how could i better the image of americans in my sight?
813737
by understanding that the superficiality associated with the American culture is not exactly what all persons are; that all Americans are not greedy, aloof, or stupid (though I definitely know quite a few that fit the bill!) And know that many more than projected are aware and not apathetic and do become involved in their nation's happenings out of actual concern rather than the chíc/vogue aspect of it...oh, also...try to understand that the American culture is the only one that some of us know, and not by choice (i.e. African American) If all else fails...your opinion's as good as the general!
480097
You know you have asked one of the most pertinant questions I have read for a while.On the surface you have opened up a potentiel minefield here.\nI am english.I have visited the USA many many times and have loads of great american friends.I have written many times in this column poking a little ironic fun at "the yanks".\nMy experience is that" the average american" and remember we are talking the average,is warm, generous and very naive.They often have little or no understanding of other countries or their cultures. Often to the extent of having little knowledge outside their own state.Because they lead their lives around Oprah, Jerry Springer,World wrestling are easily influenced by tv propaganda they have become, unfortunately, the butt of jokes.I dont know the exact figures , but my understanding is that"Joe" doesnt travel outside the USA.I believe they have a blinkered view of the world. An observation confirmed by the replies I have received from americans. Self irony doesnt exist for you.Loosen up and dare to poke a little fun at your "leaders".The other point is remember that God isn't american.Try to learn and understand a little of other cultures and beliefs.You dont have to agree just take a look.Take care. Good Luck
1167034
There was a day in America when people greeted new neighbors with a basket or card. Invited them over for dinner and so on. Now even in small ND or MT communities you can live there for years and not know the person next door.\n\nI would like to see folks treat each other as they would like to be treated, Forgive others who wrong them, feed the hungry with the extra they have.When they go to the closet and see an extra coat, stop and think if they know someone who may need it rather than toss it in the trash.\n\nI would also like to see the local church open the doors all night and have huge signs pointing to the refrigerator, cupboards, and dishwasher. Telling any who come there to eat all they can, clean up their mess, and donate back what they have used when the time comes they can.\n\nI could go on....\n\nGreat Question\n\nPeace to you and your home,\n\nBondservant
204718
I spent time in the military, and I can definitely say that diversity DOES exist in America. From a religious standpoint, anyone can 'worship' in any religion there is. From a 'person' standpoint, simply look at the differing types of people there are in your home town, or a large city near you. There are short and tall people, thin and 'not-so-thin' people, dark people and light people, etc. In addition to 'American English', there are numerous languages spoken hear, languages from all over the world. and just looking at a person doesn't mean that what they look like they do IS what they do. Personally, I once met a man that looked like a homeless person who was really a very intelligent person who was just on vacation, camping near us at a campground. I spoke with him for a number of hours during our time there, and he even showed me his computer. Just look around you and simply see what different types of people there are!
1038711
Be more informed on the cultures and traditions of others.\nEducation. View programs about people with various ethnic backgrounds.  So far I've only seen them on PBS.Unfortunately I understand the Bush Administration is trying to cut funds to PBS.   Hopefully that will not be accomplished.
958935
I am American, and I don't know if it is a geographical thing or not:\n\nMy problem is that there is very little courtesy, people show up late way to often or don't tell you when they aren't going to show, and the lack of following through, what I mean is don't tell me you are going to call me unless you are, don't say you are going to do it if you aren't\n\nThe other things would have to be how image conscientious people are here, people put way to much into name brands, trying to out do the next person, and trying to look beautiful, when there is a lot to be said for natural beauty (a little make up okay, but looking like a painters pallet ugh!). People tend to be so superficial and want to impress so much they have no idea how to keep it real! This is one of the reasons Americans are so far in debt!\n\nAlso the lack of family, we seem to be a very detached society!\n\nI am not trying to bad mouth my fellow Americans, just voicing my opinion.\n\nHave a GREAT day (and yes I mean it, it wasn't "fake")
943582
just , be always very femenine, and polaite, they have alot of good maners. here american culture is more relaxed when it comes to those things. but they are not. for example ,never ever!! burp. use good maners on the table. things like that mexican people notice.
361973
Don't give real Americans a bad name.
649737
Powwow on the Reservation\nA Conversation with Scott Momaday\nby Claes Nordenskiöld \n"You will forgive me if I tell you that my people were Americans for thousands of years before your people were. The question is not how you can Americanize us but how we can Americanize you. We have been working at that for a long time. Sometimes we are discouraged at the results. But we will keep trying. And the first thing we want to teach you is that, in the American way of life, each man has respect for his brother’s vision." \n\n\nAnother said: “The question is not how you can Americanize us but how we can Americanize you.”(45) \n45. Quoted in Edgar S. Cahn, ed., Our Brother’s Keeper: The Indian in White America (New York and Cleveland: World, 1969), pp. 184, 175.
338983
No, so many other Americans take so much pride in themselves that they make up for me though.  That's one reason we're called ugly Americans.  We love ourselves too much and think our country is better than all the others.  I'd like to move to another country if I could afford it.
395577
The more you know... the worse the U.S. looks
150042
I am an American and the truth is Americans are arrogant. Americans will visit a foreign country and call the people there foreigners! lol, it's true. But seriously, I do think that's the reason why...not to mention we are a bit spoiled. Now understand, not ALL Americans are like this but you can safely say the majority fit in this category.
1036261
because americans are afraid to be a part of the group... they want to look like the outsiders/dominators.... stupid if you ask me, especially when both our sothern and nothern neighboors trade and work with the metric system everyday!
6506
Practice a phony accent.  "Ciao Bella, you ara the womana offa mia dreamsa."\nBuy an American travel guide.\nGo to the bars in the travel guide and pick up American women with the phony accent.\nYour name is Mario and you "wanta go toa the america"\nI have spent many years in Italy, and this always works with dumb american college girls who just "love Italy!"
722681
Absolutely true! And I'm American, so you need to expand your scope a bit, mate! ;)
552944
be proud of where you are from the land of the free.......if they cant accept that then they are not your friends ....its not like you can change where you are from........
122068
I believe most Americans can not see past their own noses.\nWe seem to be under a silvered bell jar inward looking only and not able to see past into the rest of the world.\nMost Americans only speak one language and have a world view presented to them by corporate controlled media.  We are kind of like the people in Plato's Cave.