That article is so true. I can tell you as a world traveler dealing with many cultures, it seems as though they are more open to experiences then we are. Many cultures (and just not our enemies) acutally, hate us! Here's some of what they've told me. They find Americans, greedy, smug, all high and mighty, self centered and narcissistic. I remember my first trip abroad, it was to London England, I was so excited, I was actually dissapointed there wasn't any fog when I was there. However, I heard other Americans on my tour stating that they were bored and should have not come because England wasn't anything like America! What? of course it's not! The idiots!
When I travel I try to assimulate my culture into their culture. I am the guest, no one likes a rude guest. Don't you hate it when a friend comes over and you offer them a Beer and they get ticked off because they don't like that brand and expect you to cater to all their needs. I mean I understand hospitality but my house doesn't operate like you're house and who are you to come in and tell me I'm doing it all wrong. (unless I'm doing something actually harmful to myself or others, then I should listen).
I've seen the anger in our foreign friends eyes and even felt their anger. We are a generation that loves movie stars, who seem to go to jail and rehab more and more, sports heros, who seem to go to jail more and more etc and so forth.
Maybe it's time to take to heart that artical, get our heads out of our cheeks that we don't eat with and see that we are a multicultural world, with many important issues that might Actually get solved if we work together! And that's a Grilldog Tip we can live by.
I don't know either however, I do know that typically, friendly acceptable behavior doesn't result in a negative interation with our fellow humans over seas (once again, unless they are our enemy). I've been lost at 4am in another country and asked a bum on the side of the road for directions and he gave them to me and they were right...
TVDinner wrote: I can never tell if the anger stems from jealousy or the fact that they actually are upset with our culture and way of life.I do not think it is jealousy. Personally, I would love to live in a place like Norway. Norway has the highest HDI in the world (Human Development Index), it is generally pacifist (when was the last time you saw Norway involved in a war), and the like. The problem with America, is that it is like a corporate commercial. It is highly advertised, everyone wants it, and the product is something people would steal if they could not get it. America does not have the highest standards of living in the world, but it has the most advertised. And I think that is what annoys people. We advertise all these liberties, opportunities, and the like, and when people get here, they are greated by some liberties, prejiduce, and a very new and complex culture.
If you cannot understand some of that, I'm sorry, I typed it in about 30 seconds. I am just on my way out of the door to see Bourne Ultimatum!
However, despite everything that I have said, oppressed people from all over the world keep coming to America's shores. They just keep coming. Even with all of our painful shortcomings and deficiencies, we remain a beacon of hope to millions of less fortunate people who look to our nation as a path to a better life. Our way is still the desired way, for all that might be wrong with it.
Because we ARE Americans!
I personally think that this is a bit simplistic view of the world. Is US the only country that immigrants keep flooding in? No. For example, India actually has a fair number of immigrants (or refuses) believe or not. Quite a few immigrants come from neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. Now, does this mean that India is a great country? Not, necessarily. I don't mean to say that India is a terrible country. But I can't tell you how many very basic problems you find in this country. By and large, they come to India because they have to. Ideology doesn't drive a massive number of people from one place to another, but physical necessities do.
You always post about not having water or electricity, etc. Sure there are some places in India that have all the normal things the people in America are used to and expect, but it is totally different then what I wrote about.
People come to America for a dream that may or may not actually exist. They come to America for the "promised land and better life" they desire. As you stated above, they come to India "because they have to" or are refugees. That is totally different. totally.
TVDinner wrote: People come to America for a dream that may or may not actually exist. They come to America for the "promised land and better life" they desire. As you stated above, they come to India "because they have to" or are refugees. That is totally different. totally.
No, I'm saying that that's the premise of what you wrote but that's not what's actually happening.
One of my good friends (and fans) lives in India, she's very helpful in editing my work that I do. In fact, most of the people that work behind the scenes on my show, forum and "book in the works" are from over seas, especially, Indian and South Africa. They give me a real indepth look at there culture and I can see why folks want to come over here. yes, the publicity and promise of a better life is part of it, but when you have nothing, a little better then nothing is better!
