Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
#256
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
I can usually spot a Yank on a forum, they arrive halfway through an argument.
#257
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,253
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
On a serious side I get mistaken for being american all the time. I'd say most of the comments are derogatory. The I explain that I'm originally english but lived most of my life in Canada. They usually respond with: I'm so sorry! You must hate being mistaken for being yank... It's a bit uncomfortable when the person next to you is american.
One such memorable "conversation" went like this...
I heard banging outside the house so I had a look out the door only to find vegetation being thrown over the 7' high fence and onto my truck... I let it go for about 10 minutes thinking it was a one off... This guy was throwing 1" thick branches over the fence! When it didn't stop I called out to the neighbour.
What hell are you doing?
Can't remember his comment... but it was something defiant.
My next comment was: If you don't quit now were going to have a serious problem...
With that he came charging round the fence, I guess to try and intimidate me... I didn't back down so he did instead. It was kinda funny because he came at me with the long handled clippers. I was thinking is this guy going to fight me or clip my nails...
My next comment was: WTF do you think you're doing throwing you shit over the fence into my yard and hitting my truck?
(Long story short the he thought the hedge was coming from my property and was very thoughtfully giving it back to me...)
His next comment (you'll love this one): Why don't you move your fu$%ing ute then.
With which I retorted: It's in my fu^&ing driveway you idiot!
He then countered with the very well thought out statement: I f**king hate yanks!
I said (with a cheerful tone): Really? I kinda like em! Have known many over the years. Not all that fond of their foreign policy but over all their good down to earth folk. (no shit I said this).
His come back... What EVER! and he stormed off.
Later that day I decided to investigate the offending hedge he was so upset about. Turns out it was coming from their property... When I informed his lovely (sarcastically speaking) mother - absolutely no apology...
Last edited by furbacchione; Jan 21st 2011 at 2:01 am.
#259
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Joined: Jun 2010
Location: VIC, Australia
Posts: 397
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
The whole problem is people generalising about a large group of people, i.e. all Americans, all Australians, All British etc. based on isolated incidents.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with other high placings in a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with other high placings in a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
Last edited by ProudVIC; Jan 21st 2011 at 2:01 am. Reason: To avoid the grammar nazis
#260
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 361
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
The whole problem is people generalising about a large group of people, i.e. all Americans, all Australians, All British etc. based on isolated incidents.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with other high placings in a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with other high placings in a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
#262
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
The whole problem is people generalising about a large group of people, i.e. all Americans, all Australians, All British etc. based on isolated incidents.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
The OP claimed that Australia was a backward country because of the behaviour of a few people at a restaurant, (this statement is not based on facts. Would such a backwards country rank second on the UN Human Development Index along with a multitude of quality of life rankings?) It was a loaded statement and emotionally based.
After that everybody responded by trying to make out all of America and Americans (all 300 million of them) were obnoxious and backward themselves based on one element of US culture.
This sort of thing happens all the time and is the number one reason for animosity between different groups of people. America is a huge country. Some people in that country are outrageous in their views and obnoxious, most however aren't. It is the same in any country and with any culture. In my opinion, blind patriotism is one of the biggest problems affecting the human world.
It is a highly provocative statement to suggest that Australians are <insert negative connotation> and Australia is <insert disparaging attribute> (replace Australia with any other country or miscellaneous group of people)
It is only human nature that the target group are going to defend themselves against blanket attacks directed at them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Number two on the list of cognitive distortions, i.e. overgeneralisation. People see psychiatrists to get over depression or anxiety problems and amongst many other things are told to stop overgeneralising about people and life events.
But hey, its all good for a giggle. Subversive at best.
I may be wrong.
#264
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
Possibly. We've had an influx of new members lately wouldnt you say?
I may be wrong. Perhaps the steam from ironing my favourite 'stalking' balaklava has gone to my head.
I may be wrong. Perhaps the steam from ironing my favourite 'stalking' balaklava has gone to my head.
#268
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
Posts: 16,622
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
Americans have been getting it for years but it is fair to say their recent foreign policy has taken a bit of the funny side out of it.
Although many will be wary, and generalise about the funniest, I find most people will admit to quite liking Americans or at least knowing decent ones.
And even the silliest of Americans can really be harmless.
Although many will be wary, and generalise about the funniest, I find most people will admit to quite liking Americans or at least knowing decent ones.
And even the silliest of Americans can really be harmless.
#270
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Joined: Jun 2010
Location: VIC, Australia
Posts: 397
Re: Anti-Americanism, Anti-Foreigners of any kind?
Although I've never been over to the USA, I'm pretty aware that there is a lot of diversity within the country. With 300 million people spread over a wide area encompassing 50 states and a complex history, demography and geography, you can expect a range of views and attitudes as well as different cultures, accents etc. The UK is the same with heaps of diversity from region to region.
Contrary to popular belief, Australia is similar. There is a very diverse mix of attitudes, beliefs and culture amongst Australians, and not just the multicultural aspect of this diversity but within the 'Anglo-Celtic' population as well.
Whilst I agree there is an element of homogeneity in Australian culture it by no means indicates that all Australians are the same or think the same. Many Australians struggle to deal with the unsophisticated 'bogan' element of Australian culture, and the sometimes confronting directness of some of the people here, as much as many people from Europe and North America do.
I think that people emigrating over here need to be aware of this element of the culture and realise that the bad experiences with certain people that you may have from time to time do not represent the entire country or what Australia is about as a nation.
Contrary to popular belief, Australia is similar. There is a very diverse mix of attitudes, beliefs and culture amongst Australians, and not just the multicultural aspect of this diversity but within the 'Anglo-Celtic' population as well.
Whilst I agree there is an element of homogeneity in Australian culture it by no means indicates that all Australians are the same or think the same. Many Australians struggle to deal with the unsophisticated 'bogan' element of Australian culture, and the sometimes confronting directness of some of the people here, as much as many people from Europe and North America do.
I think that people emigrating over here need to be aware of this element of the culture and realise that the bad experiences with certain people that you may have from time to time do not represent the entire country or what Australia is about as a nation.