And I'm putting it here, not compost, as this is my little thank you.



I haven't met many Americans in RL, but the ones I've met in cyberspace are nothing like the "typical" Americans we hear about -



They are caring

Go out of their way for a stranger, especially one in need

Helpful

And just plain friendly and hospitable.



Not many people would offer to drive 13 hours to help someone in need.



Not many people would offer to pick someone up at 11pm and drive them to their destination just so they don't have to wander around a strange city at night. This I might add is an offer after the initial plans were screwed up.



Not many people would give someone they've never met their phone number just in case they need help.



The more I plan my trip, the more I am starting to think that the average American is not the self-involved, arrogant creature that the rest of the world sees. I am indebted to the people who are helping me on what could be a very scary trip! But because I have such a wonderful support group I am much more confident.



So thank you.

Aw, thanks, Shewolf! Ya, we're not all bad. Just read my signature. Incubus says it best.

As I have said before, I will not comment on my opinion of americans on VB.



But I will say that, I assume the majority of americans you have meet are those on VB/Vegweb, yes?



If so, then it stands to reason that as a cast, Vegetarian and Vegan are of a more compassionate breed of human then most others on the planet. In this case, you will not meet the 'average' american from this social ring.

*salutes*

> In this case, you will not meet the 'average' american

> from this social ring.



Ah, like you did, Mr. Alpaca? You really are the authorithy on personal encounters with 'average' Americans, aren't you?

Just goes to show you that stereotypes are often wrong. Same could be said about the generalized view of any group of people.



I prefer to get to know someone before I decide that they suck.

No, Alpaca, I'm also referring to my dealings with ordinary Americans while planning my trip... ones that aren't affiliated with VB (although some are!) Maybe I've just been lucky but I'm not usually THIS lucky...



I also have had American students but they're always on their best behaviour!

Absolutely muppetcow... I never thought that Americans suck but I did have some false beliefs... mostly brought about by media and arts representations.

So I cant really say any more in this thread.

*hugs the cute furry alpaca*

It's probably best. It's always better to stay quiet and let everyone believe you are a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt. (I don't remember who said that -sounds like Mark Twain-, but it is sooooo useful at times .)

People are people. Some good, some bad. Most are decent.



I'm even open-minded enough to realize not all of the French are smelly cheese-eatin' surrender monkeys.

(Granted, this is mostly because of an exchange student from France when I was a junior in high school. Lovely girl. Very affectionate. Called her the school merry-go-round, 'cause everbody got to take a turn.)

Wow.. I never really thought of it before but I think I only know one or two Americans (who are super nice). That's pretty bad since I live about 3 hours from the Windsor/Detroit border.

It's unfortunate how people get stereotyped because they're from a certain country. I don't know how many times I've been asked if I live in an igloo.. I'm not kidding. I've never even seen an igloo.

I will not 'take the bait' (forgive the expression) tame.



no comment.

Tame--I think it may have been Abraham Lincoln who said that. LOL about the merry go round--we had one of those at my high school, but they called her Amtrak--All aboard!



TAG--good for you for not taking the bait.

Bait? Hell, I was complimenting your judgment!

Has this thread been hidden from 1vegan? Or is it only a matter of time.....

Well, with all the "support" we get around here I'm just glad that we Americans don't NEED "defending"; we're quite capable of taking care of ourselves, thank you just the same . . . .



Just ask the last country that invaded us - oh, wait, there's no one still alive that was around then . . . .



(PS - I know that type of "defense" isn't what you meant Shewolf )



Bank, glad to be an American, and wouldn't trade my citizenship for anyone else's.

people everywhere are simply people. We have to start going beyond things that split us apart such as nation-states.

Nah. Tame's right: it's a quote from Mark Twain.

Please don't!

Ah, I stand corrected. One of my coworkers has quotes hanging up in her cube (she types them up and prints them off herself) and she's got that one hanging up and attributed to Abe Lincoln. She's none too bright, though.

Just give him time, he never misses an opportunity to bash on America, American's, US or whatever. Probably never even been in the country, but can sit behind his pc spewing sentiment. With all the hatred it makes me wonder if he is the new ring leader of Al Queda. "Big Bird" runs a close second.

Although I disagree with Tame and Bank on something they are right. Don't judge us all by the example you see, especially on TV.

You know, I would say, it's a big country with different ethnicities, social classes, races, regions, politics. There is really wide variation. But how we differ from other cultures generally, I can't know bc I haven't been out of the country save a brief time in Canada.

i agree thalia. we are a huge mix of different attitudes, ethnicities, etc etc. but, what bothers me a lot (and i am american) is the value placed on consumption and overconsumption in our culture. of course, there are tons of people in the u.s. who don't subscribe to this value, but there are also many who do, and it's important to ask what the impact is on the planet and the many other people on it...

As an immigrant from Germany, I grew up between two cultures. Partially because of that fact, and partially because, as a German, I was extremely aware of the potential dangers of nationalism, I have never been a "my country right or wrong" type, nor have I ever been "patriotic" in the flag-waving, "I'm proud to be an American" sense.



In short, I believe that every country has its positive and negative aspects. I further believe that it is ridiculous to assume that all individuals of a certain nationality are alike. As I have said before, to make such assumptions is bigotry; to announce such assumptions to the people about whom you are making them is, in addition, just plain rude.



TAG, what you have said in this thread is akin to someone saying "I won't say I told you so"--it's just a passive-aggressive way of repeating what you've already said in the Compost Heap. And, ironically, by holding and expressing the views you do of US citizens, you are displaying the very traits that you are criticizing.

mouse, i totally agree with what you're saying about the dangers of nationalism... i also have never felt this fervent loyalty to country...it never seemed to make sense for me. i





i think there's a big difference between making generalizations about a whole group of any type and looking at what seems to be valued or held in esteem in a culture generally...

I like the comment in the Austin Powers movie, Shes like the village bicycle. Everyones had a ride.

Just last night a seen a bunch of Americans helpt out a drunk girl, so she get away with running into a parked car while trying to get out of of a parking spot.