Yes, lately I have been kinda embarrassed to be American... I was born in Frankfurt Germany, but have lived in the U.S. since I was one year old.( I live in the northwest part now, but for all my childhood I was in southern California- Hollywood, Disneyland, beaches, etc). Growing up here I assumed we had a wonderful school system- the best education. I suppose in many ways it is, but recently being online and talking with people from other cultures and countries, I've had my eyes opened more.
For example, I was talking to a guy from Nepal going to University in the U.S. He is on the east coast and I am on the west coast. So one night he told me where the school is, what area, what state. Of course I know the names of all 50 states, but I had to ask him to be more specific, like what state is it near... He was really surprised that I live here and don't know that! I felt kinda silly. That's not one of the best examples- just the one that got me to thinking...
In most other countries I think the people speak another language, other than their native tongue. Usually english. It's taught in school. In  the US here we're offered to learn Spanish or French in high school if we want to- and most kids just don't want to.    We as a culture have been really arrogant thinking our country is the most  "powerful" or richest one- the most advanced in most every way. Not any more though! And who's to say those with the most money ARE the more "advanced"? Your soul won't be saved with money...Well, I'm about 40 yrs old, maybe it's a little different now. I hope it is. I've been seeing other cultures becoming more prevalent here (finally!) but when I was in school we were taught to think that our way is the best way and the only reason the rest of the world wasn't like the US is just because they don't know any better yet! So arrogant! But many people still do feel that way- that really makes me feel embarrassed to be American. How close-minded and xenophobic most of my neighbors really are... They're kinda scared that the US isn't the "best" anymore.
    It's kinda like in the movies: the guy with the arrogant bad attitude who bosses everyone around- we like to see him humbled and brought to his knees to learn the error of his ways- but when that bad guy is, say, your dad- it's kinda scary too.!
Also most Americans don't pay much attention to politics. They hear some sound bites on the tv news and repeat it back as if those really are their beliefs. "We're fighting for democracy!" WTF? Capitalism is just ONE way of many...Alot of people actually believe we invaded the people who flew the planes into those buildings a few years ago to get back at them.. I don't even want to repeat the date because those three numbers have such a different meaning now. I hate what our gov't is doing- throwing it's weight around- like a bully!  I guess one thing I DO appreciate is that no one is going to try and silence dissenters. Political freedom I do appreciate! When I see violence and poverty in so many places it breaks my heart! Times like that I AM glad to live where I do...  Anyway
Wow- I started writing this with a bad attitude toward my fellow countrymen- well, I guess that attitude isn't much changed- but I AM so very glad I live where I do. It could be so much worse. O that reminds me - maybe I'll write it in another blog- how I feel about how much people WASTE in this country! It's ridiculous. OK I guess that's enough of a rant for now! hehe  .  I feel a little better now! Just had to get that off my chest.!
 O here's a funny pic of Bush Jr and Cheney...OMG This cracks me up! I really like the Wizard of Oz too! LOL
OK now I'm done.
LydiaLisa
soehow I think I published this three times- and as a draft- so I'm gonna try to fix this- It did have a fire next to it which I think is a good thing, but I must've erased the wrong one because I don't see it now! bummer. I unpublished but there's still three. Hmmm... I'll try to get rid of all but this one now...