Why you don't like Americans. (Those from United States)
Hi there:
I would like to hear from those who do not like Americans. In particular, Russians who do not like those from the United States. Can you please explain thoroughly why it is you do not like Americans? Also, can you list some reasons that colleagues of yours do not like Americans?
Of course, perhaps you like Americans, in which case you should not reply to this post.
Also, this is not intended to be an argument, I would simply like to hear from those who do not like us. So please feel free to include any opinions or prejudices you have. I am not going to attempt to devalue or refute your ideas.
Also, is it that you do not like Americans in aggregate, or individual Americans? One more thing, are there any Russians who do not like Russians if they are in America? If so, why. And when they get back to Russia do you like them again, or are they now considered disliked Americans? (Honestly that may seem a bit rhetorical, but I assure you that is not my intention.)
I am most interested to hearing from you. Don't worry about being offensive, just tell me what you think.
Thanks.
Re: Why you don't like Americans. (Those from United States)
Quote:
Originally Posted by carperdiem
Hi there:
I would like to hear from those who do not like Americans.
Americans are lovely: ready smiles and pearly teeth. If I have my reservations, they are centred upon:
- a certain deficiency with regard to understanding/responding to irony. Not a problem you exhibit yourself, carper.
- an tendency towards insularity of mindset (my American friend said to me on Thursday evening: 'It makes a nice change to see them bombing someone else this time.')
- Mariah Carey.
Stereotyping, of course, is bad and wrong and dreadful. Just say no.
Why Russians don't like Americans
I've just returned from my second trip to Russia, this time I was there for a month. You'll find that in Moscow and St Pete, folks have met Americans (not alot, unless they work in the hotels, etc), and have fewer misconceptions. They know that our culture is less formal and often appears rude and arrogant, but that it's not usually intended. However, outside the cities is a little different. I was the first American most of my new friends had met, and their impressions come from the entertainment media (so I was probably a letdown). However, once they got to know me a little bit, they were very curious about the way we live - they know we have lots of stuff and they want to know how it affects they way we think, not just how we live. And, of course, everyone is different - every Russian as well as every American. (However, I must add that Russians are much more alike than are Ams. They still feel a much greater need to conform than we do. But they're getting over that!)