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Canadian News Couldn’t Possibly Be Biased!

Daniel Lessard, the former Radio-Canada bureau chief in Ottawa who currently animates the political show Les coulisses du pouvoir, gratuitously remarked, “There is not a great cultural culture, if you allow me the expression, among the Conservatives. They are people who mainly watch American TV.”

via Duhaime: Billion reasons why CBC bias stinks | Columnists | Opinion | Calgary Sun.

Business as usual?

Love for Country or Love for Violence?

7 Most Dangerous British Soccer ‘Hooligan Firms’.

 

More Canadian Nationalism

1) How could Canada be the laughing stock of America when we don’t even know you exist?

2) The remaining Americans who have heard of Canada, love it and hundreds of Americans move there every year because we LIKE you. Not jealous, but like you. Big difference.

3) Unlike what your media reports and unfounded rumors like to present to you all, Americans judge their country very harshly and critically.

4) Nobody can criticize Americans more than Americans themselves. That’s what our music does, our street protesters do, our comedians, our TV shows, our books, our media, and our print media. If you live in America, you will know that Americans hate each other and probably ourselves more. This may explain our high levels of depression, drug and alcohol addictions, our eating disorders. our extreme behaviors, our low self-esteem, our indifference, our violence, our paralyzed rage, our teen pregnancies, our belief in things that don’t exist, our child abuse and sex crimes, and all other serious mental illnesses. We are ALL aware of this even if we don’t admit it and cover our hopelessness in red, white, and blue.

And the other half of us … *openly* self-loathing…

If the world sees Canada as anything it’s for those loud obnoxious individuals whom are so self-congratulatory and jingoistic. Not America. Canada. Americanophobes just cannot stop thinking about America, and that is where I see the jealousy.

5) The most important point I’d like to make here is the blatant irony. Read this photo VERY carefully. If you don’t see the irony/paradox, then… you must be a Canadian.

Photos: Riots, fire, destruction after Vancouver’s loss | Posted | National Post

Photos: Riots, fire, destruction after Vancouver’s loss to Boston Post.

Oh Canada. Nice job, peaceful folk.

America’s Friends: Denmark and Poland

Since I have been living in France I have survived a number of attempts on my patriotism. Despite their claims to open mindedness and tolerance it seems like Europeans are always getting down on Americans. Actually the perception is a bit off. The truth is it’s just a very vocal minority raising all the ruckus. And most what they say about America is just rumour, distorted “facts”, and is often just plain wrong. (did you know the second amendment to the Constitution was written AFTER the American Civil War? – I just learned that from an enlightened European…)

So on Wednesday May 10, 2006 I took a very public shot back at them and got them (the minority) all in an uproar and some of the peace-loving open minded Europeans were on the verge of threatening physical violence for my public (and full of verified facts) criticism of their European (trade) Union.

The very next day I was approached by a number of Europeans who told me “good going”, “we don’t know what their issue was”, etc. Among them were several Danish guys who could pull my arms off. I have since discovered that Denmark was one of the only (non UK) European countries to support the US in the Iraq war from the beginning. And even though I opposed the war, it felt really good to know that we have friends in the world who don’t forget that they are our friends when times are good. Another nation that supported us from the very beginning was Poland.

Read more…

Russia asks Japan to investigate flag-insulting case in Tokyo+

Russia asks Japan to investigate flag-insulting case in Tokyo+.

It’s ridiculous to dwell on American nationalism when we see cases like the above quite often if you just read. In America, we’ve got people burning and pissing on the American flag both on our turf and abroad.

And it’s…… no problem. No laws broken – no formal apologies demanded.

Try this in Japan, Russia, and Canada and stand back and watch.

American Stereotypes

Yes, more debunking of the old cliched American stereotypes here.

Jersey Shore is Not the Real New Jersey

Yep. This is what I get a lot.

Me: How do you think you know about Americans?

Them: I’ve seen you on TV.

WikiLeaks Revelations Show the Skills of U.S. Diplomats – TIME

The WikiLeaks documents, by contrast, show Washington pursuing privately pretty much the policies it has articulated publicly. Whether on Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan or North Korea, the cables confirm what we know to be U.S. foreign policy. And often this foreign policy is concerned with broader regional security, not narrow American interests. Ambassadors are not caught pushing other countries in order to make deals secretly to strengthen the U.S., but rather to solve festering problems.

Continue reading —> WikiLeaks Revelations Show the Skills of U.S. Diplomats – TIME.

McDonalds

FNNニュース: 日本マクドナルド、都….

McDonald’s Japan launched a home delivery service on a trial basis. So long as your order is roughly 15 dollars or less.

FUCK YEAH, UNITED STATES

Many call the US a wasteland. Do a bit of research. People only know or remember what’s wrong per an overdose of feed of negative propaganda. Let’s take a look at the other side of the story.

Our Inferiority Complex, the Death Panel and My Blood Pressure | Find an Outlet

Our Inferiority Complex, the Death Panel and My Blood Pressure | Find an Outlet.

“I just read an article on today’s MSN homepage called Are We America the Ignorant? and the accompanying gallery entitled America the Ignorant—Dumb Things Americans Believe. Sheesh. I’m so sick of being made to feel embarrassed to be American! It’s not helping anything, because it pits people against one another, as readily evidenced in the comments. Because the issues we’re divided on are so emotional, we can’t have a conversation about them and that is indeed pathetic…and of course the issues are related to either politics or religion.

Articles like these are on the rise as it becomes more fashionable to hate America. We are stupid, ignorant, decadent, racist western filth. The media as an industry has the power to create its own spin on our culture and shape how others see us and how we feel about ourselves. In this article they’ve taken things a minority of people believe and given it an America-Land-of-the-Idiots twist.”

Continue reading by clicking on the above link.

Koreans Most Materialistic People in the World

The Chosun Ilbo English Edition: Daily News from Korea – Koreans Most Materialistic People in the World.

Looks like the biggest urban legend in the world has been smushed… that Americans were the most materialistic. Well, … that’s just what everyone wants to believe… Yes?

More than two-thirds of Koreans consider money the most important sign of success, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Korea and China topped the poll of 24,000 people in 23 countries on the question at 69 percent.

They were followed by India (67 percent) and Japan (63 percent).

But respondents in Western countries regard money as a less important indicator of success. A mere 27 percent of Canadians thought money spells success, followed by Swedes (28 percent), Dutch (29 percent), and French (32 percent).

Even in the U.S., only 33 percent of Americans agreed that money means success, and 67 percent disagreed. The worldwide average is 43 percent.

The young are more materialistic, with 48 percent of the under-35s seeing money as the hallmark of success, compared with 35 percent of those aged 55 and older.

Eighty-four percent of Koreans, Japanese and Chinese said money is more important than it used to be.

We can deduce from this easily that stereotypes are bullshit.

Celebrity Obsession is an American Phenomenon?

YouTube – Edward Norton interview.

And celebrity obsession is an American phenomenon?

I was never dumb enough to believe it was, and it was crystal clear to me that the ‘worship’ of stars was alive in well throughout the years I lived in Japan.

Throwing the second stone (via The Hippie Professor)

A very important article written about bullying that I think everyone needs to read. It put so much in perspective for me. It relates to all of us as we were either bullied, been the bully, or have observed it. The comments as well are enlightening. I have nothing other to say than just to read this.

I was bullied so this touched me deeply.

A few days ago I posted a rather harsh article about bullying. You can find it here. In the article (and ensuing discussion) I told of how I had been bullied as a child. I argued that it is quite difficult to forgive and forget, and that bullying can leave scars decades later. I argued that bullies need to be dealt with severely – that we need to bully the bullies. I still believe that. Writing that article and engaging in the ensuing discussion … Read More

via The Hippie Professor

The saddest part of this is that the author, Jim Dougan, died of a massive heart attack just a few days later.

How do Americans spend their leisure time? The answer might surprise you.

Read “The Pleasures of Imagination”.

My opinion?

I have done much traveling and have lived in Japan for 6.5 years. I don’t understand what this “phenomenon” has to do with Americans? I read this entire article. I want YOU to read it too – in full. I see the author’s points as characteristic of being HUMAN as opposed to being “American”. Why must we continue to divisively throw people into little boxes and place labels on them? Substitute Americans with Mexicans and watch the viewer input: racism. Racism, you call it right? Wouldn’t this be the same if the label was substituted with Canadians too? Minorities don’t make a difference in public outcry. RACISM, they’d call it!

But when you have to stack people into piles, place them inside America because Americans can take it, right? Well, we are as human as any other people of any other nation. That means we have feelings too.

But making it about Americans is a great way to get hits, though.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this article. Beautifully written and made a lot of sense for me assuming it was about the human race……..

Leave nations of people out of labels.

Let me just end this by saying that I doubt that the author is prejudiced. He’s American, afterall. I think he was rather using “Americans” to be either academic, self-critical, or provocative. I am just simply using his piece to make a point.

The War of 1812

The War of 1812

Canadian Americanophobes need to face the fact that every nation (including their own) has its children learn history through the narrow scope of jingoism in hopes to create a citizenry that will do anything to protect and defend the honor of their country. We all do it. It is time to come to terms with this.

Name one country – one country who uses textbooks that DO weigh in all angles of every event in World History?

There are none.

So, this is why Canada thinks they won the war of 1812, and why they think THEY burned down the White House.

Wake up, Canada?

The United States congress declared war on Britain 38 days later, and their first move was to invade Canada. The United States army was very much unprepared, but was thrust into war, and it should go without saying that the British army in Canada was likewise unprepared.

Because Britain was waging a war against Napoleon, they had few troops to spare, yet were still able to repel the American invasion of Canada. By 1815, after Napoleon had abdicated in Europe, the British were able to spare the needed troops to make 3 attacks into the United States:

1. Toward Baltimore. The British were able to capture and burn down Washington DC, but were unable to capture their main objective of Baltimore, and sailed back up to Canada.

2. Toward New York, but were defeated early in the attack at Plattsburgh.

3. Up through New Orleans, but were defeated at the battle of New Orleans.

Read the full story here.

As a child, we have an excuse to be ignorant, always. However, as an adult, if we’re going to be public with our opinions – especially about such delicate and sensitive topics such as war, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves…. if only for the reason to be taken seriously by others.

Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free

HA! I got your attention. Because you love to hate Americans!

Idiotarianism is a world-wide phenomenon. But we don’t hear about any other country. We only hear about America. Why is that? It is ONLY because we are the most powerful country (this is not a pat on the back, mind you).

Let’s say Japan takes over the whole world (hypothetically, of course). Guess who is going to make the headlines in literally every category humanly possible? Guess whose living habits will be highlighted and exaggerated, made-up and fabricated? Guess whose IQ scores will be the only ones known and conveniently not compared to the other developed countries in a fair and balanced way? Guess whose media will be mocked for being overly insular and inaccurate? Guess whose materialism will be exposed? Guess whose pop-culture will be made fun of for its superficiality? See how the new empire’s madness will be linked directly to every single citizen of Japan unfairly? Guess who will be accused of thinking all alike and not having a mind of their own as a result of the “dumbing down”? Guess whose text-books will be made fun of for teaching hyper-chest-pounding-jingoism? Guess who will be the new subject of unintelligence displayed in Youtube videos where cherry-picked citizens are taped and broadcast for the world to laugh at their wrong answers? Guess whose flags will be burned world-wide? Who will be the new dummy on the block, folks? Anti-Japanesism will become a fad that is distributed throughout the world like soup being rationed off for the starving. And your average Japanese citizen will be smeared by the school yard bullies that is the rest of the sheeple-filled, willfully ignorant and angry world.

I say this because we all know from history (I’m assuming everyone remembers all the empires of the past, right?) that ALL superpowers ABUSE their power and MANY people die as a result of it. Well, then… we don’t blame the governments responsible, do we? We naturally (yet pathetically) blame the average man on the street that lives under said regime. We selectively forget that the citizens of the new empire have just as much control over their political leaders as we do.

Just like with our parents: If they were abusive, we rarely blame them. Rather we misdirect our anger on others who remind us of our parents. Racism, bigotry, and prejudice is ALL misplaced anger and frustration. Why do you think some people are more susceptible to being brainwashed than others? Well, it depends on how much bottled up rage you have inside and how desperately you need an outlet.

It is NOT a peculiar American phenomenon to believe every form of rhetoric we hear on TV. Nor is it a peculiar American phenomenon to be easily subjected to parental and scholarly indoctrination including and not limited to peer-pressure from our “friends”. You know what? If it is convenient for YOU, you will believe EVERYTHING that you hear. And it will taste good.

Deny it all you like. Get angry, even. Defy me. But I believe this to be true. It doesn’t matter where on planet Earth you live. This is the downside of humanity and is part of being human. And this is one human characteristic that is negative.

Most humans need SOMETHING to believe in, some rhetoric to follow blindly, and crowds of people to “ditto” without personal inspection or critical thinking.

You will never see the dirty laundry displayed about Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the continent of Europe, the continent of South America (Yes, it IS a continent), and so on. And I am saddened by the ignorance of many as to WHY we never hear about these countries. It is not because they are morally or intellectually superior to us. It’s because they are not an “empire”.

Even if Japan right now were to kill 248646985435435 people just because? So long as America is the “empire”, nobody will give a toot or a hoot about the lives lost. Only a few will care. Why? Because they are too busy focusing on America – addicted like crack addicts. And if they happen to overhear about 248646985435435 lives lost by ANY other country than the US, they will just say conveniently, “Oh, it’s their culture; leave them alone, you racists.”

We all need to go outside – further than our own backyards and have an open mind. It’s only then that we are further exposed to the truth – as opposed to the hype.

“What makes you think human beings are sentient and aware? There’s no evidence for it. Human beings never think for themselves, they find it too uncomfortable. For the most part, members of our species simply repeat what they are told — and become upset if they are exposed to any different view. The characteristic human trait is not awareness but conformity. Other animals fight for territory or food; but, uniquely in the animal kingdom, human beings fight for their ‘beliefs.’ The reason is that beliefs guide behavior, which has evolutionary importance among human beings. But at a time when our behavior may well lead us to extinction, I see no reason to assume we have any awareness at all. We are stubborn, self-destructive conformists. Any other view of our species is just a self-congratulatory delusion.” ~ Michael Crichton

“Ignorance is not the sole province of Americans or the right wing or even religious fanatics. This kind of willful refusal to look critically at the world is nearly a constant among the poor and the indoctrinated around the world and throughout history.” –Mike Hein

My conclusion? We are all human first …AKA idiots.

The Suicidal Culture of Self-Hate

Throughout my academic life, one pseudo-intellectual reality has never ceased to amaze me. It would seem that to be a self-respecting American progressive, you must adopt the affectations of cultural self-hate. According to many “liberal” academics, the United States is to blame for nearly every conceivable global ill that has ever taken place. Sectarian violence has just erupted in an African country. Ah, this is a delayed response to European colonialism, which the United States tacitly supported via its non-intervention. The reign of terror unleashed by Islamists around the globe is of course driven by the United States’ “warped” foreign policy. The sadistic regime of Saddam Hussein is the creation of the United States, as “we supported Saddam in his war against the Iranians.” Many of the older American academics with Marxist leanings have never been able to digest the genocides that were afflicted by Joseph Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung on their respective peoples: “Hey, a dictator has to find some way to relax no? The real evildoers though are the American capitalist pigs.” The killing fields of the Khmer Rouge were apparently a delayed posttraumatic response to the American bombings that had taken place several years earlier during the Vietnam War. I am not kidding! Some “progressives” have even questioned the military involvement of the United States in WWII. Pacifism would certainly have defeated the Allied Axis much more humanely than the brutality of the American military-industrial complex. Nice! The weak-minded and tortuous logic let alone the intellectual dishonesty are hallucinatory….

via The Suicidal Culture of Self-Hate. | Psychology Today.

America cannot even come close to the lives lost under Nazism, Japanese Imperialism (the invasion of Manchuria, Singapore, China,Korea, and the US), and the 300 years of severe oppression under the British Empire. Then we’ve got the Roman Empire and I literally could go on forever. But for example, when anyone thinks of the Japanese, where do their heads turn?

America and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Germany started TWO wars. Which country do the FAR Left Americans and the foreign Americanophobes think of when WWI and WWII are mentioned?

Of course. America.

That’s exactly my point.

If you’re a victim of any non-American suffrage, your pain does NOT count and will not be recorded in any history book in modern civilization, and if it should be recorded, just know… the Americans were behind it… somehow.

 

Quote of the Week – Re: American Globalization

Is Euro Disney Land a threat to the French Culture? If French culture can be squashed by Mickey Mouse, or more exactly by simply moving Mickey geographically, it would have to be disturbingly fragile.” Moreover, Revel argued, culture always circulates and, in the case of Euro Disneyland, California was merely repackaging for Europeans such European stories as Cinderella and Pinocchio. According to Revel, French culture was not being colonized and if any culture was in crisis, he contended, it was that of America with its fad for political correctness and other forms of “neoprovincialism.” –Jean-François Revel

Because it’s becoming increasingly annoying to hear other countries whine about American globalization. I mean, let’s be reasonable here, okay. Are Americans those people that are putting Big Macs down the mouths of Australians? Are Americans the ones in China giving lessons on how to shoot up kids in a school? Really?

You cannot play the “monkey-see-monkey-do” card. It’s about Personal Responsibility, people. You make your OWN choices, and then own them. Rather than playing the blame game, why not use that energy to CHANGE yourselves and your own country?

GlobalResearch.ca – Centre for Research on Globalization

GlobalResearch.ca – Centre for Research on Globalization.

Very very bias. Articles on US = all bad. Articles on Canada = Self congratulatory. See for yourself. Click on the USA articles. Then click on the Canadian ones.

Now, WHO are the chest-pounding blind patriots?

To the Americanophobic Canadians, you have lost your right to complain about Fox News or American journalism in general.

American Anti-Americanism – Perpetuating the all-American Stereotype

I am so used to seeing stuff like this all over the web that I’m pretty much immune to it, but thought I’d share this with some of my readers.

How were these “tests” measured up in comparison with the other 193 country’s citizens? I have yet to see scientific proof anywhere how American citizens have proven to be the dumbest out of all 194 countries in the world. I debunked the ridiculous stereotype over here.

These ads above are made by Americans in America. They are made by clever Americans as the majority of non-American Facebook users are Americanophobic, and Americans know how to get their attention!!

Very clever. They know their users VERY well.

It’s no wonder why so many Americanophobic (not critical of the US government – there’s a BIG difference) groups on Facebook never get deleted despite user complaints.

Facebook would be NOTHING without all the Americanophobes and their American teenybopper mindless minions.

RELATED POSTS:

So, you think only yanks are dumb, right? Let’s see for real…

America’s Self-Critical Nature in the Media Goes Unnoticed All Too Often

People who need to stay home

There are people out there who come to the US repeatedly (masochists?) and then return to their Utopias to complain that the airport treated them like “terrorists”.  Every national that comes to visit the US on vacation is apparently suspected of being a minion of Osama Bin Ladin.

A renowned world traveler just recently visited Lima, Peru, and she reports back:

The flight was very straightforward and laid-back. By that, I mean that we didn´t have to remove our shoes, throw away lighters, matches, liquids and water bottles, that we were not questioned endlessly by immigration service and that we had real cutlery on board. No paranoia here and it was very nice to fly without feeling like potential terrorists.

Anyone with 1/4th of a functioning brain knows very well that this woman was talking about the United States. More evidence of the country in question can be found here:

Borders… sorry to say but it’s not just me or just a bad experience. US borders suck. Never seen that anywhere in the world and I traveled quite a bit. Nowhere on earth do people get questioned, searched, profiled and verbally abused. Happened to me when I was in transit several times. Hello, I’m 20 yrs old, I have a valid French passport, return ticket to Canada, sufficient funds etc. — what else do you want from me? I don’t even want to go to the US — I’m in f&?%$ transit here waiting for my next plane!

My hubby always has trouble as well… how many times was he accused of having a fake passport… he was born in China, raised in Canada, speak perfect English (spent his whole life here). Yet when he cross the border, his passport is held on the side. Fake. Er… no.

Backpackers usually don’t like going through the US immigration border. Pain in the ass. Australian can be tough as well but not as much.

Am I denying these claims? No. Could there be a possibility that some people are just way too sensitive, spoiled, and call out “verbal abuse” at the drop of a  hat? Most definitely. Could there be a bit of hyperbole? Why, of course!! How else could one garner the sympathy of other non-Americans who are also petrified that the big fat elephant is “out to get them”?

Yes, the same people calling the US paranoid, are the ones who are equally or even more paranoid.

“They’re out to get me because I’m a foreigner and they hate all foreigners” — is the mindset here that I am challenging today in this post.

Treating this situation with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, I would suggest that those people who hate being accused of  being part of the Taliban network and/or suspected of being a suicide-bombing-jihadist conspiring to wipe the US off of the map while you try to transit your way back to Toronto – to stay away from America – even in transit. People like me are tired of the incessant abuse of the “victim card” especially when Americans must go through the EXACT SAME process and be treated like “possible terrorists” too!!

Perhaps America needs to be a bit paranoid? Could customs, immigration and security be overly-paranoid? Absolutely. But I most certainly believe that we have reasonable cause to be paranoid following 9-11 as any other country in the world would REACT THE SAME! While I refuse to live my life in fear both religiously and politically or fear anybody for that matter, I find it quite the norm for countries to resort to inconvenient measures to do whatever they can to prevent future attacks. While I disagree with the Patriot Act, I agree that it was America’s shut eyes and feelings of invincibility that helped make 9-11 possible.

See, people like Zhu wish that America was as lax as it was prior to 9-11. (Do people like her even remember the old America before 9-11? Were we lax enough then?) More than likely, she advocated the terrorists boarding the plane with box cutters to achieve their goal. Why would she really give a rat’s ass, anyway? It’s not her country. Why would a terrorist attack anywhere have an effect on her? So long as one feels safe in their own cozy little well-to-do-daddy-will-pay-for-it cocoon, why would they give a flying freak what happens outside of it, and what happens as a result of what happens outside of it?

This is a phenomenon especially in young people and/or pollyannas. Naivete, innocence, and ignorance about the world doesn’t allow one to grasp complex ideas to work out why certain countries behave as they do. The USA airport security IS paranoid. And for a damn good reason. This doesn’t mean that I agree with the extremist approaches or the way they treat both Americans and foreigners. But some sense of watchfulness is EXPECTED.

And once again…

EVEN AMERICANS ARE TREATED AT THE AIRPORT in the exact same way.

Who knew?

Americans everyday are being questioned, “verbally abused”, fondled at the airport, interrogated, detained, their baggage and every little detail inside checked meticulously causing them to miss flights, and treated no differently than these little precious spoiled princesses that hail from other lands. If the same thing happens to Americans, why do these people feel so entitled to special treatment just on the grounds that they’re from another country?

My guess is that if say, Canada experienced a terrorist attack on a large scale, their airport as well would be having their passengers remove their shoes, throw away their lighters, chewing gum, maxi pads and water bottles. Their passengers would too be questioned “endlessly” by the “racist immigration service” and be detained on the premise and pre-conceived notions that all foreigners had real “cutlery” on board and found profiling justified. Canada as well, would be just as paranoid. So would Australia. So would China. So would Peru. So would India.

Get over it, you spoiled little brats! With that primadonna attitude, it is of no surprise that some get “verbally abused” by those bully AmeriKKKans.

Stay home.

If anyone scared of the big boogieman that is America, is reading this, do me a big favor:

• Ask Japan why non-Japanese have to be finger-printed at the airport to stay over there.
• Ask the Japanese why Koreans who were born and raised in Japan must carry around an “Alien Id”?
• Ask the Japanese why things like this are able to go on in their country.
• Ask Canada why Americans can’t go over there for skiing trips because Joe Blow smoked a joint back in 1975?
• Ask Russians why they shot at a commercial Korean Airlines jet crossing over in the 1980′s if it is just Americans that are paranoid.
• Ask Russians why must so many non-Russians be anally checked going in and out of their airport?
• Ask Russians why they still have surveillance in the hotel rooms and how travelers cannot get full privacy?
• Ask why foreigners are watched going to the bathroom in Russia?
• Ask Europe and Japan why foreign faces are being scanned now at European and Japanese airports for incoming and outgoing passengers?
• And then ask all those “xenophobic redneck Americans” that you met at the airport why the US is like this, and why the United States is the most racially and ethnically progressed nation in the world?

If you come from Europe and other places, you have no right to talk about how Americans treat other foreigners.

My advice: Clean up your own places first before you point your fingers.

MULTILINGUALISM —>BASTARDIZED!!

*Multilingualism*

The preconceived notion that only Americans compared to the rest of the world can only speak one language is a myth. I have run across so many people from other countries boasting multilingualism, but they cannot have a fluent conversation in their non-mother tongues.

There are just as many Americans that can speak Spanish as Canadians (those who aren’t from Quebec) who can speak French.

Europeans have to learn a bit more because (for example) Germany borders 9 countries that are very easy to get in and out of at any moment so some language travel study is needed.

Knowing travel-French, travel-Spanish, travel-German is not the same as being multilingual!

Additionally, being forced to learn a language and learning the language because you want to are two different things! You also catch on to the language with more enthusiasm and learn it much quicker as opposed to being required to take it. Requirements are boring, but choosing to do something is a feat and fun at the same time!

Can YOU have a REAL conversation (not an exchange of a few words) with another national in their native tongue smoothly or at least very close to it? Can YOU read and write in their language without too much trouble?

That’s when you can call yourself fluent.

Saying you are fluent in another language is a HUGE DEAL of which many from all over the world including ALL 196 countries cannot do well – and are few and far between. But many call themselves fluent, nonetheless. And we believe them so easily. Not that there aren’t genuine fluent folk out there.

This is not an American phenomenon. It’s just that people love to believe any rumor floating around about Americans because like Facebook, Lady Gaga and Microsoft, everybody wants to beat up on the big guy and avenge the underdogs with undying sympathy.

Now, my question is………

Are there any scientific case studies out there proving that America is the leading country (out of all 196 countries) in monolingualism? Until then, I’m sticking to my story.

Entertainment for the “average American”?

I share my wildest finds here, and I just found another pretty pickin’.

The below “comment” is in response to a post called,

Are Americans Stupid? – Statistics, Studies and Research

# Karolina Juan McDaniel  on 23 Apr 2008 at 12:13 am

“…I wouldn’t go as far as saying that they are just interested in getting wasted and taking drugs (which someone has posted earlier) but I would say that (sic) ones (sic) they leave work or school all (sic) the want to do is entertain themselves. That’s normal except that to an average American that means watching a football game or reading a gossip magazines. To most people in other countries, a well written history book or even a math book is considered a form of entertainment as well. PART OF THE PROBLEM

Source: National Geographic…”

Getting wasted and taking drugs? The Canadians always use this as their “how we’re better than Americans” banter.

Ironic!!

Watching football games? How is this any different from watching European football in say, Europe? What do Americans do when Football is out of season? The author never bothered to fill in the blank. I guess that when football is out, we all sit around after school and/or work reading gossip magazines – that mind you, are just as popular – if not MORE in other parts of the world!!!!

(Psst – most Americans can’t even afford those magazines and most don’t give a hoot where Britney Spears is unleashing her shaved vagina at this time. Most Americans have a bigger life than that and frown upon the same celebrity crap that YOU do or at least pretend to!)

Another example of what “Europeans” do as opposed to “Americans”:

Being able to work only 35 hours a week, enjoy sipping lattes over discussions of the classic philosophers, and take free public transportation to get their is awesome, of course. But, for some quality of life is: the “sky-is-the-limit” hope and optimism that comes with a more capitalistic economy, Hollywood and rock/pop music at its best (Godfather and Zeppelin) and worst (Jerry Spring and Spears),…

[SNIP]

Europeans value certain aspects of life more (secular education, international awareness, high culture) than most other people in the world (Americans included). Americans value certain aspects of life more (hard work and the pursuit of financial success, pursuing happiness even at the expense of knowledge, and a more democratic culture) than much of the rest of the world. But we are not talking about absolute goods here. We are talking about a European system of values versus a North American system of values.

Holy cow! They’ve duly taken my advice and are now comparing two continents instead of a country vs a continent! Sorry, Canada…. Oh so sorry.

More from “Juan McDaniel” on the difference between the two cultures

Europeans value culture and knowledge in contrast to Americans who value celebrities and ignorance.

These themes are introduced and re-introduced religiously on this blog. To keep things interesting, the wording is changed around a bit, but the people are the same the statements are the same. 

It doesn’t matter if you are a European, an Indian or a Tibetan Monk. Most Americanophobes really DO think that the “average American” spends their day obsessed with celebrities watching junk TV and trying to make more money than they need to as opposed to talking about Philosophers and reading well-written Americanophobic History and Math books. Hence, today’s post.

My question: How does one find time to be obsessed with celebrities and work hard simultaneously?

What an imagination some people have.

Only people that live here know WHAT people DO here. So, depending on what is said about us, you can easily tell if that person has had any valid experiences in the US. Furthermore, the US is so diverse that it is way too hard to pigeon-hole. Even some Americans themselves (mostly teens) have no grasping of how big and diverse we are.

Why don’t we now talk about what Americans really do in their leisure time? Surely watching sports and reading gossip magazines come into play, but that only makes up a tiny fraction of us when you realize how many people are living in the US. (some 300+ million from ALL walks of life)

The amount of activities American people partake in is endless (just like any other country out there). I will say that most Americans work full-time jobs, work more hours and have considerably less vacation time than the average non-American (who can choose to fall into the government’s erect nipple at any given time), and have more than two kids in the home to take care of. Some Americans are lucky to still have a spouse (and the spouse is also working full-time), and some are SINGLE talking care of kids and working a job and sometimes more than one job to make ends meet. Not to buy a Plasma TV. To make ends meet. HUGE DIFFERENCE, there! What do these people do after work? I don’t know. Ask THEM. My guess is that they’re too tired to watch sports and read anything! They probably eat and go to bed as soon as possible so that they have one eye open to start the day over again the next morning! (At least for those with kids!)

Depending on where in the US you live, the “what people do to entertain themselves is different“. It ranges. Here are some examples

• karaoke
• dancing
• going to a bar
• going to the movies
• reading
• going to the gym
• yoga
• meditation
• hunting
• television (*sighs* our TV is not just Jerry Springer and video-bites of Paris Hilton sex tapes- common mistake made my Americanophobes – read the middle of this post for more information)
• playing sports
• playing board games, cards, video games, computer games,
• spending time with their kids
• traveling
• sex
• going to the park
• shopping
• eating out
• enjoying the company of friends
• visiting family
• talking on the phone
• using the internet
• gardening
• sewing and/or knitting
• household chores
• cooking
• cleaning
• sleeping
• going to the beach
• get drunk or stoned
• listening to music
• art
• creating things in their garage (lots of American hobbyists like to build things)

My own experience over the last 40 years as an observer and a participant in life tells me that people (not Americans) like to wind down after a hard day and that people (not Americans) often find happiness in companionship.

The funniest part of this comment:

To most people in other countries, a well written history book or even a math book is considered a form of entertainment as well. PART OF THE PROBLEM

Source: National Geographic…“

That is an outright bold-faced lie. If I had never left the US or had never lived in another country before, I’d probably be gullible enough to believe that jacked-up can of mindless drivel.

Nope. Sorry. I refuse to be so stupid to believe that “most people in other countries” read math and history books AS PART OF THEIR ENTERTAINMENT / LEISURE TIME.

This is the funniest shit I’ve ever read. And the funniest part of all is that the author sincerely believes that some people will buy this?!?!?!

One thing that this blog proves if anything at all, is that the Americanophobes are *NOT* internationally aware. And they do *NOT* value knowledge! Not even by a long shot!!

The Double-Standards of Americanophobia

DO AS I SAY; DON’T DO AS I DO!

—>When an American defends her country, it’s “blind nationalism”. When another national from elsewhere does the same, it’s defending.

—>When an American does something nice, it’s fake or done “with strings attached”. When nationals from elsewhere do something nice, it is coming from the wholesome goodness of their hearts.

—>When an American commits a crime, it’s due to their inherent nature. When another national from elsewhere commits a crime, it’s their culture or they just made a little mistake.

—>When an American buys a car (not an SUV – just a regular car), it’s materialism. When another national from elsewhere buys a car, it’s needed.

—>When an American compliments or sympathizes with nationals of another country, it’s agenda-ridden. When another national from elsewhere does the same, it’s because they really like and sympathize with them.

—>When an American disagrees with the government of another country, it’s an evil attack on their culture, hypocritical, and racist! When another national from elsewhere does the same, they are just trying to help spread awareness per the “peace movement”.

—>When an American bashes another country (England, for example), it’s racism. When another national from elsewhere bashes Americans (i.e intolerant, stupid, uncultured), it’s “constructive criticism”.

—>When an American doesn’t understand a joke, it’s because “Americans can’t understand satire due to the illiteracy rate in America”. When a national from another country doesn’t get a joke, it’s because of the “cultural difference”.

—>When an American drives an SUV, it’s because they have an evil conspiracy to emit carbons to purposefully destroy the world and all of its inhabitants. When a Canadian drives an SUV, it’s because they have a big family or something.

—>When an American speaks loudly in Europe, he’s a “typical American”. When a Brazilian speaks loudly in Europe, it’s just “their culture”.

—>When America bombs another country, it’s murdering innocents for purposes of profiteering and for having a perverted obsession with gore and death. When another national from elsewhere does the same, it’s defending (i.e. 9-11).

—>When America elects a black president, it’s Affirmative Action. If another country should do it too, it’s showing tolerance and acceptance toward minorities and progressing past the stone ages.

—>When an American has both conservative and liberal ideals, it’s considered disingenuous and agenda-ridden. When another national from elsewhere commits the same “horrible act”, he is considered a person with both conservative and liberal ideals.

—>When an American owns a gun, it’s because they’re a natural born killer in love with blood and gore. If an Australian has a gun, it’s because he’s a hobbyist.

—>When an American claims to have been treated well in another country, it’s fraudulent. When another national from elsewhere makes a similar claim, they are being genuine because after all, who couldn’t love a non-American?

—>When an American has sex, it’s due to their uncontrollable obsession. When a national from another country has sex, it’s because they’re human, natural, and unrepressed – “unlike the Americans”.

—>When an American claims to have traveled and/or lived in another country, it’s an outright lie (I guess the tales of the infamous nationalist American tourist becomes conveniently forgotten, then?). When another national from elsewhere makes the same claims, it’s a sign that they are “cultured”.

—>When an American misspells a word, he’s a “typical American”. When another national from elsewhere does the same thing, it’s a “typo” – he’s only human.

—>When an American eats a Big Mac, they are being a “typical American”. When another national eats a Big Mac, it’s a sign that they have fallen victim to American oppression by way of American Globalization, and one should have sympathy for the poor soul.

—>When an American receives their paycheck from work, it’s called “stealing from the poor man”. When someone from another country keeps their paycheck, they’re entitled to it as they earned it.

—>When an American has been waiting for their coffee in Europe for 3 hours and begins to get impatient, they’re just being a “typical entitlement-oriented American”. When another national gets impatient over the same thing, it’s due to bad service at the cafe.

—>When an American gets angry, he’s being a “typical American”. When another national from elsewhere commits the same act, it’s justified.

—>When an American bashes his own country’s politics, they’re just doing it to be “cool” or “hip”. When another national from elsewhere complains about their government, it’s about someone complaining about their government.

—>If the American government commits an atrocity, the American citizens conspired to do it. If another government commits an atrocity, the Americans must somehow be connected to it.

—>If a white man commits a crime in the US, he’s a “typical American”. If an African AMERICAN commits a crime in the US, it’s a White Anglo Saxon Protestant conspiracy.

—>If an American resorts to French-bashing, it’s racism. If an Englishman resorts to French-bashing, well, there’s gotta be a good reason for it.

—>If an American believes in God, it’s a part of the dumbing down of America. If a national from elsewhere believes in say, “Allah”, well, it’s just “their culture”.

—>If an American is fat, it’s due to the “all-American-diet”. If a national from elsewhere is fat, it’s a sign that they have fallen victim to American oppression by way of American Globalization, and one should have sympathy for the poor soul.

—>If an American watches TV, they’re being a “typical American”. If a national from elsewhere watches TV, the blind folds are down, the curtains are shut tight —- it’s a HUGE secret. HUGE! Oh scandalous!! Shhhh…..

—>If an American rebuts an argument, it’s due to “blind nationalism”. If a national from elsewhere rebuts an argument, they are just rebutting an argument.

—>The American Lend-Lease Act was a conspired attempt to bankrupt Britain and remove them from their imperial spotlight on the world stage. The Canadian Lend-Lease Act was an act of generosity (never mind the Canadians made Britain pay back their debt as well!)

—>The American involvement in WWII was considered late, sloppy, and self-serving. The British involvement in WWII was considered, however, a humanitarian effort that was dealt with right away.

—>The start of Vietnam and the Iraqi war were typical American self-serving pieces of “genocide”. The start of WWI and WWII however were wars begun out of necessity!

—>If an American complains about an aspect of a foreign country, they hate EVERYTHING about that country and its people. If a national from elsewhere complains about an aspect of a foreign country, they are just complaining about that ONE aspect of that foreign country.

—>If an American creates a website critical of the American government and Americanophobia, he’s an “America-hating-blind-nationalist”. If a national from elsewhere commits a similar crime, he’s “a blogger”.

RELATED POSTS:

It’s only OK when YOU do it, right?

Where are the shades of gray?

Things that would never fly in the United States

(1) This. (In Europe)

(2) This is also something you’ll never find in the US. (In Europe)

Reading this, you can’t tell if it happened in 1938 or 2008:

An American tourist was kicked out of a cafe in Belgium for being Jewish.

Marcel Kalmann, a 64-year-old professor, told the Antwerp Jewish magazine Joods Actueel that he was ejected from the renowned restaurant Le Panier d’Or in Bruges after a waiter saw his yarmulke under his cap.

“We are not serving Jews, out of here,” the magazine reported.

Kalmann also told Joods Actueel that he was mistreated at the police station where he went to file a report and was told the incident would not be considered anti-Semitic. He said he will file reports against both the restaurant and the police.

Kalmann was born in the Auschwitz concentration camp three days before its liberation.

The mayor of Bruges has ordered a police inquiry into the incident and apologized to Kalmann, the European Jewish Press reported.

Hat Tip: Bookworm Room

(3) This (in Japan)

More of the same here. Discrimination in Japan is not toward Americans, it’s toward EVERYONE WHO IS NON-JAPANESE. Thankfully, I left Japan (in 1998) before this had happened (in full-throttle mode). This all started back in the year of 2000 when some Europeans got too rowdy during the World Cup in a pub in Hokkaido.

Despite being a signatory (since 1995) to the UN Convention on Racial Discrimination, Japan has taken no legislative action to bar businesses and other public places from refusing entry to customers based on nationality and race. Starting from 1993 in Otaru, Hokkaido, and now running unchecked throughout Japan, signs saying “JAPANESE ONLY” etc have gone up, making an unspoken undercurrent of fear of the outsider into clear, present, and brazen exclusionism–following the best traditions of segregation and apartheid. The Japanese government’s steadfast refusal to outlaw this form of discrimination by nationality and race has only made the situation worse, so the time has come for the grassroots to take matters to the street. Or to the internet, as it were.

The Japanese are much harsher on Koreans as exemplified here.

The Japanese Racists are making a hate speech against Korean-Japanese in this video as follows:

“Comfort women are all voluntary prostitutes! “
“Dump the garbage to dump, Dump Koreans to Korean peninsula!”.

Korean-Japanese are descended from the Koreans who were kidnapped and be forced labour like a slave in WWII. Now, they are the most popular “Outcast” group in Japan.

The hate speech the racists are crying in this video are amid cheers.

In fact, this is a demonstration against giving suffrage to Korean residents. Koreans are formally treated as second rate citizen in Japan, though almost of them are 3rd generation and are born in Japan. That is why Korean-Japanese have no suffrage.

Why is it so hard to become a Japanese citizen? Why must every non-Japanese coming to Japan be finger printed (I thought that was an American phenomenon?)? Why must Koreans that were BORN AND RAISED IN JAPAN have to carry an alien registration ID? Find some answers here.

Japan is a homogeneous country by definition with no enforced discrimination laws. Ironically enough however, the average man in the street in Japan couldn’t be more polite, more gracious, and more accepting to the differences of all the countries that come to live and visit.

The most staunch Americanophobes HATE to hear this as they want so desperately the entire world to join their cause as part of their incessant victimization. The fact that Japan hasn’t joined them makes them even angrier, sweaty-palmed, grasping at straws and desperate. If you look at this video and listen to the audio, you’ll hear that it is common for Westerners to receive reverse discrimination in Japan.

By the way, my sister was an English teacher in Japan (and student at Sapporo University) back in the late ’80s, and she loved it, too. She was actually concerned that she might encounter some anti-Americanism but experienced just the opposite.. politeness and respect (almost to the point of adulation in some cases, IIRC.. friends and guys competing to give her the best/most gifts, etc.). Needless to say, that wasn’t the case when she lived in Germany a few years later.

Hat Tip: JB

Most Americans that come back from Japan feel the same way. Actually, the whole of Eastern Asia is “Western-friendly”, and this includes the time I stayed in S. Korea waiting for my teaching Visa. I was treated very well. The Americanophobes will just have to accept the fact that the entire world isn’t Americanophobic with them. Americanophobia is a huge poison in society, however, it doesn’t represent the majority. It’s a tough reality to digest for some, but that’s not my problem.

Lawsuits

The above tiny examples don’t fly or couldn’t fly in the US. Even with that said, racism, discrimination, and bigotry still happens, but unlike other countries, we have Affirmative Action which gives people from all walks of life an equal opportunity in America. Additionally, if you are discriminated, you can sue. And for the poor, there are affordable ways to do so – especially on a contingency basis. It is so easy to sue for discrimination in the US, that some foreigners here abuse the system and win (!) – which isn’t uncommon. Just because you’re being fired or evicted from your apartment doesn’t always mean it’s because you’re Mexican, for example.

First generation Europeans came to America, brutalized the Native Americans, and had slaves (the rich ones). First generation Europeans are our founding fathers. The USA started out as a racist country, and we were unfortunately the last to end slavery and segregation. That is why we have grown so much apart from this. Canada shares a similar history. Torturing the Natives, owning slaves and treating Asians VERY poorly are just a few examples. But the Canada of today is similar to the US of today in regards to tolerance.

But the rest of the world???

Gee…. do you think it could just be that Racism is a Global phenomenon?

THINGS THAT DO FLY in AMERICA (only in America):

(1) An African becoming the leader of predominantly white country.

And yes, that is yet another thing that pisses off the Americanophobes. They are all awaiting for the assassination of Obama, so they can go back to calling all/most Americans racist again – never mind the fact that only one person can pull a trigger, but that’s another story.

(2) Affirmative Action

(3) A non-natural-born-citizen (Arnold Schwarzenegger) being elected as the governor of California

(4) On every Mexican Independence Day, some Mexicans march through the streets burning US flags and chanting Anti-Americanisms.

In what other country, have or could these things happen?

Until other countries can display a true level of tolerance as a model to live by, should they talk. I am embarrassed for racists who speak against racism and intolerance in general. Counter-racism (aka Neo-Nazi-collectivism) is equally despicable if not more. That is synonymous to hitting my sister for something my brother did. Only people from an abusive upbringing can be capable of this crime.

RELATED POSTS:

What is American Culture

America: The Homogeneous Land of the Racist and Intolerant

Are only American Whites Capable of Racism and Intolerance?

Racism: The most overused and abused term in modern society (shows how Americanophobia is only against the whites!)

Is the BBC Biased?

My question to my readers is…

What news organization out there ISN’T biased? Name me one.

I frequently bash news organizations across the pond and over our borders due to their Americanophobic slant. That is true. But I also see the ills in the American media as well. They all have a slant to some degree or another.

The media systems around the globe are responsible for …

• reporting the facts
• sensationalizing and exaggerating them to keep you focused, hot, and bothered
• twisting the facts subtly to meet a particular agenda
• and leaving certain facts (good stuff!) out that could possibly give you a balanced perspective.

It doesn’t matter what country you come from, a media is a media is a media. They will stop at nothing for money.

In case you missed it, bad news sells… It does over here too. The only difference is that the bad news we watch over here is about OURSELVES!

My hypocrisy has been pointed out for using the BBC to back up some points in my blog on occasion – AND… ironically enough (!) from the same people who used the American FBI site and CNN to pick up statistics on violent crimes in America.

See, how that works?

One could easily say that when the BBC bashes the US, it’s being biased. And when the BBC sides with the US, it’s being truthful, right? I dislike the BBC when they don’t give the full story on American people or politics as much as I dislike hearing some of Sean Hannity’s Right-wing rhetoric on Fox News. However, anybody – anybody at all can debate, challenge, or rebut those articles I have used from the BBC at any given time. But to this date, nobody has challenged me or those articles. The best people have come up with so far is, “But you said you hated the BBCeeeeeeeeeee!”

(For the record, I am subscribed to as many American newspapers as foreign ones – actually more foreign than American. Only a fraction of the BBC news is Americanophobic. I actually LIKE them.)

Here are the articles in question:

British – World’s Worst Tourists

Despite the fact there are more than 200 million guns in circulation, there is a certain tranquility and civility about American life.

Sometimes I had thought that if the BBC is being nice to Americans, then it must be true considering their money-making heavy-handed Anti-American slant to cater to the self-serving needs of the Americanophobic European audiences as exemplified here.

AMERICANOPHOBIA IN THE EUROPEAN MEDIA PART I:

AMERICANOPHOBIA IN THE EUROPEAN MEDIA PART II:

Next, I am damned no matter what I do. If I use an American source, than I am being biased. If I use a foreign source, than I am being a hypocrite. So, what sources should I use? Ha! I will cherry-pick!!

Quite honestly, I DO hand-pick my sources. You betcha I do. As I mentioned in my FAQ, I don’t wait for them to fall from the sky. I follow a specific pattern in my blog. I find an opinion that I want to challenge and present that to my readers. Then to counter that, I find an opinion that contradicts the one that I am challenging. So, rather than finding one opinion, my readers have two to go by all the while I have challenged my opponent to look at the other side of the story that’s been untold. Then, my readers can decide which argument they like better. Debate usually takes on this type of scenario – the last time I checked.

I have been accused of being “one-sided” and “racist” for this post. But if I were really one-sided, I wouldn’t have let others commentate on it telling me that the article written by Lina Maria from Colombia was incorrect on many of the points that she made. Old Frog left rebuttals that counter-acted the opinions presented in that article. And he wasn’t an asshole about it either. I could always delete that article because it IS biased. But why when people can use it as a debate? After all, Europeans are no less hypocritical than Americans, anyway. Neither Lina or myself were wrong on all the points made.

The best way to “get back at me” is to fight me with the facts! Show me YOUR sources that prove me wrong. I love intoxicating debates! As long as you’re not an asshole about it, my readers will get YOUR side of the story in my comment section.

And finally, anybody who uses only one source or one country to get all of their information is either lazy or an imbecile. Critical thinkers, sceptics, and those who genuinely want to search for the truth will look at a myriad of sources and then much later, come to a conclusion or possibly even change their mind at some point. There are two sides to every story.

Which brings me to one of my favorite quotes:

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts”. –Bertrand Russell

What is American Culture?

“Diversity – United States, despite petty internal political differences is very uniform and homogeneous to an outsider. The culture (or lack of it) is same, the food is same, the language is same and the arts and style are similar. In Europe language, art, food, culture and politics are widely varied which might be overwhelming for an outsider but makes things interesting. A person visiting Scotland on a pleasure trip won’t feel like he could have done visiting England while a person visiting New Jersey and Virginia as a tourist would almost feel both are same states (except the differences in street crimes).” — Juan the “Liberal” on Europe vs USA – Lifestyle

Is not not quite the convenient how an entire continent such as Europe is compared with a country such as the United States?

Today, I will display the other side of the story – the untold story.

I defined what America is in the glossary section of my blog. But what is an American?

An American can be English, or French, or Italian, Scottish, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek.

An American can be Mexican, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Kenyan, Ethiopian, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Canadian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan and more.

An American may also be a Cree, Metis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Sioux, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American’s religious beliefs range from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or none. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan.

These are the people who built America.

Like Canada, in the United States, you’re allowed to continue your culture, eat your own foods, have your own festivals, read newspapers in your own language, speak in your own language and still call yourself an American. We like to call ourselves a “tossed salad”.

What is America?

We’ve got a country with over 300 million people, to begin with. And contrary to popular belief, we aren’t homogeneous either.

We are a multicultural society despite the Americanophobic belief that the entire United States is South Carolina.

There are 50 states with 30,000 incorporated cites therein. And even each city has it’s own towns, styles, and personalities. If you live in West Virginia, chances are that you’ll have a different experience from one who lives in Denver, Colorado EVEN IF YOU’RE A FOREIGNER! There are even cultural differences depending on the city you’re living in. I will give one example (although a general one). When you get married in some cities/towns in the south, the “proper” gift to give the newlyweds is a an actual tangible gift. Money would be considered an improper gift. It may even be considered as “lazy” if one were to hand over a check as opposed to actually going out and buying something. However, in NY, giving money gifts is more of the norm and said to be a convenience among those “just married”.

Basically, all I’m trying to say is that behaviorism and customs, like the above, vary from city to city – state to state like different countries do except not as dramatic.

I have lived in Miami, Japan, and California. I am now residing in Texas. I’ve been here for four long years and I’m still feeling “culture shock” in some ways.

Next, we have three different levels of government here: There is federal government, state government, and finally, local government. In some states, gay marriages are legal. In Nevada, prostitution is legal. (However, prostitution is legal nation-wide if you’re in the “call-girl” business. Just open up the Yellow Pages and see for yourself!) In Alabama, it’s forbidden to purchase a dildo! Marijuana for medical purposes is legal in California – yet illegal federally. The list is endless, really.

The scenery, cost of living, mannerisms, laws, crime rate, accents, dialect, ethnic diversity, food, fashion, flags, income, industries, tourism, weather, job opportunities, public transportation, and such differ depending on WHERE you live. There are some places in the US where people don’t lock their doors.

As you can see, this is why Americans can get so frustrated with over-simplified-one-dimensional views of the US coming from other tiny countries.

Why am I typing this? Because surprisingly enough, many people DON’T know this. I’ve heard people say it before that the US is a nation of “WASPS” where other cultures are “oppressed” and/or “forced to be American” and “forced to strip their own unique identities away” and this cannot be further from reality. America is still the most multicultural country in the world. The very fact that we don’t even have an official language says it all.

You will see literally ALL walks of life here (fat-skinny, poor-rich, ugly-beautiful, peaceful-violent, stupid-smart) in the US and diversity in terms of ethnicity, thought, sexual preferences, religion, upbringing, and values depending on where you live. Some states and cities are more diverse than others. There are plenty of Americans that are racist, but one thing that I find unique about the US is that we’re a bit less openly vocal about our prejudices. While there are stigmas and stereotypes attached to ALL groups of people, you will find that it’s a bit easier to be fat, dumb, ugly, ignorant, have poor taste in clothes, be unhygienic, to be driving around in a clunker, and in short, be as individual as you’d like to be.

You will be less judged here as opposed to being an American carrying those “socially unacceptable” quirks into another country. Try being a conservative fat American wearing a cowboy hat with a Texas accent in another country (outside Eastern Asia)! You won’t make it. I’d place money on that. At least in America, you can join all the 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 Americans obsessed with sex, celebrities and McDonalds that demand the entire world revolve around them, here. You’re more than welcome.

You can be whomever you want to be in America. Expect that not everyone’s going to LIKE you. This is NOT a violation of “civil liberties”. This is opinion. And Americans, like any other country, have them. Stewart Lee in the UK said it well in this video toward the end:

“…some of the things that are great about America, namely “freedom of speech” and a certain kinda social equality in that everyone there is allowed to say whatever they want no matter how stupid and ill-informed it is, and I think there’s something noble about that, genuinely”. — Stewart Lee (director of Jerry Springer, The Opera)

With that said, we also accept (with welcome arms) the slender, the intelligent, the intellectuals, the nerdy scholars, the hard workers, the polite, the humorous, the athletes, the hotties, the homosexuals, the tolerant, the socialists, as well as the demure, quiet, and shy.

America is a perfect blending of ALL these groups. This is what makes America great. I’m not saying that it’s the best country in the world, but in terms of THIS type of freedom, I’d say this is an amazing thing that makes us unique, grateful and proud to be an American.

Our first amendment also allows you to burn our flags and wave your own here. No problem!

The author of American Something said the following:

I can not forget the day when I arrived at JFK Airport for the first time. It was not better than other airports. There were many ticketing booths and it was crowded with people and luggages. Every one can see these kinds of things at airports all around the world. However, there was something different. There were many people who have different nationality and ethnicity. There were White people, Black people and Asian people. There were Italian, Japanese, German, Mexican, Chinese, French, Indonesian, etc. I was surprised because I could see and hear them at one place. At that time, I thought I could be so excited in this country. And, it was quite the same. I met many different kind of people from work and social community who came from many different country. I can experience many culture and many languages and it makes me feel happy.

Anybody who has lived in the United States alongside the average man in the street for a decent amount of time will realize this.

Oh immigration does happen in Europe too, you know, but perhaps for different reasons?

The False Promise of Immigration

How did the United States, which turned 230 years old in July 2006, get so big so fast? American growth has been fuelled by a combination of economic stability, high birth rates and immigration. Indeed, the United States is the largest immigrant-receiving country in the world. Some 50 percent of the 100 million newest Americans are recent immigrants or their descendents.

Europe, however, is also a magnet for immigration: It will attract up to 1 million newcomers this year. But the European experience with immigration is quite different from that of America. Part of the reason is that many immigrants to Europe end up on welfare, while in the United States, almost all immigrants take one or more entry-level jobs and work their way up the economic ladder. Welfare is simply not the American way.

Americans are not “cultured”?

Think again.

I must say that I find this accusation a bit amusing. WebPundit composed the below in light of this example.

Say America has no culture. When asked if there’s no such thing as “American Culture”, why do you always bitch about “Americanization”? Answer with 2 words: McDonald’s and Starbucks. Feign ignorance of American television, movies, music, books, politics, fashion, the internet… in short, most of what YOU do for fun on a daily basis. You don’t want to seem like a hypocrite who secretly devours American culture. So, it’s better just to tell an outright lie.

As far as the “‘right’ kind of culture” as in VERY old historical culture that the Europeans bash us for not having, allow me to gently remind you that America and British Canada are roughly the same age. America and British Canada are culturally similar as well. I’d be curious what “culture” was like for Europeans when they were only about say, 232 years old?

And while we’re on the topic of culture. In the US, the Metropolitan Opera in NY is one of the best – most prestigious opera companies in the world. The US has two première ballet companies. We’ve got NYC Ballet and American Ballet Theater. Symphony and NY theater? Nothing in North America exists that can begin to compare with the NY theater scene. Look at the number of fantastic symphony orchestras in the US.

American writers? Let’s take a look at Mark Twain, Edgar Allen Poe, Melville, Hawthorne, Henry James, Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Hemingway, Steinbeck, Fitzgerald, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, need I say more?

Piercing analysts like Theodore Dreiser, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, Frank Norris, John Steinbeck, John Dos Passos, and Tom Wolfe are conveniently ignored. And never mind that American film and television are far more willing to confront sensitive social or political issues than are European productions.

America has a very rich influential and extensive cultural and literary history. Come to downtown San Antonio, Texas if you want to see some American rustic and raw history. And no. It’s not just the Alamo. Your sheltered and narrow-mind would hopefully wake up to the history that WE DO HAVE. Considering our 232 years alive, we have innovated and discovered more than any other country in the world. That’s a huge feat for a baby country, no?

And yes, I also know that we’ve committed crimes against humanity in our youth, but I’m not here to talk about that. That’s YOUR job. My job is to show the side of the story that is NEVER talked about.

A curious but ongoing trend among my radical readers…

While amusing, this can be somewhat annoying at times.

As most of my regular readers are aware, my blog is dedicated to bashing the fringe element of both the Right and the Left. With that said, I open myself up to a lot of criticism from both parties especially the radicals. I’m either loved or hated, but most of the time hated by radical groups – which attach themselves to my blog. (It’s all good though as I obviously do this because it’s fun.)

What I find to be an ongoing trend are the words used to describe other authors of this blog and myself.

I am characterized by those who call themselves “liberals” as

a 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!

And I am characterized by those who call themselves “conservatives” as

a totalitarian intolerant libtard, secular jihadist, Hollywood parasite, Jew-hating, weenie, Nazi-appeasing-Hitler-apologist, hairy, smelly, tie-dye, tree-hugging, weed-smoking, homo-loving-marriage-destroying, lazy-welfare-mongering, acid-tripping, baby-killing, kool-aid-drinking, broccoli-granola-soy-tofu-eating vegan, treasonous, bra-burning, flag-burning, draftcard-burning, bleeding-heart, Jane-Fonda-loving and Charles Manson-admiring, constitution and freedom-hating, Anti-American incessant-whiner pinko commie A-rab-terrorist-sympathizer who has a hidden agenda to overthrow the American government and its people – especially those that are “accomplished females”.

…in so many words of course…

Does anyone see what’s happening here?

This is how I can spot right away whether one is coming from the lunatic fringe or not. They all seem to have these things in common.

Here are some more similarities:

—> They confuse dissent with radicalism.

—> They carefully filter what they read by “looking for things” as opposed to READING them.

—> They cherry-pick – thereby missing out on an author’s intended points.

—> They cannot distinguish light-hearted humor from an attack worthy of persecuted feelings.

—>  They don’t attack the points made by an individual – rather the group that the individual is “perceived” to be in (“perceived” being the operative word here).

—> Any form or indication of moderacy is frowned upon. For example, I dislike Bush’s policies, but I also dislike Americanophobia. The Radical Right perceives the disliking of Americanophobia to be disingenuous, and the Radical Left perceives the disliking of Bush to be disingenuous. So, they LOATHE the “in-between’s” in life. Little do they realize that life is LESS about the ends of the rope and MORE about the knots in between.

—> They are knee-jerk reactionaries and it’s obvious by their hyper-emotional comments which only lead a reader to believe that what they’re commenting on hasn’t been thoughtfully read in FULL.

Allow me to give some concrete examples.

“Proof” that I’m a Radical Leftist:

(1) Take this post. It was written, or at least posted on, September 11. Why would you post a piece about the American Dream on that date? There was NOTHING in this piece about the tragedy of 9/11. Why not?

I’m beginning to believe that people on the Left are uncomfortable with 9/11 because that tragic event exposes the stupidity of their worldview. The only way left-leaning people–and you seem to be one–can deal with 9/11 is by blaming America for it, hence the creation of the 9/11 conspiracy industry. Blame America, blame Bush; that’s the only thing the Left knows how to do. I find it both incomprehensible and frightening that the slaughter of 3000 of their fellow countrymen wasn’t enough to pry leftists from their anti-American narrative. If anything, 9/11 caused them to cling even more tightly to their blame America first doctrine. The fact that you are apparently blind to that phenomenon is disturbing to me. Your support for Barack Obama is also disturbing to me, considering your professed opposition to anti-Americanism.

Karen, how can you honestly claim to be against anti-Americanism while supporting for president a man who can accurately be described as a protege of the hate America Left? That would be like claiming to be against racism while supporting David Duke for president.

[SNIP]

If you are really against anti-Americanism, Karen, you have to oppose the domestic variety as well as the foreign. And unfortunately for you domestic anti-Americanism comes almost exclusively from the Left. It’s leftists who make movies smearing our troops; it’s leftists who pass ordinances calling Marine recruiters “unwelcomed and uninvited intruders”; it’s leftists who accuse America of operating another Auschwitz at Gitmo; it’s leftists who call 9/11 victims “little Eichmans”; it’s leftists who shout “God damn America!” from the pulpit; it’s leftists who trash, smear, denounce, and condemn America every chance they get. And I say once again, it’s on the Left where Obama has lived his entire political life.

Karen, I don’t know what you’re going to make of the above facts but I suggest you don’t ignore or deny them. I really want to believe that you’re a patriot, that you’re on America’s side. But some of your views are making me wonder.

[SNIP]

Please explain how supporting such a person doesn’t contradict your professed patriotism. I really want to understand. God bless.

(2) And here.

You are drinking too much left-wing, hate America Kool-Aid, my friend, for that assertion just isn’t true.

[SNIP]

So please do a little more research before making sweepingly negative claims about the country you say you love.

(3) Oh, and there’s more! Expat Texan was a frequent commenter on my blog, and he too implied that I was of the America-hating-radical-leftist variety.

As for your blog – perhaps it’s the overheated way that you write – but I’m starting to believe that this word “anti-americanism” doesn’t mean what you think it means. You say you have a lot of posts bashng the left – perhaps I need to see more of your archives – because I’m hard pressed to find that content in anything you’ve written since I’ve been a lurker. Look at what you’ve written over the past month – and show me where the balance lies. It’s your blog – you can write whatever you want from whatever pov you wnat. But writing a 1200 word diatribe about the evil and stupid conservatives with a little disclaimer towards the end of “oh, yeah, extreme leftists do this, too” is not balance.

And yes, when you use video from al jazeera tv to score cheap political points – then I believe the liberal in you trumps the american in you in that instance.

He also knee-jerked the following words into my mouth (if you scroll down a bit in that thread):

Obama’s great, all extremists are assholes, everyone on the right is an extremist while a few on the left are, Trig palin is Bristol’s son through incest, 9/11 was probably an inside job – what have I left out?

Is it just a coincidence that TWO times I have been linked to paling around with terrorists thinking that 9-11 was an “inside job” when I made no mention of it at all in the posts commented on? It amazes me! If these people had actually read the posts where I DID make commentary on 9-11, perhaps they would have their foot in their collective mouths… right about now.

OK.

So…. now, it has been thoroughly established that I am an America-hating Left-wing Radical.

You hear that, you Americanophobes that frequent this blog? See, after all, I am on YOUR side. How you people missed this is beyond me.

Alllllllrighty!

Now, let’s talk about where I am proven to be a hard-core Right-wing blind America-loving nationalist, shall we?

From my recent hate mail!

You indeed are an egoistical and blind nationalist, no matter what method of denial you use to console (sic) youself. It takes a little bit of reading you blog posts and comments for an experienced person like me to figure that out.

[SNIP]

You have shown that your views on anything concerning your country are typically nationalist and simplistic. For example, your claim that your country contributes the highest to developing nations is inaccurate and self-fulfilling, which can be debunked as easily as dropping a potato in a sack.

[SNIP]

Go and rant whatever you want about Canadians or any other country in your blog. Tell your American ‘friends’ how everyone who doesn’t worship Americans is a self-hating, ignorant Americanophobe brainwashed by the anti-American conspiracy around the globe.

More from Juan McDaniel who wrote the above in response to another post where I defend Americans:

If you feel that being an American entitles you to have an “we are the best” ego, then you must also be ready to handle the responsibilities that comes of being an American, even though they might feel discriminatory to your one-sided tastes. If you don’t like the criticisms, close down that American sense of entitlement and arrogance.

If you look at the thread in this blog entry after I enter the scene, after having been called “paranoid” and “laughable” for thinking that Americanophobia is a real phenomenon, one mentioned the following after having seen the stickers on the sidebar of my blog:

(Side note: after seeing evidence of Islamophobia on your site, I will not be visiting it again.)

Are you guys following me here? Funny how I can be an America-hating Islamophobe??? EH?!

(Never mind what I’m against is the radical Islamists – not the moderate Muslims, but that’s another topic for another day…)

This particular post was written to show how a knee-jerk reactionary friend of mine took my asking his view of WWII as being “a typical American” or “showing my Americanism”.

See how American I am!!

Anyway, some other left-wingnutter got all Katie-Couric on me for not recognizing that Bush was the cause of the sub prime mortgage fiasco and told me to learn my history.

Suffice it to say that any time that an Americanophobe pointed out to me that Bush or the conservatives caused the financial crisis, I always told them that it was a BIpartisan responsibility. And did so here as well. I defended Bush here, and other times on my blog against ridiculous and extremist views about him. As much as I DETEST the Cheney/Bush administration, they aren’t responsible for every crooked mishap on American or foreign soil. I give credit to Ted Bundy for saving a girl from drowning, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to forgive all the crimes he committed. Same thing with Bush.

Labeling one a radical just because they dislike Bush’s policies or labeling one as a radical just because they defend their people from Americanophobic attacks IS an actual phenomenon of RADICALS, themselves.

What I gather from the contradicting comments that I get both in my emails, other blogs, and in my own is that some people only see what they want to see, read what they want to read, and hear what they want to hear all too selectively versus grasping the entirety of what they are reading. Only extremists can be capable of such.

If you wonder why I dance between commenting on American politics and Americanophobia on my blog and/or think I don’t post enough on Americanophobic topics and/or don’t post enough about American politics, THIS will more than likely answer all of your questions.

If you disagree with a particular post, please point-by-point argue it. If you’re going to give me a review on my blog, I would like to think that you’ve made a thoughtful attempt to get to know it better instead of cherry-picking for particular buzz words here and there. This is a common annoyance for not only me, but many other bloggers out there. The entire top of my page has links with information as to what you’re getting into when you read my blog. Nobody has an excuse to be shocked or surprised at anything written here with exception to the inane incoherent comments I receive here on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

I wrote this post today to display the silliness of the radicals on both sides, the comments that say I hate America and am a blind nationalist at the same time, that say I hate Islam yet imply that I love terrorists, that say I love and then hate Bush, and put all sorts of words in my mouth that can’t be further from the truth. It’s comedy.

Not only is America the most divided that it ever has been, but since Obama’s win, there has been even more hostility among the Americanophobes as well.

The only people who “get me” seem to be those people not meticulously aligned 100% with any party, like myself. I only call myself a Liberal because I lean that way. It’s most curious how the majority of my radical commenters refuse to read my political profile, but it’s all part of the ongoing trend I speak of.

I rail against the extreme Right and the extreme Left. What makes me write about one more than another at any given time?

It is simple.

If I am currently being annoyed by leftist inanity, I will lean my posts toward that nature. The opposite is true. If I am currently being provoked by GOPtards, I will focus on them.

If you’re from the Right or the Left and you say something outlandish to me, someone else, or to a TV camera, just know that you’re only encouraging me. My blog is about YOU.

To find out exactly how you all see me (just for shits and giggles), please take some of your time to answer my poll:

Could I make myself any more clear than that little box above?

Americans are an Open Book

Do you think we Americans take for granted how good we have it here in some respects? Do you think there may be a reason why some coming back home from other countries learn that Americans aren’t so bad after all?

Let’s explore why there may be a reason.

Says a group of narcissistic Euronationalists…

Unlike Europe, Americans seem to need expert guidance for everything, from how to wash clothes properly, cook an omelette, invest in shares or have sex. Every small aspect of their life seems to be guided by research findings, which are often doctored by the media to fit corporate and government interests. If they travel, they have travel staff and books giving them directions and guidance for every small aspect of their trip.

When I speak of Americanophobia and Ignorance, the above is what I’m talking about. It’s almost sad how grossly misinformed these people are. But I believe this is part of the “Americans are so spoiled, stupid and entitled” that they often speak of on their blog – hence my bringing it up here. And being that it’s so far-out-there and wickedly funny, I couldn’t but hesitate to share!

Maybe some of you can help me out – or bring perspective here in case I’m genuinely missing out on something.

What is “expert guidance”?

Expert guidance to do laundry? How can I get an expert to come to my home and show me how to make my husbands dirty socks from years ago look brand new? Any takers? A laundry expert? Let me check the Yellow Pages….

To cook an omelette? Oh, sorry… I forgot. In Europe, people are born knowing how to cook an omelette. Europeans don’t need instruction from anyone. It’s all innate. Damn they’re smart! Is there an “expert way” versus the traditional way that I’m missing out on here?

Surely, human beings from all over the world learn from their parents… But an expert guidance to cook? What in the world would that entail? I’m sincerely curious, here.  My mother, for example, loves to cook and she’ll watch some cooking shows on TV to get IDEAS, but she’s good enough a cook to be able to do it HER way. Even beginner cooks have to get some ideas from somewhere in the case that they didn’t have a mother kind enough to show them the ropes.

Has any American tried cooking Japanese Ozoni before? I taped my friend cooking it in Japan so that one day I can make it on  my own.

Oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! I am guilty as charged!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a stupid American!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Expert guidance to have sex? There are people all over the world that have problems with erections, having an orgasm, have performance anxiety, and have problems in that area in general. I know for a fact that *some* sexual abuse victims have a hard time enjoying sex again following the horrific event of being raped and need intense therapy.

I’m not stupid enough to believe that problems with sexual function is an “American phenomenon”. What are these poor people supposed to do? Stay a virgin or unsexed the rest of their lives as it would be “too American to seek help”??? That falls under psychological and sometimes physical problems.

I reckon that in Europe, there exists no psychiatrist, psychologists, proper doctors, self-help books of any kind, or knowledge of PTSD. No sex therapists? Sorry. I’m not gullible enough to fall for that.

Investing in shares? How do you not get expert guidance in doing so? Obviously the author of that blog has never 1) lived in the states, and 2) never needed to invest shares in this country. Most people that help are crooks, so without guidance, we lose our hard-earned monies.

Every small aspect of our lives need expert guidance? Really? How? Where? Why? When? And proof please that this is “all-American”? How compared to 194 other countries out there? Yoga started in INDIA. It is medicinal both to aid physical and emotional problems. There is ALWAYS a yoga pose that can be done for every little ailment one may have. And that’s no exaggeration! So, I suppose that citizens living in India are Americanized – all the way back from thousands of years ago before America’s birth???

When my doctor told my husband to cut his toenails from the top and not the sides, does this make him one of those “typical yanks” that need “expert guidance”? I’m genuinely confused.

Apparently we all research too much. We want to make the best out of our lives. We want to do things right. Perhaps, we don’t have the time to “guess at things” or can afford to play “trial-an-error” when we’ve got a family to raise and both mom and dad are working through the day?

Ironically enough, the above excerpt from the zany chauvinists puts Americans in a GOOD light, if you think about it.

It shows that …

• We are perfectionists, or don’t like to make mistakes
• We can get VERY passionate about our hobbies
• We are humble enough to seek knowledge and ask questions
• We are curious and have a deep thirst for knowledge
• Research keeps us broad-minded and away from having narrow perspectives
• We are critical thinkers and encourage opinions from other sources
• We are INNOVATORS because we always find the best ways to do things!

Yes. You can look at it that way too, you know. How is ignorance cured? By learning. This is as basic as breathing. Who knows? Maybe Americans are the most intelligent people around? Ok. That may be a far stretch, but it’s something to think about.

The most important lesson I brought back from high school and college is the importance of asking questions. This reminds me of a favorite Chinese proverb:

“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” – Chinese Proverb

If you read Bruce Bawer’s “Hating America”, it just reinforces how Americans aren’t afraid to admit to ignorance. The difference between an American and an Americanophobic snobby European is that while we are both ignorant, Americans are honest enough to admit it. Just because one hides their ignorance doesn’t mean they’re not ignorant.

At least where I have received my education, my teachers generally encouraged classroom participation as in answering “on the spot” questions from our teachers, being encouraged to ask questions, and being able to debate and discuss current events or whatever the topic at hand was. Of course, it depended on the class I took, but philosophy, psychology, history, logic, law, criminology and the like brought on mental stimulation. The mental stimulation comes from learning to think for oneself which in turn allows for one to use “critical thinking” over the “herd-mentality” or the “because she said so” thinking.

I don’t know how other country’s citizens are taught in school, but if classroom participation and raising your hand is an American phenomenon, than our education really isn’t as bad as made out to be. I’d rather become intelligent or a critical thinker than be good at solving a calculus equation, know exactly how long it takes to get from Mars to Venus, or learn how to memorize a lot of stuff that won’t be utilized later on in life. Priority and practicality is key.

Does anyone else not find it curious that we are criticised for not reading enough, and then when we do read, we are criticised? I mean, we read travel guides, travel books and carry them to Europe and other countries. But the Canadians, Japanese, Brazilians, New Zealanders, Moroccans, Jamaicans, South Koreans, Chinese, Mexicans, and Colombians don’t? I reckon the creation of tour guide services and travel books were created just for dumb Americans?

Actually, it is more common for the Japanese to use tour services when on vacation than Americans, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic.

I like Americans very much. In fact, I adore them. Americans are an open book. We wear our hearts on our sleeves. It is evident by this that we care less compared to other countries about what others think of us. We are confident. We are also down to earth. What makes me proud of my own people in general is the fact that we are open and don’t hide our weaknesses and ignorance. We don’t have as many airs about us, comparatively. There is a lot wrong with my country, but this is where I love this place so much. It’s a place where people are allowed and even encouraged to be human.

This is American-style freedom.

That totally rocks!

Speaking of what rocks, some of the best “expert advice” I received was when I was living in Japan. If anyone has lived in Japan for any length of time, people would realize that Japan and the US aren’t different in this regard at all. Actually, believe it or not, despite a lot of differences, the Japanese, S. Koreans, Canadians, the Chinese and the Americans share A LOT of cultural similarities when it comes to the so called “expert guidance culture”. Wanna bet that this includes Europeans too? That’s why it bugs the hell out of me to hear so much redundant ignorance coming from the flapping traps of the over-confident and self-aggrandizing Hitler sympathizers hiding behind a veil of puritanism.

Because of this blog, I am realizing how much I had been taking for granted in my country. Americans are honest. And I cherish honesty – even if its something I don’t want to hear. I am damned lucky to live among honest folk. (No, not our politicians, but the average man in the street)

So, Aby and co., thank you for this opportunity to make me even more grateful toward my fellow compatriots. It’s one of those benefits of Americanophobia that I speak of. You alienate us whilst bonding Americans and making us learn things about ourselves that we should feel proud of. Thank you for the cultural comparisons.

What Unites the French and the Americans (UPDATED!)

There are two French bloggers that I know of out there that fiercely dispel myths and defend their people from the incessant insults courtesy of the American media and the far and sometimes not so far Right wing in the US.

Dispel myths and defend: That’s exactly what I do on my blog (well, 20% of it at least) – except that I defend Americans. Superfrenchie (Frenchie’s adventures in French-bashing America) and Miquelon (Monitoring Anti-French Activity Since 2003) defend the French.

French-bashing is common in the US and synonymous with American-bashing. André Wernesson, a frequent commenter on Miquelon’s site, wrote the following to Comedy Central in response to bigoted French jokes. This is just an excerpt.

Since then, French-Americans, French expatriates, and French culture in general have been subjected to abuse on various levels, from large-scale, indiscriminate bashing to personal-level abuse such as insults, damage to property, being fired from work, &c.

I hope you will understand how painful it is for me, then, to see that these hateful feelings are alive and well, and being propagated through your site. It would do you much credit as a person of humanity and integrity if you were to see this as well, as there is no reason for which we French should be submitted to systematic abuse whereas replacing “French” with “Mexican”, “Jew” or “Chinese” would draw immediate backlash.

Anyone see the similarity? An acceptable prejudice is what it is. It is socially acceptable in the US to bash French people – just as it is socially acceptable and even encouraged to bash American people in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, South America, and Australia.

No repercussions. No backlash. No outrage. No blink of the eye.

This alone unites the French and the Americans. With one tiny exception, however…

What’s different is that when the French defend their people, they’re given a thumbs up, but when Americans do it, they’re called “blind nationalists” or are bullied into being silent because “America’s big – it can take it” or something like that.

Here’s one of many related examples. A French woman living in Canada who calls herself “Zhu” stopped by my blog many moons ago leaving me this message:

…in response to this thread. Very diplomatic, however, I am still “paranoid” and “overreacting” for noting Americanophobic attitudes. Right?

Then several months later, the same person, “Zhu” happened upon Superfrenchi’s blog who’s ENTIRE BLOG is devoted to Anti-Frenchism, unlike mine who’s blog is only roughly 20% devoted to challenging the Americanophobes and dispelling American cliches. And look at Zhu’s reaction to French-bashing.

Night and day difference, EH? Hmmm…..

That speaks volumes, and proves my point. Americans have to sit and suck it up while the French can scream, scratch, yell, rant, protest, or do whatever they want to counter act American and British Anti-Frenchism.

So, if someone asks you what unites the French and the Americans, just tell them that besides our friendship, we are both survivors of the last acceptable prejudice in the world.

Disclaimer: As always, I feel obligated to type up a disclaimer for the not so bright people who read my blog. When I say “American-bashing” I am talking about “American-bashing”, not American government bashing. Those are two totally different topics.

P.S. If you are French and reading this, I know this won’t make you feel much better, but please take note that American comedians bash Americans far more. The French only make up a fraction of all the bashing on Comedy Central and in the media in general.

UPDATE!

Despite some silly rumors circulating on some teenie-bopper website, I have never been Anti-French nor am I pro-French now. What have I to judge that by, anyway? I’m neither. I’m anti-Americanophobia. The issues addressed here are clear-cut. French-bashing and American-bashing are the last acceptable prejudices in the world.

How to create Propaganda in 12 easy steps

“Propaganda is a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience. Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the cognitive narrative of the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda.

Propaganda is the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.
—Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O’Donnell, Propaganda and Persuasion”

Here are some tips for those amateurs out there that are looking for more sheeple to join their cause.

>>>VIDEOS ARE A POWERFUL TOOL<<<

The below video says that the British are stupid:

Do you buy that? Do you really believe that Britons are that ignorant?

As you can see here, there are 4458561003396885 videos created to “prove” that Americans are the dumbest in the world.

And it works. It’s brilliant!

Here’s the recipe. (Please take notes – especially if you’re American because our brains are inherently tiny)

1. Buy a decent video camera
2. Find a large city or crowded area anywhere in the states
3. Be prepared to be on your feet for a long time
4. Interview *willing* Americans (Legally, I believe one must ask permission of those videoed if it’s okay to broadcast their humiliating bloopers to the world electronically)
5. Ask simple questions to make the dumb Americans look dumber when they make a mistake.
6. Ask tough questions like what is the location and capital of Olowitchawawa on the map when you start getting desperate.
7. Pay people to say and do stupid things if you’re getting more desperate.
8. Interview 200.
9. Pick 20 dim bulbs.
10. Post it on Youtube, Facebook, Bebo, Myspace, your blog, and mass-email it as well.
11. Send it to all of your friends on Youtube and encourage them to place it in the center of their main page.
12. If a random American says, “Hey that’s not fair, you interviewed 200 and cherry-picked the dumb ones to represent the US….bla bla bla I could do that to you too bla bla bla”, just call them a “blind nationalist”.

And PRESTO!

Your work is done.

You have successfully convinced other like-minded zombies who, in return, will tell their zombie friends and let that video cycle about the internet for decades to come.

One more tip. If you own a blog, be sure to comment multiple times under several different aliases in the comment section of said video to make it appear that the majority is in favor of the masterpiece you created.

RELATED POSTS:

So, you think only yanks are dumb, right? Let’s see for real

Canadian and American Nationalism Explored

Are YOU a Nationalist?

Since Nationalism is the center of a lot of cross-border debates, I find it important to introduce this article on Canadian and American Nationalism. While the focus is on relations between Canada and the United States, some of what is mentioned in this literature is relevant beyond Canada and extends to Europe and the rest of the world.

My personal comments will be based upon the text that I have bolded out.

On Nationalism

Nationalism unites people of different classes and ideologies. It can create harmony, link our past to our present and give a people a sense of identity. But nationalism is also a tool used by dictators, despots and power-hungry politicians alike. It can create violent and mighty forces as well as divide people from different geographies. It is used to exaggerate differences, foster generalizations and cause discriminatory thinking. These two halves of nationalism can perhaps best be viewed in the context of World War II. Churchill, Roosevelt and King used nationalism to unite their nations against brutal enemies for the preservation of democratic civilization. Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo exploited nationalism to fuel an expansionist voracity the likes of which the world had never seen before. Therefore, we observe from history that nationalism can be a force for self-preservation, heroism and honor, or for vengeance, conquest, enslavement and dishonor.

This is why I am beginning to learn that those people from other countries that are bigoted toward Americans (not critical of US policies, but bigoted – big difference!) are staunch Right-wing nationalists in their own country. Those individuals I had once thought were on the far Left, are on the Right with a few exceptions.

[SNIP!]

While nationalism is a strong force in both the US and Canada, the expression of it is quite different on people divided by the arbitrary border line. The difference is not due to ideology or culture, but should be understood in historical and psychological terms. In many ways, the imagined differences are more powerful and divisive than any true realities.

One of my major complaints about Sarah Palin was her divisive speech and politics. Whether she was aware of what she was doing or not, she was encouraging a more clear split down the middle to separate America into two Americas: Right America vs Left America.

Americanophobes are equally guilty of dividing the masses as opposed to uniting them. But what else can we expect from xenophobic organizations?

The author then proceeds to explain how Canada was born. Then a psychologist takes the stand:

“If you step back, it’s very hard in objective terms to plot out what are the true differences between Canadians and Americans… Humans have a strong capacity to construct identities for themselves. It’s largely a social process of construction. Some of it is taking small differences and making them seem bigger. A lot of it comes not from the differences, but from feelings of a sense of identity. It’s tough to find things on which to hang an identity for all the English-speaking Canadians. It’s not really a language that makes them distinct. It only makes them distinct from French-speaking Canadians. It makes them more like the U.S. to focus on language. Food doesn’t work very well because, by and large food in Canada is the same as in the United States. What are you left with? Well there’s geography. It’s clear that if you live in Canada as opposed to the U.S., there’s a border between the two. There aren’t a lot of things onto which you can pin a distinctively Canadian culture, other than growing up and learning that you’re Canadian and not American. It’s identity by negation rather than affirmation.“

Americanophobia is mostly about hyperbole. I’m sure you’ve all heard the expression, “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill”, right? Nationalists from other countries take little bits and pieces of their very limited experiences with Americans and create their own exaggerated reality out of it.

Here’s a good example:

They are real and based on years of interaction with thousands of real world Americans, both online and offline. This also includes a number of visits to continental United States, as well as working and living with Americans for more than a decade. It also includes a good friend getting drugged and raped by two American perverts, who were later sneaked back to the US by the American embassy, with no justice whatsoever.

1. How many years?
2. Thousands of Americans personally? Naw. Nobody with half a brain would fall for that. In my 40 years of being alive, I’ve never met so many people.
3. Visits to the US? Being a “captain” in the military, this wasn’t for pleasure, but for business. I wouldn’t consider that to be “seeing” the US.
4. Working and living with Americans for more than a decade? That’s very vague. And still, nobody will believe that all or even most of the Americans you met were these evil monsters that you make them out to be.
5. Rape is more prevalent in Canada and Australia. In the US, Americans rape Americans every day. Justice is not always absolute – anywhere in the world.

So, what is this guy’s point?

There is A LOT that Canadians should be proud of. There really isn’t a reason in modern times to identify themselves with negativity. Rather, the focus should be on the positives.

Pamala Sutton, a Canadian Expatriate living in the states tried to challenge her fellow Canadians in asking them if they could focus on a POSITIVE Canadian identity rather than the tired cliché “I AM CANADIAN because I’m not American” ho hum. It’s quite a challenge for some Canucks, you know?

Back to the original article:

There are of course many differences between Canadians and USAmericans, but there are few, if any, national differences that one can point to beyond the psychology of understanding that you are Canadian or USAmerican. As noted Canadian journalist and author, David Frum has pointed out:

“What we have here is one large, English-speaking North American culture with a number of components, of which Ontario is one, Western Canada is another. It’s true that you can get in a car at Anchorage and drive diagonally southeast until you hit Miami and speak the same language, use the same credit card, pump gas the same way. I think you’d be struck much more by the similarities than the differences. And the places where you would notice dissimilarities would not match the border.”

And more importantly…

While Canadian nationalism can often be described in these reactive terms, as largely an identity based on non-Americanism, the reverse is not true in the United States. As Canadian poet Margaret Atwood once said, this leaves Canadians looking through a one-way mirror into the United States, with USAmericans largely blind to on goings behind that mirror. USAmericans are far less likely to compare and contrast themselves and their country to Canada and Canadians. If they do, they are even less likely to look at Canada with contempt and righteous indignation. USAmericans largely look towards Canada with friendly feelings, and see Canadians as cousins or even as brothers and sisters, which of course was literally the case before the American Revolution.

This is what irks me the most about Americanophobia! The same can be said about Europeans as well. Both Europeans and Canadians are favored by the majority of Americans. Our media is generally good to them as well (with the exception of France on occasion). It’s really the case of “We’re nice to you, but you’re not nice to us”.

Try to imagine making this more personal. Think about being nice to someone because you like them just to have them be mean to you and all the people you know on top of it.

Since this second-class citizenship is undesirable, and since Canada could never match the United States in measurable terms due to relative size of populations, many Canadians often describe themselves as more civilized, peaceful and kind. Canadian historian George Woodcock notes it in this manner, “Canadians make up for their physical weakness by assuming an air of moral superiority towards the Americans, not unlike that which Scots assumed towards the English”. One example of Canadians acting out this idea is the strong Canadian belief that Canada is a nation of peacekeepers. According to the UN, Canada ranks 38th in UN peacekeeping, with 233 peacekeepers abroad working in UN peacekeeping missions as of Dec 2003, supplying less than 1% of international peacekeepers. Ghana commits about ten times the number of peacekeepers, at 2,306 while only having 60% of Canada’s population. Many will then go on to contrast their imagined leading role in international peacekeeping against the world policing of the United States. Even though Canadian soldiers have stood side-by-side with USAmericans in nearly every military action (UN-mandated or not) the US has taken. The only two notable exceptions being the Vietnam War and the recent Iraqi conflict, both of which were highly debated in both countries.

I really wish, not just Canadians, but everyone to stop telling Americans that they’re “peacekeepers”. People have really bastardized what that word means!

I would also like to point out that contrary to popular belief, Canada *DID* invade Iraq with the US. It’s amazing how many foreigners don’t know this.

So the next time a proud fellow citizen tells you that Canada didn’t join the Iraq War, remind them of Mark Twain’s famous quip: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

To continue with the article…

Many other Canadians have attached themselves to the belief that Canada is “a kinder and gentler nation” (ironically a phrase taken from President George H. W. Bush). Yet, when put to the test in terms of philanthropy “Americans give over two-and-a-half times more of their income to charity than do Canadians”, according to a Fraser Institute of Dec 2003 report. The average value of charitable donations in the United States is $3,494 US; the average value of donations in Canada is $998 CDN ($760 US). An argument could be made that this difference is largely due to higher levels of disposable incomes in the US coupled with a less demanding tax burden. However, little can be shown to prove that in contrast to the United States, Canada is a nation consisting of kinder gentler individuals. Finally, United Nations ratings in Human Development have often been used in the past as a basis for Canadians to point out their superiority. Since the most recent report ranks Canada one spot below the United States, this sort of talk has subsided into sullen silence. However, it was not that long ago that many argued loudly that this mere collection of three basic indicators: Life Expectancy, Literacy/Enrollment and PPP, determined which was the greatest nation on earth. The same individuals who trumpet this sort of thing usually ignore reports done by other institutions that put Canada beneath the United States. Of course, this is not a phenomenon unique to Canada. Comparisons such as these, which match up countries often, help fuel nationalism everywhere.

Helping fuel nationalism: I’ve read through many, many blogs of all sorts and rantings from those all over the world. Is it not very telling that if you venture into an Americanophobic blog that you will, without a doubt, find “research” that compares…

• The Swiss to Americans
• The Brits to Americans
• The Canadians to Americans
• The French to Americans

What is this? It’s called Nationalism.

—>Will we ever find the Swiss being compared to Equadorians?

—>Will we ever find the Brits being compared to Canadians?

—>Will we ever find Canadians being compared to New Zealanders?

—>Will we ever find the French being compared to the Japanese?

Nope.

All foreign research is [Country A] vs [America].

That speaks volumes right there. This probably also explains why many Americans attribute this juvenile behavior to jealousy and/or short man syndrome.

In any event, why the need to compare and contrast cultures, anyway? I can understand comparing the health benefits of dark chocolate vs milk chocolate, but comparing cultures in quasi-formal “studies”? How is this useful other then intending to hurt the feelings of others?

Some Canadian nationalists will point to differences in medical care, gun control, capital punishment, drug laws and more recently gay marriages. But these differences are in governance, not culture. British Columbia and Alberta have made moves to offer privatized medical care, but this makes them no less Canadian. California and Oregon have tried moving towards more universal healthcare programs, but they do not become less USAmerican by doing so.

JFK once said, “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.”

One could say the same about America and Canada when change is trying to take place. Just replace the words “Republican” and “Democratic” with “American” and “Canadian”.

Another argument offered by those who believe that imaginary lines draw real differences, is that Canada is more left wing than the United States. Although a large number of liberals reside in northern North America, describing Canada in ideological terms offers at best a momentary snapshot of an evanescent state of affairs. Just as in the United States, Canada has experienced several shifts from left to right and back again over the course of its political history. Indeed, Canadian politicians in the late 1800s touted Canada’s lower taxes in contrast to the tax-and-spend USAmericans.

People need to use caution when they brag because it will come and bite them on the arse later on. Remember when the Aussies denounced yanks for being fat, right? Well, guess who’s the fattest nation on earth now? Remember when Right-wing Euronationalists denounced Americans for being the world’s worst tourists? Well, guess who’s the worst tourists now? Remember when the Canadians touted to be the best in sports? Well, guess who kicked arse in the Olympics and does so consistently every time?

Anyway, yes, the US goes through political stages between Right, Left, and in between throughout history just as any other nation out there. Does not anyone remember Margaret Thatcher? How did Obama get elected by a supposed “right-wing dominant country” such as America?

Nearly all the lavish social programs in Canada, that some say define Canada today, were first created by the United States. Still, it is hard to dispute that today there are small differences between the attitudes of average Canadians and USAmericans.

[SNIP!]

All the major differences we find between Canada and the United States are regional. For example, the people of Arkansas when compared with the people of British Columbia are vastly different (in North American terms). They speak with a different accent; they have slightly different customs, cuisines and cultures. In short, if you put the average British Columbian in the middle of Arkansas, everyone would know that he/she wasn’t from there. But put that B.C.er in Washington State and it would difficult for a native Washingtonian to know he/she wasn’t a Washingtonian. One might argue Seattle and Vancouver are virtually identical, especially when compared to Little Rock. The same could be said when comparing Manitoba and Minnesota to Newfoundland, Ontario and Michigan to Wyoming, the Maritime Provinces and New England states to the Yukon, etc. Overall, the differences between the United States and Canada are best seen regionally, not nationally. We do not have thousands of years of differing histories; we do not have generations upon generations brought up to believe completely different societal values; and we do not speak different tongues or exist within confined communities unable to travel outside our own borders.

When will people understand that the US is way too diverse to pigeon-hole? We aren’t one or the other. We’re a little bit of everything – despite what the BBC, the CBC and trashy tabloids will brainwash you with.

One such region that does speak a different tongue, and one that some would describe as a nation unto itself, is Quebec. Quebec nationalism is perhaps the biggest irritant to Canadian nationalists, because without Quebec, Canada would be much smaller and much less culturally different from the United States, overall. Quebec is also often used by Canadian nationalists as an example of what makes Canada unique. Although most Canadians outside Quebec know little French, there is a strong tendency for English Canadians to attach themselves to French Quebec as a means of distinguishing themselves from USAmericans. This is directly related to the anti-American sentiments that many have. From time to time Quebec has risen up and attempted to separate from the rest of Canada, but each time the rest of Canada (and in the past Britain) has managed to quell the movements. English Canadians will vehemently argue that Quebec belongs in Canada. Yet, they do so somewhat hypocritically. They rally and cry that the differences between Quebec and English Canada are slight and we ought to be together, yet the differences between Canada and the US are too great, and we ought to be separate. It would appear that based on this view the true defense of the sovereignty of the political entity known as Canada is defined by “the narcissism of small differences” as Sigmund Freud would say.

Let’s once and for all set the record straight, shall we?

ENGLISH CANADA IS NO MORE BILINGUAL THAN THE UNITED STATES! Canadians speak as much French as do Americans speak Spanish as their second language.

Even Euronationalists that brag incessantly about being “multilingual” are full of toad poop!

Some of the positive aspects of Canadian nationalism include ideas such as freedom, democracy, peace, good government and multiculturalism. Of course, the same ideas also define the United States. Canadian multiculturalism is sometimes distinguished from US multiculturalism as being diversity vs. assimilation. This is reinforced in Canadian minds by the USAmerican habit of describing the US as a melting pot. To many USAmericans multiculturalism and melting pot are interchangeable. Certainly, there is quite a bit of assimilation within US culture. People are encouraged to learn English, and often find it most convenient to conform to North American norms. This isn’t really any different from Canada, where the government also awards learning English (and French) and helps people acclimatize themselves to North American lifestyle. A Farsi-speaking Iranian cannot move to Canada, work there and live a normal life without adapting to his surroundings, just as he would have to if he moved to the United States. Both countries welcome diversity.

This entire essay basically spells out Canadian ignorance.

Despite the large overall commonalities of North Americans, when contrasting USAmerican nationalism against Canadian nationalism, few parallels can be found. As mentioned previously, these are largely self-made identities created by the human mind. If one accepts this notion, it would be safe to assume that, for example, a US-born flag-waving US nationalist who has a propensity to embellish the greatness of his native USA, if born in Canada, instead would be a flag-waving triumphalist Canadian nationalist, and vice versa.

People all over the world believe that it is only the Americans that are nationalists. Yet, another example of the ignorance that stems from hate.

Contrary to what Juan McDaniel and his Nationalist Eurosociopath pack of wolves believe, I personally don’t think that America is the best country in the world. I don’t even know if there is a formula to determine such a complexity? But I will say that I am not ashamed or apologetic to give Americans credit where its due. I will be quick to passionately defend my people as well. I am an American patriot. I am grateful to be an American. This is not nationalism – this is patriotism. At the same rate, I will also call out America where she deserves harsh criticism. This is not unpatriotic as some of my fellow Americans would like to believe – either.

There is good and bad everywhere, and what separates a nationalist from a patriot is ignorance outside one’s borders and even within.

Feel free to read more about Nationalism here. I’m willing to bet that most Americanophobes don’t even know what that word means.

Related Readings:

Canadian Patriotism Linked to Americanophobia

Canadians *AGAINST* Americanophobia

Only in America

My Anti-Anti-American Quote of the Week (#3)

“Anti-Americanism is hypocrisy at its finest, You can spend your evening catching the latest episode of “24″ and then complain about Guantanamo the next morning.” –the Berlin bureau chief of Der Spiegel

It’s so true. The biggest users and secret lovers of all-things-American are those that can’t pop that big ole American zit off of their nose. They are in a perpetual state of waaaaa waaaaaa waaaaaaaaaa!

“But thank you Facebook, WordPress, Youtube, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Macintosh, Google, and such for giving me the platform to tell you how much I hate your guts and want you dead”. — Yours truly, the Americanophobes

By the way, what do Right-wing Americanophobic Euronationalists do when their nappies are really in bunches? How do they relieve their stress and find comfort again?

They go to McDonalds.

Do Americans Have a Self-Entitlement Syndrome?

The first point I want to make I feel is the most important point. Americans don’t have any more of an arrogant self-entitlement syndrome than your average European nationalist or child abuse victim from any country.

In case you missed it, America is a Neo-Capitalist nation. (Not by my choice – not by my liking) In the USA, we are on our own. We must fend for ourselves. We grow up learning that we must WORK first to get what we want. And we work damned hard to get what we want. Yes, even harder than Japan. In other parts of the western world, the pressure to work is unmatchable compared to Americans. People of Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia all have the envied luxury of being taken care of by their Nanny government. You can work if you want to or find any excuse in the book NOT to work.

Some Americans like myself started working since they were fifteen. Aside from Christmases and birthdays, as I was approaching my mid-teens, there was nothing that I was “entitled” to unless I worked for it even if that meant doing household chores. I got my first real salary from a company at age 15 washing people’s hair in a beauty shop, working in a rectory, babysitting, and doing other odd jobs here and there. I learned to appreciate the value of a dollar at a very young age. This is the life I have gotten used to – the norm. I wasn’t alone. Most families here in the states work very alike – not because we want to as much as because we HAVE to. Because we cannot fall into the erect nipple of Nanny Government anywhere nearly as easy it is to do in say, Europe.

Again, this doesn’t suggest I am happy with this way of life. Some on the Right connect this with national pride, but I digress…

A Euronationalist extremist group who seemingly has spent time looking for watching “American” tourists has come to the conclusion that Americans have a “sense of entitlement” problem. To quote this person who calls himself by multiple names – one being “Captain (Dr.) Alexandr Vasilevski”…

If you don’t like the criticisms, close down that American sense of entitlement and arrogance.

First of all, INDIVIDUALS should be criticised – not groups based on one’s origin unless you’re into Neo-Nazi-collectivism.

So… What is an “American sense of entitlement?” – I asked myself. And then I remembered something. I worked  for a major airline for several years. My customers were from all over the planet. I must say that some Americans got under my skin for being overly demanding in situations that didn’t warrant it. This made my job VERY hard. Being the “uncouth boor and wild savage” that I am, it took a lot of tongue biting to get through the inanity of it all.  However, being that I worked with international customers as well, I had also learned that there were certain other nations equally guilty of the “me me me” mentality. Those groups of people I will not mention. I will say, however, that the majority of these people came from third world countries.

And those from developing countries are ANYTHING but spoiled.

You see, the Americanophobes believe in some sort of a misconception that Americans are all spoiled and rich and that must explain how arrogant they act overseas.

I would like to take this time to challenge my Americanophobic and even non-Americanophobic audience on this particular stereotype.

Americans are all Spoiled and Rich, You Say? Think again.

Most people make the same mistake as they think of America as being one of the richest and most powerful nations. After reading my link up above, you’ll see that we are far from spoiled, and in all actuality, quite the opposite. Americans as well, also mistakenly think that we are the most spoiled, but that’s only because those same Americans don’t know what life is like in other 1st world countries.

I sometimes jokingly call the US “the most developed third world nation”, but if you think about it, we have been mirroring some similar qualities you’d find in a developing nation.

Which brings me to my point.

Those people who possess the “me me me” mentality are only that way due to not having been brought up in a loving, warm, and well-disciplined family structure. Some form of child abuse calls for this type of annoying behavior because truly happy and stable people aren’t self-aggrandizing and do not expect or demand waivers or favors in a situation where it’s not justified. This has nothing to do with being “spoiled”. This is neither a phenomenon of the “rich” or those that hail from the United States. This is a trait of a LARGE percentage of HUMAN BEINGS out in the world.

Having an abnormal sense of entitlement comes in all shapes, sizes, flavors, colors, and textures. Some Euroelitists may not see the ill of their own due to  “blind nationalism” – hence they put the blame on another nation. The one they love to hate:

America. At least when you’re in doubt…

This is one example of how reflexive Americanophobia results in confusing Australians with Americans.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you need any help or tips on how not to look “entitled” abroad or even on your own turf, just ask the Brits, Canadians, or the French.

Who are the best and worst tourists?

Even the self-proclaimed foreign relations experts and the paranoid KGB can’t get it right. Little do they know that the British have the worst reputation abroad.

Yes, the British are the worst tourists! Americans come in 2nd place for being THE BEST TOURISTS.

Who wuda thunk it?

Research by online travel service Expedia suggests Brits abroad are the least well-regarded by foreigners.

They are the rudest, meanest, worst-behaved, most linguistically incompetent and least adventurous holidaymakers, the study published on Friday claims.

Categories included behaviour, politeness, willingness to learn the language, trying local delicacies and spending on the local economy.

And overall, the British finished bottom of the league table of 24 nations, which was topped by the Germans, Americans and Japanese.

[Snip!]

And (drumroll) interestingly enough, ………..

Americans were judged the most courteous and the British the rudest, alongside the Russians and Canadians.

The Brits also seemed to make least effort in speaking the local language, a quality excelled by the Germans, French and Americans.

Feel free to read the rest of the article here.

Another source says that the French are the most obnoxious tourists.

Naturally, everyone’s going to encounter different experiences abroad. It’s a matter of luck. It’s a matter of how YOU behave. And it’s a matter of whether or not you’ll encounter the 40% (my conspiracy) of snobby cultural elitists that will interrogate you in the streets, violently attack you, point you in the wrong direction when you get lost, discriminate against you, overcharge you, and make your vacation miserable.

The funny thing to look at here is the fact that it is only Americans and Jews that are expected to act like the locals abroad. AND! It is only Americans that are expected to act like the locals abroad even on their own turf! However, Australians, hypothetically speaking, no matter how loud, rude or obnoxious they are will get a FREE PASS.

That’s very telling. Don’t you think?

Even more interesting, in Europe, having a travel guide is one of the many reasons Americans are considered, “stupid”. This is part of the cultural differences between Europeans and Americans. Americans aren’t ashamed at all to admit or show that they don’t know something – whereas Europeans are too embarrassed to look like “they don’t know” and hide it. This isn’t about stupidity at all. It’s about being humble and honest. And in this regard, people who ask for help or learn tips from books, are the ones that I’d like to call intelligent due to their curiosity and ability to ask questions which, in turn, causes one to LEARN. Read the blog entry and the comments in this post to see where I’m coming from. Here’s a sneak preview:

The biggest problem (sic) thet the citizens of the US are confronted with is their mental isolation, geographical too; their knowledge of foreign cultures is limited and their manners are almost nonegsistive. One of my friends actualy told me that an american guest went mental when he found out that Jackie Chan’s movies aren’ sinchronized but just subtiteld. They also tend to be straped to their guides while others (especially Germans, Italians or British) spend hours walking through the streets of let’s say Trogir discovering them on their own. Another example: My homeland- Croatia is actualy called Hrvatska, Germany- Deutschland, Sweeden- Svenska, Spain- Espana, Italy- Italia, Switzerland- die Schweiz, and many more. Also there is a lot of countries and capital cities that americans don’t know how to read correctly: T’bilisi, Georgia; Moskow, Russian Federation, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico etc.

So, let me get this straight (addressing this entire blog post), if tour guides, tour groups, travel guides, and maps define what an American is, then why are there so many tour buses and tour guides in the United States? Why are travel books and guides sold in other countries and in the US to cater to YOU PEOPLE coming from your neck of the woods to America? Why do I continue to find Asians running around everywhere with cameras and travel books?

And wait a minute! I thought that Americans didn’t travel. It’s odd for me to see in every Americanophobic blog the following:

1. Americans don’t have passports
2. Stupid American tourists

You know, we’re damned no matter what we do! And this is what Americanophobia is all about. In my opinion, it’s very similar to the Nazi propaganda during and before WWII. If you are old enough to know anything about Nazi propaganda and are familiarized with Americanophobia, you will notice some significant similarities.

I would only expect that self-proclaimed internationalists would understand that a different country’s people would mean a different culture. We’re not all going to like, get used to, or be able to understand everyone’s unique culture and/or sub-cultures within. There are some things about Japanese customs that I don’t like. So what? I’m not going to create an entire blog devoted to how much I hate Japanese culture. I’m not going to obsess about how I think that Japanese are this or that all day and go out of my way to find them in the streets so that I can taunt them and write more about them in my blog so that I can feel better about my esteem-deficient being.

It’s human nature to fall victim to culture shock. We are all unique despite the fact that we all cry the same tears and bleed the same blood. People who are unable to appreciate the differences, more than likely, don’t even like themselves.

For more information as to how I feel about tourism and how to expect to be treated in certain areas abroad, you may want to read this before you pack your suitcases.

Americanophobia is Based on Ignorance

Simply put, Americanophobia is a chronic syndrome of The Pot calling the Kettle Black!

As some of my readers are already aware, one of the many inane stereotypes pinned to Americans is “dumb”. Oh, I’m not denying it. We ARE dumb. But who isn’t guilty of such a crime? America compared to herself is dumb. However, when you compare the US to other countries, you come to find out that we’re not the ONLY ones with a few screws loose.

OK. Now here’s the irony of all this. Those that have aggressively given us the “ignorant” label… well, only one is to assume that the Americanophobes are exempt from the same label, right?

Wrong.

Let’s me just put it this way. If Americans = dumb. Then we’re all Americans. Let’s have a look-see at the research, shall we?

Here’s just a tiny peek into minds of the Americanophobes:

Large numbers of British citizens consistently and inaccurately think the worst of America

Subjects researched:

• ARMING IRAQ
• POLYGAMY
• WARS AND ISLAM
• RACE AND ETHNICITY
• THE ENVIRONMENT
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

And that’s not even the half of it. Sadly, there’s more. Download a PDF of the full twenty True Or False Statements they tested.

A poll of nearly 2,000 Britons by YouGov/PHI found that 70 per cent of respondents incorrectly said it was true that the US had done a worse job than the European Union in reducing carbon emissions since 2000. More than 50 per cent presumed that polygamy was legal in the US, when it is illegal in all 50 states.

The poll was commissioned by America In The World , an independent pressure group that launches on Monday and aims to improve understanding and appreciation of the US in Britain and around the world.

Tim Montgomerie, its director, said factual inaccuracies and mistaken assumptions have contributed to Britons and Europeans taking a hostile stance towards their most powerful ally, which often acted against national interests.

“We wanted to find out how British people understood America and found that there was an unbalanced view. Maybe there are good reasons but if we cleared a lot of that factual ignorance we would have a better understanding of what America really is,” said Mr Montgomerie, who also founded the influential Conservative Home website three years ago.

The survey showed that a majority agreed with the false statement that since the Second World War the US had more often sided with non-Muslims when they had come into conflict with Muslims. In fact in 11 out of 12 major conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims, Muslims and secular forces, or Arabs and non-Arabs, the US has sided with the former group. Those conflicts included Turkey and Greece, Bosnia and Yugoslavia, and and Kosovo and Yugoslavia.

Read the rest from the British Telegraph here.

Interestingly enough, this person tends to think that the American media is responsible for creating Americanophobia abroad. Well, he just may have a point when you consider this. Some wonder if it’s the fault of the BBC. I personally think its both. America invented Anti-Americanism and we’ve perfected it. Well, in other words, the United States doesn’t hide her dirty laundry – rather she exposes it unashamedly to her people and those living abroad. Then the media establishments in other countries take the bait and over-sensationalize it on their turf. Ugly news sells.

To understand this dynamic, one must understand the purpose of journalism:

• reporting the facts
• sensationalizing and exaggerating them to keep you focused, hot, and bothered
• twisting the facts subtly to meet a particular agenda
• and leaving certain facts (good stuff!) out that could possibly give you a balanced perspective.

America in the World.com is a British site that has additionally discovered the many MYTHS that Americanophobic Europeans blindly believe in.

Here is a comprehensive list of all the MYTHS debunked:

• Myth: America is not a truly free and open society
• Myth: Black Americans are held back in a country plagued by racism
• Myth: America refused any involvement in World War II, when the freedom of Europe was at stake, until the December 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbour forced her to participate
• Myth: Americans allow tens of millions of their fellow citizens who cannot afford health insurance to go without it
• Myth: Americans Aren’t Interested in the Environment
• Myth: America is exceptionally ungenerous in its aid to developing nations
• Myth: America is a violent, high-crime society
• Myth: America is dominated by intolerant religious zealots, to the detriment of everyone else
• Myth: The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 were committed by the US government

Feel free to read how they are debunked here. (The only one they were incorrect about was in saying that the 2000 Election wasn’t stolen. It was. Al Gore won by the popular vote. The Electoral system screwed him over.)

A viewer of all this blatant ignorance responded:

Edward Micheal George responds:

What a very pathetic lesson! That in clinging so unnaturally to an absence of value for our defining trait (that is: delighting in what we aren’t, rather than–what is more obvious–what we are), we have somehow come to embody that most boring of stereotypes about American folly: a crass and uncivilized propensity to dismiss, out of hand, a given group based on an untested and entirely superficial understanding of it.

Bravo, my non-American brothers and sisters! You’ve done yourselves unproud!

I have done independent research myself to myth-bust the Americanophobes. The proof that they are unlearned is endless, really. Let me just give you all a few examples:

Myth: Americans are the fattest in the world. —>Busted here. (Courtesy of news.com.au)

Myth: Americans get fat purely out of greed. —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: Everyone likes Bush in the US. —>Busted here. (LA Times)

Myth: All/most Americans are jingoists. —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: America has done no good. —> Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: There is no “American Dream”. —>Busted here.

Myth: Only in America is the news, insular. —>Busted here.

Myth: Americans have no curiosity about the rest of the world. —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: America has no culture: Busted here (toward the bottom).

Myth: America is the most violent (and inherently violent) in the world. —>Busted here and here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: Americans all think the same and every state is pretty much the same as the next. —>Busted here.

Myth: Americans against Americanophobia are all neocon right-wingnuts. —>Busted here, here, here and my blog is also proof of that as well.

Myth: All Americans are spoiled and rich. —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: The America media is right-wing biased. –>Busted here and here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: Americans are the worst tourists. —>Busted here. (Courtesy of the BBC)

Myth: Americans are the laziest. —>Busted here, here, and here. (Multinational sources)

Myth: Americans are the dumbest. —>Busted here. (Courtesy of a multitude of sources)

Myth: Biased news only exists in America. —>Busted here. (The American media interviews Europeans)

Myth: American Jews are all right-wingnuts. —>Busted here. (By Jewish people, themselves)

Myth: American Democratic presidents are anti-war. —>Busted here.

Myth: America is a melting-pot, only country to commit slavery, and doesn’t allow dual passports: —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: Only American whites are capable of racism and intolerance. —>Busted here. (Multiple sources)

Myth: Americans hate immigrants and are trying to stop them from entering the country. —>Busted here. (Courtesy of AITW based in London)

Myth: The whole world hates America and Americans. —>Busted here and here.

Myth: TV in America is shallow, superficial, and boring. —>Busted here (scroll to the middle).

Myth: Americanophobia will humble Americans, and then they will be like us someday. —>Busted here.

ANTI-AMERICANISM IN EUROPE IS FUELED BY IGNORANCE

Additionally, the British continue to bust more myths here.

Learn more here about what the rest of the world, including Americans, are saying about the aforementioned conducted research. More and more Americans everyday and learning that those who they once looked up to with high regard and admiration aren’t… all that.

Yes, we yanks are finally starting to wake up!

The only country left that we can look up to with some confidence would be Japan, in my opinion. They’re naturally not immune to criticism, however, they don’t stoop to the sanctimonious-holier-than-thou “us versus them” childish mob mentality like those I mention above.

Need more proof that Americanophobia is based on Ignorance? Aby the so called “Internationalist Liberal” shall be the poster child hall of shame in this category.

Moral of the story: So, before you Americanophobic zealots talk about ignorance, you might want to pick up a book and clean up your own act first (and as a country as well) before you start pointing fingers. You may become over-confident thinking that Americans aren’t watching. But we are. The Ugly Europeans.

My Anti-Anti-American Quote of the Week (#2)

“The fundamental role of anti-Americanism in Europe in general, and particularly among those on the Left, is to absolve themselves of their own moral failings and intellectual errors by heaping them onto the monster scapegoat, the United States of America. The U.S. is charged with all the evils, real or imagined, that afflict humanity, from the falling price of beef in France to AIDS in Africa and global warming everywhere. The result is a widespread refusal to accept responsibility for one’s own actions.” — Jean-Francois Revel

If you have read any of Jean-Francois Revel’s books or related literature, he is not trying to paint an unrealistic picture of the United States implying that we have done no wrong. As both Jean and Andrei Markovits said here, it’s the hyperbole, the hypocrisy, the false rumors, the assumptions, the mob mentality, the blatant ignorance, the inane labeling, and all the exagerrated truths Americanophobes believe in that they are standing up against.

Oh, the naivete of some Americans…

This blogger’s intentions (from sorryeverbody.com) are genuine, thoughtful, and rather very touching. For some reason, however, he thought that by Obama having won the presidential race that Americanophobia would die?

Are you kidding me?

In fact it may get worse as I’ve described here. And after having read a bunch of Americanophobic propaganda in the comment section over at a blog that rails against Anti-Frenchism and French stereotypes, I am convinced that nothing has changed.

Additionally, Aby the so called “internationalist liberal” reiterates the fact that she and her “crew” will continue to mercilessly bash the American people in her blog no matter who’s president. The self-proclaimed “tolerant internationalist” promises also to unveil even more of her self-loathing deep-seated hatred for Americans in future posts as in a series. Woo hoo. Her goal is to let her American audience know why they are hated and how the phenomenon of European tolerance Euro-bigotry is justified and has nothing to do with who is the POTUS. So, we’re all on the edge of our seats now, hey?

Why would things change post-election, anyway? I’ve been saying this in my blog for ages, but Americanophobia has N-O-T-H-I-N-G to do with the president of the United States and/or any human rights violations we’ve committed. NOTHING.

The Hill Times said it best.

Barack Obama is on his Canadian honeymoon today, but tomorrow he is certain to become merely another target for those who reject America’s world view.

On April 29th, 2008 the article, “American Unpopularity Abroad: What It Really Means” was submitted online to prove to Americans that no matter what we do, Americanophobes will always be Americanophobes. William Moloney states, …

“The Democratic narrative goes like this: Get the troops out of Iraq and Barack or Hillary into the White House and American popularity abroad will soar. Group hugs will abound. Old allies will become new friends, and vie with one another to pony up more money and troops for all good causes. Arm in arm we’ll suppress the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, stand up to Russia and China, rally to the defense of Israel, and put an end to global warming…”

Right?

WRONG!

The linked article up above goes on to explain one of the many reason Americanophobes will continue hating and being as ignorant as a lobotomized duck.

From the German authors of David’s Medienkritic:

With Obama, Spiegel and others will no longer be focusing attacks on the American executive (at least in the short-term) as was standard practice under Bush. Instead, as we have previously speculated, they will likely turn to attacking broader aspects of American society (the economic downturn is the current dominant theme) for all that is wrong in the United States and the world. Think World Scapegoat USA. Think pet peeves. Having to respect Obama just makes accomplishing what readers require a bit more demanding. Just slapping Bush and a desecrated US flag on the cover will no longer cut mustard after January 20…

From the British authors of America in the World…

But anti-Americanism did not begin with George W Bush and it wouldn’t end with Barack Obama in the White House
The attacks of 9/11 were the ugliest and bloodiest ever manifestation of anti-Americanism.  They may have happened when George W Bush was in the White House but they were planned when President Clinton was Commander-in-Chief.  They were executed when Bush was still promising a humbler, less interventionist foreign policy.  Although most of the world grieved with America in the weeks after 9/11, many of its critics rejoiced. Le Monde did publish the headline ‘We Are All Americans’ after 11 September 2001 but noted in the text below: “[T]he reality is perhaps also that of an America whose own cynicism has caught up with [it]”.[3] The US Ambassador to London was reduced to tears after a hostile BBC Television audience attempted to blame American foreign policy for the attacks on Washington and New York. Anti-Americanism was alive and kicking before the invasions of either Afghanistan and Iraq.

Read the rest of the article here.

Just in case you missed it, Americanophobia began in the 19th century, folks. It’s here to stay. We have always been perceived as a bunch of typical, inbred, insular, nationalistic, paranoid, arrogant, fat, lazy, uncouth, vulgar, greedy, racist, spoiled-rich, slutty, ignorant, stupid, humorless, loud, obnoxious, gum-chewing, carbon-emitting, baby-killing, gun-toting, bible-thumping, flag-waving, self-centered, and globalizing Neanderthal Americans.

Those stereotypes aren’t going to go away, folks.

If anything at all, this blogger who is trying to make good with the world, by his message, is actually going to make all the Americanophobes and some Americans even angrier as he harps on the fact that we now have a black president-elect. The fact that his focus is on Obama’s race will get him into a lot of trouble. But he’s not the only one focused on skin-color. Some naive Americanophobes are thinking that a black president will represent Euro-values as opposed to American values. And like I’ve mentioned many times in my blog, African Americans and other minorities are exempt from Americanophobia and for the most selfish, disingenuous and cowardly reasons.

Sarah Palin, despite having the lowest approval rating in recorded history among VP candidates, is now THE NEW FACE OF AMERICA. Despite Obama being elected (by a large majority) as president of the United States, Sarah Palin is still THE NEW FACE OF AMERICA. So, yeah. Our image is increasingly getting worse and will only continue to rise once all of them find out that Obama is leaning toward the center or is actually a Republican.

So, dear America, stop wasting your time trying to get on anyone’s “good side”. It’s fruitless as you’re dealing with a bunch of hateful xenophobes that mirror similar values to those American neocon extremists that are equally annoying.  The Americanophobes don’t give a hoot how liberal or how far to the Left of Center you are. They don’t care how many stamps and pages your American passport contains. They hate YOU and are waiting for the next terrorist attack in the US so that they have another excuse to mindlessly parade around with burning flags, celebrate, and cheer in the streets.

And if you think that the Americanophobes are just an extremist group that only represent the minority in Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and South America, you are sorely mistaken.

Americanophobia and anti-Semitism need to exist. It’s a necessary evil for those who feel small. Americanophobes across the globe, enjoy defining America by her Extremists. Their media’s slant focuses on American’s extremists and all of it’s flaws. Americanophobes abroad believe in fabricated images of the supposed “typical American”. Some of us believe that the “ugly American image” helps other countries feel more patriotic about themselves to avoid facing their own shortcomings. But my friends,… this is what Americanophobia is all about: mindlessness, laziness, genetic defects, misplaced anger, scapegoatism, brainwashing, the need to belong, belief without question, inferiority complexes, lack of pride in one’s place in the world, and just plain old ignorance.

If you want to read more in my blog in regards to myth-busting the holier-than-thou elitist Americanophobes, click here.

And lastly, if you’re an Americanophobe reading this, you have no right to whine about how Americans stereotype YOU when you do the same yourselves. Get off of your high horses and look in the mirror for a change!

Side Note: Oh gee, I just remembered that when Barack Obama gets assassinated, how all the Americanophobes will have a field day, and are going to *NOT* blame the assassin (especially if he gets the death penalty), but rather blame the rest of the innocent 300+ million for it. It will be about how all 300 million of us are racists and how we all conspired together to kill him. Can you really expect any more from one of the most vile extremist groups in the world?

Don’t be naive. These people are just as much our enemy as the Islamic Fundamentalists. We need to get out of NATO and the UN and screw the rest of the world. Americans are starting to get fed up.

Related Posts:

The Americanophobes declare Obama “The Token Negro”

The Jewish 78% – Wingnuts Pressing the Panic Button

Seventy-eight percent of American Jews voted for Barack Obama.

How do you like that?

The National Jewish Democratic Council Commends the Election of Obama

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Marc R. Stanley, Chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC), released the following statement:

Although some votes are still being counted, there are three certain outcomes to this election. The next leader of the United States of America will be President-elect Barack Obama, the Democrats have increased their lead in both the Senate and House, and American Jewish voters have once again overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Presidential nominee.
Obama clinched the vast majority of the Jewish vote, receiving 77% according to MSNBC exit polls Tuesday evening (Senator John McCain received 22%).

We congratulate Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on this historic victory. This year, the American people and Jewish voters sent a clear message rejecting a continuation of four more years of failed Republican policies and leadership.
With Obama’s victory, we selected a candidate who shares the values of the vast majority of American Jews, including the separation of church and state, a strong U.S.- Israel relationship, and reproductive freedom.

This makes the far Right not angry, but furious, confused, anxious, grasping at straws, making excuses, creating hate-speech, and going as far as spreading baseless and inane conspiracy theories to excuse American Jews for being Democratic… and the Liberal majority.

American Jews have always made up the majority of our Progressive population here in the United States. Additionally, it is common knowledge that Jewish Americans are critical thinkers and more intelligent than your average American. Most of them graduate from high school and college with honors, they are self-sufficient, less violent, rarely do you find them on welfare, most of them are in very professional careers, and they make more money than most.

They are family oriented, good looking, health-conscious, get married and have children.

Jews – religious or not – are rarely found to be fanatical and obsessive about their religion. It is a private issue for them. They are not interested in “spreading the word” or “recruiting new members”. I respect them for that. That alone makes them more tolerant and considerate of their neighbors.

Jewish people have a deep thirst for knowledge, and can be very kind people too. THAT’S why they are liberals. Not the estranged far Leftists, but Liberals – by its very own definition.

Republicans secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) hate Jews for this. Republicans hate the amount of money Jews make and they are jealous of their success. And to find out that they are *gasps* Liberal Progressives, only cements that hatred.

Jewish people are, by far, the most successful people. They are always winning Nobel prizes. As of today, they are up to their 159th Nobel prize and counting! They have done more for the US than we’ll admit or even begin to appreciate.

And the above is what irritates Republicans. Neo-Conservatives want the Liberals to be the “blacks-n-Mexicans on welfare” party so badly. And they are pissed that it isn’t the case. When you ever hear a Neocon talking about “socialism”, you’ll hear them make derogatory generalizations about the Democratic party saying that we are all just “lazy jobless welfare-mongers” out to get a free ride (of course with the exception of Joe the Plumber ). When they hear that 78% of the Jews voted for Obama, they realize that the stereotype of the the liberal is incorrect.

So, they press the panic button.

They go into a sweaty-palmed frenzy and try to brainstorm reasons as to why the Jews mostly vote liberal. I have heard all sorts of wild and desperate justifications that just make me shake my head:

• Jewish Stockholm Syndrome: “The Jewish Americans have always been oppressed by the Democratic Party that they have bonded (aka trauma-bonding) to their oppressor and can’t let go”. (In other words, they have a severe cast of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that they’re in denial of.)
• Jewish people hate themselves like all liberals. (Again suggesting that they are mentally ill/clinically depressed).
• “Jewish voters were simply duped by the rhetoric about how the whole world will hold hands and sing, once America stops standing up for democracy.” (An implication that Jewish people are gullible, dumb, don’t know what democracy is, miss Hitler, and are naive)
  
• They have “Jewish Guilt Syndrome”. (Once again, a suggestion that they are neurotic)
• “Voting for Obama is pretty much like lining up to enter the boxcars.” (Here suggesting that they are suicidal and/or very depressed individuals – again shows mental instability.)
• “The majority of American Jews are non-observant, and therefore have no vested interest in Judaism or Israel. Observant Jews understand what they face under Obama, and rightly voted for McCain.” (Heavily suggesting here that there is a correlation between being God-fearing and informed, and that those who aren’t God-fearing are ignorant and clueless.)

This is what the far Right would rather believe that all Liberal Democrats just want to stay at home, play video games and get paid by Hitler Obama to do so…. which is just utterly ridiculous. And it says quite a lot about the far Right’s own intelligence and mental disposition that THEY are in denial of.

Sadly enough, the Right-wingnuts have deduced Rahm Emanuel to not being pro-Israel as he is a “Liberal” too. And a Liberal cannot possibly be pro-Israel. However, the Left are upset because they feel Obama has already abandoned them.

Go figure…

Just look at the below blog entry and comment section over at  Moonbattery.com. The far Righteous 10-commandment-following Right is supposed to be the party of “Judge not less be judged”, tolerance, and most importantly pro-Israel and pro-Jew. I thought it was supposed to be the far Left that were anti-Semites until I read the comment section following this post:

Jews Went Heavily for Hamas-Endorsed Obama

---

What about the far Left?

Now, I do not believe that general American liberals are anti-Semites. I’m sure there are some on the far Left in the US. But where this bigotry is the most noticeable for me is in other western civilizations such as Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. To them, Jews (no matter their place of birth) are Americans. And your average American is hated passionately in these areas by the Americanophobic Left-wingnuts.

Unlike the far Right, the far Left Americanophobes are unaware that American Jews are progressive-minded. Once these people find out that American Jews like Obama, they will be equally sweaty-palmed and confused as their far Right-wingnut counterparts.

They too, may have to press the panic button.

The Europeans Voted in Obama – NOT the Americans! Huh?

Europe’s Usurpation of the Obama Triumph

It’s funny how our votes “counted” when Bush was “elected twice”, but when Obama was elected, somehow Americans “didn’t vote for them”. These Euro-elitists did?

I find it troubling that European countries in particular regard Obama’s election not only as a wonderful event all its own, but that they view it as their very own victory; as a direct vindication of themselves. By so doing, they are using the Obama triumph to justify their moral superiority in that they claim Obama as a crypto or quasi-European who is basically an American by accident.

Of course being black and all, he’s not American – or let’s say a “true American”. The only “real Americans” are those defined by the Europeans, Canadians, New Zealanders, Australians, South Americans, and Sarah Palin. The real Americans “they” speak of are those trailer trash horrors. You know, the typical, nationalistic, paranoid, arrogant, fat, lazy, vulgar, greedy, racist, spoiled-rich, slutty, ignorant, stupid, humorless, loud, obnoxious, gum-chewing, carbon-emitting, baby-killing, gun-toting, bible-thumping, flag-waving, and self-centered Neanderthal Americans which represent the core and heart of America.

From one of my commenters:

“…But I did encounter many white French people who felt sorry for what blacks went through in the United States. I couldn’t help but feel that these people were being awfully patronizing to some degree. I know that that wasn’t true. But the American in me just didn’t like the feeling that I was being babied. And after talking with many Afro-french people, I couldn’t help but feel that the French were ignoring their own racial problems. It doesn’t mean that one side is right or wrong about anything, nor does it excuse bad behavior, but I was still a bit perplexed by the sentiment…”

Like I said before, and I’ll say it again, minority groups are exempt from Americanophobia. They are rather embraced with pseudo-pity. No matter what they do. And no matter how they vote.

Additionally, what the Jew-hating Americanophobes don’t know is the fact that 78% of the American Jews VOTED FOR THIS WONDERFUL MAN TO LEAD THE WORLD BLACK GUY!!

Having watched German television over the past few days, listened to German radio broadcasts and read the country’s leading newspapers, there is an unquestioned sense of celebrating a German victory: The de facto “German” Obama, or the Obama with German sensibilities has defeated the racist, retrograde and yahoo Americans.

Yay! Obama has defeated the racist yahoo Americans!! Woo Hoo! Victory! Yeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Psst. Newsflash: It was those um “yahoo Americans” that erm sorta kinda voted for Obama. Uh yeah. See, Americanophobic Europeans think that all or most Americans are inherently evil and racist despite the fact that the Americans that ARE racist are the in the minority. Additionally, the 50-some-million people that voted for McPalin are not necessarily racist but conservative. There IS a difference.

Watching Micheline Calmy-Rey, the eminent French television personality, exclaim triumphantly and with glee that “Obama parle comme nous… (Obama speaks like we, i.e. the French, do), implicit in her gestures and demeanor was the unsaid “et pas comme les Americains” (not as the Americans).

If Obama doesn’t represent or think like “the Americans”, then who the fuck voted him in? Or is it just that most people living in America are “un-American”? Good Lord. If it weren’t for the Euro-support for Obama, I swear I’d think that these people hailed from the Right-wingnut house. Hopefully, you all now see what I mean when I say that the far Left and the far Right have A LOT in common? Both these groups are mentally deranged. In fact, if you go far enough to the Left, you will be in the Right zone and visa versa. Think of the Left and Right zones as the way the world is shaped (the globe). If you keep going in one direction and don’t stop, you’ll wind up in “the other territory”.

My point is simple: Countries in Europe are rejoicing in the Obama victory and claiming it as a direct result of their moral superiority over Americans while at the same time hiding their own shortcomings and intolerances, the weekly ugly racisms at their soccer grounds, the discriminations that are so common to their own societies and the very fact that a person of Obama’s racial, cultural and social identity, as well as his life’s story, would never be elected dog catcher in any of these allegedly enlightened societies, let alone head of government and head of state.

So true. And that’s why people like THIS are pissed off. They know their neck of the woods is far behind the US in terms of tolerance coupled with the fact that they never thought that Americans would ever elect *gasps* a minority figure – let alone a black man as their leader. So, it is no wonder that these Euro-elitists feel so threatened. More now than ever. More now than when Bush was out and about “policing the world”.

Obama’s triumph is an American story from start to finish as he has repeatedly stated. I hope that he — as well as we — will use this fact to deny Europeans their falsely claimed moral high ground by hijacking a unique event in modern history with which they had nothing to do. Just like we progressives have rightfully fought against American moral haughtiness, so, too, should we oppose such strains if they arise elsewhere, particularly if they are based on a usurped rather than achieved struggle.

Yup. Americans got it right. And we got it right here too. And these aren’t the first times we’ve got it right.

Read more here and from the Romanian author Andrei Markovits himself. Yep. He’s the same person that created this video on Americanophobia that I often use on my blog.

Anyway, now that some Europeans have claimed the vote for Obama, I wonder if they’ll take the same responsibility if he screws up?

Whether or not you voted for Obama, YOU ARE RACIST!

As we can see from this post I wrote in the past about how the far Left abuse the “race card” and call everyone a racist at the drop of a hat, I am noticing a similar trend among the far righteous Right.

Now that Barack Mohammed Hussein Osama is running for president, both sides will call you a racist if you simply don’t agree with them.

The far Left will call those not supporting Obama a racist, and the far Right will call those who support Obama a racist because (finger flapping wildly) “You’re only voting for him because he’s black and that’s racist!”. The neocon who said this tries to vindicate himself by saying that he’s black. So, I am supposed to be persuaded by that alone. A black man said that if you vote for Obama, that you’re not voting for him on the issues but rather just to “make history” (never mind the fact that Palin being the first VP will make history). This guy is using his skin-color to validate his point. But he’s just another classic right-wing snake oil salesman.

While I do understand that language evolves, I am stumped by how quickly we can call each other racists without even understanding what it means. Some people need a refresher course. Let’s discover what the word “racism” truly means, shall we?

Racism is the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another, that a person’s social and moral traits are predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics. Racial separatism is the belief, most of the time based on racism, that different races should remain segregated and apart from one another.

Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another — or the belief that another person is less than human — because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.

Read this site for more information.

Both the far Left and the far Right have it wrong. What they are doing is simply belittling what the victims of TRUE racism went through. And that is shameful that people can take such a word and mangle it to flex their muscles and suit their own political agenda.

America has always been a politically divided country. Now, the divide (no matter who wins) is more bitter and clearer than ever as this is the most important election of a lifetime. We are all sitting on pins and needles.

But be realistic. Whether you like it or not, racism STILL DOES EXIST in America.

And as far as voting is concerned,

Yes, people are voting for Obama JUST BECAUSE HE’S BLACK!

Yes, people are voting *AGAINST* Obama JUST BECAUSE HE’S BLACK!

Yes, people are voting for Palin JUST BECAUSE SHE’S HOT!

Yes, people are voting for Palin JUST BECAUSE SHE’S GOT A VAGINA!

Yes, people are voting *AGAINST* Palin JUST BECAUSE SHE’S GOT A VAGINA!

So what? What else is new during election time? There will ALWAYS be a percentage of people who vote for a candidate based on superficial reasons regardless of the issues. ALWAYS. ALWAYS. This is nothing new, people.

STFU, and get over it.

The bigger issues right now are the voting irregularities, voter fraud, the corrupt electoral college, and the shitheads that don’t vote because they know their vote won’t count if they don’t live in a swing state.  BOTH THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT ARE GUILTY OF all of the above (with the exception of the electoral college as every time it “malfunctions”, it’s to the detriment of the left).

Like I said before and I’ll say it again, I didn’t vote for Obama superficially. I am voting for him because he’s an extremist homo-loving tax-n-spend Arab Muslim Marxist terrorist born in Kenya who hates America and Americans and has a clear plan to destroy us all. Hey, I love these kind of people! ♥ Obama 2008, baby!

Just go out and vote tomorrow, and quit playing the victim for once. And say a prayer for Sarah Palin. This “Pro-American” is gonna need it whether she wins or not.

BLOGS THAT HAVE DECLARED *YOUR* VOTE FOR OBAMA AS RACIST

Extra Extra America elects its first…

I think I’m still seeing some racism here

The First Affirmative Action President

Ya’ll are votin’ for Obama based on nothin’ substansive

Racism in the US Presidential Elections

Now, imagine if Obama WASN’T elected. Imagine how the world will confirm how racist Americans really are.

RELATED POSTS:

The Americanophobes Declare Obama “The Token Negro”

If you like sex, it’s time to move to CANADA!

If you like sex…….

Canadians have more sex, have multiple partners, are planet-friendly lovers, are more adventurous in bed, don’t have to go to jail for crimes committed and more!

What the hell is wrong with America?

After digging through the data, here’s what we found: the staid, underpaid Canadian is dead. Believe it or not, we now have more wealth than Americans, even though we work shorter hours. We drink more often, but we live longer and have fewer diseases. We have more sex, more sex partners and we’re more adventurous in bed, but we have fewer teen pregnancies and fewer sexually transmitted diseases. We spend more time with family and friends, and more time exploring the world. Even in crime we come out ahead: we’re just as prone to break the law, but when we do it, we don’t get shot. Most of the time, we don’t even go to jail.

Yeah, very similar to the UK (except that the UK Justice System may be too harsh for Canucks).

The data shows that it’s the Canadians who are living it up, while Americans toil away, working longer hours to pay their mounting bills.

How about Canadian-Sea-Sex? <— They are so creative!

Well, here’s a solution should our democracy prove to be a failure again, and the Palin Administration takes over.

Additionally, Canada is a way cool place if you like to smoke pot, but ……… BUT(!) if you have smoked pot in the US (which is considered a criminal offence in the Great White North) Canada doesn’t like that and they may not let you enter the country without a fight.

But the good news is that Canada, (just a few months ago) took their very first step toward national sovereignty for the first time since her birth, and now has her own porn channels with …. *ACTUAL CANADIANS* (yes I did say that – Canadians are on TV!) instead of those nationalistic, paranoid, arrogant, FAT, ugly, lazy, greedy, racist, spoiled-rich, prude, sexless, monogamy-obsessed, raunchy, cheesy, dirty, smelly, ignorant, stupid, humorless, loud, obnoxious, gum-chewing, carbon-emitting, baby-killing, gun-toting, bible-thumping, flag-waving, and self-centered neanderthal greenbacks from that cultural wasteland in the lower 48. ———->

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet! (Despite the rumors that sex is dying out in Canada)

But if you like sex….

Come join me and others as we *Move to Canada*. Especially if you like sex, polygamy, and committing crimes.

C’mon, Move to Canada!

If John McCain and Sarah Palin win in November, it’s likely to be more than many Democrats can stand. Slate V imagines how the Canadian government might try to capitalize on this liberal anxiety.

My husband just heard about the multiple partners and the topless chicks in the streets, and he’s in on the ticket.

What say you?

If you are offended by this blog post, then you don’t like sex. Typical fucking American.

My Anti-Anti-American Quote of the Week

“There is a big difference between being anti-American and being critical of the United States….critiques are appropriate and necessary, provided that they rest on facts and address real abuses, real errors and real excesses–without deliberately losing sight of America’s wise decisions, beneficient interventions and salutary policies. But critiques of this kind–balanced, fair and well-rounded–are hard to find, except in America herself…” — Jean-Francois Revel

I don’t think even Americans can be as fair and balanced as Jean-Francois Revel claims. You can read about how I feel about Anti-American Americans here. Other than that, I stand by his quote. I wish more people out there understood what Anti-Americanism (aka Americanophobia) really is.  Andrei Markovits, from Romania, says it just as well.

Just Do as I Say; Don’t Do as I Do (Fucking American Tourists ;-) )

Yah gotta love the double standards that our NATO friends put on the table for us Americans. Apparently, we should abide by these rules when traveling abroad. We are expected to walk on eggshells in other countries that call themselves

• multicultural
• tolerant
• curious about other cultures and people
• and intelligent.

Americans are demanded to behave a certain way to avoid offending the thinnest of skins and to cater to the inferiority complexes of the masses. However, ironically, when the same people visit the US, we have no rules in place for them (written or unwritten). And let me just say that there are as many ugly, arrogant, stupid, and ignorant foreigners that travel to the US — if not more.

Wait. I thought that Americans didn’t travel… or at least enough to made such an ado over! What is wrong with this picture?

Anyway, here are some inane examples from the above article, “Are You the Ugly American?”:

2. Greet people properly. Whether it’s shaking hands or kissing, ask a local what the customs are–and then follow the customs.

Hmm… do we require YOU to adjust yourselves to our culture when you visit? You don’t know how to properly “greet” Americans either. It depends on which state you are visiting, anyway. And generally I never hear of Americans making a huge stink over greetings.

3. Avoid careless judgements. Travelers love to talk about how places are different from home. Unfortunately innocent observations can come across as superior and judgemental, as in: “Your cars are so small here!”

“Your cars are so small here” … How pathetic. Yes, they ARE innocent observations. And it’s not America’s fault if others are paranoid or insecure about themselves. Especially when other groups of people say they are experts on American culture, you’d think they’d know an innocuous comment when they hear one, no?

5. Speak the language. Even if you can only stammer out a few phrases.

Whoa… wha—– Americans learn here in the US that everyone else in the world can speak 4-7 languages. You’d think English would be one of them? I am not saying that I or my fellow countrymen don’t try. I am just pointing out the double standards and the hypocrisy here, is all. Either you people speak all the world languages or you don’t. Which is it?

7. Dress respectfully. Especially in restaurants and houses of worship. Conservative colors–grays, blues, blacks–are generally safe bets. If you’re going to a warm climate, avoid the temptation to pack only shorts and sandals.

WOWOWOW! THIS IS AMAZING STUFF. WE HAVE THE SAME RULES OVER HERE FOR OUR OWN CITIZENS. Golly. Who wouda thunked it? Actually, in the US, it really depends on which restaurant you go to. Perhaps in some parts of the world, they are more posh? If you are going to a restaurant for rich people, then you dress “respectfully”. We have casual family restaurants in the US as well. They do in Japan and in Korea too.

It is just so ironic to hear from people that cry poor mouth often to be complaining about tourists who dress like the poor. Is dining out (outside Asia) only for the elite classes ? I’m very confused.

This is nothing new, however. Having poor taste in clothes is a stereotype pinned to the Americans. It is close to impossible to satisfy the rich elitists without selling your first-born in order to buy a whole new wardrobe that pleases the refined tastes of the sophisticates across the pond.

Hmm…. And “houses of worship”? I thought they only existed in Amerikkka!?

How about this as a rule? Just be nice, polite, and use common sense no matter where you are going whether you are in your own country or outside? This should be a given when traveling ANYWHERE.

And you know what is weird about this long list of “rules”? The very fact that it is made for Americans. Yes, you heard that right. They are special rules for us. Well, it’s probably because Americans ARE special. But here is what the Americanophobes will say:

But you guys act like idiots in other countries.

—>Oh, really?<—

In addition to my linked article, many of us wear backpacks with the Canadian maple leaf on it, have maple syrup dripping from our eyelashes, reek of poutine, and tell everyone that we’re Canadian to avoid rampant and reflexive Americanophobic pablum.

Americans also get better service when they pretend they are from Canada.

…they do have a less than stellar reputation internationally, either in general or as travellers. That imperfect reputation has resulted in people from other countries, mistaken as Americans, getting bad service. Many in that situation have found that just by making it known they’re not from the USA, the quality of service in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere increases greatly.

See? If there’s any hint that you are either American or Jewish (which is the same thing anyway in other parts of the west), these kinds of things will happen to you. Only in Europe. In America, stuff like this wouldn’t fly.

Furthermore, you allow other cultures to be themselves on your turf even it if IS annoying for you. But see, if you were to publicly point out your frustrations with non-American cultures, you would be considered, a “racist” and a pariah among your people. And you cannot handle that. However, since it is hip and cool to heckle Americans, you provide rules exclusively for them. And last but not least, we make no rules for YOU over here on OUR turf. We let you play ball how you like, and for the most part, we Americans keep our prejudicial views to ourselves. Unlike others. And others. Meh. There’s always more. And more.

As some people responded,

I think it is time for an article for tourists about how to act in my country, the United States. People seem to think it is alright to visit here and act obnoxious. People love to denigrate Americans even while being given our hospitality. I am as proud of my country as they claim to be of theirs. –Jan Taylor, Greenville, Miss.

————————–

It’s really so easy to blame American Tourists for acting rude.

But it takes 2 to tango. LOCALS can also be VERY RUDE, UNFRIENDLY and downright hostile to American or other tourists.

I have been all over the world and I have experienced rude local people, even if I have been gracious and courteous by using all the articles “tips”.

For Example, I was just in Eleuthera, Bahamas, and the people there are very unfriendly, rude, and hostile. I would say hello or good morning, ask a question, etc, and many would just look at you with hostility, like you were the cause of all their problems.

I think a lot of local people in other countries are jealous and envious of Americans, and don’t like depending on tourist money for their livelihoods, and so when they encounter them, they don’t feel they have to be nice and can act rudely.

Posted By Mike F. on June 25, 2007, 6:52 AM

How true! How about a host being nice to a guest? What a concept!?

And what’s up with Americans always being called, “loud”?

I hear Britons theorizing that we’re loud when we travel abroad because we want everyone to know we’re American and we’re the best in the world. Some say that we’re looking for special “waivers and favors”. This is the most preposterous statement I’ve ever heard. Well, I hate to break the news to you Americanophobes, but hello? We’re LOUD on our turf too. I don’t know why. We just are. Call it a cultural difference. And while we’re on the topic of how loud and obnoxious we fucking yanks are, here’s a little hint that there are other cultures out there that are even LOUDER than Americans. Oh snap!

Q: i live in san antonio and have been accustomed to seeing wealthy mexican families shopping it up over here at the exclusive stores. one thing that i have noticed is that they frequently will yell (or at least speak loudly) across the room. i have also noticed it when vacationing in florida, so i know that it’s not just a “mexican” thing, but one that many latin american cultures tend to share. why do they talk so loudly?

———————————————–

A: My mother always says: “because we are too tired to walk across the room and ask quietly”.

In all seriousness though, my observation of our latin culture is that we like to “involve” other people in our lives. Where as most white or asian people tend to speak privately almost as to hide something from being intercepted. Latinos tend to speak openly in a manner to gain interest and start conversation.

We also tend to be around lots of family members, which makes us comfortable to be louder. Sort of like if you were to visit family for the Holidays your family might be a little loud…

Well everyday is a family holiday for Latinos!

And since the Americanophobes don’t consider black folk born in America to be American, here’s another hint. I’ve heard people say that the Arabs, the French, and the Brits were loud. There are MANY LOUD CULTURES OF PEOPLE OUT THERE. You’d think that the Americanophobes who preach expertise on worldly issues would know (out of 194 countries and sub-cultures in between), the loudest cultures on a scale of at least 1-10.

My best friend who is Lebanese …. well, nobody can talk louder than her and her family.

Like I always say on my blog, the Americanophobes only “study” America. They are obsessed with us. So, we can’t be really THAT bad.

More commentary:

Yes, there are rude Americans. And I am probably among the guilty ones regarding loudness, although my volume is not motivated by rudeness, but by passion and enthusiasm. I do try to restrain myself when overseas, but perhaps my efforts are not enough.

Like others, I have encountered many in other countries who are rude to American tourists. A couple of examples:

1. Canadians at a Nova Scotia B&B bashing the U.S. president in front of me at the breakfast table

2. A saleslady at Galleries Lafayette, a Paris department store, who rudely and brusquely said “CLOSED” repeatedly a full 15 minutes before closing time as I nicely and respectfully tried to purchase a travel iron

Posted By Laura M on June 5, 2008, 1:07 PM

When I am loud, personally, it is for the very same reason (although I do have a slight hearing problem – I wonder how that would fly in GREAT BRITAIN.) I happily cheer, and it doesn’t take much to make me laugh out loud and feel good loudly. We Americans do excite easily, don’t we? We also like to enjoy life and have a positive attitude for the most part. I think that this may be a point of envy when others see us roaming freely and cheerfully and enjoying every minute of our vacation. You ARE aware how little vacation we get in the states, right? So, when we party, just like the Japanese, we party HARD!

This Anti-UNITEDSTATESIAN below hates that freedom and wants to restrict US tourists:

For me the most disgusting habit that you have is to wear sandals everywear, doesn´t matter the country or the place when you are on vacations. Why sandals everywhere!!?? — From a Costa Rican

In my opinion, this is what makes America, Japan, and other countries that welcome foreigners unconditionally, great. See, here in the US, we don’t care what you wear in casual environments. Heck, I’d like to bet that most of us aren’t obsessed with watching people’s feet and taking names all day, either.

And the other habit that I don´t like of you, mostly young people (I´m 25) is that you don´t appreciate the culture, all you do is look and that´s it, don´t try to understand the culture or be open to explore.

Yeah. We’re so closed to your crap culture, and that is the very reason we spend a lot of money and time to travel to your shithole. It’s because we hate it and are not interested “enough to explore”.

I wonder how this elitist snot finds out all these people guilty of wearing “the wrong” footwear and guilty of “just looking” are, in fact, Americans. The more I read this crap, the prouder I am to live in America. We really are free, aren’t we?

And we don’t expect foreigners who travel to the US to adhere to elitist “codes of behavior”. And because we have so many ethnic groups living in the US, it is hard to determine who are “the tourists” unless they are taking pictures everywhere. We basically allow for people to be who they are whether they are tourists or actually living here. And I think the reason we Americans are as tolerant as we are is because we are the most diverse country in the world – aside from the fact that our nation was built on immigrants. Not just diverse, but we allow other cultures to be themselves even if it means that we have to watch them burn the US flag on our streets. (Yes, on Mexican Independence Day in the US, that is how hundreds of Mexicans celebrate it on the streets.) We might not like it, but we accept it.

Burning the Mexican Flag = “Hate Speech” But Burning the American Flag = “Protected Speech”. Actually, it is also the case if we burn any flags of Muslim countries. We get punished for that too. But those who burn American flags, don’t get punished. Now, how’s that for the good old US of A?

“In spite of the constant accusations of “arrogance,” Americans are really very self-deprecating in many ways and often place the French, and other Western Europeans, on a pedestal of cultural superiority; this probably goes further back into world history than virulent anti-Americanism does.” –Jennifer

Once again, all of these erroneous “rules” that Americans must adhere to when visiting other countries is sickening and reeks of bigotry and xenophobia nasty enough to peel paint off of a wall.

Avoid careless judgments. Doesn’t that mean attempting to group all people from a certain country as being this or that? Now that is truly ignorant. Anywhere you go…half the people are nice and half aren’t…same as for travelers…some are some aren’t …any broad generalization is just worthless!

Posted By Susie from Denver on June 5, 2008, 1:26 PM

Finally, a voice of reason.

Anyway… “Aby the self-proclaimed foreign relations expert” and her minions reveal their hypocrisy and ignorance yet again. Little do they know….

…:::NEWSFLASH:::…

“British ‘world’s worst tourists’”. Yes, the British are the worst tourists! Americans come in 2nd place for being THE BEST TOURISTS.

Research by online travel service Expedia suggests Brits abroad are the least well-regarded by foreigners.

They are the rudest, meanest, worst-behaved, most linguistically incompetent and least adventurous holidaymakers, the study published on Friday claims.

Categories included behaviour, politeness, willingness to learn the language, trying local delicacies and spending on the local economy.

And overall, the British finished bottom of the league table of 24 nations, which was topped by the Germans, Americans and Japanese.

[Snip!]

And (drumroll) interestingly enough, ………..

Americans were judged the most courteous and the British the rudest, alongside the Russians and Canadians.

The Brits also seemed to make least effort in speaking the local language, a quality excelled by the Germans, French and Americans.

Feel free to read the rest of the article here.

Another source says that the French are the most obnoxious tourists.

In any event, it is no wonder more Americans are choosing Asia over other parts of the west when they travel. Japan, who doesn’t get on her high horse and boast about being “multicultural”, “tolerant”, “curious about other cultures and people”, and how they are “the smartest people in the world”, is ironically the most accepting and welcoming to those that travel to their fair land. And even more ironically, they are homogeneous and have zero discrimination laws. And ever since some Japanese shop owners complained of loud Brits, Russians and other Europeans, Japan has stopped allowing foreigners into certain public places in Japan. The irony is amazing, isn’t it?

The Americanophobic Britons and Canucks are always going on and on ad nauseam about how they are the humblest. <— Isn’t bragging about “being humble” defeating its purpose??? Just askin’.

Anyway, they aren’t. People only brag about what they wish to be. It is the Japanese. The Japanese don’t have to go out of their way to label themselves in their favor or on a higher and morally superior plane than Americans. They just are. They don’t HAVE to say it. If you have to go out of your way while ripping your shirt off saying how wonderful you are, guess what? You’re probably not, and just have a severe case of short man syndrome in need of therapy.

Speaking of mental illnesses…

Why are all the american tourists so fat & loud & have no fashion?

Not only must we dress “respectfully”, but we also must mind our fashion? How much does it really cost to travel to Europe? And wait. Who are truly the materialistic ones? The ones who are fashion-conscious or the ones who dress for comfort? I think when the Brits call us materialistic, they are simply projecting.

Speaking of “fat”, what do you think of the Australian tourists?

If you are seriously looking to visit Europe in the near future, I highly recommend this read: “Keep Your Hopes Up, Overseas Americans, Help Is Available!”. It’s a little 12-step program to teach you how to hate yourself for being an American help you survive the childish scolding and interrogative behavior that sometimes (sadly) happens in Europe. (No 12-step programs are available for tourists in Canada as of yet. But as soon as one comes out, I’ll post it. All I know is that you won’t be needing one of these T-Shirts.)

Lastly, here is some more commentary coming from those who have traveled to Europe.

In the beginning of my trip, I was slightly excited to be thought of as a ‘cool’ or ‘good’ American. People said I was ‘different’ because I was traveling and seeing the world and not just holed up in my country Snowy Eve watching one of 300+ channels on my TV or driving my big, gas-guzzling SUV on some big highway somewhere (these are obviously more stereotypes). By the way, I sold the only car I’d ever owned, a 1989 Honda Prelude, before my trip began.

Well, ya kinda have to sell a lot of things just to be able to afford to adhere to their pretentious dress code for restaurants.

I only drove about once a month and hope to not buy another one since I normally use public transport anyway. I was happy to also defend and explain to people that all Americans are not created equal and we are all different just like the rest of the world. But, I have to admit, as time went on I began to get sick and tired of trying to make sense of it all and either defending or renouncing other Americans. I grew weary of debunking the negative stereotypes that I really can’t do much about.

[Snip!]

A few times I did encounter the stereotypical “ugly Americans” (as well as other English-speaking Flag from dad’s house nationalities that shall remain nameless) during my travels giving us all a bad name, but I still tried to give them the benefit of the doubt because of the fact that they still made the decision to travel and see other parts of the world in the first place. But I also met and know wonderfully kind and open Americans. Just remember also that the Americans who are traveling abroad are there to open up to new experiences and engrossing themselves in new cultures, but by Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses…making comments about these very visitors to your countries, that open-mindedness can quickly turn to defensiveness.

Notice how she didn’t mention the other English speaking tourists that had a bad attitude? If this were the experience of a non-American, wanna bet they wouldn’t hesitate to scream the offending nationality off of the rooftops?

Back to the lil’ old book of “rules” for traveling abroad…. Remember, it’s America’s job to police the world and give orders to everyone. Not you. You think Bush was bad? Wait ’till Mizz Sarah Palin takes office!

UPDATE:

Yet, another pompous pseudo-intellectual creates a list of “rules” for Americans to abide by when they travel overseas.

There are probably more out there. But why? I thought that yanks didn’t travel.

Americans are all Spoiled and Rich, You Say?

This is news to me. I used to think that this was a joke until I had heard it so many times. I have come to find these people are actually serious.

Wow!

What I find most interesting is the fact that those living in Europe, Canada, and other Western countries clearly live better than Americans. This is a fact.

But we’re “spoiled”? And “rich”? How?

Surely if you compare our materialism with those living in developing countries, I can understand. But when you compare “our stuff” with what people have in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and in Europe? Are you kidding me?

For those that are just as clueless as I, this is an actual stereotype pinned to the Americans. I have found no evidence to support how Americans are “spoiled and rich”. But I HAVE found evidence to support that our government is RICH but also trillions of dollars (if not more) IN DEBT. Yep. You guys are supposed to know this stuff. I think you Americanophobes conveniently like to “confuse” the average man on the street with the $$$$ BIG $$$$ FAT $$$$ CAT $$$$ CORPORATIONS $$$$ that run the country.

Anyway, I have only found evidence to support the opposite of the claim that all Americans have 589001456 SUVs, have 4 story homes with 9 garages on 6000 acres of land. Ironically enough, the same Americanophobic propagandists who who call us “spoiled and rich”  are also the same people who say American lives suck.

Americanophobes are a walking contradiction, to say the least.

Let us explore how the rest of the West live in comparison to those evil yanks.

The French Health Care System

More on the French Health Care System (Rated the best in the world)

French Family Values VS American Family Values

In the U.S. politicians are defined as pro-family values if they:

• Oppose abortion.
• Oppose stem cell research.
• Oppose gay marriage.
• Give lip service to the sanctity of traditional marriage and the importance of the traditional family
• Attend church regularly.

——————————————

As far as the French are concerned, these issues have little if anything to do with family values.

For them “pro-family” means supporting policies that play a major role in helping families — parents and children — in their daily lives. Politicians are considered pro-family values if they vote for continued government support for:

• Universal, accessible medical care.
• Family allowances paid to parents of young children to help them with the costs of raising children.
• Minimum of four day stays in hospital for mothers giving birth.
• Social workers available cost-free to help parents of newborns with child-rearing, finances, and other issues.
• State-run day care for children from the age of 4 months, with payment based on parents’ income, and free preschool programs for all children starting at age 3, all with teachers who have completed a two year program in pedagogy.
• Free education, elementary school through university, including graduate school, medical, law, and other professional schools.
• A work year of approximately 1440 hours and one month paid vacation which makes for more “quality time” for parents and children. (Americans work approximately 1800 hours per year according to World Policy Institute researchers. The United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its workers paid vacation days and paid holidays, according to economist John Schmitt of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.)

How Canada Stole the American Dream

Believe it or not, we now have more wealth than Americans, even though we work shorter hours. We drink more often, but we live longer and have fewer diseases. We have more sex, more sex partners and we’re more adventurous in bed, but we have fewer teen pregnancies and fewer sexually transmitted diseases. We spend more time with family and friends, and more time exploring the world.

[Snip!]

The data shows that it’s the Canadians who are living it up, while Americans toil away, working longer hours to pay their mounting bills.

The Obesity Epidemic in the US (although Australia has beat us at our own game)

How is it that this is an area of envy? I will wait a lifetime for this answer.

As the Canadians said, Americans work longer hours and have less vacation time to spend with loved ones and family.

Am I supposed to feel spoiled? NO! I’M ENVIOUS!!!!

How about the Nanny States that most of you live in? My friend who lives in Finland told me that her husband GOT PAID for going to college! You have Nanny who takes care of any problems you may have. You people as self-sufficient as Americans are, generally speaking. Americans must fend for themselves. Granted, Americans DO have access to social programs and the like such as welfare, social security, Medicaid, SSI, SSD, scholarships for college, financial aid for college, public school, and free emergency care if you don’t have insurance. But compared to Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, you are afforded more luxury living conditions that don’t pressure you to work hard. And you receive more handouts from Nanny that the Americans envy.

My fiance, from England, can’t believe we (in America) only get two weeks holiday a year to start. They get five. To him it’s INSANE that companies don’t take better care of their workers. When he was here in December, I couldn’t take off from work, because I hadn’t accrued any vacation time at that point. Also insane. And now I have to ration my time off for when he moves here and we get married.

He also says that in England, they cannot schedule your shift less than 12 hours apart (8 for sleep, 2 hours for commuting both ways, 2 hours for breakfast and dinner). During the Christmas season in the US, it was common for me to close the store at 11pm, and be back in to open at 6am. That made him angry to hear.

And, in England, if your employer wants you to work the overnight shift (for example, filling in for a co-worker for a day or two), they have to give you the day prior off and the day after off, and pay you for both, to let your body adjust to the schedule change. In other words, two free paid days off, in addition to your regular days off! If only they’d schedule him for one overnight per week!

But sometimes Nanny can get evil and start preaching to you how you must live your lives, but you guys don’t seem to mind that. (Well, at least the braggart Americanophobes don’t)

Here’s one American’s take on “how spoiled we are”.

We’re NOT SPOILED

I’m sick of being told we need to cut back and that America is spoiled. I guess it’s better if we’re more like the “world?” It’s my fault that I need to get to work, need gas in the car, food on the table, and want to see a movie once in a while? Oh yeah, baby I’m living way past my means.

Someone’s starving, somewhere so I need to give up my car to drive to the store and ride a bike. Of course! What was I thinking!

What in the “world” are they talking about? Because some other country doesn’t live like we do doesn’t make us automatically spoiled.

Why does America have food, fuel, housing, roads? We “have” because people here worked for “it.” We became what we are because we PRODUCED! Production doesn’t make you spoiled; it shows you’re smart.

Collectively, we have more because we produce more.

Stop telling me I’m spoiled and I should just cut back so the TRULY spoiled – BIG OIL COMPANIES – can keep THEIR riches, enjoy their yachts, big tax breaks, government subsidies, AND spoiled style of living.

Feel free to read the rest of her justified rant here.

Should we appreciate what we have? Yes. But I’d never go as far as saying that we’re spoiled or that we have more than other 1st world countries or that we want material goods that others don’t crave. That’s a crock of poop.

What about rich American Celebrities?

American movies make more money (because they are shown all over the world), so the celebrities get paid more here compared to the celebrities abroad. However, celebrities on the whole, are RICH all over the world. Every country’s celebrity makes more than their doctors and lawyers. And naturally, these people along with the government, shoudn’t be “confused” with the average Joe American.

Salaries

Before we talk about salaries that the average men on the street make, and before we discuss who makes more money, let’s look at the LIVING EXPENSES in each country. I’ll leave you to do that research yourself. In any event, it is insignificant because the average Joe American is *NOT* rich. Not even close.

In the US, only a small few are considered “rich”. The rest of the population are part of the upper middle class, middle class, lower middle class, working class, and then the indigent.

Even if Americans were mostly or all rich upper middle people?

…So?

What does rich mean – other than rich? How does money equate to being “spoiled”? Or content? Especially when we can see that there are other countries out there that are happier than America. Some significant differences follow.

What about “Quality of Life”?

Norway, anybody? What about this?

Feeling sad? Researchers at Britain’s University of Leicester reckon you might just be in the wrong country. According to Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist at Leicester who developed the first “World Map of Happiness,” Denmark is the happiest nation in the world.

White’s research used a battery of statistical data, plus the subjective responses of 80,000 people worldwide, to map out well-being across 178 countries. Denmark and five other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and Iceland, came out in the top 10…

Hat Tip: In Case You Missed It

And that’s not even the half of it. If it is true that everything about America sucks, then how do you think the people must feel?

Actually, if anybody is spoiled, that would be any country that is not forced to take care of themselves knowing that the government will always be there for you.

Before you call Americans “spoiled”, please check our quality of life compared to other developed countries, and then get back to me with your revised verdict.

Some Brits find the US to Be More Peaceful and Less Violent than Britain

I have been calling out the US on her violence for ages, but having read this article published by the BBC, it gave even someone like me some perspective.

A British man I met in Colorado recently told me he used to live in Kent but he moved to the American state of New Jersey and will not go home because it is, as he put it, “a gentler environment for bringing the kids up.”

Brits arriving in New York, hoping to avoid being slaughtered on day one of their shopping mission to Manhattan are, by day two, beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about. By day three they have had had the scales lifted from their eyes.

I have met incredulous British tourists who have been shocked to the core by the peacefulness of the place, the lack of the violent undercurrent so ubiquitous in British cities, even British market towns.

“It seems so nice here,” they quaver.

[Snip!]

They will occasionally kill each other in anger or by mistake, but you never feel as unsafe as you can feel in south London.

It is a paradox. Along with the guns there is a tranquillity and civility about American life of which most British people can only dream.

Feel free to read the rest of that article here.

The British authors of “America in the World” published something noteworthy on this topic:

Gun crime, inequalities in general and access to healthcare, in particular, are also used by America’s critics as ammunition.  Michael Moore’s films – Bowling for Columbine and Sicko – portray a particularly negative view of America.  American citizens have their own personal experiences which they can set against the films of Moore – and of the wider Hollywood – but for overseas observers they are often unchallenged propaganda. There are occasional attempts by opinion-formers to put contentious subjects into context – as the BBC’s Justin Webb recently did in his defence of America’s record on gun crime[13] – but these are exceptional.

This fact is very important. Only in America are Micheal Moore, Al Gore, Noam Chomsky et al challenged on some of their exaggerations, inaccurate fast facts, and generalized distortion of the truth. However, abroad, these people’s statements are digested without a burp!

Critics of America are very useful and have fundamentally good intentions, however, some of these multi-millionaires who critique this country get carried away beyond the facts to pure theatrical hyperbole.

If you are interested in this subject, you also may be interested in my posting about the flaws in Michaell Moore’s argument in his movie, “Bowling for Columbine”.

How Do YOU Define Anti-Americanism?

You’ve heard my version more than once, I’m sure, and the distinction I make between Foreign Anti-Americans and American Anti-Americans. For those unfamiliar with my blog, can find how I define it here.

Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to hear from YOU. Please answer this question in my comment section. Any ramblings not addressing this question will get deleted and not read in full.

Thank you.

NOTE: This post is now closed. I had this up for an entire month and the majority of the responses were irrelevancies. To those of you that had the courage to give me your own definition of Anti-Americanism, I thank you.