Comments on: Only in America… http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/ Observations from a typical, self-entitlement-oriented, inbred, insular, nationalistic, inherently violent, unfashionable, paranoid, arrogant, unsophisticated, fat, lazy, vulgar, greedy, racist, spoiled-rich, ignorant, stupid, humorless, loud, obnoxious, gum-chewing, carbon-emitting, baby-killing, gun-toting, bible-thumping, flag-waving, and self-centered, globalizing, uncouth, swearmouthed and boorish non-human Neanderthal American obsessed with sex, celebrities and McDonalds that demands the entire world revolve around herself! Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:30:55 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: D. Crowder http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-9424 D. Crowder Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:10:33 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-9424 Firstly, I grew up in the United States (though British) so have never been surprised at the lack of M16's on the street; that said, my neighbour has a shotgun attached to the roof of his car (but labelling him as the typical American would be unfair). There are so many wild and wonderful things about the US, and its people. Americans are warm, friendly and generous so please don't think I am writing purely for the purpose of bashing Americans. In addition, it is almost impossible to discuss a country's attitude/perspective when it encompasses such diversity of opinion/views (as you discussed), because to do so would be over-generalising to the point of meaninglessness. That said, I wrote my original comment to try and introduce perspective and temperance to points which are in parts too far reaching. You are not the only country which is self-critical, and not (as I already posted) the only country which is transparent (again, you are 24th in the World for rankings of transparency). You cannot possibly say that 'rarely any contrary opinion exists in Britain', or that if it does it is simply crushed. Brits are not a conglomeration of politically identical automatons, in fact there is huge diversity in British culture, religion and politics. We have countless political parties, at completely different ends of the spectrum. One of them, which I particularly dislike promotes that all non-whites be ultimately expelled from the country (look up the BNP party in google, its really quite scary)… do you call that mainstream? All of these parties, religions and viewpoints are challenged… constantly (a lack of constant criticism (especially negative) is one of the reasons I am so fond of Americans in general)… Look at Richard Dawkins and his recent campaign (war) on religion by decorating London Buses, criticism from the whole country over MP expenses, distaste over Labour/Conservatives/Liberal Democrats (need I go on)…. protests to the G20 in London… divided opinions in reference to Afghanistan (and before we pulled out, Iraq)… need I go on? Have you even watched British newsreaders, or parliamentary debates (or even programmes like Question Time). They are SO SO critical of both mainstream and polarised points of view. We are a diverse set of people, largely through years of immigration and our history as a global empire (you should really visit). In fact, through this diversity we have established terrific tolerance: (proposed introductions of Sharia law into the legal system). In terms of diversity, can you believe this, 22% of the British public (in a recent survey) thought that the 7/7 London Bombings were justifiable… an appalling but revealing statistic (in terms of diversity of opinion) In reference to the surprised and 'ignorant' Brits coming over the pond, apologies. There are countless Brits who have little clue what goes in America, and some might argue even in Britain. But let's not reach for the worst examples, otherwise I will have to bring out the countless times I have been asked whether Britain has electricity, TV or grass :-). Brits don't garner all of their news from Fox (in fact you would have to pay to get it on the TV), but rather BBC/CNN/and increasingly the internet. No news can be truly objective, and we suffer from a liberal leaning media (BBC), but also have Sky News (a little more right wing, same company as Fox). Our media does talk about America's accomplishments, and its failings… and we are not all ignorant to slanted broadcasts. Over the last ten years, perhaps there has been greater negativity towards America. But in many cases for good reasons. Criticisms over the handling of the Iraq War, Guantanamo Bay, Kyoto Treaty, sponsorship of the IRA (in the past), and more recently 'trash talking' the NHS…. these all diminish viewpoints of America and its people (at least in my mind). These are political issues (mainly), and despite being a democracy, I don't expect the US Government's decisions to be reflective of all Americans and their beliefs. Anti-American sentiment will dissipate when Americans act in a way which is seen as 'acceptable' by European standards: this of course will never happen (thankfully in my opinion)… but you should know that it is not out of spite, or jealousy, but rather difference of opinion/values, that Brits hold such distaste. Despite this, most people I know would consider America as the closest country in terms of shared interests, values and culture. In terms of the election, I think 'shocked' is the right way to describe the British reaction to the election of Obama, not because of his colour, or our pre-conceptions about American attitudes, but because many Brits (including myself) identified with him, and appreciated his humility and international tolerance (a far cry from George Bush - as I am sure you would agree) a breath of fresh air from standard American politics. I feel that his election will help America shed it's negative international image (which you must agree, it kind of deserves at times). Did you know that the BBC, Sky News halted all other news for the electoral college results? I like Americans, and so do my friends/family. What I don't like is people claiming that America is the only country with freedom (press freedom), a critical media and an honest and transparent government. You may not have been trying to do that, in which case, I am sorry for such a long-winded and rather disorganised reply. Warm Regards, David p.s. Please do a little more research on affirmative action (Canada, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Malyasia, New Zealand, Finland, France, South Africa all use affirmative action in various guises, for differing reasons). Even in Britain, affirmative action (usually terms positive action) is sometimes sanctioned, through additional encouragement and support for minority workers etc (read section 47 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, and sections 37 and 38 of the Race Relations action 1976). pp.. Couldn't access my Gmail account, so have used University email instead. Firstly, I grew up in the United States (though British) so have never been surprised at the lack of M16’s on the street; that said, my neighbour has a shotgun attached to the roof of his car (but labelling him as the typical American would be unfair).

There are so many wild and wonderful things about the US, and its people. Americans are warm, friendly and generous so please don’t think I am writing purely for the purpose of bashing Americans. In addition, it is almost impossible to discuss a country’s attitude/perspective when it encompasses such diversity of opinion/views (as you discussed), because to do so would be over-generalising to the point of meaninglessness.

That said, I wrote my original comment to try and introduce perspective and temperance to points which are in parts too far reaching. You are not the only country which is self-critical, and not (as I already posted) the only country which is transparent (again, you are 24th in the World for rankings of transparency).

You cannot possibly say that ‘rarely any contrary opinion exists in Britain’, or that if it does it is simply crushed. Brits are not a conglomeration of politically identical automatons, in fact there is huge diversity in British culture, religion and politics. We have countless political parties, at completely different ends of the spectrum. One of them, which I particularly dislike promotes that all non-whites be ultimately expelled from the country (look up the BNP party in google, its really quite scary)… do you call that mainstream?

All of these parties, religions and viewpoints are challenged… constantly (a lack of constant criticism (especially negative) is one of the reasons I am so fond of Americans in general)… Look at Richard Dawkins and his recent campaign (war) on religion by decorating London Buses, criticism from the whole country over MP expenses, distaste over Labour/Conservatives/Liberal Democrats (need I go on)…. protests to the G20 in London… divided opinions in reference to Afghanistan (and before we pulled out, Iraq)… need I go on?

Have you even watched British newsreaders, or parliamentary debates (or even programmes like Question Time). They are SO SO critical of both mainstream and polarised points of view. We are a diverse set of people, largely through years of immigration and our history as a global empire (you should really visit). In fact, through this diversity we have established terrific tolerance: (proposed introductions of Sharia law into the legal system). In terms of diversity, can you believe this, 22% of the British public (in a recent survey) thought that the 7/7 London Bombings were justifiable… an appalling but revealing statistic (in terms of diversity of opinion)

In reference to the surprised and ‘ignorant’ Brits coming over the pond, apologies. There are countless Brits who have little clue what goes in America, and some might argue even in Britain. But let’s not reach for the worst examples, otherwise I will have to bring out the countless times I have been asked whether Britain has electricity, TV or grass :-) . Brits don’t garner all of their news from Fox (in fact you would have to pay to get it on the TV), but rather BBC/CNN/and increasingly the internet. No news can be truly objective, and we suffer from a liberal leaning media (BBC), but also have Sky News (a little more right wing, same company as Fox). Our media does talk about America’s accomplishments, and its failings… and we are not all ignorant to slanted broadcasts.

Over the last ten years, perhaps there has been greater negativity towards America. But in many cases for good reasons. Criticisms over the handling of the Iraq War, Guantanamo Bay, Kyoto Treaty, sponsorship of the IRA (in the past), and more recently ‘trash talking’ the NHS…. these all diminish viewpoints of America and its people (at least in my mind). These are political issues (mainly), and despite being a democracy, I don’t expect the US Government’s decisions to be reflective of all Americans and their beliefs. Anti-American sentiment will dissipate when Americans act in a way which is seen as ‘acceptable’ by European standards: this of course will never happen (thankfully in my opinion)… but you should know that it is not out of spite, or jealousy, but rather difference of opinion/values, that Brits hold such distaste. Despite this, most people I know would consider America as the closest country in terms of shared interests, values and culture.

In terms of the election, I think ’shocked’ is the right way to describe the British reaction to the election of Obama, not because of his colour, or our pre-conceptions about American attitudes, but because many Brits (including myself) identified with him, and appreciated his humility and international tolerance (a far cry from George Bush – as I am sure you would agree) a breath of fresh air from standard American politics. I feel that his election will help America shed it’s negative international image (which you must agree, it kind of deserves at times).
Did you know that the BBC, Sky News halted all other news for the electoral college results?

I like Americans, and so do my friends/family. What I don’t like is people claiming that America is the only country with freedom (press freedom), a critical media and an honest and transparent government. You may not have been trying to do that, in which case, I am sorry for such a long-winded and rather disorganised reply.

Warm Regards,
David

p.s. Please do a little more research on affirmative action (Canada, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Malyasia, New Zealand, Finland, France, South Africa all use affirmative action in various guises, for differing reasons). Even in Britain, affirmative action (usually terms positive action) is sometimes sanctioned, through additional encouragement and support for minority workers etc (read section 47 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, and sections 37 and 38 of the Race Relations action 1976).

pp.. Couldn’t access my Gmail account, so have used University email instead.

]]> By: virgomonkey http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-9352 virgomonkey Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:41:16 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-9352 By the way, did you actually read the whole post, look through the links and watch all the videos? By the way, did you actually read the whole post, look through the links and watch all the videos?

]]> By: virgomonkey http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-9351 virgomonkey Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:40:01 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-9351 There's A LOT wrong with the United States; however, most of the time some of you folks get it wrong. The admitting of guilt in the mainstream media over here is not something I'm always proud of. Why? Because you people unrecognizably use it as ammunition against us. You only know as much as you do because of how transparent we are, for the most part. Fox News is not part of the mainstream media. It was created by an Australian to counteract the mainstream media as they find it to be too "left-leaning". That's part of the bias in your country that I am talking about. For every opinion expressed on opinion and news networks, there are debates and dissent - which only exists in the US. All you hear is the bad stuff about the US in Britain. Anything good is in fine print that you have to go out of your way to look for. See you learn over there that all we have is Fox and nothing that challenges it. No other networks. No comedy shows that devote all their energy into making fun of Fox. No. You think that every American watches Fox and believes all it says. Maybe you can explain to me why so many Brits are surprised when they actually visit the US? They cannot believe their eyes when they see thin people walking around in the streets without M-16s in their hands, and actually nice, intelligent and friendly. Brits have this impression that all Americans do is have their hands on their chests praying to the US flag and thumping their bibles whilst oppressing the black man. THAT is why you guys were so incredibly SHOCKED when Obama was elected. You thought that Americans still were cheating the blacks from a fair chance. But little do you know that we are the only country with Affirmative Action laws. Well, of course. ;-) Your media never talks about that. Rarely any contrary opinion exists in Britain. And if it does, it is hammered down and that person is seen as a pariah! You want to tell me how and why the majority of Americans think fondly of Britain? You want to tell me about your freedom of the press again? At least in the US, we can CHOOSE to be ignorant. There’s A LOT wrong with the United States; however, most of the time some of you folks get it wrong. The admitting of guilt in the mainstream media over here is not something I’m always proud of. Why? Because you people unrecognizably use it as ammunition against us. You only know as much as you do because of how transparent we are, for the most part.

Fox News is not part of the mainstream media. It was created by an Australian to counteract the mainstream media as they find it to be too “left-leaning”. That’s part of the bias in your country that I am talking about. For every opinion expressed on opinion and news networks, there are debates and dissent – which only exists in the US. All you hear is the bad stuff about the US in Britain. Anything good is in fine print that you have to go out of your way to look for.

See you learn over there that all we have is Fox and nothing that challenges it. No other networks. No comedy shows that devote all their energy into making fun of Fox. No. You think that every American watches Fox and believes all it says.

Maybe you can explain to me why so many Brits are surprised when they actually visit the US? They cannot believe their eyes when they see thin people walking around in the streets without M-16s in their hands, and actually nice, intelligent and friendly. Brits have this impression that all Americans do is have their hands on their chests praying to the US flag and thumping their bibles whilst oppressing the black man. THAT is why you guys were so incredibly SHOCKED when Obama was elected. You thought that Americans still were cheating the blacks from a fair chance. But little do you know that we are the only country with Affirmative Action laws. Well, of course. ;-) Your media never talks about that.

Rarely any contrary opinion exists in Britain. And if it does, it is hammered down and that person is seen as a pariah!

You want to tell me how and why the majority of Americans think fondly of Britain?

You want to tell me about your freedom of the press again? At least in the US, we can CHOOSE to be ignorant.

]]> By: D. Crowder http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-9348 D. Crowder Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:12:04 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-9348 In reference to: 'Only in America can you find this kind of honesty. What other countries make fun of themselves like this?' Have you ever watched British TV, we are among the most self-deprecating, cynical and downright pessimistic nations of the World. The claim that America is the only country which has such media freedom/or self-critical attitudes reiterates the dislike that you face. Look at statistics denoting press freedom rather than rambling... America comes 24th... congratulations (http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=57&year=2008) In reference to:
‘Only in America can you find this kind of honesty. What other countries make fun of themselves like this?’
Have you ever watched British TV, we are among the most self-deprecating, cynical and downright pessimistic nations of the World.

The claim that America is the only country which has such media freedom/or self-critical attitudes reiterates the dislike that you face. Look at statistics denoting press freedom rather than rambling… America comes 24th… congratulations (http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=57&year=2008)

]]> By: sekanblogger http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-7691 sekanblogger Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:38:00 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-7691 I love your blog subject(s) but never did care for this particular wordpress format. I'm too lazy to scroll forever looking to comment! Wordpress is good though. I love your blog subject(s) but never did care for this particular wordpress format.
I’m too lazy to scroll forever looking to comment!

WordPress is good though.

]]> By: virgomonkey http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-2325 virgomonkey Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:44:55 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-2325 Pacer, no doubt that American news is biased and begs much room for improvement! Speaking of which <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=178983&title=super-news-blaster-breaking" rel="nofollow">Jon Stewart takes pot shots at the silliness in American news</a>, so the comics here cover that as well! All I'm trying to say in my post is that we show more of a country's dark and ugly side compared to others... instead of waiting <a href="http://jigs-saw.blogspot.com/2008/08/imbreds-of-singapore.html" rel="nofollow">for another country's own citizens to sadistically drum up their own news coverage for the world to see</a>. But yeah, our media needs some changing, indeed! I look forward to reading more of your work. Thank you for stopping by. Pacer, no doubt that American news is biased and begs much room for improvement! Speaking of which Jon Stewart takes pot shots at the silliness in American news, so the comics here cover that as well! All I’m trying to say in my post is that we show more of a country’s dark and ugly side compared to others… instead of waiting for another country’s own citizens to sadistically drum up their own news coverage for the world to see.

But yeah, our media needs some changing, indeed! I look forward to reading more of your work. Thank you for stopping by.

]]> By: pacer521 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-2324 pacer521 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:13:00 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-2324 great post -- not sure I agree with everything, but I like to write a lot of stuff similar to you on american press, thought you might want to check it out and tell me what you think. Here are my stories: and yes, I am american http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/the-truth-about-our-media/ http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/good-press-bad-press/ http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/jenna-bush-paris-hilton-and-the-genius-pr-guy/ http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/is-john-edwards-finished-lets-let-the-press-decide/ great post — not sure I agree with everything, but I like to write a lot of stuff similar to you on american press, thought you might want to check it out and tell me what you think. Here are my stories: and yes, I am american

http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/the-truth-about-our-media/
http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/good-press-bad-press/
http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/jenna-bush-paris-hilton-and-the-genius-pr-guy/
http://culturedecoded.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/is-john-edwards-finished-lets-let-the-press-decide/

]]> By: virgomonkey http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-2315 virgomonkey Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:47:09 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-2315 You are welcome to use any of my text. I feel honored. I agree with what you said about stereotypes. It is the easy way out of hard times in life. Humans are always trying to find ways to cope with harsh realities and hanging on to cliches and to every word of the media is one of those helpful crutches. Even if you visit the US and dislike it here, I know you'll be mature enough to continue to have balanced views about the world. Just arrive here with no expectations and to be realistic. America is no Utopia. If anything, it's different. :) <blockquote>People, stereotypes and nations… A sentence that begins with the americans/europeans/canadians/french/(add what ever you want) can either lead to a “statistical fact” - or… more common … to total bullshit. One thing I learned is, to not accept such stereotypical nonsense anymore.</blockquote> The Anti-Americans are fair game, though, in my opinion. And we all know that they can come from anywhere including the US itself! <blockquote>Prejudices limit your freedom - couldn*t do that as an Anti-American.</blockquote> So true. If anybody comes to the US as an Anti-American (on business or something like that) they will <strong>not</strong> be curious enough to explore and every thing they see will be negative as they're viewing all things with a negative eye. "Mind over matter" as they say. Thanks for the comments. You are welcome to use any of my text. I feel honored.

I agree with what you said about stereotypes. It is the easy way out of hard times in life. Humans are always trying to find ways to cope with harsh realities and hanging on to cliches and to every word of the media is one of those helpful crutches.

Even if you visit the US and dislike it here, I know you’ll be mature enough to continue to have balanced views about the world. Just arrive here with no expectations and to be realistic. America is no Utopia. If anything, it’s different. :)

People, stereotypes and nations…
A sentence that begins with the americans/europeans/canadians/french/(add what ever you want) can either lead to a “statistical fact” – or… more common … to total bullshit. One thing I learned is, to not accept such stereotypical nonsense anymore.

The Anti-Americans are fair game, though, in my opinion. And we all know that they can come from anywhere including the US itself!

Prejudices limit your freedom – couldn*t do that as an Anti-American.

So true. If anybody comes to the US as an Anti-American (on business or something like that) they will not be curious enough to explore and every thing they see will be negative as they’re viewing all things with a negative eye. “Mind over matter” as they say.

Thanks for the comments.

]]> By: cern4m http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-2291 cern4m Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:27:29 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-2291 I loved that one! Guess what - for this year the topic of my english lessons will be the USA. I think I will use excerpts of some of your texts ^^... however back to topic. People, stereotypes and nations... A sentence that begins with the americans/europeans/canadians/french/(add what ever you want) can either lead to a "statistical fact" - or... more common ... to total bullshit. One thing I learned is, to not accept such stereotypical nonsense anymore. Basically this is what I wanted to say ^^ Stereotypes make it more simple to talk about groups of people but are far from reality. A balanced and realistic opinion can not contain simplifications! I will definately try to visit the USA, when I finished studying and decide myself if I like living there or not - and as always the conclusion is: Prejudices limit your freedom - couldn*t do that as an Anti-American. I loved that one! Guess what – for this year the topic of my english lessons will be the USA. I think I will use excerpts of some of your texts ^^… however back to topic.

People, stereotypes and nations…
A sentence that begins with the americans/europeans/canadians/french/(add what ever you want) can either lead to a “statistical fact” – or… more common … to total bullshit. One thing I learned is, to not accept such stereotypical nonsense anymore.

Basically this is what I wanted to say ^^

Stereotypes make it more simple to talk about groups of people but are far from reality. A balanced and realistic opinion can not contain simplifications!

I will definately try to visit the USA, when I finished studying and decide myself if I like living there or not – and as always the conclusion is: Prejudices limit your freedom – couldn*t do that as an Anti-American.

]]> By: Jeff Atkinson http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/americas-self-critical-nature-in-the-media-goes-unnoticed-all-too-often/#comment-2283 Jeff Atkinson Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:19 +0000 http://virgomonkey.wordpress.com/?p=956#comment-2283 You know, I have to tell you, I really enjoy this blog and the insight from everyone who participates. I find it to be refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, Ive spent most of my time here just lurking and reading, but today for some reason I just felt compelled to say this.

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