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Originally posted by whiteroseIf it is always desireable to be liked, why would you not want to change a negative stereotype of yourself?
I don't seek to change stereotypes one may have for me because I think stereotyping is unfair, even cruel. What I do in fact do is put my best foot forward and let people form their opinions of me. This practice goes for everyone I interact with in my life. I don't make an extra effort to impress non-Americans.
The negative image of America is being projected through the media (news, TV, movies, etc.)to the rest of the world. I mean, if every American they have seen in the news and on television acts like an idiot, can you really blame them for thinking I may be one too?
Yes, I would blame them for assuming you are an idiot too. It is a far stretch for you to claim "every american they see on the news/TV" acts idiotic. And, what are these people you're talking to watching? I've heard references to Jerry Springer, but otherwise can't recall any non-American I've spoken with stating that all Americans in the media are stupid.
Usually the question about Bush is asked in an attempt to understand how people could be so stupid as to vote for this complete idiot. It is very insulting to Bush, but not as much so to Amercans in general as it presupposes that they should be intelligent enough to elect a president who can speak proper english.
I'd give non-Americans the benefit of the doubt and assume they are critical of Bush moreso for his political decisions than his command of public speaking (or lack of.) Voting for politicians should go beyond the sales pitches and appearance of the candidate. Unfortunately, I also believe voters fail to thoroughly research the candidates to make solid decisions. I am guilty of this as well. Tell me you haven't gone for the name you like best while voting for County Road Commissioner. Lack of time to be completely informed/involved is the problem here, along with a desire to believe the words/promises spoken.
I agree that many Americans are hard working, intelligent, upstanding citizens.
Yes.
So why do we project this horrible image of ourselves as complete idiots to the rest of the world?
We, IMO, does not include me. Thousands of others will say the same. The question should be posed to those claiming all Americans are stupid. Ask them the question "Why?"...if you care that is.
Originally posted by SJ247I already eplained to you why people often consider all Americans stupid unless proven otherwise. Of course not every American on TV is stupid, but the vast majority of people on reality TV (including Jerry Springer as well as a host of other shows) are portrayed to be. Then you watch the news and you hear Bush speaking for the country. I'm not sure if people can even figure out what his views on the issues are half the time because his command of english is so bad. Of course, I try to put my best foot forward when I talk to people as well, and most are only too relieved to accept that their preconception of Americans was wrong. There is no need to make an extra effort, only for the country as a whole (including the media) to put its best foot forard when interacting with the world, as you do.
If it is always desireable to be liked, why would you not want to change a negative stereotype of yourself?
[b]I don't seek to change stereotypes one may have for me because I think stereotyping is unfair, even cruel. What I do in fact do is put my best foot forward and let people form their opinions of me. This practice goes for everyone I interact ...[text shortened]... g all Americans are stupid. Ask them the question "Why?"...if you care that is.[/b]
Originally posted by whiterosey'all just don't know how to talk texan.
I already eplained to you why people often consider all Americans stupid unless proven otherwise. Of course not every American on TV is stupid, but the vast majority of people on reality TV (including Jerry Springer as well as a host of other shows) are portrayed to be. Then you watch the news and you hear Bush speaking for the country. I'm not sure if peo ...[text shortened]... e (including the media) to put its best foot forard when interacting with the world, as you do.
