Quote:
Poste by Nostatic
Imperialism is an outgrowth of hubris.
There is a prevailing belief that the "American way" is superior to all others, and of course the world should fall in line. We also have become lazy and sloppy. There is an expectation that we are #1 and will always remain that way. The world owes us (witness the "remember WW2" comments to Europeans), and we want everything now and for half off.
We do not value other cultures and assume that everyone wants to be just like us. Work ethic is an oxymoron, and personal responsibility is a fantasy. In general, we do not respect others. The response to that is generally, "respect must be earned," but few in this generation have done much to "earn" anything.
Teachers are insulted and looked down upon, artists are derided and marginalized, and politicians are morally bankrupt. But its ok because we're the USA and we're number one. Oh, Walmart is having a sale!!!
|
Todd:
You often make very profound statements. I particularly agree with what you say in the first and third paragraphs. However, I think most cultures are guilty of thinking their way is superior to all others. In my experience, American citizens are middle of the road offenders at most on this point
Perhaps the root of our "decline" in America is that we lack a common set of beliefs and ideals that the overwhelming majority of Americans are willing to sacrifice or even die for. Without these beliefs or ideals (and I am NOT referring to religion), there is no "greater good". It all comes down to individuals, not Americans.
When the knee jerk reaction to the question "what are you" of a huge number of our citizens is not "American" first, we are well and truly screwed.
MIke