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The biggest things I wish we had from Europe are a good rail infrastructure, rugby, and a basic appreciation for social welfare and keeping corporate domination in check.
First of all, don't correct someone else's grammar unless yours is impeccable (which it's not, by the way). Bad form.
Now on to the real topic at hand - I answered it once but it's been awhile so I'll expound:
I have lived in Europe and have traveled extensively throughout Europe. I enjoy VISITING Europe and in fact I go as often as possible. Every two or three years is how it generally works out.
I like it because it's DIFFERENT from the US in so many ways (though in England I didn't even feel like I was in a foreign country at all, other than that pesky driving thing). It's interesting, and being a history buff I am never bored in Europe! There's a lot I like about it - the variety of scenery, the villages, folk music and arts, museums and castles, the wide range of foods, and some of the people, for a start.
But there's also a lot that I prefer in the US - I enjoy a lower cost of living, a house and other property that I couldn't afford in most of Europe, our fabulous music history and heritage, the amazing foods from coast to coast (overall I prefer American cuisines...or maybe Asian...but I digress), the range of opportunities, the laid back atmosphere, the individualism, the unique and fascinating history, but most of all - the people. I love my southern heritage as well. Life in the southern US is my preference. It's a unique culture and I can't imagine living anywhere else.
If I want to experience Europe, I go for a visit. But I'm always glad to get back home to Texas. And I'm sure that most Europeans feel the same way about their lives as well - at least I hope so.
Last edited by KathrynAragon; 11-29-2013 at 10:52 PM..
I rather like the US being it's own culture, which is an amalgamation of European cultures with other cultures from around the globe. I don't see why European cultures should be represented at a greater level than they are unless you are one to consider their culture to be 'superior' to others.
The US is a melting pot. I like it that way. It makes us different from other nations that have a more homogenized culture.
I'll admit to being one of those people that does have a soft spot for admiring certain attributes that are often seen as "European" in terms of culture
However, never having been to Europe, I don't want to judge only based on what I hear in the media. I personally would like some aspects of culture that do verge a bit on political issues, such as a more relaxed pace of life (like the French) rather than a more workaholic one, more liberal social attitudes (such as less prudishness about sex), better social safety net and health care and infrastructure, such as walkable cities with good public transit. However, I don't think we should knock it or admire it, just because it's associated with a different culture we like or don't like. Whether or not something is good for our society and should be implemented can be discussed on it's own merits rather than "Europe has it. I like Europe, so let's have it." or "I don't like Europe, so let's not have it because they have it".
I think it would work if we could set up or encourage certain cities or towns in the USA to be more "European-style" in set-up of urban planning or policy, so that people can choose to live a more European lifestyle if they want to, but just as an option in some places in the country.
But I think people get too hung up on the idea of if something is "foreign" than it can't be American. They think that if we gain something that another culture has, we somehow lose "American-ness". It shouldn't work that way. We can have something that we share with other countries on other continents and so can they, in return.
When it comes to education, life expectancy, obesity, childhood health, infant mortality, adult literacy, high school graduation rates, democratic rating, corruption rating, putting Darwin on the currency, IQ, spousal abuse rates, murder rates, gun crime, teen pregnancy, pollution, cancer rates, hours worked a week, maternity leave, thug culture, generational possible income achievement, general quality of life and happiness, urban planning, history and culture and distinct lack of people named BillyBob who think God hates the gays...yes.
It's not so much obsession with Europe as it is seeing things for what they are. America is great for its material wealth and popular culture. Europe is great for its high culture and society.
We can learn from one another.
Accept that plenty of people don't see what you see.
And why the hell is culture or society exclusive to Europe? East Asian, Jewish and Middle Eastern eastern civilizations are just as rich in culture if not more so.
I laugh at Europe a lot but I laugh at American europhiles more.
The funniest thing, while I observe many white Americans display slavish europhilia, a disease no doubt, in most European countries there's a high level of hatred against the US and its government and actions, so much so in every interaction I've had with Europeans when they're in another country (out of their familiar territory) and socializing with foreigners, most have expressed their hatred or derision for the US. Most. Not just 2 in 10. Or 3 in 10.
I've had so many spats in East Asia with Europeans who acted out because they couldn't control their hatred for America in public, one French guy even angrily stormed off from the conversation lol.
And you europhiles stop talking like Europe is a country. Talk about those small countries independently. Europe is not a country. lol
Last edited by sadgirl80; 12-06-2013 at 06:20 AM..
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