The US is isolated culturally because we are isolated geographically.

We have two borders.
To the South a very poor Mexico that cant even keep its own people at home.
In the North, a country who is more dependent upon the US than they want to admit!

The main reason we are culturally isolated is; we are the largest most technological econemy in the world.
We need no one, and when you are the biggest, baddest, and best in the world everyone follows, wanting to be just like you!

I have been to France and what you perceive as hate is just the French natural arrogance!

They as most Europeans, do hate Bush though and who can blame them!

Like I have said all along gypsy, GREED; At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering US markets.

We need to replace protective tariffs and protect our technology and protect our jobs, thus protect our higher than standard way of life.

Canadian dollar is worth $1.04 today!!!

"We need no one, and when you are the biggest, baddest, and best in the world everyone follows, wanting to be just like you! "

Uhh perhaps we just hit upon another reason why the US is isolated culturally...

Actually fanta, not too many countries want to be anything but what they are. Sure, some of the poorer countries may think that america is the land of the free and everything but when they get there Im sure they get a big kick in da face no?

I think there are advantages and disadvantages in every country....why do we have to use separatism so much?

Gypsy41:

Indeed, why does nationalism persist? As we all strive to better our conditions will we transcend nationalism? Is 'globalism' acheiving that?

Timorek:

I am intrigued by this question becuase you pose it almost in a negative light, but I was shocked by the fact that my friend from Brussels was unable to effectively communicate with a girl operating a cash register 70km from his home. I do not speak Flemish, French, or Deutschsprachige, but was better equipped to deal with the issue than my Flemish friend (lack of prejudice?).

I know globalism is helping people see others in a new light! Before the net, how many of you had the opportunity to talk to people from other countries?

I figure maybe 20%.....now with the internet we can chat and actually see that we are more the same than we previously thought!

And isn't that a scary thought?

Canadian dollar is worth $1.04 today!

But what does it buy in Canada compared to the US $1.04? How much is gas, milk, electricity, etc, etc? I bet the US dollar buys more here than the Canadian Dollar buys in Canada!


not too many countries want to be anything but what they are.

The question was culturaly.
Americans dont persist in buying Foreign music, movies, or dress! Like cloudy said, we stand out everywhere we go! We walk different, we talk different, we look different! We are American, unique!


Indeed, why does nationalism persist? As we all strive to better our conditions will we transcend nationalism? Is 'globalism' acheiving that?

Globilization is preceeding slowly, mostly because Americans resist it, but despite our reluctance it is being forced upon us by a government controlled by corporations and in so doing it is progressing.

Unfortunately globilization is a great part of why currencies and life styles around the globe are catching up to America.

Globilization is an effort to balance the economics and lifestyles around the Globe. To work, while some rise others must fall until they level out.

Being at the top, America must fall, its inevitable! That is why we resist it, that is why America's currency is dropping, and that is why our jobs are being outsourced.

We dont need globalization. America is the larest economic market in the world. In other words we buy the most! We produce more food than we could ever eat, we have the best technology, and we build the most reliable products.(before the protective tariffs were lifted and economics came into how we build them!)

Our jobs and manufacturing facilaties are being out sourced against our wishes. Why?

Corporations seek out cheaper labour sorces with more relaxed human rights and enviormental laws! They control our government and therefore listen to their greed instead of the American people!

Oh, and gypsy, Where did the internet originate????
Well of course, America!, and where does JSH originate? America! Lets see a show of hands for Americans chatting on a foreign dating site!!!

What? NONE????

fANTA, you seem to think that I hate america......which you know I dont. Ummmmm how much is milk? ummmm $1.12......gas....Im thinking $1.04 L right now but dont quote me on that...electricity......hmmm lets seem I pay about $68 month for my house.

Now you know you cant say that the price of everything in the usa is the same.....state by state....apples for instance is a crazy price in california....

Lol youre people arent that unique fanta....quite possibly the same as everyone else in the world, but with an attitude!!!

oh and yall talk funny!!!

Ive been in Europe Gypsy, and we stand out. You can pick Americans from a crowd!

Attitude, yes. a swagger in our step and a freer soul. We tend to not be a stuck on tradition and less concerned with what others think!

Its also an appearance though! Kinda like the difference between a Thoroughbred and a mutt!! LMAO. we tend to come in a lot of different sizes and looks! Most Europeans look like clones to me depending on what country they are from! I attribute it to the variety and size of the gene pool.

ummmmmm are you mad at me fanta???

No

Im just an American!!

It seems sometimes to me as though Europeans are jealous and spiteful of Americans on this site. Yet I never felt or saw that while I was in Europe for 28 months! Sure, the Germans were kinda sick of the military, but they seemed appreciative and recognized the need.

Im all for pulling away from the world, from Globilazation. I wonder how long the rest of the world could stand it though. My guess not very long, they would go into culture shock and their new found economic gains would crumble!

Not to mention they would probably start another war somewhere in Europe! Someone, Russia or the new reconnected Germany would start to push the others around!! Then once again they would cry for Americans to come die on their soils, and rescue them from theirselves!!

Canada is not European! They are as different as night and day! Canada is America II!!

Canada is made from europeans......even our food is european. We are not as europe an europe but we are a bit of america and europe......

There is a trend now with restaurants using only local produce etc....which I find is great for the fact that everything will be fresh etc and we will use our land and resources more, instead of going to china etc to get certain things......but then again.....

wont ya miss the banana?

Where is the bananna going?

Good night gypsy

What? No more bananas?

I don't like having Chinese grocs on our shelves but I'll miss bananas.

KLC - thanks for the input.

I think a sense of humor is the best way to approach it.

klc

I like seeing the picture of the pooches. It makes me smile.