Recent Comments By Erik / NorwayMy honest view of Americans, after talking to maybe two dozen individuals there and watching their media (never been to the United States): 1. They have a strong will to be independent, despite the willingness to sue for almost anything (including spilling hot coffee on themselves in a restaurant). The right to bear arms is cited as an example of that independence. 2. They have an irrational fear of "socialism" and "communism", even to the degree that they prefer bailouts for the rich to better healthcare. European countries are sometimes called "socialist" or "communist, despite evidence to the contrary. 3. Many Americans are hospitable and will invite you into their homes, at least in the South (despite the habit of "shoot first, ask questions later" of some NRA enthusiasts). It's also not unusual to greet strangers on the street. 4. Many Americans work hard and have several jobs, mostly because jobs there don't pay as well, but also because they're encoueaged to work at a young age. 5. People in the United States are often encouraged to be ambitious and optimistic (and sometimes unrealistic), and they have the attitude of "if you can dream it, you can do it!" 6. Outer appearances are a big deal for many Americans, even to the point where young children are dressed up for pageants (i. e. "Little Miss Perfect"). Teeth whitening products are a typical American phenomenon. 7. Many Americans are curious about the outside world (many young people want to travel), despite the stereotype (partly true) that many Americans also know very little about the rest of the world. 8. Most Americans seem rather proud and patriotic of their country, even though they sometimes don't understand that people around the world can feel the same way about their countries (see Iraq, Afghanistan). 9. As a result of no. 8, some Americans believe the USA "invented" everything, and saved the whole world (saviour complex), something which is a very annoying habit for the 96% who make up the rest of the world. 10. Another annoying habit, is how some Americans (and I mean some) believe that women in European countries are up for anything (sexually), and have low standards, because we don't go hysterical over a nipple on this side of the Pond. Just because nudity isn't regarded as horrible and shameful, it doesn't mean that all women are easy. The two aren't necassarily related. 
(845 votes)
There's a lot of talk about American exceptionalism, and anti-Americanism. How is the USA exceptional? Isn't every country on Earth exceptional in their own way? Perhsaps the belief that the USA is above all others, is so great in the USA that you export it to other countries? However, if you can't support those claims with facts, people will feel like they've been cheated.
(1133 votes)
The events that have happened these last few weeks, just further illuminnates the incompetance and arrogance of US leadership. The Bush administration is supposed to represent the free market, and yet they're bailing out private corporations left, right and centre. Actully, it started with Bear Stearns, months before. $140 billion, if I remember correctly. Then there was Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and after that there was AIG, which got an $85 billion dollar loan. Now, recently, the banks and creditors have been bailed out for a price tag of $700 billion. Many people in the USA have a distorted view of Western Europe, calling us "socialist", and yet the USA practices strong corporate socialism.
(1136 votes)
I have many conflicting feelings about the USA. I hate the CIA and the current US administration, even though they gave money to Africa. That was pretty much the only redeeming thing they've done. I hate the arrogance of some Americans, thinking they are economically, militarily and morally superior to anyone, in any way. I hate the extreme right in the USA, like the Evangelicals so blindly support Israel because they think Armageddon is near. I hate how many Americans are brainwashed to think all forms of government welfare is socialism, such as health care. At the same time, I see a country with huge diversity, all kinds of different opinions, all kinds of personalities and cultures. I perceive Americans to be more open, but also more swayed by emotions, than my people are. You watch so many commercials and I think it must affect you on some level. Religion is odd in the USA. Americans are not at all private about religious beliefs. They don't see religion as private, at least not to the degree that we are here. Religion seems to be more of a pastime. I like American girls, and they seem to like me, which is nice. I have some of my closest relationships with American girls. Don't ask me why. There are things I like about the USA, even love you might say--although in debates online I am constantly called anti-American. I'll run you through what I like: 1. I like that you know how to make good big budget movies. 2. I like American girls. 3. I like the ideas of your Founding Fathers. 4. I like that you helped out during WWII. 5. I like that you have many great comedians and comedy series there. 6. I occasionally like watching American adult movies. 7. I like reading about the USA in the news, it's fascinating (wars, politics etc.). Something is always happening there. 8. I like my American friends. 9. I think there are many beautiful natural sites there, as well as Mt. Rushmore etc. 10. The USA has so many good products, and brilliant minds that create new products. 11. You make fun of your president even though he is so powerful.
(1942 votes)
I have many American friends. I think most Americans mean well and are decent people, but they seem to be very influenced by a biased media. Fox News, Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, as well as movies. They learn less about the plight of Palestinians than the plight of Israelis. Their government seems to believe the USA has a right to tell other countries what to do, but nobody can tell the USA what to do ... It's a "do as I say, not what I do" type of attitude, that the US government expresses to the world. I think there is also an impression that many Americans are oblivious about other countries, and some are even proud of it!
(2070 votes)
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