ACORN

[--Pete]

Hi,

Was there a point to that very generalized remark (the 'why you Europeans' remark) other than perhaps take a stab at eppie? If the stab was the point, wouldn't it be more honest if you took the stab at eppie and not the whole population of Europe?

I find that such generalizations often make it harder to have a good relationship and I in general find it sad when I see them. It is seldom I see them lead to much good.

I often see Americans and Europeans make very broad generalizations about each other, and I find it both silly and bad for the relationship between the continents. I have met enough Americans in my life to know how much they can differ. I had hoped you, Pete, would have met enough Europeans in your life to also know how much they differ. But perhaps I was wrong?

To begin with, since I was born in Florence, I am somewhat familiar with at least one European. My impression of the European attitude is based from a combination of watching European television (mostly the news in English (BBC), Italian, and Spanish since those are the only modern languages that I can follow when I hear them). I stopped subscribing to European magazines and newspapers some few years ago, but over the decades I'd taken German and French periodicals as well as Italian (never found a Spanish periodical that was worth the postage). I haven't been to Europe since the mid '60s (I hate to travel) but I do have European friends with whom I often argue. I am quite well aware of the *general* attitude of most of Europe toward *my* country (and I chose to be an American over Italian, British, or Polish -- which were my other choices). So, no, it was not just pointed at eppie. I have met many people from Europe whom I like and respect, but that does not extend to the generic "European".

I'm sorry if it bothers you, but you'll just have to deal with it or ignore me. The behavior of Europeans has forced me to change from thinking Europe was superior in mores and culture to finding it inferior (and irritating and insulting). It will take a change in the Europeans and their attitudes before you'll see a change in me.

--Pete