What are Americans?

[illykitty]

When I think of people from the US, I think there's some really amazing people who really inspire me, but also lots that make me facepalm. Honest few words that pop into my mind when I hear "American":

-The American Dream (which I think is a lie)
-Guns
-Bible belt
-Crazy "Patriots"
-Extreme materialism/capitalism (but that goes for any place really)

No worries though I'm equally critical of the country I'm from (Canada) and this one I'm in atm (UK). I'm in no way feeling patriotic about any country.

 

[godnotgod]

When I think of people from the US, I think there's some really amazing people who really inspire me, but also lots that make me facepalm. Honest few words that pop into my mind when I hear "American":


-Extreme materialism/capitalism (but that goes for any place really)

Except for Buddhist Bhutan, which officially seeks 'Gross National Happiness'. Look it up.

 

[Riverwolf]

When I think of people from the US, I think there's some really amazing people who really inspire me, but also lots that make me facepalm. Honest few words that pop into my mind when I hear "American":

-The American Dream (which I think is a lie)
-Guns
-Bible belt
-Crazy "Patriots"
-Extreme materialism/capitalism (but that goes for any place really)

No worries though I'm equally critical of the country I'm from (Canada) and this one I'm in atm (UK). I'm in no way feeling patriotic about any country.

Gotta say, I love Europe, and the Queen seems pretty cool, but I'd never want to live in the current UK.

 

[illykitty]

Gotta say, I love Europe, and the Queen seems pretty cool, but I'd never want to live in the current UK.

I love Europe too and the Queen... Meh! She's just another rich person to me. But yes, I agree with you. Mind I moved here to be with my husband and if I had the choice to live elsewhere (without divorcing) I would.

I'd prefer a country where there's more equality and better quality of life. Like Nordic countries.

 

[Riverwolf]

I love Europe too and the Queen... Meh! She's just another rich person to me. But yes, I agree with you. Mind I moved here to be with my husband and if I had the choice to live elsewhere (without divorcing) I would.

I'd prefer a country where there's more equality and better quality of life. Like Nordic countries.

Kind of ironic, if you ask me. The Kingdoms that gave rise to the most feared warriors in all of European history now serve almost as exemplars of the Western world (for the most part; they're hardly perfect, either).

I'd come live in Europe if I could, but financial and familial obligations keep me here.

 

[LuisDantas]

Ironic, but perhaps to be expected. Those who know violence and its consequences should be the most resolute in avoiding it.

 

[illykitty]

Kind of ironic, if you ask me. The Kingdoms that gave rise to the most feared warriors in all of European history now serve almost as exemplars of the Western world (for the most part; they're hardly perfect, either).

I'd come live in Europe if I could, but financial and familial obligations keep me here.

It is ironic indeed! Yes they aren't perfect but they're an improvement comparatively and that's better.

Yep, it's pretty much always the same tune, money and relationships (whichever they might be). I feel though that even if we did have enough money my husband wouldn't want to move... He's not quite as adventurous as me.

 

[Caladan]

Kind of ironic, if you ask me. The Kingdoms that gave rise to the most feared warriors in all of European history now serve almost as exemplars of the Western world (for the most part; they're hardly perfect, either).

I think you are overlooking the real big picture. The Viking raiders were at the end of the day a small minority of a Norse culture of farmers, herders, and fishermen among other things. In addition, the feared Vikings were opportunists. In many cases their successes endured where the means of resistance were poorer. More unified and ready cultures, such as the Celts of Brittany for example were able to expel the Vikings. In addition, when faced with a true organized Medieval civilization such as the Islamic Emirate of Cordoba, the Vikings very quickly had to leave with their broad axes between their legs.
Now, I'm being a bit cheeky here. Because at the end, the Norse fighting forces (again those which were not part of the typical 'working class') were considered proficient, and they certainly had groundbreaking achievements. But I just wanted to break the modern and romantic myth of the undefeated Vikings. The Vikings had many many defeats.

 

[Riverwolf]

I think you are overlooking the real big picture. The Viking raiders were at the end of the day a small minority of a Norse culture of farmers, herders, and fishermen among other things. In addition, the feared Vikings were opportunists. In many cases their successes endured where the means of resistance were poorer. More unified and ready cultures, such as the Celts of Brittany for example were able to expel the Vikings. In addition, when faced with a true organized Medieval civilization such as the Islamic Emirate of Cordoba, the Vikings very quickly had to leave with their broad axes between their legs.
Now, I'm being a bit cheeky here. Because at the end, the Norse fighting forces (again those which were not part of the typical 'working class') were considered proficient, and they certainly had groundbreaking achievements. But I just wanted to break the modern and romantic myth of the undefeated Vikings. The Vikings had many many defeats.

Hence why I said "feared." I was tempted to add "and powerful", but I am aware that reputation rarely reflects reality. (*cough* water-walking ninjas *cough)

 

[Riverwolf]

It is ironic indeed! Yes they aren't perfect but they're an improvement comparatively and that's better.

Yep, it's pretty much always the same tune, money and relationships (whichever they might be). I feel though that even if we did have enough money my husband wouldn't want to move... He's not quite as adventurous as me.

My girlfriend would never go that far from her parents, since she's quite loyal to them (an earned loyalty, to be sure; they're amazing people). She doesn't even want to go to Canada, which is a day's drive from where we are, now.

Oh, well. California's got some beautiful mountains, and I was born and raised in the shadow of one of the most Sacred of mountains (though I doubt most people 'round here realize its sacredness. ^_^)

 

[godnotgod]

If there was any vestige left of the US representing my values as a human being, the wind has now been taken completely out of my sails with the uncovering of our latest spying on other countries.

Now making plans to retire just south of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, near the beach area.

>Mexican health plan full coverage: about $400 US per year for ex-pats.
>Excellent low cost Dental Clinics
>Rent a 2 bedroom house for from $150 to $450/month; add a maid for about $65/month more.
>Seafood galore, and cheap. Full course lobster dinner: $12 US
>Beaches: white sand/blue-green water, still relatively clean
>Weather: mostly warm and sunny

Spoiler: Huge Images