Quote:
Originally Posted by emptypepsi
I would like to hear what any non-American members of the forum have to say about Americans. What I mean is, what is your outlook on our culture (specific aspects if you want), our politics, our pop culture, individual Americans you've met, etc.
Also, please include any stereotypes you had about Americans and whether debating with them has reinforced or destroyed those stereotypes.
Also, what has surprised you the most when debating with Americans?
Thanks  |
Hello!
You are very brave! Well, I mean, you have no idea what people will say about your countrymen.
My thoughts on Americans:
1. I think Americans have a love/hate relationship with Europe, and they - in general - are a bit annoyed with people around the world who criticise their country, popular culture, history and policies. I think some Americans feel a bit hurt, like their friends are turning their backs on them. Others don't care, and would like to focus on domestic issues.
2. I think Americans seem to be very suspicious of each other (hence all the guns in major cities), and everything that could remotely be called socialist. I think there is still some residue left from the McCarthy era.
3. I think Americans are very proud of their country, but many also accept immigrants, because they think your merits and your willingness to adapt, should be more important than where you're from.
4. Americans seem to believe in the Protestant work ethic, and you believe (as mentioned in no.3) that merits are important.
5. Most Americans seem very religious, and it's interesting that instead of a State Church (Church attached to State), you have many religious communties in clusters all across the country.
6. Americans seem to be rather polarised, both politically, socially and economically. This could partially be due to religious beliefs, but also because of the American emphasis on individuality. There is a great deal of difference between the successful and the not so successful.
7. Americans seem infatuated with their celebrities, almost in the same way many people in European contries look up to their royal families. There seems to be a need in the USA for something that is "larger than life", hence the Hollywood glamour and soap series. People like to dream of a different life. Some haven't made it big in the rat race.
I'd like to use a few adjectives for Americans (how I see it):
paranoid, optimistic, powerful, glamourous, plastic, religious, inclusive, capitalist, exhausted