Qualities for an American??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Warm & Fuzzy · 01-31-2002, 06:20 PM

WHAT ARE SOME QUALITIES THAT MAKE UP AN AMERICAN?

(Sorry, didn't realized I caps-locked everything)

Max Whittaker · 01-31-2002, 06:38 PM

Strength, drive, pride, determination, ingenuity, moral, honorable.

We are, at times, most illogical... But mossop has already pointed that out, haven't you girl?

We can be vengeful, arrogant, greedy, unreliable...

There are two sides to every coin. Personally, I could live without the illogical side.

Bootsy Whoosh · 01-31-2002, 06:44 PM

I do not think that there is any single trait or handful of traits that are definable as American, and to attempt to pigeon-hole people in that manner is both fruitless and dangerous, IMO.

Max Whittaker · 01-31-2002, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bootsy Whoosh
I do not think that there is any single trait or handful of traits that are definable as American, and to attempt to pigeon-hole people in that manner is both fruitless and dangerous, IMO.

Maybe... But I don't think it would hurt if you noted a few traits many Americans seem to have.

Mossopp · 02-01-2002, 03:16 PM

I agree with Bootsy. How on earth can you generalise an entire nation????

Kitt · 02-03-2002, 07:40 PM

I agree with Mossopp and bootsy but just to show how wide spread this desire to paint ourselves as great, full of fine qualities, look at the recent state of the union address. In the speach he said something like America is the greatest country on the face of the earth. And many other politicos can be quoted as saying something just like that. What does that mean and why does it need to be said all the time? There are many measures of "greatness" and America doesn't hold them all above all others. It's embarrasing to hear the president of the United States tell the entire world that America is greater than all others.

Lynn · 02-03-2002, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kittflynn
There are many measures of "greatness" and America doesn't hold them all above all others. It's embarrasing to hear the president of the United States tell the entire world that America is greater than all others.

I agree. The U.S. has way to big of an ego.

Jimbo · 02-03-2002, 08:27 PM

The United States of America IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!

When Hitler overran Europe, and Britian was on the brink of falling, who came over there and stood with the British to take back the continent, and liberate Europe? We did, that's who!

After the war, we rebuilt the economies of Germany and Japan - and now we are doing the same in Afghanistan. What other nation would do this for us if they defeated this country in a war?

When natural disaster strikes anywhere in the world, who are the first ones on the scene to offer relief and help them rebuild? We are, that's who!

Who has done more than the United States to feed the hungry people in this world? Who has done more to alleviate suffering, or treat the sick? Nobody!

There's still too many people in the U.S. who feel they have to put down this country for the sake of "Political Correctness".

This is the greatest country that God has ever put on the face of this Earth, and I don't give a damn if some people out there don't like me saying it!!!!! God Bless America!

Kitt · 02-03-2002, 10:19 PM

Being a braggadocio is tacky for musicians, athletes, politicians, WWWF wrestlers or supermodels. Modesty and verbal restraint doesn't automatically coincide with being politically correct. Bragging is also a good way to get one's nose bloodied. I wonder if you feel that political correctness in this country should be a category to consider when profiling?

Lynn · 02-04-2002, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo

There's still too many people in the U.S. who feel they have to put down this country for the sake of "Political Correctness".

I'm not saying America doesn't do great things, I'm just saying that sometimes this country can be egotistical –there's a big difference. I feel the U.S. sometimes has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. This is just my opinion and I'm not saying we are always this way but oftentimes we do think rather highly of ourselves. The rest of the world would not crumble to pieces if the U.S. did not exist!

It is quite possible to do great things without thinking of yourself as the greatest country there ever was! Besides that, no country is perfect, including the U.S. There are many areas where the U.S. falls far short of other countries and there are times when the U.S. is not so great. I am not trying to put this country down, I'm just pointing out that it is not always greater than others. I also am not trying to be politically correct, this is simply how I feel.

Think of it this way. It's like a talented quarterback bragging that he's the best football player on the planet. He's not perfect, there are plenty of other great quarterbacks, and to go around making those kinds of statements makes him look like a jerk.

Again, I am not trying to discount any of the wonderful things our country does, I just think it is arrogant to claim we are the greatest country in the world.

Mossopp · 02-04-2002, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo

When Hitler overran Europe, and Britian was on the brink of falling, who came over there and stood with the British to take back the continent, and liberate Europe? We did, that's who!

Get your facts right! America was NOT responsible for any heroics whatsoever in the Second World War. America kept it's distance throughout the entire thing and only stepped in at the very last minute. That does not give you the right to act like heros and I suggest you study your history texts books a little more closely before you say any more nonsense!

I don't have the time or the energy to correct you on any of the other things you said.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your country but Americans take it all too far sometimes. That's why you have the reputation you do - loud, brash and completely unaware of what's going on anywhere else in the world!! When I hear Americans talking the way Jimbo is talking I can see why people from other countries think you are all ignorant.

JoJoJoJoJoJoJoJoJo · 02-04-2002, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kittflynn
Being a braggadocio .....

Sorry, but my South Carolina side is showing through...what the hell does braggadocio mean?

Jimbo · 02-04-2002, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kittflynn
I wonder if you feel that political correctness in this country should be a category to consider when profiling?

To tell you the truth, that thought never occurred to me, but I think you have a great idea there, Kittflynn! Thanks for a terrific suggestion!

Kitt · 02-04-2002, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoJoJoJoJoJoJoJoJo

Sorry, but my South Carolina side is showing through...what the hell does braggadocio mean?

Something that Californians and South Carolinians have in common is access to a dictionary. Something that braggadocio and bird or car or tree or bee or see or, really most any word you can name is that they are all in that dictionary. Now, I've known a few South Carolinians, and all of them could read. And you're no exception to that rule, are you JoJoJoJoJoJoJoJoJo.

Jimbo · 02-04-2002, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mossopp

Get your facts right! America was NOT responsible for any heroics whatsoever in the Second World War. America kept it's distance throughout the entire thing and only stepped in at the very last minute. That does not give you the right to act like heros and I suggest you study your history texts books a little more closely before you say any more nonsense!

You are the one who needs to get their facts straight, Mossopp! So you think America was not responsible for any heroics whatsoever, do you? Who do you think fought along side of the British, the Canadians, and the other allied forces during the invasion of Normandy? Who fought with them in the North Africa? In the Battle of the Bulge? (My own father was wounded there). In fact, while we were fighting the war in Europe, we were also fighting a second front in the Pacific. Ever hear of the battle of Midway? Corrigedor? Iwo Jima? How dare you say say that America was not responsible for any heroics!

During WWII, 292,131 American servicemen and women were killed, and another 671,801 were wounded. Just who do you think you are? If you ever come to this country, visit Arlington National Cemetery (or any other Veteran's cemetary for that matter!), and then walk up to someone and say that - if you've got the guts.

As for "entering the war at the last minute", again, it's you who needs to read the history books. America entered the war in December, 1941, and fought until victory in Europe was achieved on May 8th, 1945, then continued on until victory over Japan was won on August 15th, 1945. That's over 3 1/2 years of combat. I'd hardly call that "the last minute"!

I'm not saying we did it all ourselves - we didn't. If you had bothered to read my original post (instead of just seeing what you wanted to see), I clearly said the we stood WITH the British in liberating Europe. I agree with what President George W. Bush said recently when he stated that our country has "no greater friend than Great Britian". The same holds true for Canada. The border between the U.S. and Canada stretches for 3000 miles - the longest undefended border between two countries in the world. I'm not backing down from anything I said.

Now, regarding your other snotty remark where you said that you "didn't have time to correct everything I said that was wrong". Go ahead. Take the time. I'll be waiting. God Bless America!

01-31-2002, 06:20 PM	#1
Warm & Fuzzy Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 02, 2001 Posts: 10,254	Qualities for an American??? WHAT ARE SOME QUALITIES THAT MAKE UP AN AMERICAN? (Sorry, didn't realized I caps-locked everything)
	__________________ "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." ~Unknown

01-31-2002, 06:38 PM	#2
Max Whittaker I want Serenity back Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 30, 2001 Posts: 6,180	Strength, drive, pride, determination, ingenuity, moral, honorable. We are, at times, most illogical... But mossop has already pointed that out, haven't you girl? We can be vengeful, arrogant, greedy, unreliable... There are two sides to every coin. Personally, I could live without the illogical side.
	__________________ I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, & healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.

01-31-2002, 06:44 PM	#3
Bootsy Whoosh Storms abrewin'... Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2001 Location: The Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 Posts: 2,104	I do not think that there is any single trait or handful of traits that are definable as American, and to attempt to pigeon-hole people in that manner is both fruitless and dangerous, IMO.
	__________________ Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character for it will become your destiny. - unknown Last edited by Bootsy Whoosh; 01-31-2002 at 06:51 PM.

02-01-2002, 03:16 PM	#5
Mossopp asleep at the wheel Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 30, 2000 Location: Helensburgh, Scotland Posts: 3,726	I agree with Bootsy. How on earth can you generalise an entire nation????
	__________________ "Heavy metal has been my life since I was 10 years old. It's the only thing I know, it's the only thing I care about." Dimebag Darrell, 1966 - 2004

02-03-2002, 07:40 PM	#6
Kitt James Dean Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 16, 2001 Location: California Dreamin' Posts: 6,115	Great and qualities? I agree with Mossopp and bootsy but just to show how wide spread this desire to paint ourselves as great, full of fine qualities, look at the recent state of the union address. In the speach he said something like America is the greatest country on the face of the earth. And many other politicos can be quoted as saying something just like that. What does that mean and why does it need to be said all the time? There are many measures of "greatness" and America doesn't hold them all above all others. It's embarrasing to hear the president of the United States tell the entire world that America is greater than all others.

02-03-2002, 08:27 PM	#8
Jimbo Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 29, 2001 Location: United States of America-One Nation UNDER GOD! Posts: 471	The United States of America IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH! When Hitler overran Europe, and Britian was on the brink of falling, who came over there and stood with the British to take back the continent, and liberate Europe? We did, that's who! After the war, we rebuilt the economies of Germany and Japan - and now we are doing the same in Afghanistan. What other nation would do this for us if they defeated this country in a war? When natural disaster strikes anywhere in the world, who are the first ones on the scene to offer relief and help them rebuild? We are, that's who! Who has done more than the United States to feed the hungry people in this world? Who has done more to alleviate suffering, or treat the sick? Nobody! There's still too many people in the U.S. who feel they have to put down this country for the sake of "Political Correctness". This is the greatest country that God has ever put on the face of this Earth, and I don't give a damn if some people out there don't like me saying it!!!!! God Bless America!

02-03-2002, 10:19 PM	#9
Kitt James Dean Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 16, 2001 Location: California Dreamin' Posts: 6,115	Politically correct? Being a braggadocio is tacky for musicians, athletes, politicians, WWWF wrestlers or supermodels. Modesty and verbal restraint doesn't automatically coincide with being politically correct. Bragging is also a good way to get one's nose bloodied. I wonder if you feel that political correctness in this country should be a category to consider when profiling?