Community Chat

[JaneMarple]

This phrase was used on another thread and I wanted to know if we Americans have become too insensitive about other countries and cultures?

[Yardlie]

We do tend to be ethnocentric. Even the term "American" refers to many cultures. America is not just the U.S....there is Canada, all the subcultures in the U.S., Mexico, and South America.

[Elstongunn]

Quite the contrary, I think we have become MORE sensitive to other countries and cultures from where we were decades ago.

[mgm2]

On 1/21/2014 ktlynam said:

Quite the contrary, I think we have become MORE sensitive to other countries and cultures from where we were decades ago.

In some ways yes and in some ways no.

[Pqfan]

On 1/21/2014 JaneMarple said:

This phrase was used on another thread and I wanted to know if we Americans have become too insensitive about other countries and cultures?

Yes,that is why I like to read and watch news from different countries to get their side of things or at least try to understand.

[Pqfan]

On 1/21/2014 ktlynam said:

Quite the contrary, I think we have become MORE sensitive to other countries and cultures from where we were decades ago.

You make a very good point.

At first I said we were insensitive but you are right we have improved alot.

[straykatz]

I believe many of us think the rest of the world lives like us or that they should live like us instead of accepting that our way isn't the only way to do things.

[dooBdoo]

Apparently, a number of threads fell by the wayside today. I didn't see the one in question and I'm not familiar with "Somewhere USA" and how it relates to sensitivity to other countries or a variety of cultures.

In general, though, I think our country has "see-sawed," if you will, when it comes to embracing diverse cultures. If you look at our history, it's almost like a delicate balancing act. I remember the first time I watched the film "Gangs of New York" and got interested in reading about the history behind the movie. Things have changed over time, sometimes better, sometimes perhaps as bad as it was back then.

[Topaz Gem]

On 1/21/2014 ktlynam said:

Quite the contrary, I think we have become MORE sensitive to other countries and cultures from where we were decades ago.

I agree with your statement. Our entire country is made up of immigrants and yes, they have had their own challenges when they first came here, but overall I think we sometimes go overboard in trying to make others feel at home. So much so, that oftentimes we're willing to put aside our own traditions if we think they may offend others. That part I don't completely agree with, but that's for another discussion.