NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

i would probably be in even more debt and be a bit more stupid.

I think life would be easier, at least economicaly.

Yet, at the same time, I think it must sucks that rent and food is so expensive there.

Around here food and rent is very cheap, while electronics are very expensive. I guess its the oposite in the US. I´ve talked with an american guy from Washington D.C and he said his rent was $1.500/month. So, instead of paying rent, he used the same $1.500 dolars to travel around the world :lol:

It must also sucks to see a lot of fat people every day, and it must sucks that most of the women are ugly. The ones that arent are famous or bitches.

Also, sexuality is not a big issue around here. Boobs, butt, even dicks are ok. So I think it would be weird to live in the US and see that violence is far more normal than sexuality.

I think life would be easier, at least economicaly.

Yet, at the same time, I think it must sucks that rent and food is so expensive there.

Around here food and rent is very cheap, while electronics are very expensive. I guess its the oposite in the US. I´ve talked with an american guy from Washington D.C and he said his rent was $1.500/month. So, instead of paying rent, he used the same $1.500 dolars to travel around the world :lol:

It must also sucks to see a lot of fat people every day, and it must sucks that most of the women are ugly. The ones that arent are famous or bitches.

Also, sexuality is not a big issue around here. Boobs, butt, even dicks are ok. So I think it would be weird to live in the US and see that violence is far more normal than sexuality.

And where, prithee, dost thou hail from?

It would be a living hell for me.

I dislike violence, consumerism, hedonism, SUVs, dodgy food, abortion, hypocrisy and far right-wing politics.

I would probably adjust quite well.

It would be a living hell for me.

I dislike violence, consumerism, hedonism, SUVs, dodgy food, abortion, hypocrisy and far right-wing politics.

I quite agree. After all, I live there, and I can't go a solitary square kilometer without seeing an SUV or a McDonalds. Ahh, my eyes!

Brazil.

Major diferences I see:

Brazil: Food and rent is very cheap. Electronics are very expensive (mainly due to taxes). Fruits here are extremely cheap.
USA: Very cheap electronics. Expensive rents and food. Everyone I´ve met said fruits and vegetables are very expensive, and junk food is very cheap. Not to mention cars seem to be very cheap, while in Brazil cars are somewhat expensive.

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Brazil: Violence is a big no-no. No bulling in schools, no bar fights. Of course there is a lot of crime, but violence is frowned upon. Sexuality is open for everyone. Boobs apear on TV all the time. You´re alowed to drink alcohol from 16 up, yet can only drive when you´re 18. A lot of people use public transportation.

USA: Violence is everywhere. Movies, Tv series, music, books. Yet if someone shows their boobs on TV, all hell breaks loose. You can only drink when you´re 21, yet can drive when you´re 16. No one uses public transportation, either having cars (LA) or walking (NY).

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Well, and of course, not to mention USA is a developed country, and Brazil is a developing country. While in the US there are a lot of rich people, the majority of the population is far richer than the majority of the brazilian population.

The women of the US would like me to thank you on their behalf for calling them all ugly or bitches.

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p

Brazil.

Major diferences I see:

Brazil: Food and rent is very cheap. Electronics are very expensive (mainly due to taxes). Fruits here are extremely cheap.
USA: Very cheap electronics. Expensive rents and food. Everyone I´ve met said fruits and vegetables are very expensive, and junk food is very cheap. Not to mention cars seem to be very cheap, while in Brazil cars are somewhat expensive.

----------------------------

Brazil: Violence is a big no-no. No bulling in schools, no bar fights. Of course there is a lot of crime, but violence is frowned upon. Sexuality is open for everyone. Boobs apear on TV all the time. You´re alowed to drink alcohol from 16 up, yet can only drive when you´re 18. A lot of people use public transportation.

USA: Violence is everywhere. Movies, Tv series, music, books. Yet if someone shows their boobs on TV, all hell breaks loose. You can only drink when you´re 21, yet can drive when you´re 16. No one uses public transportation, either having cars (LA) or walking (NY).

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Well, and of course, not to mention USA is a developed country, and Brazil is a developing country. While in the US there are a lot of rich people, the majority of the population is far richer than the majority of the brazilian population.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

Worse, since I would be a second class citizen maligned by the government and virtually with no protection against discrimination. Oh, and English would be my primary language and that is a fate almost as gruesome as being raised in a culture where the veneration of the nation is valued and essentially imprinted in you during school morning praye... I mean "recitations" of a religious circle-jerkish chant.

Worse, since I would be a second class citizen maligned by the government and virtually with no protection against discrimination. Oh, and English would be my primary language and that is a fate almost as gruesome as being raised in a culture where the veneration of the nation is valued and essentially imprinted in you during school morning praye... I mean "recitations" of a religious circle-jerkish chant.
Interesting. Where do you live now?

In all honesty I'd b quite intimidated. Everything seems to be a big issue over there suchas race, religion, sex and violence. At least here in the UK they're not as big and the UK just seems a more tolerant place than the USA.

Interesting. Where do you live now?

If you look closely most posters have a 'location' field to the left of their post.

In all honesty I'd b quite intimidated. Everything seems to be a big issue over there suchas race, religion, sex and violence. At least here in the UK they're not as big and the UK just seems a more tolerant place than the USA.

Not really. That mostly just depends on where in the counrty you live, and how much attention you pay to the media.

No different at all.

Interesting. Where do you live now?

<--- Looky there.

It'd be warmer, I'd have a load more money and in the comparitive charts I'd have a much better accent but much worse teeth.

I was planning to have moved by now but I'm stuck here for a couple more months in the cold.

<--- Looky there.
Sorry.

Anyway, what other outrageous stereotypes do you buy into?

Anyway, what other outrageous stereotypes do you buy into?

Sadly, that was not just a stereotype. It was also the truth.

You live in a cloud with a question mark?

I rather believe it to mean that he resides within Skype.

You live in a cloud with a question mark?

That's not a cloud.

Sadly, that was not just a stereotype. It was also the truth.
Ah. It was a stereotype and the truth.

Am I wrong in assuming you are either lower class or of middle-eastern descent?

<--- Looky there.

You live in a cloud with a question mark?

It'd be warmer, I'd have a load more money and in the comparitive charts I'd have a much better accent but much worse teeth.

I was planning to have moved by now but I'm stuck here for a couple more months in the cold.

On the other hand, to be fair to Britain, I have to leave London for Los Angeles :(

You live in a cloud with a question mark?

Tis a great place.

Sadly, that was not just a stereotype. It was also the truth.

Not really, there are strong laws that protect you against discrimination in the USA (well in the majority of areas of the US), and the idea about english language is subjective to taste and church and state is very strictly seperated in the vast majority of schools in the USA.

That's not a cloud.

You've shattered my childhood dreams...

Ah. It was a stereotype and the truth.

Am I wrong in assuming you are either lower class or of middle-eastern descent?

Wow.

I'd probably end up a miserable alcoholic with romantic dreams of old beautiful Ireland...

Wait, you mean THIS centuary?

Hmm...

I think I would eventually go crazy from the "have a nice day" culture, turn to the drink and end up singing drunken songs while dreaming romantic dreams of old beautiful Ireland...

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p
*BING*

One point, love ;)

Am I wrong in assuming you are either lower class or of middle-eastern descent?
I am very curious as to how you arrived at that assumption. Do tell :p

If I was born in Ameirca I'd probably still be on this board but I'd be posting a thread asking how other nations view America.

I know posters from other countries do it, but Americans seem to do it alot more dispite not being the majority why do they care so much about their image?

Ah. It was a stereotype and the truth.

Stereotypes do come from truthful observations and sometimes they do report just that in the end.

Am I wrong in assuming you are either lower class or of middle-eastern descent?

Yes, you are.

If I was born in Ameirca I'd probably still be on this board but I'd be posting a thread asking how other nations view America.

I know posters from other countries do it, but Americans seem to do it alot more dispite not being the majority why do they care so much about their image?

We're insecure about the size of our penis. Please be more understanding. :(

my standard of living would drop and my children's education would suffer...I could go on but that wouldn't be nice...

Not really, there are strong laws that protect you against discrimination in the USA (well in the majority of areas of the US),

Actually, no. The US if infamous for its lack of protections for sexual minorities. It had sodomy laws into this century, for instance; and before you bring it up, no, Massachussets and some other state or two do not absolve the rest of the country, and especially not the government (and especially not the current one). You can't even serve in the military if you're non-straight, which is, well, just so bizarre.

and the idea about english language is subjective to taste

It did ask me my opinion. You're gonna bitch that I gave just that?

and church and state is very strictly seperated in the vast majority of schools in the USA.

Right... "one Nation under God", "in God we trust" and so on and so forth.

We're insecure about the size of our penis. Please be more understanding. :(

Florida is kind of perpetually flaccid, that's true...

Right... "one Nation under God", "in God we trust" and so on and so forth.

The are those of us trying to get that changed ... though I've never seen it affect me, I didn't say the Pledge of Allegiance in school.

Actually, no. The US if infamous for its lack of protections for sexual minorities. It had sodomy laws into this century, for instance; and before you bring it up, no, Massachussets and some other state or two do not absolve the rest of the country, and especially not the government (and especially not the current one). You can't even serve in the military if you're non-straight, which is, well, just so bizarre.


Meh, you can sodomise as much as you like no ones going to stop you, you can get married in the USA so long as you don't mind having to drive to somewhere where they will. The army do let gay people into the army because they don't ask whether you are gay or not.


It did ask me my opinion. You're gonna bitch that I gave just that?


No but it's not universally true.


Right... "one Nation under God", "in God we trust" and so on and so forth.

Traditional and celebrated expressions and quotes used by the founders of the USA, who cares if it says it on bills, if you think that makes the USA a hell hole then your standards are monsterously high.

*BING*

One point, love ;)

Wooo!

Meh, you can sodomise as much as you like no ones going to stop you,

Rewind less than a decade and they would have...

you can get married in the USA so long as you don't mind having to drive to somewhere where they will.

As I said, one measly state does not absolve the other 49 (and most certainly not those that have passed anti-same sex marriage amendments), who by the way have the protection of a federal law not to have to respect those marriages. Nice "full faith and credit" in what was supposed to be a "united" federation of states.

The army do let gay people into the army because they don't ask whether you are gay or not.

Forcing people into the closet, how non-discriminative... were it only not for the fact that they don't do the same thing to straight people. However you slice it, if they find out - and that is even without them asking or you telling them - they will boot you out. So, yes, quite bizarre indeed.

No but it's not universally true.

So, you will indeed bitch that I gave my opinion when asked for it despite your little, apparently meaningless "no"?

Traditional and celebrated expressions and quotes used by the founders of the USA, who cares if it says it on bills, if you think that makes the USA a hell hole then your standards are monsterously high.

Neither of those were used by the founders of the US - both are 20th century additions; and for those not apprised of basic US history, the US was not founded in the 20th century. Perhaps you should learn more about the US before you defend it (and so poorly at that, mind you)?

I could not easily adopt to living in the USA. My eyesight is impaired enough to make sure no sane person will allow me to drive and what I have heard, public transportation is virtually nonexisting in the USA. Also, I could not adjust to living in a hole (metaphorically speaking). All Americans I met in Germany are from really small places and what they told me about life there is seriously warped for me. I think living in the USA also has the disadvantage of not having such an open-source community as in my university... I would miss Erdnuss-flips and the Bundesliga :)

things like fast-food, or the more diverse society, I could live with, I guess.

Florida is kind of perpetually flaccid, that's true...

Yeah, but when it's that big it's not getting up any time soon. I mean, if we were ever totally hard we'd probably pass out from lack of blood to the brain.

I'd be pissed off that I couldn't legally celebrate the end of these exams tomorrow (on my birthday no less) by getting absolutely wankered.

I could not easily adopt to living in the USA. My eyesight is impaired enough to make sure no sane person will allow me to drive and what I have heard, public transportation is virtually nonexisting in the USA. Also, I could not adjust to living in a hole (metaphorically speaking). All Americans I met in Germany are from really small places and what they told me about life there is seriously warped for me. I think living in the USA also has the disadvantage of not having such an open-source community as in my university... I would miss Erdnuss-flips and the Bundesliga :)

things like fast-food, or the more diverse society, I could live with, I guess.

The mass transit question depends entirely on where you live. In New York, Boston, Chicago, you can get along quite well without an automobile. I lived in New York for 11 years, never owned a car. out in the countryside, and in smaller cities and some larger places like Los Angeles, yes, there is a lamentable lack of public mass transit.

I'm not sure what the hole metaphor is, so I'll pass over that. And I'll pass on the "open-source community as in my university," too, though I venture to say you'd find some of our schools quite on a par with what you're used to.

Rewind less than a decade and they would have...


yet it's changed now, making your point ,only used as an excuse to attack america, pointless.


As I said, one measly state does not absolve the other 49 (and most certainly not those that have passed anti-same sex marriage amendments), who by the way have the protection of a federal law not to have to respect those marriages. Nice "full faith and credit" in what was supposed to be a "united" federation of states.


But no gay marriage =/= discrimination. Not in the chaotic horrific sence that you exagerate it to anyway, especially compared to real and serious discrimination that is happening in other parts of the world.


Forcing people into the closet, how non-discriminative... were it only not for the fact that they don't do the same thing to straight people. However you slice it, if they find out - and that is even without them asking or you telling them - they will boot you out. So, yes, quite bizarre indeed.


That totally depends on whoever is in the high command of your platoon really, and anyway you can join the army (like you would want to anyway). Yeah it may be flawed, but that doesn't make the USA a backwards and corrupt nation.


So, you will indeed bitch that I gave my opinion when asked for it despite your little, apparently meaningless "no"?


So you will indeed develop amnesia not remembering that everything you said was "true" according to you.


Neither of those were used by the founders of the US - both are 20th century additions; and for those not apprised of basic US history, the US was not founded in the 20th century. Perhaps you should learn more about the US before you defend it (and so poorly at that, mind you)?

The phrase has been used since the 19th century among the general populace, but you choose not to answer my main point, where that is the most absurd reason to attack america.

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p

All countries are foreign except France. *nods*

I'll reply to this thread more seriously tomorrow. For now, suffice it to say that I would never leave France to settle in the US. Much better quality of life over here. Amongst other things.

Wow.
Oh, I'm sorry, did that seem unfair and ignorant?

Oh, I'm sorry, did that seem unfair and ignorant?

In a way, yes. But it depends whether what I thought you were implying was what you were actually implying.

Well, I can't imagine it would be much different seeing as the only area I'd live in the US is pretty close to Southern Ontario. Specifically speaking the North Eastern US, mainly around New England or Manhattan but preferably Boston. But then again, there's the whole issue of the major difference in politics and the political climate. Things are too partisan in the states, the current government sucks so much donkey nuts it's not even funny and the whole thing about losing my universal healthcare...

I'm not sure what the hole metaphor is, so I'll pass over that. And I'll pass on the "open-source community as in my university," too, though I venture to say you'd find some of our schools quite on a par with what you're used to.
Good to hear about public transport...

The hole metaphor... places. which are the size of Langenfeld or smaller, tiny towns, places, where nothing happens and nothing is.

And about the Open Source subject: Am I likely to meet Linux/*BSD/Solaris Users in the USA?

yet it's changed now, making your point ,only used as an excuse to attack america, pointless.

The US has many more instances where the government discriminates sexual minorities - that one was just to show how retarded in the temporal sense a society they truly are.

But no gay marriage =/= discrimination.

Yes, it does equal discrimination.

Not in the chaotic horrific sence that you exagerate it to anyway,

It's not an exaggeration - the US is a dreadfully homophobic, puritan society.

especially compared to real and serious discrimination that is happening in other parts of the world.

"Oh, they don't kill fags, they just don't give them rights! So that's OK, ignore it!"

That totally depends on whoever is in the high command of your platoon really, and anyway you can join the army (like you would want to anyway).

No, that's the law. Faggy = no no in the military. Or are you like one of those people who defend Iran for executing gay people by going "well, if they didn't tell anyone they were gay or didn't in any way express their sexuality, they wouldn't be executed, so, you see, it's not so bad"?

Yeah it may be flawed, but that doesn't make the USA a backwards and corrupt nation.

Actually, yes, yes it does, especially this side of the 1940s.

So you will indeed develop amnesia not remembering that everything you said was "true" according to you.

It is true. English is a horrible language. Is this where I pre-empt you by expecting you to go all "how dare you give your opinion when asked for it"?

The phrase has been used since the 19th century among the general populace,

Nope, but that's somehow supposed to make things better? The government bowing to religious mob pressure and starting to promote religion?

but you choose not to answer my main point, where that is the most absurd reason to attack america.

You quite obviously have no main point other than "you shouldn't say the US sucks with regards to the areas it sucks in, especially those that would have a deep impact on your life should you live in it, no matter that that is exactly what the OP is asking for, because... well... I am willing to turn a blind eye to them", so there is really nothing to answer there.

I think life would be easier, at least economicaly.

Yet, at the same time, I think it must sucks that rent and food is so expensive there.

Around here food and rent is very cheap, while electronics are very expensive. I guess its the oposite in the US. I´ve talked with an american guy from Washington D.C and he said his rent was $1.500/month. So, instead of paying rent, he used the same $1.500 dolars to travel around the world :lol:

It must also sucks to see a lot of fat people every day, and it must sucks that most of the women are ugly. The ones that arent are famous or bitches.

Also, sexuality is not a big issue around here. Boobs, butt, even dicks are ok. So I think it would be weird to live in the US and see that violence is far more normal than sexuality.

Hey, I'm American, and I knew a pretty hot girl. Who was not anorexic.

Good to hear about public transport...

The hole metaphor... places. which are the size of Langenfeld or smaller, tiny towns, places, where nothing happens and nothing is.

And about the Open Source subject: Am I likely to meet Linux/*BSD/Solaris Users in the USA?

Hell, yes! In fact, our Smunkee is a bit of a Linux fan.

If you look closely most posters have a 'location' field to the left of their post.
Why do American posters so often not see the location field? PRoves that they are unobservant and docile. I don't want to be like that.

There is hardly a single attractive trait in American culture that I would want to live in.

I think life would be easier, at least economicaly.

Yet, at the same time, I think it must sucks that rent and food is so expensive there.

Around here food and rent is very cheap, while electronics are very expensive. I guess its the oposite in the US. I´ve talked with an american guy from Washington D.C and he said his rent was $1.500/month. So, instead of paying rent, he used the same $1.500 dolars to travel around the world :lol:

It must also sucks to see a lot of fat people every day, and it must sucks that most of the women are ugly. The ones that arent are famous or bitches.

Also, sexuality is not a big issue around here. Boobs, butt, even dicks are ok. So I think it would be weird to live in the US and see that violence is far more normal than sexuality.

Should be noted, violence is part of a healthy society, its in our nature as man so of course its more normal than nudity or sex. The food in the US is the best anywhere by the way.

Yes, it does equal discrimination.

no it doesn't

It's not an exaggeration - the US is a dreadfully homophobic, puritan society.

Yes, the US is more religious than Europe, thats not a bad thing at all.

No, that's the law. Faggy = no no in the military. Or are you like one of those people who defend Iran for executing gay people by going "well, if they didn't tell anyone they were gay or didn't in any way express their sexuality, they wouldn't be executed, so, you see, it's not so bad"?


To be fair I will admit being gay is not a choice( I have seen new evidence that shows its not), but neither is being a pedophile or wanting to cheat on your spouse. However, acting on it is a choice. Islam is clear on this, the punishment is what it is.

Not really, there are strong laws that protect you against discrimination in the USA (well in the majority of areas of the US), and the idea about english language is subjective to taste and church and state is very strictly seperated in the vast majority of schools in the USA.
He meant discrimination due to being gay, and he spoke not of religion, but of the nationalism enforced on American children.

Should be noted, violence is part of a healthy society, its in our nature as man so of course its more normal than nudity or sex. The food in the US is the best anywhere by the way.
Sex is equally in our nature. Doesn't mean that either should be forced on everyone in copious quantities.

American food is unsafe, over-processed sugary shit - which Americans eat too much of anyway. American children are fat, feast on junk food, and depend on vitamin supplements and medication. They also have ADD in huge numbers. By the way, this isn't stereotypes talking, it's experience.

Right... "one Nation under God", "in God we trust" and so on and so forth.
Church and state were not separate in your country until this century either.

Yes, the US is more religious than Europe, thats not a bad thing at all.
No, it isn't. Americans just choose to act on their religion in different ways. Though mostly they don't live drastically different lives, regarding religion, than Europeans do - i.e. neither continental group is very pious.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?


Coming from a very liberal country, I think the my experience of moving to America would be similar to what an American would experience if he or she were to move to Saudi Arabia.
I've never been there but I don't think I'd like it much. Americans scare me with their ignorance, bible-thumping and violence. The thought of not having a proper health-care system is pretty scary too.

Also, as an earlier poster so subtly pointed out: "it must sucks that most of the women are ugly".

In a way, yes. But it depends whether what I thought you were implying was what you were actually implying.

I thought he was implying that he thought those would be reasons he might feel he would be discriminated against, assuming he didn't know Fass's sexual orientation.

The worst part of living in America is that the media totally distorts what America is all about. From the posts I've read, it seems most of you are judging America by what our "news" organizations present. Please remember that CNN, Fox and all the others are nothing more than media conglomerates that will say anything to make a buck. That is the price we pay for freedom of speech and the press. Now I'm not saying that America is perfect, far from it, but neither is anyone elses country. I'm just saying don't judge us by how we are presented in the media. You can't "know" any society until you have lived in it.

But no gay marriage =/= discrimination. Not in the chaotic horrific sence that you exagerate it to anyway, especially compared to real and serious discrimination that is happening in other parts of the world.

It's not just a lack of marriage equality - most states don't even have civil unions or prohibitions on employment discrimination, and several of them don't even have provisions for hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

Not to mention that the situation with regard to gender identity is even worse.

The worst part of living in America is that the media totally distorts what America is all about. From the posts I've read, it seems most of you are judging America by what our "news" organizations present. Please remember that CNN, Fox and all the others are nothing more than media conglomerates that will say anything to make a buck. That is the price we pay for freedom of speech and the press. Now I'm not saying that America is perfect, far from it, but neither is anyone elses country. I'm just saying don't judge us by how we are presented in the media. You can't "know" any society until you have lived in it.

You seriously think everyone everywhere watches american "news" ?

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

Tragic.

God damn, I'd swear you guys are talking about the US described in The Running Man or something...it's not that bad.

I don't think I'd care for it.

I wouldn't like the climate (too hot in summer, too cold in winter)
I would have to seriously reduce my living standards and spending habits
I would be constantly bugged by the fact that nudity is such an issue, but violence apparently isn't.
I wouldn't want to live in a country that still has capital punishment.
I don't particularly like the accents spoken... they range from mildly annoying to making my ears hurt and my eyes water.
I would no longer be in easy reach of holiday destinations like Italy, France, Turkey, etc.
I don't have a drivers licence, so I might find myself challeneged to get from A to B.
I would hate the system and form of government (please get me right here, I don't hate it now. But I would hate to have to live with it.)

All that is just my personal opinion, though.
I left my home country already, and I found a nice new country to live in. I might eventually move on from here, but the USA has never been and probably will never be on my list of countried I would like to live in.

Worse, since I would be a second class citizen maligned by the government and virtually with no protection against discrimination. Oh, and English would be my primary language and that is a fate almost as gruesome as being raised in a culture where the veneration of the nation is valued and essentially imprinted in you during school morning praye... I mean "recitations" of a religious circle-jerkish chant.
Feel free to start your own thread were you can discuss things in Swedish, i wont stop you.
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Harlesburg in America hmmm i'd either be living in Sacremento, Dallas, That Orange County place... or Minneapolis-St Paul.

i'd live on the street or a mental institution.

It's not just a lack of marriage equality - most states don't even have civil unions or prohibitions on employment discrimination, and several of them don't even have provisions for hate crimes based on sexual orientation.



Well thats good, hate crime legislation makes baby jesus cry, but gay marriage makes him blow snot bubbles of joy though.

Hell, yes! In fact, our Smunkee is a bit of a Linux fan.
Do you have free software stores in .us? :>

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

if i could keep my socialist politics under wraps, and lived somewhere liberal where i wouldn't have problems with liberal social views, agnosticism and having long hair, then i'd probably be ok.

not sure about the overly competitive business culture though. meh

....being raised in a culture where the veneration of the nation is valued and essentially imprinted in you during school morning praye... I mean "recitations" of a religious circle-jerkish chant.

yeah...

couldn't get on with "patriotism"

i'd probably be hounded for being a commie anti-american in all truth :(

yeah...

couldn't get on with "patriotism"

i'd probably be hounded for being a commie anti-american in all truth :(

Same here, really. I'm just glad that my economic situation doesn't force me to go there :D

I think I'd have a bigger house.
And a bigger car.
That's about it. I don't expect things would be radically different.

Around here food and rent is very cheap, while electronics are very expensive. I guess its the oposite in the US. I´ve talked with an american guy from Washington D.C and he said his rent was $1.500/month. So, instead of paying rent, he used the same $1.500 dolars to travel around the world :lol:

Rent varies a lot here... I live in the great lakes region, and my rent is $465 for two bedrooms, in the city, and it's cheaper outside the city where there's no public transportation. I've seen rent in the mid $300s for a one bedroom.

Economically, I think it would be reasonably similar.

Culturally, I think it would really grate on me.

Should be noted, violence is part of a healthy society, its in our nature as man so of course its more normal than nudity or sex. The food in the US is the best anywhere by the way.

Violence is more natural than sex? Then you mean people get pregnant by beating each other?

Ok, then babies dont get born naked. They are actually born trying to beat the crap out of the doctors. Not to mention I desire to have sex every day, but I really dont like killing people.

And sorry, but the food in the US is not the best in the world. It may be the best because of the taste, but not because of the health. Otherwise there wouldnt be as many fat people.

From what the two people I know that have been to the USA tell me it's nicer here overall.

Stereotypes do come from truthful observations and sometimes they do report just that in the end.



Or just garden variety prejudice, which seems to be what it is in your case.

Do you really think that people care one whit about that?

Well, on here they seem to. Quite a lot in some cases, actually.

if i could keep my socialist politics under wraps, and lived somewhere liberal where i wouldn't have problems with liberal social views, agnosticism and having long hair, then i'd probably be ok.


Do you really think that people care one whit about that?

I'm American, but I prefer to live in Australia. I just find it a more pleasent culture to live in, overall. But mostly, I find Australia is just like the US.

Many (not all, but many) of the criticisms are valid, but I must point out that the U.S. isn't as homogenized as these criticisms might make it out to be.

if i could keep my socialist politics under wraps, and lived somewhere liberal where i wouldn't have problems with liberal social views, agnosticism and having long hair, then i'd probably be ok.If you could get used to the outrageous costs of living, San Francisco or New York would be fine for you.

If you could get used to the outrageous costs of living, San Francisco or New York would be fine for you.

If not, check out Columbus, OH.

Despite being in the center of a fairly socially conservative state, Columbus is not particularly socially conservative.

Well, on here they seem to. Quite a lot in some cases, actually.

That's because it's the topic at hand.

When hanging out with my friends, I know I don't talk about anything even remotely like what I talk about here.

That's because it's the topic at hand.

When hanging out with my friends, I know I don't talk about anything even remotely like what I talk about here.

Really? That's odd.... I do. And so do most of my friends.

If not, check out Columbus, OH.

Despite being in the center of a fairly socially conservative state, Columbus is not particularly socially conservative.

Not with a gigantic state university sitting there, no, it's not gonna be. ;)

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p
You know, when I saw this thread, I knew it was about the US, but that this was true. For some reason, it's so easy for some people to overlook the .uk in the address bar.


At any rate, I live in Canada, so living in the US is probably roughly the same, except that I wouldn't be able to afford health insurance so I wouldn't have yearly doctor's visits, my right to choose would be limited, there would be more fat people (not many more, mind you), the media would be conservative and the money would all be one colour. Oh, plus a lot of words would be spelled wrong. :P

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?I'd be dead or in jail.

Between the injustice system, the lack of healthcare, the extremely low tolerance of non-standard behaviour, the fucked up education system & the lack of social mobility, there's no reason to think I wouldn't be killed by the state in one way or another.

So thanks for being less insane, Northern Europe.

Come to think of it, I've only ever met two people in my life who wanted to go and live in the USA. One was a Rumanian who couldn't get a permit to stay in Germany nor Canada, and the other one was a slightly mentally challenged colleague I once had who believed that in the US, he wouldn't have to pay any taxes.
Other than that, if people want to leave Europe, they tend to dream of places like Canada, New Zealand and Australia, mostly.

I wouldn't like the lack of decent healthcare, mostly. Becoming bankrupt because you have an accident or get ill? Not being able to go to the doctor if you think something's wrong? Hmph.
When I was younger I wouldn't've liked the lack of decent education. I probably wouldn't've been able to go to university in the US.
Your getting your knickers in a twist over all sorts of silly things (abortion, especially, but the fuss you make over sex and nudity in general? Mad, and I'm "no sex please, we're" British!) would grate. Your excessive nationalism and religion would also be annoying.

Most things would probably be pretty similar. The lower population density would be nice, as would paying the prices you pay for electronics. But I think it'd just annoy me over all, really.

And I thought exactly what Nadkor said when I saw the thread :D

Come to think of it, the thing that would probably bug me the most in day to day life over there is the fact that americans don't seem to have any understanding of sarcasm and irony.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

Having lived in both the UK and the US, the UK is by far the better place to live... although housing is a little more expensive.

But there are so many reasons to prefer the UK... religious tolerance, social liberty, (surprisingly) sexual liberation, greater equality off gender, religion and race... a healthcare system that pisses over the US model from such a great height, and a political system that largely actually works.

Add to that, at least at the moment, industry still doesn't own the UK the way it does the US. The US has become a corrupt corpocracy.

... a healthcare system that pisses over the US model from such a great height

Wha? One consistent thing I've heard from Brits residing in Japan is how bad the NHS is. Actually, even the South Africans I encountered who had lived in the UK commented on how bad the NHS is. I've never lived in the US or experienced American health care, but in light of the persistently negative comments I've heard about British health care from Brits and people who have lived in Britain, I am having a very hard time seeing how British health care is better than American, or any other country's health care.

Damn, the America that you people are describing scares the shit out of me.

Wha? One consistent thing I've heard from Brits residing in Japan is how bad the NHS is. Actually, even the South Africans I encountered who had lived in the UK commented on how bad the NHS is. I've never lived in the US or experienced American health care, but in light of the persistently negative comments I've heard about British health care from Brits and people who have lived in Britain, I am having a very hard time seeing how British health care is better than American, or any other country's health care.

And, until I actually lived in the US, I was probably one of those that complained.

We in the UK don't realise how good we have it.

So - there are waiting lists... yes, but ANYONE can get medical attention - you don't have to be rich - and if it is an emergency, you will get seen pretty much immediately.

All our other complaints are the same complaints every other nation has - not enough nurses, the doctors work too long on a shift... but the only way those things will change, is with a bigger investment.

Seriously - if every UK citizen had to live with the US system for a few years, we'd complain a shitload less about how much of our taxes are spent on healthcare. In fact - we'd probably petition to pay a bit more, to improve what we do have.

Ah. It was a stereotype and the truth.

Am I wrong in assuming you are either lower class or of middle-eastern descent?

Fassigen if frequently outspoken, often wrong, often anti-American, but I do not see him lower class or middle eastern.

Myself, being originally from California and having moved to Colorado, find that being, finally, in the real US is a delight after the insanity that is California.

Do you really think that people care one whit about that?

yes

Generally, No offense but Americans are ignorant of other cultures, extremely materialistic and rude. Of course, there are many exceptions, but there are many examples as well.

I can easily imagine, for example, an American teenager visiting a foreign... anything, such as an islamic mosque or a real Chinese reasteruant, and exclaiming something like, "Oh my god, that's just so weird!" You can replace weird with awesome, retarded, stupid, or something else that is kind of rude to say.

However, I also have to say Americans are quite a friendly, fun and accepting people generally. Europeans are generally so boring with their reservedness. Americans know how to socialize well, I think. That is part of their charm.

All this has been a generalization from personal expierence.

But there are so many reasons to prefer the UK... [...] sexual liberation, greater equality off gender [snip]
I've been wondering about that. From what I'm used to in Britain, some of the things Bottle says seem pretty ludicrous. I've been wondering if there was a significant difference between the two countries, or she was just exaggerating ludicrously to get the point across.

Not that I don't think she exaggerates sometimes (who doesn't?), or that I think the UK has it bang-on just yet, but it does put another little bit of the trans-atlantic puzzle into place.

People who think Americans are materialistic need to come to Japan.

People who think Americans are materialistic need to come to Japan.

Or the UAE.

People who think Americans are materialistic need to come to Japan.That's kind of like saying "People who don't think being tarred & feathered's fun need a good poking with red hot irons."

Sure, America is nicer than most of the world. Only, it in no way means there's anything very nice about America, just that most of the world is a fucking hellhole.

If I had to chose & there weren't any practical difficulties, I'd move to Sweden. That's not a very nice country either, it's just the best there is.

I've been wondering about that. From what I'm used to in Britain, some of the things Bottle says seem pretty ludicrous. I've been wondering if there was a significant difference between the two countries, or she was just exaggerating ludicrously to get the point across.

Not that I don't think she exaggerates sometimes (who doesn't?), or that I think the UK has it bang-on just yet, but it does put another little bit of the trans-atlantic puzzle into place.

Bottle doesn't describe all of America, obviously... just the parts that need to be complained about. Unfortunately, that is a far bigger, and more influential proportion of the US, than it is of the UK - on these issues at least.

No - the UK isn't perfect. But, I look back at my time in Leicester, and the relative peace of so many ethnicities in so confined a space... and the way the work force is so (much more) balanced and willing to treat people equally. And I compare that to where I am now. The US has it's high points (I love Manhattan), but it is also a polarised nation. In the UK - we are too closely packed to get that polarised - but if you think of some of the southern states as the equivalent of the Lincolnshire backwaters, for example, just on a huge scale - you get an idea of the two 'Americas'.

That's kind of like saying "People who don't think being tarred & feathered's fun need a good poking with red hot irons."

LOL. A bit extreme. I just don't find Americans materialistic at all. I don't like going to Kyoto because, among other things, the Luis Vuitton in Kyoto doesn't sell men's clothes. I can voice this complaint here in Osaka and no one would consider it odd. If I voiced a similar complaint in the USA, I might have to explain to the listener just what Luis Vuitton is.

LOL. A bit extreme. I just don't find Americans materialistic at all. I don't like going to Kyoto because, among other things, the Luis Vuitton in Kyoto doesn't sell men's clothes. I can voice this complaint here in Osaka and no one would consider it odd. If I voiced a similar complaint in the USA, I might have to explain to the listener just what Luis Vuitton is.

I doubt that very much. Some places, maybe, but not most. People would think you're a little odd, though. :p

Considerably worse, I assume. Living in Britain, we might be considered middle class, and thus, my parents are able to fund my way through university, and live in a comfortable fashion. Given the exorbitant costs of tertiary education within the USA, and the disparity in pay in respective law enforcement jobs either side of the Atlantic, i believe that, for the moment, my life would be worse.

Wha? One consistent thing I've heard from Brits residing in Japan is how bad the NHS is. Actually, even the South Africans I encountered who had lived in the UK commented on how bad the NHS is. I've never lived in the US or experienced American health care, but in light of the persistently negative comments I've heard about British health care from Brits and people who have lived in Britain, I am having a very hard time seeing how British health care is better than American, or any other country's health care.

Yeah, but complaining about the NHS is pretty much a national past-time (the NHS being the closest thing we have to a national religion, according to Nigel Lawson, I think it was)....we slag it off, but deep down we appreciate it and know how good it actually is.

LOL. A bit extreme.Yes well, it was just an analogy ;) I just don't find Americans materialistic at all.We're talking about consumer culture, right? I don't like going to Kyoto because, among other things, the Luis Vuitton in Kyoto doesn't sell men's clothes. I can voice this complaint here in Osaka and no one would consider it odd. If I voiced a similar complaint in the USA, I might have to explain to the listener just what Luis Vuitton is.It's just different consumer habits. The American Dream (tm) is consumer culture incarnate. The cultural ideal isn't quality of life, but simply owning stuff.

By contrast, Swedish ideals are all about having a good quality of life & helping others to have the same. It's just a little bit funny, considering how Jesus fixated most of America is & how utterly indifferent Sweden is towards religion.

Yes well, it was just an analogy ;) We're talking about consumer culture, right? It's just different consumer habits. The American Dream (tm) is consumer culture incarnate. The cultural ideal isn't quality of life, but simply owning stuff.

By contrast, Swedish ideals are all about having a good quality of life & helping others to have the same. It's just a little bit funny, considering how Jesus fixated most of America is & how utterly indifferent Sweden is towards religion.

I myself welcome our Swedish overlords and ask if they would like some consumer electronics at fantastic American prices. :rolleyes:

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p

Ahh.. A Fellow Norn Ironer. Hooray. :D

Ahh.. A Fellow Norn Ironer. Hooray. :D

Oh, there's a few of us about :)

I myself welcome our Swedish overlords and ask if they would like some consumer electronics at fantastic American prices. :rolleyes:Eh..?

If you think I'm advocating Sweden taking over America, think again. I'm not. And by the way, are you sure consumer electronics are cheaper in the US?

You can sum it up this way: In America, you can become fabulously wealthy or terribly poor through a few decisions and random events. Our economic boom comes at a fairly high cost, namely income inequality and a very volatile financial situation for a lot of people.

Being middle class in the US is like being on the edge of a dull knife; there's some room for the occasional financial difficulty or job loss, but if a few too many things go wrong, it can be all downhill from there.

Eh..?

If you think I'm advocating Sweden taking over America, think again. I'm not. And by the way, are you sure consumer electronics are cheaper in the US?

Merely using the standard "You're so much better than us, we bow humbly before you" response. I really don't know if consumer electronics are that much cheaper in the US than elsewhere, but a number of people have posted that they are up above, so ... :D

I really don't know if consumer electronics are that much cheaper in the US than elsewhere, but a number of people have posted that they are up above, so ... :D

Oh, they can be. Something that's annoyed me lately (I've considered getting one of these, it's not a deliberately skewed example):
Dell 2407WFP from Dell US (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-4335) (US$674, or £399.54 after US$->UK£ + 17.5%VAT)
Dell 2407WFP from Dell UK (http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=59234) (£754.35)
Dell 2407WFP from OCUK (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-009-DE) (£528.74)

Which pisses me off, to be honest. It costs 32% more (after adjustment for VAT) just because it's the UK.

Merely using the standard "You're so much better than us, we bow humbly before you" response.Haha, you misunderstand. I'm not Swedish & I've never lived in the country. I'm a somewhat frequent visitor, but that's equally true for half the countries on the European continent.I really don't know if consumer electronics are that much cheaper in the US than elsewhere, but a number of people have posted that they are up above, so ... :DI dunno either, but I didn't notice any Swedes ranting about cheap US electronics & in my experience, it's fairly cheap in Scandinavia. I've never been to the US, mind.

Really? That's odd.... I do. And so do most of my friends.

Most American's really don't care. Most Americans are more amused by other things.

Considerably worse, I assume. Living in Britain, we might be considered middle class, and thus, my parents are able to fund my way through university, and live in a comfortable fashion. Given the exorbitant costs of tertiary education within the USA, and the disparity in pay in respective law enforcement jobs either side of the Atlantic, i believe that, for the moment, my life would be worse.

Don't be so certain, as an American, my family is solidly middle class, albeit on the upper side of it, and I'm able to have my way paid through college without even needing loans.

Of course, have something like a half of my education covered by academic scholarship doesn't hurt.

Of course, have something like a half of my education covered by academic scholarship doesn't hurt.

Same here. I got full tuition on the Maximus competition; I almost got the Presidential but apparently I fucked up the interview or something.

Haha, you misunderstand. I'm not Swedish & I've never lived in the country. I'm a somewhat frequent visitor, but that's equally true for half the countries on the European continent.I dunno either, but I didn't notice any Swedes ranting about cheap US electronics & in my experience, it's fairly cheap in Scandinavia. I've never been to the US, mind.

Oh. Never mind. :cool:

Of course, have something like a half of my education covered by academic scholarship doesn't hurt.

Same here. I got full tuition on the Maximus competition; I almost got the Presidential but apparently I fucked up the interview or something.Wow. Is that something only Ohio does?

My Dad lives in Philly, so every summer I go to the states.
From what I've observed, I would be pretty popular. Being English seems to impress most Americans I've met. Never did understand why...

Read for an inside look at the truth about American Education

I just have to say...that many people (while having opposing OPINIONS is ok) are totally wrong about American education. In Florida, we have scholarships that cover anywhere from 50% to 100% of Public University tutition, just for your grades and SAT scores in high school.

For instance, you get 75% tuition coverage if you get a 3.0 GPA or above and a 1000 (or whatever the new equviliant is) on the SAT. You get 100% coverage if you get a 3.5 GPA or above or 1250 SAT score.

So as of now, I have 75% of my University tuition for ANY public University I get accepted to in the state of Florida, just coming out of graduating high school, not including any other scholarships I/one can get. I got well above the needed GPA for the 100%, but my SAT score just didnt qualify for 100%.

Not only does this system work, (and it works very well), it encourages students to do well in high school for the benefit of saving thousands and thousands of dollars for University tuition. So when people say, "European Education is free"...well sure it is "free"....but at the cost of fucking-insane high taxes. Meanwhile, I live in a red-state (conservative state) with relativly low taxes, yet can easily get 75%-100% tuition coverage for University. This program is a Florida program only, but I would guess other states have smiliar programs.

And of course, say what you want about American schools, I'll be right there laughing at them with you...but you must agree that American Universities are very good, and not even comparable to our middle/high schools.

/snipI've never heard of a program like that, I have to assume that Pennsylvania doesn't have one.

Wow. Is that something only Ohio does?

No, it's something smart, motivated people do.

I've never heard of a program like that, I have to assume that Pennsylvania doesn't have one.
http://www.firn.edu/doe/bin00072/home0072.htm
Its paid for by all the money fools, I mean, people I am grateful for, put into the lottery. :D You must admit, its a VERY good program to counter "high taxes/free-education"...even if you yourself are far left. (as seen by your sig)

Wow. Is that something only Ohio does?

I'm not sure, actually; I imagine most schools have these kinds of competitions, but OSU, being such a big school, can afford to offer these scale scholarships for people who qualify. The competition itself is pretty selective; only 40 of the 500+ competitors qualified for the medalist, and that's of thousands of students who applied to the university in 2006.

In order to compete, I believe you need a 3.5 or higher GPA when applying, and the contest itself is a series of essays. If you win, you can get either half tuition, full tuition (which I got), or a full ride with money for tuition/books and room and board (which I qualified for but wasn't chosen).

It's a way of attracting the best high-school graduates in the country to the university.

I've never heard of a program like that, I have to assume that Pennsylvania doesn't have one.

Start here (http://www.pde.state.pa.us/pde_internet/site/default.asp?g=0)?

No, it's something smart, motivated people do.Not all smart, motivated people have a choice about whether or not competitions like the ones Vetalia describes are available to them.

I'm not sure, actually; I imagine most schools have these kinds of competitions, but OSU, being such a big school, can afford to offer these scale scholarships for people who qualify. The competition itself is pretty selective; only 40 of the 500+ competitors qualified for the medalist, and that's of thousands of students who applied to the university in 2006.

In order to compete, I believe you need a 3.5 or higher GPA when applying, and the contest itself is a series of essays. If you win, you can get either half tuition, full tuition (which I got), or a full ride with money for tuition/books and room and board (which I qualified for but wasn't chosen).

It's a way of attracting the best high-school graduates in the country to the university.That's interesting. What were the essays about?

Not all smart, motivated people have a choice about whether or not competitions like the ones Vetalia describes are available to them.
However, the program Florida offers, IS available to all. Even Blacks/insert-minority-here.

Not all smart, motivated people have a choice about whether or not competitions like the ones Vetalia describes are available to them.



Things like the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, though, are. That's where most of my scholarship money comes from. Although the University now gives me even more for no apparent reason.

Why does everything have to turn anti-American or anti-Christian around here?

I feel hated. A lot.

Why does everything have to turn anti-American or anti-Christian around here?

I feel hated. A lot.

Lolz.

Why does everything have to turn anti-American or anti-Christian around here?

I feel hated. A lot.

I bet there are several american bible chatrooms out there where people gather to discuss assault rifles and study the wisdom of Bush.

Why does everything have to turn anti-American or anti-Christian around here?

I feel hated. A lot.

It's all these furriners on the forum.

:D

Don't let it bug you.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?
I wouldn't have such a hard time learning French.

Your point? This comment will probably get me in trouble, but although Bush is a complete idiot and (If I could vote) I would've voted for a monkey before him (he does kinda look like a monkey), I wouldn't ever vote for Kerry. and what's this about assult rifles?

I was pointing out some places where american christians can discuss their subjects of interest.

I bet there are several american bible chatrooms out there where people gather to discuss assault rifles and study the wisdom of Bush.

Your point? This comment will probably get me in trouble, but although Bush is a complete idiot and (If I could vote) I would've voted for a monkey before him (he does kinda look like a monkey), I wouldn't ever vote for Kerry. and what's this about assult rifles?

Your point? This comment will probably get me in trouble, but although Bush is a complete idiot and (If I could vote) I would've voted for a monkey before him (he does kinda look like a monkey), I wouldn't ever vote for Kerry. and what's this about assult rifles?
Silly two-party mentality.

Silly two-party mentality.

Silly schizoid multi-party mentality. That's why nothing good ever gets done in Europe. :D Except maybe Belgian beer, that I like.

Silly schizoid multi-party mentality. That's why nothing good ever gets done in Europe. :D Except maybe Belgian beer, that I like.

In Europe as I understand it, the Republican Party would be at least 3 different parties. Hard to lose any sleep if that happy occurance happened here. :)

Silly two-party mentality.

Why are there only two parties over there? Is it written into the constitusion or summit?

Or just garden variety prejudice, which seems to be what it is in your case.

Sure, honey. Sure. Keep telling yourself that.

Why are there only two parties over there? Is it written into the constitusion or summit?
Just how its been for a while. Just how its devolped. We have many more parties...but only 2 actually get enough votes to not be lumped with the other "non-parties".

In Europe as I understand it, the Republican Party would be at least 3 different parties. Hard to lose any sleep if that happy occurance happened here. :)
Good point.

Why are there only two parties over there? Is it written into the constitusion or summit?
Nah, it's just turned out that way. Anyway, there actually are lots of other parties over here, it's just that none of them get people elected to national office.

Sure, honey. Sure. Keep telling yourself that.

Knowing that it's true, I think I will.

Why are there only two parties over there? Is it written into the constitusion or summit?

Well, there are more parties. But since votes are not counted in percentage for the parties, but one party will win and the rest of the votes become meaningless, only big parties will have a chnace of participating in government.
To allow for more parties, they would need a system that values all votes, not just the simple majority.

Knowing that it's true, I think I will.
Of course you are right...and hes being a biased tool. If anyone says anything prejudeced against gays, he right away would jump on them. If the "offender" said something like...all stereotypes come from valid observations" or anything remotely close to what Fass said to you, Fass would immediatly have a field day about it and go off and cry in the corner about the world hating fags and blah blah blah. He's obviously totally hypocritic.

So this is the same Fass that "left" before? It sure sounds like him. Exact description actually.



Yeah.

Of course you are right...and hes being a biased tool. If anyone says anything prejudeced against gays, he right away would jump on them. If the "offender" said something like...all stereotypes come from valid observations" or anything remotely close to what Fass said to you, Fass would immediatly have a field day about it and go off and cry in the corner about the world hating fags and blah blah blah. He's obviously totally hypocritic.

So this is the same Fass that "left" before? It sure sounds like him. Exact description actually.

Does this mean it's going to turn into a "the world hates gay people" thread again? Is it just the ones I have seen, or are all those fights started by gay people who think the world hates them?

Silly schizoid multi-party mentality. That's why nothing good ever gets done in Europe. :D Except maybe Belgian beer, that I like.

Might I also point to the chocolate?

Might I also point to the chocolate?

You may, but don't stand between me and it when you do.

You may, but don't stand between me and it when you do.

Hah! http://christopherleeweb.com/forums/theme/smilies/viking.gif
Zis is ouah shocolate, you vill not get youah hants on it, filzy Yankee! http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/cabrawest/barbarian.gif

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.

I live here in America and i think that most of the people who put it down have either a) never lived here b) live in the wrong place or c) genuinely do not like the United States. I personally enjoy my life here and am pretty happy that i do not live anywhere else, althought im sure i could make it probably in almost any country.

As they say, "Different strokes for different folks."

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.

I love you too.

Hah! http://christopherleeweb.com/forums/theme/smilies/viking.gif
Zis is ouah shocolate, you vill not get youah hants on it, filzy Yankee! http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/cabrawest/barbarian.gif

Ha! You and what army (http://www.wk-2.de/pictures/d_day_04_gross.jpg), Fraulein!

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.

What - cause we don't think the USA is the best option around? Boy, you're touchy...

If I moved to America I would be smarter (Most students get A's or B's there, unlike in England where most of my fellow students fail:(), I would enjoy more types of music, have more freedoms, and actually have friends.

What - cause we don't think the USA is the best option around? Boy, you're touchy...It was said tongue-in-cheek. Jeez you touchy foreign bastard.

It was said tongue-in-cheek. Jeez you touchy foreign bastard.

*lol I just don't appreciate being called a dick, I guess. Now, if you had said bitch....

I live here in America and i think that most of the people who put it down have either a) never lived here b) live in the wrong place or c) genuinely do not like the United States. I personally enjoy my life here and am pretty happy that i do not live anywhere else, althought im sure i could make it probably in almost any country.

As they say, "Different strokes for different folks."I think you're right. I've never lived in the US & I genuinely dislike the country. Well.. In the interest of accuracy, it's mainstream American values & politics I can't stomack. The country's just geography.

It seems my opinion's problematic for a lot of posters. I'm wondering why. After all, I've no intention of ever setting foot in, or declare war on your country, and on the scale of the individial, I couldn't care less about people's nationality. I judge by attitude, not birthplace or citizenship. So really.. What does it matter that your country makes me gag? I assumed it was pretty inconsequential to anyone but myself.

Ha! You and what army (http://www.wk-2.de/pictures/d_day_04_gross.jpg), Fraulein!

This one :

http://static.flickr.com/55/131516046_ba33739390_m.jpg

What do you mean "other countries"?

This being a British hosted board, surely the US is "other countries" :p

A British hosted board, owned by an Australian, and modded by people scattered across the globe. ;)

Title changed.

It must also sucks to see a lot of fat people every day, and it must sucks that most of the women are ugly. The ones that arent are famous or bitches.


I am not famous, and I am the antithesis of bitchy. Therefore, it seems, I almost certainly must be ugly. Man, being an American women is rough! :p


Some of the responses in this thread are funny, and many are rather depressing. There really are plenty of places in America where it's perfectly normal to be out-of-the-closet gay, or liberal, or atheistic, or all sorts of fun things like that. The simple fact is that the US is really, really big, and contains a great deal more than just one culture, one set of social norms, one type of cuisine, one climate, et cetera. The differences between Manhattan and some small Appalachian town are almost certainly a great deal larger than the differences between, say, France and Germany.

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to suggest that your criticisms are invalid; after all, there's a lot of things about my country I don't like. Our current president makes me want to throw rotten tomatoes at my television every time I see him, and I was furious when my state passed one of those idiotic anti-gay-marriage amendments, for a couple of easy examples. But it's horribly inaccurate to represent America as a whole as a country of gun-totin', sex-hatin', Bush-lovin', gay-bashin', lard-eatin', uneducated nincompoops, because, quite frankly, that doesn't describe more than a small minority of the Americans I know. :)

I could not easily adopt to living in the USA. My eyesight is impaired enough to make sure no sane person will allow me to drive and what I have heard, public transportation is virtually nonexisting in the USA. Also, I could not adjust to living in a hole (metaphorically speaking). All Americans I met in Germany are from really small places and what they told me about life there is seriously warped for me. I think living in the USA also has the disadvantage of not having such an open-source community as in my university... I would miss Erdnuss-flips and the Bundesliga :)

things like fast-food, or the more diverse society, I could live with, I guess.

Wow. So you based your entire view of America on a few people from small towns.

We do have public transportation -- quite a bit of it actually. A national rail system, and within cities itself a variety of busses, trams, light rail, underground....

...just wow.

This one :

http://static.flickr.com/55/131516046_ba33739390_m.jpg

Excuse me, but I think I need to bite the heads off your army now.

Yum. :)

And about the Open Source subject: Am I likely to meet Linux/*BSD/Solaris Users in the USA?

Very much so. My fiance swears by Linux.

The US has many more instances where the government discriminates sexual minorities - that one was just to show how retarded in the temporal sense a society they truly are.



Yes, it does equal discrimination.



It's not an exaggeration - the US is a dreadfully homophobic, puritan society.



"Oh, they don't kill fags, they just don't give them rights! So that's OK, ignore it!"



No, that's the law. Faggy = no no in the military. Or are you like one of those people who defend Iran for executing gay people by going "well, if they didn't tell anyone they were gay or didn't in any way express their sexuality, they wouldn't be executed, so, you see, it's not so bad"?



Actually, yes, yes it does, especially this side of the 1940s.



It is true. English is a horrible language. Is this where I pre-empt you by expecting you to go all "how dare you give your opinion when asked for it"?



Nope, but that's somehow supposed to make things better? The government bowing to religious mob pressure and starting to promote religion?



You quite obviously have no main point other than "you shouldn't say the US sucks with regards to the areas it sucks in, especially those that would have a deep impact on your life should you live in it, no matter that that is exactly what the OP is asking for, because... well... I am willing to turn a blind eye to them", so there is really nothing to answer there.

Fass, you really have zero idea of how gays are treated in the US if this is how you view us.

Just thank God that the rest of the world doesn't judge Sweden by your inimitable charms.

Coming from a very liberal country, I think the my experience of moving to America would be similar to what an American would experience if he or she were to move to Saudi Arabia.
I've never been there but I don't think I'd like it much. Americans scare me with their ignorance, bible-thumping and violence. The thought of not having a proper health-care system is pretty scary too.

Also, as an earlier poster so subtly pointed out: "it must sucks that most of the women are ugly".

It must suck to be so jealous. ;)

I don't think I'd care for it.

I wouldn't like the climate (too hot in summer, too cold in winter)
I would have to seriously reduce my living standards and spending habits
I would be constantly bugged by the fact that nudity is such an issue, but violence apparently isn't.
I wouldn't want to live in a country that still has capital punishment.
I don't particularly like the accents spoken... they range from mildly annoying to making my ears hurt and my eyes water.
I would no longer be in easy reach of holiday destinations like Italy, France, Turkey, etc.
I don't have a drivers licence, so I might find myself challeneged to get from A to B.
I would hate the system and form of government (please get me right here, I don't hate it now. But I would hate to have to live with it.)

All that is just my personal opinion, though.
I left my home country already, and I found a nice new country to live in. I might eventually move on from here, but the USA has never been and probably will never be on my list of countried I would like to live in.

1) Depends on where you are for climate.
2) Depends on where you are for capital punishment.
3) Depends on where you are for public transport. (and as I said, with a national rail service, Greyhound buses, and air travel, you CAN get anywhere in the country.)

I'm British, and I have to admit that America has:
1) Better education.
2) Better woman. (You other people must be joking, American woman are sexyyyyy! Except for the fat ones, and no not all of them are fat)
3) Better rights.
4) Better rights for gay people. (I heard that some European countries banned a Spongebob episode because it "promoted" gay marriage!)
5) More freedom.
6) More money.
7) More tolerance. (European countries are so more Christian than America! I mean really, Europe is where Christianity took a big leap. Blame Europe for the Christianity in America.)
8) More diversity. (People-wise and land-wise)
9) Less racism and stereotypes. (This thread makes me puke. Us Europeans are so racist!)
10) Better economy.

I'm sick to live in the U.K. where stereotypes and racism plagues the land. I can't wait to go to America.

Fass, you really have zero idea of how gays are treated in the US if this is how you view us.

Just thank God that the rest of the world doesn't judge Sweden by your inimitable charms.

We don't? :confused: Wait just one minute...

*Reads memo*

Ah! "Do not judge etc etc..." I see it now. Nevermind. Carry on. :)



Why doesn't anybody tell me these things? Honestly, one should at least *mumble*

It must suck to be so jealous. ;)Brilliant :p

Well, one thing that scares/amazes me is all the freedom americans have. Every State there is very diferent from the other, considering hos huge the country is, and that it has almost 300 million people.

That means you have all kinds of people. Smart, dumb, beautifull, ugly, cultured and ignorants. What really amazes me is that the american education system is almost completely customized. That means you have kids who get out of high school and cant even point Australia in a world map.

Not to mention the thousands of religions there. You have people training in militias who are willing to defend the constitution, boyscouts that train with guns when they are 10 years old, tons of whores posting pictures everyday on websites and people who complain to the government if a boob show on TV.

What REALLY made me afraid is that they asked Bill Clinton, a man who was well loved all around the world, and that looked like a good and wise man, to renounce because HE GOT A BLOWJOB, yet Bush openly lies to his entire country about finding chemical weapons in Iraq and no one gives a damn.

You see, they want a guy to stop being president because he got a blowjob, but they dont give a damn if their president lied to the entire population so he could wage a war on inocents, waste a lot of federal money and got 3.000 soldiers dead for nothing.

A British hosted board, owned by an Australian, and modded by people scattered across the globe. ;)

Title changed.

Well played

*Golf claps*

Come to think of it, the thing that would probably bug me the most in day to day life over there is the fact that americans don't seem to have any understanding of sarcasm and irony.

Just as some have no understanding that tone of voice is not carried over teh interwebs?

I bet there are several american bible chatrooms out there where people gather to discuss assault rifles and study the wisdom of Bush.

I bet there are several chatrooms out there where people wank off to how much they hate Bush too. Your point?

I was pointing out some places where american christians can discuss their subjects of interest.

Yes. And isn't it terrific that they can discuss it here too... as you can discuss your interests as well.

Why are there only two parties over there? Is it written into the constitusion or summit?

Nope, there are a number of parties actually; only the majority of voters vote either for the Democratic Party candidate or Republican Party candidate.

A British hosted board, owned by an Australian, and modded by people scattered across the globe. ;)

Well, that's just an expansion of my general point :p

Might I also point to the chocolate?

Leonidas ftw.

But hey, as an uncouth, uncultured American, I couldn't POSSIBLY know about that, could I? ;)

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.

And thankyou for helping reinforce the general idea behind most people's posts.

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.

i hope you are not dum to say that to one with Rilfe in hand

And thankyou for helping reinforce the general idea behind most people's posts.

Oh, and thanks for reinforcing the feeling that some people love to be bullies, and push and push, and then act like the superior and injured party when people finally lose their temper and call them out on their bad behavior.

Oh, and thanks for reinforcing the feeling that some people love to be bullies, and push and push, and then act like the superior and injured party when people finally lose their temper and call them out on their bad behavior.

Oh come on, the US posters here (i.e. most people) give easily as good as they get. And when have I ever been a 'bully' who loves to "push and push, and then act like the superior and injured party when people finally lose their temper and call them out on their bad behavior."?

And, let's face it in this day and age, if someone asks for the rest of the world's opinion on the US, then it's hardly a surprise when it comes back largely negative.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?
Too many guns. Too many murders. Too many politicians. Too many people without health insurance. Too many wars. Too much flag waving. Too much propaganda.

Nice place to visit, nice people for the most part, nice place to golf, nice scenery, good food, etc., but I wouldn't want to live there.

Hah! http://christopherleeweb.com/forums/theme/smilies/viking.gif
Zis is ouah shocolate, you vill not get youah hants on it, filzy Yankee! http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/cabrawest/barbarian.gif

http://www.sedhe.net/media/images/kemp03.jpg
Unt just who do you sink you are dat you order dese people about?!

After readint this thread, I think I can safely conclude that most of the European posters on this thread are freaking morons who are too lazy to do their own research and thus draw on stereotypes.

[QUOTE=Vetalia;12252294]snipQUOTE]

Wait, you go to the Ohio State University? I think I have to live the rest of my life hating you now.:p

BTW, Purdue is going to destroy you next week.

After readint this thread, I think I can safely conclude that most of the European posters on this thread are freaking morons who are too lazy to do their own research and thus draw on stereotypes.Sadly I'd have to agree with you.

After readint this thread, I think I can safely conclude that most of the European posters on this thread are freaking morons who are too lazy to do their own research and thus draw on stereotypes.

Would it not be fair to say, for some not many, that the general theory is right in general (n.b. in general, before you jump down my throat with specifics), while the details may not be?

In fact, ignore all that.

Is it not even more important that there is a general perception in Europe that fits with that stereotype? Surely that can only be a bad thing?

Would it not be fair to say, for some not many, that the general theory is right in general (n.b. in general, before you jump down my throat with specifics), while the details may not be?
So it's only true when it ignores the truth? That's an amazing bit of logic you're running.



Is it not even more important that there is a general perception in Europe that fits with that stereotype? Surely that can only be a bad thing?

It is important that this perception exists, and where it springs from. It originates in a variant on the security dilemma, where, contrary to a classic security dilemma, fear of a power abroad is to be found to originate amongst the general populace instead of the leaders.

So it's only true when it ignores the truth? That's an amazing bit of logic you're running.

Who says it ignores the truth?

The general perception was that people would be worse off in the US, for various reasons. For the people involved who says it ignores the truth?

It is important that this perception exists, and where it springs from. It originates in a variant on the security dilemma, where, contrary to a classic security dilemma, fear of a power abroad is to be found to originate amongst the general populace instead of the leaders.

You think Europe, for example, has a fear of the US? That's just absurd. We pity the US, we're worried about its government's effects on the people, and we're worried about the effects of its foreign policy on general international relations, but fear? You must be joking. The US is seen, despite its capabilities, as a joke, and that's why we're worried.

Australia isn't part of America?

Australia isn't part of America?

No, it's not. Admittedly, listening to John Howard you might think it, but sorry to break to news to you :p

Who says it ignores the truth?

The general perception was that people would be worse off in the US, for various reasons. For the people involved who says it ignores the truth?

Generally, the UN does.

Take a look at the UNHDR. The US is ranked higher than all of the large European powers, and most of the smaller states.



You think Europe, for example, has a fear of the US? That's just absurd. We pity the US, we're worried about its government's effects on the people, and we're worried about the effects of its foreign policy on general international relations, but fear? You must be joking. The US is seen, despite its capabilities, as a joke, and that's why we're worried.

I'd write this off as little more than rationalization of otherwise inexplicable internal anxieties.

No, it's not. Admittedly, listening to John Howard you might think it, but sorry to break to news to you :p

whos the dum one now for listening to him ,we don't :p

Generally, the UN does.

Take a look at the UNHDR. The US is ranked higher than all of the large European powers, and most of the smaller states.

Good for the UNHDR.

But if people are asked in this thread how they think their specific life would be in the US then how can you show they are wrong? No matter what the HDR might say, it doesn't compensate for the complexities of human life.


I'd write this off as little more than rationalization of otherwise inexplicable internal anxieties.

Of course, that must be it.

Pray tell, what internal anxieties would these be?



edit: this was my 10,000th post :)

whos the dum one now for listening to him ,we don't :p

Hey, you're the one who has to live under him :p

Good for the UNHDR.

But if people are asked in this thread how they think their specific life would be in the US then how can you show they are wrong? No matter what the HDR might say, it doesn't compensate for the complexities of human life.

And neither can the individuals. Without experiencing life, you'll have no idea how it turns out, save for the opinions formed from your own prejudices.

Of course, that must be it.

Pray tell, what internal anxieties would these be?

In elementary school we were all terrified of the recess monitor. Never mind that she was a decent, pleasant person who gave special priveleges to kids on their birthdays, we were terrified of her. Why were we? Because she had a power that we did not, that we couldn't achieve anytime soon. That's why we were terrified of her.

We rationalized it as "she is really mean, look, she won't let us run in the tree line" or "look, we can't play smear the queer anymore". We complained about it to our friends, teachers and parents.

Often, the actions of children illustrate how the psyche of the individual works, this is a perfect example.

Hey, you're the one who has to live under him :p

no he lives under me as he a short ass and i'm taller then him :p

I hope you realize that I'm just playing games for my own sick entertainment, no hard feelings. It's bedtime for me. Goodnight.

I hope you realize that I'm just playing games for my own sick entertainment, no hard feelings. It's bedtime for me. Goodnight.

Yeah, and if there was more blood and less alcohol in my 'blood'stream i might be bothered enough to put together a counter argument :P

You know what we really need? Rainbow colored text.

Insert White

Text Here

??
Profit

I hope you realize that I'm just playing games for my own sick entertainment, no hard feelings. It's bedtime for me. Goodnight.
Insert White
Yeah, and if there was more blood and less alcohol in my 'blood'stream i might be bothered enough to put together a counter argument :P
Text Here

I live here in America and i think that most of the people who put it down have either a) never lived here b) live in the wrong place or c) genuinely do not like the United States. I personally enjoy my life here and am pretty happy that i do not live anywhere else, althought im sure i could make it probably in almost any country.

As they say, "Different strokes for different folks."

Doesn't work. A lot of the people that put down America, were born there.

I wasn't born here, but I've lived here for a while - and what gets me most about the place is - it has the potential to be so much better. Unfortunately, it has turned into a religious/corporate playground, and the proletariat be damned.

EDIT: From what you've written - it looks like you base your opinion on only having lived in the US...? Isn't that what you are complaining about in others?

Wow. So you based your entire view of America on a few people from small towns.

We do have public transportation -- quite a bit of it actually. A national rail system, and within cities itself a variety of busses, trams, light rail, underground....

...just wow.

Public transportation in the US is pretty weak compared to Europe, though. It's one of the first things I noticed when I came over here. In England, you can get almost anywhere from almost anywhere on a train - even if you have to make a couple of changes. It's much cheaper than the US equivalent, the coverage is much better, and even the backwaters have trains on an hourly basis.

Sure, somewhere like New York is well supplied by public transportation - but the North East connection is the exception, rather than the rule.

Public transportation in the US is pretty weak compared to Europe, though..In all fairness, the US is a hell of a lot bigger than the UK, and a lot less densely populated.

Yes. And isn't it terrific that they can discuss it here too... as you can discuss your interests as well.

Sorry, that didn't quite sound the way I meant it to. I forgot to add the words "without criticism" at the end of my post. :)

Been there, done it - and it's two things that I really missed the most: Decent German bread and a decent (German) news station.

Been there, done it - and it's two things that I really missed the most: Decent German bread and a decent (German) news station.

I know I definitely get Deutsche Welle these days, and that's on my craptastic basic cable channels. It seems decent enough, although I'm always translating/understanding slowly as I watch, so that might alter my perception of it.

And yes. After my trip to Germany I smuggled bread into the United States. Although if you hit up some of the rural Ohio/Pennsylvania/New York areas, you'll get some bread that's damn close. Hell, you're pretty damn likely to find a handful of people who have been speaking their own distorted version of German from birth.

In all fairness, the US is a hell of a lot bigger than the UK, and a lot less densely populated.

Aye, Germany, for instance, is almost the same size as Montana, yet it's population is 91 times larger than Montana's.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

American Middle Class White Student. I'll probably be more nerdy than I am now as well. And more ambitious..

1) Depends on where you are for climate.
2) Depends on where you are for capital punishment.
3) Depends on where you are for public transport. (and as I said, with a national rail service, Greyhound buses, and air travel, you CAN get anywhere in the country.)

I love Ireland for the climate (no, I'm not kidding), cause I hate hot weather with a passion, and I'm not very comfortable when it's too cold either. Here, the range is about between 5 and 20 degrees, perfect for me.

I can't agree with capital punishment, sorry. On no level.

I didn't say there wasn't public transport, but I somehow doubt that it'll take you everywhere. The complaint I heard from all Europeans who went to spend time in the US was that busses are few and far between if there are any.

I'm British, and I have to admit that America has:
1) Better education.
2) Better woman. (You other people must be joking, American woman are sexyyyyy! Except for the fat ones, and no not all of them are fat)
3) Better rights.
4) Better rights for gay people. (I heard that some European countries banned a Spongebob episode because it "promoted" gay marriage!)
5) More freedom.
6) More money.
7) More tolerance. (European countries are so more Christian than America! I mean really, Europe is where Christianity took a big leap. Blame Europe for the Christianity in America.)
8) More diversity. (People-wise and land-wise)
9) Less racism and stereotypes. (This thread makes me puke. Us Europeans are so racist!)
10) Better economy.

I'm sick to live in the U.K. where stereotypes and racism plagues the land. I can't wait to go to America.

I think I smell a puppet... and a very poor one at that.

I think I smell a puppet... and a very poor one at that.

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."

In all fairness, the US is a hell of a lot bigger than the UK, and a lot less densely populated.

And?

Do I have to be 'fair'? No - fairness is irrelevent - poor public transportation has it's reasons, but it is still poor.

I appreciate why the public transport in the US sucks so much ass, but it is still something that is a negative aspect. Fair or no... I'm looking at the objective comparison, and the US fails.

And?

Do I have to be 'fair'? No - fairness is irrelevent - poor public transportation has it's reasons, but it is still poor.

I appreciate why the public transport in the US sucks so much ass, but it is still something that is a negative aspect. Fair or no... I'm looking at the objective comparison, and the US fails.

Once again, it depends on where you live. If you live in Montana, the cost of living is so low that it's no problem to own a car and cover the cost of gas, thus negating the poor public transit. In New York or Washington, the public transit is pretty sweet (especially Washington, I love their subway system) and you could probably live your entire life without a car.

Hell, I get along just fine in Columbus, Ohio without a car. The #2 takes me wherever I could wish to go, and the Greyhound is a nice and cheap alternative to get to my parent's house.

Fass, you really have zero idea of how gays are treated in the US if this is how you view us.

I would assert that you have zero idea of how gay people are treated in the US if you remain blind to what a horrible place for gay people it is.

Just thank God that the rest of the world doesn't judge Sweden by your inimitable charms.

I judge Sweden even more harshly than I do the US, but this thread is about what I imagine things would be like for me were I to live in the US and not Sweden, and the simple truth is my life would be an order of magnitude worse due to the rampant US homophobia. I am very fortunate not to live there.

Once again, it depends on where you live. If you live in Montana, the cost of living is so low that it's no problem to own a car and cover the cost of gas, thus negating the poor public transit. In New York or Washington, the public transit is pretty sweet (especially Washington, I love their subway system) and you could probably live your entire life without a car.

Hell, I get along just fine in Columbus, Ohio without a car. The #2 takes me wherever I could wish to go, and the Greyhound is a nice and cheap alternative to get to my parent's house.

No - you are misunderstanding, perhaps. If I am comparing the US to somewhere else (I choose the UK, because I lived there) I don't have to be 'fair', or allow for the reasons, or look for compensations.

The US public transport is sucky, compared to the UK - viewing both as wholes. The UK is about what... the size of Georgia? But the UK, on like for like basis, has far better public transport. On a whole US v's UK scale, the UK still hs far better coverage.

I 'get' why it might be so. I understand one can afford alternatives in Montana - but that's not the point I'm making.

No - you are misunderstanding, perhaps. If I am comparing the US to somewhere else (I choose the UK, because I lived there) I don't have to be 'fair', or allow for the reasons, or look for compensations.

The US public transport is sucky, compared to the UK - viewing both as wholes. The UK is about what... the size of Georgia? But the UK, on like for like basis, has far better public transport. On a whole US v's UK scale, the UK still hs far better coverage.

I 'get' why it might be so. I understand one can afford alternatives in Montana - but that's not the point I'm making.

Of course, public transport is only useful when understanding the whole of the transport picture in a nation, so, yes, the UK has a better public transport system, but on the whole, the holistic transport pictures in both states are roughly equal.

I reckon I would probably make more money. Still, I would have less to spend, for everything would be more expensive. I would have to pay full college tuition, I could no longer be able to use the aforementioned public transport free of charge, and my medical bills, if any, would go through the roof.

I wonder how I would feel living in a more religious and Nationalistic society than my own, it might be interesting for a short while, I guess. However, I do not think I would be happy living there for longer than a year.

And?

Do I have to be 'fair'? No - fairness is irrelevent - poor public transportation has it's reasons, but it is still poor.

I appreciate why the public transport in the US sucks so much ass, but it is still something that is a negative aspect. Fair or no... I'm looking at the objective comparison, and the US fails.If you were complaining about how suburbia is designed to make public transportation impossible (intentionally or not), I'd agree. But you make it sound like other countries invest in public transportation to faraway spots where only 1/2 an aging pensionist & 1/5th of a blind, arthritic dog lives.

No countries do that. The UK has plenty of isolated backwaters & tiny, near-uninhabited islands that are nerly or completely cut off from the rest of the country, infrastructure-wise. As do every other country. The US just happens to be the size of a fucking continent, so there's rather a lot more of those little bits of nowhere than there is in the UK.

It's the comparison bit that's unfair, because what you seem to hold up as example of what's worse than some other place, is basically identical. Then again, I don't really care.

I think I smell a puppet... and a very poor one at that.

I haven't heard many British people refer to their nationality by saying "us europeans".

This one :

http://static.flickr.com/55/131516046_ba33739390_m.jpg

http://www.worldpeace.no/filer/WHITE-FLAG-3.jpg

I'm not sure I agree with you. There are a number of advantages to public transport that private transport doesn't come close to addressing, like the advantage of moving lots of people for comparitively small ecological impact, or the ability of public transportation to lower traffic congestion, inner city smog, or parking problems.
As I've said though, public transit in nearly all American metropolitan areas is effective and cheap. Only once you get into smaller urban (Billings, Montana for instance), suburban or rural areas does public transit become prohibitively expensive to maintain, and thus is less effective.

If you were complaining about how suburbia is designed to make public transportation impossible (intentionally or not), I'd agree. But you make it sound like other countries invest in public transportation to faraway spots where only 1/2 an aging pensionist & 1/5th of a blind, arthritic dog lives.

No countries do that. The UK has plenty of isolated backwaters & tiny, near-uninhabited islands that are nerly or completely cut off from the rest of the country, infrastructure-wise. As do every other country. The US just happens to be the size of a fucking continent, so there's rather a lot more of those little bits of nowhere than there is in the UK.

It's the comparison bit that's unfair, because what you seem to hold up as example of what's worse than some other place, is basically identical. Then again, I don't really care.

Well... I think I've got a nice example to fit here :
My father's from a small village in Austria, called Dappach. This village has 63 inhabitants, altogether. Roughly 10 families. The village does, however, have a regular bus service to other surrounding villages and the next town.

I don't think there are altogether many places at all in Europe, no matter how small or far away, that can't be reached by public transport....

Of course, public transport is only useful when understanding the whole of the transport picture in a nation, so, yes, the UK has a better public transport system, but on the whole, the holistic transport pictures in both states are roughly equal.

I'm not sure I agree with you. There are a number of advantages to public transport that private transport doesn't come close to addressing, like the advantage of moving lots of people for comparitively small ecological impact, or the ability of public transportation to lower traffic congestion, inner city smog, or parking problems.

Sure - private transport can move you, but it isn't the same. To compare the two ideas just on the basis of getting from A to B is missing half the point.

I haven't heard many British people refer to their nationality by saying "us europeans".

*lol I don't know anybody in Europe who'd refer to Europeans that way.
Or anyone claiming Europe would be Christian, for that matter. ;)

Just as some have no understanding that tone of voice is not carried over teh interwebs?

Yeah, because americans only exist on the internet, right?

If you were complaining about how suburbia is designed to make public transportation impossible (intentionally or not), I'd agree. But you make it sound like other countries invest in public transportation to faraway spots where only 1/2 an aging pensionist & 1/5th of a blind, arthritic dog lives.

No countries do that. The UK has plenty of isolated backwaters & tiny, near-uninhabited islands that are nerly or completely cut off from the rest of the country, infrastructure-wise. As do every other country. The US just happens to be the size of a fucking continent, so there's rather a lot more of those little bits of nowhere than there is in the UK.

It's the comparison bit that's unfair, because what you seem to hold up as example of what's worse than some other place, is basically identical. Then again, I don't really care.

I believe Cabra just illustrated part of my argument.

I lived three miles outside of a small village called Timberland, which is in the arse-end of the nowehere part of the UK. It has a population of about 100 people - most of them with the same surname.

In Timberland, there was a bus about every hour. About ten miles further away, reachable by that bus on it's return journey, is the small town of Metheringham. The population is a thousand or two.

In Metheringham, I can catch a train that will get me to Lincoln - there are several that will do this one in any given hour (the nearest 'city' by British standards, or I can stay on that train to Sheffield (a fairly big city). In Lincoln (or Sheffield) I can change trains to get to London.

From a sticks town, to the Capital, by public transport... maybe two hours elapsed, if the schedules match.. and they are usually pretty good.

I'm just wandering what your impression of living in America would be.

Not trying to start a political argument, but if you were someone of the same class as you are now, living in America, what do you think life would be like?

Well, I live in America...

If you refer, although, to the United States of America...

I would earn a lot more for my work, I could earn a lot more of commodities, and perhaps I would be sued once a week. Perhaps my university studies would had been a lot more expensive...

I would speak in english every day, and I would be bored to death, well...Depending on the city. Finding decent dancing partners would be a lot more difficult, too. And rum would be a lot more expensive...

Brazil.

Major diferences I see:

Brazil: Food and rent is very cheap. Electronics are very expensive (mainly due to taxes). Fruits here are extremely cheap.
USA: Very cheap electronics. Expensive rents and food. Everyone I´ve met said fruits and vegetables are very expensive, and junk food is very cheap. Not to mention cars seem to be very cheap, while in Brazil cars are somewhat expensive.

----------------------------

Brazil: Violence is a big no-no. No bulling in schools, no bar fights. Of course there is a lot of crime, but violence is frowned upon. Sexuality is open for everyone. Boobs apear on TV all the time. You´re alowed to drink alcohol from 16 up, yet can only drive when you´re 18. A lot of people use public transportation.

USA: Violence is everywhere. Movies, Tv series, music, books. Yet if someone shows their boobs on TV, all hell breaks loose. You can only drink when you´re 21, yet can drive when you´re 16. No one uses public transportation, either having cars (LA) or walking (NY).

----------------------------

Well, and of course, not to mention USA is a developed country, and Brazil is a developing country. While in the US there are a lot of rich people, the majority of the population is far richer than the majority of the brazilian population.


What you say about Brazil sounds very true about where I currently live, China. Rent/food/transport very cheap here but electronics, western food etc all expensive.

Mind you, you don't see boobs on TV here. That's one big difference...

From a sticks town, to the Capital, by public transport... maybe two hours elapsed, if the schedules match.. and they are usually pretty good.

Aren't you the lucky one? A lot of villages have perhaps three buses a day, if at all, which then charge £6 for a return on a twenty-minute journey, which gets you all the way to the nearest town, which may or may not have a respectable rail or coach service. And bear in mind that trains are expensive, unless you book ahead and can travel off-peak.
(From the experience of friends of mine; examples include Chew Stoke near Bristol, Porton near Salisbury).

In answer to the OP, I would be a lot further in debt, as a student. From a well-off, urban background, I would probably have had a lot more material possessions as a child, and would if anything have had better access to services (such as healthcare), as my family can afford to pay.
Now, I'm not sure how to put this, but I feel I would be a lot more sheltered and naive regarding society at large, as I may be wrong, but I doubt I'd have made as many friends across the social scale, from the girl subsidising her housemates so she can share with them and live in a really nice house at university, to the kid who dropped out of school at 16 and is now grinding lenses in an optician.

Well, I live in America...

If you refer, although, to the United States of America...

I would earn a lot more for my work, I could earn a lot more of commodities, and perhaps I would be sued once a week. Perhaps my university studies would had been a lot more expensive...

I would speak in english every day, and I would be bored to death, well...Depending on the city. Finding decent dancing partners would be a lot more difficult, too. And rum would be a lot more expensive...

Sued once a week? What?

The cost of higher education was addressed above, there are quite good public colleges and universities that do not cost a great deal for residents.

As for being bored to death, that depends on you, doesn't it? And I sincerely doubt you'd find dancing partners hard to come by. And the rum, well, I don't know where you live, but I'm sure you could find some cheap rum.

Well... I think I've got a nice example to fit here :
My father's from a small village in Austria, called Dappach. This village has 63 inhabitants, altogether. Roughly 10 families. The village does, however, have a regular bus service to other surrounding villages and the next town.There's plenty of examples like that in the US as well. The lack of public transportation only kicks in when there's a high degree of isolation involved. For example, not every little Bygt (sp?) of Greenland has public transportation, because it's cost more to impliment than constructing & maintaining an airstrip, and diverting a private jet to the place whenever an inhabitant needs to go shopping.

Similarly not every little excuse for a village in Germany has access to public transportation. In most cases, the inhabitant(s) of those places will have to transport themselves a mile or two, to the nearest place that does have public transportation. The difference between that & the US is simply the scale of the places. The "mile or two" in Germany might be 20 or 50 in the US.I don't think there are altogether many places at all in Europe, no matter how small or far away, that can't be reached by public transport...Depends on your definition of reached. Let's say you have a district of 30K people. In both Europe & the US, those people might be scattered in around 300 communities of varying size. On both continents the district itself will be connected to the rest of the world via public transportation. But beyond that, it starts to become a question of geography.

Because while a single busroute might suffice to connect the 100 largest communities in the European district, it might easily require 100 to do the same in the US district. It's not that priorities or implimentation is different in the two situations, it's just the scale. That's why I'm saying it isn't a fair comparison.

Urban public transportation is a different pot of fishbarrels, though. There's no uniform US policy on this, just as there's no uniform EU policy on it. Chances are some US urban public transportation is amazing, just like it is in some cities (and in a couple of cases, countries) in the EU.

[QUOTE=Farnhamia;12256208]Sued once a week? What? [QUOTE]

Addicted to happy-slapping??!

Well, if you think Swedes are bad, you ain't seen a Finn yet. :upyours:

Tulta munille! :mp5:

As for the question, judging by the long chat relationship I've had with a couple of Americans (Cal, Tex), I would be living in a place where I'd like to get the frak out and fast :D

Joona

By contrast, Swedish ideals are all about having a good quality of life & helping others to have the same. It's just a little bit funny, considering how Jesus fixated most of America is & how utterly indifferent Sweden is towards religion.
People sometimes talk about morality in a Godless nation, but America surely examplifies God in an amoral nation!

(though seeing church attendance figures, America isn't quite "fixated" on Jesus, nor is Sweden very atheist.)

And of course, say what you want about American schools, I'll be right there laughing at them with you...but you must agree that American Universities are very good, and not even comparable to our middle/high schools.
No doubt, but would you not consider elementary, and middle/high schools to be more important targets of investment than universities? The early education has the most effect.

Also, free university education doesn't actually eat up that much in taxes.

However, the program Florida offers, IS available to all. Even Blacks/insert-minority-here.
Even JEWS???

I was pointing out some places where american christians can discuss their subjects of interest.
Plenty of Americans both Christian and atheist love Bush and rifles.

I have to say I'm quite happy all these foreign posters don't live in America. You all seem like a bunch of dicks. Ah well I guess if you moved here I could just convert you to Christianity at gun-point.
As a Christian, I hope you're joking.

Plenty of Americans both Christian and atheist love Bush and rifles.




Somehow I suspect christians vastly outnumber all other groups in the bush/rifle-loving department.

Somehow I suspect christians vastly outnumber all other groups in the bush/rifle-loving department.
As a group, christians vastly outnumber all other groups in America last time I checked.

As a group, christians vastly outnumber all other groups in America last time I checked.

Yup.

This thread should be called "How would you like living in a Stereotyped United States?"

*grumble*

I have to tell you, I'm from New England, and up here, we're all Godless communists who hate our government and support gun control.

However, the program Florida offers, IS available to all. Even Blacks/insert-minority-here.

Bright Futures? I'm aiming for the 100% Bright Futures scholarship. It'd be wonderful to get that.

Sure, somewhere like New York is well supplied by public transportation - but the North East connection is the exception, rather than the rule.

Well no shit Sherlock. Public Transportation is only economically feasible in densely populated areas.

I can tell you it would be pointless to put a bus system in the middle of Northern Indiana or anywhere on the plains. Outside of urban areas, public transit is pointless. BTW, Chicago, DC, NY, and all other major cities have good public transit.

Well no shit Sherlock. Public Transportation is only economically feasible in densely populated areas.

I can tell you it would be pointless to put a bus system in the middle of Northern Indiana or anywhere on the plains. Outside of urban areas, public transit is pointless. BTW, Chicago, DC, NY, and all other major cities have good public transit.

Public transit is pointless if your entire motivation is money-grubbing.

Mine isn't, and I am not looking for public-transport-less apologists. I know why America has such crappy public transport, and why so many consider it to be no real loss (of course, if they'd ever lived in a nation with a decent public transport system, they might feel differently), and I don't care - I'm talking about something that is inferior about the US, and I'm not interested in excuses.