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KyrianDreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England


Posted:
I'm mostly out to ask the people from England, Oz, and NZ, who supposedly speak the same language as us americans... heh.

Basically, I want to know what people's sterotypes of americans are. Obnoxious? Self-centered? Those are a few I've hit so far. But what things do you usually associate with them?

Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive

Shalom VeAhavah

New Hampshire has a point....


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Pele, you bring up some good points, as does Stout. I have enjoyed reading your posts.



I don’t think anyone is saying their Government is better that anyone else’s. Australia certainly follows America’s lead. However, there is one big cultural difference between Australia and America, and that’s the American gun culture.



The question that comes up is how do we make a difference, even with poor and/or corrupt governance?



 Written by:

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation for such method is love. — Dr. Martin Luther King





The solution is very simple, we must “all” strive as “individuals” to overcome our primitive, automatic, reactive minds. This means becoming more aware of and taking responsibility for all the decisions we make as human beings. This is easier than it sounds. I started by becoming a more ethical consumer (eating less meat) while adopting sustainable living practices (reducing carbon consumption).



Lurch, edited, not my call.
EDITED_BY: Stone (1192063527)

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


PeleBRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA


Posted:
 Written by: faithinfire



but all my canadian, northern MN, WI, and MI friends say "eh"



(sorry, don't know what I was going for there. but they do.)







I agree. Every eastern Canadian I know says it, as do alot of the Northern border Americans.



When I was in Vancouver I found it interesting that they said "Hey" instead.





Stout, it isn't condescension at all. It's informing you. You *have* been down on americans obviously, since you were striving to inform us. I was simply informing you of what we actually are exposed to here governmentally. You brought up the who garbage, SUV thing so...ummm...if you don't want it discussed, don't bring it up and don't attempt to turn it around on me.

And this entire thread is an attack on america/ns. I've read it, the entire thing. By their very nature, stereotypes are negative and are offensive.

Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK


KaelGotRiceGOLD Member
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA


Posted:
Lurch, you're going to prove their stereotype of an arrogant [censored] if you keep arguing with them telling them not to judge you based on stereotypes wink

To do: More Firedrums 08 video?

Wildfire/US East coast fire footage

LA/EDC glow/fire footage

Fresno fire


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
ditto

StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Hi faith I have friends living in Queensland, and they all say, hey! I think you did well to bring up this topic. Clearly, there were some unresolved issues, and it would have taken some courage. I don’t think anyone here is un-American. I suppose, when it all boils down, the reason we’re trying to fix you so much, is because we love you so much. And we all know that doesn't work.

Lurch, as you say we are not Americans. All I’m trying to say is people living in other countries may not have the same appreciation of guns as you do. I know that’s hard to believe. I’m not an arty person. Your avatar reminds me of Doom II, which was fun.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
We don't need to be fixed any more or any less than any other person from another country...

I would say they are anti-American folk here (unAmerican as a different connotation.) Anti-American is a little strong but I can't think of a different word this early in the morning.

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


PeleBRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA


Posted:
 Written by: faithinfire


We don't need to be fixed any more or any less than any other person from another country...

I would say they are anti-American folk here (unAmerican as a different connotation.) Anti-American is a little strong but I can't think of a different word this early in the morning.



I agree completely.

We don't need to be "fixed". In fact, I rather like who I am.
Our govt, any govt, that is a whole nother issue.

As for this whole guns thing. I will say that I think that is a *huge* stereotype of America that no matter what anyone says we can't shake. Did ya'all watch Miss Congeniality too much or something?

We aren't in love with guns here. Our florists tend not to carry them. Most states have unreal strict gun laws, and there are national organizations created for the sole purpose of banishing guns. Even our law enforement in many, many areas are turning in guns for equally painful and less lethal measures.

I think this is the one I am the most sick of, how much we all *love* our guns. rolleyes

Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
Simple statistics show that not only America have gun crime but the UK also have increase in gun crime over recent years.



* In 2004/05 there were a provisional 10,979 firearm offences, an increase of 6% since 2003/04. The number of offences has risen each year since 1997/98

* Firearms were involved in 1,206 more serious incidents of violence against the person (other than homicide) in 2004/05, the same proportion (3%) as in 2003/04. Less than half of one per cent (0.5%) of other offences of violence against the person involved firearms in 2004/05, though the 4,568 offences recorded represents a 31% increase from 2003/04.

* Firearms were used in 73 (8.5%) homicides in 2004/05, five more than the previous year.

* There were 2,659 firearm robberies in 2004/05 (4% of all robbery offences), a 9% decrease from the previous year.

* Handguns, including imitation handguns, were used in 4,326 offences during 2004/05, a decrease of 16% from 2003/04. Shotguns were used in 590 offences, an 18% decrease from the previous year.

* There were 412 firearm offences that resulted in serious injury in 2004/057, a 6% decrease compared to 2003/04. The number of slight injuries increased by 81% to 3,361 offences; it seems likely that changes to the categories used in classifying these offences have partly contributed to this increase. More than half of these slight injuries (55%) were caused by imitation weapons.

* Imitation weapons were used in 3,332 offences in 2004/05, an increase of 55% (1,186 offences) from the previous year. Ball-bearing guns accounted for a large majority of these.

These statistics are from the British Home Office.

This subject for some reason gets highly overlooked, American gum crime is highly televised by such events as Columbine and so forth, world media coverage, and such documentaries as Michael Moores films.

It's easier to point fingers at Americans when all we see are rising gun crime rates but nothing about Safety, legislations, educational practices.

I think that this type of stereotyping comes solely from such media coverage.

Saddening as it is for such a generalization of American public.

FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
*jiggles about chitchat*

The US - as a nation - at some times and in certain topics - behaves like a juvenile, one hand holding a beer bottle and the other typing an SMS, while riding a SUV at 100mph on an overcrowded freeway, cursing at those who give them that offensive "raised eyebrow"...

I am trying to descern, but it's not easy looking at the facts.

There is great stuff and great people coming from the US too - I am trilled by the mere idea of either: the first female or the first black president of the United States.

Suggestion: Let the next elections speak for the maturity of the US.

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
It's not in chat anymore

Hillary's ideas are too socialistic for us at this point and Obama will not win because people think that he doesn't have enough experience.

That is what I am hearing, but it is good to see them running

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
Oh thanks I was thinking that the thread needed a different prefix...

So you suggest Mc Cain or Giuliani being the better alternatives to both, a female and a black president? Because one is too socialistic, where the other is.... rolleyes well how "experienced" has this farmers boy been when he first got elected, other than carrying his mothers wedded name?

*looks for that "blow my head off" - greamlin*

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
Fred Thompson is gaining ground. I shall wait to make a decision closer to the vote.

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
How can you base a political decision merely by looking at what others think? But maybe the US should do just that and vote Democrats... I reckon Al Gore should do another run, just to derail those two main arguments you brought forward wink

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
I wouldn't vote either of them simply because I don't like what they stand for. I really wouldn't vote Gore because I think he is a schill and an censored

I'm not fond of anyone at this point so I wait to make my decision.

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


KaelGotRiceGOLD Member
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA


Posted:
Really? Because obama stands for christian traditional values more than any other presidential candidate other than the Mormon (Mitt Romney) who is one of the only republicans not to have remarried a few times... hahah - and Ron Paul, who is actually a libertarian. In fact, Obama's probably a little too bible hugging than I'd like, but he says that religion makes him a moral person, not one that'd shove it down our throats.

https://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Fred_Thompson.htm
Fred Thompson, are you kidding?

Discrimination against homosexuals in workplaces is OK.
Roe vs wade/women's right to abortion overturned in almost ALL cases OK
Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999) OK sure!
Voted NO on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997) OK
Global warming is non-existant, and let's have nuclear waste repositories near where americans live OK

Here's the kicker-
Allowing concealed carry could have limited VA Tech massacre. (Apr 2007)
YET-
Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999) right!

okay, wtf. If it weren't for his supporting of the constitution and state rights, and a few other liberties and values... his entire social paradigm is... messed up.

Reading the thing on Obama, not that I'm saying to vote for him... but wouldn't you rather have a new guy who's trying to do good than another Bush jr.?

To do: More Firedrums 08 video?

Wildfire/US East coast fire footage

LA/EDC glow/fire footage

Fresno fire


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
Saying you're Christian, doesn't make you Christian

I said I haven't decided, just that Fred Thompson was gaining ground. That's all. I even said I am not fond of anyone at this point.

don't jump down my throat before you finish reading what I typed

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


KaelGotRiceGOLD Member
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA


Posted:
Not jumping down your throat, just saying a bit of research is good!



Also, just because any candidate is gaining ground shouldn't mean anything in the slightest. Vote for the best man or woman for the job!



and certainly don't listen to me wink

To do: More Firedrums 08 video?

Wildfire/US East coast fire footage

LA/EDC glow/fire footage

Fresno fire


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
I'm not deciding for a long time. Currently learning by osmosis

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
faith, I should have defined fix. The definition I was thinking of was like the one in those Men are from Mars/Venus books. To fix – to offer gratuitous advice to family and friends in the mistaken belief you are helping them. A very human foible.

PK, thanks for the stats. Apologies if this sounds flippant, bit I’m a bit statsed out at the moment. The background for this discussion, and way too much stats, can be found in the Virginia Tech thread and the Guns License to Murder thread. Gun crime in America went down until 2005. Some would suggest this was due to a relaxing of the CCW laws in some states. I’ d say it was the result of the War on Drugs, and cite the number of people incarcerated for drugs during the time frame as evidence. Gun crime started to rise again after 2005, I’d suggest this was due to the slacking of the CCW laws.

Pele, I watch the 7 o’clock news and I just don’t understand why people living in Americans tolerate such a high level of gun violence. This week a deputy massacred a group of teenagers in Wisconsin, and there was a school shooting massacre in Ohio.

The national anti-gun organizations would be the Brady foundation. I have read much at their site, and my stereotypical view on guns is similar to theirs. Sure there are some tough federal gun laws on new gun sales, but the problem is there no laws on sale of second hand gun sales at gun shows. See Gun Shows and Private Sales. The kids that committed the Columbine massacre got their assault weapons from a gun show.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


LurchBRONZE Member
old hand
929 posts
Location: Oregon, USA


Posted:
I really wish you'd figure out that there are bad people in *every* culture Stone, not just Americans. Many who have done far worse than any of the stories you just related.

And for the last time, all of the guns used in Columbine were obtained illegally I know I've told you that many many times but you still keep saying there are "no laws" on second hand gun sales.

#homeofpoi -- irc.newnet.net Come talk to us we're bored frown

Warning: Please Do Not Jump On The Seals


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
I have to agree with Lurch!... part of what I was trying to get across with my previous post! by posting stats of the UK to get across that it is not just the US, but why don't the UK get steroetyped for that, or are we just eventually just going to be stereotyped for, child murders? and missing children?.

Crime; It's world wide, were all probably guilty of some thing or other, I will actually admit that I'm also guilty of gun crime but I won't disclose information about that openly, and is not some thing that I am proud of, so therefore I can speak first hand.

Stone, hug

StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
Hi Lurch, how’s the jeep? The stuff from the news was an observation, not a criticism. We have shootings in Australia, and there are a lot of bad people out there. Though, it seems to me that things only get worse when people have easy access to guns. That the kids got the guns illegally sets off alarm bells for me.



I get what Pele said; I know you love your guns. I though you did a good job to get one up here, very creative. Up until a few years ago, I would have taken you “spot-lighting”, if your were in the neighborhood.



PK, some would suggest that the rise in gun crime in the UK is a direct result of the export of American gun culture to other countries. American gun culture is an export.





beerchug

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
I agree with it being an export, that is so true, but with out wanting to be called a racist or anti american or whatever, like most people, I do look in to where it is promoted, Rap music for one, films and so on... it's an instant excuse, but do you know what?..

I love British Gangster films, films like Lockstock, ODC, circus, snatch to name but a few... Full of violence, guns, crime and drugs. no one ever looks at the British.. yet we still lag behind in stereotyping, yet probably by a size per population count we probably piss on the crime stats of the US alone.

StoneGOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia


Posted:
PK, it’s not that no one ever looks at the British or the Australians or the Canadians or the New Zealanders or other countries. It’s like some countries stand out more than others do, like South Africa. There is nothing really wrong with liking things that promote guns, crime and drugs. But do you think it’s sending a positive message? Is it drawing people together or pushing them apart?

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh


faith enfireBRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA


Posted:
Boondock Saints is a good movie and I think it draws folks together
or Tarintino moviees-I don't like him but the people who do seem to talk for hours
As for the exporting of our culture, so now we are ruining other cultures cause they decide they like ours smile

Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed


pkBRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,997 posts
Location: United Kingdom


Posted:
Stone, I think that it raises awareness of such issues, different people have different opinions about them, but that all depends on an individuals thoughts, feelings, ideals so on and so forth, that's why we all have differences and like you say some of which stand out more than others for certain countries.

As for if they are positive or negative?... I think that making a fast buck is highly more important to those who publish such materials than promoting what the public world wide could object too, I'm on the understand that is why we have such bodies that govern films with age restrictions... which leads me to think why some of the songs released these days are not age restricted, they just get a warning sticker or notice about explicit lyrics.

LurchBRONZE Member
old hand
929 posts
Location: Oregon, USA


Posted:
Well you most certainly can't quantify American gun culture as one unique element, there are many different types of 'gun' people, and I'll admit that many of them are bad for our image. But they are not the majority, they are merely the most vocal. Do you really let the media/Hollywood/the recording industry make your opinions for you?

There *are* positive gun campaigns, that promote good healthy values, but people are too caught up on the rapper saying 'Shoot the *****' on the radio to care or even acknowledge any sort of positive side of a very remotely connected culture.

BTW The jeep is great, and most of the columbine guns were straw purchases, made by older people who gave the boys guns, that's like you giving your car keys to a 10 year old, but somehow it's the governments fault the kid is driving?

#homeofpoi -- irc.newnet.net Come talk to us we're bored frown

Warning: Please Do Not Jump On The Seals


FireTomStargazer
6,650 posts

Posted:
ubblol rolleyes ... wich is exactly a part of american gun culture: Making guns look harmless by comparing them to cars... and deal with them almost the same way.

Saying that "others are equal or worse" doesn't clean your closet, does it? It's a phenomenon of putting bullspoo in ralativity with cowspoo, making bullspoo smell and look nicer - regardless how much more bulls, than cowspoo is around.

Is racism in Germany less of a problem, because French have racism too?

Does the government and government officials support and promote children driving? If yes, would it then be part of their responsibility?

One dimensional arguments are not going to make US stereotypes look better.

The electoral process is censored just alike.

clap Kael - nicely put (and this is coming from an american). Hear, hear.

the best smiles are the ones you lead to wink


MynciBRONZE Member
Macaque of all trades
8,738 posts
Location: wombling free..., United Kingdom


Posted:
americans, stupid... it's a trick ..get an axe. wink

I think they know the stereotypes and they do it on purpose to wind us up, ..Hell I would biggrin

When I go over to the U.S I'm gonna wear a bowler hat, suit, carry an umbrella and sing about chimney sweeps and talk like a royal just to balance things out ubblol

oh yes and carry a football (a round one) wink

or should I wear burberry and wear a sovereign ring (which is the english sterotype now?)

A couple of balls short of a full cascade... or maybe a few cards short of a deck... we'll see how this all fans out.


KaelGotRiceGOLD Member
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
1,584 posts
Location: Angels Landing, USA


Posted:
Mynci, are you hot but have bad teeth? wink

To do: More Firedrums 08 video?

Wildfire/US East coast fire footage

LA/EDC glow/fire footage

Fresno fire


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