My biggest problem with some Americans is when they pretend the US is the greatest country in the world. Even if they admit that the US has massive problems, they refuse to look to other countries for solutions. Because in their minds, no other country can ever do anything better than the US.
This is because they are brainwashed from an early age. The national anthem on the most insignificant occasions, the ubiquitous flag, everywhere you go you hear how great America is. The greatest and most perfect of all possible countries. From the outside, however, I see a country struggling with itself. Only 2 parties to choose from, none of them progressive. Republicans in particular are very backward looking. The abortion laws, the gun ownership, the people who are faithful to the Bible or even evangelicals. I see the crime, the shootings, the drugs, the healthcare system, the rotten suburbs, the crowds of poor or even homeless people. In addition, I have the impression that the whole system there is geared towards the exploitation of workers. But politicians and the media keep drumming it into the people there that the USA is the greatest country on the planet.
They don't "pretend", they are convinced of it. They have it drummed into them from an early age. Their "Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag" at school has a lot to answer for in that regard.
@@Timbothruster-fh3cwlol subsidizing the world defense and economy huh.. Jesus.. All you fund is the defense of your empire with which your elites are extracting the resources of third world countries.. You're brainwashed Bud
As a German travelling a lot in the USA and loving the country I can tell you this: We don't "dislike Americans" at all. We just see so many disadvantages of American society and every day life behaviour. Things like "freedom to be armed" (mass shootings), "freedom to not have a health insurance" (going bancrupt by disease), so much homelessness, so much violence by police, and so on. All the good things in society that we enjoy in Germany are rejected by the American society (or big parts of it) because they believe (!) this is socialism or communism. What is so far from the truth. A single American is not to blame for this. He can only think and believe and vote what he was educated to do. And that is the real tragedy.
This. Of course people are all different, but the political result is extreme individualism, leading to social extremes, educational extremes, inefficiencies just to make sure things aren't "socialist", car dependency, environmental disasters, ...
Those are just liberal nonsense from someone not educated about the issues. I won't bother trying. You are just another easily fooled by liberalism and don't realize it.
I was born and educated in England (UK). When visiting USA a waitress asked why I did not speak English? I explained my background at which time a man at the next table said "You don't speak English, you speak a kind of English" How can a person be so arrogant to tell a native of another country they do not speak the language of their country of birth??
People from England speak English, sometimes with an accent depending where they live in England. Americans speak English but with an American accent, accent differs depending on where they live in America. You can't just say they speak "really weird english" Unless they're Scottish :D@@gastarbeiter8384
Aussie here. I have travelled a lot through the UK, Europe and spent several months in the US working as a camp counsellor (25 years ago). During my time in the US I found the people very warm, friendly and very open and interested in where I came from. What I took away from it though was, the schooling is atrocious. Education is very Americanised and students leave with no sense of the world around them. As many people in the video said it was and in many ways still is "America is great", "America is the best". What many Americans fail to realise is that, unless they are native American they are immigrants as well, the English they speak was bought over from England!!! I was asked while I was in the States to speak Australian...they honestly thought that Australians speak a language other than English........Americans as a whole are good friendly people, it the BS they are fed from their leaders brainwashing them into not being able to think for themselves and find that they are just another country in a much much much larger global family. As for Europeans, you have to remember that their civilisations go back thousands upon thousands of years. They can't be bothered with making people feel better about themselves. The Dutch and older Germans say what they like, tell it like it is, have no time for beating around the bush to get their point across. They don't do it intentionally its just the way they are. Why waste time with filters, it's just raw honesty.
Me (German) was an exchange student in the US back in 1986. I was absolutely shocked by experiencing the patriotism, believing in "America is best" and nescience of anything outside their (narrow-minded) barriers. The lack of knowledge/education in school, even about their own country in terms of politics, history and geography was mind-blowing to me. I couldn't count the stupid and arrogant questions the host family asked me, like if we have TV or cars in Germany (while there was a VW Jetta parking in their driveway! 🙈). They laughed at me when I tried to explain, many things of their daily use were invented by Germans... So from my own experience I can only copy those stereotype of "Americans living in a bubble", sorry. But today, watching loads of those reaction videos of US youtubers about Europe or rest of the world, it's even more shocking to me that in the past 35 years - with the achievement of internet, social media and globalization - obviously nothing has changed, apart from a very few smart and interested guys like Joel. It seems many US citizens believe in extraterrestrial intelligence but they can't imagine any intelligent life outside US borders on this planet... 🤯
That’s a generalization but sadly true to some extent. Maybe I’m just in the minority because I’ve lived and worked in Germany from an early age (starting in 1979), and I really pay no attention to people outside of California. I haven’t even been to 47 of the 50 US States. I prefer Europe by a long shot. I surely wouldn’t want to retire in the US. No thanks.
@@bluebird3281 They sounded like a bunch of uneducated dumb bells. How people can exist with that degree of ignorance is mind- numbing. I wonder if those American birdbrains even had paved roads and hospitals where they lived.
There's a great meme where the European says, "I feel sorry for you Americans," and the American responds, "I don't care about you Europeans," which describes the situation very well. While Europeans are interested in what happens in the U.S. and how Americans behave, Americans don't care what happens outside the States and how others feel about them. To Europeans, this lack of interest comes across as ignorant and stupid. One should always keep in mind that these are prejudices that do not apply to all people in the US.
Yes, thats part of the bigger problem! Americans know next to NOTHING about the world outside their borders. Only a very small minority even have passports. It is that insufferable attitude that what happens in America is all that matters, that gives such a bad impression !
Thats probably down to media coverage & the fact that america is a huge continent whereas the countries in europe are tiny in comparison. America is meant yo be our ally so we have to keep them grounded a bit
@@neilferguson5940 it‘s not prejudices when the US playing political monopoly has resulted in both Iraqui wars and the disaster in Afghanistan, not to mention Syria! Who do you think get's subjected to most of the refugees from those places.... Germany, that's right! And we're at capacity, for real, not counting 1,1 million Ukrainians! It‘s hard to drop any ‚misconceptions‘ when they have been true for the last 40 years and becoming more obvious by the minute. ua-cam.com/video/fHeEyLobn_c/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/MCToMDEaefo/v-deo.html
Dutchie here! First of all, I'm sorry that was your experience with us - but I'm also not surprised at all, haha. The Dutch are *extremely* direct and our 'lines-not-to-cross' and filters are completely different (if not almost non-existent) from most other people. Trust me when I say that this is not us trying to be condescending or anything, it's just always been the Dutch way: no nonsense, and no fakeness. And as a very sensitive Dutchie, growing up here wasn't always easy lol. But at the same time we are the most open-minded bunch you can come across as well. Next time just tell people to fuck off with their criticism, they will 100% appreciate that form of directness, and next you'll be the best of friends haha. That being said, I do hope you know that we (or at least most of us) absolutely don't dislike Americans at all, not in *that* way anyway. If anything, I think it's kind of a feeling of "frustration" that we seem to share over here in Europe? It's like having this friend that you care about, who have a very strict background and kind of a one-sided believe system because they come from a long line of people who weren't really exposed to anything else outside of their little world - and who kinda seems to be trapped in their own world without realizing it. And you just want to "get them out of the house" for a little bit, and just show them "the rest of it"? But I feel like maybe that's kind of an arrogant way of looking at things as well. And I'm sure there's people looking at Europeans that way too. And those people will have others look at them that way.
Like when us Americans say , give me a call later, let's go out for a drink . It'd ment to be open ended for a reason, you want that person to decide what date is good for him or her to call and go for a drink. It's never to be flakey or rude , we give the 2nd person to decide , maybe he/she works till midnight on Friday and Saturday is better and we are having this conversation on a Monday. And if he/she didn't call right away maybe it's work? Family ? It's all good 👍
The US is still a great place. But also a land of extremes. Apart from the amazing stuff you have achieved that put you at where you are now...there is a lot of negative content out of there. Mass shootings all over the place, viggils with Teddy bears until the next one few days later. Government does nothing but bullshits its way out of the problem or instead of improving and changing your declining economy you prefer to bully and bring down the competition. Just look at your trade balance. The infrastructure...thats another story. Out of touch ,living in a self delusional bubble. Heads buried in the sand. Hope you're going to change until its not too late. 😊
I love Europe and Europeans for their croissants and their wine, but there are some things about them that just drive me crazy. From their identical gene pool to their efficient robots, Europe has some work to do before they can claim superiority over America. But until then, we'll just keep enjoying our fast food and our freedom of speech! Thank you and goodnight!
Italian woman here. I think that until the rise of the internet and social media, everyone had in mind the concept of the "American dream" and kinda believed in it, also because we all basically grew up with Hollywood movies and tv series and also music that contributed to this halo effect. Thanks to the internet now we're more exposed to the news, we can easily keep up with what's happening around the world and consume media from other countries as well. As a 90s kid, I dreamed of living in the US, like many other people did, I believe. But now I'm definitely glad I'm living in Europe (not in Italy tho, in fact I'm planning to move to a northern European country 😅).
As a European, on one hand I agree with you about the American Dream. But there are at least two things that we Europeans should still be inspired by, from the US. 1) The ambition. Not the ambition to over-consume, to be the richest and so on. But the ambition to at least try to build something better, to solve the problems. Apart from the young climate activists, I feel that many people in Europe just want "have a comfy life". Anything more is doomed to fail because it didn't go well in the recent past or because Europe was kind of evil while it was powerful. To me, it feels like an excuse. 2) The science spending. While it's too expensive to study in the US, the country (for now?) still understands that you need to put money in science if you want to be successful. How many researchers have to leave for the US to continue their careers?
Oh Lord….that British girl saying ‘but we’re not in Europe because we left the EU’!! It’s a common misconception by lots of people and it drives me crazy. You can’t physically leave a continent only a club that sits in that continent. 😤
The "British Girl" it TOTALLY correct - Britain is an island NOT a continent nor is it part of a continent. Go and find out what a "continent" actually means - the meaning has been butchered enough in the last 60 years.
@@lemal0432 "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, simply known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland." The Isles around a continent also are part of the continent. They aren't their own continent and they aren't no-mans-land. And that's the case way longer than 60 years.
@@lemal0432 - Oh dear, it appears you may have gone to the same school as the girl in the film. We are not attached physically to ‘mainland Europe’ but the UK is 100% a country in Europe. And just to prove it to you as you are uneducated yourself (even though I can’t believe I am having to!) here is a direct quote for you… “While not attached to the mainland continent, the United Kingdom is part of Europe. To be specific, it is classified as belonging to the region of Western Europe.’ So if you want to nit pick then you are correct to say we are not physically attached to mainland continent of Europe but we are a country considered in Europe. Otherwise (in your world) where would you put the UK?….in The Arctic? North America or some made up place “Mid-Atlantica”! In this film the bloke was asking in the context of those girls being European and the girl on the right was correct - we are European but not in the EU - BUT we are still very much European! End of. No more discussion. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
It's not that the Dutch are more critical, its just that they're more open and honest... They aren't hiding their opinion behind a fake smile to make you feel better about what you're hearing...
That's what I've said aswell, Americans tend to fake it way more and feel offended very easily, it seems tiresome to talk to one because you'd have to waste much of your time and put lots of effort into thinkin if they show their true face or their fake face while carefully filtering every single word to see if it could be offensive to them so you don't get a live drama performance. As a Belgian though, I do think that some Dutchies -even though they don't like to waste your time or their time being wasted- could do some teeny bit more effort to sayn what they think in a more polite way. I'm going to give an example which isn't the best one to say what I mean so don't take this too literally but you can say "You're fucking ugly and fat" or "You're looking unkempt & overweight, I think you'd look way better if you would (insert example of what could make them prettier) and went to a dietitian or the gym that you'd look way better". This isn't a great example because in the second scenario you'd have to really think how to pick your words but bottomline is that you can make your message clear without sounding borderline offensive or like a dick. Just the same as there's aggressiveness and assertiveness there's ways to speak your mind but let someone in their waarde (don't know how to say this in English lol).
The Dutch have always been open, honest and in some cases brutally to the point, but that comes with a very open society which i as a Brit really think is refreshing.
The Dutch are very Left-wing. So they would see Trump as a negative. When they say the USA is very polarised what they mean is that half of Americans don't think like them and therefore must be stupid (because the Dutch all think the same, neo-liberal, globalist, Woke, Green etc). The Dutch are a very arrogant race of people generally.
I live in an Asian country and I'm often asked where I come from. When I say Australia, the walls literally break down, similar the Canadian people. The thing that most people dislike about America is the culture that contains all the things they dislike, rather than the individual people. Most Americans I've met dislike the same things about America that the rest of the world dislikes about America. The dislike is mostly about the cultural arrogance that the American culture spews out, the arrogance of continually telling the world that America is the best country, whilst simultaneously actually being one of the worst countries in terms of how they treat their citizens, that the rest of the world dislikes. And the fact that American companies come into our countries and try to behave in the same disgusting ways they get away with in America, trying to water down our workers' rights and the constant attempts to get away with treating our citizens as badly as they treat American citizens. That's what most of the world dislikes. It's not individual American people. The American people are mostly nice, the American culture is NOT nice!!
Isn't the culture the thing everybody trying to achieve ? Going with popcorn to the movies or giving engagement rings, or celebrating haloween is copied all over. And if LAdy Gaga is giving a concert, it's sold out within seconds worldwide. You seem to consider something else as culture. There is nothing going around in the world saying "you have to eat Hamburgers", no the world is doing it by their own free will.
@@holger_p LOL!! I really hope you're tongue firmly in cheek here! If not, you completely and utterly missed the point of both my post AND the entire video! 🤣🤣 And by missing the point, you basically are a case in point... 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@fransmith3255 I see you don't have the will, to explain the point, when you found out I miss it. I asked what you understand by "culture" cause all your statements are based on that. I think you rather talk about something like mentality or characters. Culture is literature, music, food, ... You talke about people travelling, not about cultural imports. It's imports, not exports. I think you missed my point ;-) Laugh at people does not leave a too good impression of you. This is the so called arrogance I guess. "I'm right, and everybody else I'm just laughing at", I dont wast time with thinking or explaining. Just, you say you are Austrailian. Maybe you got too much American influence ;-)
When I visited France my sister warned me to start any new conversation with "Je suis un Australien" and to make an effort to speak some French ie show some respect. The French were lovely and the young ones were very helpful - most spoke English. BTW they dislike the English almost as much as the Americans. I did notice some English people being very arrogant and disrespectful there.
Agreed to a large extent. But I’d point out that many Americans hate America as much as many Australiens and Europeans do, if not more so. So look a bit deeper and avoid generalizations (to everyone here). Otherwise you just come off as just as stupid and uninformed as the Americans you generalize about.
My brother and his wife come to NY in 1992 from Croatia because my brother got a job on a university. They have one child who of course went to school there. On some point, my brother and his wife has to educate her about history and geographic of Europe because she got any of this at school. It was all about America as it was the only country in the world. I as an Bosnian in elementary school and later in gymansium, learnd more about the world around the planet that I wanted to but I am glad now. Because, I have knowledg now. So, back to the first lines of my story, I am not surprised that Americans think that there are the only people who matter.
After the company I once worked for was sold by a German corporation to a US corporation, I had colleagues in the US for 10 years of my professional life. I have never again experienced so much stupidity and ignorance in working out and supervising business. The supervisor mentality is frightening. No one thinks processes through to the end, there is always someone in charge, who says what to do. I left the company because of the American way of doing business. It was unbearable for a European like me. Today, the company is pretty much on the verge of closing down. The Americans have managed to ruin a German company that was successful for 175 years before the takeover within 30 years. I don't judge every US-American to be stupid and ignorant, that would be unfair and stupid. As an employee of a US company, however, one could come to this judgment.
Ist das der Hersteller von Walzen für die Papierindustrie? Weltmarktführer aufgrund der hohen Qualität der Walzen? Ich habe da einen Bericht gesehen. Ich hätte heulen können, als ich das gesehen habe. Ich weiß leider den Namen der Firma nicht mehr, aber ich weiß noch, dass die Firma in einem relativ kleinen Ort angesiedelt war, Hauptarbeitsgeber sozusagen.
@@Dirk-Ulowetz Nein, ich habe bei einem mittelständischen Chemieproduzenten gearbeitet. Wir gehörten zu dem drittgrößten Chemiekonzern in Europa (weltweit Nummer 10) und der Vorstandsvorsitzende hatte Anfang der 90ger ein wenig herumexperimentiert. Das führte zum Zerfall des Konzerns und bedeutete für uns, dass der neue Eigentümer US-Amerikaner wurde. Das dickste Ding war ein Geschäft, das 200 Mio. USD Umsatz und rund 25% Ertrag gebracht hätte. Weil die US-Anwälte darauf bestanden, dass der Kunde einen 120 Seiten Vertrag (!!) unterschreibt, haben wir das Ding verloren.
My experience is the exact opposite: I have never experienced so much laziness, narrow-minded approach to everything and plain staggering incompetence as when working with Germans. On top of an irrational need to control everything, even at the cost of losing millions of dollars. 15 years of working with Germans. Outperforming them literally 5 to 1 (6 months to do what takes Germans 2.5 years to accomplish). While German engineers can be competent, German managers are literally all idiots, who hate their customers.
Interesting…I work for an American company that was just bought by a German company. We’re hoping for better benefits, though my company wasn’t bad by American standards, the health insurance could be better. We’re all expecting good things from it; we’re just waiting to see what changes will happen come the new year. Right now, their people are studying our people and determining what will or will not change.
Joel, thank God we have young Americans like you dispelling the American stereotypes, yet have the balls to call out outdated culture within your own country. Don't change mate
I agree , 🎉 . Joel is a fine and fabulous representation of his country , the USA 🇺🇸. You are doing you country proud Joel , Hell , my lad , a damned sight better job than that old fart " the BIG GUY , JOE BIDEN , HE'S DESTROYING THE AMERICAN REPUTATION ON A HUMONGOUS SCALE , BUT THE UK 🇬🇧 HAS HIS NUMBER AN M.O. No worries about that 😇
Hm I don't know about dispelling stereotypes. This video was just recommended to me so I don't know anything about him, I am just reciting what I observed: He started that it unfair to generalize every american, than proceeds to make the same multiple times for example stating "this country hates americans" because he had one negative conversation with one other couple. Then he doesn't really recognize why people dislike americans, because it is not just social media and Trump. Yes there are big problems in the US, that are inimaginable to Europeans and get elevated on TikTok, but most of it can be accepted with "different culture/sentimentals". But there is just so much wrong with the US foreign politics, that it is hardly surprising when people in foreign countries act accordingly.
I think most of the people, when talking in generalisations, they know, that it doesn't apply to everyone. But that doesn't implie, that generalisations are untrue, they describe an average. On average, my opinion about Americans is just like the common stereotypes. BUT I do watch a lot of American UA-camrs inkl. Joel, so that I can see the differences for not to loose hope in believing that there is still also some good potential in that country. 😊
I would never hate someone I meet on the streets or in a pub just because he/she is American, I would trust my experience in witnessing how one talks and behaves. Joel, I think maybe conversations with those European/Dutch people would have developed a little differently, if it wouldn't have been late in the night with alcohol involved, don't you think?
I am from Austria. So, I am from a country that bears the same guilt as Germany for WW2 and the holocaust. One of the main reasons why this evil was was possible was nationalism (in the extremest sense of the word). As a result, Germans and Austrians see nationalism quite differently. Of course we are proud of our respective countries but we also recognize that they are by far (!) not perfect. That is why I always feel very uncomfortable if someone tells me that America is the geartest country in the world. This is a purely emotional sentiment that has noting to do with reality. Emotions can easily be exploited (Trump) and that is exactly what happend in Germany and Austria in the 1930s. Jan 6 was only a question of time...
I am from Austria as well and I am glad I saw you're comment because I hadn't even thought of that, but I do think nationalism is a big reason I sometimes find Americans (only online, haven't been there yet) unlikable. I can't help but imediatly associate it with racism and thinking you're better than everyone else.
I am curious what you think of how I view things. So I am American and I do believe America is the best country on Earth, but not for those reasons. I believe it’s the best country because it’s mine. It’s my home, and I love my people and my home. I love when people tell me that Americans are boisterous and energetic, it makes me feel warm about my own people. Basically I believe it’s my best country, even if others do things much better than us. I know my country is very imperfect and has several major issues and problems. I do like to look at other countries for potential solutions or ideas, for example perhaps how Germany does healthcare might have some validity in America. What would you say of this viewpoint?
@@garabic8688 I absolutely agree with that. I want to clarify, that I'm not against nationalism in general, it depends on the type of nationalism. Like if you just love and appreciate the place you live in and the people around you, that's a very positive thing. But sometimes nationalism can lead to people making excuses for mistakes or problems inside their country or people thinking "people from my country are generally better than people from other countries, because my country is the best" or something along those line. Those are the types of nationalism that have lead to many wars and that we should be wary of and call out if we notice them. And as far as I understood, you don't even think the US is the best country in the world objectively, but just for you personally to live in, which I think, is completely fine and valid. Thanks for asking for my opinion by the way (I hope you were asking for mine, if not I'm sorry).
@@garabic8688 Bye the way, I've heard that Americans "pledge their allegiance to the flag" at schools. Maybe you can explain that to me, because as someone who is from a country, that was part of the NS regime not that long ago, that idea seems, to put it simply, horrifying.
@@inlandmango8282 Thanks for responding! It is interesting to hear your perspective. Yes, we do pledge allegiance to the flag, I've never personally felt a negative connotation to it. Here I'll list what the pledge says if you haven't seen it before: I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thats the entire pledge that is said at the start of the school day. I've never really felt any dangerous or negative connotations with these words, because I've always viewed it as a call to national unity and loyalty to the ideals of our constitution. As we have freedom of speech as a constitutional right, students are not forced to make this pledge. I knew many students who wouldn't stand for the pledge, either because they didn't care, and some who legitimately didn't want to. I personally always did say it because I found it to be respectful to my nation, and any problems that we do have I never felt were enough to protest by not reciting the pledge, because I saw that as a protest against the entire nation in a sense, similar to how I personally would never protest any issue I hold dear by not standing for our national anthem. However, that is just my personal standing and despite my disapproval of protesting by doing that, it's ridiculous when you have people saying its not allowed, it is most certainly allowed in the United States.
Worked with a girl from Belgium for about a year, who was on a temporary assignment here in the States. She was so rude, to say the least. Being over here without family on Easter, I invited her to dinner. She accepted the invitation and then never showed up. We waited 2 solid hours, way more than she deserved, and finally realized she wasn’t coming. Upon seeing her the next day, she blew it off when I asked her about it. She apparently had the same opinion that Americans are dumb. Ok, most of us are, but she was also very condescending. Making veiled insults. I’d rather be considered dumb than to be so obviously rude and condescending. She certainly didn’t leave a very good impression of her country.
Not just Europeans a lot of people from Asian countries and places like Australia and NZ feel the same, I like Americans just not the government. I lived in US for ages in my 20’s and they spoke a lot about US being the land of free but I actually felt a lot more free living in Europe and Australia and NZ
If American employers would give their workers 4 weeks paid vacation a year, then perhaps more people would be able to discover a whole new world out there.
Many of the older American tourists we encounter are from small mid-west towns who've saved all their lives in order to come to London, England. They may never have been outside their own state; even some relatively affluent Americans have never seen the sea/ocean in real life because they've always lived so far away from the coast.
Postscript: I don't think all Americans stupid, but a lot are are uneducated regarding the rest of the world. They are brought up with hybris and trained to be egocentric. America is so big that the people don't care about the rest of the world since they have dominated it for so long anyway - and all conflicts are less personal and are far away. We in Europe were forced to deal with the rest of the world because it starts right on our external borders and everything is more obviously connected to everything else. It's time for EVERYONE to think more globally, nationalistic was yesterday - no one is an island, not anymore
Hi Joel. I just came back from a vacation in England, but found that people were cold and distant, until I said I was Canadian, and their whole demeanour changed 180°. A generalization of Americans is that when they visit other countries, they are not willing to accept the “otherness”, and want everything to be the same as it is in the US.
That’s an old stereotype about American tourists, which is untrue. It’s so old a stereotype it appeared in an old Fawlty Towers episode from either 1976 or 1979. Give it up and get an education.
Even if americans say they are Canadian, one can tell a difference between Canadian and American with enough exposure. Americans can't do a canadian accent. Americans are more opinionated and assertive than canadians. Canadians are more polite, generally speaking.
@@sinsinsinat5377 There’s not much a “Canadian accent.” It’s pretty slight. The most obvious difference is Canadians hate Americans. More polite? Why? You gave us Ted Cancun Cruz. Obnoxious person. Thanks a lot.
But it's not just the food that gives them entitlement issues. It's also their history. They think they have the right to dictate how the rest of the world should remember their past. They want us to remember their wars and their genocides as if they were some kind of heroic endeavor! But let me tell you something, Europeans - we don't need your history lessons!
I just spent a month in Central Europe(North Italy, Czech, Austria). No one brought up politics. People were fairly polite. I tried to speak their languages as a basic courtesy, and they offered English if I was not successful. It is respectful to try to speak the language when you visit another country. I think Americans need to understand that Europeans are not there to accommodate us, that we must educate ourselves a bit before visiting the various countries in Europe in order to be respectful and abide by their basic cultural norms.
Well said, it's the same for us when we Europeans visit America, tipping culture there is completely different and from our perspective outright weird and wrong in many ways. But if we visit we will try and follow the tipping rules, no matter how weird it is to us.
as stated above, there is this thing called "propaganda" (happening in many places of course, but America is top on the list) where they make you think that your country is the best in all. When in fact, Europe and Asia and basically all world except America, has such an old history and roots, usually generally called "culture". And i'm not saying this as an offend to one side or elevating the other. I'm stating this purely as a fact. That said, in many places of the world the y don't have both access nor the money aka possibility to evolve their knowledge of the world, but US citizens does. they just don't give a ... (many, not all of course). And this is the problem. I love americans and generally i love good people and even more good chats (don't like too much superficiality chats). I honestly believe that the european people response to the "american people response" is like "hey, first, you were Europeans few generations before, and second, we are doing things in different ways in different countries for soo many centuries, that maybe, maybe, you should just reconsider the "propaganda message" and get in touch with the reality (outside america of course). so Please, don't stop coming and visiting and exechaging thoughts with and whatever you feel called to do in the rest of the World. all of this is pure GOLD or even DIAMOND for humanity at this point. Don't feel frustrated just because of some bad meeting or some bad interactions/feelings. Because it's exactly what people usually feels when goes to "some" other countries (maybe not all) including the US. And this is soo important for human awareness and evolution, not just as american, european or asian. We are and will always be 1 big population. WE just forgot it behind our map lines.
I don't really think you have to educate yourself beforehand that much, it is more about coming with an open mind. In my personal opinion the main educating part happens while you are there. I won't get mad if someone doesn't try to talk to me in German but it makes me happy when they ask me for certain German phrases or proper pronounciations they can use.
First off, have you ever noticed how they all look the same? It's like they all went to the same gene pool and said, "Let's make sure everyone here is tall, blonde, and has blue eyes." I mean, I get it, genetics are a thing, but come on! It's like walking into a sea of Vikings.
The "Ugly American" stereotype exists for a reason, having worked in Tourism I know it's real, but like everything in life, a loud annoying minority spoil it for everybody.
I haven’t worked in tourism, but I do live in a city with many tourists. And you wrote exactly what I wanted to write. There is a loud, obnoxious minority that makes it more difficult for the „good majority“ to be viewed as nice people with a good head on their shoulders. That’s also true for the US media.
All it boils down to usually are politics and media. After decades of comfortable wealth in the western world especially, people started to become spoiled, arrogant, greedy and hypocrit. The extreme cases usually are seen in the US and nobody in europe can understand how US citizens think. The US government is seen as the bully of the world, smiling at you for doing business on their terms but subconciously their partners always kind of feel a knife on their backs. On the other hand, looking at europe's politics, are we really that much better? A lot of europe's government do not give an flying f about their people, only about glorifying themselves and get rich. Then we got media...the manipulative heralds of degeneration
I was in Mexico once, and I explained to an American that I was Welsh and, as usual, had to explain that no Wales is not in England 🤦🏻♂️. I explained that in Wales, we also speak Welsh, which he thought was cool. He then followed on by saying that America has its own language too, to which he continued to say that he spoke American. I laughed and said, "No, you speak English." He frowned and insisted he spoke American. I asked, "Then how do I understand you as I speak English, not American" He became quite disgruntled and confused and he explained that Americans use words like "trash" and "dipers" to which I explained that they are just adaptations of words that already exist in the English language. He was not happy and walked away to my delight 😂
That just sounds like some douchebag prwtentious rich kid traveling with the laptop mommy baught him. This same guy, if he hears someone say they are American, he would respond with "But America consists of South America and North America too. So do you mean you are from the United States because you are not Canadian or Mexican or Venezuelen" etc etc
Sounds like you met a particular type of American .... one that the rest of us Americans quaintly refer to as "fucking idiots". When you see a fucking idiot it's best to observe them the same way you observe a chimpanzee at the zoo... just act excited and praise their basic intellect, and leave before they start flinging shit.
Brilliant! I’ve been whinging about this misconception on this feed for ages. It drives me mad when people think we have somehow left the continent of Europe when we left the EU. And that girl getting it so badly wrong highlights how some youngsters don’t understand!
I was brought up post-war and we used to refer to Western Europe as the Continent and Eastern Europe as the Soviet Bloc. We never thought of Great Britain as part of Europe.
I take people as I find them no matter their nationality. Every country has a persona but you should never judge a book by its cover and take people as they are. There are good and bad examples everywhere. We should all be a good embassadors of our countries when abroad ❤🇬🇧
The biggest reason that Europeans don't like the Americans so much is mainly because of America's foreign political policies. It's not so much that Europeans don't like American people. I know I'm from the UK but whenever I see Americans holidaying in the UK I will try to talk to them make them feel welcome and try to bring a nice feeling for them while they are on holiday here. Saying that I know it's not American people's fault it's more their Education system that doesn't educate them on the world outside the USA so a lot of Americans are ignorant of world events and the world outside of the USA. Also as I've said earlier American foreign policy is all about making war or destabilising various nations around the planet so that the USA can get minerals from specific areas like oil etc etc
More liberal nonsense. Education has nothing to do with us learning about the world. We are too busy learning and traveling our own country. It's big and fun. Most people here don't see even half of their country.
I guess for many years they as a nation could be "self-contained" - having all the minerals etc and capability to be self-reliant, the importing from China thing is fairly recent. So interdependence in the community of nations is less "normal" for them. So their educators wouldn't see a need for wider world awareness for kids/pupils
@@daffyduk77 exactly but with all things the USA citizens need to be aware of the damage their votes do to the rest of the world then they may actually vote with some consideration of exactly what their politicians actually do overseas with their various regime changes that they impose on other nations
That’s so funny. I’ve seen plenty of reaction vidoes on youtube, and it’s usually americans who get it wrong that EU is not an abbrevation of Europe, but the European Union. My country is not a part of EU, we have said no each time theres been an election for it, but we are definitely a part of Europe😅. At least us people in Europe should know what EU is 🙈. I’m not British though so I don’t claim her 😄.
@@mackereltabbieyep. I’ve never felt European, maybe because we’re not continental European. But also, I’m english which means I’m British AND a citizen of the United Kingdom. Come on, that’s a lot without the European label as well.
My granddaughter took a gap year at Univerrsity to be an Au Pair in Germany. We are Australian and she was enrolled in German school when she arrived. When the woman met her she bought her a new car and gave her complete control of the house and three children. She only worked Monday to Friday so she took her Hockey gear in case she could get a local game some weekends. When she went to the local club she found out she was already in three teams and she didn’t know how they knew she was coming. I did, she is from 5 Hockey Olympians on her fathers side. Same name and German people are not stupid. Some weekends she would go to Paris or somewhere else she wanted to see. She is just finishing her Masters Degree and Doctorate as a Research Scientist. One that has already been published last year for her work in cancer cures using chemicals from foods we eat. Australia will not fund her research but America and Canada have been waiting three years for her. She wanted Germany, she has taught third year Biology and Chemistry for the last three years to support herself. Plus got an extra Biology Degree and another Degree in German while she was there. In a few weeks she leaves for Germany for three months holiday, she loves Octoberfest. Six weeks ago Germany offered for her and my German friends say she sounds more German than they do. My youngest daughter finished two University Degrees at 20 and a week later she left to travel the world. When she goes to a non English speaking Country she always learns enough of their language to be polite and to be able to ask what she needs to know. The first time she went to Europe she could speak some of four languages. She is currently leaning Korean because that is where she was born and going next. Do you get where I am going with this very long post yet? We care enough to learn some of the language of where we are going. Did you? My two youngest grandchildren are Canadian and you do not sound Canadian. They are both fluent in four languages and in high school in Australia. We don’t like to stand out in other Countries. Just blend in and they know we are not from there. We have had to learn to say Australian in three other languages or they think we are from Austria.
I always say "US Americans" when clarifying 🤔 Like "A US American once asked me if we had beaches in my country....the reply that my country (Ireland) is literally an island did not prove to be a satisfactory response for her" 😂 No hate please. Just a funny anecdote. I am quite sure there's many foolish questions I have asked in my life 😘
I met an Irish dude who never heard of Serbia, my country of origin. It's the same continent, how is that even possible 😂 but those kind of people are everywhere, the US of A just seems to have a higher percentage of that people
@@adayinthelifeofanorthkorea 🤣 that's hilarious. I mean, my German Nan still calls it "Yugoslavia", but she is old old .... everyone younger than her should know 🫤
@@brigitmurphy9959 my mom i always saying czechoslovakia 😅 The irish dude was back then like: interesting, never heard of it. Is it in Europe? Hell yeah it's in Europe. It's basically between Croatia and Greece, both countries this guy visited in his summer vacations. Weird. I mean, I can't know everything, but the existence of a country which isn't a small island inhabited by 15k people somewhere in the pacific but in the very continent I live in should be normal common knowledge lol
@@adayinthelifeofanorthkorea I would expect Europeans interested in football to be familiar with the names of European countries since, at one time or another, we end up in the same group in the qualifying rounds of football championships.
Something that gets on my nerves about the USA is how they are always banging on about freedom and liberty, as if they are the only country that is free. I remember visiting the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg Tennessee, only to find out that only tourists visiting there were allowed to buy alcohol. The locals could not because it is a ' dry ' county, of which there are quite a few. If that is freedom, you can have it.
I'll take that freedom. Alcoholism is now destroying Latinamerica as well as Drug crimes. So Prohibitionism is indeed the right way to go. No alcohol whatsoever.
@@9mmfederalrimmed235 I don't think alcohol (or drugs) is the only problem, Latin America has. Same with Russia. Alcoholism often comes from something else. Europe, with quite liberal alcohol laws is surely not dying on alc...
European here. Grew up pretty starstruck with the US, and I’ve been there many times, but the shine has definitely worn off. I think it’s partly the flip-side of America being so, so wealthy and so, so advanced _and yet_ we see the - to us - obvious flaws. For the US, there seems to be little excuse for any of the negative things we hear and see, precisely because the US is the superpower it is. Every story you hear (or experience yourself) of an American being ignorant of something basic makes you cringe and face-palm - but importantly it does not inspire sympathy, because there seems to be no excuse for it. It’s the squandering of potential that irks, especially when it combines with a lack of awareness. Half a century and change of Western culture telling us that America is just The Best at Everything leaves us at best confused when that’s not the case, and at worst annoyed when we keep hearing it anyway.
Some of us in America get sick of hearing how great we are too. Because we know it's a lie. Sadly, many of my countrymen believe every word of it. And yes, many are dumber than a sack of rocks.
I'm a French hotel clerk. I've been to the US as part of a highschool trip when I was 14, and a second time when I was 25, volunteering through my Social Work school to work for 6 months in Syracuse NY at an NGO purposed to house, educate and integrate immigrants. This was in 2019 full blown during the Trump era. I've met a few Americans at my hotel job, and the difference I would make is this : American standalone travelers I enjoy talking to a lot. They're generally here to make new experiences and better themselves, and it's a joy to see and talk to them. American FAMILIES though ?! What went wrong guys ? I have good memories with 2 families coming to visit. Out of dozens I've seen. More often than not I see provider dads with Karen wives and Tiktok kids, whose utmost priority is to make sure that the services I provide for their money fits their little dilusions of grandeur. "Is the water drinkable ? Is the food fresh and worth its price ? If I have you call a taxi for us how do I know you're not calling a friend to rip us off ?" are sadly things I've heard. All this being said ... I could make the same criticisms about Brits. These people have changed since Brexit. I don't know what kind of saltiness you guys are trying to wash off yourself in your treatment of me, but it's been noted and will be dealt with with the appropriate level of bakchanded jokes to your face. And seeing that in these particular nationalities doesn't keep me from seeing the biggotry in an Italian trophy wife or the infamously gluttonous German dads. And don't get me started on the bunch of cheapskates my fellow countrymen are. But that's enough xenophobia for one man. I'm just trying to highlight how everybody regardless of their origin gets entitled from time to time. Though it's got a different flair to it mostly depending on origin actually. The only thing I could add and agree to that most people interviewed in the original video pointed out is : I really didn't feel safe during my time in the US. "Don't fend for yourself too much around here, you never know who might have a gun and a temper" is a real everyday thought I carried with me. WHich brings up a real sense of injustice running the country from top to bottom. Anyways don't feel bad for being from some place or another. There're good people everywhere. And there're smartasses like me to tear new ones to whomever isn't.
Agree. You are a good person. I’m American. I love the French and the Brits because of this level of thought and sophistication. Saltiness, it’s a human trait.
I’m an American and I don’t feel safe around here. I rarely have. I’m just used to expecting bad things can happen and then hope they don’t. I had knife pulled on me when I was seven and I lived in a village. Yet, I look back and think, “Well, at least we didn’t have mass shootings everyday.” Sure, their was that whole mutually assured destruction scare with the USSR, but those were better days for sure….weellll, maybe for white people. I will acknowledge the privilege my glow-in-the-dark skin of very Western European heritage grants me in the world. I say world because there are countries that consider skin color darker than a light tan to be black.
Don't treat all British the same. I didn't want to be out of the EU, I loved the idea of being European and still do. Like the US has Trump fans, we had Boris fans.
Here's a little story. After WWII, a young American soldier and his wife were moved into the house of my grandparents (with three kids, one of them my mother). The two US Americans lived on third floor. He went to work and his wife for a long time did not dare to leave her room because of the "bad Germans" she had to live with. That's what stereotypes, assumptions and propaganda does with people. Finally they got to know each other. They realized they were just human beings speaking different languages. Very soon, the soldier and his wife were part of the family. When the lady gave birth to a child, her second name was "Mutter" (mother), as that's how my grandmother was called by her kids. Even in the 1980s they came back to Germany to visit and I had the honor to meet them. It is never a good idea to judge a person by their country. Not all Americans voted for Trump. Not all Americans are obsessed about weapons. If you are a good judge of character you will always recognize a decent human being, no matter where they are from.
@@philholdsworth8280 Yes, but voting for Biden turned out to be little better…the whole political class in the states are geriatric… How about mandatory retirement at 70?!
@@philholdsworth8280I mean if sb votes for a president that says: "You know, it really doesn`t matter what the media write as long as you`ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass." "The beauty of me is that I'm very rich." "I could stand in the middle Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters." "And don't tell me it doesn't work. Torture works. Okay, folks?" "When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy." "Our country is being run by incompetent people." (moment of self-reflection in that quote?) Then it seems to paint a certain picture about the voting person too no? Doesnt mean they agree with all of this. It could just be they vote for the most entertaining or charismatic guy. But the world is NOT a WWE show so idk man.
@@philholdsworth8280 Surely not! I met a guy in his 6ties on a flea market in Ponca City. (That vendor we were at knew I'm german. He knew me from the last flea market.) So we were talking politics (a bit). And this guy next to me said: "I've voted for Trump. Not, 'cause I think he's any good. But I wanted to avoid Hillary!" And I don't blame him! I got his point! This guy made a well thought after decision. Obviously prepared to choose from both options. So many germans think that you would have been stupid to vote for Trump. Not all of them, as I have experienced.
One thing you must know about Dutch people. They say it like it is or what they think about it. For foreigners it seems rude. But you never have to question what they mean. They tell it like it is. Keep that in mind the next time you talk to Dutch people. It's not about being rude, it's about not wasting anybody's time!
I was stationed in Germany in '99 so yea not having the internet helped our image. A LOT of Germans were super excited to meet an American. The Germans living near the Army bases were pretty sick of our shit though. All we wanted to do was drink and fight. If you actually went and talked to Germans everyone realized that we were a lot alike, we ended up getting along. These days? Man I don't blame them for hating us, I don't even like us. I want to go back to Europe and explain why we're like this now.
There's no need to explain, really. Honest interest beyond superficial information goes both ways. Most Germans who have spent some time in the USA or with US Americans have a pretty good idea about where you're coming from. Others don't, period. The only way to overcome mutual prejudice is to get together, learn, and talk.
I feel you there. I grew up in a German city where we had a lot of americans & brits stationed. Many of the bars had signs at the entry saying "out of bounds", meaning that soldiers weren't allowed to enter. I regularly went to a bar where that wasn't the case and I saw some crazy shit. It once happened that one guy saw someone he had beef with right behind the window of a bar. Instead of running out, he simply punched through the window, leading to his arm bleeding and the other guy getting glass punched into his face. That was really ugly...
@@Kristina_S-O Doesn't change the fact that a vast majority of Americans feel offended way faster and are very loud and dramatic, especially when they feel offended then they don't even try to say "Hey, the way you said ....felt offensive to me. Was it meant like that or did you not mean it like that?". Instead they get very defensive and attack in a very aggressive way instead of an assertive way.
I'm from Munich and one early afternoon as a child went to the Oktoberfest with my mum and brother and witnessed several GIs beat up a German guy until he went unconscious. German police was standing there doing nothing, because legally we were still an occupied country and only American military police could intervene. I felt so unsafe after that whenever I met American soldiers until 1990, when finally the peace treaty got signed. Unfortunately this was my first encounter with Americans and didn't really make a good impression. I met some very nice Americans later in my life though, so I don't agree on the sterotypes about your people. There's a bit of everything, just like anywhere around the world.
Hey, thanks for your videos. It is nice to see your openness to other cultures and also I like your opinion in many other things. You are a very likeable and chill dude and I guess one of the good ones out there. I also think that it can nowhere be perfect but as more people drop their stereotypes as better the world would be. I hope you never lose the interest in what you do here on UA-cam cause it shows people who are also look out for others that they are not alone.
Me (German) have been many times to USA. Beautiful country and most people are very friendly and helpful. I have made many American friends. I get along with them better than with the people here. Superficial , stupid americans what some people say ? You have more fun with them than these serious, humorless people here who think everything through and only complain about everything
I've noticed that Americans are always asking the question, do people like us? If you ask that question you are more likely to get a negative response rather than a positive one. When travelling the world as a Brit it's not something I think about. A good thing about yourself is you want to travel and experience other cultures. Most Americans don't seem to travel much. Travelling is a form of education which gives you a word view instead of blinked view.
Maybe if you are asking that question, you are also trying to get affirmation of what you may have been told or seen in the media whilst growing up, "We are the best, no one is better than us., we were the first". We dont tend to have that over here, we dont brag about who we are, what our worldwide achievements are, we dont "blow our own trumpet" as much.
I think it’s not the average Joe “ problem “ if you talk with a American or European it’s just normal. But if it’s comes political issues then you’re lost especially if you’re a US American … the most Americans give a shit about the world outside of the US. U just think the world is just spinning around u if there is nothing else there outside
JPs… when was about 20/25, i used to chat online (on a web page actually) with people from all over Europe, sometimes not living in their native country, people from Americas (Canada, US, Brasil), from Africa (South Africa being the furthest) and Japan. Time difference was making us very random, we laughed a lot, talked tons about cuisine, discussed behaviour with your loved one and how to court someone, stuff like that. We had a great time. I learnt a lot. They learnt alot. I could do so again in something that does not ressembles a YT superchat, it d love it… maybe you should try that first hand. People talking daily stuff, music, festivals, travelling… i ended up meeting some of my friends even. It s the more up close and personal exchanges I ve had with travelling physically.
The best thing people can do is to get a passport and travel, meet people, experience life and different cultures, step out of your comfort zone, live life and embrace change.
I think students spending a term/semester in another country like the interviewer in the video Joel is reacting to, is a great idea and might in time lead to Americans being better informed about the rest of the world.
You can see how troubled he is for being a USA citizen abroad. It's a sad fact that the ones who understand are the ones who are made to feel awkward. The others just live in a deluded, ignorant bubble. We like the good ones! Greetings from the UK!
@@bluebird3281 The 'science' of statistics. No polling organisation asks every inhabitant their opinion, sometimes they use randomised samples, other times their samples are adjusted for age, sex, etc. The results will not be 100% accurate but if a large (statistically significant) number give the same answer for example, that can be said to be typical.
@@peterc.1618 Mary, said "typical American". What set of statistics are you or her using to quantify what a "typical American" is? What statisticians worked that out? What organization funded them? What conclusion did they come to? And do you think Mary was referring to a poll when she said that?
And just when you say Americans are undeducated, there shows up that British girl that states "we are not Europeans. We have the EU". Which explains why the UK is percieved as the US of Europe. Whatever.
Media , media , media , and those nationalistic Americans who think they are better than anyone see no wrong in there country , if you care about your country you criticize and see its faults too .its the only way to make changes .😊
I think everyone deserves to have pride in where they are from, that doesnt mean that they think they are better, or perfect. I love the US, but i dont think we are better than anyone else. I just refuse to let this narrative slide because its simply not true.
@@jetcox6760 yes be proud of where your from , but a few are at the extreme that's not to say it doesn't exist elsewhere other than the states , I suppose it's beacause the u.s. can come across as insular and not worldly , the one thing that really bugs me is the arrogance about the 2nd world war how the u.s. saved Europe from nazi Germany when it was a joint effort involving many nations ( not saying all think this way ) . Unfortunately it's platform's like this that the ignorant like to pipe up on . I've been to the u.s. 3 times and found the people friendly , helpful and positive .
So you mention trump who's out of office nearly 3 years and not sleepy joe biden who's a complete imbecile and likely to start world war 3.interesting.
I'n Italian and I do like Americans. Never been to your country but according to my experiences you're smart, dynamic, think big and positive. Europe needs more American view of the things. Obviously there are downsides but will not focus on them here.
I know many Americans as I have worked for a US technology company. I know countless, highly educated, urbane, thoughtful and conflicted individuals. My own experience is totally different from the stereotype. Many people have strong opinions without ever having travelled there. No doubt the same could be applied in reverse too…
All that money; all the intellectual property, yet highest imprisonment rate, weekly mass shootings, poverty, families become destitute from medical bills and homelessness? How can any population allow that to go on in their society?
Yes, only if you think the gun law issues. To me it compares with the idea to give loaded gun to a monkey and go in the same room with it trying to avoid being shot. If the population and the nation is that weak in maturity that this can't be changed, instead making excuses like amount of population or tradition of the old times for not leave idiotism, what can you think about it? Of course you end up stereotyping it but since gun violence is not really political issue but insanity, it's very hard to avoid this stereotyping. Sometimes, when you look these things from far away you come to think that Russia and USA is the different sides of same coin. Both controlled by different kind of mafia's and the population kept as ignorant as possible. As someone believing democracy this is appaulling. Also, when thinkig this I remember all of a sudden when reading as a teen Henry Millers cry to get away from America, and this felt something funny to me, because I didn't get reason for that, so these streams must of been on going already in those days that made some people suffrogating there. Naturally, I believe there are millions of American people whom I would get along and become friends with, but is there enough those to change the course of a nation?
for me, it was incapsulated in the way they separated those little children from their parents at the Mexican border.. held them in cages..no one showed them love or care..THAT is a bad country. it wouldnever happen in the UK. ever. Someof those children wer elost in the system for ever.
Joel, you are the oust likeable and personable and thoughtful and intelligent person. No one could dislike you. The fact that you are also American is neither here nor there. Continue to frolic with all your strength and you are always welcome in Blighty (UK).
As a German I had to travel quite a lot to the UK in my job. Most of the time to the UK. I liked to book pubs with rooms for accomodation (Have a few Pints and a pub lunch then bed). So I spent a lot of time at the bar with the locals. I can't count the times someone would call me "Adolph" , when they found out I'm from Germany. Totally hillarious and clever. I had 2 ways of coping..A- Insult their national soccer team (Won't work anymore we suck these days) or do a quick Hitler impersonation. After that we got along like a house on fire.
@@Marge719 somehow yes, you are right, but there are some differences in how the stories are told. I can't really express it in English but I can recommend a very good video from "Feli from Germany". She explains this topic brilliantly. If you are interested. It's called: "Do Germans talk about World war II".
Having travelled to the USA from Australia over the last 30 odd years, I must say I am over the whole country. The food is appalling. Travelling around is complicated and expensive with limited options available. The patriotism in general is over the top and as an outsider I cannot understand why. The apathy on world issues and knowledge on politics and geography is astoundingly limited. There seems to almost be an awkward pride in living in a bubble.
I tend to fall into that same sort of thinking. The US is huge and diverse. That’s its biggest problem. Living in California makes me focus on just our own California politics and culture and view other places in the US, like Alabama or South Carolina, as foreign, backward and weird, which is why I’ve never gone to 47 of 50 US states and have no interest in doing so. I’d rather just get on a plane from California and go to Germany and leave the US behind. The US really doesn’t interest me.
@@angelametcalfe953 Oh, I have gone out and enjoyed the world outside of the US. Many times. I’m 65 and I’ve had plenty of years to do that. First European trip in 1979 was to Iceland, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, all the good places. And that was way back then. I just haven’t seen much of the US outside of California and Washington State. The rest of the US really just doesn’t interest me. Just because you’re born in a place and raised there, doesn’t mean you like it or want to stay there. I certainly don’t. I didn’t choose to be born in the US any more than you chose your place of birth.
I live in a State with a larger population than Australia and New Zealand combined. A larger population than Canada. California has the world’s 5th largest economy. Why would I have any interest in the rest of the US? I don’t.
I think that the bad point of view of Europeans upon the USA clearly popped up when the president (Bush if I remember well) decided to invade Iraq and allows torture and violation of human rights in awful structures such as Guantanamo. Further documents revealing atrocities, false allegations and other stuff outraged me in an unspeakable way. I also fully agree with the comments below, I fully think the same.
Hi Joel I am surprised about many things,you haven't known. But I very much admire you for being very keen to learn about the world outside of America. You are very young, so I guess you have not had many years to learn things eg world history, geography, different cultures etc. So good on you for wanting to learn! Australian 🇦🇺 here in my 60s. So I have had a few more decades than you to learn more!
I have American relatives and, as a result, know a fair bit about what's happening over there. Admittedly, some things over there completely dumbfound me. 🤣
I feel the same way. There are ignorant people everywhere who think their country is the navel of the world, even in Germany. And German tourists don't exactly have the best reputation either. I used to meet some American soldiers here who often shook their heads at some of their compatriots, who have behaved here as if absolutely everything was better in the USA. And since the days of the Internet, someone who is interested in it gets a lot more of what is happening on the other side of the ocean. Admittedly, the U.S. is big, yet Europeans seem to be more interested in knowing what's happening around the world, and not just in their country or the EU. That's why I often can't understand some strange attitudes. Here in Germany, there are also people who moan about immigrants and think that we are just being taken advantage of. But the fact that I was insulted by an American that we all only learn English because we all want to emigrate to the USA was the crowning glory of ignorance a few days ago. 🤪 Some people are just strange. And they are everywhere.
I'm British and have been to the US a few times, Canada a couple of times and Europe many times. We have many similarities, but it's the differences that stand out and makes each more interesting. I have met many friendly people in each of those countries, but have found that it's social media and mainstream news that spins the negativity around.
And let's not forget about their art. They think they have the right to dictate what is considered beautiful in the world! But have you ever seen a painting by a European artist? It's like looking at a bunch of colors smeared together on a canvas! And don't even get me started on their music! It's like listening to a bunch of people yelling in a foreign language!
I am 64 from UK and watch your channel. You are so mature, knowlegeable and see things for different perspectives. You always see things both ways. Can't believe those English girls didn't know we were in Europe. Keep the videos coming. I enjoy them. Take care
I've met some good Americans on my travels, and I've met some bad ones but its impossible to judge a nation of people off a few people who are the stereotypes.
I'm Dutch, one thing that you may not like is that we are very direct. We say exactly what's on our mind. Don't like it? Well, that's your problem. But atleast you know exactly how we think. I personally think that's a good thing. And regarding that interaction with the Dutch people; don't take it personal. They're most likely talking about Americans in general and not you personally.
Traveling the world in the 90s as a German I often pretended to be dutch or danish because people would bring up WWII immediately. And we were seen as unfriendly and boring.
As another German I have to say, that if anyone brings up 1933-1945 just because I am German, I intentionally yawn and say something like „don’t you have anything more current to talk about than something my grandparents were too young to actively be involved in?“
Totally agree . To be honest ..im glad they got Trump . Now my reaction on that usual question " how could germany allow Hitler to getnthat powerful blabla " is : " You had Trump ...whats your excuse !? ". Mostly they go quiet at once ...lol
Many years ago, I worked for an American multinational. I never forget that when I met the head of treasury at the HQ in DFW, he proudly told me that it took him over 30 years to convince the Irish government that he was an Irish descendant. I don't know how he did it but he said that when he finally got his Irish passport he cried. This was an old American grown up man, very successful at a very high level in the company but yet, he suffered from an identify insecurity. I've been in the US many times, mostly on business and I heard on many occasions that Americans told that they were actually Scottish, Irish or Italian etc. Clearly, some Americans want to be identified with where they originally came from.
I'm Belgian and I like the outgoing way the Americans are , we are more reserved . I think the way of travelling is a bit strange as you rush from one place to another and you don't take the time to enjoy the atmosphere of a region but probably this is due to the limited vacation days you have . Some Americans complain about customs that are different to theirs , I tend to like that when I'm travelling . I have been in the US and the people were overall friendly and interesting . The politics of a country is not another one's business so I don't talk about it .
I live in a german town with a lot of american ties, i was born and raised here so i always came in contact with US-citizens. There is a whole military base here and we had many americans living as tenants - we still have. And all of them have been nice people - dont matter from what state in the US they came. But much we see in germany from the US is in the news. And crazy stuff happens over seas (crazy for us germans) , so crazy that it is sometimes hard to see the same people i have met here compared to the people we see in the news, or in the internet. And the US is big compared to germany. It is easy to forget that Americans know a lot about their states but not about other countries because if you live a lot of parts of the US other countries are thousands of kilometers away. Thats quite different in Europe - i need one hour to be in france, or two to be in the netherlands or belgium. US-citizens are not single minded or livin in a bubble i think - but the world around them (regarding state/government and geography) is so different to ours here in Europe it is hard to grasp for both sides i think.
Many europeans know about the Eu Countrys and the states so why cant they do it ? Thats nonesense buddy… the Problem are the politics wich are in control of Education healthcare and work (unions) so the laws are backwards and in the End you have ppl that grew up in this buble and often are Not interested in something different then the US… By comparison is europe bigger than the US and me as a german knows a lot about america as well as europe Kommst wahrscheinlich aus Rammstein wa?
And let me tell you something else, Europeans - we don't need your handouts either! You think you can just come over here and give us money because we're poor? Well, guess what? We can take care of ourselves! We don't need your charity or your pity or your entitlement issues! We can make it on our own, thank you very much!
I am a European and have traveled in the USA I found the people friendly, curious about Europe in a way that felt sorry for us. Everywhere I traveled it felt like there was something missing it all seemed so temporary and shallow, I realised that in fact it’s because there is no history there. No large stone buildings that are 400 years old no range of styles across the years a strange mix of modern versions of old European styles all mixed together. I had no idea that all that past in Europe meant so much to me.
Oh man I felt the same this weekend (my english is not the best :D). I took a flight to London to go back to Germany and I was really surprised and happy to see all those old stone buildings. I told my family they should appreciate more of everything in their life 😅
I'm Belgian and I do think that if you want to go to the U.S. you shouldn't go there for the cities, towns or architecture in general but for the lushful nature and many different climates from deserts, waterfalls, snowy landscapes, mountain ranges, lushful forests, valleys, canyons, natural parks,.. Try not to look at the urban places & cities but try to look at the landscapes with the mind of thinking how the native inhabitants must've lived there and how their America, the TRUE America, was. Research about all the sacred places of the many different tribes and forget for a moment that there's these urbanised places with European invaders in it and take yourself back in time and see, FEEL how the US might've been before the mass genocide. It's such a vast and diverse landscape and huge parts of it are (nearly) uninhabited.
Yes, the US doesn’t have historic churches built in the 1400s, or people living in homes built in 1775. I’ve always noticed that as a major difference.
You say there is "no history" in America? There is plenty of European history going back 400 years in the East coast, and plenty of Native American history. But true, there is no European history going back thousands of years. If you want that you have Europe and no reason to come here. That's like someone going to Europe and saying they have no wide open freeways and it's all too cramped. I don't like American ignorance nor European snobbery. Both are a turn off.
Me (Norwegian) find America stuck in the past. They need to look to the future, look at the present and see what is good and bad and work on the bad and encourage more of the good. I not having healthcare means going bankrupt when you then obviously something needs to change. If you have a sea of homeless then something needs to change. Obviously something is wrong if that is normal. Or it should be something you as a person in power should want to change. Norway has high taxes but amazing healthcare as a result, no one will ever risk going bankrupt if they get sick. That is just one of the many ways we in Europe feel America needs to change. There are many things we like about america, but the negative is so bad we can't look favorably at America.
I think everybody should stop generalizing everything. I've been to the U.S. a few times and I've met nothing but nice people. I have a friend who is American. Not everything is great in Europe either, and here are a lot of stupid people too. Look at the EU coment😂 Have a nice day
As a Brit, I'm interested to know. Is it in all schools that the pledge of allegiance is intoned every morning? Are there some states which it isn't done?
Hi Joel! I found your comments about Dutch people, around 6:00 into the video, quite amusing, because it's a very common experience!😆 One of the most important things to understand about the Dutch is that they are FAMOUS for being very blunt, plain-speaking and direct in their manner, in a way that can come across as 'rude' to anyone who is not used to them. And it's not just Americans who think this, but EVERYONE who isn't Dutch. The fact is that the Dutch ARE blunt, plain-speaking and direct, but not because they are arrogant, combative or insensitive (they are actually quite the opposite of these things). The reasons for this can be found in their unique history as the first republic in Europe, with one of the largest international maritime trading empires (via the Dutch East India company in the 1600s), their strong tendency towards liberal and progressive politics and social values, their tolerance and egalitarianism, and their respect for honesty and truthfulness in all matters including personal interactions. The result of this is that THEY DON'T DO BULLSHIT; they don't deal it and they don't take it from others. There is no double-speak, euphemism or circumlocution with the Dutch; they say what they mean and mean what they say, and don't 'beat about the bush'. They like to keep everything on-the-level, straightforward and out in the open. This has the undeniable advantage of keeping things simple by avoiding any ambiguity or misunderstanding. I am a Brit (from London) who has been visiting the Netherlands regularly for over thirty years. Amsterdam is my favourite foreign city and virtually my second home. So I have interacted with countless native Dutch people, and I actually find this Dutch national characteristic of frank directness quite endearing. It is also very refreshing, particularly when compared to the often rather frustrating tendency of the British (and, to a lesser extent, Americans) to indulge in the exact opposite style of communication, where no one says what they mean or means what they say, for fear of causing offence or to avoid personal criticism. The Dutch can find this indirect form of communication confusing, insincere, evasive and even insulting. With an academic background in mathematics and physics, I value and have a deep respect for the truth, and the fact that the Dutch express the same mindset through their social interactions and speech is something I find both impressive and admirable. In summary, don't be offended by a Dutch person when they say something that comes across as blunt or rude. Most likely, they are not being intentionally insulting and don't mean to cause offence; they are just being true to their national stereotype as possibly the most reliably honest and truthful people in the world (and that's a good thing as far as I am concerned). See links below. BTW, now you've done Germany, can I recommend that you consider the Netherlands as your next European destination? I am certain that you will fall in love with both the country and its people, just as I did over 30 years ago. I am also confident that you will be blown-away by Amsterdam, which I think is one of the most picturesque, walkable, atmospheric, laid-back and just plain chilled-out cities on the planet (no, fuckit, THE most). Also, the Dutch people are, according to various surveys, some of the nicest and happiest people in the world in terms of standard measures of friendliness, social-mindness, quality of life and contentment. You will probably find this vibe rubbing off on you, as it did with me, which is why I find my trips to Amsterdam so profoundly relaxing and de-stressing (especially compared to my life in London!). So PLEASE do a travelogue of Amsterdam and NL! You won't regret it, and I think all your followers would love to share your experiences! Cheers, QS Links on Dutch directness: ua-cam.com/video/wrEZwe1nbBU/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/i580Y1taI_I/v-deo.html
Great video! As a Brit who now is a US citizen I experience all this first hand whenever I visit family back in the UK. Almost from the time I land to the time I leave I get everyone's opinion on the USA and Americans - it is very seldom positive!
Here's the problem though, while most Europeans understand that stereotypes doesn't reflect reality, Americans don't seem to. But that, of course - is a stereotype...
Although it's undoubtedly true that America had more respect and was seen as more 'cool' in the past. It was never as much as the average American seems to believe it was. I've seen lot's of Americans talk about how respected America used to be. How it was the 'shining city on the hill', how everyone admired it's freedoms and lifestyle etc. What most Americans don't seem to grasp is, that it was never that simple. Yes there was admiration for certain aspects of American life, amongst some people, in certain parts of the World. This was probably at it's peak from the 1920s through to the 1950s, with Hollywood playing a HUGE role in creating a generally positive impression and WW2 and it's immediate aftermath helping enormously too, of course. Though America's view of it's role in WW1 is massively overblown. By the time the US entered the war, conscripted, trained and properly equipped those troops, largely via Britain and France, the war was effectively finished. The German Armt was on it's last legs, the German economy had completely collapsed and the country was on the verge of revolution. Their allies, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, were in an even worse state and were quicly disintegrating. Most of their smaller allies had already capitulated. What's more, Pershing refused to operate under allied command and ignored the advive given by Britain and France, who'd been fighting for 4 years. As a result, the first couple of battles that the American forces were engaged in, were an absolute disaster for those forces. The Germans, despite their weakened state, decimated them. The war was over just a few months later. Although the American contribution was appreciated, by the allies, that contribution was fairly minimal in the overall scheme of things, though the morale boost given by the US entering the war, was real. Despite this, I hear Americans talking as if they'd rescued Europe and that they effectively won the war. This is a perfect illustration of the difference between how America often views itself and how it believes it's perceived by the rest of the World. Whilst it's true that there's always been a certain appreciation, even admiration of America, the opposite has always been true too. Often even generating outright hatred in many parts of the World. Yes, the World was seeing Mickey Mouse, hamburgers, cowboys, skyscrapers and Hollywood but it was also seeing decaying inner cities, gang crime, gun crime, homicide rates, corrupt politicians, smashing of trade unions, nuclear proliferation, segregation, racism and race riots. In foreign policy it was seeing economic bullying (one of the factors in the formation of the EU) Vietnam, Korea, Panama, Grenada, Nicaragua, Iraq, Afghanistan etc etc, as well as US support for brutal dictatorships, US backed coups, US support of insurgencies in numerous countries, a vast US military with hundreds of military bases worldwide. The US economic system itself was and still is, hated by huge numbers worldwide. It sees US opposition on climate change, it sees religious fanaticism. It sees a horrendous prison system and a deeply flawed legal system and a corrupt, inefficient and not fit for purpose healthcare and welfare system. It sees poor quality workers rights and protections. In recent years it see a deeply divide country with increasing extremism, especially on the right. Even US popular culture is hated in many quarters, seen as contributing to dumbing down, as undermining national and local cultures and even as a symbol of all that is wrong with capitalism. America never was the 'shining city on the hill', except in it's own mind. There's always been much to admire about America and there still is, despite present woes and some incredibly poor Presidents in recent woes. Nor is the rest of the World doing much better. However, we're talking about perceptions of the US in the rest of the World. Past and present, it's never been as rosy a view as most Americans seem to believe. Even that period, from the 1920s to the 1950s,the perception was never close to being universally positive. Britain, as a nation is still pretty positive towards America. More so than most, possibly all, of Europe, I'd say. There are othe countries who retain a strong positive outlook towards America too, of course. Countries such as Australia and Japan. Poor people around the World will always dream of a better life elsewhere and the US remains a favoured destination, especially in parts of Latin America but, worldwide, Eurppe is the more favoured destination nowadays and has been for quite some time. Other people, particularly in large parts of Asia, now see their own countries or regions as being able to offer those opportunities that they once believed only N. America or Euroqe could offer. All of the above is merely to give perspective. The US undoubtedly remains one of the most admired and respected nations in the World. The Internet is at least partly responsible, as it's allowed Americans to see a lot of negative viewpoints, that have always been ther but were hidden from view for most Americans, until relatively recently. Also, don't forget that EVERY country is viewed negatively, in all sorts of ways. America's activities on the World stage has made it a lightning rod for discontent. Sometimes that discontent is justified, sometimes not. America is at least gaining a more realistic view of how it's seen in the World. Long-term that's probably a good thing. :)
My dad is a retired engineer who used to travel around the world for business since the 1970s. I've heard quite some stories from his trips since I've been a baby and remember that I never wanted to go to the US because he had already told me about the (gun) crimes and being scared (he never dramatised his stories - just personal anecdotes and as jokes, he also made it clear that it wasn't like that in the whole US just in some parts and that the people he met there were really nice - so I was not traumatised or had a bad image of the citizens - just decided for myself that I never wanted to go there). So this has been a problem since way before the internet. I've been to Hawai'i and NY since. I LOVED it there. The people, the atmosphere etc. It felt like home in NY especially. I know they are not really representatives of the US but that's also why I think there is some truth to the stereotypes of the US. But that goes for any country in the world. They all have their own stereotypes which are never true for the whole country. That's just the nature of stereotypes. I still don't want to live in the US though because of the non existent health care, the (gun) crimes and other facts. I think most of the people who don't like the "Americans" don't actually mean the Americans but their government and some laws - and the people who agree with these laws. So if you are saying you don't agree with these things then you are not meant as their "target". If you want to you could say you are not THAT type of American whenever you hear someone say something negative about them after you've introduced yourself as one. But I personally don't think that's necessary because from then on it only becomes a me vs you conversation. You are still young and I can see your youth through some of your comments but I think you are very mature despite your age. And I admire your curiosity and the will to learn. Please don't let negative comments about your country get to you too closely. They are not meant against you personally. It's healthy to keep an open mind and to question a lot of things but it's not to take what other people have to say personally.
I grew up loving the US (through TV Shows). Then I learned about what it was really like there and the disappointment resulted in a very anti-US phase (you should never meet your heros, they say). Now it's mostly just disappointment and pity. In many ways the US is it's own worst enemy. There's this common theme through all media, public statments etc that the US is the best and greatest ("Land of the Free" etc). My personal opinion is that most USians are indoctrinated to believe that when they are young, and through exported media,TV etc. promoting the same views, so are many Europeans (certainly my own generation). The difference between the two is that Europeans grow up and have something (their own political, economic, social systems) to compare and contrast with the indoctrination. USians, unless like yourself they actively educate themselves and explore, never see outside that bubble.
I think that you really think you know how we think but your so far off its almost opposite. The only time I ever hear of the concept " Americans think they are better than everyone" its 100% of the time coming from Europeans who are telling people what we think, feel, say, do etc. No, we dont think we are better than anyone else, in fact thats why when something goes wrong in the world, we both as a people and with government driven efforts, try to do what we can to help, fully aware that we may not be able to do much. But we still try. Nice to know that litterally no one ever credits us with that, but we sure get the "Arrogant, Delusional, backwards, idiot" tags." Neat.
@@jetcox6760 It's an opinion formed from my own experiences. I'm also fairly sure that many USians share my opinion; that memorable scene from The Newsroom pilot episode suggests they do. Why then is this opinion so prevalent, enough so that it becomes the anchor on which to hook a TV series?
The opinions in the video you reacted to was great. He has a very reflected way of thinking. The same holds for you since you resonate with his thoughts. Fantastic video. I'm touched and it made me thinking once again of sterotypes we europeans have. As german I also get confronted with sterotypes, especially with some polish people (in a negative way) and e.g. some arabic people (in a positive way). Stereotypes are true for some and wrong for some. The problem is also "us" not only "them".
Excellent Video. Great video and I can see that people who are interested in other cultures and want to get into conversation with others are at the mercy of precisely this problem of stereotypes. I am German and have been living in France for 20 years and I subliminally experience exactly this distance and the reservations of the French towards me. I'm just not French. But overcompensating (I've tried that too) doesn't help. You have to remain authentic, not bend and accept that the country of origin in which you grew up is an essential part of your own personality. And it has to stay that way!!! If we were all the same. Oh mey that would be a shame and soooooo boring! Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work!
The Dutch are probably so critical because the Netherlands is one of the most visited countrys by Americans and they get the purest personal experience of them
I studied in the NL for a semester and it was amazing. People there were so open and although there are superficial ppl everywhere, I found them as a whole to be less so. We talked politics and all but I am Mexican. Also the NL is where the international court is, they are very pro human rights so ofc they might be more critical to the US, a country which doesn’t care for human rights, doesn’t believe or truly practices international law (which are more like a framework of norms to avoid countries being bullies and such) and yeah, all that. As for the 90’s thing. I agree, the internet was not super big. If it had been, ppl would have thought the same about the US with Clinton’s humanitarian wars and such. Always intervening. I know these international policies and such don’t represent all Americans and I’m sorry for generalizing, I feel for you guys cause there is not much you can do about it but exercise your rights as citizens and demand a better leader and stop consuming drugs and all that. Edit: I also think that because of all these policies and such you have with “helping other countries find the right way” (your way) and all the influence power you have, you don’t care to take responsibility. The waves the US creates have big consequences all over and it causes social disarray everywhere. Maybe I’m wrong but I remember the whole trump thing and how there was a Dutch guy running for elections that everyone was calling “the Dutch trump”, you had the French woman le pen or something aaaaand what is portrayed in the internet is that there are Americans that love this or there are Americans that don’t care about it and just make social media content while the rest of the Americans that care and such are simply hidden to the world. MAYBE. It’s just my thoughts anyway!
Hear hear, 👏👏👏 (not just my Dutch bias or pride - Peace Palace 🤟) People did think similar things in the 90's maybe a little less - but it was mostly about cigars and dresses with Clinton.
Nathaniel Drew thought America was more highly thought of when he was young because he was believing the home hype. He simply had not yet travelled. There’s a reason that young travellers in the 1970s and 80s put a Canadian flag pin on their backpacks. People don’t dislike Americans so much as they are very critical of America and what America tells the world it is: jingoistic, insular, self-involved, capitalistic, interfering, etc.. “The ugly American” is not a new trope.
I think there are also many people like me in Europe. I don’t dislike Americans, I just dislike the country and how the American Dream infiltrates people’s minds. I have many American friends, I love making fun of their country, but I don’t hold anything against them. And the ones I do have a problem with are not because they are American, but because of who they are
As someone Dutch: yes we are critical (and it’s not just towards Americans or foreigners in general, but also to ourselves and our government). With America: the weird health care systems, the school system (and it’s funding/costs), gun access/control, the voting system, the ignorance, work (working. 8am-10pm, getting fired easily, the big difference between rich and poor, having to work 3-5 jobs to make ends meet etc)
All of those things are horrible, agreed. (Australian) But taking that frustration out on individual Americans is pointless and illogical. No individual American (except possibly a President) can be held responsible for all the ills of America.
Before the Internet we only knew what YOU presented and revealed via media. With the internet we were able to see who you really were. That's why. No more rose colored glasses
Canadian here. We'll accept you, J. You might need to relocate here at some point. I did an experiment when I went to Europe in the 90's. One day I walked around Prague as normal, most people assumed I was American, and they treated me as just another annoying person. The next day I put a little Canada Flag pin on my jacket and walked around the same area and people were super friendly and helpful as soon as they saw my pin. It really was a night & day difference. You should just try wearing a Canadian flag pin or something next time you go to Europe. I'd be interested to see what you notice about how you're treated.
Last time I did a hostel trip I met some people with Canada pins, were very rude people. I asked where in Canada they were from and they said Toronto. I told them I live in Ottawa. They said they never heard of it. I was like well you're not from Canada that's our capital, and asked them to stop fronting. I told them the way they speak to people is not how most Canadians treat service staff and if their going to wear the pin at least act Canadian.
@@matty_ottawa8173 Yeah, there’s a danger of impersonators giving us a bad name. I just hope those who they were rude to didn’t judge us by the actions of the phony Canadians.
My biggest problem with some Americans is when they pretend the US is the greatest country in the world. Even if they admit that the US has massive problems, they refuse to look to other countries for solutions. Because in their minds, no other country can ever do anything better than the US.
This is because they are brainwashed from an early age. The national anthem on the most insignificant occasions, the ubiquitous flag, everywhere you go you hear how great America is. The greatest and most perfect of all possible countries. From the outside, however, I see a country struggling with itself. Only 2 parties to choose from, none of them progressive. Republicans in particular are very backward looking. The abortion laws, the gun ownership, the people who are faithful to the Bible or even evangelicals. I see the crime, the shootings, the drugs, the healthcare system, the rotten suburbs, the crowds of poor or even homeless people. In addition, I have the impression that the whole system there is geared towards the exploitation of workers. But politicians and the media keep drumming it into the people there that the USA is the greatest country on the planet.
It's because of the subsidizing of the world's defense & economy, otherwise, we wouldn't have that view.
@@Timbothruster-fh3cw Thank you for proving my point
They don't "pretend", they are convinced of it. They have it drummed into them from an early age. Their "Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag" at school has a lot to answer for in that regard.
@@Timbothruster-fh3cwlol subsidizing the world defense and economy huh.. Jesus.. All you fund is the defense of your empire with which your elites are extracting the resources of third world countries.. You're brainwashed Bud
As a German travelling a lot in the USA and loving the country I can tell you this:
We don't "dislike Americans" at all. We just see so many disadvantages of American society and every day life behaviour. Things like "freedom to be armed" (mass shootings), "freedom to not have a health insurance" (going bancrupt by disease), so much homelessness, so much violence by police, and so on.
All the good things in society that we enjoy in Germany are rejected by the American society (or big parts of it) because they believe (!) this is socialism or communism. What is so far from the truth.
A single American is not to blame for this. He can only think and believe and vote what he was educated to do.
And that is the real tragedy.
This. Of course people are all different, but the political result is extreme individualism, leading to social extremes, educational extremes, inefficiencies just to make sure things aren't "socialist", car dependency, environmental disasters, ...
Those are just liberal nonsense from someone not educated about the issues. I won't bother trying. You are just another easily fooled by liberalism and don't realize it.
Freedom to be armed has nothing to do with mass shootings.....
@@johngrey5143 Haha
Often negatives views of Americans stem from jealousy and/or ignorance of a culture that they have never actually experienced.
I was born and educated in England (UK). When visiting USA a waitress asked why I did not speak English? I explained my background at which time a man at the next table said "You don't speak English, you speak a kind of English"
How can a person be so arrogant to tell a native of another country they do not speak the language of their country of birth??
To be fair tho i dont understand people from the uk too. Y’all speak really wierd english😂 i understand americans a lot better
Not surprising at all. Americans like revelling in their stupidity confusing it for knowledge.
@@gastarbeiter8384it's not weird English. It's actual English. It's our language. Americans use a retarded version of it.
People from England speak English, sometimes with an accent depending where they live in England.
Americans speak English but with an American accent, accent differs depending on where they live in America.
You can't just say they speak "really weird english"
Unless they're Scottish :D@@gastarbeiter8384
@@gastarbeiter8384they speak ACTUAL english. I mean, England = English.
Aussie here. I have travelled a lot through the UK, Europe and spent several months in the US working as a camp counsellor (25 years ago). During my time in the US I found the people very warm, friendly and very open and interested in where I came from. What I took away from it though was, the schooling is atrocious. Education is very Americanised and students leave with no sense of the world around them. As many people in the video said it was and in many ways still is "America is great", "America is the best". What many Americans fail to realise is that, unless they are native American they are immigrants as well, the English they speak was bought over from England!!! I was asked while I was in the States to speak Australian...they honestly thought that Australians speak a language other than English........Americans as a whole are good friendly people, it the BS they are fed from their leaders brainwashing them into not being able to think for themselves and find that they are just another country in a much much much larger global family.
As for Europeans, you have to remember that their civilisations go back thousands upon thousands of years. They can't be bothered with making people feel better about themselves. The Dutch and older Germans say what they like, tell it like it is, have no time for beating around the bush to get their point across. They don't do it intentionally its just the way they are. Why waste time with filters, it's just raw honesty.
Me (German) was an exchange student in the US back in 1986. I was absolutely shocked by experiencing the patriotism, believing in "America is best" and nescience of anything outside their (narrow-minded) barriers. The lack of knowledge/education in school, even about their own country in terms of politics, history and geography was mind-blowing to me. I couldn't count the stupid and arrogant questions the host family asked me, like if we have TV or cars in Germany (while there was a VW Jetta parking in their driveway! 🙈). They laughed at me when I tried to explain, many things of their daily use were invented by Germans...
So from my own experience I can only copy those stereotype of "Americans living in a bubble", sorry.
But today, watching loads of those reaction videos of US youtubers about Europe or rest of the world, it's even more shocking to me that in the past 35 years - with the achievement of internet, social media and globalization - obviously nothing has changed, apart from a very few smart and interested guys like Joel.
It seems many US citizens believe in extraterrestrial intelligence but they can't imagine any intelligent life outside US borders on this planet... 🤯
In this comment section, I'm much more shocked about the British behaviours. 😢
@moboe7719 I live at the Nürburgring, directly in Nürburg to be precise. British behaviour doesn't shock me at all anymore, believe me 😂✌️
That’s a generalization but sadly true to some extent. Maybe I’m just in the minority because I’ve lived and worked in Germany from an early age (starting in 1979), and I really pay no attention to people outside of California. I haven’t even been to 47 of the 50 US States. I prefer Europe by a long shot. I surely wouldn’t want to retire in the US. No thanks.
How did your host family treat you in general?
@@bluebird3281 They sounded like a bunch of uneducated dumb bells. How people can exist with that degree of ignorance is mind- numbing. I wonder if those American birdbrains even had paved roads and hospitals where they lived.
There's a great meme where the European says, "I feel sorry for you Americans," and the American responds, "I don't care about you Europeans," which describes the situation very well. While Europeans are interested in what happens in the U.S. and how Americans behave, Americans don't care what happens outside the States and how others feel about them. To Europeans, this lack of interest comes across as ignorant and stupid.
One should always keep in mind that these are prejudices that do not apply to all people in the US.
Yes, thats part of the bigger problem! Americans know next to NOTHING
about the world outside their borders. Only a very small minority even have
passports. It is that insufferable attitude that what happens in America
is all that matters, that gives such a bad impression !
Thats probably down to media coverage & the fact that america is a huge continent whereas the countries in europe are tiny in comparison. America is meant yo be our ally so we have to keep them grounded a bit
Maybe Europeans need to drop their prejudices.
@@neilferguson5940 it‘s not prejudices when the US playing political monopoly has resulted in both Iraqui wars and the disaster in Afghanistan, not to mention Syria!
Who do you think get's subjected to most of the refugees from those places.... Germany, that's right!
And we're at capacity, for real, not counting 1,1 million Ukrainians!
It‘s hard to drop any ‚misconceptions‘ when they have been true for the last 40 years and becoming more obvious by the minute.
ua-cam.com/video/fHeEyLobn_c/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/MCToMDEaefo/v-deo.html
@@neilferguson5940 You mean the world. It's not just the Europeans.
Dutchie here! First of all, I'm sorry that was your experience with us - but I'm also not surprised at all, haha. The Dutch are *extremely* direct and our 'lines-not-to-cross' and filters are completely different (if not almost non-existent) from most other people. Trust me when I say that this is not us trying to be condescending or anything, it's just always been the Dutch way: no nonsense, and no fakeness. And as a very sensitive Dutchie, growing up here wasn't always easy lol. But at the same time we are the most open-minded bunch you can come across as well. Next time just tell people to fuck off with their criticism, they will 100% appreciate that form of directness, and next you'll be the best of friends haha.
That being said, I do hope you know that we (or at least most of us) absolutely don't dislike Americans at all, not in *that* way anyway. If anything, I think it's kind of a feeling of "frustration" that we seem to share over here in Europe? It's like having this friend that you care about, who have a very strict background and kind of a one-sided believe system because they come from a long line of people who weren't really exposed to anything else outside of their little world - and who kinda seems to be trapped in their own world without realizing it. And you just want to "get them out of the house" for a little bit, and just show them "the rest of it"?
But I feel like maybe that's kind of an arrogant way of looking at things as well. And I'm sure there's people looking at Europeans that way too. And those people will have others look at them that way.
I think that's exactly it? The frustration bit I mean. I'm not entirely sure how to describe it any other way.
Very well said
Like when us Americans say , give me a call later, let's go out for a drink . It'd ment to be open ended for a reason, you want that person to decide what date is good for him or her to call and go for a drink. It's never to be flakey or rude , we give the 2nd person to decide , maybe he/she works till midnight on Friday and Saturday is better and we are having this conversation on a Monday. And if he/she didn't call right away maybe it's work? Family ? It's all good 👍
The US is still a great place. But also a land of extremes. Apart from the amazing stuff you have achieved that put you at where you are now...there is a lot of negative content out of there. Mass shootings all over the place, viggils with Teddy bears until the next one few days later. Government does nothing but bullshits its way out of the problem or instead of improving and changing your declining economy you prefer to bully and bring down the competition. Just look at your trade balance. The infrastructure...thats another story. Out of touch ,living in a self delusional bubble. Heads buried in the sand. Hope you're going to change until its not too late. 😊
I love Europe and Europeans for their croissants and their wine, but there are some things about them that just drive me crazy. From their identical gene pool to their efficient robots, Europe has some work to do before they can claim superiority over America. But until then, we'll just keep enjoying our fast food and our freedom of speech! Thank you and goodnight!
Italian woman here. I think that until the rise of the internet and social media, everyone had in mind the concept of the "American dream" and kinda believed in it, also because we all basically grew up with Hollywood movies and tv series and also music that contributed to this halo effect. Thanks to the internet now we're more exposed to the news, we can easily keep up with what's happening around the world and consume media from other countries as well. As a 90s kid, I dreamed of living in the US, like many other people did, I believe. But now I'm definitely glad I'm living in Europe (not in Italy tho, in fact I'm planning to move to a northern European country 😅).
As a European, on one hand I agree with you about the American Dream. But there are at least two things that we Europeans should still be inspired by, from the US.
1) The ambition. Not the ambition to over-consume, to be the richest and so on. But the ambition to at least try to build something better, to solve the problems. Apart from the young climate activists, I feel that many people in Europe just want "have a comfy life". Anything more is doomed to fail because it didn't go well in the recent past or because Europe was kind of evil while it was powerful. To me, it feels like an excuse.
2) The science spending. While it's too expensive to study in the US, the country (for now?) still understands that you need to put money in science if you want to be successful. How many researchers have to leave for the US to continue their careers?
Ciao come to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 ❤🇮🇹
Oh Lord….that British girl saying ‘but we’re not in Europe because we left the EU’!! It’s a common misconception by lots of people and it drives me crazy. You can’t physically leave a continent only a club that sits in that continent. 😤
The "British Girl" it TOTALLY correct - Britain is an island NOT a continent nor is it part of a continent. Go and find out what a "continent" actually means - the meaning has been butchered enough in the last 60 years.
@@lemal0432 "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, simply known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland."
The Isles around a continent also are part of the continent. They aren't their own continent and they aren't no-mans-land. And that's the case way longer than 60 years.
@@CalmoOmlac Absolute Rubbish
@@lemal0432 - Oh dear, it appears you may have gone to the same school as the girl in the film. We are not attached physically to ‘mainland Europe’ but the UK is 100% a country in Europe. And just to prove it to you as you are uneducated yourself (even though I can’t believe I am having to!) here is a direct quote for you…
“While not attached to the mainland continent, the United Kingdom is part of Europe. To be specific, it is classified as belonging to the region of Western Europe.’
So if you want to nit pick then you are correct to say we are not physically attached to mainland continent of Europe but we are a country considered in Europe. Otherwise (in your world) where would you put the UK?….in The Arctic? North America or some made up place “Mid-Atlantica”!
In this film the bloke was asking in the context of those girls being European and the girl on the right was correct - we are European but not in the EU - BUT we are still very much European! End of. No more discussion. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@lemal0432 It's facts. Like it or not.
It's not that the Dutch are more critical, its just that they're more open and honest... They aren't hiding their opinion behind a fake smile to make you feel better about what you're hearing...
That is true Dave , greetings from the Netherlands .
That's what I've said aswell, Americans tend to fake it way more and feel offended very easily, it seems tiresome to talk to one because you'd have to waste much of your time and put lots of effort into thinkin if they show their true face or their fake face while carefully filtering every single word to see if it could be offensive to them so you don't get a live drama performance.
As a Belgian though, I do think that some Dutchies -even though they don't like to waste your time or their time being wasted- could do some teeny bit more effort to sayn what they think in a more polite way. I'm going to give an example which isn't the best one to say what I mean so don't take this too literally but you can say "You're fucking ugly and fat" or "You're looking unkempt & overweight, I think you'd look way better if you would (insert example of what could make them prettier) and went to a dietitian or the gym that you'd look way better". This isn't a great example because in the second scenario you'd have to really think how to pick your words but bottomline is that you can make your message clear without sounding borderline offensive or like a dick. Just the same as there's aggressiveness and assertiveness there's ways to speak your mind but let someone in their waarde (don't know how to say this in English lol).
The Dutch have always been open, honest and in some cases brutally to the point, but that comes with a very open society which i as a Brit really think is refreshing.
forgot they be speaking german if it not was for us .think on that ? im from england ....trouble is people have short memorys ...
The Dutch are very Left-wing. So they would see Trump as a negative. When they say the USA is very polarised what they mean is that half of Americans don't think like them and therefore must be stupid (because the Dutch all think the same, neo-liberal, globalist, Woke, Green etc). The Dutch are a very arrogant race of people generally.
I live in an Asian country and I'm often asked where I come from. When I say Australia, the walls literally break down, similar the Canadian people. The thing that most people dislike about America is the culture that contains all the things they dislike, rather than the individual people. Most Americans I've met dislike the same things about America that the rest of the world dislikes about America. The dislike is mostly about the cultural arrogance that the American culture spews out, the arrogance of continually telling the world that America is the best country, whilst simultaneously actually being one of the worst countries in terms of how they treat their citizens, that the rest of the world dislikes. And the fact that American companies come into our countries and try to behave in the same disgusting ways they get away with in America, trying to water down our workers' rights and the constant attempts to get away with treating our citizens as badly as they treat American citizens. That's what most of the world dislikes. It's not individual American people. The American people are mostly nice, the American culture is NOT nice!!
Isn't the culture the thing everybody trying to achieve ? Going with popcorn to the movies or giving engagement rings, or celebrating haloween is copied all over.
And if LAdy Gaga is giving a concert, it's sold out within seconds worldwide. You seem to consider something else as culture.
There is nothing going around in the world saying "you have to eat Hamburgers", no the world is doing it by their own free will.
@@holger_p LOL!! I really hope you're tongue firmly in cheek here! If not, you completely and utterly missed the point of both my post AND the entire video! 🤣🤣
And by missing the point, you basically are a case in point... 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@fransmith3255 I see you don't have the will, to explain the point, when you found out I miss it.
I asked what you understand by "culture" cause all your statements are based on that.
I think you rather talk about something like mentality or characters.
Culture is literature, music, food, ...
You talke about people travelling, not about cultural imports. It's imports, not exports.
I think you missed my point ;-)
Laugh at people does not leave a too good impression of you. This is the so called arrogance I guess. "I'm right, and everybody else I'm just laughing at", I dont wast time with thinking or explaining.
Just, you say you are Austrailian. Maybe you got too much American influence ;-)
When I visited France my sister warned me to start any new conversation with "Je suis un Australien" and to make an effort to speak some French ie show some respect. The French were lovely and the young ones were very helpful - most spoke English.
BTW they dislike the English almost as much as the Americans. I did notice some English people being very arrogant and disrespectful there.
Agreed to a large extent. But I’d point out that many Americans hate America as much as many Australiens and Europeans do, if not more so. So look a bit deeper and avoid generalizations (to everyone here). Otherwise you just come off as just as stupid and uninformed as the Americans you generalize about.
My brother and his wife come to NY in 1992 from Croatia because my brother got a job on a university. They have one child who of course went to school there. On some point, my brother and his wife has to educate her about history and geographic of Europe because she got any of this at school. It was all about America as it was the only country in the world. I as an Bosnian in elementary school and later in gymansium, learnd more about the world around the planet that I wanted to but I am glad now. Because, I have knowledg now. So, back to the first lines of my story, I am not surprised that Americans think that there are the only people who matter.
After the company I once worked for was sold by a German corporation to a US corporation, I had colleagues in the US for 10 years of my professional life. I have never again experienced so much stupidity and ignorance in working out and supervising business. The supervisor mentality is frightening. No one thinks processes through to the end, there is always someone in charge, who says what to do. I left the company because of the American way of doing business. It was unbearable for a European like me. Today, the company is pretty much on the verge of closing down. The Americans have managed to ruin a German company that was successful for 175 years before the takeover within 30 years. I don't judge every US-American to be stupid and ignorant, that would be unfair and stupid. As an employee of a US company, however, one could come to this judgment.
Sort of what happened to SAAB too..With GM wanting them to build american cars for Europe. Like traveling back in time to us,,,
Ist das der Hersteller von Walzen für die Papierindustrie? Weltmarktführer aufgrund der hohen Qualität der Walzen? Ich habe da einen Bericht gesehen. Ich hätte heulen können, als ich das gesehen habe. Ich weiß leider den Namen der Firma nicht mehr, aber ich weiß noch, dass die Firma in einem relativ kleinen Ort angesiedelt war, Hauptarbeitsgeber sozusagen.
@@Dirk-Ulowetz Nein, ich habe bei einem mittelständischen Chemieproduzenten gearbeitet. Wir gehörten zu dem drittgrößten Chemiekonzern in Europa (weltweit Nummer 10) und der Vorstandsvorsitzende hatte Anfang der 90ger ein wenig herumexperimentiert. Das führte zum Zerfall des Konzerns und bedeutete für uns, dass der neue Eigentümer US-Amerikaner wurde. Das dickste Ding war ein Geschäft, das 200 Mio. USD Umsatz und rund 25% Ertrag gebracht hätte. Weil die US-Anwälte darauf bestanden, dass der Kunde einen 120 Seiten Vertrag (!!) unterschreibt, haben wir das Ding verloren.
My experience is the exact opposite: I have never experienced so much laziness, narrow-minded approach to everything and plain staggering incompetence as when working with Germans. On top of an irrational need to control everything, even at the cost of losing millions of dollars. 15 years of working with Germans. Outperforming them literally 5 to 1 (6 months to do what takes Germans 2.5 years to accomplish). While German engineers can be competent, German managers are literally all idiots, who hate their customers.
Interesting…I work for an American company that was just bought by a German company. We’re hoping for better benefits, though my company wasn’t bad by American standards, the health insurance could be better. We’re all expecting good things from it; we’re just waiting to see what changes will happen come the new year. Right now, their people are studying our people and determining what will or will not change.
Joel, thank God we have young Americans like you dispelling the American stereotypes, yet have the balls to call out outdated culture within your own country. Don't change mate
I agree , 🎉 .
Joel is a fine and fabulous representation of his country , the USA 🇺🇸.
You are doing you country proud Joel ,
Hell , my lad , a damned sight better job than that old fart " the BIG GUY , JOE BIDEN , HE'S DESTROYING THE AMERICAN REPUTATION ON A HUMONGOUS SCALE ,
BUT THE UK 🇬🇧 HAS HIS NUMBER AN M.O.
No worries about that 😇
Hm I don't know about dispelling stereotypes. This video was just recommended to me so I don't know anything about him, I am just reciting what I observed:
He started that it unfair to generalize every american, than proceeds to make the same multiple times for example stating "this country hates americans" because he had one negative conversation with one other couple.
Then he doesn't really recognize why people dislike americans, because it is not just social media and Trump. Yes there are big problems in the US, that are inimaginable to Europeans and get elevated on TikTok, but most of it can be accepted with "different culture/sentimentals". But there is just so much wrong with the US foreign politics, that it is hardly surprising when people in foreign countries act accordingly.
I think most of the people, when talking in generalisations, they know, that it doesn't apply to everyone. But that doesn't implie, that generalisations are untrue, they describe an average.
On average, my opinion about Americans is just like the common stereotypes. BUT I do watch a lot of American UA-camrs inkl. Joel, so that I can see the differences for not to loose hope in believing that there is still also some good potential in that country. 😊
I would never hate someone I meet on the streets or in a pub just because he/she is American, I would trust my experience in witnessing how one talks and behaves.
Joel, I think maybe conversations with those European/Dutch people would have developed a little differently, if it wouldn't have been late in the night with alcohol involved, don't you think?
There is no god... 🙄
I am from Austria. So, I am from a country that bears the same guilt as Germany for WW2 and the holocaust. One of the main reasons why this evil was was possible was nationalism (in the extremest sense of the word). As a result, Germans and Austrians see nationalism quite differently. Of course we are proud of our respective countries but we also recognize that they are by far (!) not perfect. That is why I always feel very uncomfortable if someone tells me that America is the geartest country in the world. This is a purely emotional sentiment that has noting to do with reality. Emotions can easily be exploited (Trump) and that is exactly what happend in Germany and Austria in the 1930s. Jan 6 was only a question of time...
I am from Austria as well and I am glad I saw you're comment because I hadn't even thought of that, but I do think nationalism is a big reason I sometimes find Americans (only online, haven't been there yet) unlikable. I can't help but imediatly associate it with racism and thinking you're better than everyone else.
I am curious what you think of how I view things. So I am American and I do believe America is the best country on Earth, but not for those reasons. I believe it’s the best country because it’s mine. It’s my home, and I love my people and my home. I love when people tell me that Americans are boisterous and energetic, it makes me feel warm about my own people. Basically I believe it’s my best country, even if others do things much better than us. I know my country is very imperfect and has several major issues and problems. I do like to look at other countries for potential solutions or ideas, for example perhaps how Germany does healthcare might have some validity in America.
What would you say of this viewpoint?
@@garabic8688 I absolutely agree with that. I want to clarify, that I'm not against nationalism in general, it depends on the type of nationalism. Like if you just love and appreciate the place you live in and the people around you, that's a very positive thing. But sometimes nationalism can lead to people making excuses for mistakes or problems inside their country or people thinking "people from my country are generally better than people from other countries, because my country is the best" or something along those line. Those are the types of nationalism that have lead to many wars and that we should be wary of and call out if we notice them. And as far as I understood, you don't even think the US is the best country in the world objectively, but just for you personally to live in, which I think, is completely fine and valid. Thanks for asking for my opinion by the way (I hope you were asking for mine, if not I'm sorry).
@@garabic8688 Bye the way, I've heard that Americans "pledge their allegiance to the flag" at schools. Maybe you can explain that to me, because as someone who is from a country, that was part of the NS regime not that long ago, that idea seems, to put it simply, horrifying.
@@inlandmango8282 Thanks for responding! It is interesting to hear your perspective. Yes, we do pledge allegiance to the flag, I've never personally felt a negative connotation to it. Here I'll list what the pledge says if you haven't seen it before:
I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thats the entire pledge that is said at the start of the school day. I've never really felt any dangerous or negative connotations with these words, because I've always viewed it as a call to national unity and loyalty to the ideals of our constitution. As we have freedom of speech as a constitutional right, students are not forced to make this pledge. I knew many students who wouldn't stand for the pledge, either because they didn't care, and some who legitimately didn't want to. I personally always did say it because I found it to be respectful to my nation, and any problems that we do have I never felt were enough to protest by not reciting the pledge, because I saw that as a protest against the entire nation in a sense, similar to how I personally would never protest any issue I hold dear by not standing for our national anthem. However, that is just my personal standing and despite my disapproval of protesting by doing that, it's ridiculous when you have people saying its not allowed, it is most certainly allowed in the United States.
Worked with a girl from Belgium for about a year, who was on a temporary assignment here in the States. She was so rude, to say the least. Being over here without family on Easter, I invited her to dinner. She accepted the invitation and then never showed up. We waited 2 solid hours, way more than she deserved, and finally realized she wasn’t coming. Upon seeing her the next day, she blew it off when I asked her about it. She apparently had the same opinion that Americans are dumb. Ok, most of us are, but she was also very condescending. Making veiled insults. I’d rather be considered dumb than to be so obviously rude and condescending. She certainly didn’t leave a very good impression of her country.
I'm sorry for you. She was very rude behavior. Hope you have other experiences in the future.
Not just Europeans a lot of people from Asian countries and places like Australia and NZ feel the same, I like Americans just not the government. I lived in US for ages in my 20’s and they spoke a lot about US being the land of free but I actually felt a lot more free living in Europe and Australia and NZ
If American employers would give their workers 4 weeks paid vacation a year, then perhaps more people would be able to discover a whole new world out there.
52 weeks of vacation is always possible, but nobody will pay you ;-)
Many of the older American tourists we encounter are from small mid-west towns who've saved all their lives in order to come to London, England. They may never have been outside their own state; even some relatively affluent Americans have never seen the sea/ocean in real life because they've always lived so far away from the coast.
Postscript: I don't think all Americans stupid, but a lot are are uneducated regarding the rest of the world. They are brought up with hybris and trained to be egocentric. America is so big that the people don't care about the rest of the world since they have dominated it for so long anyway - and all conflicts are less personal and are far away. We in Europe were forced to deal with the rest of the world because it starts right on our external borders and everything is more obviously connected to everything else. It's time for EVERYONE to think more globally, nationalistic was yesterday - no one is an island, not anymore
@@peterc.1618 thats super sad :/
Well said!
Hi Joel. I just came back from a vacation in England, but found that people were cold and distant, until I said I was Canadian, and their whole demeanour changed 180°. A generalization of Americans is that when they visit other countries, they are not willing to accept the “otherness”, and want everything to be the same as it is in the US.
Are you a Canuck or were you just using the word Canadian for favours??🇨🇦❤️
.
That’s an old stereotype about American tourists, which is untrue. It’s so old a stereotype it appeared in an old Fawlty Towers episode from either 1976 or 1979. Give it up and get an education.
Even if americans say they are Canadian, one can tell a difference between Canadian and American with enough exposure. Americans can't do a canadian accent. Americans are more opinionated and assertive than canadians. Canadians are more polite, generally speaking.
@@sinsinsinat5377 There’s not much a “Canadian accent.” It’s pretty slight. The most obvious difference is Canadians hate Americans. More polite? Why? You gave us Ted Cancun Cruz. Obnoxious person. Thanks a lot.
But it's not just the food that gives them entitlement issues. It's also their history. They think they have the right to dictate how the rest of the world should remember their past. They want us to remember their wars and their genocides as if they were some kind of heroic endeavor! But let me tell you something, Europeans - we don't need your history lessons!
I just spent a month in Central Europe(North Italy, Czech, Austria). No one brought up politics. People were fairly polite. I tried to speak their languages as a basic courtesy, and they offered English if I was not successful. It is respectful to try to speak the language when you visit another country. I think Americans need to understand that Europeans are not there to accommodate us, that we must educate ourselves a bit before visiting the various countries in Europe in order to be respectful and abide by their basic cultural norms.
Well said, it's the same for us when we Europeans visit America, tipping culture there is completely different and from our perspective outright weird and wrong in many ways.
But if we visit we will try and follow the tipping rules, no matter how weird it is to us.
as stated above, there is this thing called "propaganda" (happening in many places of course, but America is top on the list) where they make you think that your country is the best in all.
When in fact, Europe and Asia and basically all world except America, has such an old history and roots, usually generally called "culture".
And i'm not saying this as an offend to one side or elevating the other. I'm stating this purely as a fact.
That said, in many places of the world the y don't have both access nor the money aka possibility to evolve their knowledge of the world, but US citizens does. they just don't give a ... (many, not all of course).
And this is the problem.
I love americans and generally i love good people and even more good chats (don't like too much superficiality chats).
I honestly believe that the european people response to the "american people response" is like "hey, first, you were Europeans few generations before, and second, we are doing things in different ways in different countries for soo many centuries, that maybe, maybe, you should just reconsider the "propaganda message" and get in touch with the reality (outside america of course).
so Please, don't stop coming and visiting and exechaging thoughts with and whatever you feel called to do in the rest of the World.
all of this is pure GOLD or even DIAMOND for humanity at this point.
Don't feel frustrated just because of some bad meeting or some bad interactions/feelings.
Because it's exactly what people usually feels when goes to "some" other countries (maybe not all) including the US.
And this is soo important for human awareness and evolution, not just as american, european or asian.
We are and will always be 1 big population.
WE just forgot it behind our map lines.
I don't really think you have to educate yourself beforehand that much, it is more about coming with an open mind. In my personal opinion the main educating part happens while you are there. I won't get mad if someone doesn't try to talk to me in German but it makes me happy when they ask me for certain German phrases or proper pronounciations they can use.
First off, have you ever noticed how they all look the same? It's like they all went to the same gene pool and said, "Let's make sure everyone here is tall, blonde, and has blue eyes." I mean, I get it, genetics are a thing, but come on! It's like walking into a sea of Vikings.
The "Ugly American" stereotype exists for a reason, having worked in Tourism I know it's real, but like everything in life, a loud annoying minority spoil it for everybody.
I haven’t worked in tourism, but I do live in a city with many tourists. And you wrote exactly what I wanted to write. There is a loud, obnoxious minority that makes it more difficult for the „good majority“ to be viewed as nice people with a good head on their shoulders.
That’s also true for the US media.
Also good point you don't notice the 99 great respectful people, you notice the one completely hammered guy taking a leak on your national monument.
like our loutish 'lads' abroad
All it boils down to usually are politics and media.
After decades of comfortable wealth in the western world especially, people started to become spoiled, arrogant, greedy and hypocrit.
The extreme cases usually are seen in the US and nobody in europe can understand how US citizens think.
The US government is seen as the bully of the world, smiling at you for doing business on their terms but subconciously their partners always kind of feel a knife on their backs.
On the other hand, looking at europe's politics, are we really that much better? A lot of europe's government do not give an flying f about their people, only about glorifying themselves and get rich.
Then we got media...the manipulative heralds of degeneration
I call it the 'karen syndrom'. ^^
I was in Mexico once, and I explained to an American that I was Welsh and, as usual, had to explain that no Wales is not in England 🤦🏻♂️. I explained that in Wales, we also speak Welsh, which he thought was cool. He then followed on by saying that America has its own language too, to which he continued to say that he spoke American. I laughed and said, "No, you speak English." He frowned and insisted he spoke American. I asked, "Then how do I understand you as I speak English, not American" He became quite disgruntled and confused and he explained that Americans use words like "trash" and "dipers" to which I explained that they are just adaptations of words that already exist in the English language. He was not happy and walked away to my delight 😂
That just sounds like some douchebag prwtentious rich kid traveling with the laptop mommy baught him.
This same guy, if he hears someone say they are American, he would respond with "But America consists of South America and North America too. So do you mean you are from the United States because you are not Canadian or Mexican or Venezuelen" etc etc
Wow Americans are not the sharpest tool in the shed. 🤣
Ya, Im going to have to say this story is made up or at the very least embellished to make it sound funny.
Sounds like you met a particular type of American .... one that the rest of us Americans quaintly refer to as "fucking idiots". When you see a fucking idiot it's best to observe them the same way you observe a chimpanzee at the zoo... just act excited and praise their basic intellect, and leave before they start flinging shit.
@willcarey Nope! 100% true story. Why would anyone make up a story like that 😂
That British woman who said she wasn't European because "we left the E.U.", sort of blew the whole "Americans are a bit thick" argument to bits.
You said it yourself "British" its the americans of europe
That's why the Europeans have us down as thick too in Britain x
She thinks we placed an outboard motor on Brightons coast and sailed UK away from EU. (We pretended to forget Ireland).
Brilliant! I’ve been whinging about this misconception on this feed for ages. It drives me mad when people think we have somehow left the continent of Europe when we left the EU. And that girl getting it so badly wrong highlights how some youngsters don’t understand!
I was brought up post-war and we used to refer to Western Europe as the Continent and Eastern Europe as the Soviet Bloc. We never thought of Great Britain as part of Europe.
I take people as I find them no matter their nationality. Every country has a persona but you should never judge a book by its cover and take people as they are. There are good and bad examples everywhere. We should all be a good embassadors of our countries when abroad ❤🇬🇧
The biggest reason that Europeans don't like the Americans so much is mainly because of America's foreign political policies. It's not so much that Europeans don't like American people.
I know I'm from the UK but whenever I see Americans holidaying in the UK I will try to talk to them make them feel welcome and try to bring a nice feeling for them while they are on holiday here.
Saying that I know it's not American people's fault it's more their Education system that doesn't educate them on the world outside the USA so a lot of Americans are ignorant of world events and the world outside of the USA. Also as I've said earlier American foreign policy is all about making war or destabilising various nations around the planet so that the USA can get minerals from specific areas like oil etc etc
Look up Harry & Paul American Tourist Sketch; it's pretty accurate.
Your last paragraph really shows that you understand the American political/corporate spectrum---and thus the war machine.
More liberal nonsense. Education has nothing to do with us learning about the world. We are too busy learning and traveling our own country. It's big and fun. Most people here don't see even half of their country.
I guess for many years they as a nation could be "self-contained" - having all the minerals etc and capability to be self-reliant, the importing from China thing is fairly recent. So interdependence in the community of nations is less "normal" for them. So their educators wouldn't see a need for wider world awareness for kids/pupils
@@daffyduk77 exactly but with all things the USA citizens need to be aware of the damage their votes do to the rest of the world then they may actually vote with some consideration of exactly what their politicians actually do overseas with their various regime changes that they impose on other nations
"We're not europeans, we left the EU." 😂
Well, I guess even my neighbors could hear that facepalm I just did 🤦🏻
Don't worry Just facepalmed myself twice.
That’s so funny. I’ve seen plenty of reaction vidoes on youtube, and it’s usually americans who get it wrong that EU is not an abbrevation of Europe, but the European Union. My country is not a part of EU, we have said no each time theres been an election for it, but we are definitely a part of Europe😅. At least us people in Europe should know what EU is 🙈. I’m not British though so I don’t claim her 😄.
Yeah.
Too many people still don't understand the difference between Europe and the European Union.
Well tbh a lot of Brits have always felt that way
@@mackereltabbieyep. I’ve never felt European, maybe because we’re not continental European. But also, I’m english which means I’m British AND a citizen of the United Kingdom. Come on, that’s a lot without the European label as well.
I went to school with 2 Americans. Their father was serving with NATO in the UK. They were great friends and really good people. Speak as you find.
My granddaughter took a gap year at Univerrsity to be an Au Pair in Germany. We are Australian and she was enrolled in German school when she arrived. When the woman met her she bought her a new car and gave her complete control of the house and three children. She only worked Monday to Friday so she took her Hockey gear in case she could get a local game some weekends. When she went to the local club she found out she was already in three teams and she didn’t know how they knew she was coming. I did, she is from 5 Hockey Olympians on her fathers side. Same name and German people are not stupid. Some weekends she would go to Paris or somewhere else she wanted to see.
She is just finishing her Masters Degree and Doctorate as a Research Scientist. One that has already been published last year for her work in cancer cures using chemicals from foods we eat. Australia will not fund her research but America and Canada have been waiting three years for her. She wanted Germany, she has taught third year Biology and Chemistry for the last three years to support herself. Plus got an extra Biology Degree and another Degree in German while she was there. In a few weeks she leaves for Germany for three months holiday, she loves Octoberfest. Six weeks ago Germany offered for her and my German friends say she sounds more German than they do.
My youngest daughter finished two University Degrees at 20 and a week later she left to travel the world. When she goes to a non English speaking Country she always learns enough of their language to be polite and to be able to ask what she needs to know. The first time she went to Europe she could speak some of four languages. She is currently leaning Korean because that is where she was born and going next.
Do you get where I am going with this very long post yet? We care enough to learn some of the language of where we are going. Did you? My two youngest grandchildren are Canadian and you do not sound Canadian. They are both fluent in four languages and in high school in Australia.
We don’t like to stand out in other Countries. Just blend in and they know we are not from there. We have had to learn to say Australian in three other languages or they think we are from Austria.
I always say "US Americans" when clarifying 🤔
Like "A US American once asked me if we had beaches in my country....the reply that my country (Ireland) is literally an island did not prove to be a satisfactory response for her" 😂
No hate please. Just a funny anecdote. I am quite sure there's many foolish questions I have asked in my life 😘
I met an Irish dude who never heard of Serbia, my country of origin. It's the same continent, how is that even possible 😂 but those kind of people are everywhere, the US of A just seems to have a higher percentage of that people
@@adayinthelifeofanorthkorea 🤣 that's hilarious.
I mean, my German Nan still calls it "Yugoslavia", but she is old old .... everyone younger than her should know 🫤
@@brigitmurphy9959 my mom i always saying czechoslovakia 😅
The irish dude was back then like: interesting, never heard of it. Is it in Europe?
Hell yeah it's in Europe. It's basically between Croatia and Greece, both countries this guy visited in his summer vacations. Weird. I mean, I can't know everything, but the existence of a country which isn't a small island inhabited by 15k people somewhere in the pacific but in the very continent I live in should be normal common knowledge lol
Yes, i also always use the term US American
@@adayinthelifeofanorthkorea I would expect Europeans interested in football to be familiar with the names of European countries since, at one time or another, we end up in the same group in the qualifying rounds of football championships.
Something that gets on my nerves about the USA is how they are always banging on about freedom and liberty, as if they are the only country that is free. I remember visiting the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg Tennessee, only to find out that only tourists visiting there were allowed to buy alcohol. The locals could not because it is a ' dry ' county, of which there are quite a few. If that is freedom, you can have it.
I'll take that freedom. Alcoholism is now destroying Latinamerica as well as Drug crimes. So Prohibitionism is indeed the right way to go. No alcohol whatsoever.
@@9mmfederalrimmed235 I don't think alcohol (or drugs) is the only problem, Latin America has. Same with Russia. Alcoholism often comes from something else. Europe, with quite liberal alcohol laws is surely not dying on alc...
@9mmfederalrimmed235 Have you not heard of drinking responsibly?
@@9mmfederalrimmed235 😂😂 you have to be kidding. Freedom is control, eh?
@@9mmfederalrimmed235 I really hope you do see the contradiction between the concept of freedom and prohibition. Right?
European here. Grew up pretty starstruck with the US, and I’ve been there many times, but the shine has definitely worn off. I think it’s partly the flip-side of America being so, so wealthy and so, so advanced _and yet_ we see the - to us - obvious flaws. For the US, there seems to be little excuse for any of the negative things we hear and see, precisely because the US is the superpower it is. Every story you hear (or experience yourself) of an American being ignorant of something basic makes you cringe and face-palm - but importantly it does not inspire sympathy, because there seems to be no excuse for it. It’s the squandering of potential that irks, especially when it combines with a lack of awareness. Half a century and change of Western culture telling us that America is just The Best at Everything leaves us at best confused when that’s not the case, and at worst annoyed when we keep hearing it anyway.
Some of us in America get sick of hearing how great we are too. Because we know it's a lie. Sadly, many of my countrymen believe every word of it. And yes, many are dumber than a sack of rocks.
Nobody besides cave dwellers and extremist think we’re great everyone hate the place.
I have been twice in America. For me, the stupidest thing was that I had to keep repeating: ``I`m from Croatia. No, Croatia is not in Russia!!``
Would you have the same level of knowledge about Nebraska, for example?
I'm a French hotel clerk. I've been to the US as part of a highschool trip when I was 14, and a second time when I was 25, volunteering through my Social Work school to work for 6 months in Syracuse NY at an NGO purposed to house, educate and integrate immigrants. This was in 2019 full blown during the Trump era.
I've met a few Americans at my hotel job, and the difference I would make is this : American standalone travelers I enjoy talking to a lot. They're generally here to make new experiences and better themselves, and it's a joy to see and talk to them.
American FAMILIES though ?! What went wrong guys ? I have good memories with 2 families coming to visit. Out of dozens I've seen. More often than not I see provider dads with Karen wives and Tiktok kids, whose utmost priority is to make sure that the services I provide for their money fits their little dilusions of grandeur. "Is the water drinkable ? Is the food fresh and worth its price ? If I have you call a taxi for us how do I know you're not calling a friend to rip us off ?" are sadly things I've heard.
All this being said ... I could make the same criticisms about Brits. These people have changed since Brexit. I don't know what kind of saltiness you guys are trying to wash off yourself in your treatment of me, but it's been noted and will be dealt with with the appropriate level of bakchanded jokes to your face.
And seeing that in these particular nationalities doesn't keep me from seeing the biggotry in an Italian trophy wife or the infamously gluttonous German dads. And don't get me started on the bunch of cheapskates my fellow countrymen are.
But that's enough xenophobia for one man. I'm just trying to highlight how everybody regardless of their origin gets entitled from time to time. Though it's got a different flair to it mostly depending on origin actually.
The only thing I could add and agree to that most people interviewed in the original video pointed out is : I really didn't feel safe during my time in the US. "Don't fend for yourself too much around here, you never know who might have a gun and a temper" is a real everyday thought I carried with me. WHich brings up a real sense of injustice running the country from top to bottom.
Anyways don't feel bad for being from some place or another. There're good people everywhere. And there're smartasses like me to tear new ones to whomever isn't.
The only person salty over brexit is clearly you. We didn’t want unelected fools telling us what to! Why is that so hard to understand?
Agree. You are a good person. I’m American. I love the French and the Brits because of this level of thought and sophistication. Saltiness, it’s a human trait.
I’m an American and I don’t feel safe around here. I rarely have. I’m just used to expecting bad things can happen and then hope they don’t. I had knife pulled on me when I was seven and I lived in a village. Yet, I look back and think, “Well, at least we didn’t have mass shootings everyday.” Sure, their was that whole mutually assured destruction scare with the USSR, but those were better days for sure….weellll, maybe for white people. I will acknowledge the privilege my glow-in-the-dark skin of very Western European heritage grants me in the world. I say world because there are countries that consider skin color darker than a light tan to be black.
Don't treat all British the same. I didn't want to be out of the EU, I loved the idea of being European and still do. Like the US has Trump fans, we had Boris fans.
@@iaincphotography6051 don't worry mate ! I'm always nice to everyone. I only adjust my attitude depending on what people give back =)
Here's a little story. After WWII, a young American soldier and his wife were moved into the house of my grandparents (with three kids, one of them my mother). The two US Americans lived on third floor. He went to work and his wife for a long time did not dare to leave her room because of the "bad Germans" she had to live with. That's what stereotypes, assumptions and propaganda does with people. Finally they got to know each other. They realized they were just human beings speaking different languages. Very soon, the soldier and his wife were part of the family. When the lady gave birth to a child, her second name was "Mutter" (mother), as that's how my grandmother was called by her kids. Even in the 1980s they came back to Germany to visit and I had the honor to meet them. It is never a good idea to judge a person by their country. Not all Americans voted for Trump. Not all Americans are obsessed about weapons. If you are a good judge of character you will always recognize a decent human being, no matter where they are from.
Would a person be automatically 'bad' or 'ignorant' for voting for Trump?
@@philholdsworth8280 Yes, but voting for Biden turned out to be little better…the whole political class in the states are geriatric…
How about mandatory retirement at 70?!
@@philholdsworth8280I mean if sb votes for a president that says:
"You know, it really doesn`t matter what the media write as long as you`ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass."
"The beauty of me is that I'm very rich."
"I could stand in the middle Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters."
"And don't tell me it doesn't work. Torture works. Okay, folks?"
"When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy."
"Our country is being run by incompetent people." (moment of self-reflection in that quote?)
Then it seems to paint a certain picture about the voting person too no?
Doesnt mean they agree with all of this. It could just be they vote for the most entertaining or charismatic guy. But the world is NOT a WWE show so idk man.
@@philholdsworth8280 Surely not! I met a guy in his 6ties on a flea market in Ponca City. (That vendor we were at knew I'm german. He knew me from the last flea market.) So we were talking politics (a bit). And this guy next to me said: "I've voted for Trump. Not, 'cause I think he's any good. But I wanted to avoid Hillary!"
And I don't blame him! I got his point! This guy made a well thought after decision. Obviously prepared to choose from both options.
So many germans think that you would have been stupid to vote for Trump. Not all of them, as I have experienced.
But some did vote Biden 😂😂😂
I’m Brazilian living in U.S for 15 years, I don’t see nothing wrong with Americans. Good people
One thing you must know about Dutch people. They say it like it is or what they think about it. For foreigners it seems rude. But you never have to question what they mean. They tell it like it is. Keep that in mind the next time you talk to Dutch people. It's not about being rude, it's about not wasting anybody's time!
what I like about that video is that he's trying to understand where Europeans are coming from and that's actually amazing he's doing that
I was stationed in Germany in '99 so yea not having the internet helped our image. A LOT of Germans were super excited to meet an American. The Germans living near the Army bases were pretty sick of our shit though. All we wanted to do was drink and fight. If you actually went and talked to Germans everyone realized that we were a lot alike, we ended up getting along. These days? Man I don't blame them for hating us, I don't even like us. I want to go back to Europe and explain why we're like this now.
There's no need to explain, really. Honest interest beyond superficial information goes both ways. Most Germans who have spent some time in the USA or with US Americans have a pretty good idea about where you're coming from. Others don't, period.
The only way to overcome mutual prejudice is to get together, learn, and talk.
I feel you there. I grew up in a German city where we had a lot of americans & brits stationed. Many of the bars had signs at the entry saying "out of bounds", meaning that soldiers weren't allowed to enter. I regularly went to a bar where that wasn't the case and I saw some crazy shit. It once happened that one guy saw someone he had beef with right behind the window of a bar. Instead of running out, he simply punched through the window, leading to his arm bleeding and the other guy getting glass punched into his face. That was really ugly...
@@Kristina_S-O Doesn't change the fact that a vast majority of Americans feel offended way faster and are very loud and dramatic, especially when they feel offended then they don't even try to say "Hey, the way you said ....felt offensive to me. Was it meant like that or did you not mean it like that?". Instead they get very defensive and attack in a very aggressive way instead of an assertive way.
I'm from Munich and one early afternoon as a child went to the Oktoberfest with my mum and brother and witnessed several GIs beat up a German guy until he went unconscious. German police was standing there doing nothing, because legally we were still an occupied country and only American military police could intervene.
I felt so unsafe after that whenever I met American soldiers until 1990, when finally the peace treaty got signed.
Unfortunately this was my first encounter with Americans and didn't really make a good impression.
I met some very nice Americans later in my life though, so I don't agree on the sterotypes about your people. There's a bit of everything, just like anywhere around the world.
Hey, thanks for your videos. It is nice to see your openness to other cultures and also I like your opinion in many other things. You are a very likeable and chill dude and I guess one of the good ones out there. I also think that it can nowhere be perfect but as more people drop their stereotypes as better the world would be. I hope you never lose the interest in what you do here on UA-cam cause it shows people who are also look out for others that they are not alone.
Me (German) have been many times to USA. Beautiful country and most people are very friendly and helpful. I have made many American friends. I get along with them better than with the people here. Superficial , stupid americans what some people say ? You have more fun with them than these serious, humorless people here who think everything through and only complain about everything
I've noticed that Americans are always asking the question, do people like us? If you ask that question you are more likely to get a negative response rather than a positive one.
When travelling the world as a Brit it's not something I think about.
A good thing about yourself is you want to travel and experience other cultures. Most Americans don't seem to travel much.
Travelling is a form of education which gives you a word view instead of blinked view.
You are right, Paul, as a Brit, I just assume they don't like us and go from there
Maybe if you are asking that question, you are also trying to get affirmation of what you may have been told or seen in the media whilst growing up, "We are the best, no one is better than us., we were the first". We dont tend to have that over here, we dont brag about who we are, what our worldwide achievements are, we dont "blow our own trumpet" as much.
Americans love to travel to Walmart, Starbucks, and the all-you-can-eat buffet.
I knew some Londoners that constantly talked about how much better they were than us.
Isn't the US the developed country with the least amount of passports per capita?
It takes more humble Americans like you to show up on the net. It's as simple as that.
I think it’s not the average Joe “ problem “ if you talk with a American or European it’s just normal. But if it’s comes political issues then you’re lost especially if you’re a US American … the most Americans give a shit about the world outside of the US. U just think the world is just spinning around u if there is nothing else there outside
JPs… when was about 20/25, i used to chat online (on a web page actually) with people from all over Europe, sometimes not living in their native country, people from Americas (Canada, US, Brasil), from Africa (South Africa being the furthest) and Japan. Time difference was making us very random, we laughed a lot, talked tons about cuisine, discussed behaviour with your loved one and how to court someone, stuff like that. We had a great time. I learnt a lot. They learnt alot. I could do so again in something that does not ressembles a YT superchat, it d love it… maybe you should try that first hand. People talking daily stuff, music, festivals, travelling… i ended up meeting some of my friends even. It s the more up close and personal exchanges I ve had with travelling physically.
Great vid man love it
The best thing people can do is to get a passport and travel, meet people, experience life and different cultures, step out of your comfort zone, live life and embrace change.
You are not a typical American JPS! You are so much more open to other cultures
and have so much more understanding of Europeans.
I think students spending a term/semester in another country like the interviewer in the video Joel is reacting to, is a great idea and might in time lead to Americans being better informed about the rest of the world.
You can see how troubled he is for being a USA citizen abroad. It's a sad fact that the ones who understand are the ones who are made to feel awkward. The others just live in a deluded, ignorant bubble. We like the good ones! Greetings from the UK!
How did you figure out what is "typical" in a nation of over 300 million people?
@@bluebird3281 The 'science' of statistics. No polling organisation asks every inhabitant their opinion, sometimes they use randomised samples, other times their samples are adjusted for age, sex, etc. The results will not be 100% accurate but if a large (statistically significant) number give the same answer for example, that can be said to be typical.
@@peterc.1618 Mary, said "typical American". What set of statistics are you or her using to quantify what a "typical American" is? What statisticians worked that out? What organization funded them? What conclusion did they come to? And do you think Mary was referring to a poll when she said that?
And just when you say Americans are undeducated, there shows up that British girl that states "we are not Europeans. We have the EU". Which explains why the UK is percieved as the US of Europe. Whatever.
I really enjoyed your videos and comments plus learning more about the world around me.
Media , media , media , and those nationalistic Americans who think they are better than anyone see no wrong in there country , if you care about your country you criticize and see its faults too .its the only way to make changes .😊
I think everyone deserves to have pride in where they are from, that doesnt mean that they think they are better, or perfect. I love the US, but i dont think we are better than anyone else. I just refuse to let this narrative slide because its simply not true.
@@jetcox6760 yes be proud of where your from , but a few are at the extreme that's not to say it doesn't exist elsewhere other than the states , I suppose it's beacause the u.s. can come across as insular and not worldly , the one thing that really bugs me is the arrogance about the 2nd world war how the u.s. saved Europe from nazi Germany when it was a joint effort involving many nations ( not saying all think this way ) . Unfortunately it's platform's like this that the ignorant like to pipe up on . I've been to the u.s. 3 times and found the people friendly , helpful and positive .
I think Trump has a lot to do with how many see Americans.
So you mention trump who's out of office nearly 3 years and not sleepy joe biden who's a complete imbecile and likely to start world war 3.interesting.
Nah it already started with George Bush
Rubbish.
I loved trump. He was the spitting image of what we expect Americans to be like. He was like a perfect mascot
@denizb.4142 yeah but the wounds were beginning to heal with Obama.
I'n Italian and I do like Americans. Never been to your country but according to my experiences you're smart, dynamic, think big and positive. Europe needs more American view of the things. Obviously there are downsides but will not focus on them here.
We in europe only don,t like arrogance, especially one mixed with stupidity.
I know many Americans as I have worked for a US technology company. I know countless, highly educated, urbane, thoughtful and conflicted individuals. My own experience is totally different from the stereotype. Many people have strong opinions without ever having travelled there. No doubt the same could be applied in reverse too…
All that money; all the intellectual property, yet highest imprisonment rate, weekly mass shootings, poverty, families become destitute from medical bills and homelessness? How can any population allow that to go on in their society?
EXACTLY! The monumental ignorance, arrogance and aggression is less than appealing
Yes, only if you think the gun law issues. To me it compares with the idea to give loaded gun to a monkey and go in the same room with it trying to avoid being shot. If the population and the nation is that weak in maturity that this can't be changed, instead making excuses like amount of population or tradition of the old times for not leave idiotism, what can you think about it? Of course you end up stereotyping it but since gun violence is not really political issue but insanity, it's very hard to avoid this stereotyping. Sometimes, when you look these things from far away you come to think that Russia and USA is the different sides of same coin. Both controlled by different kind of mafia's and the population kept as ignorant as possible. As someone believing democracy this is appaulling. Also, when thinkig this I remember all of a sudden when reading as a teen Henry Millers cry to get away from America, and this felt something funny to me, because I didn't get reason for that, so these streams must of been on going already in those days that made some people suffrogating there.
Naturally, I believe there are millions of American people whom I would get along and become friends with, but is there enough those to change the course of a nation?
Because they are individualistic Americans. Its all about ‘me’ and making as much money as possible ☹️
for me, it was incapsulated in the way they separated those little children from their parents at the Mexican border.. held them in cages..no one showed them love or care..THAT is a bad country. it wouldnever happen in the UK. ever. Someof those children wer elost in the system for ever.
state sanctioned child abuse.
Joel, you are the oust likeable and personable and thoughtful and intelligent person. No one could dislike you. The fact that you are also American is neither here nor there. Continue to frolic with all your strength and you are always welcome in Blighty (UK).
As a German I had to travel quite a lot to the UK in my job. Most of the time to the UK. I liked to book pubs with rooms for accomodation (Have a few Pints and a pub lunch then bed). So I spent a lot of time at the bar with the locals. I can't count the times someone would call me "Adolph" , when they found out I'm from Germany. Totally hillarious and clever. I had 2 ways of coping..A- Insult their national soccer team (Won't work anymore we suck these days) or do a quick Hitler impersonation. After that we got along like a house on fire.
British TV is doing its best to keep the obsession with WW2 alive.
Oh God!! How long ago was this?? I hope not recent?
@@moboe7719
Same on german TV
@@Marge719 somehow yes, you are right, but there are some differences in how the stories are told. I can't really express it in English but I can recommend a very good video from "Feli from Germany". She explains this topic brilliantly. If you are interested. It's called: "Do Germans talk about World war II".
@@moboe7719
Interesting, seems there are different narratives to this part history.
I know Feli’s channel and will definately look into her video.
Having travelled to the USA from Australia over the last 30 odd years, I must say I am over the whole country. The food is appalling. Travelling around is complicated and expensive with limited options available. The patriotism in general is over the top and as an outsider I cannot understand why. The apathy on world issues and knowledge on politics and geography is astoundingly limited. There seems to almost be an awkward pride in living in a bubble.
I tend to fall into that same sort of thinking. The US is huge and diverse. That’s its biggest problem. Living in California makes me focus on just our own California politics and culture and view other places in the US, like Alabama or South Carolina, as foreign, backward and weird, which is why I’ve never gone to 47 of 50 US states and have no interest in doing so. I’d rather just get on a plane from California and go to Germany and leave the US behind. The US really doesn’t interest me.
@@torstenheling3830 That is an interesting take on the issue given that is where you live. Get out and enjoy the world☮
@@angelametcalfe953 Oh, I have gone out and enjoyed the world outside of the US. Many times. I’m 65 and I’ve had plenty of years to do that. First European trip in 1979 was to Iceland, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, all the good places. And that was way back then. I just haven’t seen much of the US outside of California and Washington State. The rest of the US really just doesn’t interest me. Just because you’re born in a place and raised there, doesn’t mean you like it or want to stay there. I certainly don’t. I didn’t choose to be born in the US any more than you chose your place of birth.
I live in a State with a larger population than Australia and New Zealand combined. A larger population than Canada. California has the world’s 5th largest economy. Why would I have any interest in the rest of the US? I don’t.
@@torstenheling3830 😄
I think that the bad point of view of Europeans upon the USA clearly popped up when the president (Bush if I remember well) decided to invade Iraq and allows torture and violation of human rights in awful structures such as Guantanamo. Further documents revealing atrocities, false allegations and other stuff outraged me in an unspeakable way. I also fully agree with the comments below, I fully think the same.
Hi Joel
I am surprised about many things,you haven't known.
But I very much admire you for being very keen to learn about the world outside of America.
You are very young, so I guess you have not had many years to learn things eg world history, geography, different cultures etc.
So good on you for wanting to learn!
Australian 🇦🇺 here in my 60s. So I have had a few more decades than you to learn more!
I have American relatives and, as a result, know a fair bit about what's happening over there. Admittedly, some things over there completely dumbfound me. 🤣
I feel the same way.
There are ignorant people everywhere who think their country is the navel of the world, even in Germany.
And German tourists don't exactly have the best reputation either.
I used to meet some American soldiers here who often shook their heads at some of their compatriots, who have behaved here as if absolutely everything was better in the USA.
And since the days of the Internet, someone who is interested in it gets a lot more of what is happening on the other side of the ocean.
Admittedly, the U.S. is big, yet Europeans seem to be more interested in knowing what's happening around the world, and not just in their country or the EU.
That's why I often can't understand some strange attitudes.
Here in Germany, there are also people who moan about immigrants and think that we are just being taken advantage of. But the fact that I was insulted by an American that we all only learn English because we all want to emigrate to the USA was the crowning glory of ignorance a few days ago. 🤪
Some people are just strange.
And they are everywhere.
I'm British and have been to the US a few times, Canada a couple of times and Europe many times. We have many similarities, but it's the differences that stand out and makes each more interesting.
I have met many friendly people in each of those countries, but have found that it's social media and mainstream news that spins the negativity around.
Do you mean mainland Europe, because if you live in the UK you're in Europe.
@@lifeofanarchaeologistEurope is just a synonym for Spain, Italy, France and Portugal 😂
And let's not forget about their art. They think they have the right to dictate what is considered beautiful in the world! But have you ever seen a painting by a European artist? It's like looking at a bunch of colors smeared together on a canvas! And don't even get me started on their music! It's like listening to a bunch of people yelling in a foreign language!
Im Polish / Dutch... they just speak their mind and dont care who they fk with... Dutch are blunt..
I am 64 from UK and watch your channel. You are so mature, knowlegeable and see things for different perspectives. You always see things both ways. Can't believe those English girls didn't know we were in Europe. Keep the videos coming. I enjoy them. Take care
You are a good example for an open minded american young man. I like your view .
I've met some good Americans on my travels, and I've met some bad ones but its impossible to judge a nation of people off a few people who are the stereotypes.
Great vid. Thumbs up!
From around 19:30 till the hand clap this touched me to the tears, though I am a french, living in Germany!
I'm Dutch, one thing that you may not like is that we are very direct. We say exactly what's on our mind. Don't like it? Well, that's your problem. But atleast you know exactly how we think. I personally think that's a good thing.
And regarding that interaction with the Dutch people; don't take it personal. They're most likely talking about Americans in general and not you personally.
I love to hear the Duch speak English,so sexy
So , generalizations are an acceptable form of commentary?
Traveling the world in the 90s as a German I often pretended to be dutch or danish because people would bring up WWII immediately. And we were seen as unfriendly and boring.
As another German I have to say, that if anyone brings up 1933-1945 just because I am German, I intentionally yawn and say something like „don’t you have anything more current to talk about than something my grandparents were too young to actively be involved in?“
Totally agree . To be honest ..im glad they got Trump . Now my reaction on that usual question " how could germany allow Hitler to getnthat powerful blabla " is : " You had Trump ...whats your excuse !? ". Mostly they go quiet at once ...lol
The wrong side won WW2, that's exactly how we ended up here
@@SimpleMe-Tanja-PhotographerExplain how Trump is like Hitler, did he start a war, did he slaughter 6 million people?
@@SimpleMe-Tanja-Photographer, how is Trump comparable to Hitler?
Many years ago, I worked for an American multinational. I never forget that when I met the head of treasury at the HQ in DFW, he proudly told me that it took him over 30 years to convince the Irish government that he was an Irish descendant. I don't know how he did it but he said that when he finally got his Irish passport he cried. This was an old American grown up man, very successful at a very high level in the company but yet, he suffered from an identify insecurity. I've been in the US many times, mostly on business and I heard on many occasions that Americans told that they were actually Scottish, Irish or Italian etc. Clearly, some Americans want to be identified with where they originally came from.
I'm Belgian and I like the outgoing way the Americans are , we are more reserved . I think the way of travelling is a bit strange as you rush from one place to another and you don't take the time to enjoy the atmosphere of a region but probably this is due to the limited vacation days you have . Some Americans complain about customs that are different to theirs , I tend to like that when I'm travelling . I have been in the US and the people were overall friendly and interesting . The politics of a country is not another one's business so I don't talk about it .
I live in a german town with a lot of american ties, i was born and raised here so i always came in contact with US-citizens. There is a whole military base here and we had many americans living as tenants - we still have. And all of them have been nice people - dont matter from what state in the US they came.
But much we see in germany from the US is in the news. And crazy stuff happens over seas (crazy for us germans) , so crazy that it is sometimes hard to see the same people i have met here compared to the people we see in the news, or in the internet.
And the US is big compared to germany. It is easy to forget that Americans know a lot about their states but not about other countries because if you live a lot of parts of the US other countries are thousands of kilometers away. Thats quite different in Europe - i need one hour to be in france, or two to be in the netherlands or belgium. US-citizens are not single minded or livin in a bubble i think - but the world around them (regarding state/government and geography) is so different to ours here in Europe it is hard to grasp for both sides i think.
Many europeans know about the Eu Countrys and the states so why cant they do it ? Thats nonesense buddy… the Problem are the politics wich are in control of Education healthcare and work (unions) so the laws are backwards and in the End you have ppl that grew up in this buble and often are Not interested in something different then the US…
By comparison is europe bigger than the US and me as a german knows a lot about america as well as europe
Kommst wahrscheinlich aus Rammstein wa?
And let me tell you something else, Europeans - we don't need your handouts either! You think you can just come over here and give us money because we're poor? Well, guess what? We can take care of ourselves! We don't need your charity or your pity or your entitlement issues! We can make it on our own, thank you very much!
I am a European and have traveled in the USA I found the people friendly, curious about Europe in a way that felt sorry for us.
Everywhere I traveled it felt like there was something missing it all seemed so temporary and shallow, I realised that in fact it’s because there is no history there. No large stone buildings that are 400 years old no range of styles across the years a strange mix of modern versions of old European styles all mixed together. I had no idea that all that past in Europe meant so much to me.
Oh man I felt the same this weekend (my english is not the best :D). I took a flight to London to go back to Germany and I was really surprised and happy to see all those old stone buildings. I told my family they should appreciate more of everything in their life 😅
the no history/buildings thing is not really their fault. To an extent, places like Australia/NZ would fit this.
I'm Belgian and I do think that if you want to go to the U.S. you shouldn't go there for the cities, towns or architecture in general but for the lushful nature and many different climates from deserts, waterfalls, snowy landscapes, mountain ranges, lushful forests, valleys, canyons, natural parks,..
Try not to look at the urban places & cities but try to look at the landscapes with the mind of thinking how the native inhabitants must've lived there and how their America, the TRUE America, was. Research about all the sacred places of the many different tribes and forget for a moment that there's these urbanised places with European invaders in it and take yourself back in time and see, FEEL how the US might've been before the mass genocide.
It's such a vast and diverse landscape and huge parts of it are (nearly) uninhabited.
Yes, the US doesn’t have historic churches built in the 1400s, or people living in homes built in 1775. I’ve always noticed that as a major difference.
You say there is "no history" in America? There is plenty of European history going back 400 years in the East coast, and plenty of Native American history. But true, there is no European history going back thousands of years. If you want that you have Europe and no reason to come here. That's like someone going to Europe and saying they have no wide open freeways and it's all too cramped. I don't like American ignorance nor European snobbery. Both are a turn off.
Great video bro.
Me (Norwegian) find America stuck in the past. They need to look to the future, look at the present and see what is good and bad and work on the bad and encourage more of the good. I not having healthcare means going bankrupt when you then obviously something needs to change. If you have a sea of homeless then something needs to change. Obviously something is wrong if that is normal. Or it should be something you as a person in power should want to change.
Norway has high taxes but amazing healthcare as a result, no one will ever risk going bankrupt if they get sick.
That is just one of the many ways we in Europe feel America needs to change.
There are many things we like about america, but the negative is so bad we can't look favorably at America.
I'm from Australia and I think it's the same for us. There's those who mess it up for the rest and behave badly
In my long British life I've never met an Australian I didn't like. Maybe you only export the nice ones!
It would be interesting to ask us Aussies what we think of Americans!
I think everybody should stop generalizing everything. I've been to the U.S. a few times and I've met nothing but nice people. I have a friend who is American. Not everything is great in Europe either, and here are a lot of stupid people too. Look at the EU coment😂 Have a nice day
Interesting video I enjoyed it quite a bit
As a Brit, I'm interested to know. Is it in all schools that the pledge of allegiance is intoned every morning? Are there some states which it isn't done?
Hi Joel!
I found your comments about Dutch people, around 6:00 into the video, quite amusing, because it's a very common experience!😆
One of the most important things to understand about the Dutch is that they are FAMOUS for being very blunt, plain-speaking and direct in their manner, in a way that can come across as 'rude' to anyone who is not used to them. And it's not just Americans who think this, but EVERYONE who isn't Dutch.
The fact is that the Dutch ARE blunt, plain-speaking and direct, but not because they are arrogant, combative or insensitive (they are actually quite the opposite of these things). The reasons for this can be found in their unique history as the first republic in Europe, with one of the largest international maritime trading empires (via the Dutch East India company in the 1600s), their strong tendency towards liberal and progressive politics and social values, their tolerance and egalitarianism, and their respect for honesty and truthfulness in all matters including personal interactions. The result of this is that THEY DON'T DO BULLSHIT; they don't deal it and they don't take it from others. There is no double-speak, euphemism or circumlocution with the Dutch; they say what they mean and mean what they say, and don't 'beat about the bush'. They like to keep everything on-the-level, straightforward and out in the open. This has the undeniable advantage of keeping things simple by avoiding any ambiguity or misunderstanding.
I am a Brit (from London) who has been visiting the Netherlands regularly for over thirty years. Amsterdam is my favourite foreign city and virtually my second home. So I have interacted with countless native Dutch people, and I actually find this Dutch national characteristic of frank directness quite endearing. It is also very refreshing, particularly when compared to the often rather frustrating tendency of the British (and, to a lesser extent, Americans) to indulge in the exact opposite style of communication, where no one says what they mean or means what they say, for fear of causing offence or to avoid personal criticism. The Dutch can find this indirect form of communication confusing, insincere, evasive and even insulting. With an academic background in mathematics and physics, I value and have a deep respect for the truth, and the fact that the Dutch express the same mindset through their social interactions and speech is something I find both impressive and admirable.
In summary, don't be offended by a Dutch person when they say something that comes across as blunt or rude. Most likely, they are not being intentionally insulting and don't mean to cause offence; they are just being true to their national stereotype as possibly the most reliably honest and truthful people in the world (and that's a good thing as far as I am concerned). See links below.
BTW, now you've done Germany, can I recommend that you consider the Netherlands as your next European destination? I am certain that you will fall in love with both the country and its people, just as I did over 30 years ago. I am also confident that you will be blown-away by Amsterdam, which I think is one of the most picturesque, walkable, atmospheric, laid-back and just plain chilled-out cities on the planet (no, fuckit, THE most). Also, the Dutch people are, according to various surveys, some of the nicest and happiest people in the world in terms of standard measures of friendliness, social-mindness, quality of life and contentment. You will probably find this vibe rubbing off on you, as it did with me, which is why I find my trips to Amsterdam so profoundly relaxing and de-stressing (especially compared to my life in London!).
So PLEASE do a travelogue of Amsterdam and NL! You won't regret it, and I think all your followers would love to share your experiences!
Cheers,
QS
Links on Dutch directness:
ua-cam.com/video/wrEZwe1nbBU/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/i580Y1taI_I/v-deo.html
Great video! As a Brit who now is a US citizen I experience all this first hand whenever I visit family back in the UK. Almost from the time I land to the time I leave I get everyone's opinion on the USA and Americans - it is very seldom positive!
Here's the problem though, while most Europeans understand that stereotypes doesn't reflect reality, Americans don't seem to.
But that, of course - is a stereotype...
Arrogance is the main dislike and the unsocial structure. Second is the love for weapons!
Although it's undoubtedly true that America had more respect and was seen as more 'cool' in the past. It was never as much as the average American seems to believe it was. I've seen lot's of Americans talk about how respected America used to be. How it was the 'shining city on the hill', how everyone admired it's freedoms and lifestyle etc. What most Americans don't seem to grasp is, that it was never that simple. Yes there was admiration for certain aspects of American life, amongst some people, in certain parts of the World. This was probably at it's peak from the 1920s through to the 1950s, with Hollywood playing a HUGE role in creating a generally positive impression and WW2 and it's immediate aftermath helping enormously too, of course. Though America's view of it's role in WW1 is massively overblown. By the time the US entered the war, conscripted, trained and properly equipped those troops, largely via Britain and France, the war was effectively finished. The German Armt was on it's last legs, the German economy had completely collapsed and the country was on the verge of revolution. Their allies, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, were in an even worse state and were quicly disintegrating. Most of their smaller allies had already capitulated. What's more, Pershing refused to operate under allied command and ignored the advive given by Britain and France, who'd been fighting for 4 years. As a result, the first couple of battles that the American forces were engaged in, were an absolute disaster for those forces. The Germans, despite their weakened state, decimated them. The war was over just a few months later. Although the American contribution was appreciated, by the allies, that contribution was fairly minimal in the overall scheme of things, though the morale boost given by the US entering the war, was real. Despite this, I hear Americans talking as if they'd rescued Europe and that they effectively won the war. This is a perfect illustration of the difference between how America often views itself and how it believes it's perceived by the rest of the World.
Whilst it's true that there's always been a certain appreciation, even admiration of America, the opposite has always been true too. Often even generating outright hatred in many parts of the World. Yes, the World was seeing Mickey Mouse, hamburgers, cowboys, skyscrapers and Hollywood but it was also seeing decaying inner cities, gang crime, gun crime, homicide rates, corrupt politicians, smashing of trade unions, nuclear proliferation, segregation, racism and race riots. In foreign policy it was seeing economic bullying (one of the factors in the formation of the EU) Vietnam, Korea, Panama, Grenada, Nicaragua, Iraq, Afghanistan etc etc, as well as US support for brutal dictatorships, US backed coups, US support of insurgencies in numerous countries, a vast US military with hundreds of military bases worldwide. The US economic system itself was and still is, hated by huge numbers worldwide. It sees US opposition on climate change, it sees religious fanaticism. It sees a horrendous prison system and a deeply flawed legal system and a corrupt, inefficient and not fit for purpose healthcare and welfare system. It sees poor quality workers rights and protections. In recent years it see a deeply divide country with increasing extremism, especially on the right. Even US popular culture is hated in many quarters, seen as contributing to dumbing down, as undermining national and local cultures and even as a symbol of all that is wrong with capitalism.
America never was the 'shining city on the hill', except in it's own mind. There's always been much to admire about America and there still is, despite present woes and some incredibly poor Presidents in recent woes. Nor is the rest of the World doing much better. However, we're talking about perceptions of the US in the rest of the World. Past and present, it's never been as rosy a view as most Americans seem to believe. Even that period, from the 1920s to the 1950s,the perception was never close to being universally positive.
Britain, as a nation is still pretty positive towards America. More so than most, possibly all, of Europe, I'd say. There are othe countries who retain a strong positive outlook towards America too, of course. Countries such as Australia and Japan. Poor people around the World will always dream of a better life elsewhere and the US remains a favoured destination, especially in parts of Latin America but, worldwide, Eurppe is the more favoured destination nowadays and has been for quite some time. Other people, particularly in large parts of Asia, now see their own countries or regions as being able to offer those opportunities that they once believed only N. America or Euroqe could offer.
All of the above is merely to give perspective. The US undoubtedly remains one of the most admired and respected nations in the World. The Internet is at least partly responsible, as it's allowed Americans to see a lot of negative viewpoints, that have always been ther but were hidden from view for most Americans, until relatively recently. Also, don't forget that EVERY country is viewed negatively, in all sorts of ways. America's activities on the World stage has made it a lightning rod for discontent. Sometimes that discontent is justified, sometimes not. America is at least gaining a more realistic view of how it's seen in the World. Long-term that's probably a good thing. :)
My dad is a retired engineer who used to travel around the world for business since the 1970s. I've heard quite some stories from his trips since I've been a baby and remember that I never wanted to go to the US because he had already told me about the (gun) crimes and being scared (he never dramatised his stories - just personal anecdotes and as jokes, he also made it clear that it wasn't like that in the whole US just in some parts and that the people he met there were really nice - so I was not traumatised or had a bad image of the citizens - just decided for myself that I never wanted to go there). So this has been a problem since way before the internet.
I've been to Hawai'i and NY since. I LOVED it there. The people, the atmosphere etc. It felt like home in NY especially. I know they are not really representatives of the US but that's also why I think there is some truth to the stereotypes of the US. But that goes for any country in the world. They all have their own stereotypes which are never true for the whole country. That's just the nature of stereotypes. I still don't want to live in the US though because of the non existent health care, the (gun) crimes and other facts.
I think most of the people who don't like the "Americans" don't actually mean the Americans but their government and some laws - and the people who agree with these laws. So if you are saying you don't agree with these things then you are not meant as their "target". If you want to you could say you are not THAT type of American whenever you hear someone say something negative about them after you've introduced yourself as one. But I personally don't think that's necessary because from then on it only becomes a me vs you conversation.
You are still young and I can see your youth through some of your comments but I think you are very mature despite your age. And I admire your curiosity and the will to learn. Please don't let negative comments about your country get to you too closely. They are not meant against you personally. It's healthy to keep an open mind and to question a lot of things but it's not to take what other people have to say personally.
The Dutch are just very direct in outing their opinions, other Europeans are more reserved in that.
What an eloquent guy. Beautifully put
The UK can leave the EU but it can not leave Europe 🤔
I grew up loving the US (through TV Shows). Then I learned about what it was really like there and the disappointment resulted in a very anti-US phase (you should never meet your heros, they say). Now it's mostly just disappointment and pity. In many ways the US is it's own worst enemy.
There's this common theme through all media, public statments etc that the US is the best and greatest ("Land of the Free" etc).
My personal opinion is that most USians are indoctrinated to believe that when they are young, and through exported media,TV etc. promoting the same views, so are many Europeans (certainly my own generation). The difference between the two is that Europeans grow up and have something (their own political, economic, social systems) to compare and contrast with the indoctrination. USians, unless like yourself they actively educate themselves and explore, never see outside that bubble.
I think that you really think you know how we think but your so far off its almost opposite. The only time I ever hear of the concept " Americans think they are better than everyone" its 100% of the time coming from Europeans who are telling people what we think, feel, say, do etc. No, we dont think we are better than anyone else, in fact thats why when something goes wrong in the world, we both as a people and with government driven efforts, try to do what we can to help, fully aware that we may not be able to do much. But we still try. Nice to know that litterally no one ever credits us with that, but we sure get the "Arrogant, Delusional, backwards, idiot" tags." Neat.
@@jetcox6760 It's an opinion formed from my own experiences. I'm also fairly sure that many USians share my opinion; that memorable scene from The Newsroom pilot episode suggests they do. Why then is this opinion so prevalent, enough so that it becomes the anchor on which to hook a TV series?
The opinions in the video you reacted to was great. He has a very reflected way of thinking. The same holds for you since you resonate with his thoughts. Fantastic video. I'm touched and it made me thinking once again of sterotypes we europeans have.
As german I also get confronted with sterotypes, especially with some polish people (in a negative way) and e.g. some arabic people (in a positive way).
Stereotypes are true for some and wrong for some.
The problem is also "us" not only "them".
Excellent Video. Great video and I can see that people who are interested in other cultures and want to get into conversation with others are at the mercy of precisely this problem of stereotypes. I am German and have been living in France for 20 years and I subliminally experience exactly this distance and the reservations of the French towards me. I'm just not French. But overcompensating (I've tried that too) doesn't help. You have to remain authentic, not bend and accept that the country of origin in which you grew up is an essential part of your own personality. And it has to stay that way!!! If we were all the same. Oh mey that would be a shame and soooooo boring! Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work!
The Dutch are probably so critical because the Netherlands is one of the most visited countrys by Americans and they get the purest personal experience of them
I studied in the NL for a semester and it was amazing. People there were so open and although there are superficial ppl everywhere, I found them as a whole to be less so. We talked politics and all but I am Mexican. Also the NL is where the international court is, they are very pro human rights so ofc they might be more critical to the US, a country which doesn’t care for human rights, doesn’t believe or truly practices international law (which are more like a framework of norms to avoid countries being bullies and such) and yeah, all that.
As for the 90’s thing. I agree, the internet was not super big. If it had been, ppl would have thought the same about the US with Clinton’s humanitarian wars and such. Always intervening.
I know these international policies and such don’t represent all Americans and I’m sorry for generalizing, I feel for you guys cause there is not much you can do about it but exercise your rights as citizens and demand a better leader and stop consuming drugs and all that.
Edit: I also think that because of all these policies and such you have with “helping other countries find the right way” (your way) and all the influence power you have, you don’t care to take responsibility. The waves the US creates have big consequences all over and it causes social disarray everywhere. Maybe I’m wrong but I remember the whole trump thing and how there was a Dutch guy running for elections that everyone was calling “the Dutch trump”, you had the French woman le pen or something aaaaand what is portrayed in the internet is that there are Americans that love this or there are Americans that don’t care about it and just make social media content while the rest of the Americans that care and such are simply hidden to the world. MAYBE. It’s just my thoughts anyway!
Hear hear, 👏👏👏 (not just my Dutch bias or pride - Peace Palace 🤟)
People did think similar things in the 90's maybe a little less - but it was mostly about cigars and dresses with Clinton.
Nathaniel Drew thought America was more highly thought of when he was young because he was believing the home hype. He simply had not yet travelled. There’s a reason that young travellers in the 1970s and 80s put a Canadian flag pin on their backpacks. People don’t dislike Americans so much as they are very critical of America and what America tells the world it is: jingoistic, insular, self-involved, capitalistic, interfering, etc.. “The ugly American” is not a new trope.
I would say we don't dislike the people, we dislike the way of living in the US and how things work.
I think there are also many people like me in Europe. I don’t dislike Americans, I just dislike the country and how the American Dream infiltrates people’s minds. I have many American friends, I love making fun of their country, but I don’t hold anything against them. And the ones I do have a problem with are not because they are American, but because of who they are
As someone Dutch: yes we are critical (and it’s not just towards Americans or foreigners in general, but also to ourselves and our government). With America: the weird health care systems, the school system (and it’s funding/costs), gun access/control, the voting system, the ignorance, work (working. 8am-10pm, getting fired easily, the big difference between rich and poor, having to work 3-5 jobs to make ends meet etc)
All of those things are horrible, agreed. (Australian) But taking that frustration out on individual Americans is pointless and illogical. No individual American (except possibly a President) can be held responsible for all the ills of America.
Before the Internet we only knew what YOU presented and revealed via media. With the internet we were able to see who you really were. That's why. No more rose colored glasses
Ha Ha! I want your laugh as my ring tone lol infectious
Canadian here. We'll accept you, J. You might need to relocate here at some point.
I did an experiment when I went to Europe in the 90's. One day I walked around Prague as normal, most people assumed I was American, and they treated me as just another annoying person. The next day I put a little Canada Flag pin on my jacket and walked around the same area and people were super friendly and helpful as soon as they saw my pin. It really was a night & day difference.
You should just try wearing a Canadian flag pin or something next time you go to Europe. I'd be interested to see what you notice about how you're treated.
Last time I did a hostel trip I met some people with Canada pins, were very rude people. I asked where in Canada they were from and they said Toronto. I told them I live in Ottawa. They said they never heard of it. I was like well you're not from Canada that's our capital, and asked them to stop fronting. I told them the way they speak to people is not how most Canadians treat service staff and if their going to wear the pin at least act Canadian.
@@matty_ottawa8173 Yeah, there’s a danger of impersonators giving us a bad name. I just hope those who they were rude to didn’t judge us by the actions of the phony Canadians.
No!!!! If all Americans did that the world would start thinking we're just as bad as them!
Please do not wear a Canadian pin or flag if you are not Canadian! Being a Canadian is a privilege! ❤️🇨🇦🙏🏼
@lauriemapplebeck1286 being Canadian is not a privilege you stole our lands the metis treated us better remember 1885