Only in America

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ewohdrol

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A disclaimer ** I am an Australian citizen born in Europe. I have visited the US on holidays numerous times but only as a tourist. My observations are purely from this forum and my travel experiences. As an adult I also lived in the UK for 4 years so have a good understanding of British/European cultural norms. I mean no disrespect by my below musings…I am just wondering if others notice the same as myself.

I notice that many US citizens can be very polarizing and forceful in their views. Their argument will often be venomous and it is clear they truly feel their opinion must be heard repetitively in order to gain the upper hand. Often the arguer is not particularly open to other alternatives, nor willing to openly look at other platforms that may have had success. Subjects such as the constitution, gun control and health care come to mind.

As a non-US citizen I find the behavior baffling. CAF has very much opened my eyes as to how hold-fast people can hold onto their argument in what clearly is a flailing point of view. Considering the majority of the industrialized first world finds certain arguments inconceivable (health care argument comes to mind) I notice if alternative facts are pointed out it is mainly ignored by most. Or strawman arguments are countered.

As the majority of this forum are US citizens - do you also find/notice this? Those that are well traveled - have you noticed a difference in population cohesiveness when you travel to other first world countries? Less fear mongering?

To be clear I LOVE the US. I found most people incredibly welcoming and warm. And I fully concede that this is purely observational and I would hate to stereotype all American citizens. It is just something that has been highlighted to me since joining CAF.
 
I’ve found this to be true. Americans get fired up very easily over differences in opinion, and it often leads to shameful displays of anger where a civil conversation should be taking place instead. I’ve had friends with friends who had differing political/religious views, and the majority of the time, they have a mutual agreement to simply not discuss these things, because they’re aware that it would inevitably lead to a heated argument and even damage or destroy their relationship. Our inability to just have civil conversations about these things is quite baffling. I don’t know if it’s like that elsewhere, but it certainly is here.
 
There is very little common ground between the two parties nowadays, so polarization among the populace is to be expected. Supposedly, politics used to be two parties having different ideas on how to solve the same problem. Now, we disagree on what the real problems actually are. Heck, we can’t even agree on what our values are as a nation. And I said supposedly because I am young and the only America I ever really knew is the polarized one we have now.
 
The kind of assertiveness and unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints that you describe here is no different, in my experience, from what I’ve found at British websites. I’ve never frequented any Australian websites on a regular basis but once or twice, during the George Pell hearings earlier this year, I took an occasional look at The Age and one or two others, and I’d say posters here at CAF are quite mild and civilized, on the whole, compared with what I observed there.
 
Am I the only one that gets a chuckle when I read posts that are basically put downs of a particular people or group and the last paragraph is a disclaimer about how it’s not a put down and I love “insert group here”. It’s like “no offense, but…”
 
No at all.

Of course cultural norms are highlighted to those not in the culture.
 
I am well traveled too. My view is this: due to higher inequality of income in the US compared to Europe, the average American is not as well educated/informed. This translates into less politeness/tolerance. On the other hand, there are more Christian faithful, while most Europeans are too secular to ever bother with God.
 
You’re right, but it’s mostly on social media. We’re a lot more reasonable when we’re interacting in real life. Except for the wingnuts who go viral.
 
Agree entirely.

We are very spiritually dry here unfortunately. US seem to do this much better than us in that regards.
I also feel you might be onto something regarding the income equality. We have a much bigger middle class and next to zero homelessness. Thus do not have gang/violence related problems to the same degree.
 
I’ll answer the question once you answer why all non-Americans are so stuck up.
And to anyone who thinks I’m being unfair to non-Americans, you missed the point.
 
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In defense of the Americans I can say at least they are not mediocre. Try to get an Australian to be enthusiastic about anything besides sports and cars, etc well, good luck !
 
I’m 66 so I’ve been around awhile. What I have observed (I’m American) is that we have have lost the ability to compromise. While we’ve always had opposing viewpoints on issues, we used to be more willing to accept a middle solution or solution where we each got part of what we wanted and part of what they wanted (whoever we and they were). Now it seems we must win or lose. I look at many issues and often wonder if someone with a strong desire for X issue would be willing to gain part of X if s/he would also accept part of Y? Thoughts like would you accept stronger illegal immigration laws if we would make legal immigration easier and/or increase the number of legal immigrants allowed in. I never hear anyone talking along these compromising lines anymore. Sadly, it’s what we need to do in my opinion to move beyond the “my way or not at all” mentality.
 
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. People from other countries I see post here seem moderate to a fault. You can call Americans a lot of things, but meh isn’t one of them.
 
It goes beyond polarization of views and flailing arguments… there’s a palpable sense, even on this forum, that the Other (liberals or conservatives, depending on whose perspective) is not just a political opponent, but an ill-meaning Enemy. The way I see conservatives describe anyone they deem “liberal” on this forum is sometimes frightening… it’s as if, in the minds of many, there are two very distinct tribes waging an ancient feud. There is no middle ground. I’m not even an American, but the moment I espouse a view that is perceived to be of the Other, there is a whole suite of assumptions that immediately materializes… I support universal health care? Then clearly I am a baby murdering pro-choice red commie.

You even see it with some of the clergy. There’s a popular American priest who often describes “liberals” (whoever that is and whatever that means) as the enemy…with almost conspiracy theory sensationalism.
 
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I know and work with people from all over the world. What you are describing is in no way unique to Americans.
 
TC3033 said:
Am I the only one that gets a chuckle when I read posts that are basically put downs of a particular people or group and the last paragraph is a disclaimer about how it’s not a put down and I love “insert group here”. It’s like “no offense, but…”
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Exactly, like “with all due respect, Americans are xyz” As if xyz is alright because you already excused what ever comes next.
 
I think a lot of this very much depends where in the US you go. American culture is flattening and losing regional variation in some ways, but there are very real differences that remain. You can’t visit one city and know the whole country. We’re not that homogeneous.
 
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