Woah, seriously, this person needs to watch some American stand-up comedy. They point out all of those things (plus very much more), and make it funny. I think it was Patrice O'Neil who said, "It's not that we don't know, we just don't care."
As for the driving slow... They should have mentioned that 99 times out of 100, it's old people. Most people I know strain themselves to stay within 10-20 mph of the speed limit. And...well, I certainly haven't been everywhere in Europe, but it seemed to me that, outside of busy cities, most roads were two lanes, right? By the way, my step-dad did the driving when we were in Europe last year, and he had to bring his standard driving speed down a couple notches. ;)
I think it's hilarious that at least half of those complaints were about food or beverages (I don't like coffee, wine or most items from fast food restaurants, anyway--and I only drink tea because it's the lesser of several evils). Er, and how do they figure expensive coffee shops are affordable for secretaries and shop girls? Last I saw, the amount they made was pathetic. And "American cuisine" CAME FROM OTHER NATIONS, you...tch.
I just spent about ten minutes picturing a church in a shopping mall...and laughing the whole time. Outside of that, everything is progress. Town squares and "well-proportioned buildings" are cute and all, but hardly efficient. You can't keep doing something just because it was done in the past (well, you can, but it makes me angry).
For the record, I myself find Mark Twain a rather dull writer, and I hate pretty much everything I've ever heard about him. The only kinds of classics I like are typically quite, as in centuries, old (and heaven forbid we read black or feminist literature!). Oh, and I also hate most American comic books. I am obsessed with manga, but I loathe most comics produced here. And I'm completely American. =)
As for being gullible... Tch. If anything, that's human nature in general.
Oh, and I'm fairly certain chewing tobacco went out of style around WWII. ;) I can't recall ever witnessing in person the use of chewing tobacco.
Okay, I'm done. -__-
Posted by Sharon at June 11, 2005 12:52 AMYou know, as an English girl, I probably wouldn't have touched on those subjects if I wanted to "make a comment" on Americans. I guess over here it's all in jest of "Oh yeah, the Yanks, well they're all arrogant and obese now. And they have an annoying accent." *shrugs* Except that we're catching up in obesity and some of our accents are probably just as "annoying" as Americans. But *cough* you never heard that. *cough*
If that dude came to England, or perhaps anywhere in Britain, they'd find a LOT of things to get used to here. (Although mmm... Scotch eggs and pork pies...) They think American driving is bad, they've never driven in London! (I have no intention of doing so, since taxi drivers are out to get me.)
Why on earth would you be -frightened- by a country that chews tobacco? Unless, of course, your skin is made out of tobacco, in which case you can start worrying about cannibalism. =D Over here, we have designated areas for smokers and non-smokers alike in restaurants... it doesn't usually bother me.
Some of the worst wine I ever tasted was in France... HMM.
Mmmph, I could make many other a comment, I suppose. It sounds to me like the person who wrote that had a bad holiday in America or something! I don't know that much about American culture anyway, having never been there.
Posted by DR at June 11, 2005 01:01 AMI think it was Patrice O'Neil who said, "It's not that we don't know, we just don't care."
Ha ha! I was going to mention this, but forgot. I think that's the root of everything. Us Americans just don't care about stuff like this and it irritates other cultures to no end. *shrug* We're more worried about making money and being entertained than to fret about classical literature or coffee beans.
They should have mentioned that 99 times out of 100, it's old people.
Yes. Or large women driving mini-vans (at least in my experience). I'm a horrible driver. Not that I get into accidents or such, but I get angry really quickly when someone cuts me off, drives 10 miles under the speed limit, etc. I spend a lot of time yelling at idiots who can't hear me while I'm driving. People who jabber on their cell phones while driving piss me off big time too--especially when they sit through traffic lights--or drive in the fast lane.
I think it's hilarious that at least half of those complaints were about food or beverages
I know. As if those are so important. LMAO@shop girls and secertaries. I guess it depends on where you work. Last I heard it was between 15,000 - 25,000 a year. I don't remember what poverty level is these days...
One of the things that really bugs me is people picking at the US for being a "made" country. WTF do people expect? I mean, the minute my French and Irish ancestors stepped foot on American soil, the suddenly didn't become "American"--they were still immigrants from Europe, with their own customs and culture. If I remember right, it was really difficult for certain groups of immigrants to leave their cultures behind and begin new (Italians and Irish anyone?). Why should they have to? Over time, people began to change and so did the things they brought over with them. *shrug*
Sorry we aren't "Pod People", but this is what happens when you get thousands of people from other nations fleeing their own country in hopes of finding something better.
Get over it, is all I have to say.
I just spent about ten minutes picturing a church in a shopping mall...and laughing the whole time
I know! I read that and went W.T.F? As if our religious community would actually stand for a Mall hosting a church. LMAO LMAO LMAO Oh dear God...they'd be protesting in the streets and performing exorcisims in the parking lot. *shakes head* Then some maniac would burn down the mall and take the church with it. Ha ha! Ah...the US...
I enjoy the town square atmosphere on occasion. When I visited Portland, Maine, I fell in love with the city because it was so beautiful and so old. All the small shops, eateries, etc. It was nice. But after a week, I was ready to come home.
I'm not sure how to explain it...I love the East Coast for its oldness, and the West Coast for its newness. *shrug* Oh, and I love the South for their food! ;) Grits, fried green tomatoes, okra, biscuts and gravy! YUM! YUM!
I'm fairly certain chewing tobacco went out of style around WWII. ;) I can't recall ever witnessing in person the use of chewing tobacco.
It's still fairly big over here on the West Coast (not sure where your at) and in the South. Mainly among the hicks, farmers, and "cowboys".
I only drink tea because it's the lesser of several evils)
Soda or water for me. Occasionally I'll drink tea, but not too often. I've never been a big big fan of any hot drink (including hot chocolate).
I guess over here it's all in jest of "Oh yeah, the Yanks, well they're all arrogant and obese now. And they have an annoying accent.
Oh, we all make snippy comments about other countries and cultures. What bugs me about this guy is he takes his opinions seriously enough to write a column on it and publish it. And he has the nerve to call us arrogant?
You should hear what we say about the Canadians here. *laughs* And in turn, what they say about us.
(I have no intention of doing so, since taxi drivers are out to get me.)
Aha ha ha! Do I sense a story in this comment. The ONE TIME I rode in a taxi, I was scared shitless. He drove like 100MPH, swerving through traffic, just to drop me off a mile from the airport. Next time, I'm taking a bus....
Over here, we have designated areas for smokers and non-smokers alike in restaurants... it doesn't usually bother me.
There are still a few places that do this, but they don't actually seperate anyone. There's no door, no wall, nothing to keep the smoke away from the non-smokers. It bugs me, since I honestly don't believe non-smokers should be subjected to experience another persons habit, even if by accident. *shrug* I have no problem if I'm eating outside, but indoors...I just find it incredibly rude.
However, if I'm in a car with someone who happens to smoke and they light up, I won't say a word (if it's their car). Same goes for their home. Who am I to push my preferences on someone else in their personal space?
*gets off soap box* LOL
It sounds to me like the person who wrote that had a bad holiday in America or something! I don't know that much about American culture anyway, having never been there.
He's just a bigot and an idiot. I found the article over at asiantimes. He's also wrote some stuff about the Middle East and our involvement. That throws up the red flag right there--
I would be very, very surprised if this person has even been the the US. Judging by this arcticle, I would say NO. It was full of so much untrue garbage, it wasn't even funny (which is why I didn't ignore it as I normally would). And I'll the first person to pick at the dumbass things us Americans do. The author is pertentious, arrogant, and a hypocrit.
We Americans have our quirks, just like everyone else. There are good people, there are bad people, but I'd like to think that on an average, we're pretty friendly and easy going (except when driving or shopping). We just want to live our lives. I think it bugs many intellectuals from other countries that have older histories that we honestly, and truely, don't care about high culture. It's not important to us. We want to work and play and that's pretty much it. *laughs*
Posted by Zoso at June 11, 2005 08:11 AMHeehee, maybe I should ask one of my cousins. Although, I have heard a few things before. XD
The taxi story? I've only ridden a taxi twice in my life. No, they're all out to get me judging by the way they try to plough right through me whilst I'm crossing the road. Don't cross roads in London. Take a pair of wings.
Oh, and it's the bus drivers that do the speeding over here. O__o
I totally agree with you on the work and play and live life thing. That's a good attitude to have. We travel to experience different cultures, although I suppose people just assume that nowadays different culture = different language and thus America should be the same as any other English-speaking country. That, it ain't.
Posted by DR at June 11, 2005 10:20 AMVery true. Just because we speak English doesn't mean we have to be like English, Austrailan, etc. *laughs* I get annoyed when people dog us for being a young country. It's not like we can help that or anything. So we don't have hundreds or even thousands of years of culture. Oh well. We've made leaps and bounds during out time and that's all that matters.
Speeding busses scare me. They're so big! Everyone speeds here (read J's blog...he just got a ticket for speeding...which is surprising since he drives like a granny). I've had one ticket and been in 3 accidents (one was solely my fault). I'm an agressive driver, but I usually stay within 5 to 10 miles of the speed limit now.
Different cultures intrest me. I'm always curious to know what life is like for people living far away (even inside the US). Down south, they eat supper fairly early compared to here. When I was visiting my family, supper was ready between 2 and 4pm. Here, up north, we eat between 6 and 8pm. I imagine it's different for different families too, but my grandma told me the practice is fairly normal in the southern US. *shrug*
Different strokes for different folks! We're all people in the end though. Despite culture, there are always similarites between us and those similarities are the kind that will never go away.
Posted by Zoso at June 11, 2005 08:49 PMexcuse me...one ticket for speeding and one ticket for NOT wearing my seatbelt. Dumbest law ever, making a grown person wear a seatbelt. I think I'm old enough to decide if I want to go through a windshield or not...but alas, we have to cover for the gouging insurence companies...
I actually witness an accident several years ago where a car rolled about eight times and the seatbelt was partially responsible for the lady dying. It was sad. First time I've ever seen a person die. :S
Posted by Zoso at June 11, 2005 08:52 PMChurch in a mall? I can only imagine what that might be like. Hopefully there was a hidden reference to malls being our religion, otherwise this lacks any true reflection of American Culture. When was the last time you heard church bells chiming noon while you were in Victoria Secret? And how would they hear the sermon over the Marilyn Manson playing at Hot Topic? Or focus on preachings while I stand outside talking noisily on my cell phone about some illinformed foreigner writing a fanciful piece of fiction and labeling it a truth.
Speaking of speeding... I got a ticket days ago for doing 18 over in the fast lane. I don't drive slow, I drive 3 miles over the speedlimit, but I do so in the standard lane. Had this author ever been to America, he might note that driving the speed limit in the fast lane, or traveling in that lane for anything other than passing is against the law, and will earn you a ticket. Most highways have posted advisories of this.
If you think American cuisine sucks, you've never been to Texas. Especially if you believe we don't know how to make a quality steak. However, to enjoy it, you might need a little more diversity than a non-american culture is capable of. The south makes foods that explode with flavors that reflect the deep British and French roots of the southern states, and the influence of Mexican and Spanish spices, and the beef that Texas is famous for. Guess that wouldn't fit into your uni-cultural "set" beliefs on what is or is not " a cutural meal." I'm curious what culture you seem to think America should have... it is, after all, the most diverse country in the world and has been since the age of empires.
However, if you are talking about things like McDonalds, you should note that fast food is an American phoenominan because we work more than any other nation. The French probably wouldn't understand the concept of a 40 plus hour work week, considering theirs is standard at 36 ( possibly 38 now, I haven't checked in a while), and we don't take ciestas or large breaks for lunch. Most Americans have to work through their lunch hours... and so fast food thrives because it is... fast... Most Americans will tell you that they long for "real food" when they are buying fast food, but the option isn't available in most scenarios. We don't prioritize food, we eat it. Although it sounds like this author fails to recognize America for anything but culinary culture. Perhaps he overlooks the fact that the entertainment industry world-wide is driven by America (with the exception of decent music, the British are simply best in rock music).
Another interesting note about our cultural ( which the author is trying to barbarize), you will never see Americans enjoying a "death to (insert country) day." We don't believe any culture is evil... just different. We don't bring out the guns until you do something wrong.
To the europeans out there, don't give me crap about Bush's conquest in Iraq... I may be forced to remind you of the crusades (AKA the original holocost)
Oh, and about our Coffee, you are very mistaken, we don't drink coffee for pleasure. We drink it to stay awake... again, while the French are lounging in cafes enjoying their minimal work week, I'm in need of something brisk with ample caffeine to keep my eyes open so I can finish working on something for my corporation which fuels a need for a product worldwide... because America appears to be one of a select few countries who can operate a business successfully in more than their own country or town for that matter.
BTW Mark Twain's story's are a study in regionalism, nobody regards him as a highbrow author. Perhaps we simply enjoy Mark Twain because he reminds us of what it was like to be young... ponder that as you focus on your mono-cultural differences, gourmet coffe, and obsession with legacy and names. We'll be making money, dominating politics, and fueling aide around the world. We don't focus on family legacy because we believe that every individual has the capacity for success or failure. This country doesn't give a damn who your father is, you better prove to us who you are. Above all, we are American and there is no finer disposition that could possibly come out of any name.
Posted by J at June 11, 2005 09:08 PMVery true. Life is fast here. It's all about work, school, and home. There's little time for much else. When we do have time, we want quality entertainment.
I average 40 hours a week at work. I'm usually there by 7:30am and I leave anywhere between 3:30 and 5pm. Before, it wasn't unusual to work 50 or 60 hours a week (when I was managing). My record is 71 hours. No lunch. No breaks.
Food is for eating. Drinks are for drinking. I can't remember the last time I sat down to enjoy a meal. Eat one, yeah. Enjoy it? Nope. I watch the food channel sometimes and see gormet food and think that looks good, but who in the heck would take the time to make something like that? *laughs*
Another thing that bugs me is when people bitch about us not knowing the capitals or all the friggen countries and their borders. WTF? I wonder how many people could name all our states and their capitals, as well as all the presidents we've had. But that's not important, right? It's much more important to know where Ladvanistan is and how many goats live there...stuff like that makes people smart.
Different cultures. Different lifestyles.
*laughs* I saw your ticket story, J. You DO drive slow! You do! Like my mom! Ha ha! Then again, I give you kudos for scaring the shit out of me by running obvious stop signs and redlights...without even realizing you've done it. LMAO Despite your usually obedient nature on the highway, driving with you is always an experience. ;P
When was the last time you heard church bells chiming noon while you were in Victoria Secret?
I think this is in Revelations. It's suppose to happen right before the world ends. Anyone handling thong panties is going straight to hell.
LMAO
Posted by Zoso at June 11, 2005 10:46 PM