To paint everyone in any particular country with the same brush is a bit silly. There's rich people, poor people, ghetto people, cool people, hipsters, bums, punks, jocks, skaters, skin heads, hicks, trailer trash etc etc etc.. in every country.
I've lived in multiple countries and traveled half the globe, and what I've learned is people are generally the same everywhere and maturity is age based, not location. Culture can change from country to country but all that changes is the most common food and music tastes and how they celebrate their holidays.
Poverty and power are the real factors when looking at corruption and crime. Wherever you have poverty you have crime, wherever you have power you have corruption. This is pretty standard.
To paint everyone in any particular country with the same brush is a bit silly. There's rich people, poor people, ghetto people, cool people, hipsters, bums, punks, jocks, skaters, skin heads, hicks, trailer trash etc etc etc.. in every country.
I've lived in multiple countries and traveled half the globe, and what I've learned is people are generally the same everywhere and maturity is age based, not location. Culture can change from country to country but all that changes is the most common food and music tastes and how they celebrate their holidays.
Poverty and power are the real factors when looking at corruption and crime. Wherever you have poverty you have crime, wherever you have power you have corruption. This is pretty standard.
Well that's very reassuring lol.
There was an experiment with universal disarmament and collective security after ww 1 - but it kinda well. I don't need to bring up Hitler and how very little everybody but the UK actually disarmed :/
The problem with collective security is that historically, nations don't trust each other - they always assume that if they start a war with an aggressor for being an aggressor their friends won't actually help out and then they'll be bogged down in some major war (why France reneged on the Russo-Franco pact - or the 7 day war in 67'). So you are in essence correct - I just got hung up on China being used - or the US being brought up (since we essentially need no military at all minus a defensive navy and some air defences because everybody else is waaaayy far away).
Well that's very reassuring lol.
There was an experiment with universal disarmament and collective security after ww 1 - but it kinda well. I don't need to bring up Hitler and how very little everybody but the UK actually disarmed :/
The problem with collective security is that historically, nations don't trust each other - they always assume that if they start a war with an aggressor for being an aggressor their friends won't actually help out and then they'll be bogged down in some major war (why France reneged on the Russo-Franco pact - or the 7 day war in 67'). So you are in essence correct - I just got hung up on China being used - or the US being brought up (since we essentially need no military at all minus a defensive navy and some air defences because everybody else is waaaayy far away).
DrPloxoFrom more than a few swede friends, that's just not true. While it isn't transparent, sweden is racist.
Well I'm convinced, thank you for enlightening me in this matter.
[quote=DrPloxo]From more than a few swede friends, that's just not true. While it isn't transparent, sweden is racist.[/quote]
Well I'm convinced, thank you for enlightening me in this matter.
Mr_OwlThe richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.
MarxistWell that's very reassuring lol.
There was an experiment with universal disarmament and collective security after ww 1 - but it kinda well. I don't need to bring up Hitler and how very little everybody but the UK actually disarmed :/
The problem with collective security is that historically, nations don't trust each other - they always assume that if they start a war with an aggressor for being an aggressor their friends won't actually help out and then they'll be bogged down in some major war (why France reneged on the Russo-Franco pact - or the 7 day war in 67'). So you are in essence correct - I just got hung up on China being used - or the US being brought up (since we essentially need no military at all minus a defensive navy and some air defences because everybody else is waaaayy far away).
Being far away doesn't really matter, unless you want to rely entirely on a nuclear arsenal. Most people in my city are pretty pro military and believe in the US being the world police force, trying to keep democracy and stuff going. I'd figure that's the main reason people want a large standing military.
[quote=Mr_Owl]The richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.[/quote]
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.
[quote=Marxist]Well that's very reassuring lol.
There was an experiment with universal disarmament and collective security after ww 1 - but it kinda well. I don't need to bring up Hitler and how very little everybody but the UK actually disarmed :/
The problem with collective security is that historically, nations don't trust each other - they always assume that if they start a war with an aggressor for being an aggressor their friends won't actually help out and then they'll be bogged down in some major war (why France reneged on the Russo-Franco pact - or the 7 day war in 67'). So you are in essence correct - I just got hung up on China being used - or the US being brought up (since we essentially need no military at all minus a defensive navy and some air defences because everybody else is waaaayy far away).[/quote] Being far away doesn't really matter, unless you want to rely entirely on a nuclear arsenal. Most people in my city are pretty pro military and believe in the US being the world police force, trying to keep democracy and stuff going. I'd figure that's the main reason people want a large standing military.
I lived in West Africa for six years, and let me tell you, the quality of life here in the US, or in Europe, is so much higher than most anywhere else in the world. I did live in a big city that was relatively modern, but it seemed underdeveloped compared to even a smaller city in the US like my native Kansas City, or even some medium-sized towns I'd lived in for awhile like Chambery, France. I don't want to be all "BE GRATEFUL OF WHAT YOU HAVE YOU UNGRATEFUL WRETCHES", but really, be grateful. Compared to most of the world, you are privileged as fuck.
But "defending the world"? Fuck that. Most of the world doesn't want war in the first place, they don't need some superpower past its prime which compensates for its increasing lack of relevance by overspending on defense. Radical Muslims are a minuscule percentage of the religion. There may be dictators in place, but they also aren't stupid and realize that there are dozens of countries opposing them, not just the US. The war in Iraq was probably started on false accusations, and we've more than outstayed our welcome in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, places like Syria that began combat of their own will and actually need help get the occasional air support and get forgotten within a week of potential boots on the ground.
So we're first in defense spending, to a level we really don't need. But we know how to use it effectively, right? Or at least have people up and coming who can change our budget and prioritize more important things? Oh, wait, we don't even crack the top 5 in education. The political system is a mess that focuses on the individual candidate instead of the issues at hand. But we must be first at something, right? Yes, we are. We vie with Mexico for the coveted no. 1 spot in rate of obesity, and we're the number one consumer of cocaine, Colombian and Mexican heroin, and Mexican marijuana. We're also a major producer of most drugs that aren't heroin or coke. Fun, fun, fun.
So yeah, it's a great country, I'll give you that. But if I had the choice, I'd probably move back to France.
I lived in West Africa for six years, and let me tell you, the quality of life here in the US, or in Europe, is so much higher than most anywhere else in the world. I did live in a big city that was relatively modern, but it seemed underdeveloped compared to even a smaller city in the US like my native Kansas City, or even some medium-sized towns I'd lived in for awhile like Chambery, France. I don't want to be all "BE GRATEFUL OF WHAT YOU HAVE YOU UNGRATEFUL WRETCHES", but really, be grateful. Compared to most of the world, you are privileged as fuck.
But "defending the world"? Fuck that. Most of the world doesn't want war in the first place, they don't need some superpower past its prime which compensates for its increasing lack of relevance by overspending on defense. Radical Muslims are a minuscule percentage of the religion. There may be dictators in place, but they also aren't stupid and realize that there are dozens of countries opposing them, not just the US. The war in Iraq was probably started on false accusations, and we've more than outstayed our welcome in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, places like Syria that began combat of their own will and actually need help get the occasional air support and get forgotten within a week of potential boots on the ground.
So we're first in defense spending, to a level we really don't need. But we know how to use it effectively, right? Or at least have people up and coming who can change our budget and prioritize more important things? Oh, wait, we don't even crack the top 5 in education. The political system is a mess that focuses on the individual candidate instead of the issues at hand. But we must be first at something, right? Yes, we are. We vie with Mexico for the coveted no. 1 spot in rate of obesity, and we're the number one consumer of cocaine, Colombian and Mexican heroin, and Mexican marijuana. We're also a major producer of most drugs that aren't heroin or coke. Fun, fun, fun.
So yeah, it's a great country, I'll give you that. But if I had the choice, I'd probably move back to France.
elliott_Mr_OwlThe richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.
ah, the bootstraps argument, with a little racism thrown in for good measure. Nice.
[quote=elliott_][quote=Mr_Owl]The richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.[/quote]
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.[/quote]
ah, the bootstraps argument, with a little racism thrown in for good measure. Nice.
moweLack of involvement in soccer? The US is one of 9 countries to have already qualified for the World Cup. Their national team is ranked 13th in the world and decidedly on the rise.
Yes but if u watch the MLS it's a bunch of players hammering the ball up the field and chasing hoping that their forward can outrun the defender. Honestly, many times I watch MLS the players have difficulty even putting passes together. As someone who used to play soccer competitively and used to follow everything about soccer it's quite disappointing when you see boring games, and the fans of TFC (MLS soccer team near me) going wild for such an often poor game.
[quote=mowe]Lack of involvement in soccer? The US is one of 9 countries to have already qualified for the World Cup. Their national team is ranked 13th in the world and decidedly on the rise.[/quote]
Yes but if u watch the MLS it's a bunch of players hammering the ball up the field and chasing hoping that their forward can outrun the defender. Honestly, many times I watch MLS the players have difficulty even putting passes together. As someone who used to play soccer competitively and used to follow everything about soccer it's quite disappointing when you see boring games, and the fans of TFC (MLS soccer team near me) going wild for such an often poor game.
Mr_Owlelliott_Mr_OwlThe richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.
ah, the bootstraps argument, with a little racism thrown in for good measure. Nice.
its not an argument, its a rationale most people have. Most people emigrate to America because the believe they can do better here than anywhere else.
As a pasty white kid who's parents can afford college i couldn't give less of a shit
and the racism thing is probably my biggest beef with america. people still segregate themselves over race and it creates cliques of anti education where a large portion of other wise decent people get bogged down and don't realize their potential. I don't know if it's american only but it bugs me idk
[quote=Mr_Owl][quote=elliott_][quote=Mr_Owl]The richest people have somehow convinced the poorest people that poor people don't matter.[/quote]
Actually, we were just convinced we could be rich too. Most of the conservatism in the lower and middle class arises from the belief that with enough work and sweat you can be reasonably wealthy no matter what, because of the competitive nature of the American market. Most people where I live are staunch Republicans, and most of the (white) people at my school put a decent amount of effort into school and making good grades, trying to play the system for a free education, with the hope that no one else can.
Pretty much every decision in America is considered in the light that some people do not want help, and feel the market and populace will perform best when left alone.[/quote]
ah, the bootstraps argument, with a little racism thrown in for good measure. Nice.[/quote] its not an argument, its a rationale most people have. Most people emigrate to America because the believe they can do better here than anywhere else.
As a pasty white kid who's parents can afford college i couldn't give less of a shit
and the racism thing is probably my biggest beef with america. people still segregate themselves over race and it creates cliques of anti education where a large portion of other wise decent people get bogged down and don't realize their potential. I don't know if it's american only but it bugs me idk
America has a cluster-fuck of issues the same way everywhere else that isn't Scandinavia apparently has.
Chicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.
America has a cluster-fuck of issues the same way everywhere else that isn't Scandinavia apparently has.
Chicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.
2sy_morphiendChicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.
[quote=2sy_morphiend]Chicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.[/quote]
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.
Mr_Owl2sy_morphiendChicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.
Were you stuck on it on Saturday during the torrential downpours? I had planned a biking trip with some friends since I was in town for the weekend and we were dedicated to it even as it started but as soon as it got really serious we called it off.
Ended up smoking in my garage and watched the Pagemaster, p. sick alternative.
[quote=Mr_Owl][quote=2sy_morphiend]Chicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.[/quote]
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.[/quote]
Were you stuck on it on Saturday during the torrential downpours? I had planned a biking trip with some friends since I was in town for the weekend and we were dedicated to it even as it started but as soon as it got really serious we called it off.
Ended up smoking in my garage and watched the Pagemaster, p. sick alternative.
2sy_morphiendMr_Owl2sy_morphiendChicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.
Were you stuck on it on Saturday during the torrential downpours? I had planned a biking trip with some friends since I was in town for the weekend and we were dedicated to it even as it started but as soon as it got really serious we called it off.
Ended up smoking in my garage and watched the Pagemaster, p. sick alternative.
Nah, went to pick my grandparents up @ O'Hare last Wednesday and ended up getting back onto the Interstate at like 4:00. Knew it was gonna be bad, but I wasn't expecting to be finally getting on 65 @ 10. No idea how people deal with city living. I hate the traffic in my town of 50k.
Nothing wrong with the Pagemaster tho, that's a nostalgia trip.
[quote=2sy_morphiend][quote=Mr_Owl][quote=2sy_morphiend]Chicago is the best fucking city on the planet though.[/quote]
I agree with this, even though I spent 6 hours on the Dan Ryan a few days ago.[/quote]
Were you stuck on it on Saturday during the torrential downpours? I had planned a biking trip with some friends since I was in town for the weekend and we were dedicated to it even as it started but as soon as it got really serious we called it off.
Ended up smoking in my garage and watched the Pagemaster, p. sick alternative.[/quote]
Nah, went to pick my grandparents up @ O'Hare last Wednesday and ended up getting back onto the Interstate at like 4:00. Knew it was gonna be bad, but I wasn't expecting to be finally getting on 65 @ 10. No idea how people deal with city living. I hate the traffic in my town of 50k.
Nothing wrong with the Pagemaster tho, that's a nostalgia trip.
Lets balance this thread out and post embarrassing facts about countries that arent the USA.
Canada is the only country that failed to win a single gold medal in an olympics that they hosted. And we did it twice (montreal 1976, and calgary 1988).
Lets balance this thread out and post embarrassing facts about countries that arent the USA.
Canada is the only country that failed to win a single gold medal in an olympics that they hosted. And we did it twice (montreal 1976, and calgary 1988).
Canada had the fourth largest Navy in WW 2. (Behind the UK, Japan, US)
Canada had the fourth largest Navy in WW 2. (Behind the UK, Japan, US)
yeah but thats only after the royal navy had spent the first half of the war annihilating the german navy
yeah but thats only after the royal navy had spent the first half of the war annihilating the german navy
ITT: Embarrass Canada
Canada has 247 car accidents involving moose per year.
ITT: Embarrass Canada
Canada has 247 car accidents involving moose per year.
TwilitlordITT: Embarrass Canada
Canada has 247 car accidents involving moose per year.
680 mother vehicle accidents with moose a year in Maine alone
edit: another source over a longer period says 550 annually on average. either way.
[quote=Twilitlord]ITT: Embarrass Canada
Canada has 247 car accidents involving moose per year.[/quote]
680 mother vehicle accidents with moose a year in Maine alone
edit: another source over a longer period says 550 annually on average. either way.
Bangladesh has 150+ million people (8th most by nations) but hasn't won a single Olympic medal. Plus the flag looks like it has that awful smell.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_at_the_Olympics
Bangladesh has 150+ million people (8th most by nations) but hasn't won a single Olympic medal. Plus the flag [i]looks[/i] like it has that awful smell.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_at_the_Olympics
I don't even know what to say about where I live.
Show Content
I'm not french either
I don't even know what to say about where I live.
[spoiler]I'm not french either[/spoiler]
Canada didn't win both curling golds at the Vancouver Olympics.
Canada didn't win both curling golds at the Vancouver Olympics.
TrekkieLets balance this thread out and post embarrassing facts about countries that arent the USA.
Canada is the only country that failed to win a single gold medal in an olympics that they hosted. And we did it twice (montreal 1976, and calgary 1988).
Canada won 14 gold medals in the Vancouver Olympics
[quote=Trekkie]Lets balance this thread out and post embarrassing facts about countries that arent the USA.
Canada is the only country that failed to win a single gold medal in an olympics that they hosted. And we did it twice (montreal 1976, and calgary 1988).[/quote]
Canada won 14 gold medals in the Vancouver Olympics
morning_foxmoweLack of involvement in soccer? The US is one of 9 countries to have already qualified for the World Cup. Their national team is ranked 13th in the world and decidedly on the rise.
Yes but if u watch the MLS it's a bunch of players hammering the ball up the field and chasing hoping that their forward can outrun the defender. Honestly, many times I watch MLS the players have difficulty even putting passes together. As someone who used to play soccer competitively and used to follow everything about soccer it's quite disappointing when you see boring games, and the fans of TFC (MLS soccer team near me) going wild for such an often poor game.
It's Toronto. Toronto fans go wild over every sport in the city even though all the teams suck
[quote=morning_fox][quote=mowe]Lack of involvement in soccer? The US is one of 9 countries to have already qualified for the World Cup. Their national team is ranked 13th in the world and decidedly on the rise.[/quote]
Yes but if u watch the MLS it's a bunch of players hammering the ball up the field and chasing hoping that their forward can outrun the defender. Honestly, many times I watch MLS the players have difficulty even putting passes together. As someone who used to play soccer competitively and used to follow everything about soccer it's quite disappointing when you see boring games, and the fans of TFC (MLS soccer team near me) going wild for such an often poor game.[/quote]
It's Toronto. Toronto fans go wild over every sport in the city even though all the teams suck
I strongly disagree that one of your arguments is basically, America isn't great because we don't love soccer like other people do.
I strongly disagree that one of your arguments is basically, America isn't great because we don't love soccer like other people do.
Did Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?
Did Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?
VirulenceBig jolly friendly neighbour downstairs who is like us, but has some weird beliefs and uses a strange measurement system and doesn't drink milk out of bags. We see what he does to people he doesn't like and it scares us a little, but laugh (sometimes we laugh so hard the milk shoots out of our noses) and get along with him pretty well for the most part.
We just hope that one day, he doesn't decide he doesn't like milk bags.
Or maple syrup... or Albertan oil... or BC bud...
[quote=Virulence]Big jolly friendly neighbour downstairs who is like us, but has some weird beliefs and uses a strange measurement system and doesn't drink milk out of bags. We see what he does to people he doesn't like and it scares us a little, but laugh (sometimes we laugh so hard the milk shoots out of our noses) and get along with him pretty well for the most part.
We just hope that one day, he doesn't decide he doesn't like milk bags.[/quote]
Or maple syrup... or Albertan oil... or BC bud...
DrPloxoDid Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?
aren't all sports made-up?
[quote=DrPloxo]Did Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?[/quote]
aren't all sports made-up?
Why do Americans make fun of Canada so much?
I've come to a conclusion that Americans are jealous. We are more peaceful than them, our dollar is worth more than theirs, etc.
Canada's poverty rate is 5.8 % while the poverty rate in America is 9 %
The best thing about Canada is the fact that when the American Indian tribes were removed off of their land, they had no where to go except West; and they were met by opposition but when some of the tribes ventured into Canada, the canadians government welcomed them
and gave them land to settle
The same thing happened to the black slaves( they were offered asylum and re-settlement.)
Source(s):
American History
Canadian history
In conclusion Canada=master race
Why do Americans make fun of Canada so much?
I've come to a conclusion that Americans are jealous. We are more peaceful than them, our dollar is worth more than theirs, etc.
Canada's poverty rate is 5.8 % while the poverty rate in America is 9 %
The best thing about Canada is the fact that when the American Indian tribes were removed off of their land, they had no where to go except West; and they were met by opposition but when some of the tribes ventured into Canada, the canadians government welcomed them
and gave them land to settle
The same thing happened to the black slaves( they were offered asylum and re-settlement.)
Source(s):
American History
Canadian history
In conclusion Canada=master race
kuzaDrPloxoDid Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?
aren't all sports made-up?
not esports. esports is life
[quote=kuza][quote=DrPloxo]Did Canada even win their made-up sport called Curling?[/quote]
aren't all sports made-up?[/quote]
not esports. esports is life
ToasterWhy do Americans make fun of Canada so much?
I've come to a conclusion that Americans are jealous. We are more peaceful than them, our dollar is worth more than theirs, etc.
Canada's poverty rate is 5.8 % while the poverty rate in America is 9 %
The best thing about Canada is the fact that when the American Indian tribes were removed off of their land, they had no where to go except West; and they were met by opposition but when some of the tribes ventured into Canada, the canadians government welcomed them
and gave them land to settle
The same thing happened to the black slaves( they were offered asylum and re-settlement.)
Source(s):
American History
Canadian history
In conclusion Canada=master race
Don't forget that Canada has real health care. I love Canada, but making fun of you guys is too fun to resist.
[quote=Toaster]Why do Americans make fun of Canada so much?
I've come to a conclusion that Americans are jealous. We are more peaceful than them, our dollar is worth more than theirs, etc.
Canada's poverty rate is 5.8 % while the poverty rate in America is 9 %
The best thing about Canada is the fact that when the American Indian tribes were removed off of their land, they had no where to go except West; and they were met by opposition but when some of the tribes ventured into Canada, the canadians government welcomed them
and gave them land to settle
The same thing happened to the black slaves( they were offered asylum and re-settlement.)
Source(s):
American History
Canadian history
In conclusion Canada=master race[/quote]
Don't forget that Canada has real health care. I love Canada, but making fun of you guys is too fun to resist.