10 Things Most Americans Dont Know About America

http://markmanson.net/america<BR>

Worth a read! dont necessarily agree with EVERYTHING he says, but its a good wake-up call to lots of Americans.

Ummn......... They don't know the number one country we import crude from.... like double that from anywhere else?

Ok, ok, I haven't read the article yet.

Read it! you will like it! 🙂

Im sure some here will think the author is just your typical cynical, self-loathing American hipster who worships anything European, but the truth is way way beyond that!

(Im not American btw)

^Thats what a Jupiter transiting your own sun sign does to you^ 😛

WTF—? I want cabs with disco and wifi—? This is bullshit!

I feel that the NASCAR example wasnt really meant to demean Americans or Americans who watch NASCAR for that matter, but rather to illustrate a point for non-Americans, since NASCAR is probably the one thing even non-Americans know about American culture.

Well?

10 things the U.S. does better than anywhere else

I blow NASCAR fans on principle alone.

I was expecting a lenghty and on-topic response on the article, GemsRa...considering your lenghty posts on previous threads 😛

Instead I think it struck a nerve somewhere there, if its a patriotic one, I wouldnt blame you..

Though the Colombian neighborhood comparison was a bit much, considering their murder rate-- the article, overall, was pretty good.



"... we??re by far the most prescribed nation in the world AND our drugs cost five to ten times more than they do even in Canada (ohhhhhhh, profit, you sexy bitch)."



It's true.

Most civilized countries, for example, don't think it's a good idea to put their kids on amphetamine-- I tend to agree.

But we do, and often parents don't seem to bat an eye.

That's just one example.



Interesting article, boom.

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
I was expecting a lenghty and on-topic response on the article, GemsRa...considering your lenghty posts on previous threads 😛

Instead I think it struck a nerve somewhere there, if its a patriotic one, I wouldnt blame you..

I'm drinking a fantastic bottle of Korbin Kameron 2007 Merlot (U.S. - Sonoma Valley), I only have time tonight for jokes and soundcloud and memes... lots of memes....

You want intelligent GemsRa? Fug dat, catch me during the working week... we're on Friday night fool! I turn my brain off at exactly 4:59pm and put my sarcastic skank hat on until exactly 7:59am Monday.

If you want me to revive this with intelligence on Monday (because they want me in the office again *le sigh*) I will. Only for you. For YOU Shaka.

Posted by GetMisted

Posted by CluelessCancer

Posted by geminicandIe
Having lived several places in Europe as well as USA, I would have to agree with most of these points, except for a point where it says that Americans are non-emotional. I would say that Americans are not as open as South and Eastern Europeans, but they are still friendlier and seem more emotional than Western and North Europeans.

I do agree with the fact that Americans are brain-washed into commercialism and materialism. I often times ask my American friends what they consider fun and happiness and lots of times responses are; shopping, food, tv, work, money, pets, etc...
Here is my list: sex, family, travel, nature, friends, spirituality, leisure time, walking, finer things in life (art, philosophy, culture, literature, delectable food, coffee and drinks).

America is an awesome place to live, but it's become a big shopping mall, we need to get back to what matters.

click to expand

This ALMOST made me snort out wine from my mouf... and then I remembered I don't waste good wine.

But FUCK, that was funny.

And thats why I should assume that you posting that article, was in a jokey instead of defensive manner..hmmm hard to believe 😛

Posted by Rabbit
I'm a baseball fan, so....

There's nothing more American than that.

I have the Astros dream team (mine at least) all on one ball - Wagner, Bagwell, Berkman and Biggio.... fuck that was a good year for baseball.... and the Macarena song.

Hey Macarena!!!!!!

Youre lucky, Im obsessed with motor racing in general, I like and watch most of them, Indy, F1, Le Mans, have watched even NASCAR sometimes 😛

(that was for rabbit)

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
And thats why I should assume that you posting that article, was in a jokey instead of defensive manner..hmmm hard to believe 😛

Bitch, you wanna fight—?

I rather have you use that knife to cut some tomatoes...I like them in my sammich 😛 😛

Go make me a sammichh 😄

I think you dig guys in uniforms

I love the road course at Indy! Some of my favourite F1 races were there.

Read #13 on this list

Let me tell you why Bagwell will ALWAYS be a hero in my heart.

1. Loyalty - He started with Houston, never left Houston, and ended with us. RARE!

2. Amazing at bat with a stance no one could ever seem to figure out, especially pitchers. Bad ass little strike zone... he was a baller!


3. Do we really need to discuss the fucking fantastical shit this man pulled most every time he stepped up to the plate? I can still feel the swelling pride when I watched him play, particularly when I watched him swinging away on deck.

Here's this story regarding this bullet point - Before a game against the Padres on August 27, 2002, Jeff met with an 11-year-old, bone cancer patient who asked Jeff to hit a home run for him. Bagwell told him, "I'm going to try, but I'm not Babe Ruth." In the fifth inning, he hit a pitch from Mike Bynum over the left field wall and pointed to the child in the stands as he rounded third base.

4. Something lesser know that you won't likely find on the internet....and probably my favorite reason.... EVERY NIGHT of a home game... EVERY NIGHT, doesn't matter if it was a win or a loss, even an epic stomping, when other players would pull out of the player's parking garage pissed off never stopping to sign, Bagwell ALWAYS stopped. He was and will always be an incredibly amazingly humble and considerate man and baseball player with an incredible amount of respect for the game and his fans.

I'm actually tearing up a little bit thinking about it. I grew up on Bagwell and to see him slaughtered without proof breaks my heart.






Oh, and there the hilariousness of knowing the RedSox would always regret two things - BABE MOFO RUTH AND BAGS!

I feel the EXACT same way about Biggio as I do Bagwell. I was in the stands the night he hit his 3000 hit just a few games before his retirement.

The fact that neither of them will be allowed into the Baseball Hall of Fame literally ruined baseball for me. I rarely watch games, barely check states.... haven't attended a game since.

Broke my fucking heart, those men are the most stand-up players to ever cross home plate and what has been done to them was just despicable.

Roger Clemens is a bitch. He can blow my dog.

And A-rod is a hyped up piece of shit that wouldn't understand the respect of baseball even if he was beat with Babe's own bat.

#sellouts

Posted by geminicandIe
It's really sad about young kids on amphetamines (many parents don't know that it inhibits children's physical growth as in height!), yet you have to have a freaking licence to buy some cold medicine.

Agreed.

But they market them for grown-ups, too-- they just give a different name (under a brand-new patent! $ $ ) and only give them 90 day supply.

Unless you're lucky enough to be diagnosed w adult add-- then you get speed for as long as your doctor will write it.

It's crazy.

Not as hardcore as Bags, but yes it was out there.... "oh, it was only for a year" "he tried them once" etc, etc, etc....

Like you said, everyone got dirt thrown on them.

It's fucking sad. That man gave us EVERYTHING. Gave baseball fans his heart. Has been a PILLAR of our community in charity work and all the ways he gives back. It's astonishing really just how amazeballs he is.

#fan4life

How about some nice bath salts Bunny Man—??

Your Huff Post article wants to debunk more than a couple things by saying immigrants made them here in the US.... did said author forget that basically all but the Native Americans are immigrants here?

Doesn't make it any less American...

Doesn't make it any less true that something made here is 100% claimable as an American product. 😄

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal
Doesn't make it any less true that something made here is 100% claimable as an American product. 😄

lol

Posted by Rabbit

Posted by Montgomery

Posted by geminicandIe
It's really sad about young kids on amphetamines (many parents don't know that it inhibits children's physical growth as in height!), yet you have to have a freaking licence to buy some cold medicine.

Agreed.

But they market them for grown-ups, too-- they just give a different name (under a brand-new patent! $ $ ) and only give them 90 day supply.

Unless you're lucky enough to be diagnosed w adult add-- then you get speed for as long as your doctor will write it.

It's crazy.

No it's AWESOME 😛

I love my prescription meth!

click to expand

Pharmaceutical grade, beh beh.

#betterthanmeth


😄

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom

http://markmanson.net/america<BR>

Worth a read! dont necessarily agree with EVERYTHING he says, but its a good wake-up call to lots of Americans.

Probably the one good takeaway from that article is this:
"But I think the greatest flaw of American culture is our blind self-absorption."
Just take a peek at social media like Facebook, and the solipsism/narcissism on display underscores that point.
I'd pick apart other points in his article--for instance claiming to walk through crappy parts of the developing world and not having a care about his personal safety.
I've been to some similar areas and had handlers who, when I mentioned wanting to take a walk, told me even they (locals) wouldn't go walking around on the streets.
Be interesting to see his take on things say, if he didn't live in Hong Kong (cool city) but in the New Territories up near the border with the PRC.

He also picks different things from different countries but never quite goes into a big picture of one specific location.

His correct about the self absorption and how it is damaging US society.
Its the twisted dark shadow of the idea of self sufficiency, which historically made the US what it is.

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom

http://markmanson.net/america<BR>

Worth a read! dont necessarily agree with EVERYTHING he says, but its a good wake-up call to lots of Americans.

Wow it was again someone's personal opinion who felt entitled (like some do here in the astro forums)to use the words "WE, WE'RE" and assumes he speaks for me and posted in dxp by a non-American. lol.. Although, I agree with so many people being GREEDY, MATERIALISTIC and just plain stupid, he doesn't speak for me or about me other than the part about Bush. I was smart enough NOT TO VOTE FOR BUSH and smart enough NOT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA.

Now..most people outside the box (of America) who have half a brain, know that the people of America have no say what the little dick, pencil pushers of government does when it comes to foreign affairs or whatever epic failure they conjure up. I can't emphasize "most people" enough". To the OP..if you felt this guys opinion should dictate a wake up call, until you live in my country as a US citizen, it gives you no right to suggest anything. Let alone from a private blog who has an opinion. I just wasted 10 minutes of precious time that I can't get back.😢

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
I was expecting a lenghty and on-topic response on the article, GemsRa...considering your lenghty posts on previous threads 😛

Instead I think it struck a nerve somewhere there, if its a patriotic one, I wouldnt blame you..

What I haven't seen from 'any' lists and also has the main ingredient that makes this country magnificent...is FREEDOM. LOTS OF FREEDOMS that international countries don't have causing many international folks to "race" out of to get here in order to have those freedoms. I wonder..do these other countries call these folks traitors?

Posted by CancerOnTheCusp

Probably the one good takeaway from that article is this:
"But I think the greatest flaw of American culture is our blind self-absorption."
Just take a peek at social media like Facebook, and the solipsism/narcissism on display underscores that point.


His correct about the self absorption and how it is damaging US society.
Its the twisted dark shadow of the idea of self sufficiency, which historically made the US what it is.

All of the ABOVE does not pertain to me..the word "OUR" is an assumption. ESPECIALLY the sheep following, self absorbed narcissistic FACEBOOK bullshit! Hell, when the roar of "MY SPACE" came out I thought..how desperate. So then "FACEBOOK" was born and it's 10 times worse...enter the "Catfish" society (the ones who had their eyes opened..finally) Yet people still follow. I'll stick to the real world society, because what you SEE is what you get. REALITY.

LiB, I have spent time in the US, and I have travelled to more than 30 countries in the world, I have lived in more than one country in my life, I speak 5 languages and have basic knowledge of two more. Judging from your opinions, chances are big you havent even left the Americas in your entire life, so if anything I think YOU should travel more and get to know other cultures before so that you truly know what FREEDOM means, true freedom is not the freedom you people in America are taught, thats for sure.

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
... I have spent time in the US, and I have travelled to more than 30 countries in the world, I have lived in more than one country in my life, I speak 5 languages and have basic knowledge of two more. Judging from your opinions, chances are big you havent even left the Americas in your entire life, so if anything I think YOU should travel more and get to know other cultures before so that you truly know what FREEDOM means, true freedom is not the freedom you people in America are taught, thats for sure.

I didn't read the rest of the article-- anything past "10.", until later.

How embarrassing. 😄


But-- I think it's important to note that this guy is comparing the very best aspects of these other countries to the worst aspects of America.

That's not an accurate comparison.


Have a google on the orphans in Cambodia.

Or censorship, and the grave political unrest in Thailand.

Or Singapore, who has one of the highest execution rates by government-- and not just for murder.

And you thought the war on drugs in America was bad-- they'll kill you for possession of some drugs in Singapore. 😉


Hong Kong-- the people in power make the decisions regarding who runs Hong Kong; not the people.

They stated recently that "election" will not be an option anytime in the near future.


And really-- who cares if Dubai has the tallest buildings-- they have a dress code for women.

If you want a laugh, read these "tips" which you best abide by, lest the police become involved.

The POLICE.

"Go grab... a pashmina quick!"


And again-- Colombia has one of the highest murder rates in the WORLD.


Tbh, it seems like this guy is trying to do two things:

1. Sell his new book, and

2. Impress his foreign friends.


I, on the other hand, am not impressed.

The article began well, but ended poorly with his "obese and entitled" rant-- an old and very tired standby for snooty ex-pats, everywhere.

I said myself before I didnt agree with EVERYTHING he said, but the general idea he's trying to convey stands and that is whats most important about the whole article, getting into a few specifics to try to debunk the whole idea is a fruitless pursuit.

Posted by xMoonMan
1. Few People Are Impressed By Us

Unless you??re speaking with a real estate agent or a prostitute, chances are they??re not going to be excited that you??re American. It's not some badge of honor we get to parade around. Yes, we had Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison, but unless you actually are Steve Jobs or Thomas Edison (which is unlikely) then most people around the world are simply not going to care. There are exceptions of course. And those exceptions are called English and Australian people. Whoopdie-fucking-doo.



Wanker.

BAaaaaahahahahaha! True true

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
LiB, I have spent time in the US, and I have travelled to more than 30 countries in the world, I have lived in more than one country in my life, I speak 5 languages and have basic knowledge of two more. Judging from your opinions, chances are big you havent even left the Americas in your entire life, so if anything I think YOU should travel more and get to know other cultures before so that you truly know what FREEDOM means, true freedom is not the freedom you people in America are taught, thats for sure.

AGAIN..like this thread you ASSUME that you know me and speak for me. Are you and Seraph twins?..You both have the anti-american posts all over dxp. Such hate. I'd like to add if given the opportunity to see both of you face to face I'd say the same to you in person as I would here. FUCK OFF & STAY OUT OF MY COUNTRY!

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
I said myself before I didnt agree with EVERYTHING he said, but the general idea he's trying to convey stands and that is whats most important about the whole article, getting into a few specifics to try to debunk the whole idea is a fruitless pursuit.

Does this mean you posted it by accident? Is that a Seraph spin? lol

Posted by BoomShakalakaBoom
I said myself before I didnt agree with EVERYTHING he said, but the general idea he's trying to convey stands and that is whats most important about the whole article, getting into a few specifics to try to debunk the whole idea is a fruitless pursuit.

Is it?

I think you may have gotten hung up on those "few specifics", which I provided only to illustrate my point.

Posted by Montgomery
... I think it's important to note that this guy is comparing the very best aspects of these other countries to the worst aspects of America.

That's not an accurate comparison....

The article began well, but ended poorly with his "obese and entitled" rant-- an old and very tired standby for snooty ex-pats, everywhere.

click to expand

And the general idea, it seems, is that Americans are "obese and entitled"-- that he can say "obese and entitled" in seven languages does not change the fact that the argument is, and has been, worn out for some time, now.

He also contradicted himself-- and a major part of his "obese and entitled" argument pivots on this contradiction.

He said:

"Americans believe it's your responsibility to take care of yourself and make something of yourself, not the state's, not your community??s, not even your friend??s or family??s in some instances."

That is the ANTITHESIS of entitlement.

What began as a few good, thought provoking (though mostly anecdotal) "points" on American ignorance, devolved into petty insults and smarmy emotional appeal.

AND ... the author knows it.

From his response to the responses to this article:


"... I know I can come off as a condescending know-it-all.

Part of that's just me (I'm American, after all). What an ass.

... I get that.

And I get that I flubbed some generalizations or maybe exaggerated things here or there."


Had he left it at his Ten Points, without the excess-- it may have carried more weight.

😉

"But if you're the type (not YOU in particular, but in general) that has never really left the US, and enjoys generous helpings of heavily-biased news and political commentary that you actually *believe*, you'd probably think that the rest of the world is sunk in poverty, mired in dictatorships, or is green with America-envy"

These kind will rarely provide any valid argument. Their only argument is 'if you don't like it, get out of my country'. Lack of education and intellect is usually associated with this kind of reaction. Fortunately, there are those who have some valid arguments and know how to approach this topic with logic.

Posted by seraph
Suffice to say, however, that the United States today is *not* the one your grandpa knew. Many people are looking to leave.

2. Nearly all modern, developed, democratic countries (hint: the US isn't the only one - shocking, I know) enjoy about the same level of freedoms. If you come up here, for instance, you won't miss a beat. We *do* have pretty tight gun laws, however, and far less crime. But I'm sure you'd be allowed to have your Super-Soaker-with-bullets because you're licensed. On the upside, there's so *much* wide open space here that you can probably run around and shoot at things without fear of hitting anything warm and fleshy.

If there was a part time job for it, I'd be happy to help these people who do not like living in our country to exit with a great big dimply smile.

I've been "up there" on many occasions. However I also realize each country in this world has their own foreign policy/laws etc..I'm happy to say though I don't go out of my way to stick my nose up their asses or hate them for how they live their lives as you do. Yet you sit here for two days bashing people for having opinions on sexuality. You are a true hypocrite.

You assume that I cannot go outside onto my property and shoot my guns without hitting "flesh". If you could see where I lived you wouldn't have assumed.
I love my country, and quite frankly, I don't give a rats ass about how other countries run theirs. Why would I? I live here, survive here and I will pledge my allegiance here to the grave proudly.

I know this is off topic, but since I am half Canadian I can't just let this float on by without addressing it.....

Posted by kraft
BTW who is going to kill all the Germans and Japs when they act up? Canada? Seriously?

Please.

They ain't afraid of hocky sticks, bro.

I can pull extra information for you if you want, but let's just look at WW2: Canada & WW2

Let me quote my favorite part, " the country's first independent declaration of war and the beginning of Canada's participation in the largest combined national effort in its history. By the war's end, over 1 million citizens would serve in military uniform, and Canada would possess the fourth-largest air force and third-largest naval surface fleet in the world."

Don't knock the north....

Posted by Geminivixenn
I don't even know why our soldiers help you guys (not to be rude) but I don't support the American culture. Not my cup of tea.

I believe it goes both ways, militarily speaking.

We're allies.

Posted by feby16aqua

Posted by Montgomery

Posted by Geminivixenn
I don't even know why our soldiers help you guys (not to be rude) but I don't support the American culture. Not my cup of tea.

I believe it goes both ways, militarily speaking.

We're allies.

yeah exactly. One hand feeds the other. ALWAYS works like that.

Posted by seraph
But when you get right down to it, at our core, whether you're American or Canadian, the safety and protection of North America and all the people in it, is something we both share, and its stewardship is our joint responsibility.

click to expand

YES. 🙂

Exactly.