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[Valhelm]

From slavery, racial segregation, gender discrimination through same sex marriage the US seems to be pretty slow on adopting legislation towards equality. What legislation are you thinking about?

You think the United States was worse than Europe in terms of racial segregation? Europe ended slavery not long before the US, and Belgium and Brazil continued to uphold slavery for decades after. The only reason that segregation was more of an issue in the US than in Europe is because of the general lack of racial minorities.

Before the 1960s, Europe treated the people of color in its colonies with just as much cruelty as America showed to its minorities.

Also, I think that gay Americans are nearly as able to get married as the gay people of Europe. Approximately 116,000,000 people live in states where gay marriage is legal. Therefore, about 37% of Americans have the right to marry a member of the same sex.

Given that gay marriage is not allowed in Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and the entirety of Central and Eastern Europe, I'm not sure if the US is any more homophobic.

 

[wsippel]

You think the United States was worse than Europe in terms of racial segregation? Europe ended slavery not long before the US, and Belgium and Brazil continued to uphold slavery for decades after. The only reason that segregation was more of an issue in the US than in Europe is because of the general lack of racial minorities.

Before the 1960s, Europe treated the people of color in its colonies with just as much cruelty as America showed to its minorities.

Also, I think that gay Americans are nearly as able to get married as the gay people of Europe. Approximately 116,000,000 people live in states where gay marriage is legal. Therefore, about 37% of Americans have the right to marry a member of the same sex.

Given that gay marriage is not allowed in Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and the entirety of Central and Eastern Europe, I'm not sure if the US is any more homophobic.

No offense, but I don't think you actually know all that much about Europe.

 

[Kuro Madoushi]

For me, I just simply find it hard to believe people voting against issues that would directly benefit them. I guess most of my US friends are liberal but with all the resistance to Obamacare, is there really a big side of Americans I don't see?

I'm also stumped with the whole I got mine fuck you and I don't want to pay for someone else who does nothing mentality.

Why don't they believe in 'we're all in this together' and 'help your fellow man'?

Taxes are high in Canada, but I'm ok paying for it as I will use social services as well.

 

[Emwitus]

As a guy that migrated from Africa , what surprised me the most was how religious the states was. Obviously relative to other western countries. It's nowhere close to how things are back home.

Physically, how most windows are kept shut and there are no openings to the outside from most apartments and houses. First time in my brothers apartment I felt like I was suffocating at the sight of this . Ofcourse this was all psychological.


In Africa, most people leave there windows wide open due to lack of artificial ventilation and air conditioning.

 

[Hilbert]

As a guy that migrated from Africa what surprised me the most is the how most windows are kept shut and there are no openings to the outside from most apartments and houses. First time in my brothers apartment I felt like I was suffocating at the sight of this . Ofcourse this was all psychological.


In Africa, most people leave there windows wide open due to lack of artificial ventilation and air conditioning.

I think it depends where you are, in a hot area where everyone has air conditioning people probably keep their windows closed. But I grew up in Oregon, and no one has air conditioning, and you rely on opening and closing your windows.

I also think most windows in residential places can open.

 

[Kevtones]

They were also shocked by buffets. My father-in-law told everyone back in Moscow, “No, really! You just pay to enter!”

Love this one.

 

[Valhelm]

No offense, but I don't think you actually know all that much about Europe.

American politicians don't publicly refer to Black people as apes. Black American sports stars aren't greeted with monkey chants. The United States has one of the most shamefully racist histories of any nation, but modern Europe is in no way more racially tolerant than America.

 

[General Patton]

People are sensitive about race for reasons that many Europeans don't want to think about.

What about Australians though? Our historical record regarding racism and ethnic cleansing is equal to and in some cases worse than America's experiences.

The sensitivity to racial issues here is non-existent by comparison. That's not to say we are completely tolerant to it, because in the majority, multiculturalism works okay here.

But would we get nuclear over a KFC chicken ad featuring West Indians, or blackface? No, it wouldn't register as a major issues here. The prevailing sentiment would be one of 'political correctness gone mad'.

 

[General Patton]

The short answer is that our country is a lot more diverse than you may be imagining. Its very easy to claim America is too sensitive when you live in a country where everyone looks like you.

That's a terrible generalisation. I can guarantee you the place I work in is more ethnically diverse than where you live. And I'm talking suburban Australia.

 

[Anura]

I think the thing so many people don't realize about the USA is just how different the north and south are. Or east and west for that matter. They literally have their own culture, mannerisms in speech and vernacular, religious overtones, values, etc, etc.

It's all pretty ridiculous!

 

[wsippel]

American politicians don't publicly refer to Black people as apes. Black American sports stars aren't greeted with monkey chants. The United States has one of the most shamefully racist histories of any nation, but modern Europe is in no way more racially tolerant than America.

As sad as those cases are, they have little to do with your initial claims.

 

[Peagles]

Can anyone answer this for me? Do Americans really wear their shoes inside all the time or is that just a thing on TV and movies?

 

[Angry Grimace]

Can anyone answer this for me? Do Americans really wear their shoes inside all the time or is that just a thing on TV and movies?

Its a thing.

 

[jerry1594]

You think the United States was worse than Europe in terms of racial segregation? Europe ended slavery not long before the US, and Belgium and Brazil continued to uphold slavery for decades after. The only reason that segregation was more of an issue in the US than in Europe is because of the general lack of racial minorities.

Before the 1960s, Europe treated the people of color in its colonies with just as much cruelty as America showed to its minorities.

Also, I think that gay Americans are nearly as able to get married as the gay people of Europe. Approximately 116,000,000 people live in states where gay marriage is legal. Therefore, about 37% of Americans have the right to marry a member of the same sex.

Given that gay marriage is not allowed in Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and the entirety of Central and Eastern Europe, I'm not sure if the US is any more homophobic.

Lol

 

[Hilbert]

Can anyone answer this for me? Do Americans really wear their shoes inside all the time or is that just a thing on TV and movies?

Some do, some don't. If I am entering someone's house that I don't know, I usually ask.

Everyone is welcome to wear shoes in my house. Edit: within reason of course.

 

[FStop7]

This one stood out for me.


Was really really weird as first.

It's a fairly recent phenomenon and it's generally unwelcome.

http://www.bonappetit.com/columns/n...cle/i-m-sick-of-feeling-rushed-at-restaurants

 

[jerry1594]

As a guy that migrated from Africa , what surprised me the most was how religious the states was. Obviously relative to other western countries. It's nowhere close to how things are back home.

Physically, how most windows are kept shut and there are no openings to the outside from most apartments and houses. First time in my brothers apartment I felt like I was suffocating at the sight of this . Ofcourse this was all psychological.


In Africa, most people leave there windows wide open due to lack of artificial ventilation and air conditioning.

What country did you come from and how does it compare?

 

[DanteFox]

That's a terrible generalisation. I can guarantee you the place I work in is more ethnically diverse than where you live. And I'm talking suburban Australia.

I like how you have to resort to narrowing it down to a single city or workplace and compare it to an entire country.

 

[Acorn]

I can't believe someone is arguing the States are more socially progressive than europe. Eastern Europe sure, the rest not a chance.

 

[FUBAR McDangles]

Can anyone answer this for me? Do Americans really wear their shoes inside all the time or is that just a thing on TV and movies?

South of Kansas or so, sure.

It's not practical with how much snow a good portion of the U.S. gets annually.

 

[shadyspace]

I swear to christ I see one more internet argument about who is more socially progressive and I'm moving to Alabama

 

[CzarTim]

But would we get nuclear over a KFC chicken ad featuring West Indians, or blackface? No, it wouldn't register as a major issues here. The prevailing sentiment would be one of 'political correctness gone mad'.

Wait, what?

The whole fried chicken thing is blown way out of proportion. No one would bat an eye at an ad for fried chicken with a black person in it. Some racist people use it as a stereotype which makes zero sense, and it is incredibly easy to spot the difference between rednecks being dumb and someone just trying to sell chicken.

 

[Tenrius]

I still can't believe that American cinemas do not generally have assigned seating. It's, like, the strangest thing.

 

[Acorn]

I still can't believe that American cinemas do not generally have assigned seating. It's, like, the strangest thing.

We don't have it either in the UK, you can pre book but the seat you get is a lottery.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

I've lived in Australia, France, Sweden and now I live in America. This place is by far the least progressive, most segregated and uncivilised place out of the lot in my (totally anecdotal) experience. I really can't wait to leave once my daughter is old enough to travel, and my wife gets her Australian permanent residency.

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

I have never seen a Jesus billboard in America.

This is 20 minutes from my house in Hebron, Indiana

This is going sound on I-65

You see this on the other side going north on I-65

 

[encephalon]

Taxes are high in Canada, but I'm ok paying for it as I will use social services as well.

Many people in America probably view their taxes as a black hole where money goes to be wasted. This is a country where a political movement references "no taxes without representation" plea, and thinks the point is "no taxes."

 

[General Patton]

I like how you have to resort to narrowing it down to a single city or workplace and compare it to an entire country.

I wasn't, I was pointing out the fallacy of his point that America is the most culturally diverse place, when I've experienced both and know the city, and it's a huge place, where I work and live is renowned for its multi-ethnicity at levels that would boggle the mind. (Mainly due to terrible governance, but still.)

 

[Peagles]

Its a thing.

Some do, some don't. If I am entering someone's house that I don't know, I usually ask.

Everyone is welcome to wear shoes in my house. Edit: within reason of course.

South of Kansas or so, sure.

It's not practical with how much snow a good portion of the U.S. gets annually.

I find that so weird as it's such a cultural no-no for me. I also just love being in bare feet and socks a lot too.

 

[Funky Functionality]

on an interstate in Alabama there's a sign that say, go to the chirch or the devil will get you. with a satan caricature.

OH MY GOURD

I never thought I'd read these words on GAF. This is just a few minutes north of me. It's on someone's private property and has been there for years. You really haven't seen the depths of creationism and Christian fundamentalism until you've visited the boonies of Alabama.

Google Maps Streetview... for the hell of it.

Great thread.

 

[CzarTim]

I find that so weird as it's such a cultural no-no for me. I also just love being in bare feet and socks a lot too.

I had a friend growing up that would refuse to remove his shoes. He said he was more comfortable with them on, even when we stayed up to 4 AM playing Halo.

 

[Durask]

Love this one.

That's bizarre, plenty of buffets in Moscow.

Maybe they were just old people who never go out in their native country.

 

[MuddyDonut]

Things I couldn't believe

• Jesus Christ you people love jesus to some irrational levels.
• You people are deathly afraid of sex anywhere outside the bedroom.
• But violence in copious amounts is okay.
• You don't want to teach sex education in school nor provide contraception but are constantly shocked at teen pregnancy rates.
• Still have horrible racial relations.
• You people love the fuck outta guns.
• Healthcare is a crippling debt here.
• Jesus higher education in this country is nuts.
• Medical/Drug advertisement on TV...like every 3 adverts is about some new drug 2/3 of American people can't even afford due to the crazy costs of healthcare here.

huh I guess that sex Ed class I had in high school was part of ny imagination.

 

[General Patton]

On our road-trip through Texas, I took this photo. That wasn't even the strangest sign we came across.

 

[Des0lar]

Website should be renamed EuropeanCirclejerk.com

Heard it here first: India, Russia and Pacific Islands to become part of Europe!

 

[LuffyZoro]

huh I guess that sex Ed class I had in high school was part of ny imagination.

It exists, it's just no good. 80% of mine was pictures of STDs.

 

[Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku!]

This is 20 minutes from my house in Hebron, Indiana

This is going sound on I-65

You see this on the other side going north on I-65

im glad they made the second sign because i was worried for a second that hell was real but jesus wasnt

 

[Acorn]

Heard it here first: India, Russia and Pacific Islands to become part of Europe!

Geography isn't a strong suit. Stereotypes work! Ha.

 

[Tenrius]

We don't have it either in the UK, you can pre book but the seat you get is a lottery.

I've yet to hear about a single cinema in Russia that would not have assigned seating. You get a ticket with a reserved place, just like when you go to any theatre or concert hall. I remember a thread on GAF where some other Euro folks said that it was the same in their countries.

 

[Jeff Green's Son]

This is 20 minutes from my house in Hebron, Indiana

This is going sound on I-65

You see this on the other side going north on I-65

I pass this sign every time I visit my friend in Ohio. We took pictures last time.

 

[MuddyDonut]

It exists, it's just no good. 80% of mine was pictures of STDs.

Mine were pics of STDs and how to use condoms so that didn't happen.

 

[Testicular Sound Express]

'It is easy to find obese people in USA. Some people are so obese that they require a special electric scooter to carry them around.'

fuckin lol

 

[BeastLeeAdams]

I'm also stumped with the whole I got mine fuck you and I don't want to pay for someone else who does nothing mentality.

Why don't they believe in 'we're all in this together' and 'help your fellow man'?

I do not want to pay for someone who could pay for themselves. For instance, my girlfriend's neighbor has a Master's in teaching and decides to sit at home and get drunk all day, and leech off the government.

 

[zero shift]

I've lived in Australia, France, Sweden and now I live in America. This place is by far the least progressive, most segregated and uncivilised place out of the lot in my (totally anecdotal) experience. I really can't wait to leave once my daughter is old enough to travel, and my wife gets her Australian permanent residency.

People always tell me that they are shocked to see how segregated things are here. Especially between blacks and whites.

 

[demon]

People always tell me that they are shocked to see how segregated things are here. Especially between blacks and whites.

One thing I notice when watching British tv is every show- I think literally every main character ever- is in a mixed race relationship. Usually a white guy with a black chick. I've always wondered if that's reflective of of common mix race relationships are in real life there.

 

[CornBurrito]

Can anyone answer this for me? Do Americans really wear their shoes inside all the time or is that just a thing on TV and movies?

I don't take my shoes off. Some families do but it seems rare.

 

[demon]

I occasionally wear my shoes in my apartment but that's only if I put them on and realized I forgot something and am in a real hurry. Otherwise I don't like shoes on my carpet. I grew up in a household where there were really no rules about wearing shoes in the house. My dad doesn't give a shit, he'll kick his feet up on the couch with them on, which kind of grosses me out. Then again he's an odd person.

 

[Rafterman]

Many people in America probably view their taxes as a black hole where money goes to be wasted. This is a country where a political movement references "no taxes without representation" plea, and thinks the point is "no taxes."

That's because it is a black hole where money goes to be wasted. Our elected officials have lost any sense of reality and spend millions/billions of dollars as nonchalantly as you or I would spend our pocket change.

 

[Valhelm]

As sad as those cases are, they have little to do with your initial claims.

Those examples pretty clearly point out that Europe has issues with racism that generally go unmentioned.

What about Australians though? Our historical record regarding racism and ethnic cleansing is equal to and in some cases worse than America's experiences.

The sensitivity to racial issues here is non-existent by comparison. That's not to say we are completely tolerant to it, because in the majority, multiculturalism works okay here.

But would we get nuclear over a KFC chicken ad featuring West Indians, or blackface? No, it wouldn't register as a major issues here. The prevailing sentiment would be one of 'political correctness gone mad'.

Australia ought to be much more sensitive when it comes to race. I'm by no means an expert, but I've heard some shockingly horrible things from white Australians, almost always regarding Aboriginals. Anti-racist sentiment is only seen as overly politically correct in a society that is, in general, racist.

Pretty much all of Europe and its diaspora is racist to some extent. Some parts much less than others.

 

[zero shift]

The "oversensitivity" of America's race problem tends to more times than not be spoiled whites saying shit like "why can't I say the word NIGGER!" I rarely have encountered minorities constantly calling out whites directly for racism here. The only time something of such happens tends to be hippy wanna-be liberals calling people out for silly things. Most of the racist accusations tend to hold weight, see Trayvon "Was No Angel" Martin diabolical.

One thing I notice when watching British tv is every show- I think literally every main character ever- is in a mixed race relationship. Usually a white guy with a black chick. I've always wondered if that's reflective of of common mix race relationships are in real life there.

I notice that too.