One thing that always amazes me is how insulated the USofA is with regards to other countries' cultures. USA, since the 1950's, has always exported its culture - music, movies, mannerisms, fashions, etc etc.

However, we the people living in America have hardly any influences from other countries/cultures. Have you heard a German song on the radio lately? Have you seen a French movie? Do you know what fashion is popular in Europe right now for the Autumn season?

Of course not. On the radio we have 100% American made songs, on the TV we get 100% American made movies and shows. Name me one foreign movie that people saw in the theatres (cinemas really)?

This leads to ironically nonsensical situations, as for example I was talking to a person and and we started to chat about France. His statement of "The French suck! They hate us anyway!" was countered with three questions:

1) Have you been to France?
2) Have you talked to French people about what they think of America and Americans?
3) Were you exposed to French newscasts or movies that validate your point?

No, no and no of course. But he did see this viewpoint on TV...

This cultural isolation makes the media propaganda machine to work so well in the States. This is why Americans are perceived as dumb by others - simply because media here report very selectively, and international news is a joke. That is why A Dutch, Polish or Belgian person has more knowledge about the world and current situation.

After all, if all we know about France we learned from the Simpsons....

I would like to bring my experiences in Europe to illustrate my point. On a German radio station, you will hear German, French, American, UK songs and music...

On a Polish TV station, you will see of course shows made in Poland but also French, German and American movies...

PS
And no, eating at a Chinese Restaurant is NOT being exposed to Chinese culture...

PSPS
America right now is culturally invaded by an incredible Latino cultural influence. Everything from TV shows, reggaethon (Latin rap, which I like), and food is available here in virtually every city here in the US. That is the one (but huge!) exception to my rule.

it's funny for me.
that sports practiced solely in the USA always have titles like.
Baseball world series.
Basketball world champion.

I mean "world" what other country competes against the North American teams, so to say the "WORLD CHAMPION."
It's a little odd.
For example if we say Brazil is the soccer world champion, it's a correct term because there was a world competition in which Brazil won.
But the baseball world series, mmmmmmm I don't know, as far as I know the teams just belong to the several states of the union, and not to any other country, unless there is an undercover league of which i'm not aware.

I've been to France (a few times) and uh, they really don't like us. Just thought I'd throw that out there for ya lol.

I've been to France too and I didn't think they were as rude as their reputation says they are. But then again, I also didn't think New Yorkers or people from New Jersey were rude either!

But I agree with Timorek. The US really is an isolated country when it comes to being culturally aware of things going on outside of the US.

Cool man no problem there - you base your opinion on first hand experiences.

I would be fascinated if you could tell us exactly why you felt hated in France? What were the things that happened that proved to you that the French hate the Yanks?

On a funny note:

I found this money quote in a plentyoffish forum:
"im a country boy who lived many years in new york city, los angeles, austin and south florida....how many freaking cultures do i have to partake of b4 the issues become clear?"

What the heck kind of quote is THAT??

In my opinion a pretty ignorant guy.

I found it funny

Well, when I traveled there over the years, I made some friends and while out to dinner or other places we would talk about things like this and they really don't agree with our views on world events (such as our policy on war) and they also think that we are just snobs which I found quite funny because usually the French are thought of as snobs and stuck up.
They also find racism in the United States strange. It is not nearly as large of a factor over there.

Basically they just think we are jackasses.

Yes, very ignorant!

I think the definition of snob is used differently. The French think we are snobs because America forces our views/cultures/ideals on other countries. Americans think French are snobs because they have an air of sophistication and aristocracy.

Can't we all just get along???

But that is the way it's always been. We have hated France from before we were a country, we inherited the rivally from England. You also have to take into consideration that European cultures, as diverse as they are, are, by our standards, piled in on top of one another. (the reason why we see more Latin American influence is because it is the only culture that we share a border with that is different! Canadians are similar culturally and blend in much easier) we are a vast and geographically isolated nation where as traveling between countries in Europe is considered the morning commute for some people in this country.

I'm also amazed when I talk to Europeans about they way they do view us. (the good and sometimes puzzling, not just the bad.) To them we are a much more mobile society (We are the decendants of those who braved the unknown and set out to start a new life, it is the foundation of the American culture.) I had a friend while I was in Germany that had been depressed for some time and I finally asked him why. He said that he was home sick and missed his family, he had not seen them in awhile. When I asked him where they were, he said they lived in a village 30 miles away! To an American that would not even be an issue, but again Europeans aren't as mobile as we are and judge distances differently. (I'm rambling!)

Also the definitions of what liberalism and conservatism are very different in the USofA and throughout the rest of the world.

But that is for another post BAGirl.....

Oh don't get me wrong, the people I have met there are perfectly nice and fun but they do not like us and our ways lol.

Welcome Dragon!

Indeed, Timorek! That's definitely another tangent that deserves its own thread!

I don't know if they don't like us. I think it's just that they don't like how we impose our culture onto them.

So, and why, pray, are we supposed to love you???
You come over here in bunches and pretend to be the bees knees, have it all, and know it all.
When we look a little closer you are as narrow minded as any European has been about 30 years ago?
Race isn't an issue here in Europe, neither is homosexuality, but if we look over to the US of A you'd think they'd invented equality, only that it doesn't work in their own country.

I visited France about 5 years ago - Paris to be exact. I did not get the vibe that people hate Americans... But heck, how could I tell? I didn't exactly get into long discussions with the locals - I went on a museum sight seeing spree (loved the Louvre - so much good stuff stolen by Napoleon there to see ).

I met a wonderful Moroccan girl there and I have very good memories of my Paris excursion...

France isn't a very good example though, they hate anybody who doesn't speak french.

Whereas as Americans we just don't give a s**t about anybody else?



Good comments - am pleasantly surprised at the input. Keep it up people

In regards to The French hating us, we should not take it personally, If you're in Paris you have to realize they hate everyone, including other frenchman! (the term Provinicals is negative and french!) I think the English are more jealous about the fact the their upstart colonies have taken their place in world influence! And European don't like each other either, remember the two bloodiest and destructive conflicts the world has been involved in started in Europe.

Just to re-focus.

I am not interested in who hates who, but in the cultural isolation of the USofA and the effects it has on the country and its people.

Are you sure you're not interested in recalling memories of the Moroccan girl in Paris?

Oooo la la...!!