Do you think this reflects the self absorbed mentality of the average US citizen?
211014
Americans ask "Do you have a 4th of July?"\n\nAnd the rest of the world says, "Yes, but not the one you have."
444784
I sure hope not....but yeah, I think it has. I also think people are so de-sensitized by all this bullshit that our country is just a bunch of whiney, look away, greedy, muffin tops!
208734
In my view, as someone looking into the US-centric culture from the outside... I think a lot of it isn`t necessarily brain washing, but laziness. Yes - laziness.\nPeople don`t want to be troubled by other people - so make everyone be independent. People don`t want to have to put too much effort into raising their children - let`s push them to be independent before they hit their first birthday. \nAll of this breeds more selfishness, which in turn increases the push to make everyone independent.
566689
If you saw how long I spend on some of my answers you might think I must come from a different country according to your statement. (Or maybe you'd just think I was a bit slow witted? Ha ha!) But guess what, I'm a US citizen.\n\nOne of my humbling moments as a US citizen came when I was living in Japan. I was at a business meeting with Japanese, Australians, English, and a couple of US citizens. One of the Australians started doing an impression of US citizens. She started talking loudly, smiling broadly (showing a lot of teeth), and gesturing. I thought it was funny. The citizens from other countries thought it was even funnier. I might imagine the whole world enjoying such a joke on US citizens, but that would be another stereotype--on the other citizens of the world.\n\nI think people will see what they want to see--especially if they are looking for it. For instance, "Is it true that Americans answer immediately, without giving it much to think about?" \n\nIt's easier for people to think in stereotypes. People think like that to make sense of their world. I'm not saying it's a terrible thing. However, they may be missing interaction with people they might actually enjoy spending time with. Such separation doesn't bring the world closer to peace. It's also rather lonely and boring don't you think?
561725
This is par for the course. The government is made up of human beings (therefore flawed) who are in it for themselves and I don't think many of them do their jobs. I do find it difficult to believe that any fraud, especially at this level, can be perpetrated without inside help.  I know I'm not counted in the unemployment figures. I think most figures relating to disadvantaged Americans are greatly underestimated.  You could probably triple most numbers in that regard.
91525
YES! YES! and again yes.As you are already aware, in this world today,ecspecially in the Good Ole USA,you are either politically correct,bury your head in the sand,or speak out and be a radical trouble causing ungrateful citizen which is one step short of being a terrorist yourself.\nI'll just stop here.Thanks for letting me answer.
612016
Even Americans are mortified to see themselves and their neighbors be so huge. Check out WalMart sometime. Criminy. \n\nI think that people tend to do what they have seen done before them. Look at the impossibility of the 4 minute mile. Once the barrier was broken, there were many more that came right after. \n\nWhen one sees truly huge people, it is easy to think of ones self as "not too fat." I'm not as big as "that" person, so I am not so bad. \n\nAmericans don't all do things as a group. We live in an enormous country. We tend to do things that our families and neighbors do. There is very little true necessary activity in this nation anymore. Farming is done with machines, clothes are washed in machines, dishes are washed similarly, no ironing is truly necessary, food is microwavable and served up instantly in fast food restaurants. \n\nOur lifestyle, in general, seems to be one of needing more hours in the day. Most people are working couples, kids get second place to the parents' jobs. There isn't much time for family life, and for personal recreation, much let alone kayaking, cycling, mountain hiking, and volksmarching. \n\nThe hectic lives many Americans lead does not lend itself to healthful living. \n\nAnother thing to consider is that most Americans are not rich. Most Americans work very hard to try to "keep up with the Joneses." There are images of monied perfection that we try to attain, and it takes 2 jobs and not much time for anything else. The people who you see as jetsetters, ski bunnies, and driving great cars and living in fantastic homes are the top of the economic pile. Most of us are not as well heeled, and can't afford the gym, or even find time for a nice walk. \n\nYou talk about how the rest of the world views Americans. Sorry that the fat slobs here are ruining our world image. Sometimes it might be impossible, but a nice dream, to think that others might check in their own backyards before judging the rest of the world. \n\nI know that Americans are not the favorites of the world. But again, the great majority of us are decent, caring, well-balanced individuals, with open minds and hearts. Even the very fattest of us all might surprise the rest of the svelte world population with intelligence, dignity, inner grace, and kindness. \n\nSorry America doesn't present the best picture for you or the "rest of the world." Sorry about the starving folks in other countries. Truly I am. But to be angry with us because of a weight issue is to be small-minded and ignorant of the real factors facing transglobal relations. \n\nWe're fat because we have access to unhealthy foods, live an unhealthy lifestyle, and are caught in a rut of modern living. Habits are hard to break, and no one is eating extra calories to cause international hardship. Perhaps the next time I consider putting that second serving of Cheerios into my cereal bowl, I'll remember how it'll look to the rest of the world, and be ashamed.
179070
Welcome to America! Home of some of the most greedy materialistic people in the whole world. Many people here are trying to impress, or if not impress put themselves higher than the rest. We will someday suffer for are " gotta have it yesterday mentality" and are " have it now with no payments or intersest" mentality. It used to be that friendships and family gatherings were the most important thing to many. Now we sacrafice that to have the kid with the most sport activities and the coolest car to pick them up in. Don't want people to know that we are in debt up to our necks. Study other cultures, and the ones that hold too the family traditions of gathering for meals and sharing whatever they have. You will find a much more content people. I was actually making too much money at my job that I quit. Why suffer with extreme hours and no home time for a better car or a bigger TV or an "awesome vacation". I would rather be average and content! What is funny is this immigrant issue in our faces right now. And how most mexican families have the old American traditions still in opperation. Ya, they put a few brewsky's back and have a good time, but most also work hard to make ends meet and don't bitch and complain about every little injustice that happens in there comfortable life....well I better get off my box! I could go on all night. There all still good folks out there who are not brainwashed by american media and american dreams. They are just harder to find. But when you do find some like that, treasure those relationships!
185296
It becomes an issue of public priority. There is an underlying American opinion that your supposed to be able to make it on your own if you work hard enough (even though this is some times a very silly theory in praxis). So theres a general discontent for things which some people see as freerider type things. You could argue there is probably a lack of empathy as many people favor as little government as possible by cutting social safety net programs for the poor. When people keep blaming the victim, these type of injustices occur. Not to mention there are quite a few government expenses that are on the board right now, so people who see us in a defecit think, well now certainly isnt the time to help these people out. It is certainly frusterating and sad but its a part of the american psyche and probably wont change any time soon.
332677
Americans (really "US citizens"--Americans include all those who live in North, Central, and South America) are not really stupid--many tend to be very ignorant though.  This, coupled with their patriotic jingoism, makes for an interesting combination.\n\nWe must remember to examine structural reasons for this rather than blaming people in terms of biology.  For example, how can US citizens be informed when their mass media is controlled by very few billionnaires who constantly espouse pro-corporate messages rather than messages that could make people feel like they have a sense of community with each other and the rest of the world?
629443
The politican is very astute. Through this seemingly simple question he reveals unpleasant truths about the nature of patriotism. Do we put loyalty to country before humanity itself?  If so why? If we put country first there must be reasons that make the protection of life less important. What on earth could these reasons be? I think this politician is ingeniously demonstrating that if the people put country first then they are uncivilised. An interesting thought - for Americans in particular!\n\nThe politician was cleverly showing patriotism for what it is - a fiction. Its a device created to make us obedient to a flag, but there are higher things. Highest of all, our concern for our fellow man - including that one extra foreigner - even at the cost of 100 of our own countrymen.\n\nI would go for 101 strangers every time.
149774
I must preface what I have to say just a bit...I love America, and what I say here is not a reflection on ALL Americans, but how we have gotten the reputation that we have!           I have traveled extensively and it is true Americans are VERY disliked! It because of a few different reasons. One being entitlement. Most American think they are due the best and fastest service, that they are entitled to tell other people how to live and what to believe. We are a nation that is very spoiled and really has no grasp on other peoples lives. Americans...I hate to say are a complacent people also, which leads to mis-understanding from other cultural groups. Finally there is our President...I think from what you wrote above I need not expound on this issue. Yes Americans ARE very dis-liked, but this is not all together unfounded.
75404
Almost all of the people I come into contact with on a day-to-day basis are not Americans, although I am.  Aside from the people in my office, I know only one American.  Everyone else I know are English, Scottish, Turkish, Australian, Russian, Taiwanese, Spanish or Phillipino.\n\nEvery once in a while I meet somebody who doesn't seem to understand the fact that I am not George Bush, but it is rare.  Almost to the individual, they understand that the American people are NOT the American government.\n\nThey see our news and hear our commentaries.  Many of them are as aware of Bush's unpopularity as we are.  Few will even bring up politics with us, but when they do it seems to be with the understanding that we do not like the American government's actions either.\n\nMany people overseas are acutely aware of what it is like to live in a country where the will of the people is ignored.  This is a newer concept for us, but it is a very familiar one around the world.\n\nI wouldn't worry too much about it.  Yesterday I was talking with a Russian woman who likened our situation to life under Putin's government.  They understand tyranny and rigged elections all too well.  Now we are finding out what it's like, and I think you would be suprised how much empathy a HUMBLE American can get.
138156
We have to try to empathize with those that are simply trying to make a living for themselves and their families. We need to be understanding and humane when dealing with a population at finds itself in a situation where it must break our laws to better their own situations. \n\nWell, then what about the poor young man who grows up in the inner city? All that he knows is the drug culture. He has no marketable skills as a result of an Education System that has FAILED him.(OVERCROWDED SCHOOLS) He spends every day immersed in a culture of drugs and violence, to the point that that is the only life that he knows. He finds himself with a family to support and no way to support it.(CANT FIND A JOB Cause ALL The Jobs Available To Unskilled Workers Are Taken By ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS) The only alternative for him is to resort to breaking our laws. He must deal drugs just to get by. \n\nShouldn't we take a "humane" and "comprehensive" approach to dealing with this type of criminal, as well? After all, he is only breaking our laws because he feels that he must do so in order to make a living. He wouldn’t be able to sell drugs if there wasn't such a huge market for his poison in the United States. Individuals that turn to dealing drugs are many times just as desperate as those that brave unbelievable conditions to enter this country ILLEGALLY. In fact, I would argue that a drug dealer braves even MORE Real and Serious Dangers than ILLEGAL Immigrants who can’t seem to take the basic steps to enter this country LEGALLY. \n\nILLEGAL ALIENS in America are here only because they are GUILTY of CRIMINAL VIOLATION  of our FEDERAL LAWS, Jumping our borders and living in a shadowy underground economy. They are morally culpable for shoving aside those who adhere to the law and enter these United States in orderly and Legal Fashion. Since when do criminals and cheaters receive pride of place for the blessings of liberty, over those honestly, earnestly and faithfully seeking to become American citizens? \n\nPresident Bush has called for a reasonable and civil debate over the issues of border security and immigration reform. But the American people understand there can be no responsible immigration reform UNTIL OUR BORDERS ARE SECURE. “Guest worker” amnesty programs ARE NOT a part of border security. Amnesty is not the answer. To grant amnesty to these trespassers is to say "You crossed our borders ILLEGALLY, You BROKE OUR LAWS and now we are REWARDING you with U.S. Citizenship -- Congratulations!" \n\nThis is unacceptable. \n\nAll of this is to illustrate the absurdity of a "comprehensive" approach to ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS , and the more radical of the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT  advocates who are proponents of an "open borders" policy. We don't take a comprehensive, humane approach with drug dealers because they are breaking our laws and causing great damage to this country by poisoning our children. Similarly, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS  violate our laws and Poison our system of Economics by TAKING JOBS  from American Workers, Keeping WAGES ARTIFICIALLY LOW, and Sucking MILLIONS of Dollars of TAXPAYERS MONEY out of our Welfare and Medical Systems. \nNot To Mention The Fact That A Majority Of ILLEGAL ALIENS Live And Work In This Country And Then Send Their Money Back Home To Their Families (Whatever Nation Their Families Live In) Therefore DRAINING The Economy Even Further. \nWhen The US Dollar Leaves The US... Its GONE From The American Economy. \n\n\n\n\nSEE MY BLOG\n\nhttp://360.yahoo.com/profile-PMRb1p42aacMueZmc_FaRn89U4XQsyz9cyAO\n\nI Appreciate The ADVERTISIN Space Cher  :)>-\n\nDBA_GREGG(Below)WAKE Up Man...PAY ATTENTION\n***Obviously A VICTIM Of The Overcrowded School System***
269287
Why should we in the U.S. care about the plight of ILLEGAL immigrants when we have our Own to help!!\n\nWhy shouldn't we as bad for the poor in the U.S. as much as others feel sorry for those in other countries? How is what happened in New Orleans any different than the Asian tsunami? Why should it be 'self pity' for us to aknowelge our fellow citizens who are living in squallar? Anyone can see the U.S. is becomming a two tier economy. It's been heading in that direction for quite a while now, and there's no sign things will change for the better. If you don't know what a two tier economy is, please look it up and educate yourself! Almost all of the income growth in the States since 1975 has been for the richest 20 percent of households. Today the economic gap between between rich and poor in the United States is greater than ever. There's nothing like taking a walk around your (bank-owned) house, then going outside and kneeling down in your (bank-owned) lawn and grabbing a handful of (the bank's) dirt to make you realize how precious (their) land is. Americans aren't that 'rich'! lol. \n\n\nWhy are Americans above all nations so self-delusional? They aren't that rich, majority are poor. They work longer hours for things they will prob. never REALLY own. They have to BORROW more, as in credit cards. The american education system is laughable. No health care. What does the U.S. REALLY have going for it besides WEAPONS??!!!!!! Nothing......\n\nDidn't the Roman empire died eventually? Why do Americans think that it will continue to be the "world leader" in anything? Many, many people around the world don't like Americans because they believe they are full of themselves.\n\n\nWhy shouldn't the world feel as bad for the poor in the U.S. as americans feel about others? Is it a feeling of superiority?? Possibly?\n\nWhat about New Orleans?? PEOPLE STARVED TO DEATH WHILE THE U.S. GOV. WATCHED ON T.V.!!! What about the elderly and the children who are "lost"?
470770
I feel the same way as you do. Unfortunately the world is full of ignorant people. These people know nothing of the regular American persons way of life and know even less about America as a country. \n\nIn general most Americans are every day people who work hard for what they have. There is good and bad in every culture and country, we are no different. People the world over are just for the most part doing the same thing as us. They work hard for what they have, raise families, go to school and so on. \n\nThis American hating people are the kinds of people who have nothing better to do than bad mouthing Americans. They are the bitter and twisted of this world and probably not too smart either. If they were they would go to the lengths to find out what regular American people are actually like. \n\nI also agree with you on the issue of most people disliking our president. From what I can tell this is fact weather or not he got re-elected. Personally the only way I can understand that is the votes were somehow fixed. We know there were several states that had issues with the voting machines. So why could there not be more. I can honestly say that out of the many different people I meet in all walks of life I cannot find one person that likes or approves of our current president. That in itself certainly makes me and a lot of people wonder how he got re-elected. Well that's my two cents worth!
616332
I agree with you. Americans think that we can boss around every one we please. We have a severe case of nationalism, and arrogance.