American Exceptionalism

[trent]

Or underlines much of the world's annoyance with the American self-image

And? I can't be the only who who could give a flying fuck about the rest of the world. Let them be envious of the amazing opportunities and lifestyles we have here in the USA. There are people all over the world who would want to be at a mediocore position in the USA. Why? Being mediocore in the USA is being 100x better than anywhere else in the world.

The USA is the best country in the world. The best. Period.

[rwh11385]

And? I can't be the only who who could give a flying fuck about the rest of the world. Let them be envious of the amazing opportunities and lifestyles we have here in the USA. There are people all over the world who would want to be at a mediocore position in the USA. Why? Being mediocore in the USA is being 100x better than anywhere else in the world.

The USA is the best country in the world. The best. Period.

haha.

oh trent.

you singleminded patriot.

wow. it's just such concentrated arrogance.

[trent]

Pride does nothing more than create arrogance (not saying you are) and bigger problems, and you can't take pride in something that you more or less "happened" into.

Pride? WTF? You can certainly take pride in your country when you have the freedom to live anywhere else in the world that you want. I understand your point about being "born into it," but that is a crock.

Along those lines Josh, what about those people who are have pride to be a particular race. Black Pride, AZN Pride, White pride. All these people are born into this, and there is nothing wrong with having pride in who you are, and what makes you great. One of the definitions of pride relates to having self-respect and self-esteem.

[trent]

haha.

oh trent.

you singleminded patriot.

wow. it's just such concentrated arrogance.

If there were more people who were happy with this country as I am, this would be an even better country. That is what is so awesome about this country, even people like you who hate it, are still open to all the amazing opportunities of this country.

[Jand3rson]

I guess that's valid. My whole life, I've always just marveled at how unbelievably lucky I was to have been born in this country. I mean, think about it. You could have been born into half a million other horrible conditions in a dozen different third world countries, into poverty, sickness and squalor you can't imagine. But your particular path in the universe put you here. That's why I've always just considered myself happy to be an American more than proud, but you're right, there's nothing wrong with having pride in who you are. Unless you're white, then you're a racist. But that's a whole 'nother thread.

[rwh11385]

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/happiest_countries/index_01.htm?chan=rss_topSlideShows_ssi_5

http://www.physorg.com/news73321785.html

The happiest nations in the World are:

1 - Denmark
2 - Switzerland
3 - Austria
4 - Iceland
5 - The Bahamas
6 - Finland
7 - Sweden
8 - Bhutan
9 - Brunei
10 - Canada
15 - The Netherlands
19 - Norway
23 - USA
35 - Germany
41 - UK
62 - France
82 - China
90 - Japan
125 - India
167 - Russia

The meta-analysis is based on the findings of over 100 different studies around the world, which questioned 80,000 people worldwide. For this study data has also been analysed in relation to health, wealth and access to education

"There is increasing political interest in using measures of happiness as a national indicator in conjunction with measures of wealth. A recent BBC survey found that 81% of the population think the Government should focus on making us happier rather than wealthier.

“It is worth remembering that the UK is doing relatively well in this area, coming 41st out of 178 nations.

"Further analysis showed that a nation's level of happiness was most closely associated with health levels (correlation of .62), followed by wealth (.52), and then provision of education (.51).

"The three predictor variables of health, wealth and education were also very closely associated with each other, illustrating the interdependence of these factors.

“There is a belief that capitalism leads to unhappy people. However, when people are asked if they are happy with their lives, people in countries with good healthcare, a higher GDP per captia, and access to education were much more likely to report being happy.

Americans seem to think that money = happiness, and a lot of the what the happy Northern Europeans seem to think that is there is more to like.

[alexw]

I've always said you should never be "proud" to be an American. You should be happy, and feel lucky and fortunate that you are an American.

All due respect... Fuck that.

I'm an American, I'm proud of that. I'm an American service member, I'm proud of that as well.

I HAVE seen and lived in other countries, I don't doubt we've got it the best. I agree, we have our faults, and we're due for some change, but I for one will stand by our country.

[uofom3]

I will just say that I respect Ted very much for trying to bring about a balanced discussion/ opinion.

I mean we all should be patriotic of our own particular country to some degree..shouldn't we.?? There's a reason why Earth comprises of different countries. Different groups of people sharing a common identity to some extent.

Had my carefully typed say; before this thread implodes and gets locked.

Thanks, and I agree with what you're saying.

Every great athlete, driver, business person, leader, etc. HAS to have some self-belief otherwise they are going to fail.

I bet people in Denmark think we have our priorities way skewed (as bobby pointed out) - and that's totally OK. They don't have to live here. I'm not saying this to sound like a dick or whatever, so don't take it that way. It's just the truth as I see it.

We have seperate visions of the way life should be; countries do and seperate people do. I don't spend time thinking about what other people in other countries should do because I'm not there, don't have to live their life, etc. The world can't turn a blind eye to genocide or major human rights violations, but barring that each country will do as it sees fit - stopping only when the policy changes/etc. have a major impact on a neighboring country or the global community.

For instance, Lee and I have a vastly different view of global commerce and government and how America is fitting into this and that's fine. I'm sure Lee is a great guy, I've heard nothing but amazing reviews of the products he sells and his customer service, he has some kick ass cars, and probably could teach 99% of the people on this board some good driving technique. What bothers me, as an example of one person from one country labeling another, is that I don't pay attention to the Canadian governmental system. I don't call out his leaders for being "X" and making stupid decisions because I don't have any say over what's going on. I can't armchair-quarterback his government when I don't participate in the process. Then I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem. Same goes for any other country.

[alexw]

What bothers me, as an example of one person from one country labeling another, is that I don't pay attention to the Canadian governmental system. I don't call out his leaders for being "X" and making stupid decisions because I don't have any say over what's going on. I can't armchair-quarterback his government when I don't participate in the process. Then I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem. Same goes for any other country.

You know why everyone has an opinion on the US? It's because we're so influential in the world...

[uofom3]

Americans seem to think that money = happiness, and a lot of the what the happy Northern Europeans seem to think that is there is more to like.

Is that wrong? I've came to the realization that money, stuff, etc. is not ultimately going to make me happy or fulfilled. With that said, I like nice stuff. I got a job that paid well so I could buy nice stuff, and a degree that helped me get that job.

I have found happiness in the bottom of a coors light, at 7k with a CF airboxed s14, and volunteering with kids. What's the point? that in each case, the more financially secure you are, the more enjoyment you can get out things AND the more you can give back.

If I own a business, I'm having a bigger impact on someones life DIRECTLY than the government could ever hand out in socialization or stimulous checks. I can help them earn the money to send their kids to school, have free time to volunteer with the PTA, volunteer time as a driving instructor at an HPDE day - all of which better other peoples lives.

[Jand3rson]

All due respect... Fuck that.

I'm an American, I'm proud of that. I'm an American service member, I'm proud of that as well.

I HAVE seen and lived in other countries, I don't doubt we've got it the best. I agree, we have our faults, and we're due for some change, but I for one will stand by our country.

I think you guys are vastly misinterpreting what I'm saying. I'm not saying in any way, shape or form that I'm not thankful and happy to be an American, or that I don't love this country. But you CHOSE to join the armed forces, you were fortunate enough to be BORN into the country. There's a difference, that's all I'm saying. Pride in something varies depending on how it was achieved.

If you spent 2 years of your life building a beautiful, large house for your family, with your own hands from the ground up, you would be very proud of it, what you've built, and what you've achieved. But if someone just gives you that same house, while you may be proud to own it and to live in it, you can't take THE SAME pride in what it is and how it got there. That's all I'm saying, I'm not trying to tell anyone they can't be proud of the USA, just that there are different types of pride.

[trent]

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06...ideShows_ssi_5

http://www.physorg.com/news73321785.html

Americans seem to think that money = happiness, and a lot of the what the happy Northern Europeans seem to think that is there is more to like.

Thank you for proving Ted's point. If there not so many people like you who fault this country instead of loving it, we would be in an even better position.

[alexw]

I think you guys are vastly misinterpreting what I'm saying. I'm not saying in any way, shape or form that I'm not thankful and happy to be an American, or that I don't love this country. But you CHOSE to join the armed forces, you were fortunate enough to be BORN into the country. There's a difference, that's all I'm saying. Pride in something varies depending on how it was achieved.

If you spent 2 years of your life building a beautiful, large house for your family, with your own hands from the ground up, you would be very proud of it, what you've built, and what you've achieved. But if someone just gives you that same house, while you may be proud to own it and to live in it, you can't take THE SAME pride in what it is and how it got there. That's all I'm saying, I'm not trying to tell anyone they can't be proud of the USA, just that there are different types of pride.

Fine, but I'm still proud, you can stay "happy". ;)

[trent]

If you spent 2 years of your life building a beautiful, large house for your family, with your own hands from the ground up, you would be very proud of it, what you've built, and what you've achieved. But if someone just gives you that same house, while you may be proud to own it and to live in it, you can't take THE SAME pride in what it is and how it got there. That's all I'm saying, I'm not trying to tell anyone they can't be proud of the USA, just that there are different types of pride.

Josh, how the fuck can you think that? This is America, where we have a voice in building this country or a house. Look at McCain–Feingold. When the American people saw what BS this Act was, they took to the phones, emails, demonstrations. You know what? It got fucking dropped like a hot potato -- because of the people. When I heard about that Act, my voice was heard. We have the amazing freedom of having direct access to our "representatives." I take pride in being American, and take pride in that I helped and will continue to help build this country to be better.

[uofom3]

You know why everyone has an opinion on the US? It's because we're so influential in the world...

True.

Has anyone else noticed that the more "progressive" we become, the less we are liked in the world?

The more we try and bend over backwards to accomodate others, the less we are able to handle ourselves. If you let other people define you, they can destroy you.

It is our responsibility as Americans to be good stewards in this world because we are influential and powerful. I've just had it with people saying nothing but negative things about the US, when we have done so many great things for this world over time - not without fault, but no one and nothing is perfect.

In the 1940's and 50's - Americans were revered. We helped rebuild europe, were infamous for bone jarring handshakes, honest deals, and strong personality while at the same time having compassion and vision to fight for human life and freedom. We didn't talk about socialized anything - people worked and didn't expect a handout. Talking to senior citizens, they just don't understand. They went to work for 40 years doing physical labor, and people today think they are above flipping burgers at McDicks. Now, we also had racial problems that shouldn't have existed at that time. If we could mate the unification of racial divide with the values of that society, we one again could be reveered by others in the world.