11-19-2004, 03:03 PM
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Confirmed User
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 2,754
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Quote:
Originally posted by Holly
I was just having this discussion with someone the other night and I was the first to admit that in general, most Americans don't give a fuck what the rest of the world thinks about us, lol. This person was mentioning how outraged and dumbfounded his country and the rest of the world was about our elections, etc. I know that to be true, and of course some people do care, but I also know that most here haven't been losing any sleep about it. But regardless, I think most Americans do like to travel and see/experience other cultures.
I think you have to consider our geography. Of course Europeans are going to travel to more countries, experience more cultures, speak more languages, and be more aware of other nations. Look at the size and proximity of many of the European nations. If every time I got in my car or hopped a quick flight to Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, etc., I crossed over into a completely different culture and language, or if every time someone in Cali went to Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, they were doing the same, I'm sure we'd be much more culturally aware.
Likewise, if every European nation was required to take a flight across the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean to travel, I guarantee you the majority would never experience any life outside their own country. I think it's basic logistics and economics. Plus, many of you guys grow up bilingual and are taught other languages in school from the get go. For the most part, it's not required here because we have no reason/need for it. However, I think that is also true with most English speaking nations.
I have traveled through Europe and various other places. Even the places that I wasn't exactly wild about, were still worth visiting for the experience alone. I'm sure I could live in another country. However, I'd be a liar if I said it *really* concerned me or caused me worry, as far as what the rest of the world is thinking about us. Maybe that does make me an ass, afterall. 
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Very nice post. 
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