Americans

Now, this has been bothering me for awhile, and I just want to get it off my chest.

I may not be a bright person, or extremely smart person, but at least I can point out where I live on a map. I've been informed of this before, but it never really hit me at all that some Americans can't point out the location of their city on a map of the United States.

This isn't the only difference I see between America and other countries. An AFS student from Thailand that goes to my school aces all of my 3rd Year High School coursework from ease. Apparently the stuff he had in Thailand was much harder. His math courses are incredibly demanding. Mathematics is critical in his country.

But that's not all! Foreign kids learn several other languages other than the one they've obviously spoken since birth. Did you know that foreign languages aren't required (for the most part) in America? However, kids who live in the eastern part of Spain have to learn English and French, and possibly other languages that I can't remember. Learning English is required for many, many students in foreign countries.

Saying this, most colleges in Wisconsin require a couple years of unspecified foreign language study.

Anyway, do any people who don't live in America see somewhat of a lower intelligence in people from America here? Odds are, if you're dumb, you're from this country.

It's insulting to live here at times, even though I'm the kind of person that contributes to the stupidity some moments, mostly not being able to keep up with my foreign exchange friend.

My father kind of shares the same view as you. Just add the fact that he is a disgruntled immigrant that has never seen America as the so called promised land, but instead was only dragged out here by my mom. Accordingly, he thinks of the American race as he eloquently put it "Sex, drugs, fight, no brains." and then some. He also expounds on the fact that I have to acheive because of my heritege(which I'll leave undisclosed for the sake of erm, racial bias? But some of you may know it already) that the Anglo-American culture and living conditions that has surrvived is merely an catalyst for my sucess. And then he proceeds to me his life story. He was denied a professional education from the start because his parents were not citizens of said country. His mother had applied for a citizenship to get rid of this barrier, but his father had passed. Without a citizenship. My dad wouldn't let that block him though. He sneaked on to the professiona college to learn engineering. Two years after, he was kicked out on account of the restrictions. He eventually reapplied in a regular college of sorts(apparently, it is the equalivelent of a very popular community college) and earned a degree in chemistry.

Translation: It was worthless.

The degree he said, was merely for show. Although nothing worth bragging about, it at least gave him some tangible respect but few jobs were open to him. Nevertheless, he spent the rest of his twenties smuggling products from foreign countries for his sister, who owned such a store that would carry that kind of stuff. And then some other odd jobs. Many years later, he hitched up with my mother and moved to America. Now he is unhappily married with two disobedient children and the unproud owner of a job in a foam making factory. He constantly uses this fact against me and my lazy academic attitude-- he tells me that it is a for a better future. And now people have been throwing at me statisics of college applicants and saying how I'm going to be waitlisted or denied. How all my foreign faternal cousins are aspiring engineers and doctors. And of those who aren't, were merely unlucky, bound more or less by his same restrictions he had endured. And then he consistently banters on why I can't follow this "American" culture or else I'll be a cashier at Jewels for the rest of my life. Then he throws at my face countless "models" to follow. Cousins, friends, friend's relatives, friend's relatives's relatives who make doctors or engineers of themselves. And although it dosen't sound too harsh-- it is slammed into my head so much that I think it has done some sort of psychological damage. Eventually, he fails to see it has some sort of reverse psychology. I do care about my grades but the emphasis upon me is so heavy and well...it's time to get back to topic. That is basically my dad's view on America. I don't really agree, but I'll admit, that I've seen many intelligent people outside of America around my age. And sometimes I just say to myself-- it's okay since I'm American. Yes. That was harsh, wasn't it?

I got nothing against Americans myself.
But pretty much I don't see your country as not too bright, and I'll provide a couple of examples:
1. The common you don't now where Australia is on the map. Ahh how many sketchs have I seen on that.
2. You only learn about YOUR history duing your primary and most of your secondary years
3. Your military tatics-Shoot first ask questions later
4. The New Orleans incident how the place turned into "mob rules" if I may
5. I don't know if this is still going on over there or if it actually happened, that you had guns and other dangerous weapons in your hardware stores for SALE!.
6. Look who your president is.

EDIT:
7. You can be the most self-centred people

since the almost universal language on earth is english, it isn't vital to learn other languages as it.

as for me I am an american and I know some spanish and know moderate amounts of french and german as well, though I am by no means fluent in them. When it comes down to it, you don't need to know french in order to do most jobs, Europe is diferent in that borders are far more significant than in America, I could travel a few thousand miles and never leave the country whereas in Europe, the countries are so small and individualized that being multi-lingual is a necessity. In my view, the sheer multi-linguistiscy of Europe is a weekness, nto a strength and such redunce is only detrimental


Here is how I see it: Europe has traditionally been made up of idiot proletarians who could not live adequately, these people who lacked the intellect needed to fully sustain themsemelves had kids, many of which were often barbarians. Lenin, Stalin, Hitler... while some Americans may be hopeless, atleast we aren't plagued with such inferiority. Ever heard of the Hunded years war? Ever hear of the 30 years war? ever hear of WWi, or WWII. These conflicts weren't started by Americans and in some of them, we had to get your asses out of trouble because you were inadequate.

Your farming techniques utterly sucked until somewhat recent history as well, you went for thousands of years leaving fields empty while depleting others of their nitrogen resources without replenishing them.

Ever hear of the reformation, it wasn't the American's who were busy ****ing each other over because their neighbor said that they thought diferently in the aspect of consubstanation vs. transubstanation.

Further more, while many starved, the rich elitist class was often worse, they lacked the sensibility to have moderation, why the hell do you think they always had gout?

as for not being able to find places on a map, the use is a few hundred times larger than many european countries. it's not to hard to point out that you live in the general area of luxembourg. I fr one though, can find my location ona map without political borders or cities marked.

well there are my two cents

I will admit though, some americans need one of these:http://www.treadmilladviser.com/imag...mill-large.jpg
I am not one of them, I have a low body fat percentage. They are descended from Europeans...

EDIT: someone said america was only sex, violence and drugs... aparently you have never heard of amsterdam. Also to paraphrase a friend of mine who lived in Germany for well over a year, "you more commonly ask for a phone number after the first time you have sex," "it's just something to do to pass time" This si far removed form the typical American stigma, though I admit some of my friends are rather promiscious.

Edit 2: the "New Orleans incident" wouldn't have happened if the FRENCH hadn't built on low ground. Buildings on higher ground which were established by Americans were typically spared.

I think this says it all:
http://media.spikedhumor.com/3029/On...merica%203.wmv

Americas do the following leading to me to belive most americans iqs are lower.
- They start most wars
- They have the most idotic govermental poeple
- they spell colour with out the u.

how is being multi-lingual detrimental? I'm fluent in french and english, and even though french isn't as widely used as english, it's helped me enormously when I've travelled. in fact in africa I only spoke french. seeing all the hispanics in america, it would seem logical to learn some spanish. or, if you like statistics, 1,075,000,000 people speak mandarin chinese, while 514,000,000 speak english. catching up quickly is hindi, at 496,000,000 people.

also, your view of what's "inferior" or "inadequate" seems very sheltered. in many ways hitler could have been considered a genius. and even if lenin, stalin, and hitler were all dumb, you can't apply that to the whole population. now I dont' think criticism of bush is good criticism of the american people, but the same goes for european leaders. "you were inadequate"? so no they're dumb cause they've had wars in the past?

your criticism of europe and its farming techniques goes all the way back "thousands of years." what were americans up to back then? how did their farming techniques compare?

one thing I find weird is that you're responding to examples of present-day america with examples of ancient europe. in fact, your whole post was kind of irrelevant, since the thread doesn't concern history.

what your friend experienced in germany is no different from america. maybe you haven't noticed it yet, since you're still somewhat young. but it's certainly there.

as for new orleans, as fun as it is to blame your problems on others, americans are just as guilty as building on low ground as the french.

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

how is being multi-lingual detrimental? I'm fluent in french and english, and even though french isn't as widely used as english, it's helped me enormously when I've travelled. in fact in africa I only spoke french. seeing all the hispanics in america, it would seem logical to learn some spanish. or, if you like statistics, 1,075,000,000 people speak mandarin chinese, while 514,000,000 speak english. catching up quickly is hindi, at 496,000,000 people.

also, your view of what's "inferior" or "inadequate" seems very sheltered. in many ways hitler could have been considered a genius. and even if lenin, stalin, and hitler were all dumb, you can't apply that to the whole population. now I dont' think criticism of bush is good criticism of the american people, but the same goes for european leaders. "you were inadequate"? so no they're dumb cause they've had wars in the past?

your criticism of europe and its farming techniques goes all the way back "thousands of years." what were americans up to back then? how did their farming techniques compare?

one thing I find weird is that you're responding to examples of present-day america with examples of ancient europe. in fact, your whole post was kind of irrelevant, since the thread doesn't concern history.

what your friend experienced in germany is no different from america. maybe you haven't noticed it yet, since you're still somewhat young. but it's certainly there.

as for new orleans, as fun as it is to blame your problems on others, americans are just as guilty as building on low ground as the french.

I merely said it would have been better

I was stating that quite a few Europeans were bastards, figuratively and literally

Back then American's weren't farming for the most part, unless you count native americans. Even then, some planted nitrogen fixing crops along with their other crops for a synergsic benefit.

We come from our history... while many europeans were starving, Americans had effectively the highest standard of living, such was eident in the results of their better nutrition, they were considered giants by many.

mostly at parties, you ae correct on that, i know quite a few people that hook up, I even got offered to a few times(I refused) but you have to admit that in general, Europe is a quite a bit more liberal when it comes to sex.

the french started it... besides those people are primarily of french descent who were building on lowground afterwards, you also have to keep in mind that, New orleans had been established a few hundred years prior to American aquisition. I never said rebuilding, I merely said developing.

are my statements biased, yes; was it to make a point, even moreso. Also, i didn't hear a counter towards my statement on religion.

Originally Posted by Hylian Z

2. You only learn about YOUR history duing your primary and most of your secondary years

I think that is the case for nearly all countries and their education systems. That doesn't leave out Australia. In primary school, we do the 1788 landings and colonisation (to death =( ), and modern 1901-Present history is covered in High school until year 10.

Originally Posted by Sir Chuc

I think that is the case for nearly all countries and their education systems. That doesn't leave out Australia. In primary school, we do the 1788 landings and colonisation (to death =( ), and modern 1901-Present history is covered in High school until year 10.

yeah that really got to me in school, although it was good to know about my own country, i wanted to learn about american, french, german, english, greek, italian and many other countries histories.


as for this thread, your own words were about americans being dumb, thats how i took it, and i think in the common sense department, yes, youse do tend to shoot and ask questions later, your to hasty as a nation, slow down a bit and get off your high horse, you may be the most powerful country in the world, but your not the best all together. youse also really need to out-law guns, totally, like we did

Originally Posted by xelink

since the almost universal language on earth is english, it isn't vital to learn other languages as it.

The notion of only retaining the 'universal language' will lead to laziness, ignorance and lack of appreciation for others. I'm not saying that it's a terrible thing to only know English, but it definitely helps open up wider horizons for you if you do.

Plus, the most commonly spoken language in the world is Chinese (Mandarin)

In my view, the sheer multi-linguistiscy of Europe is a weekness

I think anything that shows and highlights different cultures around the world is something to be admired, rather than condemned. Hearing the different languages being spoken, to me, is much more interesting than one universal language. China is predicted to be the next world power; would you like to be told that Chinese is more important than English?

Chinese is the most common first language. Those statistics of a billion people versus half a billion show that. However, English is more widely used. It is the language of flight. It is the language of trade. Nearly every country of the world has people learn the language.

In addition, I ask you, people of Europe, if you picked a random direction, and drove that way for seven hours, would you still be in a place where they speak your language? (Apart from the UK, obviously, since you can't do that, except taking a train to Paris.) Probably not. Here, that is nearly always true, except for the Mexican border. If I drove for 24 hours from my home, I would still be in a place where they speak English as their first language. That is why America doesn't emphesize other languages.

New Orleans was mentioned. Blaming it on the French is stupid, but suggesting that something like that could only occur in America is also stupid. I would say that if any major city were to suddenly be without any services, and most of it destroyed, 'mob rule' would take over no matter where the city is.

Originally Posted by Scott

New Orleans was mentioned. Blaming it on the French is stupid, but suggesting that something like that could only occur in America is also stupid. I would say that if any major city were to suddenly be without any services, and most of it destroyed, 'mob rule' would take over no matter where the city is.

Let me remind you of the recent Tsunami, I don't recall mob rule there do you. All I recall was grieving and help from other countries, although America was like the last one to respond to the situation.

Anyway this is kinda driving off the topic in my opinion. It's gone from are american's stupid to Which country is better Europe or America

Originally Posted by aeternus aura

Now, this has been bothering me for awhile, and I just want to get it off my chest.

I may not be a bright person, or extremely smart person, but at least I can point out where I live on a map. I've been informed of this before, but it never really hit me at all that some Americans can't point out the location of their city on a map of the United States.

This isn't the only difference I see between America and other countries. An AFS student from Thailand that goes to my school aces all of my 3rd Year High School coursework from ease. Apparently the stuff he had in Thailand was much harder. His math courses are incredibly demanding. Mathematics is critical in his country.

But that's not all! Foreign kids learn several other languages other than the one they've obviously spoken since birth. Did you know that foreign languages aren't required (for the most part) in America? However, kids who live in the eastern part of Spain have to learn English and French, and possibly other languages that I can't remember. Learning English is required for many, many students in foreign countries.

Saying this, most colleges in Wisconsin require a couple years of unspecified foreign language study.

Anyway, do any people who don't live in America see somewhat of a lower intelligence in people from America here? Odds are, if you're dumb, you're from this country.

It's insulting to live here at times, even though I'm the kind of person that contributes to the stupidity some moments, mostly not being able to keep up with my foreign exchange friend.

I agree. These days I'm always pissed off at Americans because of their way to be. They can't argue without saying "we saved ur ass in <random war>!" and all the teenagers there have started this anti-mainstream crap that really annoys me.

Let's not get started on what they think about the world outside them. Judging from their movies, Sweden is nothing but mountains and snow, we have the letter 'ü' in our language (which is not correct) and there are only blondes here. That's just one country for you, if you would have heard the rest you would be laughing or crying.

I haven't even mentioned half of what annoys me with them, because I know people are going to get upset now. But that's what you get for being as you are, and I think you deserve it.

I however am thankful for USA because they invented Coca-Cola, McDonald's, etc. They deliver products I enjoy, so for that I give them credit. It's not like I hate Americans, I just tend to not like them.

I have one question: is there anyone who DOES like The United States?

YAY! Let's play the PULL APART THE STUPID REPLY GAME! *lights and balloons go everywhere*

Originally Posted by xelink

I merely said it would have been better

IT wow... amazing pronoun... now if only I knew why IT was.

I was stating that quite a few Europeans were bastards, figuratively and literally

And you are living proof that some Americans are Bastards too. Now I have to ask you one question. Have you been to Spain? Italy? France? Most likely not. I have been to all of them and everyone I meet there are almost horribly nice. The Italians will let you stay in there house for free. The Spanish will feed you if you are hungry, pretty much every house there is a restaurant. France has been a little less friendly since Americans started getting all idiotic on them but they are still amazingly nice people. Lets not even mention Greece. Greece is like walking into a world full of the most kindly people on earth.

Back then American's weren't farming for the most part, unless you count native americans. Even then, some planted nitrogen fixing crops along with their other crops for a synergsic benefit.

As far as I know, I do count Native American. They are definately Americans, even more so then most "Americans."

We come from our history... while many europeans were starving, Americans had effectively the highest standard of living, such was eident in the results of their better nutrition, they were considered giants by many.

Well right now I wouldn't call Europeans starving and American higher living. It does not help much that I feel like I have more money then our government because of there billions of dollars of debt. Even so, I cannot really think of a time when Americans were higher living and Europeans were starving. Middle Ages maybe but that was a LONG time ago. Not even relevant. Even so, only Native Americans were here and they "do not count."

mostly at parties, you ae correct on that, i know quite a few people that hook up, I even got offered to a few times(I refused) but you have to admit that in general, Europe is a quite a bit more liberal when it comes to sex.

Sure they are a bit more Liberal but when you think about it. Americans have the highest percentage of Pregnant Teens. I know that from experience from when my mom was a teacher for the Pregnant Teens Education Program. There were about 51 in her one class and I doubt that was all of them.

the french started it... besides those people are primarily of french descent who were building on lowground afterwards, you also have to keep in mind that, New orleans had been established a few hundred years prior to American aquisition. I never said rebuilding, I merely said developing.

Now this is the most retarded thing you have said all day. You cannon blame New Orleans on the French. They didn't know any better then or even there descendent didn't know any better. We are talking about hundreds of years ago.

are my statements biased, yes; was it to make a point, even moreso. Also, i didn't hear a counter towards my statement on religion.

Because I'm not sure it's even worth our time.

Originally Posted by Trv016

I have one question: is there anyone who DOES like The United States?

This guy does...

ROYAL DECREE FROM CAPTAIN CORNFLAKE!:

Originally Posted by CAPTAIN OF THE CORNFLAKES

"Americans are perfect. If you think otherwise, we will roll in with our big 4x4's, use up all your gas and bomb you. Then I'll punch you in the face for dramatic effect."

What a wonderful thread. So many people willing to bash America, and some of them even come from there...it's a dream come true! [/sarcasm]

Okay. My thoughts on Americans in general = not good. Those very few I have met (about a dozen or so) are perfectly fine. However, just about everything I here about the the millions that are still in America is bad. Here's a few of the tales I've heard, some of which I sincerely hope are not true.

1) When someon mentioned Europe, one American asked which state it was in.

2) Your average American cannot read maps.

3) In America, someone successfully sued a company for not having a "contains nuts" warning on a packet of peanuts.

4) Several other completely absurd court cases that won, which I won't bore you with.

5) General imbecility. You probably know the kind of thing I mean.

Please note: all of these are simplifications of things I've been told in the past (primarily from people I know who have been to America). I am not trying to offend anyone, and I am sorry if I do.

Originally Posted by xelink

since the almost universal language on earth is english, it isn't vital to learn other languages as it.

It is not "vital" to learn any language other than your native one. So it really depends on what country you're from.

Originally Posted by xelink

When it comes down to it, you don't need to know french in order to do most jobs,

Nor do you need to know English in other countries.

Originally Posted by xelink

Europe is diferent in that borders are far more significant than in America,

Of course they are. We actually have some.

Originally Posted by xelink

In my view, the sheer multi-linguistiscy of Europe is a weekness, nto a strength and such redunce is only detrimental

So? In my view, having George W. Bush as you President is a weakness and can only be dtrimental. Means nothing.

Originally Posted by xelink

Here is how I see it: Europe has traditionally been made up of idiot proletarians who could not live adequately, these people who lacked the intellect needed to fully sustain themsemelves had kids, many of which were often barbarians.

And if America had the same technology base Europe had back then, pretty much the same thing would happen. Maybe with a bit more whining. Go figure.

Originally Posted by xelink

Lenin, Stalin, Hitler... while some Americans may be hopeless, atleast we aren't plagued with such inferiority.

Ever hear of the American Civil War? Lots of such "inferior" people there.

Originally Posted by xelink

Ever heard of the Hunded years war? Ever hear of the 30 years war? ever hear of WWi, or WWII. These conflicts weren't started by Americans and in some of them, we had to get your asses out of trouble because you were inadequate.

Ever hear of the Iraq war? How about Vietnam? They certainly weren't started by Europe.

Originally Posted by xelink

Your farming techniques utterly sucked until somewhat recent history as well, you went for thousands of years leaving fields empty while depleting others of their nitrogen resources without replenishing them.

And those were thousands of years in which America didn't exist. As for decent farming procedure, European countries have been using such things longer than America has existed.

Originally Posted by xelink

I am not one of them, I have a low body fat percentage. They are descended from Europeans...

What a silly thing to say. The vast majority of Americans are descended either from Europeans or the natives. Of course a lot of obese people are descended from Europeans.

Originally Posted by xelink

Back then American's weren't farming for the most part, unless you count native americans. Even then, some planted nitrogen fixing crops along with their other crops for a synergsic benefit.

In the time period you speak of, "Americans" didn't exist. Except for native Americans, who you say don't count.

Originally Posted by xelink

We come from our history... while many europeans were starving, Americans had effectively the highest standard of living, such was eident in the results of their better nutrition, they were considered giants by many.

Excuse me? America has a history when compared to Europe? Alright - who went back in time and changed things while I wasn't looking?

Originally Posted by xelink

Also, i didn't hear a counter towards my statement on religion.

What statement on religion? if you mean the reformation part, I believe that's one of those points where America didn't exist. Meaning it isn't relevant.

My apologies to anyone who's tired of people replying to xelink, but his posts really got my back up.

Originally Posted by Leminnes

ROYAL DECREE FROM CAPTAIN CORNFLAKE!:

Don't forget, we'll also start setting up Wal-Marts and Starbucks everywhere.