So everyone in the southern US is a racist hick?

[Kasawd]

Well, I'm a Southern Ontarian. We're often considered rude, metrosexual jerks. To be fair, it's largely based in fact.

 

[AgDr_ODST]

Im from NC and not near as far down south as the OP, but none the less Im just as offended by this stereotype as he is. and He's right I about racist not being "exclusive" to the south. When I was on vacation in Illinois with friends of my family atleast 5 people said something to the tune of "out of the way N word" and "watch where you going ya GD cracker"

 

[Samcanuck]

And hell, it isn't Obama's fault that your country undercutted your middle class and did business on borrowed money now is it? How many Trillions in debt is the U.S to China now, anyways?

Your absolutely right. It's all Chris Dodd's(D-CT) fault for FORCING the banks to meet quotas and insure the sub-prime home loans in last finacial reform bill passed in 1999. The government forced businesses to make promises they couldn't keep and in 2008 they fell. As a libertarian, I staunchly believe that current economic debacle were in now is largely due to the government involvement and regulation.

Agreed. The free trade agreement was designed to benifit North America as a whole, not to pave the pockets of the super rich who could make a cheaper textile in Asia as opposed to Mexico. I also feel thats the cause of the Mexican mini-invasion due to production work loss.
Whatever man...perhaps its time to throw away the dripdown effect theory, or reintroduce tariffs (if China would even go for it).

EDIT: On the Afghan thing. What, shit...the U.S sticks its nose in affairs all over the world with divide and conquor tactics. To disagree with the U.S aiding one ally to upset the balance of power in a sphere of influence over any other time this occurs (or has occured) is like finding individual grains of sand in a park. Man alive, I would feel sorry for you (you seem like an educated chap), but it's a little too late for me to feel sorry for an apathitic democracy. You just make up a tiny part of that whole...in the same way as a civilian in Iraq makes up a country governed by Saddam (an ex ally, with U.S sold nerve gas might I add)

 

[LANCE420]

Agreed. The free trade agreement was designed to benifit North America as a whole, not to pave the pockets of the super rich who could make a cheaper textile in Asia as opposed to Mexico. I also feel thats the cause of the Mexican mini-invasion due to production work loss.
Whatever man...perhaps its time to throw away the dripdown effect theory, or reintroduce tariffs (if China would even go for it).

I wouldn't go so far as Tariffs. I say that we end NAFTA and let free markets decide. the concept of fair trade was invented by workers and the corporations who actually payed the workers decent living amounts, NAFTA is the government's inefficent idea of benefits.

I can agree though 1945-present, America has been too interventionilst. You don't need to tell me America's laundry list, I know it.

Also, I'm not as pessimistic as you about us. I know it doesn't seem like it, but America is a survivor, we'll get through it.

 

[Samcanuck]

Agreed. The free trade agreement was designed to benifit North America as a whole, not to pave the pockets of the super rich who could make a cheaper textile in Asia as opposed to Mexico. I also feel thats the cause of the Mexican mini-invasion due to production work loss.
Whatever man...perhaps its time to throw away the dripdown effect theory, or reintroduce tariffs (if China would even go for it).

I wouldn't go so far as Tariffs. I say that we end NAFTA and let free markets decide. the concept of fair trade was invented by workers and the corporations who actually payed the workers decent living amounts, NAFTA is the government's inefficent idea of benefits.

I can agree though 1945-present, America has been too interventionilst. You don't need to tell me America's laundry list, I know it.

Fair enough.

On the second point. Well, than you can understand my exact disgust then. 1945-present is a LONG time. And everytime I learn something new, I get more deep seated into this blinding hatred of an ally I USED to respect. As a soldier, its a pretty angering thing to realize what you are fighting for and the reasons you enlisted is greatly opposes by your countries closest ally. One that effects almost every present aspect of economics and foriegn diplomacy your country deals in.
How in the HELL can you stand living there?

EDIT: Survivor maybe. But what gives the U.S culture anymore right to survive than anybody elses? And I know your answer is going to probably be 'none', and I understand you are stuck in a shitty situation that you can only try and make better...but man is it ever frustrating as a Canadian.

 

[LANCE420]

On the second point. Well, than you can understand my exact disgust then. 1945-present is a LONG time. And everytime I learn something new, I get more deep seated into this blinding hatred of an ally I USED to respect. As a soldier, its a pretty angering thing to realize what you are fighting for and the reasons you enlisted is greatly opposes by your countries closest ally. One that effects almost every present aspect of economics and foriegn diplomacy your country deals in.
How in the HELL can you stand living there?

A while ago, I figured that

A. I'm a typical American at heart, I'll have a Double Cheeseburger, fantasize this about hot Eastern European chick I once dated, nap, and forget about it.

B. There's not much I can do about it. Politicans on both sides have no interest fixing our issues

C. could be worse. Imagine the weight Germany must still feel about the holocaust.

D. There's no reason to get worked up about a bunch of asses who make stupid mistakes all the time, things have a way of working out. (E.G. Bush will not be regarded well in history)

EDIT: as a note, I think the actions of the US in the Russian/Afghan War, CIA operations in 1979 Iran, and Weapons deliveries to Saddam are much more common knowledge here than you think.
Ohh don't forget that lovely little incident in 1961 Cuba. Also, in reponse to your other question, America's been around for 200 years, and your right, im stuck in a shitty situation and i have to try to make the best of it.

 

[LANCE420]

As crazy as this sounds, I have some respect for the Confederates. I despise the slavery they supported, but they also they fought against a federal government that had too much power.

Also, when the Confederates held Union land, they were respectful. Union soldiers raped and pillaged(scorched earth policy). Also, Robert Lee(who wanted to fight for the union, joined confeds when Virginia did) was the greatest military genius in American History.

 

[r0qu3]

hmmm....lack of experience really forbids me to talk about the south. I've never really been there so i cannot comment on the region.

But you also asked if you were stereotyped on where i lived...
...lets think about it....

As a german a certainly have been stereotyped a lot through the years. I got the "Hitler"-greeting wandering through Kopenhagen, after talking a bit german. I was in France where an really old dude just couldn't stop swearing at me and the other "goddamned" germans (for him WWII wasn't over yet). I had big issues with a group of fuckin' drunk english people down in the south of spain resulting in fight and arrest and one time i was in Rotterdam/NL where you better not talk german in many parts, i was chased by a few ruffians....why?....cause I'm german.

...On the other hand the last years the perception towards my home has gotten far better and i never had something like this happening to me the last five years. But when i was younger I often had the german=nazi problem.

This reminded me a bit of your story. It's really annoying, especially if you're not racist in any way or don't fit the common stereotype you're put in.

As you all know:

There are assholes and non-assholes....everywhere

 

[Samcanuck]

On the second point. Well, than you can understand my exact disgust then. 1945-present is a LONG time. And everytime I learn something new, I get more deep seated into this blinding hatred of an ally I USED to respect. As a soldier, its a pretty angering thing to realize what you are fighting for and the reasons you enlisted is greatly opposes by your countries closest ally. One that effects almost every present aspect of economics and foriegn diplomacy your country deals in.
How in the HELL can you stand living there?

A while ago, I figured that

A. I'm a typical American at heart, I'll have a Double Cheeseburger, fantasize this about hot Eastern European chick I once dated, nap, and forget about it.

B. There's not much I can do about it. Politicans on both sides have no interest fixing our issues

C. could be worse. Imagine the weight Germany must still feel about the holocaust.

D. There's no reason to get worked up about a bunch of asses who make stupid mistakes all the time, things have a way of working out. (E.G. Bush will not be regarded well in history)

A. Yeah, I know.
B. This I know aswell. Especially since Americans as a whole don't wish to take a look at the fact that the electorate and media are the ones to blame. This is the thing, Bush is now a hawk scapegoat. Nothing is going to change if the American people don't hold themselves accountable and make a real change in there own gov't. Just means in 10 - 15 years the unpunished child who took the cookie from the cookie jar just does it again. That's not good enough for me, and an increasing number of people are starting to feel the same way...your countries closest allies (nevermind North America's enemies).
C. Could be worse all depends on what side of the bullet you're on. How did the Shiites of Iran feel sniffing U.S brand nerve gas?
D. Yeah but that's just it. Things don't just work themselves out in this world. That's the mentality that has created today's issues caused by events that took place 10-25 years prior to Sept 11. Apathy and conformity until revolution are fine in a dictatorship...but not in a democracy...the people are supposed to keep there own gov't accountable.

We could have this discussion forever. Either way it will change nothing...not even our own perspectives. Especially our old asses (I'm guessing you're over 25 like me). I think we both understand where we both stand.

 

[ClaptonKnophlerHendrix]

This reminds me of an Episode Top Gear where they get attack in Alabama by hicks

Nobody is stupid enough to impart physical harm however, and those attendents at the gas station were just barking, and knew better than to bite. Might have called the sheriff though, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, inciting a riot, etc...

What I find even more annoying, is when your own neighbors believe that bull. I've been called a racist far too many times. I swear, its like little children crying when they think their benefactors are unfair ("Mommy he got more than me!").

I'm not trying to belittle the abuse that was done to many, so long ago. However many people are trying to move forward, and pitching a tantrum and crying racist does not help this issue go away.

Welcome to the Escapist. I should probably give a speech but I really cant be bothered. Anyway, good first post, most end up lyk this u no? See you around.

 

[KdS_22]

You must understand: from a foreign perspective, I see the Southern United States as being deeply religious and worshipping of the Confederates(treasonous dogs), simply because those are the only stories ever reported from there. Were there other stories coming from the south-east maybe this stereotype would not persist, but right now the only stories the media reports are the ones that get the most views/reads, which are usually negative and sensationalist stories.

I can definitely agree with what your saying about the media. Even here in the US, I usually don't see a positive story coming out of the Deep South (especially Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia) on the national news networks very often. Most of the time it's about very loud fundamentalists or some racial issue, which - like you said - tend to draw the most attention. Maybe with time that will change somewhat. Though I don't think the media's fixation with negative stories in general will ever change. But, I can dream can't I? ^_^

 

[LANCE420]

A. Yeah, I know.
B. This I know aswell. Especially since Americans as a whole don't wish to take a look at the fact that the electorate and media are the ones to blame. This is the thing, Bush is now a hawk scapegoat. Nothing is going to change if the American people don't hold themselves accountable and make a real change in there own gov't. Just means in 10 - 15 years the unpunished child who took the cookie from the cookie jar just does it again. That's not good enough for me, and an increasing number of people are starting to feel the same way...your countries closest allies (nevermind North America's enemies).
C. Could be worse all depends on what side of the bullet you're on. How did the Shiites of Iran feel sniffing U.S brand nerve gas?
D. Yeah but that's just it. Things don't just work themselves out in this world. That's the mentality that has created today's issues caused by events that took place 10-25 years prior to Sept 11. Apathy and conformity until revolution are fine in a dictatorship...but not in a democracy...the people are supposed to keep there own gov't accountable.

Your right on all those points, I thank my personal god I at least was born into a upper middle class family in a first world nation. It seems like since the thirtes, the people in America don't matter. The Government and Corporations just don't give a fuck about us. As long as we Americans are kept happy, we don't care. I think now our economic collapse looks more and more feasible everyday. Many economists think we actually might hit Greece proportions in about 3-5 years, and I don't know if we Americans will take it as good as the Greeks do now. And if our economy collapses, that might be the best or the worst thing for us because things will change then.

EDIT: I'm 21 actually.

 

[KdS_22]

You must understand: from a foreign perspective, I see the Southern United States as being deeply religious and worshipping of the Confederates(treasonous dogs), simply because those are the only stories ever reported from there. Were there other stories coming from the south-east maybe this stereotype would not persist, but right now the only stories the media reports are the ones that get the most views/reads, which are usually negative and sensationalist stories.

I can definitely agree with what your saying about the media. Even here in the US, I usually don't see a positive story coming out of the Deep South (especially Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia) on the national news networks very often. Most of the time it's about very loud fundamentalists or some racial issue, which - like you said - tend to draw the most attention. Maybe with time that will change somewhat. Though I don't think the media's fixation with negative stories in general will ever change. But, I can dream can't I? ^_^

I find most news sources outside of America are sound, especially RT(Russia Today).

Well I'm going to start adding more foreign outlets to my news network then. I haven't watched as much news recently in comparison to how much I watched during high school, but I'm going to try to improve that.

 

[Samcanuck]

A. Yeah, I know.
B. This I know aswell. Especially since Americans as a whole don't wish to take a look at the fact that the electorate and media are the ones to blame. This is the thing, Bush is now a hawk scapegoat. Nothing is going to change if the American people don't hold themselves accountable and make a real change in there own gov't. Just means in 10 - 15 years the unpunished child who took the cookie from the cookie jar just does it again. That's not good enough for me, and an increasing number of people are starting to feel the same way...your countries closest allies (nevermind North America's enemies).
C. Could be worse all depends on what side of the bullet you're on. How did the Shiites of Iran feel sniffing U.S brand nerve gas?
D. Yeah but that's just it. Things don't just work themselves out in this world. That's the mentality that has created today's issues caused by events that took place 10-25 years prior to Sept 11. Apathy and conformity until revolution are fine in a dictatorship...but not in a democracy...the people are supposed to keep there own gov't accountable.

Your right on all those points, I thank my personal god I at least was born into a upper middle class family in a first world nation. It seems like since the thirtes, the people in America don't matter. The Government and Corporations just don't give a fuck about us. As long as we Americans are kept happy, we don't care. I think now our economic collapse looks more and more feasible everyday. Many economists think we actually might hit Greece proportions in about 3-5 years, and I don't know if we Americans will take it as good as the Greeks do now. And if our economy collapses, that might be the best or the worst thing for us because things will change then.

Perhaps. Unless it creates a power vacuum and things become worse. Who knows, economic and ifrostructure failure is why Afghanistan turned out how it did. And besides, Canada still has to protect the Northwest passage despite economic struggles and the U.S still has to keep the angry wolf of past transgressions from the door for it's citizens sake. However, good conversation but its time to hit the hay. Talk with yah some other time.

 

[LANCE420]

I know, I wanted to go to sleep an hour ago. I was too drawn in.

 

[Monkeylord]

Pretty much the whole slavery thing
and the lynching thing
and the segregation thing
and the CIVIL WAR thing

People who haven't been there base their opinions on what they know about the history of the place.

And really, history has not been kind to the South.

 

[LANCE420]

true that

 

[lockeslylcrit]

I'm from Alabama, and we get a lot of negativity because of stereotypes. True, stereotypes are based on fact, but not EVERYONE here is racist. In fact, the state has an extremely high number of black people in comparison to other states. In some counties, whites are actually the minority. I live around the capital area, which is very cosmopolitan in regards to white/black relations. This state also helped birth the Civil Rights Movement, so that counts for something.
You will find just as many racists here as anywhere else. In fact, I found more racists in Maryland than I have here.