quote:
Originally posted by Dave:
Maybe its the lack of exposre to other cultures which brings about such conclusions. Europeans and Asians are constantly exposed to other languages and cultures. Americans are not.
My two cents -- I grew up in a fairly small town. The only foreign culture I had were my own Irish-Italian family traditions -- many of which my friends pointed out were very strange (waitaminute...not everyone eats pasta with their extended family once a week...). And of course, that statue of the Virgin. My friends loved that statue. They thought I was a slightly milder version of the family in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Of course there were foreigners in my town but not to the degree here in college. In this envorinment I have been exposed to many cultures. And I love it. I may disagree with some of the more extreme groups, but overall I enjoy the experience. It makes me feel that I can respect others different from myself but still keep my own identity. Its a groozy thing, baby. Although I'll be frank, college is an oddball place and so I know not every American gets the same exposure.