> > Traditional, Americans are spoiled , whiny, and don't give a hoot >> about others, and the rest of the world..That is why the rest of the >> world is slowly turning their noses up at the USA, in the 21st century. > >Isn't this just the 'ugly American' myth that keeps being propagated by >numerous arrogant, stuck-up, elitist, totally ungrateful snobs on the >Continent who think that somehow *they* are still at the center of the >universe? > >This could turn into an interesting, although VERY off topic, discussion. >I, for one, have always been extremely puzzled about the bizarre attitudes >held around the world regarding the US. Actually, there is truth to our arrogance. But if you want rude, how do you define it? In France, I've found fairly rude folks, but only after they determine you are american (as opposed to canadian whom they treat somewhat better). Of course, demanding that they speak English in their own country does seem a bit, um, selfish. If you really want rude, try Quebec. Is there something about the French language that makes a person seem rude? I doubt it, and I suspect that my memories are colored the same way all of yours are: we remember the one or two negatives far more than we recall the 20 or 30 positives. Or, you might think Indians are rude, the way they will push and force into a line or crowd around something they want -- but with over a billion others doing the same thing to get service or attention, it would be hard to "be polite" by our standards. It would be hard to survive by our "standards". Then again, what are our standards? As a Southerner, I find going to Paramus, NJ and shopping with my in-laws up there a complete nightmare. The counter clerks all but throw your change at you as you leave the store, and heaven forbid some lady with a grocery cart from giving you space to pass. Then, there's driving on the Turnpike. But are they all like that? I don't know -- I don't think so. Of course, my favorite thing to do is look them in the eye and with my best Virginia accent say "thank you". It drives them nuts -- as if I'm going to rob the store or steal their daughters -- they really have to pause and think a second before they say "you're welcome". If it wasn't so sad (from my perspective), it'd be hilarious. Are all Californians superficial? Are all Okies dumb as a stump (or is that Arkansas)? Are all Southerners slow thinking as well as slow(er) talking? The generalizations suck -- but oddly, there's a glimmer of truth to many of them. And I'm afraid we might be considered crash and arrogant because of our focus on money, business, power and perhaps greed. Much of the world is not as obviously money-focused as we are. They hide it. I'm sure Sidney could regale us with how money-conscious a swiss banker is -- but they are more subtle about it than a NYC broker. Let's face it: we are a successful country (US). Many of us take a shower or two every day. Our population has the HIGHEST overweight problem in the world (abundant food but piss-poor nutrition and exercise mores). We have relatively abundant energy (sorry, CA). Most of the world doesn't have the abundant clean water or food or energy. Maybe the bad-mouthing of the US is jealousy -- but I suspect if we were videotaped for a few days ala that deplorable show SpyTV, we'd be horrified at how poorly each of us behaves in this land of luxury. So, how about those Duos? Anyone have a new discovery or question? :) paul ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list... Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/ Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
