America Bashing

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Usually one associates the inability to take any criticism as a sign of weakness which is quite ironic if you think about it.

I'll play the devil's advocate. When people from other countries are asked what they think of America, what do they think of? Obviously a certain amount of generalization and stereotyping comes into play. My argument is that the question itself is flawed. You can ask them what they think about Bush, or the war in Iraq, something more specific than what they think of America.

[SMOKE 1,426]

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Edited February 8, 2008 by SMOKE

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

That's what I'm asking. I'm confused on what represents America and what is safe to bash without actually bashing America?

so why are you asking me? you trying to start something? don't you think i recognize baiting when i see it?

Call it what you will...it's a fair question to ask since there seems to be some elements of America that can be bashed without being called bashing America while other things can't. I'm trying to figure out what qualifies as a representation of America and what doesn't. Somebody must have a master list somewhere, no?

maybe you shouldn't have asked the question in a series of quotes. IMO it looked like an insinuation.

So now quoting blocks of text is an insinuation?

you don't think the question was asked for a purpose?

what represents america?

pickup trucks, colt, and john wayne

That's a very narrow vision of America. None of which apply to my life.

and it does to others

Which really means nothing - and kinda proves what Steve is saying, no?

[SMOKE 1,426]

That's what I'm asking. I'm confused on what represents America and what is safe to bash without actually bashing America?

so why are you asking me? you trying to start something? don't you think i recognize baiting when i see it?

Call it what you will...it's a fair question to ask since there seems to be some elements of America that can be bashed without being called bashing America while other things can't. I'm trying to figure out what qualifies as a representation of America and what doesn't. Somebody must have a master list somewhere, no?

maybe you shouldn't have asked the question in a series of quotes. IMO it looked like an insinuation.

So now quoting blocks of text is an insinuation?

you don't think the question was asked for a purpose?

what represents america?

pickup trucks, colt, and john wayne

That's a very narrow vision of America. None of which apply to my life.

and it does to others

Which really means nothing - and kinda proves what Steve is saying, no?

i feel it was in very poor taste

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

That's what I'm asking. I'm confused on what represents America and what is safe to bash without actually bashing America?

so why are you asking me? you trying to start something? don't you think i recognize baiting when i see it?

Call it what you will...it's a fair question to ask since there seems to be some elements of America that can be bashed without being called bashing America while other things can't. I'm trying to figure out what qualifies as a representation of America and what doesn't. Somebody must have a master list somewhere, no?

maybe you shouldn't have asked the question in a series of quotes. IMO it looked like an insinuation.

So now quoting blocks of text is an insinuation?

you don't think the question was asked for a purpose?

what represents america?

pickup trucks, colt, and john wayne

That's a very narrow vision of America. None of which apply to my life.

and it does to others

Which really means nothing - and kinda proves what Steve is saying, no?

i feel it was in very poor taste

Poor taste or no... But not wrong. IMO of course.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Poor taste or no... But not wrong. IMO of course.

we're all entitled to our opinion. but, the thread was rolling along in a somewhat playful, friendly, joking manner then WHAM! i absolutely feel it was in poor taste, wrong & was asked for a not so freindly reason.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Poor taste or no... But not wrong. IMO of course.

we're all entitled to our opinion. but, the thread was rolling along in a somewhat playful, friendly, joking manner then WHAM! i absolutely feel it was in poor taste, wrong & was asked for a not so freindly reason.

Personally I've read and swallowed that "anti-american" horseshit enough times, to want to see the shoe put on the other foot.

If that isn't playful enough for the crowd who usually make those accusations... well...

Tough titty

Its an honest question... and not a trick question either.

[Ban Hammer 15,081]

what represents america?

pickup trucks, colt, and john wayne

That's a very narrow vision of America. None of which apply to my life.

i was answering from my perspective. i didn't get the memo that i was designated to answer for you.

oh, sorry, I didn't see the 'to me' part of your answer....

so why did you quote me and then complain about my answers with the finishing words of "None of which apply to my life."

i certainly didn't answer steven's question so you could turn into a nag about it.

maybe you shouldn't have asked the question in a series of quotes. IMO it looked like an insinuation.

Obviously, nobody here is going to come out in support of the KKK or question anyone who bashes the KKK, let alone tell them that by bashing the KKK, they are bashing America.

Hopefully some people can see the flip side of their argument about people bashing America. When you start thinking about it, it's not so easy to cherry pick what represents America and what doesn't.

yeah whatever i'm sure that's a good excuse to single me out and try to nail my feet to the floor for whatever strange purpose you had in mind. in the future, why don't you just pm me whatever answer you want to see?

Charles, I wasn't singling anyone out other than those who think that bashing America happens some of the time, but not all of the time...when people criticize elements of America. At least if we could find consensus of what represents America and what doesn't, then we can decide who are the bashers.

so in other words, you think i'm one who thinks anyone who criticizes america is bashing it. got it

[one...two...tree 2,762]

so in other words, you think i'm one who thinks anyone who criticizes america is bashing it. got it

I'm trying to find out just what is in people's minds when they talk about bashing America. I didn't create this thread or the other countless other ones that pop up from time to time. Is there a consensus as to what represents America and what doesn't? Or what constitutes the bashing of America and what is fair game?

[Ban Hammer 15,081]

so in other words, you think i'm one who thinks anyone who criticizes america is bashing it. got it

I'm trying to find out just what is in people's minds when they talk about bashing America. I didn't create this thread or the other countless other ones that pop up from time to time. Is there a consensus as to what represents America and what doesn't? Or what constitutes the bashing of America and what is fair game?

sure you are. so far all you've done is turned it into a charles bashing thread.

if you really are so interested in what represents america, go start a poll.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

i am waiting for the " america: love it or leave it" post

Sigh... you're smarter than that.

My question "If it sucks so bad here and western culture stinks... why stay?" it baffles me. I bet the same America bashers don't even vote.

[Alex+R 0]

People, especially in this forum, stay in the U.S. for their loved ones. Maybe they can't leave their job, or they are divorced with kids. There are tons of reasons, and criticizing a country is part of making the most of staying in a country. It's what it means to be an active citizen or resident.

[Peikko 1,575]

I would imagine that would all depend on what your definition of 'America bashing' is. Those who critisize America and live in America are probably more likely to vote because that way they can affect change (assuming they are citizens of course) Those who critisize America and live elswhere are of course not very likely to vote in an American election.

[Ban Hammer 15,081]

People, especially in this forum, stay in the U.S. for their loved ones. Maybe they can't leave their job, or they are divorced with kids. There are tons of reasons, and criticizing a country is part of making the most of staying in a country. It's what it means to be an active citizen or resident.

strange, i always thought that was called voting, not pissing and moaning.

I would imagine that would all depend on what your definition of 'America bashing' is. Those who critisize America and live in America are probably more likely to vote because that way they can affect change (assuming they are citizens of course) Those who critisize America and live elswhere are of course not very likely to vote in an American election.

depends on if they are usc or not. if they are, there's always the absentee ballot.

[Krikit 1,166]

I'll play the devil's advocate. When people from other countries are asked what they think of America, what do they think of?

I think of beautiful, breathtaking, vistas. I think of an immense country with diverse geography and equally diverse peoples and cuisine and communities. I think of technologically-forward and globally competetive businesses. I see a country which is both arrogant and proud; not averse to taking the lead and attempting to set things "right" in countries which they deem as not doing right, yet, when they are in those countries, realizing that they are populated by people who want exactly what they want, but in their own culturally-diverse way. I see a lack of education in global perspective and economics. I see fear and unreasonableness and a great sense of humour. I see love and concern for their fellow human beings, and a desire to do what is right. I see a great nation.

Edited February 8, 2008 by Crikey!