The Man In Black wrote:
The funny thing is, America's culture is spreading around and will probably some day envelope all other cultures, barring some major historical event.
Hey, I guess thats the new imperialism, isn't it? Doesn't that make me an imperialist?
So that whole "reality TV" thing was
American in origin? Regis Fillmore was the
real 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' host? Pokemon were
really invented by a white guy in California? Wow, the things we learn every day. Spare me.
And there's one itty-bitty thing (among others) that keeps me from believing that the States are really what they're cracked up to be.
Bowling for Columbine sums it up pretty nicely. I think after watching that, one can hardly believe the United States to be as bright and shining as some try to make them.
As for nationalsim/patriotism in general, I think the whole kit and kaboodle is an effect of international competition and collision. Nations train their children to be loyal to the fatherland for self-preservation, but making someone loyal is easier if you can pit your cause against another, and other nations happen to fill that role nicely. I think feelings of intense nationalism and patriotism will decrease as borders become blurred and more
linguae francae are accepted (as I believed they will, [EU, anyone?]).
And the WTC attacks? Those were most certainly targeted against America, PTLIS, how can you deny that? Admittedly, it wasn't because there's something intrinsic about America that radical Muslims hate; it was simply that America is currently the biggest bully on the block. A century or so ago, I have little doubt that the British Commonwealth would have been the target.
_________________
Quote:
"In real life, you don' have a Subterfuge skill above one." - Phill
"What?! You spent THREE YEARS believing that I didn't masturbate!" - Steven