Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: The Mellotron Group

… Americans don't view cynicism as a sign of intellectual acuity…

In some cases, yes. In my case, it is the essence of my being and I am as American as one gets, (I hope). But this does bring to mind what I have observed recently with regard to the group and the circuitous threads. I almost find the comments with regard to cultural quirks as irritating as the political innuendo that has been bandied about. Why is this? Because when I see that in one instance the ‘rules’ are used to squelch comments the moderator views as inappropriate, I say fine. It their house. And then I see this. I’m sorry Fritz, I don’t see any reason for an apology, unless you think that this person’s behavior is ENTIRELY reflective of the citizens of the US. The fact is, our culture (or lack thereof) is ours, and frankly, take it or leave it. I find Brits I have worked with in AMERICAN business environments utterly and mindblowingly rude. Aussies? I love them. The French? Thought they were the rudest when I spent time in Paris in ’00 and loved them in ’09. Goiing back in ’12. Now what has this to do with my impression of Britain and France? In the whole sense, nothing. Perceptions change all the time. I am grateful for Martin and his bunch. And they have delivered what they advertise. And I have as much respect for the Brits as a whole as any other group of people. When I deal with rude Brits in the office, I don’t transfer that distaste to their population as a whole. I see that they (the Brits I have observed) seem to be insecure in our very political, competitive work environment, attributing to their ‘rude’ behavior. Out of work they tend to be like the rest of us – normal and not rude.

I for one get sick and tired of non-American’s bashing, making fun of, and being rude to Americans, but I do understand, as I have learned to put that crap aside before passing judgment on an entire population. But American’s bashing Americans? Yes, we do have a number of apologists out there. Just because one is American, British, French, Christians, Jews, Muslims, or white, black, or purple doesn’t mean we can use the metaphorical ‘N’ word on ourselves and think that it’s okay because we’re in that group and no one will mind. I resist resorting to jingoism as I get older, as easy as it would be because it serves no end, although civilized thought would have us believe that the mention of this is some kind of crime, or so typically American. Yes, when one has no memory of anything before last week, then it is pointless to even bother anyway.

But, back to the topic. Fritz, ‘Most Americans don't know how to deal with  the Brits’.  - Blatant generalization. ‘The goofy American assumes that if you speak’ – sorry, not buying that one. I have found English Canadians as impatient with their French counterparts, and vice versa as anywhere. You think all Canadians are bi-lingual? And on and on.  

And to the rest of the group, I offer no such apologies, although thanks for offering on my behalf.  And, no Clay, I am not looking for a new rule, and frankly I love political banter particularly with my opponents, but it seems that everywhere we turn in this modern age, someone is always offending someone else. If anybody is still awake, how about some Tron discussion?

Regards,

John