Here's Looking At You, America.

by Englishman 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  Englishman

  Having spent over a year reading and posting on sites such as this, I'm slowly starting to realise that there is quite a difference in the culture systems between the UK and the US, particularly in matters relating to religion.

  From what I've read, it seems to me that the USA is very much more concerned with religion / faith / God, than is the UK or even Australia.

  Also, it would appear that the US is somewhat more of a patriarchal society, for example, family time seems to be jealously guarded especially around US religious festivals such as Thanksgiving.

  Also of interest is the USA's attitude that material prosperity can be a sign of God's approval, a sort of reward for good works.

  The penal system seems draconian to most Brits, it seems as though vengeance plays a greater part than rehabilitation. The WTBTS disciplinary structure in the US also seems to be much more demanding of its adherents than the WTBTS in Europe, there also seems to be a vengeful aspect to its willingness to disfellowship people for minor transgressions.

  So, if this is a very general description of how the UK views the US, one has to ask the question, How does the US view the UK?

  Englishman.
• 

  waiting

  hey english,

  How does the US view the UK?

  Well, we can't figure out how you guys can survive without guns to start with. And we can't figure out how your policemen can keep people in line without guns also. We also can't figure out how you guys don't kill each other (thousands & thousands each year over here) like we do here.

  I grew up with guns, but we haven't had any in our house since I married my 2nd husband 20 years ago.

  Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Marion Barry, politician

  I went to join the New York Public Library. The guy told me I would have to prove I was a citizen of New York, so I stabbed him. Emo Philips

  Chicago is a city where men are men and the police take VISA. Hugh Leonard

  waiting
• 

  Julie

  Hi Englishman,

  :From what I've read, it seems to me that the USA is very much more concerned with religion / faith / God, than is the UK or even Australia.

  You are so right. It is getting worse and worse too. The right wing Christian Coalition has a great deal of clout and if they had their way we would be a religious state. The thing that frightens me the most is that so many people have no problem with this.
  
  :Also, it would appear that the US is somewhat more of a patriarchal society, for example, family time seems to be jealously guarded especially around US religious festivals such as Thanksgiving.

  I am not convinced that "family time" is so jealously guarded because it is a somewhat patriarchal society. I think it has more to do with the guilt that goes along with the neglect which often results in materialism being given such high priority.

  :Also of interest is the USA's attitude that material prosperity can be a sign of God's approval, a sort of reward for good works.

  You are so right here E-man and I must say that this attitude just cracks me up. So are they also saying that those who don't know material prosperity are not favored by God? What happened to God loves us all? Do they forget that in the bible Jesus tells us of one guy going to heaven cause he was poor (I didn't notice any great character references there) and the other poor shmuck went to hell, reason given, because he was rich? It also seems those of the we-are-rich/well-off-cause-God-loves-us mindset forget about the rich man getting into heaven like a camel will fit through the eye of a needle business.
  
  :The penal system seems draconian to most Brits, it seems as though vengeance plays a greater part than rehabilitation.

  This is fitting for the self-righteousness that is so prevalent in our society, especially by certain religions (Christians seem to be the worst).

  :So, if this is a very general description of how the UK views the US, one has to ask the question, How does the US view the UK?

  This is such a vast land with so many differing opinions I cannot speak for others but personally I can't wait to get there to find out for myself. Maybe I'll see you and both of your ladies (even the newly acquired beauty, congrats btw) then.

  Good insights Englishman.

  Take care,
  Julie
• 

  crossroads

  Englishman-You guys gave us the Beatles and Stones,
  and ERIC too. You guys are the greatest
• 

  SixofNine

  I started to shoot back at you with a very cynical, "so how's it going over the pond with rehabilitation?".

  But I realized, you brits may be doing just great with rehabilitation, though it will surprise me to find out. I certainly think the unarmed population is a proven good thing, in comparison to the wild west.

  So, no cynicism here at all. How are you Brits doing with rehabilitation? Cuz it seems to be a word and a description that has no basis in reality here in the States. It just doesn't seem to happen save for a few odd cases. Not that our system encourages it in any intelligent ways, but I am curious if any populations have succes in rehabilitating criminals.
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  Englishman

  It wasn't my intention to start a "lets bash America campaign", its just that, having travelled the globe quite a bit, I have become intrigued by the many different cultures that people value.

  The USA's culture is totally different from that of the UK, but the fact that we have a similar language gives us a great opportunity to trade ideas and thoughts that can benefit both societies.

  For example, whenever I visit another country, I will tend to avoid my own countrymen, preferring to absorb the sounds and impressions of the country that I am visiting.

  Englishman