They know so much about us!

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Have you ever noticed how people from other countries know so much about the USA, but we hardly know anything about them? Its a weird thought.

Like, for example, Amara knows Arkansas is state in the USA. I would need a few moments to find Australia on a world-map. Sure, I could find it. Its somewhere down south. That's all I know.

Everyone knows where NY and LA are, but I wouldn't be able to point out London on a UK map. I hardly even know what countries constitute the UK.

I don't know a single state/province in any other country. But people from other countries readily know a few US states and where they are. Canadians know President Bush, but does anyone know the Canadian President/King/Queen or whatever they have over there?

Its a shame! I know I am not the only one in the USA who is this oblivious, but I am sure most people won't fess up.

 

[S O F I]

^My French teacher often brings this question up. It has a lot to do with Americans just not giving a fuck, and because life in America is much more complex than in most other countries. But, I mean there's so many other simple reasons too, and I couldn't be fucked to try and point em out.

 

[Diaz]

Yea, I thought it was weird when I told someone from another country the state I live in, and they said "Go Pacers!!".

 

[.cloud.]

Yea, I thought it was weird when I told someone from another country the state I live in, and they said "Go Pacers!!".

heh. I know some UKers that follow basketball.

The other day I told someone I was from Arkansas and they were from like, the UK or some shit, and they knew exactly where Arkansas is O_O I was like, woah, I'm used to having to point it out on a map and shit for foreigners!

 

[Ghetto_Ghost]

Canadians know President Bush, but does anyone know the Canadian President/King/Queen or whatever they have over there?

hahaha. me and you both pal. i live in canada and i have no clue who the hell is runnin this bitch. i remember it was that guy with the fucked up mouth but i think he's gone. dont know how's doin it now

 

[Farzin]

well in germany they teach geography and you learn all where all the countries are and etc. Otehr stuff is known due to Tv/Movies and internet. Since american Tv and movies are the most popular one. Due to that fact america has made baseball/basketball popular in other countries along with lots of other stuff.

 

[Luv4Pac4Ever]

Maybe it's cause this is probably the only country that schools don't require you to know anything about any other country. Correct me if I'm wrong but in most other countries, they're required to take English almost every year of school and they learn about the US as well. Like I said, I'm not real sure about that but seems like I've heard that before.

 

[Diaz]

Well, I think its because U.S. is more of the default country, we're as normal as can be. Everybody's goal is to grow up and move up outta their countries and go to America! :thumb:

 

[Rukas]

Its because Americans think they are top shit and just dont care what happens elsewhere.

Its not like Amara or me or others only know whats where in the US, we generally know whats where everywhere. We just care more about the world on a global scale, where as Americans only care about the United States.

 

[Diaz]

Its because Americans think they are top shit and just dont care what happens elsewhere.

 

[PuffnScruff]

i'm american, i know my globel geography. i've been to many other countries, most of them in europe. i was born in the middle east, and know were the air force base i was born at is on the map. maybe i just payed more attention than others did elementary school.

i am one of the few people that i know my age that actually pays attention to what not only is going on around the the state and country but also the world. if i were to ask them about sudan, they would say who is that. they have no idea what goes on in the world or care. they actually care more about what movie stars are getting married or dating. its sad really.

diaz--i wouldnt say this country is normal by any means. this country doesnt even fall on the same page as normal. besides whats normal anyways?

 

[Glockmatic]

Canadian President/King/Queen

yeesh, pretty bad when you know nothing about your neighbour. In Canada we have a class called geography and learn about shit, the US has got to have that. Class doesn't teach everything, but hearing stuff from movies tv etc teaches more about the US. But it doesn't teach everything, I can only name like 9 states.

 

[Preach]

wtf lol

 

[linx]

Its because Americans think they are top shit and just dont care what happens elsewhere.

Not really man. You can't look at everyone in the US like they're all the same. Besides, I always see people outside of the US acting like they're better than US people and it makes me laugh. Espically Canadians.

 

[devils_advok8]

i'm american, i know my globel geography. i've been to many other countries, most of them in europe. i was born in the middle east, and know were the air force base i was born at is on the map. maybe i just payed more attention than others did elementary school.

i am one of the few people that i know my age that actually pays attention to what not only is going on around the the state and country but also the world. if i were to ask them about sudan, they would say who is that. they have no idea what goes on in the world or care. they actually care more about what movie stars are getting married or dating. its sad really.

diaz--i wouldnt say this country is normal by any means. this country doesnt even fall on the same page as normal. besides whats normal anyways?

Where in the Middle East, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[S O F I]

Not really man. You can't look at everyone in the US like they're all the same. Besides, I always see people outside of the US acting like they're better than US people and it makes me laugh. Espically Canadians.

Check the bold. Your statement is as contradictive as a married bachelor.

 

[PuffnScruff]

Where in the Middle East, if you don't mind me asking?

incirlik afb, turkey

 

[not really ken]

Like Rukas said, we generally know bits and bats about all countries. maybe US a little more cos they in the limelight a little more with Hollywood and everything.

 

[Amara]

^ Yeah I'm inclined to think it is because the 'United States' and all of which it is composed is almost imposed upon our society. Pennypacker and others would know a lot about Australia for example - our Prime Minister, our states, our lifestyle if the media was dominated by us. Like it or not, the United States holds the monopoly of power, both soft and hard forms, and as a result, we cannot help but learn.

 

[The.Menace]

It has a lot to do with Americans just not giving a fuck, and because life in America is much more complex than in most other countries

WTF? Life in America is much more complex then in other countries? If you don't want me 2 call you a stupid piece of shit, you gotta explain that boy.

1.No, it's because Americans don't care about the rest of the world. OF course there are excpetions, but in general it's true. I think it comes from that patriotism that became obsession. Kids in america are taught that they are on the top of the world. If you grow up and they play the national anthem before every sport event (nope it's not like this all over the world), if they hang their flags everywhere (in front of every other home - nope that ain't like that everywhere), etc etc etc.....kids are thaught that they live in the greatst nation in the world and one day, most of them believe it.

2. It has to do something with the school system. You can't finish school in Europe without knowin about other countries. I was thaught 4 languages (including Latin) and of course also the geography, history, etc of every country those languages are/were spoken in. For example my last exam in school (we gotta take a big one at the end) in English was to compare the school system in the US to the school system in England..... and I wasn't part of neigther system you know. We get taught those things, I doubt you get thaught in school in the US how the school system in Australia or Europe works, but you should be thaught those things - political system to social system and even school system, because it helps to understand your own system better and you can see the advantages and disadvantages....... it just opens up your mind a lil,you know the american way isn't the only way out there.

3 I think it has something to do with the size of the country. You can live you life in the US without leavin the country. You can go surfin in Folrida as well as go skiing in Aspen. It's different in Europe for example - Uk peeps might go to Swizerland for their skiing vacations, while the people in Swizerland have to go to Italy or France or whereever to see&enjoy the sea - so cause of the size it's more natural and also easier for people to leave the country and see new things.


@penny: If you'r stuck in your arrogance you'll never be able to overcome it, so it's good that your noticed your lack of knowledge on the rest of the world - now take the next step. Just listen&watch if they talk about other countries in the news or in school....and if you'r bored why not do a lil internet research on european history or whatever comes up in your mind. Believe me, you won't regret it.