Why is Europe more liberal then the United States? (page 2)

RAF

I'm with GermanXJW too on this one

Look it's most about the fact that they are leaded by the tops (Gov/Media : which somehow works together as long as one do not desagree with the other one) but then for the citizen/audience it's only about the fact they want to know from them or get the point in being aware from others sources leaded bit hints or intuition.

Our own Gov/Media tend to copy the US systems, it just does not work as well/as big with us, because we are aware of where it leads - you set the example and you are the pannel we can analyse from the outside in being more objectiv - we do not have the same information (but a lot get into it anyway) it's all about influence (it works or not).

I don't like or hate the US, the US is full of americain which are not all the same.

fifi40

Ok I have thought about this a bit more. As I am having a day off and have to much time on my hands, I have concluded the following - (in case of a libel suit, this is in no way intended to offend and is purely the sad and twisted humour of an English person, and just that,this one being me, not the whole nation) And I am sure the rest of Great Britain apologizes for my huge insensitivity and I will be arrested and banished to the dungeons shortly. So here goes

THE REASONS WHY EUROPE DOESNT LIKE THE AMERICANS

The Germans - Because you helped us win the war.

The British - Because we needed you to help us win the war.

The French - Because of of your dress sense

The Italians - Ditto, but they dont mind you that much.

The Dutch - They dont mind you to much either, they are a very liberal lot

The Spanish - Because they'd like the Caribbean back

The Portugese - Because it was them that started the slave trade and nobody remembers

The rest of them - Because you have a tendency to talk quite loudly and we like our afternoon naps.

It is all meant very tongue in cheek and I cannot apologize enough for my evil and twisted humour but if I can redeem myself at all I am also

sending huge amounts of European Love to you all.

kwintestal

I don't think that the US has always been as liberal as it is now. It's come as the "Religious Right" has taken over the country. They scare me.

A question though, do most Europeans lump Canada in with our conservative neighbour? I would personally say we are closer to Europeans politically then the US, but their influence is growing.

Kwin

Lumptard

I think that it's the same reason why teenagers and early 20-somethings are idealistic and are usually of the opinion that what they beleive is right/best while on the other hand people who've been around longer know what is important for the long haul. We're a very young nation in the grand scheme of things. Too old to accept someone else's view too young to know the consequences.

SixofNine

America WILL return to it's liberal roots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrTG_amtrhA

OICU8it2

I agree with German and Double Edge. I think the media hypes differences of opinion into animosity. I wish USA did not talk so loudly though. I think the self-sufficient spirit serves one well no matter where they live. I am absolutely disgusted with the US Congress. Many of them are more interested in furtherance of their own party than the country's interest. Corrupt is the word that comes to my mind. One example: Congress tries to pass a minimum wage increase, and curiously leaves out American Samoa. (The only US territory exempted.) Fact: Del Monte's tuna industry there employees 70% of the people. Del Monte's HQ is in San Fransisco, the new House Speaker's home district where her husband owns 17 million dollars in Del Monte. Example: Abramoff lobbied heavily for commercial interests over good leadership in the GOP and somewhat in the Dem's party.

becca1

fifi40: I love your list!

About this topic: I would like to give an American perspective.

I agree with the posters who said that Americans in general don't know what is going on in the rest of the world. I have Arab friends who tune in to Arab TV by satelite in order to know what goes on in their countries. I know others who tune in to the BBC to know what is happening in Europe. But, could this not be said of everyone? Do Europeans in general know what is going on in the States (other than the silly remaks the current president makes)? Aren't we all more interested in what is close and familiar to us? I don't mean this as an excuse for the total ignorance of many Americans, just as an example of human nature.

I do fell that many Americans don't think "globally". Many have no idea of how different life is in other countries. Others think the "American way is the only way", and are critical of anything "foreign". Some are worse than others; some texans are fond of saying: "everything is bigger in Texas", and they think bigger means better. And I realize that when such ones travel to other countries they bring these attitudes with them and cause much resentment.

So, I guess what I am saying, is that your biases are founded on some fact. However, remember that while the attitudes of the loud and obnoxious may be easier to spot, there are many other people in this country who are well educated and have different sensibilities. We all need to learn to be open minded and not to judge based on stereotypes.

stillajwexelder

Some people here at work had not heard of David Beckham - now you may laugh - but it illustrates the point - many americans are evr yinsular and genuinely believe soccer is a minority sport - it is in the US - but it is by a long way the WORLDS most popular sport.

When you are less insualr like Europeans it tends to make you more liberal - notice I said TENDS to - not it does

OnTheWayOut

I think the Europeans see the Americans for what they are. Even as an American,
I recognize the general problem here. Americans are in a large, more isolated country
where the general cultures were allowed to segregate. That segregation happens in
Europe, too, but they were exposed to other cultures nearby- they were radically
different from each other, spoke different languages, had a longer history of hating
each other- then learned slowly to get along for their own benefits.

The Americans don't have that long history, yet. Their cultures are starting to get
along for their own benefits, but all the cultures are expected to be English-speaking
Americans. If they don't speak English, Americans expect them to learn. If they
came from foreign soil, they are immigrants, not Americans yet.

Americans generally feel that whites and English-speakers are more intelligent than
others. This developed from their victories in World Wars (using German scientists that
defected or Russian scientists that defected) and their rise as an industrial
nation. Today, that feeling is perpetuated by their being a super-power. Most ethnic
Americans don't feel that same way. Most Americans on travel expect people to speak
English and be in awe of them being Americans.

Even though the UK is the fatherland of the USA and British people are considered
very intelligent by most Americans, somehow British people are more like the rest of
Europe and less like the Americans.

In short, Europeans got over themselves sooner, but didn't drop their separate cultures
as they learned to get along. Americans are not over themselves, and force everyone to
cater to them (learn English and be impressed by them).

RAF

OnTheWayOut : ... ... never thougt about it totally that way (it's like you've got the whole picture)

Why is Europe more liberal then the United States?

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