Friday, August 17, 2007

What "They" Say About Americans


People all over the world like to engage in discussions with Americans about capitalism and politics. Those of you who know me well, understand that I believe in the "Love it or Leave it" philosophy, and therefore, for the time being, have left the US.


Living here gives me new perspectives on the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of American life everyday. I see things through my own eyes, and through the eyes of others. Some of the people I have discussions with have been to the US, and others have not, but there are consistent themes and beliefs from people all over the world about the US and Americans. Some of them are not surprising and some are.


Here are some of the things that in general, I hear regularly about the US:

1. It is an easier life, with opportunity for those who want it.
2. Things are less expensive.(food, housing, electricity, gas)
3. There are a lot of "conveniences" (easy to buy anything at any time of the day or night ,dishwashers, cars, washers, dryers, )
4. There are freedoms that other countries do not have ( the biggest example of this is around freedom of speech-being able to say that you disagree with or do not like the government without fear of repercussions)
5. Bush is a war monger, he has endangered the US throughout the world.
6. Americans are not as safe as they used to be, and places where Americans are, or go, also are not as safe as a result.
7. Americans are friendly, but their government is not.
8. Americans are always on a schedule, and always have a plan (not easy to relax, or go with the flow)
9. Americans drink to the point of intoxication more than other cultures.
10. Americans do not eat well, but eat a lot.
11. Americans are unaware that places and people exist outside of the USA and do not understand the political and economic impact of decisions that are made on themselves and the rest of the world.
12. Americans do not engage in politics in their own country or around the world.
13. American music rules.

Interesting, huh?

1 comment:

Unknown said...

As an American I'd say most of that is true. Ha ha!