America—home of invention and innovation that gives the world electricity, communication, entertainment, industry, and transportation.  Not only that, we have modeled the prosperity that comes with a democratic republic, a free market, checks and balances, unailenable constitutional rights, and an armed militia.

imagine what we could do if we weren’t so confoundedly stupid.

Well, we are stupid enough to make the individuals quoted above into ‘celebrities.’

It certainly explains why the products that they make are so ...er, stupid.

If what we think of celebrities comments really matter then I believe the world is truly a doom struck place.  All too many time do we see in history that popularity does not breed intelligence.

The fact remains that we do have alot of ignorant people in america. Being book smart is one thing but I have met many well educated people who are stupid. They are smart about their specialty and ignorant about the world.

Americans individually are no more smarter or dumber than the average person.

the problem is the information they have at their disposal to create their world view.

that’s the issue.

collectively americans are stupid.

just like most populations.

"gives the world electricity, communication, entertainment, industry, and transportation”

Erm, of those only entertainment stands up.  Current electricity: discovered in Italy.  Communication: telephone invented (nicked actually, but let’s skim over that) by Alexander Graham Bell, a Scot living in Canada.  Industry: the industrial revolution began, as everyone knows, in Britain.  Transportation: the first steam engine was in Wales; the motor vehicle was invented in Germany. 

As for the US ‘giving’ those things, it would be more accurate to say that it took them, as through out the 19th Century it disregarded international copyright and patents.  Now that it’s developed of course it ‘gives’ nothing in it’s defence of copyrights and patents.

And by the way, Bryan, the ‘armed militia’ is the envy of no one.
Oh, and it’s spelled ‘inalienable’.

These celebrities are morons.  I have a celebrity friend, for example, who said that their is no racial prejudice in Europe (no, he’s not Turkish).

Further, these folks don’t know anything about the people in other parts of the world, except for the elitists they hang with, who sport the same blinders as they.

But if Johnny Depp as international policy expert is your cup of tea, have at it, blokes.  Just don’t call us stupid.

By the way, charlieb, it’s “thoughout”, not “through out.” And it’s defense, not defence.  We speak American here.

And, as far as America “taking” stuff not giving it to the world, I got one for you, smartass:  Scotch tape.

Name one thing any moron Euro-trash shit spewer has invented that is as important as Scotch tape.  Okay, then what about peanut butter?  Gonna tell me you Euro-assholes don’t eat peanut butter?

Interesting trend this very minor post took.  I don’t mind you guys beating each other up over ideas and facts, as long as you keep it reasonably courteous.

However, slamming people because they have a typo or a grammar issue is basically telling me that you have no better argument than that.

King,

If you are referring to my correcting of charlieb, I am humbly apologetic.  However, he started it with inalienable.

Not a problem, Machete.  I just like to see people spar with ideas and refute arguments instead of make fun of how they dress or spell.

I would like to note that it does not show great intellect when asking whatever Europeans invented that was so great. May I remind you that the European continent is more ‘ancient’ than the US. Dare I even say, as noted earlier, that most of the early COLONISTS of the US were Europeans?

So in a sense when asking what it is we ever invented that was so great (or not for that matter) was our ships that made us sail to the west. Or did you forget that an Euro-trash man from Spain named Columbus discovered the America’s?

All I am trying to point out and which is (I guess) the main point of the rest of the world: There is a world and history beyond the borderline of the US and one must learn to put in perspective ones own place and existence in the world. Which is… America is not the almighty and great country of the world. The light, beacon or even envy of the world.

But you wanted to know about inventions?
Sure, I will name a few.
*Bicycle,Television,Can and Can opener,Carbonated Water, Rubber Band, Paper Clip, Pencil, none leaking ball-point etc. etc.

Brush op your knowledge before posting and actually dare to acknowledge/see that America has only a moderate share in the shaping of the world.

The comments here have taken an interesting turn.  I have posted a response to them here.  We can continue this discussion under that thread.

Hey Perry, why don’t you learn a little about history yourself.  Christopher Columbus was from Italy not Spain.  He was born in Genoa, Italy where he grew up.  When he desided to sail west to find a path to India he went to Italy who denied him access to ships for his Journey.  Then he went to other nations as well.  As it happened, Spain with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella allowed Columbus to sail for their nation, obviously getting large amount riches if Columbus returned.  The rest was history.  Also, Columbus as an adult lived in Portugal as well.

I’ll admit many American’s aren’ the sharpest tools in the draw, and that Europe’s education system is much better than ours.  However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that there are Americans who are smart and who do know about what is going on outside of our country.

Oh and here’s an invention that is one of the most important inventions in the past two decades.  Microsoft Windows.  Without Bill Gates, an American, making it, the world would be a much different place right now. 

Plus, you all say that we didn’t invent much either.  Well, we still perfected many invetions by Euros.

Dear Anthony,

Thank you for correcting my past understandings of the life of Columbus. How handy the Internet has become don’t you think? Just a quick google browse and history lies at your fingertips (if only all your fellow countrymen would take that opportunity)

Let me correct you on one notion though. I never claimed that there are no intellectual Americans. I am sure and confident that there are. The only point I ever tried to make was the mere fact that Americans tend to be so full of themselves, that they do not take time to see and listen to points or arguments non-Americans make. It is this unjust self-proclaimed allmighty arrogance which makes the world so hostile towards your nation.

As for the inventions. I really do not care. It was just to illustrate that it is foolish to pretend that the world cannot do without Americans. If it was not invented by one person, another would have. The world was already doing quite alright concerning inventions before the Americas came into existence.

So you see, it is not about scores and statistics (or weaponry for that matter). It is about willingness to listen and to critically reflect ones own place in the world and history.

Maybe it is easier for use Europeans to do so, since our history has been filled with learning to live with our neighbours and for doing so, learning about eachothers languages, cultures and stream of thoughts.

You see it in the discussions here as well. We try to communicate and give a reflection on how Americans are perceived. Only to find ourselves immediately being slammed with “but we are better” mentality. Unless Americans learn to be open to critisism and reflection, I am afraid this topic and the arguments can go on untill the end of time.

"Unless Americans learn to be open to critisism and reflection, I am afraid this topic and the arguments can go on untill the end of time.”

Whenever the US criticizes Europe, we get accused of “unjust self-proclaimed allmighty arrogance.” Isn’t this a bit of a double standard? Whenever Americans point out the failures of the European system, they respond with vehement attacks on the American system. These people shut out “reflection and crticism” just as handily as the most zealous anti-euro Americans.
It seems to me Europe is just as arrogant as the United States is purported to be. Her “intelligentsia” fancy her as the center of global enlightenment and also as some sort of preview of what the ideal politically-correct environmentally-friendly future world would be like. Many Europeans think foul scorn on anyone who chooses to live differently- Americans being an example. It’s a common criticism that Americans are somehow congenitally stupid because they lack the sophisticated mannerisms of modern Europe. This criticism is often repeated locally by our celebrities, who like to consider themselves sophisticates.
Michael Moore, an example of this line of thought, points out that most Americans don’t have passports and only speak one language. Perhaps this fact isn’t due to lack of sophistication or stupidity, but rather geography. Being an American who often travels to Europe, it is apparent that most European nations are about the size of the larger American states. If every time I wanted to cross the state line I was required to have a passport or speak a different language, I’d be very certain to have a passport and the ability speak several languages. However, due to the large size of our nation, it is difficult to travel into a completely foreign realm. Access to both of our immediate neighbors is very open, and English is spoken in both of those nations (though with the large Hispanic population growth, more Americans are learning Spanish).
The truth is, like all stereotypes, the ones being re-hashed here are false.
Most Americans and Europeans get along well. I’ve always been welcomed cordially when I travel to Europe, and in return I’ve seen many Europeans who are studying in the US or just visiting our countrly receive a good helping of American hospitality. This “culture war” is largely non-existant, and is perpetuated by a small corps of ideologues in pursuit of their political goals. Moore and his ilk want the US to become a European-style welfare state, and try to use this “peer pressure” to move us in that direction.
In conclusion, if Europe wants to continue with its bureaucratic experimentation, that’s fine (though it’s worth noting that most Europeans seem to be turning against it- observe the failure of EU referendums throughout Europe such as the new Constitution). However, it is not Europe’s place to dictate to the US how we should run our nation. In matters of external affairs, our NATO allies are important and most Americans pay them heed. But, internally, if we decide to be unsophisticated capitalists and focus on growth instead of stasis, Europe has no place to complain about it.

Perry:

The only point I ever tried to make was the mere fact that Americans tend to be so full of themselves, that they do not take time to see and listen to points or arguments non-Americans make.

The above statement is true but you did leave out the fact that this can be said for almost any people group.  Most nationals of any European country are fairly full of themselves as well.  There are many exceptions there, just as there are many exceptions here.

It makes no sense to match an uneducated American against a European college professor.  You have to consider the whole populace from each country.

Mag_Aug, very nicely put.  Best comment on this thread by far (imho).

Perry, actually I didn’t use the internet.  I did a report on Christopher Columbus in the 3rd grade and I remember all of that since then.  However, all these Euros who think that we are stupid can’t grasp the reality that we may actually know stuff.

Oh yeah, and what about the Imperial Age in Europe and the White Man’s Burdon.  Yeah, you people learned to live with your neighbours real nice. 

What about World War I and World War II started by Europeans.

The majority of wars in the history of the world were started by Europeans.

I mean we were bad with the whole slavery thing and the south after the civil war, but Europeans were just as bad if not worse.

After reading the above, it is hard to defend the Americans. It is not their IQ or inaccessibility of information (as opposed to countries with the true censorship) - it is their lack of self-esteem and sheer procrastination that makes them appear stupid. There are genial Americans, I am sure. What scares me, though, is that they DO have a big army and King(s) of Fools at the helm.
We the snobby “Euro-shitheads” (how one very IQ-endowed commentator named us) tend to live in the past, on the other hand. We have blood on our hands too - we failed to prevent genocide in FYR as well as the Americans did zilch to save 800,000 Americans. We the Europeans tend to be arrogant based on our cultural heritage and often overlook a significant culture or two - the Americans made it easy, they dismiss ANY culture (unless you truly believe anything coming from Hollywood or elsewhere is a culture)
I wish there was only one country in the world and everybody could share what’s good in them… inshallah!
Everybody would…
drive as an Italian, cook like a Brit, fix electronics like a Mexican, make cars like an Indian and be edcuated as an American

Anthony: Every people group has its triumphs as well as dark times.  I don’t castigate Europe for WW1 or WW2 and I don’t castigate the US for slavery.  All three were terrible things that took place in a different age than this one.

The point of history is not to place blame but rather to learn from it and choose a better course of action because of it.

Toes: I am always amazed at how culture always comes back into the discussion.  You immediately assume that there is no such thing as American culture - can you not understand that part of the reason for the animosity of the US is caused by this type of European snobbery?

And I’m not talking about Hollywood (of which I am no fan).  Just as the cultures are distinct in Europe, there are equally distinct (and valid) cultures in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Dear Mag_Aug,

I welcome any American who comes forth setting their ideas and opinions as yours was done (a true refreshment amongst the dirt hauling). I therefore hope you will regard my following reasoning as constructive in the line of enhancing better understanding amongst our “worlds”.

“Whenever the US criticizes Europe, we get accused of “unjust self-proclaimed almighty arrogance.” Isn’t this a bit of a double standard?”

On the one hand you are right and on the other you are not. It is true that Europeans tend to respond in the same manner as Americans when the failures of the European System are pointed out to them, but one always has to wonder how criticism is being given and by whom. The problem with the American (or at least the experiences I have had so far) way of criticism is usually with the line of reasoning which goes the following: “Europe sucks… America is the greatest”. Now if you are being criticized this way with being compared to America as the standard of what good is, it is no wonder one is being treated as not being all to bright. For this is no criticism but ignorance. Therefore, many Europeans tend to try to show this point with some vigor for lets be frank, Americans tend to be strong-headed and usually are ready to debate as oppose to discuss. (which is a great difference)

Further more, it is not that strange that the European system and the new constitution is being met with opposition. One must not forget we have only being developing this for only 20 years or so. It will take a lot more time till, fears have been fully overcome, trust has become complete and the system made more manageable. Do not forget the time it took America to become united and there they spoke the same language and shared common values.

The fact that European Intelligentsia fancy herself as being a center of global enlightment is indeed partially unjustified. There are many nations who have contributed tremendously to culture and development of our world. Indeed Europeans might have self-imposed this notion through the various painters, sculptors and philosophers it has had and whom work is so easily accessible to us. However, I do think that being exposed to so many countries (indeed due to its geographical proportions), Europeans are more easily inclined to travel further and explore. We are not afraid to indulge into foreign distant countries and cultures, since we are used to it on such a geographical smaller scale. But would that not make way for reasoning of common sense? Namely that because we do travel so much more, even outside our own region, we might be better informed and have a better view on world matters than the general American?

The fact that most Europeans tend to speak several languages has not so much to do only with crossing of borders. It is mostly part of our educational system and economic dependency. I mean, even more conservative nations as France, Spain, Italy and Germany are slowly adapting their educational systems to include at least the English language as an obligatory second language. As you pointed out yourself Americans are only now slowly learning the Spanish language because of the growing Hispanic population.

As for the notion of your celebrities. I cannot argue for their case but the one thing I did learn from Americans (visiting Europe) encountered so far is that they tend to uphold the same ideas. I know my view concerning the Americas did change after visiting it. I have been to both Canada and the US and I am very fond of both of them (despite my earlier and current reflections .

Therefore one might indeed, as King of Fools pointed out, have to distinguish between those fortunate enough to have been able to travel the globe and those whom world only consists of the city or region they live in (this upholds for both Europeans and Americans). So we might indeed conclude that the culture war is mostly existent between those homebound individuals whom through the reach and ease of Internet are now finally able to ‘get acquainted’ with each other and learn about each others views which produces the clashes as seen here.

Finally, I do want to leave you with one thought. Yes, you are right it is not in Europe’s place to dictate the US how to run its nation and how Americans decide to live their lives internally unless.... that internal becomes external. Unless its way of thinking and doing is exposed outbound. For example… America finds that no American soldier (or citizen) may ever be brought in front of the International Tribunal. To underline this, they have past a legislation allowing it to invade my country the moment this might happen. At such a moment I say their internal affairs have become external and I do have right to get involved. Especially when America insists that other nations do extradite their citizens or else it might impose economic sanctions. It is this internal notion of being able to “force” due to military supremacy that unfortunately does also presides into some Americans way of thinking. This is why I say yes, you are right unless the internal becomes the external. (of which we unfortunately have seen too much under the Bush administration and why Europeans were more fond of the diplomatic manner of Clinton and currently of Powell as opposed to Rumsfeld)

One final note. Despite the fact that I like to reflect matters and cross my pen (or keyboard in these days) with others in the name of common enhancement of knowledge and understanding, I do have to leave it as this being my last post. Mainly due to the fact that the exceptions King of Fools talked about (like Mag_Aug) are indeed scarce in this topic and (unlike King of Fools clever domain chase and assumption) I am a student and got some major exams coming up. I will check in to read any comments and wish you some ‘enlightment’

Perry, thanks for the long but excellent post.  It is nice to see this thread evolving from its early insults to a rational look at our differences.

The post-facist Euro’s must be feeling pretty good about themselves since we bailed their butt out 2 friggin’ times in one century. Also we lead(by far) the medical industry(followed by India I believe) and then those Canadian ingrates forcibly lower prices, screwing millions of people over with damaged research ambitions. We give so much more in foreign aid, aids research, aids drugs, it’s unbelievable, and yet they curse them when the companies won’t give out free drugs to unemloyed welfare-leechers.

Prancin’ Penguins batman, are pseudo-socialists hypocritical or what?

This brings back memories of 9th grade civics class. My teacher(a successful capitalist, sold his restaraunt in Las Vegas for a grip of money) read aloud a essay about why people should be more grateful to the US by a (Swedish?) diplomat. It practically brought me to tears because so many of my fellow students loathed their own country.

Hi all,

I am pretty neutral, I think that wherever you go, you will meet extremely arrogant people, not interested in any one else but themselves. 
I don’t have problems with americans (I am european) but yet again, 2 days ago, your “Superbowl” was played, a tit was flashed, and now your whole nation is shocked...Now this is what makes people think that american are stupid sometimes.

It was just a tit, in Europe, people yould be laughing, in America, they are outraged.

Have a nice day everyone.
J

Let me make short a long story: I have been working for Motorola Celular Support for almost year and a half, that means I receive about 80 calls a day from, and 99% of those calls are from stupid people, that they dont even know how to turn a cell phone on!! or they think that just because they drop their phone on the W.C, we just have to run and give them a BRAND NEW cell phone… (give me a break like they say) Ok, going back to numbers, 80 calls a day x 90 (number of souls here) that makes around 52k calls per month, that is the formula for stupidity.. he he he. So let’s just admit it. People from United States (they are not americans, since AMERICA is the WHOLE CONTINENT, from Bering cape to CABO DE HORNOS in Argentina) is very, very stupid, or just themselves create a culture where the less you think, the more “american” you are. kind of the cancer of the world. by the way… janet’s tit seems to be the end of the world.

Diego,
Of course you’re going to get calls from stupid people.  That what tech support is for.  The smart people aren’t going to call you since they already know what is going on.  Then there’s the ones that feign stupidity to try to get free stuff.  Some companies will give out free replacements in order to keep a customer, so people try whatever they can to get it.

As for Janet’s tit, just remember it is because of the media’s need for sensationalism.  They’re not going to report about the millions which Tivo that probably kept rewinding that bit over and over.  There’s no controversy there.  Normal stuff doesn’t get shown on the news, only the extremes.

In reply to Greg, I don’t think its fair for you to to call refer to all of europeans as post facist euros, since the majority of europeans were not facists, and also, america joined world war I within a year of its finish, and only joined world war II because of japan’s bombing of pearl harbour. yes i agree the united states played a huge role in the liberation of europe during world war II, but to join a four year long world war in its final year, then claim that the united states saved their butts, is kind of egotistical

I agree with your point about calling all of Europe “post facist euros”.  Broad labels like that are always a point of contention with me.

However, I do take two minor issues with your history lesson.  First, you neglect the fact that the U.S. was materially involved in WW2 prior to 1941.  Second, do you really think that Germany would have been defeated if the U.S. had chosen not to join the war against Germany?

The claim that the U.S. saved everyone’s butts is a pretty big claim.  But from my study of history, it seems to be well documented.

(And I confess my WW1 history is a bit weak, but I am well read on WW2.)

Hold your horses all!
I am sorry King of Fools but here I have to slap you a little bit on the wrists.

You claim to be well read on WW2. Than (in light of our previous discussions on understanding amongst nations) I have to ask you, what kind of literature and sources have you been reading or looking at? All American writers??? The Hollywood movies like Saving Private Ryan or series like Band of Brothers?

Every year on the 4th and 5th of May my country nationally remembers those fallen during WW2 and I can say that these are not only Americans. There are Canadians, Polish, English, Australians etc. etc.

To claim that Hitler was defeated by the joining of American forces, is to do great unjust to history. Did not the English battle the German Luftwaffe for years across the Channel? Is it not so that because Russia attacked Germany from the East, German forces were divided and became weak? Was there no activity of the underground resistance in those occupied countries??

It would be much closer to the truth to acknowledge that only through the combined efforts of all forces, Hitler and his forces were defeated.

I also have to agree with Mr. Happy, that the US did not got involved until the attack of Pearl Harbor. Maybe then the US also realized that if the Third Reich would have come into existence, it would only be a matter of time till Hitler would have tried world domination.

WW2 is indeed well documented. So for all on this topic I would like to say to them to hold there tongues and thoughts for a second and not only make claims based on national patriotic documentation.

Further more, it would show much more respect and dignity to those who have fallen, to steer away from an ordinary verbal brawl over who made the biggest contribution. For truly, war only knows losses and no true victory. Ask any family that was affected by it.

ihaveseenenough,
what does ‘inshallah’ mean?
thank you?

As a middle-aged African-American female who grew up in the days of Jim Crow, lynchings, and separate but certainly not equal facilities, I am probably considered among the dumbest of the dumb by my fellow Americans and Europeans alike. However, I will tediously try to plow through with some thoughts that I have after reading some of your comments. America was founded by wealthy, slave-owning landowners who did not care about the poor, the “Indians”, the blacks or women as they drafted their constitution proclaiming that all men are created equal. We all know that they truly meant all wealthy white men. They were, after all, the descendants of wealthy, slave-trading Europeans, among the most ruthless imperialists in the history of mankind. As far as I can tell, neither Americans nor Europeans have what they presume to be their “God-given right” to judge anyone else. It is actually all just arrogant, pompous hot air on the part of every post that I have read here so far. Each of you is so intent upon proving your mental prowess and superior knowledge of what you perceive to be fact that there is no real attempt at exchange of ideas or understanding. Give it up children. All of my dark brothers and sisters of the world in differing shades and hues of black, brown, yellow, and red have figured out long ago what you, in your ivory towers, pretend is not so. Europeans and their white American desendants are cut from the same cloth of ignorance and intolerance.

Whew....so many comments, so little time.  Let’s start with Perry:

I liked your Saving Private Ryan joke.  Very amusing.  Actually, I’ve never seen the movie.  I have not seen Band of Brothers either.  I choose not to learn my history from Hollywood - their credibility is rather shaky in my opinon.

Right now I’m reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.  Very interesting look at Nazi Germany from the records that were left behind.  Ever read it?

I stand corrected on the material support comment because further research has revealed that the lend-lease act was actually not passed until March of 1941.  (I originally said that there was support prior to 1941.) However, you cannot argue with the fact that the U.S. was involved materially in the war prior to Pearl Harbor.

My comments about the U.S. entry into the war were not meant to denegrate any other participating nation.  Every country that participated, paid dearly with their blood and money and I have respect for every nation that was on the side of the Allies.  However, I do choose to stand by my original statement:

...do you really think that Germany would have been defeated if the U.S. had chosen not to join the war against Germany?

If the U.S. had not entered the war, I do not believe that Germany would have fallen.  I have heard historians state that even when the U.S. officially entered the war, it was not known if Germany would be defeated.

After a horrible start, Russia was pounded by Germany.  Some estimate that Germany captured 1/3rd of all Russian industrial production.  Their final desparation coupled with refining their tactics and a few wicked winters allowed them to stop the German advance.  The price they paid in lives is truly unequalled by any other participant.

England was itself preparing for invasion in July of 1940.  They held up remarkably under the blitz and their air power performed marvelous feats against the Luftwaffe.  Still, they lacked the industrial might to compete with a Germany which had consumed most of Europe.  It was only the English Channel which prevented them from going the way of France.

Victory was primarily due to the contributions of Russia, England and the United States.  You may take exception to my premise that without the contributions of the U.S., the war would not have been won.  I think history proves otherwise.

Rocky, very interesting view of history.  I don’t share your view on what the founders meant by the phrase “all men are created equal”, but their intent is not the important point.  What is important is what you and I feel that means today.

I feel it means that you are my equal regardless of your gender or skin color or the model of car you drive.

I’m not sure what you feel it means, but I did find this statement interesting:

All of my dark brothers and sisters of the world in differing shades and hues of black, brown, yellow, and red have figured out long ago what you, in your ivory towers, pretend is not so. Europeans and their white American desendants are cut from the same cloth of ignorance and intolerance.

Very interesting pre-judgement against me.  My whiteness and ancestry automatically makes me both ignorant and intolerant.  If I didn’t know better, I might think that this was a racial slur against me.

Judge the man, not the skin.  I believe that is what you would prefer also.

******I wish there was only one country in the world and everybody could share what’s good in them… inshallah!
Everybody would…
drive as an Italian, cook like a Brit, fix electronics like a Mexican, make cars like an Indian and be edcuated as an American *****

There is a country like that… it is called Australia, I am myself an Australian and Extremely open minded, but what i have seen lately from the american’s is horrible and i am scared to even be involved with such a ego-tistic country.

Someone posted earlier about having given so much aid to poor countries… Did you know that America’s Military Budget encompasses the enter budget of most of the western countries… This could let alone destroy all poverty and worthless deaths in the world…

How about u all start voting, instead of sitting at home and letting someone else vote for you, and then waiting for the consequences
.

Ya stupid yanks! Go back to Isreal.

The problem lies in feeling like a “superior nation”. Wether American or European, both are made of people with their rights and wrongs and both have dirty hands anyway. Europeans started two world wars ans were colonialists, Americans massacred (and tortured) indians and blacks. All fools praying one only god on their quest to wealth and power: greed. Period.
And he who goes to say “I’m better then you because I am american or european”, quoting history or inventors is no more than a child saying “my father’s stronger than yours” in the playground.

Very wise post, Marc.  There is nothing wrong with recognizing the contributions your own nation has made as long as you also recognize its faults.

The same goes for other nations, be they allies or enemies.  Recognize both their contributions and faults.

I just recently discovered this site and found it incredibly intresting in content, and though it may be slightly out of context I feel the urge to add some of my own thoughts.  I have done some traveling abroad(I am from the US) and I have observed that though we are all unique we all have commen grounds. 
No one likes to be told they are wrong, and sometimes we can react in a reflex using a modified version of “did not” or “did so” or “my dad is better than yours”.  Unfortanatly that reflex reaction causes a situation where someone has to admit they are wrong(or at least the other might be right), and can be extremely painfull to ones ego no matter the nationality.  I personally think that the internet, through sites simular to this, will eventually open lines of communication to enable us to grow past the “my dad is better than yours” attitude that crops up from time to time (more often then not at times).  The entire world is in the middle of growth pains, and we all must grow and change.  change is not easy ,and can be painfull.  Will it get better?  I do not know, but I hope. 

First off, I’d just like to say how refreshing it was to read through the comments on this post after I stumbled upon it via a link on the same “Not All Americans are Stupid” site mentioned above.  In exploring that site to gather enough examples of it’s faulty reasoning and false assumptions to write a treatise that would bring the keeper to his knees, I found myself on this site.  Once I got through the initial crass remarks, I was so impressed with the wisdom and sophistication that was displayed by all sides of the different disputes that my blood has cooled significantly and, since most of my points have been adressed here already, I no longer feel the need to write to or even acknowledge the “Not All Americans are Stupid” site.  Everyone has brought up excellent points, and I’m supposed to be researching Chaucer, so I’m not going to get into all this, but I would like to have one question answered:  This might be a little too off the topic, but I’ve always known that I have an American veil over my eyes--a great deal of it can’t be helped because of my lack of financial resources to travel to other countries and see things for myself rather than through American news sources.  But to get to the point, I’ve always wondered how the American Revolution is taught in England.  Of course, in America we learn that the “redcoats” were the bad guys and King George III was a tyrant; and our running around and hiding behind trees while the “redcoats” stood in a line was clever and not dishonorable.  I asked an English woman on Bourbon Street about this once, but she was too drunk too understand the question.  Someone enlighten me.

A large majority of Americans are not stupid, just spoiled, which leads to laziness, massive ignorance, short sightedness and narrow mindedness. How much time is spent watching mindless entertainment compared to watching or reading current events? How much attention has the U.S. public given to the 9/11 investigation, as compared to the O.J. Simpson trial? There are some profound questions about 9/11 going un-answered, yet few seem to really care. Who’s left on Survivor is much more important, isn’t it?

As an American living in Europe, I am often embarrassed by how ignorant U.S. citizens can be. It is unfair, as mentioned above, to pick out the worst Americans (like the ones who can’t even point out Canada on a map) and use them as an example. I can tell you, however, that Europeans are generally much more aware, better educated, or perhaps just more interested in this rock we all share. Even European bar flys (insinuating not the cream of the crop) know American geography and politics better than most middle-upper class, “well educated” Americans.

The good news is that you don’t have to stay ignorant all your life.

I’ve tried to be patient with this thread and for the most part, the participants have been fairly civil.  The latest post was pointless and added nothing to the discussion - and it has been deleted. 

If you have a good point to make, then please make it. 

If you just want to sling baseless insults then go ahead.  I can’t stop you from making them but I can delete them as soon as they are posted.  (And they reflect much more on you than on the target of your flame.)

Dear Readers all over the world

The questions is not about being dumb or stupid. The questions is about being behaving like barbarians and behaving so cruel that most of the world has hatred towards US.
The US has been nothing but a big threat to the rest of the world.
They have got a big threat in BUSH, who is trying to tare up the world for his oil business. They have the gun control which themselves can’t even control it anymore.
Parents who are cutting their kids throats and dumping them in rivers and waters.
Before going to other countries across halfway the world, US needs to sit down and really pay close attention of what is the damage they are doing to their own people.
When Americans walk across other countries, most people are racist and are showing hatred towards them. Well I wonder WHY.
Isn’t it time for citizens of the world to wake up and realize the truth.
USA is a big threat, not IRAQ, not SYRIA, Not Korea or IRAN.
USA is the richest country in the world, and they have the resources to make any nuclear or any other weapons of mass destructions.
NOW let’s see in few years when we are all in danger beacuse of USA.

Please remember, CM, that not all Americans are killing their kids. I for one do not agree with President Bush, but don’t make Americans a bunch of copies of Bush. Many of Bushes ideas are dumb but does that mean i am? I sure hope not.

AMERICA IS NO A BUNCH OF BARBARIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think only 50% of the american population is dumb. i-e; the ones who voted for George W. Bush.

Well, I asked for civility, but after the last few posts, I realized there is no point in keeping this thread open.

You are entitled to your opinions but I am not required to host them.

To those who contributed thoughtful expressions, thanks.  The discourse was actually quite interesting there for a bit.

Comments are Closed.