demagogue on 4/7/2011 at 18:46
I think living overseas for a while is the best way to see your home nation in its true colors, what might be improved, but also what's great about it in the big scale of things... or even just understanding what's special or characteristic about being an American, which a person might not even notice in themselves until they really pay attention. (Goes for any nation.) And I think growing up in a country just colors a person; they don't have to be robots, but all sorts of things just settle in, and part of understanding yourself is understanding where you're from.
We USA'icans generally have a definite pragmatism and libertarian edge (even the lefties). Even the spirituality is very pragmatic and charisma is more about small town common sense than otherworldly soothsaying, which there's a natural suspicion of. People work towards self-improvement; a job is largely just a means. There's a democratic sense built in pretty deeply; just not going to take privileged backgrounds too seriously or hold a working class background against someone, and the rags to riches story is the quintessential heroic story. A really heightened sense of wanting to be good citizens and being fair, but also a kind of built in oblivion about different ways of life, part of the libertarian edge.
Anyway, I'm happy I grew up American, and the 4th of July is a good day to think about it and get caught up a little in the civic spirit of the thing, and just being appreciative and thinking about how to contribute back to society instead of just taking it for granted and feeding off of it. Well, that and the hotdogs, beer, and fireworks in the height of summer in a dry part of the country. Happy 4th~!
Starrfall on 4/7/2011 at 21:03
100+ degrees on the thermometer, steaks for the grill, margaritas for the glass, fireworks-of-questionable-local-legality for later.
Thanks America. I'll keep doing what I can to fix your stupid-ass problems, but I still think you're pretty great just as you are.
Mwah and hearts to the USA!
Fafhrd on 4/7/2011 at 21:15
I am going to climb a mountain and watch fireworks from the top of it, and then try not to die climbing back down in the dark.
PeeperStorm on 5/7/2011 at 02:15
Thank you for the internet, America.
Vernon on 5/7/2011 at 08:40
Intermet was english invention tots all around
Briareos H on 5/7/2011 at 08:47
the engilish didnt tot the belgians when they invented the web
Vernon on 5/7/2011 at 09:36
is belgian even a country
Trance on 5/7/2011 at 11:40
it's a waffle
PeeperStorm on 5/7/2011 at 16:50
Really? I heard it's-a very nice-a.
Mr.Duck on 5/7/2011 at 17:22
Cheers, Gringolandia :)
Thanks for all the fish and yadda yadda. :D
