuing diaster that is the middle east, poverty, inequity, and the general attack on secularism and rationality that seems to be in the vogue are all a bit worrying, but you know, life's like that, problems, always problems, but the important thing is not to panic!
As I said in my opening post, not all Americans.
I appreciate your response.
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Scrat;660803 wrote: Definitely over the top. It does not change the fact that some of the older generation not to mention many others have some strange views of the world.
Only Americans would spend their days curled up in a fetal position sucking their thumbs in a hotel room in Moscow because Russia was once a communist country and A SMALL MINORITY of Russians have anything against foreigners.
Many Americans think that if its not American culture it's not any good. Many Americans are very ignorant.
As are many French, Italians, Burmese and New Zealanders. Its an epidemic.
Only Americans would spend their days curled up in a fetal position sucking their thumbs in a hotel room in Moscow because Russia was once a communist country and A SMALL MINORITY of Russians have anything against foreigners.
Many Americans think that if its not American culture it's not any good. Many Americans are very ignorant.
As are many French, Italians, Burmese and New Zealanders. Its an epidemic.
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Fascinating article, Lon. Read like the Noah's Ark Of Fascism, except it sounded like 98% of them were too old to breed (thank God).
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Hmmm all that is (is a representation of the views of the type of people who travel on a cruise ship) hardly represents the thoughts of most Americans i would have thought, but hey if you wanna run with it Lon, go for it.
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It's hardly being presented as being typical of American views. Your far right is fascinating to Europeans simply because it is so kind if out there. Fascism is fairly well discredited in Europe nowadays as is my country right or wrong patriotism. It's hard to judge how prevalent such views actually are but they seem to most of the people reading that are not likely to take it as being representative of all Americans. We're not quite that daft.
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Nomad;660806 wrote: As are many French, Italians, Burmese and New Zealanders. Its an epidemic.
I'm not sure any country has a monopoly on stupidity, I mean I'm Irish, so obviously I'm thick, (I read it somewhere in the daily mail), I haven't been converted to Islam yet either by the local jihaddis but I am sure they are working on it, one down 550 million to go. Seriously though, I have given up asking people whats going on, so now I think I will get my opinions from my goldfish (darty) come to think of it, he doesn't say much, maybe he ain't so stupid after all. Maybe if we ask him things about issues, he might make movements we could interpret, he has a lot of time to think in there, its worth a shot.
I'm not sure any country has a monopoly on stupidity, I mean I'm Irish, so obviously I'm thick, (I read it somewhere in the daily mail), I haven't been converted to Islam yet either by the local jihaddis but I am sure they are working on it, one down 550 million to go. Seriously though, I have given up asking people whats going on, so now I think I will get my opinions from my goldfish (darty) come to think of it, he doesn't say much, maybe he ain't so stupid after all. Maybe if we ask him things about issues, he might make movements we could interpret, he has a lot of time to think in there, its worth a shot.
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
American Thinking
buttercup;660829 wrote: Hmmm all that is (is a representation of the views of the type of people who travel on a cruise ship) hardly represents the thoughts of most Americans i would have thought, but hey if you wanna run with it Lon, go for it.
good post bc :wah:
good post bc
:wah:American Thinking
Galbally;660925 wrote: I'm not sure any country has a monopoly on stupidity, I mean I'm Irish, so obviously I'm thick, (I read it somewhere in the daily mail), I haven't been converted to Islam yet either by the local jihaddis but I am sure they are working on it, one down 550 million to go. Seriously though, I have given up asking people whats going on, so now I think I will get my opinions from my goldfish (darty) come to think of it, he doesn't say much, maybe he ain't so stupid after all. Maybe if we ask him things about issues, he might make movements we could interpret, he has a lot of time to think in there, its worth a shot.
Smart Dr Gallbladder. Never underestimate the goldfish. Im always saying that to people.
Smart Dr Gallbladder. Never underestimate the goldfish. Im always saying that to people.
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Richard Bell
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Galbally;660925 wrote: Seriously though, I have given up asking people whats going on, so now I think I will get my opinions from my goldfish (darty) come to think of it, he doesn't say much, maybe he ain't so stupid after all. Maybe if we ask him things about issues, he might make movements we could interpret, he has a lot of time to think in there, its worth a shot.
...but one morning, sooner than you think, Darty may have vanished, only to be replaced by the Black Moor, Osama Fin Laden :
Attached files
...but one morning, sooner than you think, Darty may have vanished, only to be replaced by the Black Moor, Osama Fin Laden :
Attached files
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Telaquapacky's Bizarre Testimony what changed your life??
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Telaquapacky's Bizarre Testimony about changed your like?? Has anyone looked st it? Good question!
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double helix
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Lon;660785 wrote: Not really, it's more common than perhaps you realize.
My mother always said, "You are the company that you keep." Thank goodness I keep my own self company:wah: I have to say, America is a very big place. The opinions expressed by a handful among a tiny fraction of the American population abord that cruise can hardly be concidered representitive of the mindset of this countries people.
My mother always said, "You are the company that you keep." Thank goodness I keep my own self company:wah: I have to say, America is a very big place. The opinions expressed by a handful among a tiny fraction of the American population abord that cruise can hardly be concidered representitive of the mindset of this countries people.
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You will be glad to know that fin laden hasn't kiddnapped darty yet, he ate his food very quickly this morning, which I interpret as meaning that the nuclear negotiations with Iran need a new urgency from all involved. I will be contacting the IAEA in Geneva with this exciting news. 
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
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Accountable
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Lon;660785 wrote: Not really, it's more common than perhaps you realize.
We travel in different circles, Lon, but don't presume mine is less diverse or international. Perhaps those views are less common than you realize, despite the abundance among your fellow travellers.
We travel in different circles, Lon, but don't presume mine is less diverse or international. Perhaps those views are less common than you realize, despite the abundance among your fellow travellers.
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Accountable;661309 wrote: We travel in different circles, Lon, but don't presume mine is less diverse or international. Perhaps those views are less common than you realize, despite the abundance among your fellow travellers.
It's a view held by some, not all, and the fact that even some think that way is indeed unfortunate.
It's a view held by some, not all, and the fact that even some think that way is indeed unfortunate.
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Lon;661314 wrote: It's a view held by some, not all, and the fact that even some think that way is indeed unfortunate.
Agreed.
Agreed.
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Lon;661314 wrote: It's a view held by some, not all, and the fact that even some think that way is indeed unfortunate.
And yet you feel free to travel the world sipping martini's shaken not stirred and consuming Beluga caviar. Some might say what of the whale's feelings on this ? Do not whale's have rights ? Rights to nurture it's offspring uninterrupted ? Rights to not expect Lon to come along and say hmmm I think I"ll eat your babies today ?
And yet you feel free to travel the world sipping martini's shaken not stirred and consuming Beluga caviar. Some might say what of the whale's feelings on this ? Do not whale's have rights ? Rights to nurture it's offspring uninterrupted ? Rights to not expect Lon to come along and say hmmm I think I"ll eat your babies today ?
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Nomad;661333 wrote: And yet you feel free to travel the world sipping martini's shaken not stirred and consuming Beluga caviar. Some might say what of the whale's feelings on this ? Do not whale's have rights ? Rights to nurture it's offspring uninterrupted ? Rights to not expect Lon to come along and say hmmm I think I"ll eat your babies today ?
No martini's for me. I'm a Glen Livet drinker (aged at least 20 years). Whales have no rights and the sooner they are eliminated the better off we will be, as it will end all discussion and controversy over "Save the Whales", besides, they consume too much plankton, which I prefer to caviar.
No martini's for me. I'm a Glen Livet drinker (aged at least 20 years). Whales have no rights and the sooner they are eliminated the better off we will be, as it will end all discussion and controversy over "Save the Whales", besides, they consume too much plankton, which I prefer to caviar.
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Lon;661343 wrote: No martini's for me. I'm a Glen Livet drinker (aged at least 20 years). Whales have no rights and the sooner they are eliminated the better off we will be, as it will end all discussion and controversy over "Save the Whales", besides, they consume too much plankton, which I prefer to caviar.
PM from Lon the other day.
A seal walks into a bar and the bartender "says what can I get for you fella" ?
To which the seal replies "anything but a Canadien Club on the rocks".
PM from Lon the other day.
A seal walks into a bar and the bartender "says what can I get for you fella" ?
To which the seal replies "anything but a Canadien Club on the rocks".
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Accountable
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Nomad;661346 wrote: PM from Lon the other day.
A seal walks into a bar and the bartender "says what can I get for you fella" ?
To which the seal replies "anything but a Canadien Club on the rocks".
:yh_rotfl
A seal walks into a bar and the bartender "says what can I get for you fella" ?
To which the seal replies "anything but a Canadien Club on the rocks".
:yh_rotfl