calliope

Aussies might be a bit hyper when it comes to being number one, but US exceptionalism is institutionalized in the culture The difference is this - deep, deep down, Aussies are insecure about themselves and their place in the world, but Americans really believe they are literally exceptional.

Amazulu

double

Japonica

I think that is the difference between the two. Yes, both can have the hyper, over the top patriotism and chest-thumping that makes new immigrants raise an eyebrow. The difference is that if you delve deeper, many Aussies will openly acknowledge many of the flaws in the system...what the problems are and where they lie. Even the ones with the "Love It or Leave It" stickers I'd wager have a tiny bit of self-realization (might be minute in quantity, but there). However, from many of the conversations I've had with American friends, this level of introspection seems to be missing. There's the over the top nationalism and "by the way, we are still the best country in the world and you all just wish you were us." Hmm.

Maybe that's why living here is a better choice for us. Introspection, insecurity, and philosophical existentialism on a national level is part of the fabric of being Canadian. I had to take a Canadian Studies elective as a requirement of one of my degrees. I recall the paper fondly. We had to write on what constituted a Canadian identity. Sheesh. We were undergrads. There's professors, analysts, and a whole realm of writers, social commentators, and political types who still haven't figured that out yet.

BadgeIsBack

Some interesting discussion. I like the difference suggested here.

I feel though it's all relative and depends on who you talk to. I don't know any Australians or Americans who think there are no flaws anywhere.

Most people have a sense of history and pride to some extent - Iranians do. Pakistanis do. Greeks do. I think one of the first lessons you have to learn is that most countries have their own form of pride. The Scots..The Irish.

Many educated British people are very proud to be British and indeed, have a sense of entitlement that goes back to Empire and an innate sense of what is right. And some of the negative (self-doubting?) doubts of English people complaining they have lost that right - is often laughed at - by people who have lived abroad and then want to return!

Edit - just a thought - there are many countries where pride is based on past sense of identity or doings...
the Greeks perhaps. And maybe the Brits!? Perhaps the problem with new countries like the US and especially Australia is that they have done well recently, or continue to do well.

northernbird

When we applied 7 years ago they were quoting a 5 year processing time!!

jad n rich

Texas

The confederate thing was quite bizzare. The number plates on the biggest ever of trucks, the museums, the battlefield memorials, the supermarkets selling magazines entitled "confederate weekly" Pulling up for gas and the guy in front has his freshly killed deer strapped to the boot of the family sedan

The star of Texas and a giant USA flag on a pole on even the most modest of houses.

Most patriotic place I have ever been to, quite a boring state to drive in but Ohh the people

ozzieeagle

Did you get to tell any locals that Texas would fit into one Australian State 8 times ..

Alfresco

Would love to say that to a Texan!

Beaverstate

It would be more fun if YOU told them what you thought about pres BUSH

DeadVim

I wonder how many average Australians would fit into one average Texan?

jad n rich

Oh no

One saturday night we booked a last minute hotel deal, it turned to be this incredibly fancy brand new hotel with a Dallas society wedding going on.

Got in the lift wearing clothes we had travelled in since some cattle ranch in Albuquerque or some such place, and the diamond clad mother of bride, and hangers on gave us the most filthy looks I have ever seen. Worse we all got off the same floor

BadgeIsBack

It's all so new...and Bill Bryson....but a sense of identity nonetheless!

Texas is not a place I would want to live - but betcha you could have some fun there.

Funny, I've never been anywhere in the States outside New England, New York and California - a very limited cross-section perhaps!

US is an amazing place to visit, really.

Beaverstate

According to some the US is the north atlantic states, New York, Mass...etc.. and California. The rest is fly over country. Texas is, well, Texas.

Alfresco

ExPres.

Beaverstate

Since Bush isn't black I thought it would be assumed.