REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
Dec 27th 2012, 9:52 am
#61
Democracy advocate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 12,460
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
I agree.
The very fact that Americans don't use the terms working,middle or upper classes but blue or white collar suggests that they themselves don't believe there is a class system.
It's also probably why there isn't the huge resentment of the better off that there is in the UK as most Americans see wealth as an ambition to be achieved rather than envied.
For all its economic woes it is still the land of opportunity.
The very fact that Americans don't use the terms working,middle or upper classes but blue or white collar suggests that they themselves don't believe there is a class system.
It's also probably why there isn't the huge resentment of the better off that there is in the UK as most Americans see wealth as an ambition to be achieved rather than envied.
For all its economic woes it is still the land of opportunity.
I thought social mobility had gotten worse in the US and was now below that of many European countries - land of opportunity?
Dec 27th 2012, 10:00 am
#62
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 329
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
If some of the posts on here are to be believed the way the country treats poor people is
shocking but I suppose the term poor, just like middle or working class, is all relative when you have't a pot to piss in.
Dec 27th 2012, 12:42 pm
#63
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Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Dubuque, Iowa, USA
Posts: 3,770
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
Sure it has got its bad points but where hasn't ?
These are far outweighed by the many reasons why more people attempt to live in the USA, legally and illegally, than any other country on the planet.
1. Tolerance
I really can't think of any other country where people from so many different nationalities,creeds and religions co-exist in reasonable harmony with their rights enshrined in law.
2. Opportunity
It is still the land of opportunity where hard work and risk-taking can bring huge rewards.Virtually every American millionaire I know started out without a pot to piss in.
3. Shameless consumerism
How people spend their money is still a shameless part of the American way and why not ? Shameless displays of wealth are still greeted with respect and understanding rather than jealousy and envy.Those who create wealth for themselves pass it on to others.France is only just beginning to discover to its cost that if you tax the wealth creators out of existence all you'll do is see them move to another country and pay taxes there.Doh !
4. Climate and landscape
If you ignore the hot,flat bits in the middle the United States really does have everything.
5. Friendly,welcoming people
Yanks are a bit Marmitey I admit. Haters are always gonna hate but I'm firmly in the love 'em camp. In a population of more than 300 million you're always going to find a few wrong 'uns but in general I've found them to be honest,open,welcoming and respectful of a person's different nationality.
These are just a few of my favourite things and naturally people will have their own subjective views on the United States.
These are far outweighed by the many reasons why more people attempt to live in the USA, legally and illegally, than any other country on the planet.
1. Tolerance
I really can't think of any other country where people from so many different nationalities,creeds and religions co-exist in reasonable harmony with their rights enshrined in law.
2. Opportunity
It is still the land of opportunity where hard work and risk-taking can bring huge rewards.Virtually every American millionaire I know started out without a pot to piss in.
3. Shameless consumerism
How people spend their money is still a shameless part of the American way and why not ? Shameless displays of wealth are still greeted with respect and understanding rather than jealousy and envy.Those who create wealth for themselves pass it on to others.France is only just beginning to discover to its cost that if you tax the wealth creators out of existence all you'll do is see them move to another country and pay taxes there.Doh !
4. Climate and landscape
If you ignore the hot,flat bits in the middle the United States really does have everything.
5. Friendly,welcoming people
Yanks are a bit Marmitey I admit. Haters are always gonna hate but I'm firmly in the love 'em camp. In a population of more than 300 million you're always going to find a few wrong 'uns but in general I've found them to be honest,open,welcoming and respectful of a person's different nationality.
These are just a few of my favourite things and naturally people will have their own subjective views on the United States.
Jim.
Dec 27th 2012, 1:06 pm
#64
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
I agree though that wealth & success is seen much more positively here in the US and that it is much more the land of opportunity.
Dec 27th 2012, 1:10 pm
#65
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
If it isn't why do so many people want to move to the US ?
If some of the posts on here are to be believed the way the country treats poor people is
shocking but I suppose the term poor, just like middle or working class, is all relative when you have't a pot to piss in.
If some of the posts on here are to be believed the way the country treats poor people is
shocking but I suppose the term poor, just like middle or working class, is all relative when you have't a pot to piss in.
...because their own situation is so sh1t and the US is the easier place to get to (than say, the EU) for various reasons - family connections, treaties the US has etc etc etc...
And yes, the way this country, in parts, treats its poor, is shocking - but the UK is no land of milk & honey either, though in comparison, it does have a bigger, deeper safety net for many of the vulnerable...
Dec 27th 2012, 1:31 pm
#66
Heading for Poppyland
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Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,540
Dec 27th 2012, 1:51 pm
#67
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Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Dubuque, Iowa, USA
Posts: 3,770
Dec 27th 2012, 4:04 pm
#69
He/him
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: WA
Posts: 18,837
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
Class is not spoken of in America directly, if it isn't a taboo, it is close to being one. Proof I would say that America is riddled with a class problem.
Dec 27th 2012, 6:16 pm
#74
Mions' a point.
Joined: Jun 2012
Location: Cleveland Ohio
Posts: 1,340
Re: REASONS WHY I LIKE THE USA.
:elbowrib:There IS a class system in the US but it is possible to move across lines. I agree that we 'marriccins would rather jump off a cliff than admit there's class distinctions here.
The poor want to be seen as middle class...
Pete