Why do people in America like to think they're better than everyone else?

reply to post by Frankidealist35


Frankidealist35,

Thank you for initiating this excellent exercise in communication.

I need to participate too, if I expect you consider my perspective as well. I was hoping someone one else might hit it, but it seems that all I've read comes close to the mark, but somehow misses the exact target. Not that I disagree, generally speaking, with anyone, I suppose I am arrogant enough to simply need to say it "my way" to feel like I joined in the discussion.

So, Frankidealist35, tell me what you think:

The OP question comes up a lot, it seems, as an offshoot of many topic, a segue of many conversations. Oddly, being American makes me a bit extra sensitive when topic elements are framed around "American" as the object (I recognize that this occurs using other nationalities, cultures, and religions though.)

However, the reason "why" it is the phenomenon you point out it is, clearly is independent of that. Accepting the premise though, makes it appear that the defense must similarly be focused on "American" as a unique aspect of the observation, when I think it is not.

First of all, it is relatively easy to characterize any statement of fact given with a confident 'the way it is' attitude - as coming from someone who thinks they are smarter than you (pejoratively speaking - as are all my references to "you" in this argument). So the perspective of that being the case is as prone to error as actually believing the error, or Americans actually believing "we're" better than everyone else.

The entire construct of the observation, common as it is, is full of potential fallacies.

Another problem is the possibility that the offending attitude is 'not intended' to mean anything other than what was being said, and it seeming that "American's" think their better than everyone else, is the preferred way of the listener to categorize anything said by an "American" whom he or she already expects "believe themselves to be better than anyone else."

On the flip-side there is the cultural hubris attached to one's collective identity.... it's rampant everywhere, and since Americans were likely the most prolific advertisers of the information age (for now anyway) there's was the first chest-pounding to be disseminated widely around the world, specifically to countries and cultures who had no means to counter the boastful or over zealous displays of "superiority." That imbalance was resolved by the global meme of the self-inflated American clods, arrogantly presenting themselves to to the rest of the world as if they were better than everyone else.

All of this renders a "why is this so?" question a bit complicated to nail down.

- The desire to believe that the speaker (American) is arrogant, overly boisterous, and suffers delusions of grandeur.
- The propensity to express opinions and matters of fact as if they were beyond question, or as if the speaker (American) is incapable of being incorrect or misguided
- The actual self-delusion, or group delusion, that you (whomever you may be) are in fact "better than everyone else" (as above in reality) therefore anything spoken by an American (or most anyone else for that matter) is perceived as an affront to your own 'superiority' from someone who obviously must "Think they are better than everyone else."
- Some Americans, along with a proportionally equal number of non-Americans actually do think themselves superior in this way.

I could continue with numerous iterations of the same explanation.

Short version: Why?.... because it's normal. It may not have been once, and it may stop being so eventually, but this kind of thing has to do with a psychology beyond the individual. Which, of course, makes it a particularly effective tool of propagandists.... or their ilk.

reply to post by Frankidealist35

I would first like to say before anyone accuses me of having an anti-American bias that I am American myself.

I think you aren't from America. You are just pretending to be, to add credibility to your statements.

I would also like to say that I have been experiencing some cognitive dissonance over here based on what I've been taught about my own country and what I actually see going on. Everyone here likes to think that we're the capital of diversity, and, that we're so great and so much better than everyone else.

American IS the capitol of diversity. You will NOT find cultural mixing on this level in any other country on Earth.
(Europe is a continent, not a country)

Sure, there might be people here or there who think that they or the USA is the best. I call the first type arrogant, I call the second type Patriots. At least we are not like the hypocritical immigrants (not all immigrants, most are grateful) who come up here, say their country is the best, and America is crap, but they still live in America.

In the end, almost everyone I know talks about how different Europe is, how backwards the Mexican culture is compared to us, how Asians are bad drivers, how old people suck, and what not. They always think they're better than them.

Europe is very different as a whole. I don't see how this is a negative statement.

I wouldn't say Mexico is backwards. I'd only say that it's such a place of such quality, that it's own people break the law to come to America to live.

Americans also say joke that women are bad drivers, in fact the typical American will call anyone who drives bad a bad driver. Are their racial jokes sure, like White men can't jump or dance. See, it goes both ways...that's American too.

You are basically taking the qualities of a VERY small minority of Americans...no scratch that....Humans in general, and applying it to Americans.

Has it occurred to these people how shallow they really are? How can you make a whole generalization about almost all the people in a single culture about something like that? I really don't understand how people can do this and just act like they're so ultra-progressive, but they're really not!

You are doing this very thing to Americans. That makes you a hypocrite.

I try to be tolerant of other people and if I don't agree with something or don't like something I'll speak out on it and I'll say something, but, I won't generalize a whole group of people just because of some bad actors that get everyone else's attention. What's up with this?

Again, your whole post is nothing but hypocritical, bigoted over-generalizations of Americans.

And, I know just not to be hypocritical-- NOT ALL AMERICANS THINK THIS, AND THERE ARE AMERICANS THAT ARE REALLY TOLERANT. BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE THINK THIS WAY. It's not about stereotyping other people that's the problem. The problem is that they think that they're better than everyone else, and, that's what really bugs me.

This is like the racist who talks bad about minorities, but he's somehow not a racist because he has a Black friend.

All your judgments on others, I can only wonder how much better you think you are.

I'm gonna continue on the same theme that I was talking about in another thread...Fear!

The reason we have such intolerance for other cultures is because of fear. Some will say it's hate, but hate is just a result of fear. Fear is the root of all racism, cultural war, violence..any negative human behavior.

Until we can let fear go and begin to see the beauty in other cultures, we will continue to say America is better than everyone else, which is obviously nonsense. But what more can you expect from a culture that is afraid of their own government and corporations.

We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.

Originally posted by Versa

To be honest I dont think that many people outside of the USA have the foggiest who Sarah Palin is and they sure dont know what she represents!

Ha think again, Palin is already infamous for what she represents.

Please not her, fellow Americans, lol.

reply to post by Vicarious10000

Not all Americans do. People like me don't mind marrying a girl from another country. Or making friends with someone from another. As a matter of fact I would rather be with someone from another country then an American female. On the terms they know how to treat their men better. And know what it is to be a woman.

Women in this country want to be men. And it just don't work.

Before I read all the responses here, I am going to respond to this - because I want to enlighten you, as well as those who gave you stars.

I know something you do not know, and I am going to tell you this - to potentially save you some grief.

I am female and I am American, from CR /Bohemia, my relatives, I was born here in US. So anyway I am a white "American" female.

But I talk to other females, I live in an urban area and I have met all kinds of people and some females will tell another female - some of their secrets.

Asian women operate this way: They treat the man one way before they are married - and completely differently AFTER. This is part of their culture and they purposefully do it. It is a SCAM. As soon as the ring goes on - Cute Little Geisha Girl departs and Dragon Lady comes roaring in. And so does Mama San. Dragon In Law come live with YOU Daddy!

There are all these "myths" surrounding Asian women - but they are amplified and you only see one side of it.

I know how it goes - we ladies talk in the toilets - I know all about how (most of) these Asian females operate.
And you want to especially beware of the Filipinos. Yes this sounds racist, but I've seen how these females operate.

It's no big secret either. Take hands off crotch, tear eyes from distorted Anime Asian cartoon, will romantic fantasy away, put hands on keyboard - and Google it.

ETA - I really don't mean to be racist here - it is part of many Asian cultures to operate this way, I was told this with utter candor. Which is why I say to look it up.

Also - since the guy I quoted here is worried about sex roles and US fems "trying to be men" - well - maybe he should marry an Asian then - he'll find out *real quick* about sex roles because he will soon be Dragon Lady's and Dragon In Law's bitch. Find out the hard way if you wanna honey

I wonder if the OP meant just North America, or the United States or inclusive of Central and South America? North America includes Canadians. But to be honest the OP could have a point about La Vos de la Raza, the Voice of the race, who believe that large portions of the SW actually still belong to Mexico and seem to feel they have more "right" to the land than other "Americans".

reply to post by Kryties

Not meaning to sound like an ass but you created games that only Americans enjoy playing and watching. Yes, there are some international teams that play your sports but you'd be hard pressed to find a free to air tv station that airs the games outside of the US.

LMAO, every country makes it's own games.

And I'm not even going to get started on the fact your 'football' players wear armour :p

At least we don't spell armor with excessive and silly u's.

Two words- Justin Beiber.

Jimmy Hendrix

One word (actually more of a number....) - 2012.

Citizen Kane

You should see them when they are in other countries like Australia or pretty much ANYWHERE thats not the U.S. I've met very few Americans who don't carry an air of 'Our country is better than yours" when they walk around our streets.

I have seen Americans in other countries, since I've lived all over Asia on military bases. What you say isn't true...in fact...most Americans typically look a combination of excited and lost when in other countries. Are there occasional exceptions? Sure...just like in your favorite country of choice.

Don't make me link to "German kid yelling at a computer", and then speculate on how he would act in America.

LMAO.

I see MUCH more arrogance than humility and humbleness (sp?). What most Americans don't realise is that its precisely that arrogant attitude that people from around the world detest.

And Americans detest people who are arrogant as well.

Like I said, not meaning to be an ass but sometimes people think they have taken off the rose-coloured glasses and yet they still maintain that trait.

Oh, okay.
You have nothing but bad things to say about America, but we shouldn't think ill of you?

Isn't that it's own little form of arrogance?

Originally posted by Frankidealist35
Has it occurred to these people how shallow they really are? How can you make a whole generalization about almost all the people in a single culture about something like that? I really don't understand how people can do this and just act like they're so ultra-progressive, but they're really not!

Your thread title: Why do people in America like to think they're better than everyone else?

Ironic statement is ironic. Let me see; You frame "American People" as thinking they are better than everyone else, making a generalization about and entire culture. And your thread is about how shallow "we" are for generalizing about an entire culture. I honest don't know how to respond to you. I'm too busy LMAO!

In my opinion, most Americans think they are better because they are brainwashed to think so. We are brainwashed on how to think, live, act, want to wear, what is cool, whats not, etc. The mainstream media is constantly pushing propaganda for the FEDS. But as you heard recently by Hillary Clinton, THEY are LOSING the infowar, or propaganda war as you could say.

Some one show me where all these Americans are that think they are better, I must have missed them.

Why does ATS continue to allow there to be so many anti-american threads? It's always the same...america is mean blah blah blah americans are warmongers blah blah blah. We get it you hate america!

reply to post by Frankidealist35


Perhaps, closed society.
Many nations thought for themselves they were the greatest, but they collapsed as a house of cards.

I think Americans think they are better than other becuase they are from Jesusland.... And you got the idea.

If you could at least change the title of your post to some people. Instead of labeling it like all americans think this. you know being american yourself were just like everyone else in this world and we dont ask where to be born. And we dont ask to be labeled because of the way some or even the majority of the american population people are. I myself do not think that i am better than anyone. I would rather be in on the outside looking in rather than be a part of the way this country is like today. I envy other countries and thier people. Being able to live thier lives without people making remarks like this one about where they live.

reply to post by Frankidealist35


How many times have you seen in the Movies where an American is Europe or anywhere and has a gun pointed at his head, Wallet Stolen or what ever. The First thing they ALWAYS hear is: You can't do that, I'm an American! Sometime you have to repeat things to Catapult the Progaganda. Hollywood has been doing this since the 50's, but not so much in recent time (it became too obvious). And I've even witnesed on Holidays in Singapore many many moons ago. Something unexpected happens and that same Hollywood tag is Repeated. And that Immediately sets the Tone that I am better than you.

As much as some parts of me dislike some parts of America, the military aspect and the corporate aspect - I Do find American people very friendly, curious and strangely appreciative of the stranger things in life.

Obviously there's no such thing as a typecast American, since from my understanding a person from Florida will have different aspirations to a Texan or New Yorker.

I don't think America is any better than any older European place. America is a melting pot of ethnicities, a younger, version of Europe. But with a few more cultural collisions.

Despite their misconceptions of 'them winning world war 2', I don't have a problem with any American).



But apart from the American Military, you guys are alright

Although I still stand that an average British soldier is better trained than an American soldier (Americans rely on technology and Brits rely on instinct, training and adaptation).

I haven't read many replies to this thread, but I'll be honest here:

I believe that true Americans don't believe us greater than any other nation. True Americans recognize that we have a lot of power and freedom and that is a powerful force to help other people.

However, I don't think that condones that we butt into other countries social disorder just because we have interests or want to help.

I don't feel we are any better than any other nation, especially right now.

America is weak and frail. Like a man who sits and watches tv all day long and becomes apathetic and desensitized, so too has America become. Those that have true dedication to our country are old and near their end. They knew what it was like to be proud of a nation, not just because what we do, or what we have, but because of the basis this country was founded upon. Something just and strong.

Now it's a disorganized mess. It no longer resembles anything it once was or stood for. It is disgusting and is just as evil and ugly as any other "socialist" or "communist" nation with all of it's corruption.

Originally posted by skeptic_al
reply to post by Frankidealist35

 

How many times have you seen in the Movies where an American is Europe or anywhere and has a gun pointed at his head, Wallet Stolen or what ever. The First thing they ALWAYS hear is: You can't do that, I'm an American!

Really? I may have seen that once or twice as a joke poked to the American audience, but do you think it's more frequent overseas - in foreign films?

I think America is awesome.

We have our black spots as does any other nation. But coming from a third world nation, and my parents having fled from Cuba, I've learned to have a deep love for the US. I believe in American Exceptionalism, I believe in the American Experiment, that a human being can rule him/herself. I believe in the rugged individualism that sent the Lewis & Clark expedition westward, that helped win the First and Second World Wars, that created a standard of living unmatched and attainable by anyone with the drive to achieve.

That's why I think America is the greatest nation on Earth.

Do I think I'm better than someone else in another country? No.
I think I have it better than most anyone in any other nation, however.
That's not self-aggrandizing, that's appreciation for what I have.

Yeah, I always thought that a nation with approximately 4.5% of the World's population to think that the other 95.5% is wrong, is the epitome of arrogance. The world population is approx. 6.76 billion and the population of the USA is approx. 306 million.

I know the US has done a lot of good things in the World and they will be the first to tell you that. But when it comes to its shortcomings, apparently there are none.