What are the pros and cons of being American?

[Anonymous]

Have you ever experienced either intense interest or hatred from someone just because you are American?

[msc545]

The major pros that I can think of are the sometimes spectacular scenery (Pacfic Coast Highway, Big Sur, Rocky Mountains, Cape Cod) San Francisco and New Orleans, and the pretty good highway system and good universities. The cons are the government, the totally shitty unfair economic system, the violence, the right wing, the corruption, the constant wars, the racism, and the generally ugly architecture. Also, the "culture" such as it is, and the lies.

[msc545]

When I go to Europe or really anywhere outside the US, I tell people I am Canadian. I don't want the trouble that being identified as American brings these days.

[Asker]

You’re really smart. I wish there was another country where people spoke my language, so I could introduce myself as someone from there. I know very well how it feels when people treat you like dirt, and I truly understand you. If you can hide your American accent and imitate a Canadian accent, you’re lucky.

[msc545]

I've lived in Europe for a while (and wish I still did) and traveled there a lot. I learned to "fake Canadian" out of necessity since Trump has been on the scene. The Europeans hate Trump and sometimes that spills over onto Americans.

[Asker]

Do you feel proud or ashamed of being American?

[msc545]

Ashamed. There is really nothing to be proud of anymore. We are mostly hated, and for damn good reasons.

[Asker]

Unfortunately, I feel the same way as you do.

[msc545]

At least we are not lying to ourselves like others seem to do.

[Asker]

Thank you for understanding.

[DrPepper12]

FROM someone no. Reflecting on being a USA American is another story. It's complicated.

[Bricealan]

In London, several years ago, I spoke to a couple what I assumed were Americans and I asked if they were Americans

They were Canadians, and the rather rotund husband responded in a very insulting way saying "Oh God no" or words to that effect.

Well that really made me angry as hell and I ran up the morns back like a window shade, telling him he ought be ashamed of himself, for 'condemning' any American, simply because he did not like the way our government/ country is ran.

His wife agreed, and she apologized for the oaf, for his stupidity.

[Danzigdawson]

He was right to be insulted. A huge portion of Americans are admirable people, but down south also dwell the worst pieces of shit ever known to mankind.

[Asker]

A huge portion of Americans are admirable people? Haha really? 😂

[Bricealan]

@Danzigdawson You are as stupid as the other Canadian!!! He was right to be insulted?
Good god man. There are 330 million people in this country, and down south "dwell the worst pieces of shit known to mankind" ! I certain count you as a piece of shit to make such a retarded statement.

[Bricealan]

You are as stupid as the Canadian. What in your fucking feeble mind would motivate you to make such a fucking moron statement?

[Danzigdawson]

Your first fucking moron statement, shitheel.

[Danzigdawson]

Less than 50% of 65,3% of registered voters voted for the orange fascist turd-bucket. It's well known that there are at least 77,302,580 morons in the US. I choose to have hope for the other 262,808,408 who didn't vote or couldn't yet vote because of their age.

Also, let's not fool ourselves into seeing trump's "victory" last November as a landslide and something that every single American wanted. There are still intelligent and decent people amongst the Bricealans.

[Danzigdawson]

That last statement was a reply to your comment, @Asker. I forgot to tag you.

[lightbulb27]

Im traveling Europe now and I engage with people with no problems. I think a lot of what you get is what you give. People seem to understand government can be nuts but you as the person are a representative of the nation... a diplomat. So you get to present the country. I've only gotten positive results.

Pros: Freedom to do very well economically if you want to work hard, have contacts and some good fortune. You can do well showing up with no skills or with skills. Other countries, cannot do that... might be stuck and difficult to progress.

Cons: USA is architecturally boring and bland. Can be unfair... like your parents and environment can limit your options and screw up your life. Your early education can be trashed if end up in a junk school environment. In those situations, you have to be a rebel to get free of the oppression... but it is possible.

[whiskeyontherocks]

I’m a well traveled American both in the states and to several other countries. just made me like the United States even more. We’re not perfect by any means but the quality of life is so much better. And yes you’re going to have several different experiences across the country so you’re best to compare states to nations.

[Iron_Man]

There’s no cons people just get jealous because we’re a free nation and we’re very popular and we are the policeman of the world. Somebody's gotta do it if not, you can get nuked by some country that’s got mental illness issues their president it can be a very nice country, but that one president could be mentally ill and destroy us and other countries-so we have to police

[andreasderjuengere]

So: police Cambodia right now, if you please

[CarolinaCutie5]

Lol too many cons at the moment. I don't see any pros and yet im an American.

[TwoToTooTutu2]

Yes I have been spit on for my nationality, but also chased by beautiful 3rd world women.

[Anonymous]

Not intense hatred. But as an American we know the world is jealous of us. Nothing from people from turd world countries really surprises me.👍

[Jennz6]

I’m not really sure

[noohair]

To be a citizen of a Constitutional Republic.