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.
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). 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 
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Originally Posted by lizbud
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