Americans only acknowledge the importance of history during the last couple hundred years... if they even remember that far back. They have no respect for the histories of the world, no understanding or compassion for feelings that have built up over centuries, no appreciation of language or art, and are only concerned with themselves and their acquisitions. Certainly, there is a degree of jealousy towards Americans around the world, due to the standard of living, but mostly I think it is the lack of respect that Americans accord others that earn them so much negative attention.
America has only been in existance for a few hundred years.... how can you expect it's people to have a personal attachment to history when they belong to such a young nation? Regardless of that fact, history is a strong part of our education and is covered in terms of millenia, not decades or centuries. Great art collections exist across the United States and new artists are constantly being produced, as well as the classics encouraged. How is that a lack of appreciation for art? And for a country that is concerned only with our own acquisitions, we certainly spend a lot of time trying to help other people with their problems...
Have you ever travelled? When I see Americans abroad, I cringe. It is inevitable that they will shout english at somebody... bitching that they don't know how to make a hamburger or some such thing.. Rare is the American who appreciates the local fare, tries to communicate, admits ignorance and asks questions. Most often, they try to turn the tables... make somebody else work to see their views, speak their language or acknowledge their supeiority. It is sad and embarrassing.
You do realize that when you go abroad, YOU are still an American, right? There are always going to be some stupid people who are going to make mistakes and cast a bad light on the rest of us... but is it fair to say that all Americans are ignorant and short-sighted because of it? Would you apply those terms to yourself? More people travel and have a fine time of it and go unnoticed than cause trouble. It is more rare for an American to not simply go somewhere new and appreciate the local fare and try to communicate with other people. You hear the horror stories of the stupid American who screamed at someone for not speaking English. You don't hear about the hundreds who don't.... It is sad and embarassing that you would say such narrowminded and ignorant things about your own countrymen.


Krista

Bonded to Kory - always
Your grief is mine, and mine may tear the fabric of the soul apart.

First Penguin to Missa Sedai
Wife to MGB
the beaten eggs to Maddy's oil