Civic responsibility in the US
 

Do people think that there is more of a feeling of civic responsibility and respect in the US (particularly amongst youths)?

My wife (a USC) and I are think about a move to Boise, ID because we are fed up (amongst other things we are fed up with, but that's another subject) with the couldn't care less about anyone else attitude in the UK. We're sick of seeing teenagers dropping litter, smoking dope in the street, hanging around shopping precincts giving people a hard time etc. I know not all UK kids are bad but it's noticable enough.

We've both travelled extensively around the US and although you meet 'bad' people there too, it does seem that folks have a bit more respect for each other. What do people who have lived in both the UK and US think?

Mark

Re: Civic responsibility in the US
 

Mark,
I think where ever you go you will get teenagers doing their "teen age" thing. I have not lived in UK, but have been there. Did not see anything out of the ordinary when I was there, but it is different when you live somewhere - compared to living. In OZ, I did not see a lot of "hoods" where I lived, but I was well aware of what was going on and in what areas. Where I live now, there are a bunch of "little shits" is the only way I can think of describing them, that hang out on my street corner EVERRRRRRRRRY SINGLE DAY. They stand in front of traffic (they get out of my way now, coz I told them next time I will just run them over) peddle drugs and are just basically a nuisance. The police have been called on many occasions, some of the kids are under house arrest, but nothing will stop them until they grow out of it or end up in jail.
So, now that I have rambled on, I do not think that the US teens have any more respect than the UK ones. They are the same all over (or the adults for that fact). You will get the good with the bad in all countries. Maybe you just need a change of scenery anyway :)