Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins
I don't see a problem.
I was merely pointing out our cultural differences in an effort to help you understand the many nuances within "American culture", so you are not disappointed the next time you choose to observe and comment on it. Because, you see, there really is no such thing as "American culture". You paint with too broad of a brush. Understandable, certainly, based upon where you live and your likely lack of experience with the broad diversity of culture here in America. Allow me to explain.
There is African-American culture, Latino-American Culture, Norwegian-American Culture (like in Ballard), Redneck-American Culture, and on and on. While we had once been described as a "melting pot", there are still some lumps in the broth that have not fully blended together, or are beginning to coagulate and separate anew. Most of us see this as a good thing, and celebrate the diversity this brings to our great country. No one wants the mix to blend so well we lose the taste and character of the individual ingredients. While we used to be proud of being, and strived to live up to the moniker of "melting pot", we now discourage that, and encourage diversity.
So, our gloriously diverse hyphenated-American cultures have striven mightily to define and bring out their own unique customs and traditions that set them apart. That's part of what makes this country great. Some are easily observed, but others are nuanced enough that I wouldn't expect an Aussie to understand the subtle differences that we as Americans take for granted. Your disappointment in the lack of gunplay at this little impromptu contest kind of speaks to this, so I was merely trying to help you out by pointing you towards a subset of American culture that has embraced gunplay as a more or less daily part of their lives. While I by no means understand it, neither will I judge them for this.
In light of this, I must say, I'm rather disappointed that you have chosen to perceive this as a cultural "problem". How pompous and judgmental of you. They have embraced it, and clearly revel in it. Their music glorifies it, their role models live it. You should be happy for them.
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