Preconceptions
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 17
Preconceptions
Did you have any preconceived ideas about America, that you have since been unfounded - for Good or Bad? e.g quality of life, community relations, Taxes, Health etc
Is there really any thing like the American dream? Hah!
Is there really any thing like the American dream? Hah!
#2
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by FIRSTIMER
Is there really any thing like the American dream? Hah!
#3
Re: Preconceptions
The view that Americans are openminded and tolerant. In general, if you look at the media, FCC and prominent citizen groups, I'd say most Americans are not openminded.
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
#4
Mr. Grumpy
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 3,100
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by Manc
yes, it's a dream.
100% correct
taxes are barely different from the UK and I assumed that i would take home a higher net proportion of my income - not the case once you factor in
social security
medicare
medical insurance premium
dental insurance premium
state income tax
city income tax
(some of the above are dependent on you location)
#5
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,095
Re: Preconceptions
I thought there'd be more crime and that everyone carried a gun. I had the "starsky & hutch" vision of America.
#6
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by BritGuyTN
100% correct
taxes are barely different from the UK and I assumed that i would take home a higher net proportion of my income - not the case once you factor in
social security
medicare
medical insurance premium
dental insurance premium
state income tax
city income tax
(some of the above are dependent on you location)
taxes are barely different from the UK and I assumed that i would take home a higher net proportion of my income - not the case once you factor in
social security
medicare
medical insurance premium
dental insurance premium
state income tax
city income tax
(some of the above are dependent on you location)
#7
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,095
Re: Preconceptions
Sign your karma folks! Thank you to the mystery karma giver.
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,577
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
The view that Americans are openminded and tolerant. In general, if you look at the media, FCC and prominent citizen groups, I'd say most Americans are not openminded.
NC Penguin
NC Penguin
The only thing I got right was they don't queue.
-tom
#9
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by anotherlimey
Me too. I also thought that they tended not to put up with being treated badly by companies but it turns out they put up with a lot more than we do.
The only thing I got right was they don't queue.
-tom
The only thing I got right was they don't queue.
-tom
I only have to remember the queues I've been in at:
SouthWest Airlines (no assigned seats), at the Post Office (not even before a major holiday either), at the grocery store, etc...
NC Penguin
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,577
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
You think Americans don't queue? I have to disagree.
I only have to remember the queues I've been in at:
SouthWest Airlines (no assigned seats), at the Post Office (not even before a major holiday either), at the grocery store, etc...
NC Penguin
I only have to remember the queues I've been in at:
SouthWest Airlines (no assigned seats), at the Post Office (not even before a major holiday either), at the grocery store, etc...
NC Penguin
-tom
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Newport beach California USA
Posts: 46
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by anotherlimey
I guess so.... DMV = worst queue imaginable. In that case none of my preconceptions were right.
-tom
-tom
I live in Orange County Southern California - Very surprised how religious everyone is. How many churches there are. I also thought Americans were self assured and confident but I now think that they are very insecure, they put on a pretty good act though!
#12
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,877
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
You think Americans don't queue? I have to disagree.
I only have to remember the queues I've been in at:
SouthWest Airlines (no assigned seats), at the Post Office (not even before a major holiday either), at the grocery store, etc...
NC Penguin
I only have to remember the queues I've been in at:
SouthWest Airlines (no assigned seats), at the Post Office (not even before a major holiday either), at the grocery store, etc...
NC Penguin
Greatest queue (line !) ever - DMV in Pasedena - its not that they dont queue its just they dont know how ! 4 hours of chaos to get an appointment for a driving theory test with no ss#
Other suprises:
Agree on taxes - in total I take home less
Cost of utility bills :scared: in LA our monthly electricity, gas and water in the summer was over $600
Crime - there does'nt seem to be any where we live
Cost of groceries - $5 for box of cornflakes, $3 for a very bad loaf of bread :scared:
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by FIRSTIMER
Did you have any preconceived ideas about America, that you have since been unfounded - for Good or Bad? e.g quality of life, community relations, Taxes, Health etc
Is there really any thing like the American dream? Hah!
Is there really any thing like the American dream? Hah!
Yes, there are things that speak to the American Dream ... there are plenty of people here who have got ahead based on hard work.
Last edited by Franklin; Feb 7th 2005 at 6:37 pm.
#14
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by Franklin
I had a lot of preconceived ideas about Vegas; recently come back from a break there. If anything, the trip confirmed most of my preconceived ideas about Vegas. It's a gambling town! There's a strip. There's a hotel with water fountains out front. Slots, long corridors etc. etc.
What did you make of it all anyway?
Yes, there are things that speak to the American Dream ... there are plenty of people here who have got ahead based on hard work.
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,877
Re: Preconceptions
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
Anyone you know personally though?
The Sales Director of our company left high school with no quals, had a kid at 19 and started work for us packing boxes - worked her ass off, did a degree at nite school and is now,20 years later, top of the tree
Not convinced this would happen in the UK ..