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What do you have against Yanks?

Archive: 100 posts


We all have had a few "encounters" while on forums.That's part of the fun of forums and its only human nature to get in each others faces. What I have noticed though is that with the exception of 1 person, anyone with an axe to grind with me is located on the other side of the pond. So what I am proposing is ( in a tasteful manner ) say whats on your mind with no worries of retaliation about your thoughts on "Yanks" and vice-versa for my fellow statesmen. Just a good clean purging of the soul.2010-11-13 22:44:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I don't care where you from, if I'm gonna say something it won't change based on your location. To say that people on here have anything against 'Yanks' is a bit of a generalisation.2010-11-13 22:50:00

Author:
Unknown User


I have no problem with the neighbors across the pond (UK AND EU PEOPLE). I think they are cool.

One love man, we are all citizens of the world.
2010-11-13 22:50:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626


I don't care where you from, if I'm gonna say something it won't change based on your location. To say that people on here have anything against 'Yanks' is a bit of a generalisation.

I didn't say everyone has something to say just if you did. Whats the big deal?
2010-11-13 22:56:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I hate americans because we think we're the best country on Earth.

/is American

Wait, that's not what this is about? Huh? we're saying stuff about how apparently everyone hates the Americans? D:

COMMIES! USA! USA! USA!
2010-11-13 23:02:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882


I'm a communist...2010-11-13 23:05:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626


I hate americans because theire attitude
but some americans are good
some
not Rock
but Stone
and Clay
2010-11-13 23:06:00

Author:
Unknown User


I hate americans because we think we're the best country on Earth.

/is American

Wait, that's not what this is about? Huh? we're saying stuff about how apparently everyone hates the Americans? D:

COMMIES! USA! USA! USA!

O.K. This was a bad idea. I just thought I saw a good untapped topic we could discuss ( and not fly off the deep end). I was wrong
2010-11-13 23:09:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I find using very English insults leaves any American very confused 2010-11-14 02:42:00

Author:
MrFunctionality
Posts: 637


I've noticed alot of people don't like people from USA. Mostly people from the UK, but just about everyone else too. We're not all the same. I'm a pretty peaceful, moral guy.2010-11-14 02:49:00

Author:
Kitkasumass
Posts: 494


I just saw the episode of top gear where the guys go to america and drive across the deep south. I was horrified by what I saw in that episode and I'm afraid that that's really the way that people from other countries see us. I also was horrified to see that there were actually places like that in the US that were that dangerous. I'm from a very safe and relatively peaceful area, if you don't count all the murders that happen downtown. (I'm kidding about the murders) Bottom line: We're not all gun toting hamburglars who tip the scales at a whopping 375 lbs. 2010-11-14 02:52:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569


Yea haha even Americans make fun of our own hillbillies. Anyone hear about the guy who was running for governor in some southern state and his pitch was "we'll only let people take our driver's license exams in english."? I heard em talkin about it on the bob and tom show one morning. They were saying how would they do that if nobody that lives there even speaks proper english. It was pretty funny when they said it.2010-11-14 02:57:00

Author:
Kitkasumass
Posts: 494


I just saw the episode of top gear where the guys go to america and drive across the deep south. I was horrified by what I saw in that episode and I'm afraid that that's really the way that people from other countries see us. I also was horrified to see that there were actually places like that in the US that were that dangerous. I'm from a very safe and relatively peaceful area, if you don't count all the murders that happen downtown. (I'm kidding about the murders) Bottom line: We're not all gun toting hamburglars who tip the scales at a whopping 375 lbs.

I live in NEW ENGLAND.....Hello NEW ENGLAND. Come on that's gotta count for something right. Same as xkappax I don't live in those stereo typical areas either.
2010-11-14 02:58:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I hate TopGear, i'm fine with the cars but Jeremy Clarkson is an egotistical *****, and anything that goes wrong is clearly set up2010-11-14 03:10:00

Author:
MrFunctionality
Posts: 637


Aren't all shows like that?2010-11-14 03:12:00

Author:
Kitkasumass
Posts: 494


I just saw the episode of top gear where the guys go to america and drive across the deep south. I was horrified by what I saw in that episode and I'm afraid that that's really the way that people from other countries see us. I also was horrified to see that there were actually places like that in the US that were that dangerous. I'm from a very safe and relatively peaceful area, if you don't count all the murders that happen downtown. (I'm kidding about the murders) Bottom line: We're not all gun toting hamburglars who tip the scales at a whopping 375 lbs.

Thar woulf be the sterpiortyipa;l american form a brisith perspecotve, which TG utilelesd, however thant isnt nevessario;y how we view you. I dont anyway. I like amerucan. Maibnly because i kbow poeple in ameruca, i like place n ameruca, you gave us jack daniules and also i lik rhw NHL and NFl... but yeah, that eipsiosde was funny.
2010-11-14 03:32:00

Author:
Unknown User


I for one can't stand native Antarcticans.2010-11-14 04:05:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


I hate TopGear, i'm fine with the cars but Jeremy Clarkson is an egotistical *****, and anything that goes wrong is clearly set up

That's what I dislike.... Dur, it's obviously set up. They wouldn't have a said car falling off the cliff into the ocean without any consent or informing the authorities. It just irritates me when people just pay attention to the little most details like "Oh that's too dramatic, it was clearly set up", rather than enjoying the show.
2010-11-14 04:56:00

Author:
illuminationx
Posts: 860


Small minds hide behind stereotypes when confronted with the unfamiliar or uncomfortable.2010-11-14 05:46:00

Author:
dxdydz
Posts: 52


There is usually some truth (however small or out of context it may be) in generalisations though.2010-11-14 06:21:00

Author:
Asbestos101
Posts: 1114


The fact that 90% think all steriotypes are true...
Also because they think when someone from another country tells them off, they think its because of where they're from, not because of how they've been acting.
*Stares at Op*
2010-11-14 06:44:00

Author:
Silverleon
Posts: 6707


When I was working in hospitality, I will admit that I found a large quotient of American tourists to be loud and brash and tending towards comparing everything in Australia unfavourably to things in the US. However, they were awesome tippers! When I actually traveled to the US about 8 years ago now, I found the Americans I met to be beautiful, very generous and helpful people. Just as relaxed as Aussies are.

Despite those brash tourists, I love Americans (I was almost engaged to one, many moons ago) - I have American family members and have collected a couple of hundred friends who have hailed from the great US of A, over the years. Also, that description I gave above was over 20 years ago and with the internet and globalisation taking so many leaps forward, the constant need for comparisons and the seeming need to establish US supremacy has all but disappeared. Although friends of ours did say that they lived in a place in the US (for a year) where the citizens considered theirs was the only "free nation" on the planet. Yeah, so a little naive, but hey, we've got people like that here too. Some of them (supreme bigots and racists) have even tried to run for parliament!

So, to cut a long post short (too late!)- I have no problem with Americans. I know that not everyone on the planet shares that same sentiment though, as sent up by that awesome Bowie song 'I'm Afraid of Americans". Very cool clip as well.
2010-11-14 08:38:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567


I'm not trying to stereotype Americans as not knowing much about the world around them, but I found a couple of comments on YouTube videos written by Americans:

"this mite sound like a stupid question. but y do all brittish ppl have an accent?"

And on a video about the [British] elections a while ago...
"dont u guys have like, a queen?"
2010-11-14 09:18:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913


If you're trying to find who the true Americans are, perhaps you ought to start by looking away from the media and meet one in person.

Maybe then you can tell me whether or not the stereotype lives up to its claim.
2010-11-14 09:44:00

Author:
Outlaw-Jack
Posts: 5757


If you're trying to find who the true Americans are, perhaps you ought to start by looking away from the media and meet one in person.

Maybe then you can tell me whether or not the stereotype lives up to its claim.

Never a wiser word spoken. (especially by an outlaw)

The media makes everything seem so extreme (thats the point of it really) but you really shouldn't form an opinion until you meet people in person.

The attributes of the few do not always apply to the whole, and vice versa.
2010-11-14 10:06:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626


The one thing that really ****** me off about americans is when they call us English peeps 'British'.

Britain isn't a country...I'm not British. I'm English, from England. Calling me British is the same as calling Canadians 'American'.


So don't do it.
2010-11-14 12:05:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291


If you're trying to find who the true Americans are, perhaps you ought to start by looking away from the media and meet one in person.

Maybe then you can tell me whether or not the stereotype lives up to its claim.

Indeed.
Now do the same backwards.
By which I mean look away from the media of all other countries, and don't assume all sterotypes are true until you meet them and confirm/ deny on yer own.

See, that's something else I dislike, apparently they can make stereotypes of all races all they want, but if someone makes a stereotype of them, then its completly wrong and it should not be assumed at all by any means otherwise everyone's evil or something...

I'm not targeting specifics here, but I have seen a lot of people doing that...
2010-11-14 13:10:00

Author:
Silverleon
Posts: 6707


Originally, all Americans were ENGLISH (there you go ARD )2010-11-14 13:31:00

Author:
Testudini
Posts: 3262


1/5 of the American people thinks Obama is a muslim 2010-11-14 13:34:00

Author:
Jonaolst
Posts: 935


Originally, all Americans were ENGLISH (there you go ARD )

Only not, since America is much more then WASPs now

All this talk of racism forcers me to do this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9CSnlb-ymA
2010-11-14 13:34:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882


Only not, since America is much more then WASPs now

All this talk of racism forcers me to do this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9CSnlb-ymA

OMG!!!!! I SURRENDER!! Besides I never thought of English people as a race. It just doesn't sound right. They are a Nationality and We the people have such a vast collection of races from all over the world we call citizens so that too would be impossible to categorize. All in All when you boil it down, its all about preconceived notions and the greatest remedy for that is~~ DRUMROLL~~ ASK QUESTIONS.
2010-11-14 14:43:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I don't mind Americans, I just think the way elections are run over there is a bit odd. Or rather politics in general.

Also Fox News...
2010-11-14 15:05:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


The one thing that really ****** me off about americans is when they call us English peeps 'British'.

Britain isn't a country...I'm not British. I'm English, from England. Calling me British is the same as calling Canadians 'American'.


So don't do it.

I love you, I love you, I love you!

Britain= Island
England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland= Countries
United Kingdom= Kingdom

^_^
2010-11-14 15:21:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913


I didn't know you guys didn't like being called British. I will try hard to call you English from now on. I apologize.2010-11-14 16:59:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569


I've only been to L.A., but the Americans I met there were generally friendly!

I admit there are some that I don't like, but that's nothing to do with the country.


I didn't know you guys didn't like being called British. I will try hard to call you English from now on. I apologize.

Unless you're from Wales, like me. So call me Welsh.

Nice new animation, by the way!
2010-11-14 17:12:00

Author:
Rhys125
Posts: 841


I'm not really surprised that more Americans have bad things to say about our country then people from the UK. I find that one of the most interesting experiences for people when growing up in America is the gradual realization of the difference between America's ideals (the proverbial "American Dream") and American reality. I love my country and don't think I'd want to live anywhere else but at times I can't help but feel disappointed and disgusted by it in the same way a child would feel ashamed of their parents for any number of reasons.

We've got plenty of nice things like freedom of speech, religious rights, resources, and security but the sheer amount of all that comes with it's drawbacks like extreme partisanship, religious fanaticism, rampant obesity, and out of control military spending. Not that other countries don't have these things, but America's sheer diversity, conflicting interests and assorted ideals make all these things (for better or worse) coalesce in a rather messy way.
2010-11-14 17:25:00

Author:
Dapiek Absaroka
Posts: 512


http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/free-ak47-with-every-truck-us-car-dealer-20101115-17uad.html

Free AK-47 with every truck: US car dealer

A car dealership is trying to drum up business by offering an unusual perk for potential used-truck buyers: a free AK-47 assault rifle.

General sales manager Nick Ginetta says that since the promotion was announced in the Florida town on Veterans Day (November 11), business has more than doubled at Nations Trucks.

Customers would have to pass a background check before using the $US400 ($A405) gun-shop voucher.

They also have the option of using the money towards other firearms, or they can request a cheque for that amount instead.

The dealership has fielded some complaints about the deal, which Ginetta acknowledges is controversial.

But he adds: "My buyer is absolutely a gun owner, no question."

The promotion is scheduled to run until the end of November.

Words fail me.
2010-11-15 10:09:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/free-ak47-with-every-truck-us-car-dealer-20101115-17uad.html


Words fail me.

What did you expect? We may have not found a treasure trove of oil in the middle east, but there are plenty of AK47
2010-11-15 10:56:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


Also Fox News...

HAHAHA FOX News. Thats the best joke I have heard all day, seriously biased media is a huge joke.

NEVERTHELESS, it is only 3:27 in the morning here in L.A. so there is bound to be something funnier. before someone says it, my face is not funny.
:kz:
2010-11-15 11:27:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626


You bloomin yankee doodle dandies with yer four be four pick up chevys and supersized kfc whoppers. Bunch of fur coat wearing no knickers wallies if you ask me, old chap.

But yeah, feeling pride over being born on a piece of land you didn't chose is pretty much akin to feeling pride when water boils at 100 degrees. You didn't really make that happen, did you? I don't judge myself or others by what side of the invisible lines they're on. We're all citizens of Earth as I see it and I'll treat you as an equal until you prove you deserve otherwise.
2010-11-15 14:06:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


Also Fox News...

It seems common for people to jump on Fox news but I find it funny since it's not like any major news outlet is unbiased, in any country. They all cater to their target agendas and/or audiences. That's why I don't watch any of them.

Of course then I hear the argument from some people in other countries "No! The USA is the only place with biased news! Our news is fine!" ... Yeah right.

Can't generalize populations though, there are always exceptions to stereotypes with people. That's why I hate things like political parties, all it does is encourage blind stereotyping.
2010-11-15 14:40:00

Author:
Foofles
Posts: 2278


The patriotism, the patriotism! :G It's everywhere.
Although there are alot of Brits with the same disorder, generally, I've never seem a Brit bash another Brit for not being a patriot. Americans seem to take less kindly to people not willing to stroke their nations ego.

Also, the fact the Americans nickname their flag 'The red, white and blue', seemingly oblivious that the Union Jack has the same 3 colours.

I'll never 'get' patriotism - Your squiggly shape on a map doesn't make you special. And 'You' didn't save 'My' butt in any wars - I'm tired of people my age who never fought in any war telling me I 'owe them one', or whatever.


Oh, yeah, and on a different subject, the Americans that bawwww whenever something is in Europe, but not in the US. America seems to get so much more cool stuff than we do, and faster. Whenever Europe gets some attention, with the US left out, it's 'not fair'.
Take the US and European LBP2 collectors editions, and the Contraption Challenges as examples of where you can see what I'm getting at.


Other than this, though. The US is awesome. I actually find USians alot easier to get on with than Brits for whatever reason.
2010-11-15 16:01:00

Author:
Ostler5000
Posts: 1017


It seems common for people to jump on Fox news but I find it funny since it's not like any major news outlet is unbiased, in any country. They all cater to their target agendas and/or audiences.

Of course, but none are as big and as known as Fox News. Most aren't that blatantly biased and disregarding of reality and facts as they are though.
2010-11-15 16:08:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


Of course, but none are as big and as known as Fox News. Most aren't that blatantly biased and disregarding of reality and facts as they are though.

*cough* Daily Mail...

This is already becoming somewhat subjective, but I feel the whole "Fox news is stupid" is just another stereotype that got popular. I hear this all over the place "Omg Fox news is so biased" .. "Conservatives need to stop worshiping Fox news" etc. etc. and it just seems like a trend. But that's all that modern politics is, rumors and popularity. They all suck equally.

Just like the "Ewww Republicans" attitude when it comes to politicians. As if one parasite is somehow better than another.
2010-11-15 16:16:00

Author:
Foofles
Posts: 2278


it dont matter really i was playing zombies on Black Ops and i was the only british guy and they were ''yanks'' (i have no idea how that word started) and they were like ''OMG ITS A BRITISH GUY, SAY SOMETHING FUNNY'' i was like errrrrrr

i think Americans like English accent ?
2010-11-15 17:04:00

Author:
howMUCHforBOUNTY
Posts: 623


*cough* Daily Mail...

I said "most", not none.
2010-11-15 17:30:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


it dont matter really i was playing zombies on Black Ops and i was the only british guy and they were ''yanks'' (i have no idea how that word started) and they were like ''OMG ITS A BRITISH GUY, SAY SOMETHING FUNNY'' i was like errrrrrr

i think Americans like English accent ?

That happened to a friend of mine.
He was playing and the other people from the US. They started saying things like, "Oh my God! We're playing with a British guy!"
My friend said in return, "Oh my God, I'm playing with Americans!" and they got angry at him for some reason
2010-11-15 18:02:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913


I'm not a fan of giving 20% tips :/2010-11-15 18:09:00

Author:
flamingemu
Posts: 1872


i was playing zombies on Black Ops and i was the only british guy and they were ''yanks'' (i have no idea how that word started)



This may help (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101026143215AAvCP27) I Used the name "YANKS" in the Title of this thread as a way to break the ice.
2010-11-15 20:24:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


Anyone maybe consider we're all on the same planet. -Bleep- if we're this antsy about who's across an ocean then how are we going to deal with our interstellar neighbors?
Maybe we're all just a little jelous of each other, have you ever considered that? Everyone wants what they can have and everyone hates what the other has got...gots...gotten...gitten...get got! (wth is up with eye before E?)
2010-11-16 15:47:00

Author:
Bradlee
Posts: 96


That happened to a friend of mine.
He was playing and the other people from the US. They started saying things like, "Oh my God! We're playing with a British guy!"
My friend said in return, "Oh my God, I'm playing with Americans!" and they got angry at him for some reason

I never look at it that way.. I just think of us as one big LBP/LBPC family. ..when I find out that a new friend is from some other country, I think that is pretty darn cool. I like sharing and learning about others cities, countries, fav foods etc so for me playing LBP has been one fun adventure.
2010-11-16 15:57:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


I'm not a fan of giving 20% tips :/

The important thing to realise with tips is that waitstaff in American restaurants are often paid BELOW MINIMUM WAGE.

It's a silly system, I'll grant you, but there is a reason for exorbitant tips. Plus, it's awesome when you work at a pub in Britain and get some American tourists come in.
2010-11-16 16:06:00

Author:
dxdydz
Posts: 52


There is usually some truth (however small or out of context it may be) in generalisations though.

Oh, no doubt! Stereotyping and generalizations are incredibly important! It's how we're able to process the world: we create generalized models of our surroundings, which we refine as we gain experience.

Many cultural stereotypes serve as a reasonable baseline approximation, but the important thing is not to cling to the stereotype but instead let it be informed (or even completely decimated) by future experience. The problem doesn't arrive from stereotyping so much as it does from persons unwilling to alter their mental models of the world when confronted with a new datum.

At the risk of upsetting people, let's consider race. In some areas of the US, African Americans are heavily involved in crime. Why this is (and it does seem to be getting a little bit better) is a subject for a very different discussion, but for now let's just go with the fact that there are regions with a high density of (often poverty-stricken and uneducated) criminally-involved African Americans (this could work equally well for many US minorities, which shows that there's a really systemic problem occurring here). If I'm in one of those areas and I come across a few black men dressed in what I perceive as gang-affiliated clothing, it behooves me to be wary. Likely, given the nature of the location's demographics, these guys are up to no good. This is an example of a stereotype serving its function. However, if later I'm at a community center bake sale in a sleepy little town and I see almost-identical men except they're manning the cupcake booth, I mustn't let my previous perception of guys-who-look-like-that be completely static. Perhaps I approach them warily, but get to know them over a delicious cupcake and end up becoming fast friends. If I didn't allow for a dynamic stereotype, I would've missed out on this great opportunity for friends and cupcakes. Does this mean that the next time I'm in a darkened alley in a rough part of town I should ask some thugs about baked goods? Not necessarily, I haven't invalidated the stereotype I've simply refined it. The important thing is to let stereotypes inform your behaviour, but not rule it, and to be fully prepared to be proven wrong.

Stereotypes should be taken as a guide, nothing more and nothing less. Peasants are usually poor, and kings are usually rich, but there have certainly been poor kings and rich peasants in the days of yore.
2010-11-16 16:41:00

Author:
dxdydz
Posts: 52


Nobody is saying that EVERYONE has a chip on there shoulder, however there are some very real differences in how each side deals in social situations. For instance:


I find using very English insults leaves any American very confused

How do I take that....should I feel insulted or is it just a harmless joke. These are the differences I was getting at because

A: I felt that some of the posts I was replying to were getting misunderstood and ...
B: I Wanted to know that if I was upsetting those not used to the way I word things, then what would be a better way to respond so as not to offend.

Also before someone posts " Just be yourself , why change for others ?" Well because that's just who I am which by the way I find most people from the U.S. feel/act the same way. I am not the loud obnoxious American everyone sees on the news or in parodies.
2010-11-16 16:53:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


Changing yourself for others is not just who you are. Sounds to me like you're justifying being agreeable and submissive by pretending it's kindness as that's easier to tell yourself than the simple fact that you're too afraid to challenge others.2010-11-16 17:42:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


I am not the loud obnoxious American everyone sees on the news or in parodies.
Or in online games. ^.^


Edit: Oooh, just thought of something. Nothing against Americans as such, but the States do seem to have an unproportionally large amount of women with irritatingly squeaky voices

Example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPA1xJOXiE0
2010-11-16 17:46:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


Kristen Chenoweth is hilarious 2010-11-16 18:07:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913


Or in online games. ^.^


Edit: Oooh, just thought of something. Nothing against Americans as such, but the States do seem to have an unproportionally large amount of women with irritatingly squeaky voices



I have to agree with you there, a lot of women here have squeaky voices, have you heard american women squee? Talk about eardrum murder... I'd preffer an english accent anyday.
2010-11-16 18:07:00

Author:
Bradlee
Posts: 96


Well, a yanker once yanked out my toot... Oh wait, we are talking about stereotypes and such, I thought we talked about dentists

Does any of you have a stereotype of us norwegians, that you don't hear every day!
2010-11-16 19:50:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627


Does any of you have a stereotype of us norwegians, that you don't hear every day!

Depression and black metal... That's what happens in Norway, right?
2010-11-16 20:50:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497


Changing yourself for others is not just who you are. Sounds to me like you're justifying being agreeable and submissive by pretending it's kindness as that's easier to tell yourself than the simple fact that you're too afraid to challenge others.

Where would fighting with anyone on a forum get me? Moderated great.Do you know what happens when you assume sean. Sounds to me like you like to challenge others more than show an ounce of humility or compassion. Instead why not be more constructive and use that energy to ask something meaningful? Where are you from sean?
2010-11-16 22:28:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


The truth can be a harsh mistress, I understand. Asserting your own views isn't fighting, if someone takes it as aggressive then it's their problem. I just want you to be yourself and I don't even know you, isn't that compassion?2010-11-16 22:35:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


C'mon people lets just chill down and end it here ok? no need to fight on a forum for something that is pointless.2010-11-16 22:57:00

Author:
Ragnarok
Posts: 898


Fight? Where?2010-11-16 23:12:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


Does any of you have a stereotype of us norwegians, that you don't hear every day!

You guys have GREAT Cruiseships!
2010-11-16 23:28:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


There are certain areas of a map that I just avoid....Nuff said.2010-11-17 01:39:00

Author:
MrFunctionality
Posts: 637


I find it funny how a great deal of hate on America comes from England, the country we broke free from. Gosh guys, we had the revolution centuries ago. Sorry we don't pay taxes for tea anymore.2010-11-17 02:59:00

Author:
Testudini
Posts: 3262


I find it funny most of the hate of America comes from England

Oh absolutely, the rest of the World just loves America
2010-11-17 03:14:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497


Oh absolutely, the rest of the World just loves America

True. Edited the post to not be so exaggerated.
2010-11-17 03:18:00

Author:
Testudini
Posts: 3262


Oh absolutely, the rest of the World just loves America

Great point rtm223. So the question is why? I've heard a lot of speculation but no real answers. What is it that bugs everyone about Americans and please don't give the same cookie cutter answer I have heard over and over again "I don't have anything against Americans mate, that's in your head " because if that were the case, this thread would have been buried the day it was posted and nobody would care. We may not be able change popular opinions about all sides everywhere, but at least everyone here on this forum could have a better understanding of where we all come from.
2010-11-17 10:18:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


America is great. It gave us Elvis, Disney, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, and the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am.

It also gave us syphilis.

What's not to like about America?
2010-11-17 18:18:00

Author:
Ungreth
Posts: 2130


America is great. It gave us Elvis, Disney, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, and the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am.

What's not to like about America?

Elvis, Disney (with some exceptions) and McDonalds for starters. ^.^
2010-11-17 18:27:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


America is great. It gave us Elvis, Disney, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, and the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am.

It also gave us syphilis.

What's not to like about America?

...blame Columbus for visiting without protection. lol

From Wikipedia...
Researchers concluded that syphilis was carried from the New World to Europe after Columbus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus)' voyages. The findings suggested Europeans could have carried the nonvenereal tropical bacteria home, where the organisms may have mutated into a more deadly form in the different conditions and low immunity of the population of Europe.[34] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis#cite_note-33) Syphilis was a major killer in Europe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe) during the Renaissance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance).[35] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis#cite_note-34)[unreliable source? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Identifying_reliable_sources)] In his Serpentine Malady (Seville, 1539) Ruy Diaz de Isla 'guesstimated' that over a million people were infected in Europe.[36] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis#cite_note-35)
2010-11-17 18:29:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


Great point rtm223. So the question is why? I've heard a lot of speculation but no real answers. What is it that bugs everyone about Americans and please don't give the same cookie cutter answer I have heard over and over again "I don't have anything against Americans mate, that's in your head " because if that were the case, this thread would have been buried the day it was posted and nobody would care. We may not be able change popular opinions about all sides everywhere, but at least everyone here on this forum could have a better understanding of where we all come from.

Well, America does have a pretty vapid culture, that's kind of annoying.
2010-11-17 20:12:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


Elvis, Disney (with some exceptions) and McDonalds for starters. ^.^

If you don't like Disney there is something wrong with you.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_We83G371r_c/SQGzOLZiUBI/AAAAAAAAA10/oYr_t5Zxk0k/s400/cold+heart.bmp

Your heart <3
2010-11-17 20:21:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913


That's why I LOVE americans... they make me laugh


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE

Nah, just kidding... I don't like stereotypes and generalization too, even if it's funny to make jokes about.

As already said, we're all the same, we live on the same planet, and as long as we are a minimum open-minded, "educated", and understanding the world around us, there's no reason for hating anybody...!
2010-11-17 20:54:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


Well, America does have a pretty vapid culture, that's kind of annoying.

Alright lets explore that comment. How did you come to that conclusion that our culture is vapid? I work 6 days a week 10 hours a day to pay for the first house I ever lived in (I Always lived in tiny apartments). My wife lost her job when she requested a leave of absence after my son was hospitalized from a severe respiratory infection he contracted at a daycare that incidentally cost us $400 a week to pay for so know I support my family on 1 income. I drive a broken down 95 jeep Cherokee that I pray gets me to work half an hour away from where I live. This story is not uncommon to me because everyone I know has the same story. So the vapidness you see is what is presented to you for the sake of entertainment because honestly nobody wants to here a story like mine. I don't live in a mansion ,I don't sleep on a pile of money ,and I don't drive a yacht to work. The culture I know is hustle ,work hard ,and just maybe your kids can have it better than you did.

So tell me about yourself now. Where do you live? Is your culture considered vapid? Would I think so?


That's why I LOVE Americans... they make me laugh


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE

Nah, just kidding... I don't like stereotypes and generalization too, even if it's funny to make jokes about.

As already said, we're all the same, we live on the same planet, and as long as we are a minimum open-minded, "educated", and understanding the world around us, there's no reason for hating anybody...!

It doesn't have to be hate and you can make jokes about whatever you wish. Just look at what we make fun of in terms of our own country. Two words "George Bush". O.k. Sure we live on the same planet that's at least a small comfort but we don't know each other. Your neighbors may live on the same street as you, does that mean you understand each other? Now with all that said ,that doesn't mean when you do get the big picture of who your talking to that you'll be the best of friends but at least you will have an understanding of who everyone is and not what you've been told.
2010-11-17 21:13:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I'm sure there's a lot of hard working people with great hardships in any country but I think a culture is defined by its public perception and American media does glamorise and allude to empty materialism for the kids and mushy family values sentimentality for everything else.
English culture is 75% American culture these day so apply 75% of all I've said to us too, in fact we have quite a few people living off benefits out of convenience instead of necessity, my cousin is a dumb bint who got knocked up when she was 17 and she now lives opposite the 02 arena in the dead centre of London for free while I can't afford to live in on the outskirts. England is a glum decaying poophole too, watch a film like Clockwork Orange or Brazil and while meant as fictional representations of a near future England they really capture the atmosphere of British city life. Countryside can be lovely but you get a lot of ignorant chavs with no knowledge outside their Borough. I'd say what we have going for us is our humour and stiff upper lips. I wasn't saying we're perfect (not that I like to think of myself as being defined by what side of some invisible lines I was born on) I was just answering the question.
2010-11-17 21:36:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


I'm sure there's a lot of hard working people with great hardships in any country but I think a culture is defined by its public perception and American media does glamorise and allude to empty materialism for the kids and mushy family values sentimentality for everything else.
English culture is 75% American culture these day so apply 75% of all I've said to us too, in fact we have quite a few people living off benefits out of convenience instead of necessity, my cousin is a dumb bint who got knocked up when she was 17 and she now lives opposite the 02 arena in the dead centre of London for free while I can't afford to live in on the outskirts. England is a glum decaying poophole too, watch a film like Clockwork Orange or Brazil and while meant as fictional representations of a near future England they really capture the atmosphere of British city life. Countryside can be lovely but you get a lot of ignorant chavs with no knowledge outside their Borough. I'd say what we have going for us is our humour and stiff upper lips. I wasn't saying we're perfect (not that I like to think of myself as being defined by what side of some invisible lines I was born on) I was just answering the question.

Finally! Now that's progress. That's exactly what I've been talking about this whole time. Thank you.
2010-11-17 21:54:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


Cool beans 2010-11-17 21:57:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


People are people wherever you go. I'm not sure what a "Yank" is supposed to be like, since everyone I know from the US is different, holding their own individual views and living their own individual lifestyles, yet at the same time sharing similarities with each other, same as people here in England...and people in Uganda....and people in Uzbekistan...and people in Kuala Lumpur...and so on.

So could you describe what this sterotypical Yank is like? Exactly what is it that we ignorant British supposedly hate about you people who are essentially no different to us?
2010-11-17 22:01:00

Author:
Ungreth
Posts: 2130


Exactly what is it that we ignorant British supposedly hate about you people who are essentially no different to us?

lol.. I dunno!!

I hate the fact that I can't just walk over to your house and hang out with you. I suspect that you hate that too as you would be more than welcome here as well. We'd even make snacks!
2010-11-17 22:16:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


People are people wherever you go. I'm not sure what a "Yank" is supposed to be like, since everyone I know from the US is different, holding their own individual views and living their own individual lifestyles, yet at the same time sharing similarities with each other, same as people here in England...and people in Uganda....and people in Uzbekistan...and people in Kuala Lumpur...and so on.

So could you describe what this sterotypical Yank is like? Exactly what is it that we ignorant British supposedly hate about you people who are essentially no different to us?

I think the label 'Yank' comes from the New York Yankees, and then I naturally assume that we generalise that to anyone in New york but us English have a habit of generalising further to any American...I think
2010-11-17 22:18:00

Author:
MrFunctionality
Posts: 637


I think the label 'Yank' comes from the New York Yankees

Pretty sure it's the other way around....

In general the term yank, from british perspective is used vaguely as a overall term for a citizen of the united states, but with ever so slight negative overtones. What the specifics of those overtones are intended to be I don't know, but isn't that the case with all these negative words for foreigners?
2010-11-17 22:21:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497


I think the label 'Yank' comes from the New York Yankees, and then I naturally assume that we generalise that to anyone in New york but us English have a habit of generalising further to any American...I think

I'm a redsox fan so watch it pal.


This may help (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101026143215AAvCP27) I Used the name "YANKS" in the Title of this thread as a way to break the ice.
2010-11-17 22:23:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


People are people wherever you go. I'm not sure what a "Yank" is supposed to be like, since everyone I know from the US is different, holding their own individual views and living their own individual lifestyles, yet at the same time sharing similarities with each other, same as people here in England...and people in Uganda....and people in Uzbekistan...and people in Kuala Lumpur...and so on.
If only more people could think this way...


In general the term yank, from british perspective is used vaguely as a overall term for a citizen of the united states, but with ever so slight negative overtones. What the specifics of those overtones are intended to be I don't know, but isn't that the case with all these negative words for foreigners?

Interestingly, in the American South, the term "Yankee" is apparently used to denote someone from "Up north." It, too, has a slight negative connotation, although I have no idea why.
2010-11-17 22:26:00

Author:
Stoicrow
Posts: 276


Pretty sure it's the other way around....

Thats the reason that they have that name?....Because people coin the term 'Yank'?...Interesting.
2010-11-17 22:27:00

Author:
MrFunctionality
Posts: 637


The U.S. is practically a mirror image of the U.K. I mean, we're all human. Whatever you find here in the US, you're going to find somewhere else... No use taking your anger transnational, you could probably drive a few miles and find someone similar to take your anger out on... physically take out your anger... ;]

EDIT: Practically what Ungreth said...
2010-11-17 22:28:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979


I'm still waiting for someone to turn this into a globalisation debate... Common, I'm sure you can think of one reason why people may not like America and (hint!) all that it stands for.

2010-11-17 22:40:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


The U.S. is practically a mirror image of the U.K. I mean, we're all human. Whatever you find here in the US, you're going to find somewhere else... No use taking your anger transnational, you could probably drive a few miles and find someone similar to take your anger out on... physically take out your anger... ;]

EDIT: Practically what Ungreth said...

This is where we enter the muddy waters piggabling. Sometimes it's not that your out to get anyone and say " Oh I'm angry so I'm going to find an American / Englishman/ Martian to take my frustrations out on" . Sometimes it's as simple as "Oh look at that American / Englishman/ Martian . Who does he/she think he is when they probably (whatever)". Not everyone has that sort of thinking like "wait even though it seems like this American / Englishman/ Martian is acting like they own the joint maybe that's just the way their used to speaking and I'm not used to that. Let me ask before I post something slightly rude back". Some go the exact opposite way and don't even consider that there was no malice intended in their post so you post something slightly rude, and now guess what Piggabling. What you considered slightly rude is super offensive to the one you are posting to because they are not used to slightly rude comments and its a fight over a misunderstanding. How could It have been avoided? Read this post again if you don't know the answer because It's in there.
2010-11-17 22:50:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


Super long post inbound:

"To foreigners, a Yankee is an American.
To Americans, a Yankee is a Northerner.
To Northerners, a Yankee is an Easterner.
To Easterners, a Yankee is a New Englander.
To New Englanders, a Yankee is a Vermonter.
And in Vermont, a Yankee is somebody who eats pie for breakfast"

So...ya. darn yankees, get on yer side the Mason-Dixon line! /southerner
Try calling a southener from the U.S a Yankee, see if you can get away without having your face smashed in.
Personally though, I hate the U.S.
?Viva la revoluci?n comunista de Boricua!
Down with the Capitalist Pigs!
Down with the U.S Imperialistic dogs!
Overthrow the U.S dictators!
Power to the people!
Freedom to Puerto Rico!
Viva la libertad!
Viva la revolucion!
/proud commie/


When I was working in hospitality, I will admit that I found a large quotient of American tourists to be loud and brash and tending towards comparing everything in Australia unfavourably to things in the US. However, they were awesome tippers! When I actually traveled to the US about 8 years ago now, I found the Americans I met to be beautiful, very generous and helpful people. Just as relaxed as Aussies are.

Despite those brash tourists, I love Americans (I was almost engaged to one, many moons ago) - I have American family members and have collected a couple of hundred friends who have hailed from the great US of A, over the years. Also, that description I gave above was over 20 years ago and with the internet and globalisation taking so many leaps forward, the constant need for comparisons and the seeming need to establish US supremacy has all but disappeared. Although friends of ours did say that they lived in a place in the US (for a year) where the citizens considered theirs was the only "free nation" on the planet. Yeah, so a little naive, but hey, we've got people like that here too. Some of them (supreme bigots and racists) have even tried to run for parliament!

So, to cut a long post short (too late!)- I have no problem with Americans. I know that not everyone on the planet shares that same sentiment though, as sent up by that awesome Bowie song 'I'm Afraid of Americans". Very cool clip as well.

The U.S 'great'? I'm not seeing it.
Yea people from the U.S are stupid, don't give us too much credit.


The one thing that really ****** me off about americans is when they call us English peeps 'British'.

Britain isn't a country...I'm not British. I'm English, from England. Calling me British is the same as calling Canadians 'American'.


So don't do it.

Why do you call us 'American'?
America is not a country, American is Canada, the U.S, Mexico, and South America.
I'm from the U.S, call me...U.Sian!
Calling me American is like calling all hispanic people Mexican, i'm not Mexican ****it! I'm Puerto Rican!



We've got plenty of nice things like freedom of speech, religious rights, resources, and security but the sheer amount of all that comes with it's drawbacks like extreme partisanship, religious fanaticism, rampant obesity, and out of control military spending. Not that other countries don't have these things, but America's sheer diversity, conflicting interests and assorted ideals make all these things (for better or worse) coalesce in a rather messy way.

We live in the U.S there is no freedom. If the government doesn't get you, poverty, disease, or racist white people will. (Unless your white of course )



Oh, yeah, and on a different subject, the Americans that bawwww whenever something is in Europe, but not in the US. America seems to get so much more cool stuff than we do, and faster. Whenever Europe gets some attention, with the US left out, it's 'not fair'.
Take the US and European LBP2 collectors editions, and the Contraption Challenges as examples of where you can see what I'm getting at.


Ooooh, we got collectors addition earlier than you /whatever
The U.S gets good tech years after it comes out in other countries.
Cells phones and other gadgets that get released in the U.K, Japan, etc don't even make it to the U.S most of the time.
The stuff that we do get is either junk or just stupid and none of it is quality.


Oh, no doubt! Stereotyping and generalizations are incredibly important! It's how we're able to process the world: we create generalized models of our surroundings, which we refine as we gain experience.

Many cultural stereotypes serve as a reasonable baseline approximation, but the important thing is not to cling to the stereotype but instead let it be informed (or even completely decimated) by future experience. The problem doesn't arrive from stereotyping so much as it does from persons unwilling to alter their mental models of the world when confronted with a new datum.

At the risk of upsetting people, let's consider race. In some areas of the US, African Americans are heavily involved in crime. Why this is (and it does seem to be getting a little bit better) is a subject for a very different discussion, but for now let's just go with the fact that there are regions with a high density of (often poverty-stricken and uneducated) criminally-involved African Americans (this could work equally well for many US minorities, which shows that there's a really systemic problem occurring here). If I'm in one of those areas and I come across a few black men dressed in what I perceive as gang-affiliated clothing, it behooves me to be wary. Likely, given the nature of the location's demographics, these guys are up to no good. This is an example of a stereotype serving its function. However, if later I'm at a community center bake sale in a sleepy little town and I see almost-identical men except they're manning the cupcake booth, I mustn't let my previous perception of guys-who-look-like-that be completely static. Perhaps I approach them warily, but get to know them over a delicious cupcake and end up becoming fast friends. If I didn't allow for a dynamic stereotype, I would've missed out on this great opportunity for friends and cupcakes. Does this mean that the next time I'm in a darkened alley in a rough part of town I should ask some thugs about baked goods? Not necessarily, I haven't invalidated the stereotype I've simply refined it. The important thing is to let stereotypes inform your behaviour, but not rule it, and to be fully prepared to be proven wrong.

Stereotypes should be taken as a guide, nothing more and nothing less. Peasants are usually poor, and kings are usually rich, but there have certainly been poor kings and rich peasants in the days of yore.

Ok cupcake, you ever heard of the KKK? Skinheads? or any of the untold amount of other racist white groups?
If your scared of black people it's probably your own fault. They didn't do anything to you, you're just scared of the possibility of it, partially because you're probably a little racist(you pointed them out). It's not black people that commit crimes, they are just the ones that get put on the news because they're trying to scare white people into thinking that black people are out to get them because the news hasn't come down from the era of racism.

If I see black people walking down a street i'm not going to run the other way with my head down, i'm going to nod or something to recognize them being there. Even if they're a racist gang, if you act like they are just normal people and don't appear to be racist yourself, you'll probably be fine.


America is great. It gave us Elvis, Disney, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, and the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am.

It also gave us syphilis.

What's not to like about America?

Everything you just said?
None of that stuff is good.


If you don't like Disney there is something wrong with you.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_We83G371r_c/SQGzOLZiUBI/AAAAAAAAA10/oYr_t5Zxk0k/s400/cold+heart.bmp

Your heart <3

Disney is more guarded than Guantanamo bay. Plus it's a trademark of U.S capitalistic imperialism.
2010-11-19 16:45:00

Author:
Bremnen
Posts: 1800


...yes to the post above this one.2010-11-19 17:28:00

Author:
Bradlee
Posts: 96


someone get that kid a ****ing tinfoil hat2010-11-19 20:09:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115


Ooooh, we got collectors addition earlier than you /whatever
The U.S gets good tech years after it comes out in other countries.
Cells phones and other gadgets that get released in the U.K, Japan, etc don't even make it to the U.S most of the time.
The stuff that we do get is either junk or just stupid and none of it is quality.

Way to miss my point, play the victim card, and pull facts out of your butt.

I would love to see some examples of tech that Europe got before America, supposedly years apart.
There's far less stuff out in America before Europe than the other way around, and that was what I was getting at.
2010-11-19 21:08:00

Author:
Ostler5000
Posts: 1017


Yeah, hate to break it to you, but us Americans are such consumers that if one thing doesn't end up here, it seems like everything doesn't.

In reality, most cool stuff STARTS in American and comes to other countries later.
2010-11-19 21:51:00

Author:
Jaslow
Posts: 775


Bottom line: We're not all gun toting hamburglars

Chicago is.
2010-11-19 22:26:00

Author:
Snrm
Posts: 6419


Call me a capitalistic pig if you want. I am not ashamed to be American. Just don't call me late for dinner!!!!!2010-11-19 22:50:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537


Man I love Bremnen. He is so cool, and he is a Communist!2010-11-19 23:08:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626


Yeah, hate to break it to you, but us Americans are such consumers that if one thing doesn't end up here, it seems like everything doesn't.

In reality, most cool stuff STARTS in American and comes to other countries later.

O.k. for starters Japan is the " Ground zero" to MOST things tech simply because that is where it was created.
someone get that kid a ****ing tinfoil hat
Way to miss my point, play the victim card, and pull facts out of your butt.

I would love to see some examples of tech that Europe got before America, supposedly years apart.
There's far less stuff out in America before Europe than the other way around, and that was what I was getting at.

Bremnen's post is as legitimate as any of the " I don't have any problems with anyone at any time " posts so grant him that same courtesy. Other than that I've stated my views on the subject.
2010-11-20 00:01:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653


I've noticed alot of people don't like people from USA. Mostly people from the UK, but just about everyone else too. We're not all the same. I'm a pretty peaceful, moral guy.


I'll admit, that one of my favourite wind ups when I meet an American for the first time is to say excitedly "Oh I love you're accent! - Are You Canadian!" - and then when they say "No, I'm American" I will act all dissapointed

This is because for years, whenever I would meet Americans they would say to me "Oh Wow! I love your accent! are you from England!" - and I would have to explain "No, I'm Scottish!"
2011-01-12 19:03:00

Author:
Macnme
Posts: 1970


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