Expats

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Wow, generalize much?

My view. You are of course entitled to disagree.

If by saying generalize, you mean most Americans couldn't name all 50 states let alone point them out on a map, then yes- I suppose I am but it does t change the fact that it's true and it doesn't make me less American or less patriotic.

You're right, I am entitled to my own opinion so let's leave it at that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

64% of Americans don't even have a passport!

As much as this country has to offer, America is not the most cultured


Absolutely.

How many Americans have never been out of State - not talking out of the USA - so why would they need a passport ?

When talking to people here they really find it impressive what I have seen of the world

9 times out of 10 I've seen more of the US of A than most Americans !

But I like 'exploring' . . .




Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Kingair

How many Americans have never been out of State - so why would they need a passport ?

When talking to people here they really find it impressive what I have seen of the world

9 times out of 10 I've seen more of the US of A than most Americans !

But I like 'exploring' . . .




Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

It's sad really. I grew up on MI where many don't leave the state or region.

I've been to all 49 states. Growing up, my parents took us traveling every chance they got and it carried over into my adult life.

I just don't get those types of people


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

If by saying generalize, you mean most Americans couldn't name all 50 states let alone point them out on a map, then yes- I suppose I am but it does t change the fact that it's true and it doesn't make me less American or less patriotic.

You're right, I am entitled to my own opinion so let's leave it at that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As they say, you're entitled to your own opinion but not your own facts.
As far as your generalizations, I would suggest anyone who's interested simply refer to your prior post to which I was referring and judge for themselves.

I have made no comment as to your status as an American or as a patriot.

[mrricks]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Fantastic adventures, thanks for sharing, I love meeting people who have travelled like yourself when I'm on my very much less exciting trips.

It's a terrible shame that the current world political and social situations mean that such trips like you made just aren't possible for young people who want to travel now.

Saying that though, most young travellers now are more concerned about how they look on Insta and fb than what by they're actually doing and learning about where they are.

True enough. Just couldn't go through many of those countries anymore.

And many young people only see the world through the screen of their machines.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

And as an American, I couldn't disagree more with your disagreement. Most Americans are oblivious to other cultures, shun most ethnic foods, and most have never stepped foot outside of this country. 64% of Americans don't even have a passport!

As much as this country has to offer, America is not the most cultured


Absolutely.

I'll let others decide whether this type of generalization is offensive or not. Substitute another nationality and ask yourself it would be appropriate to make such statements.

As I said, you're entitled to your opinion.
And I'm entitled to disagree.

This dialogue is not productive to the purpose of the thread so I'll let it go. I hope you can understand how some could find this type of assertion offensive though.

I'm sure that it wasn't your intent.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

If by saying generalize, you mean most Americans couldn't name all 50 states let alone point them out on an a map, then yes- I suppose I am but it does t change the fact that it's true and it doesn't make me less American or less patriotic.

You're right, I am entitled to my own opinion so let's leave it at that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How could anyone possibly find that offensive?

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Tony64

How could anyone possibly find that offensive?

Don't think it's offensive at all but more the truth !

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Don't think it's offensive at all but more the truth !

Well there you go.
I'm out.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

If by saying generalize, you mean most Americans couldn't name all 50 states let alone point them out on a map...

rather than pointing fingers and/or accusing one another for their ignorance of American geography/history, we should be blaming the teachers & local school boards for their short-sighted curriculum.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by ref1655

rather than pointing fingers and/or accusing one another for their ignorance of American geography/history, we should be blaming the teachers & local school boards for their short-sighted curriculum.

Guess you are correct since it all starts there - and the less you know as a student the less you can teach as a teacher !

But I like living in the USA - I enjoy it - or better we all enjoy it here in SoCal !
Every country has it 'good and bad' things - nothings perfect

And 4th of July we have a party like everyone else together with our friends - from all over the world

Now the funny part is that I never ever celebrated the Belgian National Day - btw on July 21
Guess i never had a real reason for it . . . .

[superdog]

I like the US. I like living here. But I am under no delusions of patriotism.

I don't understand sentiments like that. What creates patriotism, or the need to be obsessive and even aggressive over ones sports teams? Or even their college alma mater.

Because I was born here? We are provided many freedoms and opportunities in the country, and I am grateful. But there are many wonderful places around the world that provide their citizens or even expats with a great life filled with opportunity.

For me, I like the US because I appreciate the melting pot and the beauty of the country. And really, our history actually leaves a lot to be desired. I suppose that most countries or world leaders can also say that of their own history.

Sure, someone can move to another country.



Or they can simply move to another state. The US is filled with incredible diverse culture, food and landscape. Truly, anyone looking for anything specific, can certainly find it in the US.

Beaches, mountains, cities, deserts, plains, farm land etc... The US is pretty incredible.

I have travelled to most states. And to many countries. But I will always choose to come home to NJ. I absolutely love it here. And every single time I am away, I am relieved when I come home.

I am a firm believer that it is "not the place, but the person"

People move around for a lot of reasons. But happiness, joy and contentment can often be found inside, even when it can not be found outside.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

It's sad really. I grew up on MI where many don't leave the state or region.

I've been to all 49 states. Growing up, my parents took us traveling every chance they got and it carried over into my adult life.

I just don't get those types of people


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maybe "those types of people" didn't or don't have the money to travel. Some may not have the family structure, and support you did. Be glad you did, and hopefully "those types of people" will some day be able to do that......

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by superdog

I like the US. I like living here. But I am under no delusions of patriotism.

What creates patriotism, or the need to be obsessive and even aggressive over ones sports teams? Or even their college alma mater.

I'll leave the patriotism issue for others to chime-in on. as far as the obsessive/aggressive nature over sports teams & alma mater, some (or much) of it can be attributed to a limited thought process. at best, sports = entertainment & one's alma mater means little or nothing...except to the overly nostalgic or resume baiters.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

It's sad really. I grew up on MI where many don't leave the state or region.

I've been to all 49 states. Growing up, my parents took us traveling every chance they got and it carried over into my adult life.

I just don't get those types of people


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Darn it! Did Texas finally secede and I missed it?!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

Maybe "those types of people" didn't or don't have the money to travel. Some may not have the family structure, and support you did. Be glad you did, and hopefully "those types of people" will some day be able to do that......

I have to thank my parents that they learned me what traveling is
I've seen the whole of Europe several times and the rest of the world.
I can't thank them not enough for it !
Finally traveling is a great education.
Meeting new people - what their point of view is . . .
Now in Europe is still a lot - more educative compared to traveling in the US - since you are in a new country each time
Here in the US you are 'just' in another State - where people speak the same language - so a lot of difference between both
And EU vs USA also has another big advantage as well : finally I speak 5 languages fluent - working on #6 !
Here you are good to go with English, better even when you speak Spanish as well . . .
Although Europe has changed a lot in the last years . . . going the wrong direction . . .
The USA has one big advantage and that it is one big country !
Europe tried to copy it - starting with the Euro - but never ever won't succeed . . . .

And getting back to Patriotism in the USA . . . it's here and alive !

Luckily !

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by Kingair

I have to thank my parents that they learned me what traveling is
I've seen the whole of Europe several times and the rest of the world.
I can't thank them not enough for it !
Finally traveling is a great education.
Meeting new people - what their point of view is . . .
Now in Europe is still a lot - more educative compared to traveling in the US - since you are in a new country each time
Here in the US you are 'just' in another State - where people speak the same language - so a lot of difference between both
And EU vs USA also has another big advantage as well : finally I speak 5 languages fluent - working on #6 !
Here you are good to go with English, better even when you speak Spanish as well . . .
Although Europe has changed a lot in the last years . . . going the wrong direction . . .
The USA has one big advantage and that it is one big country !
Europe tried to copy it - starting with the Euro - but never ever won't succeed . . . .

And getting back to Patriotism in the USA . . . it's here and alive !

Luckily !

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Darn it! Did Texas finally secede and I missed it?!

Guess if I ever would move that Texas would be in my top 3

I spend a lot of time in Fort Worth and Dallas

I miss EatZi's . . . .

So are the States in my heart . . . guess so . . why else would I - including my family - move 6000 miles West

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Kingair

. .

And getting back to Patriotism in the USA . . . it's here and alive !

Luckily !

Why do you think it is alive? And why is it lucky, that it is?

I am not being snarky, I genuinely want to know what creates a sense of patriotism.

Please don't misunderstand me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have and the life that I live. Very grateful. I love NJ and I very much enjoy travelling the country and meeting new people. I think the land is beautiful and I am surely love "mother earth".

Patriotism though is love or devotion for ones country.

I would fight and die for my loved ones, even for people I have never met if I felt I was fighting for the greater good. But I don't understand how the "love and devotion" to ones country comes into play.

I would surely appreciate your genuine response.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by superdog

Why do you think it is alive? And why is it lucky, that it is?

I am not being snarky, I genuinely want to know what creates a sense of patriotism.

Please don't misunderstand me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have and the life that I live. Very grateful. I love NJ and I very much enjoy travelling the country and meeting new people. I think the land is beautiful and I am surely love "mother earth".

Patriotism though is love or devotion for ones country.

I would fight and die for my loved ones, even for people I have never met if I felt I was fighting for the greater good. But I don't understand how the "love and devotion" to ones country comes into play.

I would surely appreciate your genuine response.

I am an easy guy . . .

Whatever peoples point of view is . . . all fine for me

Just don't like people trying to convince me - especially not in politics or religion !

And whatever you feel for your country - patriotism or none - all fine for me !

Anyway I like it here and I will enjoy living here for the rest of my life hopefully

Now getting back to Patriotism . . . if I was here in the USA 30 years earlier . . . I would have been a few years in the USMC

Pretty sure of that !

Is that Patriotism . . . maybe yes for some . . . maybe no for some . . .

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Kingair

I am an easy guy

Whatever peoples point of view is . . . all fine for me

Just don't try to convince me - especially not in politics or religion !

And whatever you feel for your country - patriotism or none - all fine for me !

Anyway I like it here and I will enjoy living here for the rest of my life hopefully

Fair enough. I really wasn't trying to convince you of anything.

I was just asking a genuine question.

I am glad you like it here. I do too!!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by superdog

Fair enough. I really wasn't trying to convince you of anything.

I was just asking a genuine question.

I am glad you like it here. I do too!!

I wasn't pinpointing you at all regarding convincing . . .

This would have been my part of Patriotism - but you clicked to fast

Now getting back to Patriotism . . . if I was here in the USA 30 years earlier . . . I would have been a few years in the USMC

Pretty sure of that !

Is that Patriotism . . . maybe yes for some . . . maybe no for some . . .

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Kingair

This would have been my part of Patriotism - but you clicked to fast :

Now getting back to Patriotism . . . if I was here in the USA 30 years earlier . . . I would have been a few years in the USMC

Pretty sure of that !

Is that Patriotism . . . maybe yes for some . . . maybe no for some . . .

My wife tells me I am too fast too.

And interesting you bring up the military. It is my greatest regret in life that I did not join.

We just talked about this yesterday at the dinner table. Two times, when I was a kid, I told my parents I wanted to enlist.

Both times they were in tears. Both adamantly begging me to not join up. And both times, I relented. I regret it, but I love my parents, and I am glad I did not torture them.

Anyway....

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by superdog

My wife tells me I am too fast too.

And interesting you bring up the military. It is my greatest regret in life that I did not join.

We just talked about this yesterday at the dinner table. Two times, when I was a kid, I told my parents I wanted to enlist.

Both times they were in tears. Both adamantly begging me to not join up. And both times, I relented. I regret it, but I love my parents, and I am glad I did not torture them.

Anyway....

We'll I did my Military Service in Belgium - we all had to go until 2000 IIRC

I was one of the last ones . . . but enjoyed it - another life experience

And being a lot here out on USMC bases - due to 'things' we can't talk about - I really would have joined the USMC for few years !