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Are American's too Arrogant and Prideful?

dust1n

Zindīq
But we are, culturally. You agreed with the quote, so what's the issue?
Where did I agree with that quote?

Are we only allowed to talk about the good stuff? Doesn't that prove the point of arrogance?

The good stuff? I don't think I would know where to draw the line :confused:, if I understand you right. But, I would certainly imagine it would be a little bit higher likeliness than 1/8,000,000. Maybe if we were talking about more specific cultures, but it would certainly be arrogant, and any real confidence in any claim that Americans are too arrogant and prideful might be an indicator of someones individual pride over an overgeneralized population, without even using any sort of method to determine the answer.
 

dust1n

Zindīq
The persona I am basing this on is the persona portrayed via media. When is last time you hear of a "humble" actor (not some are not, but most are). As far as I was always taught, pride and arrogance are two things you consciously try to avoid in totality; like you stated isn't any too much.

Well I certainly wouldn't recognize media as the window into real livelihood or character, just extensions of them. Two different things. I suppose I received similar teachings at a younger time. It make since to me to avoid arrogance totally. Pride is okay is very small doses, but you should only really be prideful in your work, compacity, and individuality.
 

horizon_mj1

Well-Known Member
Well I certainly wouldn't recognize media as the window into real livelihood or character, just extensions of them. Two different things. I suppose I received similar teachings at a younger time. It make since to me to avoid arrogance totally. Pride is okay is very small doses, but you should only really be prideful in your work, compacity, and individuality.
I agree. There is nothing wrong in being prideful in your accomplishments,, as you said in small doses, but showing in pride in something you always have a complaint about (once again not all Americans) does not make sense to me. (What I mean by complaints is; why was this law made; why did the jury make that decision; they can not eradicate a deficit that took years to create overnight, etc)
 

ChristineES

Tiggerism
Premium Member
You can't really use actors as any example, after all, for every one person yelling "Look at me, look at me" as children, there are about 9 others just standing there being annoyed. ;)
 

Reverend Rick

Frubal Whore
Premium Member
Don't get me wrong, I love my country as much as the next person, but I can not help but think how the majority of the populous of the United States of America spend way too much money and resources into vanity.
That was a hard right turn there. I'm trying to follow your logic between loving your country and vanity
Children are being brought up in a society in which implants the idea of excessive sexuality and body image to the point of being detrimental.
I agree it has got out of hand, but what does it have to do with the topic?
We never allow a chance not to mention that we are the world's most powerful nation, yet the arrogance in them words alone proves otherwise.
And?? I'm trying to follow how these two things tie together?
We choose to concentrate more on how an individual looks instead of what is on the inside; while doing this we also forgo the fundamental need for education. (A bit off topic here, but...) Is it not sad to know that a person who may very well have the answers sought by Science, may never have a chance to answer them just because knowledge was withheld due to life situation.
This makes three topics. Education, vanity, and national pride.
Back on to the subject of arrogance and pride; when traveling internationally, you will rarely hear someone state. "you can't do that I am American", as if it should mean something under laws of another nation. Just curious how other people see this; your po would be appreciated.

The only point here that I see is, Americans are uneducated, vain and prideful.

I agree with this, but what is your point?
 

horizon_mj1

Well-Known Member
You can't really use actors as any example, after all, for every one person yelling "Look at me, look at me" as children, there are about 9 others just standing there being annoyed. ;)
True, but it seems that people always find a way to portray some sort of pride or arrogance. My point is, aren't these tow emotions "immoral" to an extent? Is there ever a time when they are good (pride in small doses IMO is ok, maybe arrogance can be when the confidence needed to do something is not there, but beyond this).
 

horizon_mj1

Well-Known Member
That was a hard right turn there. I'm trying to follow your logic between loving your country and vanity I agree it has got out of hand, but what does it have to do with the topic? And?? I'm trying to follow how these two things tie together?This makes three topics. Education, vanity, and national pride.
Vanity if taught as a substructure to society to our children can very easily turn into arrogance and self pride. If these behaviors become prevalent within a human, they will manifest in all areas of the subject's life, including how you portray yourself as a citizen of USA. If we educate our nation properly (I mean really, we make ourselves dumb) in all aspects, the populous of this nation I would believe would change. National pride IMO is a pride that is ok in small doses, you dumb vanity on top of this and you have an "ugly beast" to contend with. These sorts of mentalities are the same share by radical organizations; the I'm right your wrong attitude; which IMO deters proper judgment and pertinent information can be overlooked in a situation that every detail is of utmost importance. I hope this helps you understand more of where I am coming from a bit more; I honestly at times have difficulties explaining myself due to being a "deep thinker".

The only point here that I see is, Americans are uneducated, vain and prideful.

I agree with this, but what is your point?
It is obvious to me that our government would prefer having citizens with a bit less intelligence (it is easier to sway them); my point is if more Americans would decide "I do not want to be stupid" and self educate themselves, it would reflect in their actions and they way they portray themselves. Pride, arrogance and vanity would be realized for what they are (deceiving and detrimental emotions) thus taking a step IMO toward a better society.
 

gnomon

Well-Known Member
I assume that is we rely upon the evidence given so far that the answer to the OP is no.
 

Mathematician

Reason, and reason again
I don't know, Kilgore. The level of jingoism we see in America seems unmatched elsewhere in the world. Other nationalities see themselves more as members of a community, not as besieged kings-of-the-hill.

The curious thing is, most Americans don't seem to be aware that they're not number one any more on any index of well being or prosperity. We're the bullies with the biggest club -- period.

That's always been the case for super powers.

In the early 20th century the German economic model put Britain to shame with its public services, but if you read the literature at the time (both fictional accounts like Ulysses and non-fictional like Churchill's memoirs) you would think jolly ol' England was the pinnacle of modern civilization.
 

horizon_mj1

Well-Known Member
I just want to say on the dawn of America's Birthday; I will not blame the actions of our nations citizens and negate the fact that many brave people have gave their lives to assure stability and freedom were not infringed upon. No matter who you are, if you are a citizen of the United States of America, you are not alone and please remember the blood that has been shed throughout our history so it is know it was not done in vain. Please have a Happy and Safe 4th:4th:
 

dust1n

Zindīq
That's always been the case for super powers.

In the early 20th century the German economic model put Britain to shame with its public services, but if you read the literature at the time (both fictional accounts like Ulysses and non-fictional like Churchill's memoirs) you would think jolly ol' England was the pinnacle of modern civilization.

Ah well, be careful. Remember, a lot of great German artists were driven out of Germany at the time. Gerd Artz, for example, fled Germany a few years before the war. He was one of the main, and possibly one of the best Progressivists at the time. A lot of great minds left Germany early on. This is right after the development of Dada in Germany.

For a long period, the greatest art movements were started by the Germans.
 

CaptainBritain

Active Member
Well I dont think any more arrogant than any super power that went before, us Brits certainly knew how to carry that trait off, still do in large part despite our reduced influence.

That said when China overtakes America and I think thats pretty assured unless the Chinese drop the ball big style I reckon arrogance will fade somewhat.

India and Brazil have prospects to overtake too.

Thing is that the US did have rather a meteoric rise in global influence after WW2, which on an unrelated note, I frequent the the ArmchairGeneral forums and there is rather a lot of american arrogance on display there with regard to WW2, goes right against any facts on the issue but is on display none the less.
The main body of Americans ive come across not arrogant on that issue were those that fought in it,
The Russians who did the lions share imho(and there are a fair few Russians on that site) are hardly ever arrogant about it.
 

horizon_mj1

Well-Known Member
CaptainBritain, I too have noticed that in some Veterans, but have also met several who seem more ashamed (not for serving their country, but for things they have done). I agree arrogance will definitely recede when American is no longer considered the most powerful nation, especially if the new most powerful nation is one that teaches humility (it just seems that trends are followed by the leading nations).
 
You'll find arrogant and prideful people in most countries. The main difference is that most countries don't have the military or economic might of the US.

That said I'm not particually impressed by the boasting of individual Americans because everything that was done to make American powerful was likely done by someone else. They boast about winning the war of independence yet they weren't there, they boast about the moon landing but they weren't involved, they boast about their military might but they have never served or supplied the military with weapons.

Relying on the actions of your ancestors or countrymen/women to make yourself look better is pretty pathetic.
 

CaptainBritain

Active Member
You'll find arrogant and prideful people in most countries. The main difference is that most countries don't have the military or economic might of the US.

That said I'm not particually impressed by the boasting of individual Americans because everything that was done to make American powerful was likely done by someone else. They boast about winning the war of independence yet they weren't there, they boast about the moon landing but they weren't involved, they boast about their military might but they have never served or supplied the military with weapons.

Relying on the actions of your ancestors or countrymen/women to make yourself look better is pretty pathetic.

Aye and on the War of Independance you could say helping France out in WW2 was repaying a debt, I am ready to accept a dress down on this next statement but though im sure America would have been independent at some point, there would be a few presidents less without Frances help.
 
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