My Stupid WOVO trip to FSU

[Seeker]

Perhaps it's more of an American thing. Ignorance breeds fear right?

I love the map!  That is hilarious... and sadly based on a bit of truth.

[Blues Fairy]

I love the map!  That is hilarious... and sadly based on a bit of truth.

A very small bit.  Nowadays, I'd say, everything is pretty much reversed.  America is the "evil-doer" and that's where (after Israel) the bombs will go. 

[Seeker]

A very small bit.  Nowadays, I'd say, everything is pretty much reversed.  America is the "evil-doer" and that's where (after Israel) the bombs will go. 

I meant based on some American's distorted attitudes... reality is closer to what you said.

[Faux Pas]

Perhaps it's more of an American thing. Ignorance breeds fear right?

Anything that doesn't march lock step with your particular line of thought is an "American thing". You really should get over your hatred of America. It really is beginning to shape who you are.

[Seeker]

Anything that doesn't march lock step with your particular line of thought is an "American thing". You really should get over your hatred of America. It really is beginning to shape who you are.

Oh come on, you have to admit 'we' even joke about this among ourselves (fellow US citizens).

Even the term "American" is arrogant and ignores MANY other countries that make up the Americas.

We all have myths and jokes about our own culture and other cultures... based a bit on truth, a bit on media, and a bit on tradition.  I can admit, that the rest of the world has a right to poke fun at us.  Just like we do towards them.  As long as we remember it is just a stereotype being teased, not all ________ (fill in the nationality of your choice).

[Blues Fairy]

Even the term "American" is arrogant

 

[I/O]

Ah, Flat earthers, when you step off the edge of  __________________ (Fill in the name of your country) you fall into an abyss because nothing else exists. The 'Murricans have long been accused of holding a monopoly on this thinking but travel, particularly travel to Russia taught me differently.

My conclusion as to the difference. 'Murricans don't know where anything is, Rooskies (being better geographers) can tell you where it is and what its name is But................underneath it all, they still don't actually believe it really exists. Subtle difference and as for my lot, they wouldn't have a clue if anything exists, often including their own back yard. Europe..............who'd bother. :noidea:

[Seeker]

 

I have discussed this with MANY Americans, from various countries (including US), and I have to agree with them on this.  Of course my own blood line is so mixed, I can identify with almost anybody in the Americas.

Born and raised in the US... going back to 1628 from a European point of view, as far as I can tell.

But getting here so early... ummmm... we assimilated... is that a nice way to put it?

So I think of myself as a mix of the Americas, its original inhabitants, and of its conquerors.  It is easier to belong to all people than to say I am just one.

{Note: Getting off "One world one people" soapbox.}   

 

[Seeker]

Ah, Flat earthers, when you step off the edge of  __________________ (Fill in the name of your country) you fall into an abyss because nothing else exists. The 'Murricans have long been accused of holding a monopoly on this thinking but travel, particularly travel to Russia taught me differently.

My conclusion as to the difference. 'Murricans don't know where anything is, Rooskies (being better geographers) can tell you where it is and what its name is But................underneath it all, they still don't actually believe it really exists. Subtle difference and as for my lot, they wouldn't have a clue if anything exists, often including their own back yard. Europe..............who'd bother. :noidea:

 

[Faux Pas]

Oh come on, you have to admit 'we' even joke about this among ourselves (fellow US citizens).

Even the term "American" is arrogant and ignores MANY other countries that make up the Americas.

We all have myths and jokes about our own culture and other cultures... based a bit on truth, a bit on media, and a bit on tradition.  I can admit, that the rest of the world has a right to poke fun at us.  Just like we do towards them.  As long as we remember it is just a stereotype being teased, not all ________ (fill in the nationality of your choice).

Joke about what exactly Seeker? No, I don't find the term American arrogant and I was not referring to myths and jokes. If you want to take an apologist position for "who and what" you are, have at it. 

[Seeker]

Joke about what exactly Seeker? No, I don't find the term American arrogant and I was not referring to myths and jokes. If you want to take an apologist position for "who and what" you are, have at it. 

I am not apologizing, just stating my opinion based on my own experiences in life.

The 'jokes and myths' reference was to include many things that make up a cultural belief... Trying to put it all in a few words.  Obviously there is more.  I prefer to keep my posts succinct. 

But, then there is reality.  Add that to the equation, and of course all things might change.  Still, I think we would all be better if we looked at the world differently.  From a more 'humanist' eye.  Less "us and them" and more "us".

[edit to add: Damn soapbox!  I thought I put you away]

[Vaughn]

.... if a vo guy can't honestly say that even if there's no physical chemistry it won't be a wasted trip, he probably shouldn't be going. When I met my wife I knew there was risk that we wouldn't end up a couple but I also knew we would still be friends and enjoy a week of sightseeing together no matter what. If someone can't swallow the cost and time of false starts they shouldn't even consider international dating.

Well stated. Should a WM claim the "honor" of a VO journey, he might consider the depths to which he's willing to
stoop - in order to realize his perceived return on investment.

lastly VO is amazingly risky.

Especially to those who expect (or worse, feel entitled to) an engagement.

Great thread here - with many good points made all around. True story? Who knows? What struck me oddly
was that the OP uses a familiar avatar - IIRC, it once belonged to roykirk, and maybe another member as well.

[Seeker]

Well stated. Should a WM claim the "honor" of a VO journey, he might consider the depths to which he's willing to
stoop - in order to realize his perceived return on investment.

Especially to those who expect (or worse, feel entitled to) an engagement.

Great thread here - with many good points made all around. True story? Who knows? What struck me oddly
was that the OP uses a familiar avatar - IIRC, it once belonged to roykirk, and maybe another member as well.

For me, the return is finally getting to see Russia.  As odd as it might sound coming from a 49 year old, it has always been a dream of mine (damn cold-war era propaganda and my rebellious nature....)

And it is a good thread that ties into many others.  Not sure where it is going... or will end up though.   

[I/O]

For me, the return is finally getting to see Russia.  As odd as it might sound coming from a 49 year old, it has always been a dream of mine (damn cold-war era propaganda and my rebellious nature....)

Exactly...!!! That's precisely how it was for me. When I planned (if you could call it planning) my first trip to Russia, I wanted to see those salt mines in Siberia. Heck, I didn't even know about internet introductions and it was whilst trying to find out how to get visa assistance with dial up internet connection, about 4 weeks before I was due to leave, tickets already bought, that I discovered introduction sites. Does anyone remember UDate? That certainly added some colour to the next 6 months of travel. Go figure............and these guys are still trying  to work out how to juggle VM trips LOL, cripes I did it for 6 months straight across 4 continents. The first part of the trip was about the thrill of the hunt whilst the second part of the trip was about the fear of the hunted. BTW, I still haven't seen a salt mine in Siberia.

[Seeker]

Exactly...!!! That's precisely how it was for me. When I planned (if you could call it planning) my first trip to Russia, I wanted to see those salt mines in Siberia. Heck, I didn't even know about internet introductions and it was whilst trying to find out how to get visa assistance with dial up internet connection, about 4 weeks before I was due to leave, tickets already bought, that I discovered introduction sites. Does anyone remember UDate? That certainly added some colour to the next 6 months of travel. Go figure............and these guys are still trying  to work out how to juggle VM trips LOL, cripes I did it for 6 months straight across 4 continents. The first part of the trip was about the thrill of the hunt whilst the second part of the trip was about the fear of the hunted. BTW, I still haven't seen a salt mine in Siberia.

If I end up in a salt mine, I promise to send you pictures.   

[Faux Pas]

I am not apologizing, just stating my opinion based on my own experiences in life.

The 'jokes and myths' reference was to include many things that make up a cultural belief... Trying to put it all in a few words.  Obviously there is more.  I prefer to keep my posts succinct. 

But, then there is reality.  Add that to the equation, and of course all things might change.  Still, I think we would all be better if we looked at the world differently.  From a more 'humanist' eye.  Less "us and them" and more "us".

[edit to add: Damn soapbox!  I thought I put you away]

Nobody has a "right" to poke fun at Americans. Just because you and your ilk find it fashionable doesn't make it right or acceptable to those of us, such as myself that take offense to it. You were apologizing and seemingly from a position of shame. That's the way I interpreted it. You should grow yourself a pair. SJ uses his "American thing" regularly as a derogatory apparently, to make him feel better about himself. Him, I can half understand, he abhors America. You are another story.

[Seeker]

Nobody has a "right" to poke fun at Americans. Just because you and your ilk find it fashionable doesn't make it right or acceptable to those of us, such as myself that take offense to it. You were apologizing and seemingly from a position of shame. That's the way I interpreted it. You should grow yourself a pair. SJ uses his "American thing" regularly as a derogatory apparently, to make him feel better about himself. Him, I can half understand, he abhors America. You are another story.

Home is where the heart is, and my heart is now here, in a southern US state, with conflicting values (coming from North Hollywood, CA).  I have been other places, and felt more 'at home' but we are were we are.  In some cases it is just an accident of genetics, a move for our family, a move for our work, or just a broken condom.  It is silly to make this or any discussion among civil people into a battle between wills or ideals.

You have yours, and I will have mine.

By the way, got a pair.  Grew them years ago... And I think Seriously Jaded has a good viewpoint on things most of the time.  He is one I look forward to reading when I see he has posted.

I love people, and all life.  Why should geography stand in my way (even though I grew up in the US)?

Dude, get over it.  The world (and the people in it) might think different than you or me.  I can accept that... can you?

[Faux Pas]

Home is where the heart is, and my heart is now here, in a southern US state, with conflicting values (coming from North Hollywood, CA).  I have been other places, and felt more 'at home' but we are were we are.  In some cases it is just an accident of genetics, a move for our family, a move for our work, or just a broken condom.  It is silly to make this or any discussion among civil people into a battle between wills or ideals.

You have yours, and I will have mine.

By the way, got a pair.  Grew them years ago... And I think Seriously Jaded has a good viewpoint on things most of the time.  He is one I look forward to reading when I see he has posted.

I love people, and all life.  Why should geography stand in my way (even though I grew up in the US)?

Dude, get over it.  The world (and the people in it) might think different than you or me.  I can accept that... can you?

I am unaware of any fences keeping your butt in the South or in the country for that matter. I could less what the world or you think. Accept it? No, I don't have to. It's currently a freedom I still enjoy. I sense you long for the day when I can't

[BC]

.

[Seeker]

I am unaware of any fences keeping your butt in the South or in the country for that matter. I could less what the world or you think. Accept it? No, I don't have to. It's currently a freedom I still enjoy. I sense you long for the day when I can't

No... I want the same thing that you do.  For all of us to be where we want to be and to be happy.

Sorry I landed on your turf.  But earth is a big place... it was bound to happen, someone you disagree with and want to contradict at every chance is now here.  Have fun.  It has little bearing on my life.  And at least in my mind, it makes you look absurd.

I would prefer to think of you as a friend.  But that is your choice.  Can we stop now?  Or do we need to take this somewhere else where it can continue?  I think it has reached its end here.  And honestly, I see no reason to continue it.

Again, your choice.  You told me to grow a set... I am asking you to grow up.

[Ade]

Anything that doesn't march lock step with your particular line of thought is an "American thing". You really should get over your hatred of America. It really is beginning to shape who you are.

You should get yourself a sense of humour and while you are at it, get rid of that blind patriotism.

Nobody has a "right" to poke fun at Americans. Just because you and your ilk find it fashionable doesn't make it right or acceptable to those of us, such as myself that take offense to it. You were apologizing and seemingly from a position of shame. That's the way I interpreted it. You should grow yourself a pair. SJ uses his "American thing" regularly as a derogatory apparently, to make him feel better about himself. Him, I can half understand, he abhors America. You are another story.

Freedom of speech according to your countries own constitution dude, so yeah, I have a right, and if a country and its people aren't strong enough or too arrogant to swallow a little ribbing, they aren't worth much.

And FWIW, you've obviously no idea what I hate in this world and you certainly haven't a clue about who I am or what I'm about. That blind patriotism has blinded you to many things it seems.

And I think Seriously Jaded has a good viewpoint on things most of the time.  He is one I look forward to reading when I see he has posted.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Oh yeah, and http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12591413/

[GQBlues]

Just because you and your ilk find it fashionable doesn't make it right or acceptable to those of us, such as myself that take offense to it. You were apologizing and seemingly from a position of shame. That's the way I interpreted it.

Strongly disagree with you there FP. There will always be Americans i.e Seeker who believes such chatter as Americans being arrogant, ignorant, stupid, etc... is, well deserving. He definitely have a right to speak for himself.

I am not apologizing, just stating my opinion based on my own experiences in life.

Why argue with that? 

[GQBlues]

The 'jokes and myths' reference was to include many things that make up a cultural belief... Trying to put it all in a few words.  Obviously there is more.  I prefer to keep my posts succinct. 

But, then there is reality.  Add that to the equation, and of course all things might change.  Still, I think we would all be better if we looked at the world differently.  From a more 'humanist' eye.  Less "us and them" and more "us".

Huh?!? 

This particular character in the movie 'Mystery Men' always come to mind when I read your posts, man...too funny!

[Blues Fairy]

It is silly to make this or any discussion among civil people into a battle between wills or ideals. You have yours, and I will have mine.

The world (and the people in it) might think different than you or me.  I can accept that... can you?

And yet you call the map above (USA = #1) a "distorted" view of reality of some people.  Yet, "USA = Evil" is the ultimate truth, according to you.  Where's your famous acceptance of opposite opinions?  My truth is no more distorted than yours, then. 

[Gylden]

LOL,
This place cracks me up sometimes!!

It is not arrogant to call ones self an American....if you really believe so I have a recommendation for you. Pick a place in the world (outside of the US) go there and tell them you are from the U.S.of A., they will say.....oh you are an American.....now repeat this as many times as necessary to figure out that everyone everywhere calls people from the U.S.of A. Americans.  Heck even Canadians call us Americans....and they have half (roughly, don't get nit picky on me now) of North America.

I am not sure why, but it may be it is too difficult to say United Statesian???


LOL