Is the USA in decline? A land of materialists and fakes?
Discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK7tYOVd0Hs
It's really not a part of the USA we think of much as tourists. But if that eulogy is anything to go by, American Exceptionalism is alive and well.
It's really not a part of the USA we think of much as tourists. But if that eulogy is anything to go by, American Exceptionalism is alive and well.
I visit Minnesota regularly, about five times a year, and always enjoy it. Minneapolis is so so but the lakes to the North and community around them are just wonderful.
I stay in a small (very small) town called Hackensack. To sum it up it's poor, neat, white and a nod to religion however safe, pretty and polite.
I take my young family there for watersport fun and hit the Mall of America and other things every year or two as well.
My best mate has lived in Burbank CA for the last 15 years and in the time I've been visiting him, not much has changed, decent enough place with people just getting by and living.
The only change I see overall is rise and rise in reality tv shows which seems to be driving a lot of the cultural things the OP talks about.
I stay in a small (very small) town called Hackensack. To sum it up it's poor, neat, white and a nod to religion however safe, pretty and polite.
I take my young family there for watersport fun and hit the Mall of America and other things every year or two as well.
My best mate has lived in Burbank CA for the last 15 years and in the time I've been visiting him, not much has changed, decent enough place with people just getting by and living.
The only change I see overall is rise and rise in reality tv shows which seems to be driving a lot of the cultural things the OP talks about.
I've an American friend who considers herself to be centrist but we steer clear of political conversations. She is nice people otherwise. I mean, apart from her racial views.
Her hubby was a lecturer/department head (he was a bit confusing as to his role) in a university. He had long term health problems - which killed him - and despite having what I would consider a well-paid job, because his health insurance wouldn't cover him after the first few (never explained how long the period was, but it seemed to be around 5 years) for the full cost of treatment, they had to fund it themselves. She worked at the uni as well.
His illness cost him more than just health insurance. It would appear that after diagnosis he was 'trapped' in his job, which the uni knew, and so he didn't get the full benefit of his unit's success. If he didn't like it, it seems, he could take his expertise to another uni or to industry where they would not fund his illness to any percentage at all. That's if they accepted him.
So the health bit is great if you are not ill it seems.
I studied air crashes for my job and subscribed to the Airport Fire Journal, which reported every air crash in the world that was reported. The vast majority of air crashes were in the US, almost all private pilots. The term used was NRA pilots: those who got into aircraft and flew them, often into mountains or the ground, because it was their right to. In chatting to a BA air crash chap, he said it was the American way of life: there are rights and no obligations. If one got in the way of an approach at a local airport, nothing was done.
I like Americans. I worked at an airport and would stop for a chat to them as they were normally pleasant and good company. I soon learnt, as with my friend, and other American friends, to avoid race and politics as subjects. Even then, the former would often come into the conversation casually. And not only from those from the southern states either.
Religion: you have to accept that America is as much a religious country as any of the Arab states. It is bewildering. Seemingly intelligent people who refuse to ask questions.
My friend regarded herself as almost atheist because she did not believe in creationism but thought evolution was designed and controlled by god. He didn't believe but was obliged to attend some service or other every Sunday to ensure his contract was renewed.
The thing with America is that it is a foreign country, just as much as one which does not speak English (poorly). I love the Italian way of life, and that of the French, but I'm not sure I could live in either country. I have a friend who set up a business in Italy, oddly enough in converted police barracks. They told stories of endemic corruption, having to pay 'council' officials and police officers just to stay open. That'd put me off if I lived there.
I might take to the French way of life after a while. I'm certain I could feel superior to every other nationality if I tried.
America? Not with their religious, political and racial weirdness. I mean, Fox News is popular: presented for idiots, by idiots.
But I do like Americans. I have been invited to 'come over and stay' by innumerable Americans I had 20 minute chats to. I believe that if I turned up on their doorstep one time (none offered to fund the flight) and reminded them of their invitation, they'd put me up.
America is like most countries that are not at war. It is a curate's egg. If it floats you boat, then good for you. I'm not sure it is for me though.
Beware of New Americans. I used to chat with many immigrants to the UK. Those who had settled would ignore the downsides of living here and only talk about the good points, although there are many, especially for those fleeing oppression. I think they took it as affront to their judgment if you tried to point out the downsides.
Her hubby was a lecturer/department head (he was a bit confusing as to his role) in a university. He had long term health problems - which killed him - and despite having what I would consider a well-paid job, because his health insurance wouldn't cover him after the first few (never explained how long the period was, but it seemed to be around 5 years) for the full cost of treatment, they had to fund it themselves. She worked at the uni as well.
His illness cost him more than just health insurance. It would appear that after diagnosis he was 'trapped' in his job, which the uni knew, and so he didn't get the full benefit of his unit's success. If he didn't like it, it seems, he could take his expertise to another uni or to industry where they would not fund his illness to any percentage at all. That's if they accepted him.
So the health bit is great if you are not ill it seems.
I studied air crashes for my job and subscribed to the Airport Fire Journal, which reported every air crash in the world that was reported. The vast majority of air crashes were in the US, almost all private pilots. The term used was NRA pilots: those who got into aircraft and flew them, often into mountains or the ground, because it was their right to. In chatting to a BA air crash chap, he said it was the American way of life: there are rights and no obligations. If one got in the way of an approach at a local airport, nothing was done.
I like Americans. I worked at an airport and would stop for a chat to them as they were normally pleasant and good company. I soon learnt, as with my friend, and other American friends, to avoid race and politics as subjects. Even then, the former would often come into the conversation casually. And not only from those from the southern states either.
Religion: you have to accept that America is as much a religious country as any of the Arab states. It is bewildering. Seemingly intelligent people who refuse to ask questions.
My friend regarded herself as almost atheist because she did not believe in creationism but thought evolution was designed and controlled by god. He didn't believe but was obliged to attend some service or other every Sunday to ensure his contract was renewed.
The thing with America is that it is a foreign country, just as much as one which does not speak English (poorly). I love the Italian way of life, and that of the French, but I'm not sure I could live in either country. I have a friend who set up a business in Italy, oddly enough in converted police barracks. They told stories of endemic corruption, having to pay 'council' officials and police officers just to stay open. That'd put me off if I lived there.
I might take to the French way of life after a while. I'm certain I could feel superior to every other nationality if I tried.
America? Not with their religious, political and racial weirdness. I mean, Fox News is popular: presented for idiots, by idiots.
But I do like Americans. I have been invited to 'come over and stay' by innumerable Americans I had 20 minute chats to. I believe that if I turned up on their doorstep one time (none offered to fund the flight) and reminded them of their invitation, they'd put me up.
America is like most countries that are not at war. It is a curate's egg. If it floats you boat, then good for you. I'm not sure it is for me though.
Beware of New Americans. I used to chat with many immigrants to the UK. Those who had settled would ignore the downsides of living here and only talk about the good points, although there are many, especially for those fleeing oppression. I think they took it as affront to their judgment if you tried to point out the downsides.
I'd agree with the OP with two exceptions. Firstly, I didn't see the sex everywhere thing (unless that's changed since a lot in the 8 years or so since I was last there), and secondly, I've never liked the place to begin with. In fact, of the 34 countries I've been to for business or pleasure over the years, it ranks second only to Saudi Arabia in my list of countries I'd be delighted never to go back to!
Certainly there are plenty of wilderness areas of the States I'd like to visit, but overall, it's a beautiful country ruined by the people who live in it. They are narrow-minded, insular, vacuous and utterly, utterly shallow.
Take the myth of the wonderful American sense of customer service! They don't do good customer service. They just have a polished smile and a polished script, and as soon as anything departs from the expected storyline that the script encompasses, they rapidly lose their veneer of civilisation. Seriously, what sort of person is actually able to summon the nerve to complain that you've not left them a tip, after you've had to send three main courses back to the kitchen between just two people eating!!! An American, that's who!
I'm fully prepared to accept that my experiences - Philadelphia fairly frequently plus a couple of trips to Boston and San Francisco - may well not be typical of the place, but my overwhelming impression of the States is that it's like a giant reality theme park where all inhabitants are actors, the vast majority of whom thoroughly resent the part they have to play.
Still, it could be worse. At least it's not Saudi Arabia!
Certainly there are plenty of wilderness areas of the States I'd like to visit, but overall, it's a beautiful country ruined by the people who live in it. They are narrow-minded, insular, vacuous and utterly, utterly shallow.
Take the myth of the wonderful American sense of customer service! They don't do good customer service. They just have a polished smile and a polished script, and as soon as anything departs from the expected storyline that the script encompasses, they rapidly lose their veneer of civilisation. Seriously, what sort of person is actually able to summon the nerve to complain that you've not left them a tip, after you've had to send three main courses back to the kitchen between just two people eating!!! An American, that's who!
I'm fully prepared to accept that my experiences - Philadelphia fairly frequently plus a couple of trips to Boston and San Francisco - may well not be typical of the place, but my overwhelming impression of the States is that it's like a giant reality theme park where all inhabitants are actors, the vast majority of whom thoroughly resent the part they have to play.
Still, it could be worse. At least it's not Saudi Arabia!
This link belongs in this thread i think!
http://www.newworldeconomics.com/archives/2014/092...
A good read!
http://www.newworldeconomics.com/archives/2014/092...
A good read!
I've been a few times. The first time I stayed with my cousin in Queens so got to do the local thing. I fell in love with the place. The second time I went and stayed with family in Maryland and hated it. I felt very concious of race there and was quite glad to be back in New York once the visit was up.
Derek Smith said:
I've an American friend who considers herself to be centrist but we steer clear of political conversations. She is nice people otherwise. I mean, apart from her racial views.
Her hubby was a lecturer/department head (he was a bit confusing as to his role) in a university. He had long term health problems - which killed him - and despite having what I would consider a well-paid job, because his health insurance wouldn't cover him after the first few (never explained how long the period was, but it seemed to be around 5 years) for the full cost of treatment, they had to fund it themselves. She worked at the uni as well.
His illness cost him more than just health insurance. It would appear that after diagnosis he was 'trapped' in his job, which the uni knew, and so he didn't get the full benefit of his unit's success. If he didn't like it, it seems, he could take his expertise to another uni or to industry where they would not fund his illness to any percentage at all. That's if they accepted him.
So the health bit is great if you are not ill it seems.
That's all changed with the ACA Derek. Insurers used to be able to refuse people because of pre existing conditions which literally trapped them in jobs. They can no longer do that. Likewise they used to impose lifetime claim maximums which if you had a serious illness would quickly be eaten up. They can no longer impose any maximums. The healthcare service here was not fit for purpose and we still pay too much as a nation but the ACA has gone a long way to addressing a lot of issues.Her hubby was a lecturer/department head (he was a bit confusing as to his role) in a university. He had long term health problems - which killed him - and despite having what I would consider a well-paid job, because his health insurance wouldn't cover him after the first few (never explained how long the period was, but it seemed to be around 5 years) for the full cost of treatment, they had to fund it themselves. She worked at the uni as well.
His illness cost him more than just health insurance. It would appear that after diagnosis he was 'trapped' in his job, which the uni knew, and so he didn't get the full benefit of his unit's success. If he didn't like it, it seems, he could take his expertise to another uni or to industry where they would not fund his illness to any percentage at all. That's if they accepted him.
So the health bit is great if you are not ill it seems.
I have been to the states a fair few times and have enjoyed both work and play there.
it is one of the very last countries in the World I would ever wish to move to to live. Too many religious and racist nutjobs all of whom I would have trouble not telling their name and number and likely then falling foul of their dubious love of guns or their welcoming and supportive Police service.
For a holiday I would go there like a shot. For reality England is the only place I wish to live and if you took that away from me I would have to polish up on my French
it is one of the very last countries in the World I would ever wish to move to to live. Too many religious and racist nutjobs all of whom I would have trouble not telling their name and number and likely then falling foul of their dubious love of guns or their welcoming and supportive Police service.
For a holiday I would go there like a shot. For reality England is the only place I wish to live and if you took that away from me I would have to polish up on my French
Kermit power said:
I understand pre-1920, our gun laws were far more lax than they are in the USA today, and gun crime was a rare thing. Also IIRC hand guns are legal in Northern Ireland, yet their gun crime rate is lower than that in England.
Esseesse said:
It's the culture, not the guns. The image above and the simplistic line about gun ownership == more murders taken by right-on liberals who think they're being clever is not very useful and is mostly wrong.
I understand pre-1920, our gun laws were far more lax than they are in the USA today, and gun crime was a rare thing. Also IIRC hand guns are legal in Northern Ireland, yet their gun crime rate is lower than that in England.
Oh absolutely, and it's one of the most repugnant cultures we've ever had on this planet. Americans as a nationality (or should that be species?) are like something out of a sci-fi film where aliens have landed on earth an disguised themselves as humans, only to be exposed as the predatory animals beneath the veneer as the plot develops.I understand pre-1920, our gun laws were far more lax than they are in the USA today, and gun crime was a rare thing. Also IIRC hand guns are legal in Northern Ireland, yet their gun crime rate is lower than that in England.
Kermit power said:
Oh absolutely, and it's one of the most repugnant cultures we've ever had on this planet. Americans as a nationality (or should that be species?) are like something out of a sci-fi film where aliens have landed on earth an disguised themselves as humans, only to be exposed as the predatory animals beneath the veneer as the plot develops.
Dude, you've got issues.Kermit power said:
Oh absolutely, and it's one of the most repugnant cultures we've ever had on this planet. Americans as a nationality (or should that be species?) are like something out of a sci-fi film where aliens have landed on earth an disguised themselves as humans, only to be exposed as the predatory animals beneath the veneer as the plot develops.
No offence mate but you're a bit of a t
t aren't you?unrepentant said:
Kermit power said:
Oh absolutely, and it's one of the most repugnant cultures we've ever had on this planet. Americans as a nationality (or should that be species?) are like something out of a sci-fi film where aliens have landed on earth an disguised themselves as humans, only to be exposed as the predatory animals beneath the veneer as the plot develops.
No offence mate but you're a bit of a tt aren't you?
I'll happily go anywhere with an open mind, and did so to the States, but the fake, scripted saccharine sweetness you encounter everywhere, coupled with the utter "couldn't give a toss" attitude and general bigotry to all things not exactly like them lurking just under the surface makes it somewhere I'll happily not go back to.
Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff