Something I wanted to say

[Miss Z]

I was prompted to post this by responses from the thread about Prince Charles suggesting to ban McDonalds.

To start off, I don't mind if no-one replies to this thread. I don't entirely mind if people don't exactly understand what I'm trying to get at. I would just like it to be read and taken on board, and not to be taken offensively, because it most definitely is not intended to be so.

I love the fact that this board is primarily an American site. I love the fact that I can 'meet' so many wonderful people from the otherside of the Atlantic and consider myself priveliged to have such an insight into a culture different to my own. Believe me, I find it so much more fascinating to be here being around others from a clearly great and wonderful country, and revel in the interest that many lovely people here take in mine.

Ever since I joined PT, occasionally I've been knocked back by a few attitudes and views expressed in, unbeknownst to me at the time, complete innocence and as a passing comment. At first this greatly troubled me and I often thought to myself, 'you can't say that!' Thankfully being a newbie at the time I held my tongue, and in doing so allowed myself more time to get to grips with the fact that what is generally acceptable for me to say is not the same for the majority of others. Now I find it much easier to cope with certain comments as I just put them down to cultural differences.

However, and especially in recent times, I've noticed that not just one but on many political-orientated threads, it seems that no other political views exist apart from that of America's. I wish I could find a way of not putting that quite so bluntly, as I am not one to stereotype by any means, and I must stress that the majority of members here are not culprits of this in the slightest. Now, I cannot expect everyone here to understand the voice of a 15-year-old Brit speaking out against something which may seem perfectly acceptable, but when dismissive comments are made to other countries' morals, ethical and political views, it HURTS. Perhaps they do not intend to do so, but they bite deep.

I have to say once again that I am not someone offended by slight inclinations and hints, but I am seeing it clearly and openly. I do not want it to come across like I am a spoiled brat who wants to be treated extra special purely because I am in a 'minority', quite the opposite. I just made this thread to express how I personally feel about all of this, and perhaps to ask for a little more consideration and sensitivity before smothering not just the UK, but the world with your views. By all means, post what your country believes in and stands for, I love reading about what you have to say. Just please do not expect me to be submissive to them, and allow me the chance to question them in a polite and intellectual manner.

I am proud for what my country stands for and has achieved in its history. I am overly proud that I can come here and find friendship and compassion from people from all over the world who will always be there for me no matter what. I thank you for getting to the bottom of this overly-long post and giving up the time of day to take it in. YOU are what makes PT a most magical place to be.

Thank you.

[JenBKR]

It's interesting that you brought this up. I have seen some comments like that lately, including a 'thank goodness I don't live there' mentality about America. It's kind of had be disturbed as well. I can't imagine making comments like that about any country, and if I have ever come close, it was most likely a joke. Not everyone understands my sense of humor though (as a matter of fact, I have been told I have a 'British' sense of humor :D ). I think it's unfortunate that a few members have made these kinds of comments and hurt the feelings of others. And if I have ever been one of them, again I apologize :)

[GreyhoundGirl]

Hmmm... I think I get what you're saying. interesting that you brought it up.

I never post about politics because I don't know anything about ANY countries politics. (I know who the prime minister of Canad is and who the president of USA is... that's about it. I knew the gouveneur General too at one time... lol :p )

:D I have to add I loved meeting you Zara!

[GreyhoundGirl]

I'd like to bump this. A very good thred, well written and with good meaning behind it. It should be seen by more than 34 people, IMO. :)

[lizbud]

I guess I don't know what you mean exactly. You said,

" However, and especially in recent times, I've noticed that not just one but on many political-orientated threads, it seems that no other political views exist apart from that of America's"

Believe me there is no such thing as" one American belief". Our beliefs
about politics or anything else, is very different from each other. If you are
talking about some American political situation, of course you will hear more
American thoughts & beliefs. Is this what you mean?

[Edwina's Secretary]

I guess I don't know what you mean exactly. You said,

" However, and especially in recent times, I've noticed that not just one but on many political-orientated threads, it seems that no other political views exist apart from that of America's"


Liz...I believe she means things such as:

Because you taxpayers were stupid enought to vote for "free" health care.

An ad hominem and rude response made by one of our fellow Americans to someone from another country.

It is fair to say that calling people "stupid" because they voted for something with which you disagree...is..what would be the right word?

Unfortunately there are provincial and uncultured people in every society. The US has so many people and this site so many from the US....it just stands out more!

[mike001]

I know where you are coming from Miss Z and I must say it's been a long time since I've read anything so well put.Thanks for a great post.

[Bengalz]

I agree - this is a well written and well thought out post Miss Z. You have clearly stated your feelings in a mature and sensitive manner. We all have opinions and those opinions will differ from time to time. Your clarification is a good example of how mature discussions should be handled - respectfully.

Thank you,
Betty

[lizbud]

Liz...I believe she means things such as:

An ad hominem and rude response made by one of our fellow Americans to someone from another country.

It is fair to say that calling people "stupid" because they voted for something with which you disagree...is..what would be the right word?

Unfortunately there are provincial and uncultured people in every society. The US has so many people and this site so many from the US....it just stands out more!


I see. :) I guess I didn't read the thread, or more likely, mentally tuned
out the rude comments. Kind of like my own mental "ignore" option.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Kind of like my own mental "ignore" option.

Where can I get one of those? ;)

[sparks19]

ES, the original poster was mature enough to just voice her disappointments... rather than bringing up posts from another thread. i suggest if you have such a problem with that particular poster perhaps you should address him personally. this whole passive aggressive act is getting old. Everyone knows what was said... everyone knows what the thread is about.... if you have such an issue I suggest you be an adult about it and address your problems with HIM. But I believe it was you who said it was OK to treat people like they are stupid if you believe they are stupid.... isn't that how it went?

I am from one of those countries he is referring to with the socialized medicine but I am not throwing a passive aggressive fit such as yourself.

Sorry for getting off track... passive aggressive behaviour grates my nerves... I believe if you have something to say.... say it.

Miss Z, your post was well put and very eloquent.... I admire your ability to leave past things in the past and only bring up your personal concerns. not bad for a girl your age ;)

Sometimes it is hard for people to see outside of their own scope.... so I can see how things could be viewed as "americanized". although I like Lizbud's point about how no one in the US feels the same way about anything :D Same can be said about dog training. No matter what you learn or what methods you use.... there will always be another trainer to tell you it is wrong. :D


AHHHH speaking of American. idol is about to start... gotta go lol

[lizbud]

Where can I get one of those? ;)


It takes age and experience to develop this gift. :D

[GreyhoundGirl]

It takes age and experience to develop this gift. :D

Haha, I'd better start practising!

[borzoimom]

I agree - this is a well written and well thought out post Miss Z. You have clearly stated your feelings in a mature and sensitive manner. We all have opinions and those opinions will differ from time to time. Your clarification is a good example of how mature discussions should be handled - respectfully.

Thank you,
Betty
AMEN!

[Twisterdog]

That was a good post, and one to get us all thinking.

I usually don't get involved in politics too much, because to me it is usually a "lose/lose" situation. But if I ever do make an offensive remark about another's country of origin, religion, political views, etc. rest assured it is not intentional. Speaking for myself, I'm sure I sometimes do present a completely "American" view of things, simply because I am an American. We all speak from the experience we have, and from what we know. I do try, as I think most of us do, to see the world from a different perspective, but we all have a limited viewpoint to some degree.

I guess, though, that if I posted on a site based in, and comprised mostly of citizens from, England or Russia or France ... I would expect an almost strictly English, Russian or French point of view ... however well one definition of "point of view" can fit an entire country, especially one as large and diverse as America.

[carole]

All i can say is we have so much to learn from one another,listen with an open ear.)

[sparks19]

One thing I thought of while watching TV lol

I don't think anyone is harder on Americans than... Americans. We constantly disagree with one another and are constantly questioning not only our governments decisions but our own as well. so while you think "we" are rough on your country and make blanket statements.... you should see the things we say about ourselves.

[Karen]

Thank you for your post, Miss Z! It is always welcome, and good to hear the viewpoints of people from somewhere else.

Do not let any single American poster represent our whole country in your mind, please. We are as varied as can be - even though politicians talk about "red states" and "Blue states" at election time, each and every state contains people of every political stripe - our states, indeed our country - is more plaid than solid-colored.

And of course, we all value our freedom of expression - even when it leads to disagreements.

And here on Pet Talk, I hope we can always be civil even in our disagreements, as well. Your post was carefully and thoughtfully written, and I applaud that!

By the way, I had a great-great Aunt Emma, who emmigrated here from England with her sister - my great-great-grandmother, when they were young women and to the end of her life told everyone she hated it here, and wanted to go back to England, but never did. I never met her, she died before I was born, but whenever I was showing older generations pictures I found cleaning my Great Aunt Bertha's house out, to a person, each would say "Oh, that's Aunt Emma, she hated it here, and wanted to go back!" and that's pretty much all I know about her!

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I agree that one of the nice things about Pet talk is that we get to share ideas, stories, and photos with people from all over the globe.

And, I can see how sometimes, people have a tendency to be a bit egocentric. I know Americans have a particular reputation for that, so if anything, instances where it may be true may do little but confirm a stereotype. I know you are not suggesting that, but there are many Americans in real life and on pet talk that value other cultures and other ways of doing things...I actually think people who seem to be intolerant on this board are in the minority but perhaps more vocal.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Great post!

There is good and bad in every country and different rights and wrongs all over the world....

[lizbud]

Miss Z,

I have just finished reading the thread you referred to in the original post.
(all 7 pages of it) I wanted to say I do understand what you meant now.

I think is is remarkable to hear such a mature, thoughtful post from one
of our younger members & I applaud you for it. :) A lot of our adult members
could learn a lot about style & grace from you.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Miss Z,

I have just finished reading the thread you referred to in the original post.
(all 7 pages of it) I wanted to say I do understand what you meant now.

I think is is remarkable to hear such a mature, thoughtful post from one
of our younger members & I applaud you for it. :) A lot of our adult members
could learn a lot about style & grace from you.

I couldn't agree more. I have just re-read the entire thread myself.

Zara, as others have said, you are an amazing young woman. I admire you greatly. I would love to meet you sometime ;)

[Miss Z]

I have to say how glad I am that all the wonderful people who replied to this thread have kept it very civil and I am so happy that you have found it in your hearts to understand. I know to many here my views may seem obscure and thought I might receive a little backlash for it, but you are all so amazing when it comes to listening to others concerns. I would love to meet ALL of you in person one day!

I now feel that I can read more political threads without cringing or biting my tongue, and I thank you all for that. I am quite happy to read about American views where American politics is involved, I know that in that type of thread my place is to sit out and learn more about different political views. :) I hope that from now on I will feel more free to post my own political views in certain topics.

I was browsing a few threads and have actually found a few where American views have been discriminated against, and I just want you all to know that I feel just as wronged about that as I do for my own country. ;)

[Edwina's Secretary]

Miss Z....I think maybe nationality is like family....I can complain and gripe about my mother or my sister...or whoever...all day long...but if someone else (including my husband ;) ) says something critical of my family....thems fighting words!!!!!!

Well done....