Quote Originally Posted by svar45
Hmmm...I'm definitely don't want to be or look offensive…
I’m can be in high dudgeon, that’s true, but not offensive or aggressive.

maybe, all my thoughts look offensive for you?

Maybe, I'm use too many of "i'ms", which responds in you mind to "I'm Overlord of the Universe, but you dirt on my feet?".
In Russian if using too many "Я" it's look offensive and haughty too.
Also I’m use “you” as opposite side, and you can interpret this as “тыканье”. Who knows…

About drawing, books... yes, if you'll say that to me, my thoughts will be :
"We are just different kinds of people". Someone love Kandinsky "Black square", but most of us don’t.
I’m don’t like his works, becouse I can’t see “a work” in his painting.
But all “love” Italian Renaissance masters.
I’m prefer sculptures (big and small works) then drawings. They just “play on shadows”, but sculpture is real! Benvenuto Cellini “Persey” is the best for me.
It's just question of taste. But!

I'm want to say that's look weird, when all Western ppl, who have interest in Russian culture reads one-two-three writers. Is it be weird if we all Russians just reads Shakespeare and no more? Do you agree with me? What do you feels as American if Russians, says “American writer? Ar know, know, Shakespeare, yes?”
Either, he was Englishman in 16-17th centuries, and USA doesn’t exists it his times. Now you can understand my view of reading “classics” and trying to reach “Russian soul”?

BWT, Russians says jokes all-time. It’s can be silly jokes, dark jokes, but it’s defensive tactic to hide our incompetence.

Svar,
Yes, you are "clear as good crystal". Большое спасибо. And, you are correct... I would not give someone only Shakespeare to understand English. I understand your point.

I've been educated in several languages, many cultures, art, literature... my father's wish that I become an "educated" man. My original post meaning was that there is value for each of us in all cultures, literature, art, etc. It is especially important for Americans to start thinking more of the "world"... and stop hiding behind American borders. I'm not saying 'business'... I'm saying learning and understanding other countries. This was an important reason I chose to leave the U.S., and moved to Europe.

I think this returns us to our original discussion... can Americans be arrogant, annoying assholes? Yes, of course. Same as many people from most countries. But sometimes Americans are lost and desperately need help also... metro, train, street... same as anyone from anywhere... and some of us are very good people, who just need a small amount of help as we are traveling and trying to reach our next place of safety.

Many Americans are very kind and good people, just lost and trying to find their way. Please remember this... for the next person you meet who is lost and scared.

Svar45, you made good points.