American Exceptionalism

[trent]

(some more blatant that others- trent)

"I'm Amuurikan with lots of money, you should serve me" attitude that is why Americans are seen as they are abroad.

I am not sure if you are trying to lump me into that catagory, but I am most certainly not that way. When in another country, you are exactly that, you are on their home terf. I have zero problem being shy and understanding that the people in whichever particular country might think that THEY live in the best country in the world. Maybe that is the point I didn't get across. I certainly don't put somebody else down for thinking something different than I.

[alexw]

A few years ago some friends and I went to the Bahamas for Spring Break. I've never been more embarrassed to be an American than I was on that trip, looking around at the way these Americans (as a general rule, white privileged college kids) treated the locals. It was disgusting, and you could see the frustration and anger on the locals' faces. It's this kind of "I'm Amuurikan with lots of money, you should serve me" attitude that is why Americans are seen as they are abroad. That said, we donate billions to other nations in aid, military spending, etc. A family friend who worked in the Pentagon told me that, after 20 years as a Submarine officer, the thing that most surprised him when he got to the Pentagon was how much money we gave to other nations.

One of the big pushes within the Navy and Marine Corps is the idea of "No better friend, No worst enemy"- every special operations team, as well as (I believe- Franco90 would know better than I) every Marine Corps infantry unit rotates through a "village" in the Eastern California desert, complete with former Iraqi volunteers, to teach every infantryman the local culture, key words in the language, local politics, etc.

Very good post!

I have been overseas for 3 years. And there have been times where I've seen Americans act like dumb asses. But at the same time, I see quite a few (the majority) of Americans embracing the culture. Military members are taught customs and basic language skills when they arrive to other countries. These are things I wont ever forget, and use them whenever I can. One example was yesterday when I went to a Korean restaurant here in Germany. I spoke the little Korean that I knew, and our waitress smiled ear to ear.

Anyways, we're not hated everywhere. And the best advice I can give to everyone when traveling is to be one of the good guys, an ambassador for our country.

[uofom3]

I am not sure if you are trying to lump me into that catagory, but I am most certainly not that way. When in another country, you are exactly that, you are on their home terf. I have zero problem being shy and understanding that the people in whichever particular country might think that THEY live in the best country in the world. Maybe that is the point I didn't get across. I certainly don't put somebody else down for thinking something different than I.

Spot on. When in Rome....

Maybe i'm just surrounded by good people. I don't see the dooshbagery that has been exemplified by others on a frequent basis, apparently - or at least do not associate with them.

It all boils down to respect. You can believe you're correct/etc. and not be a dick.

A lot of americans are disrespectful, but I feel that goes back to the errosion of society.

[Maluco]

I'll leave emotions and other thoughts out and represent my proudness in living in the US. I was born in Brasil and migrated here with my parents. I have also been to many different countries and for more reasons than I care to list now, I am very happy to reside in the United States of America.

Too the majority, if not all that reside here, I would say read and learn a bit of what this country was founded on, what common men and others took up and sacrificed to establish these States United. What is available and attainable here cannot even be compared to what exists in other countries IMO. My parents just became US citizens a couple of days ago (dual-citizenship) and I am next.

God Bless the United States and keep its shepards.

[alexw]

My parents just became US citizens a couple of days ago (dual-citizenship) and I am next.

God Bless the United States and keep its shepards.

Congrats!

I love hearing about folks becoming citizens, that is a truly awesome thing.

[Maluco]

Congrats!

I love hearing about folks becoming citizens, that is a truly awesome thing.

Thanks bro! And while I personally know people who have come over illegally and are still illegal, I have to admit some pride in that we landed here with residency lined up...

[Jand3rson]

Congrats!

I love hearing about folks becoming citizens, that is a truly awesome thing.

Same. I think it's great that people want to come here, and be worthwhile members of our society. If you've got something to contribute, then by all means, please come on over!

[alexw]

Thanks bro! And while I personally know people who have come over illegally and are still illegal, I have to admit some pride in that we landed here with residency lined up...

I hear ya, it does anger me about individuals coming over illegally. While I hate the fact that they aren't contributing, and paying taxes etc... It's hard to blame them, but that doesn't make it right.

So congrats, and thanks for doing it legally!

[Maluco]

I hear ya, it does anger me about individuals coming over illegally. While I hate the fact that they aren't contributing, and paying taxes etc... It's hard to blame them, but that doesn't make it right.

So congrats, and thanks for doing it legally!

that's what most fail to understand, those coming over illegally without their number one priority being to attain residency and learn the language are or at very least become a taxation on the whole US and its legal residents/citizens... Needless to say, it's a huge issue on so many levels.

I also hate how the world and even US residents/citizens have created this "American" and "white" bullshit... It's completely ignorant!

[JamesE30]

Hi








I don't want to start a big Argument, but I truly believe, Australia is one of the greatest countries in the world. It is certainly the most multi-cultural country in the world. I think there can be no universal "best" country in the world, since there will always be people who think otherwise.
Everyone I've spoken to that has traveled to America has said it is great, but they wouldn't want to live there. Now of course if you're born there, America is your whole life, and I'm sure most people wouldn't change it for the world. But again I'm sure, the same can be said for alot of Countries.

I fucking love Australia, I have never been to America, but it is somewhere I really want to visit. Truth be told, alot of people don't want to spend there lives in one country, and few do, they want to travel and experience what other places on the globe have to offer.
One Country simply can not have everything.

[uofom3]

I'll leave emotions and other thoughts out and represent my proudness in living in the US. I was born in Brasil and migrated here with my parents. I have also been to many different countries and for more reasons than I care to list now, I am very happy to reside in the United States of America.

Too the majority, if not all that reside here, I would say read and learn a bit of what this country was founded on, what common men and others took up and sacrificed to establish these States United. What is available and attainable here cannot even be compared to what exists in other countries IMO. My parents just became US citizens a couple of days ago (dual-citizenship) and I am next.

God Bless the United States and keep its shepards.

Congratulations! that is fantastic for you and your family.

[alexw]

Hi



Everyone I've spoken to that has traveled to America has said it is great, but they wouldn't want to live there. Now of course if you're born there, America is your whole life, and I'm sure most people wouldn't change it for the world. But again I'm sure, the same can be said for alot of Countries.

One Country simply can not have everything.

I've traveled to many different countries as well, and there isn't any I'd rather live in or work in besides the US. I also have LIVED and worked in multiple different countries.

I don't think its fair to assume you wouldn't want to live somewhere by just visiting. All you see by visiting is the tourist attractions and culture. You don't actively participate in our government or really see how the country works.

[uofom3]

Hi








I don't want to start a big Argument, but I truly believe, Australia is one of the greatest countries in the world. It is certainly the most multi-cultural country in the world. I think there can be no universal "best" country in the world, since there will always be people who think otherwise.
Everyone I've spoken to that has traveled to America has said it is great, but they wouldn't want to live there. Now of course if you're born there, America is your whole life, and I'm sure most people wouldn't change it for the world. But again I'm sure, the same can be said for alot of Countries.

I fucking love Australia, I have never been to America, but it is somewhere I really want to visit. Truth be told, alot of people don't want to spend there lives in one country, and few do, they want to travel and experience what other places on the globe have to offer.
One Country simply can not have everything.

This exemplifies my point. He has national pride, which he should. You're not starting a who is better thing with me - I'm just glad to see someone speak positively of their country for a change.

[uofom3]

I started this thread because there was so much bashing going on and nothing positive. I do believe that we do more for the world than any other single nation in a myriad of fronts, and I think we're the best (for me). Maybe "best" isnt even a good way of putting it at all - for the amount of good we do, the world community might want to think twice about their attitude twoards us. Also, we internally need to think higher of ourselves, hold ourselves to higher moral standards, and generally become better people. We are more than capable of doing that - and I think that we can with the right attitude.

[trent]

This exemplifies my point. He has national pride, which he should. You're not starting a who is better thing with me - I'm just glad to see someone speak positively of their country for a change.

Exactly 100% correct.