TheBaronOfFratton

MORNINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG B, thought the GIF below suited, found it with a conversation in mind lolll

ROFLMAO

It’s true. it’s DAMN true!

gotta say cult icon, I completely disagree with your post, but we've had this sort of conversation before. I'll say it again but you really are an american patriot to the point where you cannot see anything bad that tour country has, or have any sense of self criticism.

xxxx

Re-read my post. Noticed how I spend most of it talking about the huge problem of income inequality? I was talking about my life in upper and upper middle class culture in the NE USA, which is a very progressive, workaholic, and accomplished society. I did not comment on other social groups. There is little distinction among Americans who call themselves Irish-American, Italian-American, Chinese-American-based on whether they are second or third generation. This is a country of immigrants and such distinction exists in a casual sense and has virtually no professional or social repercussion in my area.

As for people from the UK- I know a few and know that there are classifications among their people and there are some regional & ethnic bias. Against Jewish people or people from a certain region, for instance....

Nevertheless, your posts on this matter are mostly off the cuff talking points and educated by sensationalist TV junk that politically unsophisticated people watch. You seem to have little grasp of empiricism and regional differences regarding this matter. Educated people in the United States don't watch TV news much and Fox news is a channel for baiting politically less knowledgeable people & offering alternate opinions. That's why you may have noticed that I am not taking your views seriously- they're not sophisticated. Your views are views common with American teenagers (I believed them at one time, ), politically unsophisticated people in America, or foreigners who don't have broad understanding.

Your characterizations don't past the test, buddy..

I had this conversation about racism in USA with Joe in pm´s, and agree with FirstontheMoon, because that´s what I´ve heard from many Americans. Don´t live there, so won´t say nothing more.

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

amen hun

I do feel take pride in your genes, where your ancestors came from and any struggles they endured, and be respectful of others as well.

But mostly, race for me has never been an issue just because I see everyone as we really are: human beings.

No matter what you race, creed, religion, sex or sexual preference may be, we are all human beings and that makes us ALL the same race: the Human Race

gotta say cult icon, I completely disagree with your post, but we've had this sort of conversation before. I'll say it again but you really are an american patriot to the point where you cannot see anything bad that tour country has, or have any sense of self criticism.

xxxx

Re-read my post. Noticed how I spend most of it talking about the huge problem of income inequality? I was talking about my life in upper and upper middle class culture in the NE USA, which is a very progressive, workaholic, and accomplished society. I did not comment on other social groups. There is little distinction among Americans who call themselves Irish-American, Italian-American, Chinese-American-based on whether they are second or third generation. This is a country of immigrants and such distinction exists in a casual sense and has virtually no professional or social repercussion in my area.

As for people from the UK- I know a few and know that there are classifications among their people and there are some regional & ethnic bias. Against Jewish people or people from a certain region, for instance....

Nevertheless, your posts on this matter are mostly off the cuff talking points and educated by sensationalist TV junk that politically unsophisticated people watch. You seem to have little grasp of empiricism and regional differences regarding this matter. Educated people in the United States don't watch TV news much and Fox news is a channel for baiting politically less knowledgeable people & offering alternate opinions. That's why you may have noticed that I am not taking your views seriously- they're not sophisticated. Your views are views common with American teenagers (I believed them at one time, ), politically unsophisticated people in America, or foreigners who don't have broad understanding.

Your characterizations don't past the test, buddy..

I had this conversation about racism in USA with Joe in pm´s, and agree with FirstontheMoon, because that´s what I´ve heard from many Americans. Don´t live there, so won´t say nothing more.

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

Got to say Cult, I do agree with you.

I am also from the US Northeast so I do not see as much racism as perhaps other parts of the country.

Does it exist, yes. Is it exclusive to the USA, hell no. hate is hate and it is present in EVERY country. Just because we are not here damning our country, that makes us blind patriots? There is not one country that is perfect, a utopian society is a dream, one that has yet to be realized.

Do I feel that my country is the best? to a certain degree, yes, but that is because I live here and could not imagine being anywhere else, just like a candaian would feel about Canada, an Englishman would feel about England, etc. and I do respect them for that and also respect their culture and always appreciate when it is shared on here.

I am just tired of the whole “USA is garbage” bit. If you live here and feel that way, than leave (that’s one of the perks about this country, you can leave if you want) and go to the place that will make you happy, if you don’t live here, than do not judge, because, as said before, there are both good and bad parts of this country, just like everywhere else.

I give you Canada's finest.

"I can't wait to put in in my mouth, down my crack, in my ass!...." <--- soulful lyrics right there.

See now you're obligated to watch it lol. Future serial killer right here folks. My prediction 38 male prostitutes found with genital mutilation. Just a theory.

...Until this, which properly gave me the heeby-jeebies - mainly because, although you jest Pretty, I fully think "38 male prostitutes found with genital mutilation" will come to pass! If we're lucky that thing will only get away with offing one 'trick' before it's rumbled. But Canada is a big, empty, country - and it's got its little hustler-traps all over those backwoods.

MORNINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG B, thought the GIF below suited, found it with a conversation in mind lolll

But morning (though it's afternoon now) to you, and to Sweet Lu too.

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

But a bigot is just a bigot regardless, and open discussion will probably not change that.

I'm lucky enough to have lived in many places for substantial lengths in time, and have encountered racism in equal-measure wherever I've gone. Unfortunately all that changes is the recipient. This may well be Sociology 101, but 'tribalism' seems to be a natural human trait - and we all seek the security of the familiar in some sense I guess... Just some more than others.

I am also from the US Northeast so I do not see as much racism as perhaps other parts of the country.

Does it exist, yes. Is it exclusive to the USA, hell no. hate is hate and it is present in EVERY country. Just because we are not here damning our country, that makes us blind patriots? There is not one country that is perfect, a utopian society is a dream, one that has yet to be realized.

Do I feel that my country is the best? to a certain degree, yes, but that is because I live here and could not imagine being anywhere else, just like a candaian would feel about Canada, an Englishman would feel about England, etc. and I do respect them for that and also respect their culture and always appreciate when it is shared on here.

I am just tired of the whole “USA is garbage” bit. If you live here and feel that way, than leave (that’s one of the perks about this country, you can leave if you want) and go to the place that will make you happy, if you don’t live here, than do not judge, because, as said before, there are both good and bad parts of this country, just like everywhere else.

Sure, a lot of people were geographically ignorant of not just where Argentina or the UK were - but sometimes even what kind of concept they might be(!), and I spent most of the time being asked if I was Australian, but at least people were interested - and travel broadened us equally as I found most Estadounidense wanted to learn...

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

^I never said anything derogatory about gypsies, I merely spoke of my own experience of how others react when you mention them in Europe and posited why that might be... Unless debate in itself is 'socially unacceptable'? A problem with taboos is that they remain that way if nobody discusses them honestly.

Exactly And the States are considered to be the land of freedom, yet it looks like freedom of speech there is not as 'free' as one may think also, it's somehow 'interesting' to see that racism can be as strong in monocultural countries as in multicultural, though the basis is different.

I am also from the US Northeast so I do not see as much racism as perhaps other parts of the country.

Does it exist, yes. Is it exclusive to the USA, hell no. hate is hate and it is present in EVERY country. Just because we are not here damning our country, that makes us blind patriots? There is not one country that is perfect, a utopian society is a dream, one that has yet to be realized.

Do I feel that my country is the best? to a certain degree, yes, but that is because I live here and could not imagine being anywhere else, just like a candaian would feel about Canada, an Englishman would feel about England, etc. and I do respect them for that and also respect their culture and always appreciate when it is shared on here.

I am just tired of the whole “USA is garbage” bit. If you live here and feel that way, than leave (that’s one of the perks about this country, you can leave if you want) and go to the place that will make you happy, if you don’t live here, than do not judge, because, as said before, there are both good and bad parts of this country, just like everywhere else.

^Personally I had a wonderful time when I lived in the States. Did I see racism? Yes. Did I see patriotism that made me slightly nauseous? Yes. But I also saw a tremendous amount of goodwill to a foreigner - and a desire to show me all that I should see, do, eat and drink in this country of massive variety. I retain a huge fondness for, amongst other things, late 60's/early 70's country-rock, Ernest Hemingway, David Lynch, Edgar Allen Poe, Tex-Mex, Elvis Presley, tailgate parties, Oreos, Sam Adams, diners, green chile cheese fries, Hank Williams, drive-ins, Bret Easton Ellis and saying 'oregano' o-reg-ano (instead of oreg-ano) which is waaay cooler! These were all things I was maybe aware of, but didn't have an appetite for before I went.

Sure, a lot of people were geographically ignorant of not just where Argentina or the UK were - but sometimes even what kind of concept they might be(!), and I spent most of the time being asked if I was Australian, but at least people were interested - and travel broadened us equally as I found most Estadounidense wanted to learn...

B I’d love to hear about your country and culture. I always find it interesting to learn about other countries.

Me, I am half irish and half Italian, so with the irish half, when there is a wake, it really isn’t about mourning, but more for celebrating the life of the person, remembering them and even laughing (and yes, drinking), but that is the way irish are. I’ve seen plenty that find that appalling, but that is because they have a different culture for it.

And it’s also the irish in me where I can go from being totally pi$$ed off to being fine and dandy (just ask LMS)

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

^I never said anything derogatory about gypsies, I merely spoke of my own experience of how others react when you mention them in Europe and posited why that might be... Unless debate in itself is 'socially unacceptable'? A problem with taboos is that they remain that way if nobody discusses them honestly.

Exactly And the States are considered to be the land of freedom, yet it looks like freedom of speech there is not as 'free' as one may think also, it's somehow 'interesting' to see that racism can be as strong in monocultural countries as in multicultural, though the basis is different.

It is not so much that freedom of speech is not welcomed, it’s that too many people use it to just spout out anything that comes to mind, regardless if they know the facts or not.

If these people want to speak, than ok, but make sure the facts are correct and that they know what they are talking about. And you can’t say that freedom of speech isn’t as free as it is portrayed,a s way too many hate groups are allowed to spew their venom due to freedom of speech, and that is the only time I wish that speech wasn’t as free as it is.

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

^I never said anything derogatory about gypsies, I merely spoke of my own experience of how others react when you mention them in Europe and posited why that might be... Unless debate in itself is 'socially unacceptable'? A problem with taboos is that they remain that way if nobody discusses them honestly.

Exactly And the States are considered to be the land of freedom, yet it looks like freedom of speech there is not as 'free' as one may think also, it's somehow 'interesting' to see that racism can be as strong in monocultural countries as in multicultural, though the basis is different.

It is not so much that freedom of speech is not welcomed, it’s that too many people use it to just spout out anything that comes to mind, regardless if they know the facts or not.

If these people want to speak, than ok, but make sure the facts are correct and that they know what they are talking about. And you can’t say that freedom of speech isn’t as free as it is portrayed,a s way too many hate groups are allowed to spew their venom due to freedom of speech, and that is the only time I wish that speech wasn’t as free as it is.

Hmmm then one could disagree with their opinion by showing what the facts are.... or... ok, I don't really have any good example so I won't tell.

I agree with wishing speech wouldn't be as free.... sort of. Just today the big news in my country was about shuting down the anti-president website run by some student. Policemen came to his house at 6 AM and had a search order for his house. I've never visited the website (just as most of the commentators on tv talking about it today) but it was reported it cointained games where you could throw feces and hammers at the president and in the result have him killed. EDIT: just went to some website to read more about it and the website's creator disagrees there was something like that but...yeah. Although all the commentaries were focused on how much you can say about a politician etc (and so other similar situations were brought up) I feel it's generally more about Internet forums in Poland. It is said that comments on different websites in my country are usually one of the most aggressive, compared to other European countries. I've never really thought about it before, but I guess it may be true. I mean, I don't visit too many foreign websites with forum options (I exclude BZ because, duh, it's a light FORUM, not a websites with articles to comment on) but if I do, I can see posted comments to be the ones containing constructive criticism. While the ones here... sometimes I feel like responding to some, but a second later I decide not to. Too much nerves. I don't want to say Polish Internet users are imbeciles, but whenever I take a glance at some comments (just to see what the general opinion on some matter is) I quickly turn page back because they are so irritating. Also, our minister of foreign affairs decided to start a slander lawsuit (?) against one of the biggest tabloid and their forum. He said it's 'ok' to call him an idiot but there were anti-Semitic comments wishing him to be send to a gas chamber etc. so the tabloid shut down their forum for now and apologized.

I know my country fought so long for freedom but things like these make me feel like freedom is not for everyone, if you get what I mean.

Re-read my post. Noticed how I spend most of it talking about the huge problem of income inequality? I was talking about my life in upper and upper middle class culture in the NE USA, which is a very progressive, workaholic, and accomplished society. I did not comment on other social groups. There is little distinction among Americans who call themselves Irish-American, Italian-American, Chinese-American-based on whether they are second or third generation. This is a country of immigrants and such distinction exists in a casual sense and has virtually no professional or social repercussion in my area.

As for people from the UK- I know a few and know that there are classifications among their people and there are some regional & ethnic bias. Against Jewish people or people from a certain region, for instance....

Nevertheless, your posts on this matter are mostly off the cuff talking points and educated by sensationalist TV junk that politically unsophisticated people watch. You seem to have little grasp of empiricism and regional differences regarding this matter. Educated people in the United States don't watch TV news much and Fox news is a channel for baiting politically less knowledgeable people & offering alternate opinions. That's why you may have noticed that I am not taking your views seriously- they're not sophisticated. Your views are views common with American teenagers (I believed them at one time, ), politically unsophisticated people in America, or foreigners who don't have broad understanding.

Your characterizations don't past the test, buddy..

To be fair, theres nothing sophisticated about your discourse or views, dont kid yourself, its all flag waving of the most infantile and trite kind. I know you're under the illusion that you're educated and intelligent but I havent seen anything to make me see those things in your USA, USA! speech, quite the opposite, you seem terribly insecure and ignorant about your own country, and this post above was frankly pathetic in your laughable attempt at being condescending with me without posting anything of note, just a blabbering, incredibly boring amount of nonsense.

Because of your lack of eloquence and your mental confussion I perhaps missed whatever points were buried in that absurd self congratulatory speech you gave. I'll give you another opportunity to make a concise point without boring me to sleep. Lets see if you're capable, "buddy"

then you try and talk about the UK, which is a miracle you can even spell the two letters without a mistake, you dont even know your country and try to lecture us about other countries. Look, Im as tolerant as the next guy but if you're going to try to pass as anything other than a typical american hillbilly at least dont adopt a ridiculous teenage attitude about other peoples views.

red_ed nah, you're just misguided. You do underrate united because you make the mistake of thinking that fergie is not tactically capable of outsmarting guardiola. Ferguson tactically has evolved over the years and become one of the best in Europe. I can sense the scouse bitterness filtering in your posts, but you gotta admit it, hes not the same naive guy that was 10 years ago.

This has to be the most small minded and insulting thing I have ever heard

There is some bias against minority groups in the Red states among the common people but not in the North East. All the real racism and classism I've experienced is from Europeans. The way for instance the way you, Baron, and Layla were talking about Gypsies would be considered socially unacceptable here and against the moral code (and when I say here, I mean in the US North East) but I know that, for instance, in Germany talking racist crappola about Muslims or having delusional beliefs about American sociology is fairly commonplace.

^I never said anything derogatory about gypsies, I merely spoke of my own experience of how others react when you mention them in Europe and posited why that might be... Unless debate in itself is 'socially unacceptable'? A problem with taboos is that they remain that way if nobody discusses them honestly.

Exactly And the States are considered to be the land of freedom, yet it looks like freedom of speech there is not as 'free' as one may think also, it's somehow 'interesting' to see that racism can be as strong in monocultural countries as in multicultural, though the basis is different.

It is not so much that freedom of speech is not welcomed, it’s that too many people use it to just spout out anything that comes to mind, regardless if they know the facts or not.

If these people want to speak, than ok, but make sure the facts are correct and that they know what they are talking about. And you can’t say that freedom of speech isn’t as free as it is portrayed,a s way too many hate groups are allowed to spew their venom due to freedom of speech, and that is the only time I wish that speech wasn’t as free as it is.

Hmmm then one could disagree with their opinion by showing what the facts are.... or... ok, I don't really have any good example so I won't tell.

I agree with wishing speech wouldn't be as free.... sort of. Just today the big news in my country was about shuting down the anti-president website run by some student. Policemen came to his house at 6 AM and had a search order for his house. I've never visited the website (just as most of the commentators on tv talking about it today) but it was reported it cointained games where you could throw feces and hammers at the president and in the result have him killed. EDIT: just went to some website to read more about it and the website's creator disagrees there was something like that but...yeah. Although all the commentaries were focused on how much you can say about a politician etc (and so other similar situations were brought up) I feel it's generally more about Internet forums in Poland. It is said that comments on different websites in my country are usually one of the most aggressive, compared to other European countries. I've never really thought about it before, but I guess it may be true. I mean, I don't visit too many foreign websites with forum options (I exclude BZ because, duh, it's a light FORUM, not a websites with articles to comment on) but if I do, I can see posted comments to be the ones containing constructive criticism. While the ones here... sometimes I feel like responding to some, but a second later I decide not to. Too much nerves. I don't want to say Polish Internet users are imbeciles, but whenever I take a glance at some comments (just to see what the general opinion on some matter is) I quickly turn page back because they are so irritating. Also, our minister of foreign affairs decided to start a slander lawsuit (?) against one of the biggest tabloid and their forum. He said it's 'ok' to call him an idiot but there were anti-Semitic comments wishing him to be send to a gas chamber etc. so the tabloid shut down their forum for now and apologized.

I know my country fought so long for freedom but things like these make me feel like freedom is not for everyone, if you get what I mean.

I do. There are always those that abuse any freedom and distort the true meaning of it for their vision

Is the racism in America? Hell yeah. Is it worse than any plae else in the world? Hell no. I think the middle east is the worse when it comes to racism and sexism. Not to mention South Africa. And the last time I checked France hates everything Americ (except the money we spend there) for no reason at all.

And for you to call cult a "typical american hillbilly" shows your own prejudice as well. So because Cult shows pride in his country and hasn't seen an overwhelming case of racism he is small minded?

I'll be honest, I have not seen an overwhelming racism problem in my lifetime either in my area that I live in. Doesn't mean it isn't there, just not as bad as other places in the USA. As a whole, I do find that the US is more racially tolerant than most.

And before you get on your high horse, you may want to look at your own countries past. England wasn't exactly very receptive of blacks after WWII, and this was after they criticized the US for how they treated them during that era.

And as for the many Americans who have said how racist this country is, those are the ones that feel the sins of 150 years ago still needs to be amended or cry racoism when they don't get a job or pass a class.

So that is my take on it, I am sure that it will not make a difference to you. You should try not to judge an entire country based on a few people you have encountered. I myself have come across only a handful of Englishmen, yet I have found them all to be the same: arrogant, mean hearted, self righteous snobs. But I would not dare to judge your whole country that way and England is still tops on my list to visit someday.

So in the future, you just may want to more carefully choose your wordings, because everything you accused Cult of could be applied to you with your tone and wording

Easy there, we can find a golden mean without critisizing hypocritically other countries and blindly following the mass.

I myself have lived in a country that was the most critised in the world -probably the least liked country- so I understand both sides.

As for racism, I dont know about America but I can tell you the 'stigma' thing (which for me is the bad thing about racism) is very present in France (at least for me), due to people looking differently at the ones that "step away" from the norm, the norm being considered superior, because its the mass, in this case being french/white.

Maybe there is much stereotyping in America, but for me, as someone said it before, the ethnicities are already so diverse, maybe people dont tend to feel superior to others and are more open-minded (thats the way I imagine it).

But maybe I'm wrong.

Very well spoken and insightful. Thank you

I actually do find your posts as lighthearted banter because I cannot believe any rational human being can be this close minded. You point out that everyone is wrong yet offer nothing in return. But please, since you do not want to air this in public than message me where we can discuss this in private.

Unlike you, I am willing to listen to someone else and use an openmind

Oh hi everyone, (including you, first on the moon). I am just embarrassed- not at all at my posts of course, because I stand by it- but by the fact that I may have tipped over the hornet's nest. I want to apologize in advance for any duress this situation may have instigated and I will not be pushing it farther.

To be fair, theres nothing sophisticated about your discourse or views, dont kid yourself, its all flag waving of the most infantile and trite kind. I know you're under the illusion that you're educated and intelligent but I havent seen anything to make me see those things in your USA, USA! speech, quite the opposite, you seem terribly insecure and ignorant about your own country, and this post above was frankly pathetic in your laughable attempt at being condescending with me without posting anything of note, just a blabbering, incredibly boring amount of nonsense.

Because of your lack of eloquence and your mental confussion I perhaps missed whatever points were buried in that absurd self congratulatory speech you gave. I'll give you another opportunity to make a concise point without boring me to sleep. Lets see if you're capable, "buddy"

then you try and talk about the UK, which is a miracle you can even spell the two letters without a mistake, you dont even know your country and try to lecture us about other countries. Look, Im as tolerant as the next guy but if you're going to try to pass as anything other than a typical american hillbilly at least dont adopt a ridiculous teenage attitude about other peoples views.

Well, you're right in one sense- I've been unnecessarily condescending to you & evasive and I am sorry.

But to be more clear I think your views about the US and I are flat out wrong and seem to be conditioned talking points caused from the consumption of certain materials. I verbally deflected you in that other thread and here because I think you're arguing against an imaginary American, and that American is not I.

And I think watching Fox News may cause someone like you to experience anger. The political far right and the far left like to promote excessively stupid or derogatory views about the United States and other countries. And the quality of American politics has steadily declined since around the mid 90s. The approval rate of Congress is generally very low and there is widespread disapproval (given the large numbers of unhappy voters) over the behavior of the parties. There are imbalances and structural weaknesses in the US economy and other considerable social problems.

There are interest groups (The Brass & the US military, defense industry, Private Military companies, US energy, Financial services sector, etc.) that have performed controversial activity as united fronts. So in a way, the behavior of public figures that represent the USA have degenerated its reputation.

^I never said anything derogatory about gypsies, I merely spoke of my own experience of how others react when you mention them in Europe and posited why that might be... Unless debate in itself is 'socially unacceptable'? A problem with taboos is that they remain that way if nobody discusses them honestly.

But a bigot is just a bigot regardless, and open discussion will probably not change that.

I'm lucky enough to have lived in many places for substantial lengths in time, and have encountered racism in equal-measure wherever I've gone. Unfortunately all that changes is the recipient. This may well be Sociology 101, but 'tribalism' seems to be a natural human trait - and we all seek the security of the familiar in some sense I guess... Just some more than others.

Exactly And the States are considered to be the land of freedom, yet it looks like freedom of speech there is not as 'free' as one may think

Oh yeah, Baron and Layla, I agree and I feel the same way. As regards to talking about races and so forth it is generally very "socially liberal and economically moderate" over here- liberal in terms of it's taboo to talk about other races of people in a negative way (even if that negative description is a dispassionate examination of the facts). I mean, it's seen as so bad that it would cause one to lose face. I hope that my statement did not apply any pressure, (you too, Jennka) there was no intention of it.. sorry again.

You're right about the tribalism thing, though. And I personally feel that in absence of a group to hang onto people can look within themselves excessively inward- that's when you have hardcore individualism and its related philosophies- you see this in the corporate world and in more rural areas in the states.

^Personally I had a wonderful time when I lived in the States. Did I see racism? Yes. Did I see patriotism that made me slightly nauseous? Yes. But I also saw a tremendous amount of goodwill to a foreigner - and a desire to show me all that I should see, do, eat and drink in this country of massive variety. I retain a huge fondness for, amongst other things, late 60's/early 70's country-rock, Ernest Hemingway, David Lynch, Edgar Allen Poe, Tex-Mex, Elvis Presley, tailgate parties, Oreos, Sam Adams, diners, green chile cheese fries, Hank Williams, drive-ins, Bret Easton Ellis and saying 'oregano' o-reg-ano (instead of oreg-ano) which is waaay cooler! These were all things I was maybe aware of, but didn't have an appetite for before I went.

Sure, a lot of people were geographically ignorant of not just where Argentina or the UK were - but sometimes even what kind of concept they might be(!), and I spent most of the time being asked if I was Australian, but at least people were interested - and travel broadened us equally as I found most Estadounidense wanted to learn...

I think you'll like Taiwan. I vacationed there for three weeks. Very, very interesting- great night life, chaotic streets, and interesting shops, architecture, & museums. Strange food and huge insects.

You know- with the USA and this "Nationalism" (I know that Oscar Wilde says its bad, so does Keynes, so does Russell)..nevertheless they are not fully correct and it is really a social necessity. It only becomes problematic when it gets out of control and it's likely not, as many US residents care a lot more about sports games than "glorious victories". When the US military rests on something like 45% of global defense expenditures, maintains hundreds of bases globally, and the US economy is 25% of the global economy- and the US dollar is the reserve currency of the international monetary system (and profits accordingly in international business, at a sometimes estimated tune of 350 Billion).. It's pretty hard for the hegemon to not have some of that nationalism and get a lot of global criticism in return.

If (in a few decades) the world order shifts successfully to the multi polar one complete with multi polar militaries- ie. The PRC overcomes its economic/political imbalances and eventually tops the United States and Asian central banks start storing renminbi , The ECB stands up with the Euro, Latin America with the real...then critique could perhaps be more evenly "spread", lol! And perhaps the US boots can march off into the sunset and finally rest