Quote:
Originally posted by techweenie
I think a lot of so-called conservatives have never traveled abroad -- you know, like good old Dubya before he was 'elected.' What they think they know of foreign countries comes from pundits.
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That's true of all Americans. We are the most isolated country on Earth, culturally anyway. I'm not even sure travelling abroad helps most Americans; they hit the big tourist traps that are "Americanized" enough to attract them and make them feel comfortable, but just "foreign" enough to make them think they are getting a taste of the local culture. Living abroad, or at least in much closer proximity to other countries where you meet and deal with its people regularly, would broaden most Americans' perspectives.
I had that priveledge as a kid, up into my late teens, when I was spending summers in Germany with my Oma and Opa. While that is still lacking in the adult perspective of making a living and participating at that level in their society, I guess it was better than nothing. All of my cousins, aunts, and uncles on my mom's side still live there, so I do get to hear their perspective. We are actually entertaining a couple of my cousins right now. Anyway, Americans as a whole could really stand to get out more...