Why Hate America??

[TheSilverKnight]

Would that we could go back in in time and let your poor Europeans kill eachother off. Would that we could back in time and let your continent rot after both world wars. Would that we could go back in time and simply let the communists take over Europe.

Woe is America, for leaving Europe intact.

I find myself offended slightly by this, but I respect your opinions, despite the fact I disagree with them. But the world wouldn't exactly be a better place with Europe gone, nor would it be with America gone.

Good grief. You know what's really funny? The ignorance on both sides of this issue.

I think you take Louis', Beirut's and Kongamato's arguments together and there you have it. More importantly, I think Soly had the best point in this thread so far.

First off, Silver Knight, when you describe us as the rudest, most arrogant bags of wind on the planet (and truthfully, I do actually know some Americans that fit that bill) you should realize that in general, if you ever actually meet a few of us and quit relying on TV and friends for your opinions, I think you'll find we tend to be a little more cloistered than most people, not through arrogance, but through simple insularism. We tend to be considerate and friendly, but generally, only when we actually know somebody.

Second, Gel Cube, SFTS, you know, making these jokes don't exactly help. Jokes are only funny when you consider your target audience. It's not funny if they think you're serious and you confirm the stereotypes you're trying to poke fun at.

All in all, I think a lot of Americans don't realize that the finger poking that gets sent our way goes on among just about everyone else. You have to realize, America is roughly the same size as Europe. Just travelling the length and breath of our own country is enough to keep your average Joe occupied for a lifetime. What's more, when we do come to visit, we don't receive the warmest of welcomes. Fact is, some Europeans do have a chip on their shoulder. Most don't, but the ones that do tend to be vocal enough that we feel very unwelcome and wind up hiding in our hotels, rather than getting out and getting to know you.

Now, important conclusion coming up here... you don't make friends with stereotypes, categorizations or national identies. You make friends with individuals. We as Americans need to grow a thicker hide and realize you find 'people' everywhere, home and abroad, and from my travels, we're all more alike then different.

Everyone who's feelings are hurt.... grow up.

To reply to Don Corleone: A good post, and I agree wholeheartedly with your points. And yes, I find a great deal of Americans to be nice people (since I have met quite a few Americans. I have actually been to the United States a few times.), but there are the people who make jokes, and do put out and make themselves seem like the very stereotypes people explain about, and to be honest, why? Are they just doing this to cause an argument, or do they wish to prove another point? And if the latter, then what point would it be? That we live up to the stereotypes you put out??? To me it does not make a lot of sense.