Differences between Europe and the USA????

[Matt the Shrimp]

In Europe, 100 miles is a long way.

In America, 100 years is a long time.

:)

This is a fairly odd thread, though. What exactly is a "European", other than someone who lives in Europe? What does an average bloke from Newcastle have in common with an average bloke from Naples, other than a strong regional accent and an obsession with an underperforming football team?

:unsure:

For instance, one allegation is that Americans are remarkably insular and that only something like 15% of them have passports. While that may be a truism of sorts, I wonder what percentage of Europeans have ever been outside of Europe? I wouldn't be surprised if it was lower than most of us would like to think.

Other than your average European being a bit more left-wing and authoritarian than your average American (who tends to be a bit more conservative and a bit more libertarian), and your average European speaking a few European languages (necessity being the mother of invention, and all that), I'd say that in many ways, there's not as many differences between us as the red-top rabble-rousers (yes Littlejohn & Bushell, I'm looking at you) would have you believe.

Matt

 

[londonblue]

In Europe, 100 miles is a long way.

In America, 100 years is a long time.

:)

This is a fairly odd thread, though. What exactly is a "European", other than someone who lives in Europe? What does an average bloke from Newcastle have in common with an average bloke from Naples, other than a strong regional accent and an obsession with an underperforming football team?

:unsure:

For instance, one allegation is that Americans are remarkably insular and that only something like 15% of them have passports. While that may be a truism of sorts, I wonder what percentage of Europeans have ever been outside of Europe? I wouldn't be surprised if it was lower than most of us would like to think.

Other than your average European being a bit more left-wing and authoritarian than your average American (who tends to be a bit more conservative and a bit more libertarian), and your average European speaking a few European languages (necessity being the mother of invention, and all that), I'd say that in many ways, there's not as many differences between us as the red-top rabble-rousers (yes Littlejohn & Bushell, I'm looking at you) would have you believe.

Matt

Indeed. I used to work for an American Investment bank and all the Americans that worked there were extremely polite, well spoken and intelligent. Exactly what we're told they're not.

It's easy to generalise, and certainly this generalisation is way off the mark. There are plenty of "Europeans" that could learn a thing or two from them.

 

[Beefy]

Indeed. I used to work for an American Investment bank and all the Americans that worked there were extremely polite, well spoken and intelligent. Exactly what we're told they're not.

It's easy to generalise, and certainly this generalisation is way off the mark. There are plenty of "Europeans" that could learn a thing or two from them.

Indeed. I've been lucky enough to have been over to the States a couple of times in the last year and a more respectful, pleasant and helpful people you couldn't hope to meet.

Although thinking about it, most Europeans are respectful, pleasant and helpful too (not the Frogs though, obviously). It's just us who seem to be infested with the scum of the Earth (not in Southend though, obviously :) )

 

[Aberdeen Shrimper]

In Europe, 100 miles is a long way.

In America, 100 years is a long time.

:)

This is a fairly odd thread, though. What exactly is a "European", other than someone who lives in Europe? What does an average bloke from Newcastle have in common with an average bloke from Naples, other than a strong regional accent and an obsession with an underperforming football team?

:unsure:

For instance, one allegation is that Americans are remarkably insular and that only something like 15% of them have passports. While that may be a truism of sorts, I wonder what percentage of Europeans have ever been outside of Europe? I wouldn't be surprised if it was lower than most of us would like to think.

Other than your average European being a bit more left-wing and authoritarian than your average American (who tends to be a bit more conservative and a bit more libertarian), and your average European speaking a few European languages (necessity being the mother of invention, and all that), I'd say that in many ways, there's not as many differences between us as the red-top rabble-rousers (yes Littlejohn & Bushell, I'm looking at you) would have you believe.

Matt

Think you are taking this a wee bit to seriously aren’t you?

As the very first line of the thread said....it was just a bit of Friday bollox to pass the afternoon in the pub.

 

[Bob Cratchitt]

Indeed. I used to work for an American Investment bank and all the Americans that worked there were extremely polite, well spoken and intelligent. Exactly what we're told they're not.

It's easy to generalise, and certainly this generalisation is way off the mark. There are plenty of "Europeans" that could learn a thing or two from them.

Exactly, whenever I have been to the US whether work, training or holiday, I have always found the majority to be all of the above, and feel a lot of people in this country just stick to unfounded generalisations about the Americans. Even all the French I have come across recently have been more approachable and that includes the younger generations of Paris.

 

[Aberdeen Shrimper]

This thread is veiled xenophobia and I am shocked to see that it has been allowed to continue.

Well don’t post on it then........do you just visit threads to wing and moan about them????

Although i see above you have decided to!!!!

It is simple...if you don’t like a thread then DONT POST ON IT you are not forced to.

why not keep it :zip:


ERRRRR....Old git, the suns to hot, that rain is to wet, the clouds are to fluffy.

Geeeezzzzzz

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Think you are taking this a wee bit to seriously aren’t you?

As the very first line of the thread said....it was just a bit of Friday bollox to pass the afternoon in the pub.

One man's Friday bollox is another man's casual xenophobia.

I'm also slightly bemused at why Chairman Bob shouldn't post on here (see your post at the top of this page)? The notion that "if you don't like what's being said on here, don't post on here" simply doesn't wash on ShrimperZone.

On the contrary, this site exists for there to be debate and discussion; and when something is being said which one or other of us doesn't agree with - or is uncomfortable about - then keeping quiet about it is the very last thing that he or she should do.

A final thought: no thread started on here is private property. It's a public domain. As soon as you post something on here, then you have to accept that whether you like it or not, people are entitled to take an entirely contrary view to yours.

Matt

 

[Aberdeen Shrimper]

One man's Friday bollox is another man's casual xenophobia.

I'm also slightly bemused at why Chairman Bob shouldn't post on here (see your post at the top of this page)? The notion that "if you don't like what's being said on here, don't post on here" simply doesn't wash on ShrimperZone.

On the contrary, this site exists for there to be debate and discussion; and when something is being said which one or other of us doesn't agree with - or is uncomfortable about - then keeping quiet about it is the very last thing that he or she should do.

A final thought: no thread started on here is private property. It's a public domain. As soon as you post something on here, then you have to accept that whether you like it or not, people are entitled to take an entirely contrary view to yours.

Matt

All fair and valid points Matt,

But to be fair...why is it xenophobia?? I asked for major differences between the USA and Europe....i then posted a humours picture of a supposedly fat Americans woman’s bottom and a cute European woman’s bottom....what ever was posted after that is out of my control.

I did not specifically target the US or the Europeans, i simply suggested that there are major differences between the two and if anyone wanted contribute they could.

If you seriously feel that the picture i posted is xenophobic then you really should turn of your TV, turn of your Radio, close the curtains and don’t ever step foot out of your front door again, as you are obviously very easily offended.

On the subject of "if you don’t like it don’t view it" I have been told by long time posters and Mods the very same thing, that if i find a thread offensive report it, if it is not offensive but just does not appeal to me then don’t post on it.