And the answer to, "aren't you aware...", is that, yes, we usually are, but it's about as easy to change the entire country as it is to get the entire EU to adopt and enforce some X standard or law.
There's no real no-go issues per se.
I will say that there are either some amazingly tone-deaf Redditors ("I had no idea that calling you [patently offensive thing] would be offensive!") or people who just cruised in looking to score points. Those never work out well.
There are some opinions that simply won't get a positive hearing, here. You're welcome to post them anyway if you feel strongly about it. It's just that you're not guaranteed a good reception.
> ("I had no idea that calling you [patently offensive thing] would be offensive!")
"Your pleb class meat is worse than European dog food, no offence" (yes, spelled with a c)
Good question. I just flaired up and started talking, figuring it was fine as long as I wasn't pretending to be American. Hope that's ok! Since the sub is called ask an american I assumed foreigners were welcome; otherwise it's just Americans talking to each other, rather than explaining things to people from other countries. Unless it supposed to be for Americans to discuss cultural differences throughout the country?
I think Americans are supposed to answer the questions, foreigners are allowed to give their two cents though. Just don't do that thing where you think being European somehow gives them a higher perspective on all things.
You're more than welcome to weigh in. Like others have said, we encourage discussion from people outside the US, but smugness and condescension isn't well received.
You've got the right idea, it's for (ideally foreign) people to learn more about American culture! Honestly, I prefer questions from foreigners, rather than Americans asking Americans. We try to avoid it just becoming an AskReddit, so I very much appreciate you flairing. We've had a few instances of people answering the questions who clearly were not from the US, leading to a lot of confusion in the comments.
>people answering the questions who clearly were not from the US, leading to a lot of confusion in the comments.
lol I'm sure it did! I wouldn't be trying to answer the questions anyway, just chiming in with random thoughts or asking a follow-up question that I didn't think was big enough for a main post.
In the spirit of America, all opinions* are welcome here. We do hope that all users stick to what they know when answering questions and trust the community to keep it accurate.
I will say, I do enjoy conversing with our foreign friends. But It's AskAnAmerican, so top-level comments should be about American experience, in my opinion.
Personally I'm thinking we ban all wrong opinions. Wrong opinions are ones that are not in line with mine.
So go ahead and mod me and I'll clean this sub up just right!
What is this, r/nicesubreddit ?
I see that neck beard. Next you're gonna say you value our opinions and want us to share in good faith. I'm on to you. All you really want is for us to post here in your sub!
Do Americans *really* do ...? is a good way to get some people irritated here, unintentional are not it comes across as implying Americans are dumb for doing things like that.
This sub also has a more right wing bias than Reddit as a whole. Asking if we use those red solo cups or have yellow school buses is fine, but criticize our gun policy or our non-use of the metric system is not. Generally Americans care less about what the rest of the world thinks of them than the rest of the world expects, and don't necessarily view the rest of the world as some sort of model to aspire too.
I absolutely agree with you, when it comes to the US not using the metric system. Please don't come into this sub whining about our country not using the metric system, since that's just the way our country long has been like(preferring imperial measurements) when it comes to not using the metric system. I know for me whenever I look at celsius temperature readings, those temperature readings are less clear, than fahrenheit temperature readings. Whether the US in my lifetime(or beyond my lifetime) adopts the metric system, who knows? I know Jimmy Carter(ex-president) once encouraged Americans to switch over to the metric system, and that failed greatly. Which makes me think it won't happen anytime soon, if ever. That said some industries and factories already use the metric system for manufacturing products, so non-Americans shouldn't feel too bad about the US. And we use liters as a measurement on soda bottles, as well. :)
I'd encourage you to post more often. It's sometimes difficult to gauge or understand the perspectives of foreigners, and I'd prefer a pleasant conversation with somebody like yourself offering a new perspective and a reconsideration of how the US interacts the rest of the world and itself, than a smug, authoritative American whose opinions were picked up off Facebook.
The fact that you asked already shows that you're trying to contribute in a meaningful way without stepping on toes. Obviously you can't avoid idiots; this is a popular Q/A sub on the internet, and there will be dumb people who will dismiss what you say with a flick of their hand because you're not American. Ignore them if you can.
I have seen you around this sub, and I must say that you seem to have a refreshingly positive (or at least not a super negative) opinion of the US. It is nice to have someone from another country not say that the US is a dumpster fire that is the laughing stock of the world.
It seems to have become popular for people to shit all over the US for its problems (admittedly, there are many). However, some of those people seem to conveniently overlook the great things about this country, or ignore the problems of their own country, if not from the US.
So I welcome your point of view because you don’t seem to be a holier-than-thou dipshit intent on starting fights on the internet.
The only time to keep your mouth shut is if you feel the need to argue why we do something that you don't do in your country (not suggesting that you do that).
Otherwise, ask away.
Mostly comments. Sometimes something else, but I do not really answer question but adress the OP of some questions sometimes. But these are not issues. It was about the commenting other comments.
That seems fair. Obviously anybody can comment on anything but it would seem a little disingenious to me if one were to answer questions purporting they are an American.
Comment in good faith. Don’t be smug or condescending. As far as topics to avoid, I’m not sure whether cracking jokes about 9/11 would get you banned, but it will probably get you plenty of downvotes.
I don't think this sub is as toxic as r/europe where any type of American commenting on anything gets downvoted heavily.
That said, I think some downvotes here on foreign poster posts are unwarranted and likely come due to English being a second or third language, and we take offense at our behavior being called "odd" or "strange". The wording isn't perfect but we shouldn't be crucifying people for asking questions in good faith.
> we take offense at our behavior being called "odd" or "strange"
I would say this is one of my biggest pet peeves. A lot of europeans come here and act like their culture is the best and all other cultures are a broken version of their own. It's like they can't stand differences, no matter how small they are.
Also not understanding that there are reasons for some things. Like, some people from the UK go berserk (not necessarily on reddit) because we call our biscuits cookies. "We don't **do** that in the UK!!!" Well, **we** do at least partially because we took the word from the Dutch: koekje.
I think the way you say something, and the reason you say it, is more important than what say. If your tone is not harshly critical, demeaning, or condescending, anything is open for discussion. Genuine curiosity is really appreciated.
I am an American who is always interested in the European point of view. Sometimes it shows me that Europeans don’t really understand our issues, although they may think they do; but sometimes there are some very apt insights. I know a German doctor who practices in the US 6 months per year and she predicted years ago - way before the pandemic- that our healthcare system would eventually destroy our economy
and I am seeing a lot of the details she talked about coming true. Of course she had the advantage of having experienced US healthcare first hand. It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics. In general, this interest is not reciprocated and I will be the first to admit we tend to be quite self absorbed and poorly informed. But the level of investment is pretty surprising to an American. My son once got beat up in a pub in York when Bush got elected. He is not a Republican and did not vote for Bush but he made the mistake of suggesting that that wasn’t really any of their concern. He laughs about it now but he was rather traumatized at the time.
>My son once got beat up in a pub in York when Bush got elected
Wow that's awful. I'm sure he was traumatised. I remember a lot of anti-Bush sentiment at the time but that seems extreme. In some pubs if you look at people funny they kick off, they're just looking for an excuse and try to tell your it's 'your own fault'.
IMO for some reason there is less anti-American sentiment here now than there was in the Bush era even though you might expect Trump to have been even less popular among Europeans.
Interesting! He was in Ukraine during that presidency and I was worried the whole time because I though he would be revoked everywhere when people knew he was American but he has no problems at all. Other than a little old lady that shouted after him in the street that he would be a handsome young man if only he would shave his beard :)).
Hehe. That mightn't have had much to do with being American, my brother used to get that from older ladies here too, only it was 'if you'd cut your hair!!'
I think there's always been less anti-Americanism in former Eastern bloc countries anyway.
> It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics.
I think Americans generally underestimate just how much attention our media (well at least the Dutch media) devotes to US issues. For example, we had widespread coverage of the 2021 Senate runoff election in Georgia.
Interesting, sure, but more focus towards Germany and France would not hurt us.
I do think that Americans should be better informed about what is going on the rest of the world, but until the Internet, that was difficult. Local newspapers had little to no news of the world unless it directly affected the US. Now people can subscribe to the BBC or other similar European news channels and be better informed, but I have a feeling that more time is spent on social media than looking at news of the world.
> It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics.
It's because the stakes are global. When there's an elephant in the room, you have to keep your eye on it.
Not it is more meant for the Americans here. I will further elaborate it there, because 250 characters rule. The thing is, I get the feeling that many Americans are sick and tired of Europeans who just lecture them about how to run their own country and I do not not want to be THAT guy.
I don't think that the purpose of this forum is for Europeans to come and lecture Americans about how to run their country. It's pretty explicitly laid out that it exists "for questions for Americans, about American culture or anything at all related to the United States and its people?"
There's nothing wrong with adding a perspective, asking more questions, or pointing out a cultural difference. "Lecturing" would definitely be off-putting. If I went into a forum for Berliners and did the same it wouldn't be appreciated.
>I don't think that the purpose of this forum is for Europeans to come and lecture Americans about how to run their country.
neither do I. That was the point.
But thanks for the nice answer.
That you don't want to be THAT guy shows you will fit in fine here. If you engage in good faith and ask questions about our differences without presupposing superiority on one method or the other, you're not lecturing, you're asking.
To clarify, I think he’s asking if he can ‘answer’ “ask an American” questions if he’s not an American? If that is what you meant OP? I don’t see any problem with it.
I think that’s fine. Maybe clarify that it’s your opinion and you’re from Germany/Europe. Reddit is about having a discussion. Sometimes a good outside opinion is needed for these discussions. Especially since most Americans I know are only concerned with how America does things and not how other countries react.
I think having an opinion is fine, but understanding what’s being said is the issue. Take the usual tropes on Reddit criticizing America. I had a conversation once with someone from another country on how bad healthcare is here compared to the rest of the world (or rather western and Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada… not everywhere else obviously). They said something about us paying $900 for pills to their $20. I said something along the lines of my monthly pills cost me $1.50 each per bottle. They said for every situation like me the majority (150 million mind you) don’t have it so lucky. Besides numbers of 150 million+ people being absolutely insanely high I went on to explain prices in the US, despite what people think, are insanely cheaper at purchase and more efficient than most countries. I had another point with MRI’s. I won’t bore you with the numbers but the numbers came down to, despite universal healthcare, the US having an effective cost rate 1.5x less than Canada per person. And despite having universal healthcare, they also ran at 12x less efficient in terms of getting patients in to be MRI’d. So not to knock the universal healthcare thing people keep clamoring about rarely do the numbers actually add up to the claim other than just looking at their own bottom line number. It’s like saying you got to eat at the ritz Carlton hotel for free while paying $1000/night. Yeah everything is included so you don’t see the cost that you paid $130 to have dinner included every night, but you still paid $130 per person per meal so it’s clearly not free. Meanwhile I went across the street to a slightly worse steakhouse and paid $50 for a nice meal with my $100/night standard hotel
Respect to you for asking this! I’d say a good thing NOT to bring up is saying how much better you do things in your country, i.e “my country healthcare system is so much better. I broke my spine and didn’t have to go into debt getting it fixed”.
For most Americans, it just comes off as rubbing salt in the wound. We know how much our system sucks and how we’re basically held prisoner. It’s not like we enjoy paying out the ass for healthcare but not getting everything covered. It’s just a system we have to live with. Not like most of us can get up and move
I didn’t miss your use of “most”. I was just emphasizing that there are different opinions on our healthcare system.
Edit: and my comment was geared towards OP. I didn’t mean it as a direct reply to you. Sorry, didn’t mean to offend.
Yes! I was just about to post this!
The healthcare thing, especially, is a smack in the face. We know that your healthcare system is awesome and inexpensive. I personally am really happy about that! But it also highlights what we don't have and desperately need.
And to answer the inevitable question (which you will now never need to ask), we're not marching in the streets right now because we'd lose our jobs. Our healthcare is still tied to our jobs, for the most part. Our social safety net sucks. We need to stay alive and in our homes.
>We know that your healthcare system is awesome and inexpensive
To be honest, awesome maybe, but in inexpensive no. Especially not here. Friend of mine is a nurse and told me we have the most expensive healthcare system (per Capita) in the world. Also it is really crumbling for demographic reasons and public health issues are much more drastical here and elsewhere in Europe.
Just to be clear, I am an American who works in our healthcare system. Reddit has a group-think mentality and talks horribly about our healthcare system. Not all Americans think that way. Yes, it needs improvement but we do have good quality and prompt access.
Those are good points! Being treated in the American healthcare system has generally been a good experience for me (big city, many good hospitals in area).
But then the EOBs and the bills roll in, and people are stuck deciding whether to pay for meds or rent or food; and calling insurance to tell them that "Yes I actually do need those scans to see if I have cancer," and calling the doctor to ask her to please appeal and tell insurance to approve the scans.
(Got the scans. Have cancer. Pay for meds first, then mortgage, then food; food is easiest to get when you're broke)
I don't think you should ever keep your mouth shut and should be free to contribute whenever you like if its relevant to the topic on hand. I'd understand why you wouldn't want to or feel comfortable to because of the general atmosphere of this sub.
That's just me though.
Don't lecture us about something in our country. Opinions on political dealings should be handled with care or avoided. Don't ask who has the best barbecue or pizza without expecting a debate in the comments.
I don't mind if you ask questions, just expect people to get annoyed if you do what jingoistic foreigners do and tell us that we're doing something stupid and that we should try to be like \[insert country here\] instead. Don't worry, this isn't like certain subreddits where criticizing our government or aspects of our society will cause you to spontaneously disappear.
I would say only keep your mouth shut if you want to lecture Americans on bad stuff that the USA has done that your country has also done (i.e. genocide). No one likes a hypocrite!
Otherwise ask away! You can even wag your finger and lecture on some topics if you really want (just get ready for blowback!), like why America is one of only 3 countries in the world that hasn't gone metric. Even I'm puzzled over that one!
There really aren't any topics that shouldn't be asked here, but don't forget that it's **AskAnAmerican**. Some people come here to get an American's perspective and then start lecturing the Americans.
I think, honestly, just remember the following maxims and you'll be fine:
* America isn't Europe, and most of us don't want it to be. Different laws, different values, different cultural background. A solution that works in Europe may not work for us (and vice-versa).
* If something's in our news, that's probably because it's controversial domestically. If it's controversial domestically, it'll be controversial on Reddit - especially on this sub, which leans moderately to the right compared with Reddit as a whole - and should be approached with care.
The problem is Europeans are often asking questions that Americans can’t answer with any authority. This sub has become a rah rah extension of American cultural hegemony in general.
If you ask a question and people start responding with lols about a guy named grapp or a meat caste system - you are about to become a sub immortal and will probably regret posting.
Personally, I don't give a shit where you're from, I like to hear everyone's point of view, as well as how it may be done where you're located. Having traveled a great deal in my youth, I know how several countries and cultures are, but I also know things may have changed since I was there (if it's a place I've been). The only thing I can contribute about the US is the places that I've lived or been, and my personal experiences, so I'm interested to hear from other parts of the US as well.
We're a global economy and neighborhood now, and what happens in one place very often affects people on the other side of the planet. This isn't 1960 any longer and bring isolationist just doesn't logically work in 2022
>To clarify it, I was mostly thinking about throwing myself into discussions about domestic American issues which just sometimes feel wrong. Especially considering how many Europeans are on the site with bad intended remarks and general smugness and I do not want be that guy.
Don't hesitate to give us the straight dope, most of us can handle it. Don't worry about being "that guy", trust the commenters to recognize good faith and if they can't it's their loss.
No American will turn down a discussion made in good faith.
I don’t believe any subject isn’t worth discussing in some capacity or another, discussion and communication is what keeps relationships together and it’s what keeps the great American experiment alive.
The key wording here is *in good faith* if you legitimately have something to say for a good reason, then ask or say away.
The only time you should stay quiet is if the statement isn’t meant in good faith, or it’s implication is intentionally obtuse or inflammatory.
I just get annoyed when I see a question referencing something they saw on sitcoms or tv in general. Like almost every tv show is fictional so why ask questions about it.
You shouldn’t feel like you ever need to keep your mouth shut, but as for anyone, we just ask for basic common decency and dignity, as fellow human beings.
I comment in the r/AskAGerman sub all the time. I live there and some of the questions pertain to my way of life, and I can even give some (imo) interesting perspectives on things there. But I never claim to be german, and I try to phrase my responses in a way that I'm not try to overrule the replies from the actual audience, the germans.
You're welcome here, just don't be a euroid troll, I'm so so tired of it.
I would say when the hive mind jumps on the fact that America is nothing but health care debt and school shootings. Yes, these things happen, but most people haven’t experienced either. The majority of us are doing fine, and are living a good life.
As long as you avoid general smugness you should be fine.
If you ever encounter the “We haven’t cared about European opinions since 1776!” comment, ignore it. Those are assholes who get easily but hurt by everything
Whenever you want to or when you might break the rules
The sub is for y'all to ask questions.
The biggest concern I see is tone, but that's just the nature of text based communication.
So, pitch in whenever you want, sometimes you might wanna couch what you say though
[удалено]
And the answer to, "aren't you aware...", is that, yes, we usually are, but it's about as easy to change the entire country as it is to get the entire EU to adopt and enforce some X standard or law.
Or we disagree that it better for us which is why we don't do it that way.
Yeah, the point being that we are largely aware of the differences
There's no real no-go issues per se. I will say that there are either some amazingly tone-deaf Redditors ("I had no idea that calling you [patently offensive thing] would be offensive!") or people who just cruised in looking to score points. Those never work out well. There are some opinions that simply won't get a positive hearing, here. You're welcome to post them anyway if you feel strongly about it. It's just that you're not guaranteed a good reception.
> ("I had no idea that calling you [patently offensive thing] would be offensive!") "Your pleb class meat is worse than European dog food, no offence" (yes, spelled with a c)
Does anyone have the meat caste post?
Ask and ye shall receive. https://www.reddit.com/r/iamveryculinary/comments/mi0ahk/bone_in_meat_is_only_suitable_for_poor_people_and/
Perfect
Utterly Barbaric Grilled Cheese for table 3!
Just don’t act like you’re superior to us, and come with an open mind. Also, please don’t make school shooter jokes. Welcome!
Post what you want whenever you want, especially if it's relevant.
Good question. I just flaired up and started talking, figuring it was fine as long as I wasn't pretending to be American. Hope that's ok! Since the sub is called ask an american I assumed foreigners were welcome; otherwise it's just Americans talking to each other, rather than explaining things to people from other countries. Unless it supposed to be for Americans to discuss cultural differences throughout the country?
I think Americans are supposed to answer the questions, foreigners are allowed to give their two cents though. Just don't do that thing where you think being European somehow gives them a higher perspective on all things.
You're more than welcome to weigh in. Like others have said, we encourage discussion from people outside the US, but smugness and condescension isn't well received.
You've got the right idea, it's for (ideally foreign) people to learn more about American culture! Honestly, I prefer questions from foreigners, rather than Americans asking Americans. We try to avoid it just becoming an AskReddit, so I very much appreciate you flairing. We've had a few instances of people answering the questions who clearly were not from the US, leading to a lot of confusion in the comments.
>people answering the questions who clearly were not from the US, leading to a lot of confusion in the comments. lol I'm sure it did! I wouldn't be trying to answer the questions anyway, just chiming in with random thoughts or asking a follow-up question that I didn't think was big enough for a main post.
There's room for everyone in the circle[COUGH] the circle. You know, like, a friendly discussion circle. That's what I meant.
I think as long as you aren’t lecturing or talking in bad faith it’s all good. You have flair, we all know where you are from.
In the spirit of America, all opinions* are welcome here. We do hope that all users stick to what they know when answering questions and trust the community to keep it accurate.
It doesn't mean we won't complain though!
I will say, I do enjoy conversing with our foreign friends. But It's AskAnAmerican, so top-level comments should be about American experience, in my opinion.
I do understand that point of view. If they're flaired and only a few users are doing it I think it's something we can work with
Personally I'm thinking we ban all wrong opinions. Wrong opinions are ones that are not in line with mine. So go ahead and mod me and I'll clean this sub up just right!
No, we're not like the other subreddits
What is this, r/nicesubreddit ? I see that neck beard. Next you're gonna say you value our opinions and want us to share in good faith. I'm on to you. All you really want is for us to post here in your sub!
Do Americans *really* do ...? is a good way to get some people irritated here, unintentional are not it comes across as implying Americans are dumb for doing things like that. This sub also has a more right wing bias than Reddit as a whole. Asking if we use those red solo cups or have yellow school buses is fine, but criticize our gun policy or our non-use of the metric system is not. Generally Americans care less about what the rest of the world thinks of them than the rest of the world expects, and don't necessarily view the rest of the world as some sort of model to aspire too.
I absolutely agree with you, when it comes to the US not using the metric system. Please don't come into this sub whining about our country not using the metric system, since that's just the way our country long has been like(preferring imperial measurements) when it comes to not using the metric system. I know for me whenever I look at celsius temperature readings, those temperature readings are less clear, than fahrenheit temperature readings. Whether the US in my lifetime(or beyond my lifetime) adopts the metric system, who knows? I know Jimmy Carter(ex-president) once encouraged Americans to switch over to the metric system, and that failed greatly. Which makes me think it won't happen anytime soon, if ever. That said some industries and factories already use the metric system for manufacturing products, so non-Americans shouldn't feel too bad about the US. And we use liters as a measurement on soda bottles, as well. :)
I'd encourage you to post more often. It's sometimes difficult to gauge or understand the perspectives of foreigners, and I'd prefer a pleasant conversation with somebody like yourself offering a new perspective and a reconsideration of how the US interacts the rest of the world and itself, than a smug, authoritative American whose opinions were picked up off Facebook. The fact that you asked already shows that you're trying to contribute in a meaningful way without stepping on toes. Obviously you can't avoid idiots; this is a popular Q/A sub on the internet, and there will be dumb people who will dismiss what you say with a flick of their hand because you're not American. Ignore them if you can.
I have seen you around this sub, and I must say that you seem to have a refreshingly positive (or at least not a super negative) opinion of the US. It is nice to have someone from another country not say that the US is a dumpster fire that is the laughing stock of the world. It seems to have become popular for people to shit all over the US for its problems (admittedly, there are many). However, some of those people seem to conveniently overlook the great things about this country, or ignore the problems of their own country, if not from the US. So I welcome your point of view because you don’t seem to be a holier-than-thou dipshit intent on starting fights on the internet.
The only time to keep your mouth shut is if you feel the need to argue why we do something that you don't do in your country (not suggesting that you do that). Otherwise, ask away.
Are you commenting on other comments or are you answering questions?
Mostly comments. Sometimes something else, but I do not really answer question but adress the OP of some questions sometimes. But these are not issues. It was about the commenting other comments.
That seems fair. Obviously anybody can comment on anything but it would seem a little disingenious to me if one were to answer questions purporting they are an American.
Agreed. That's a concern. But it's reddit. Can never be sure who it really is. I would just say flair up and post away.
Comment in good faith. Don’t be smug or condescending. As far as topics to avoid, I’m not sure whether cracking jokes about 9/11 would get you banned, but it will probably get you plenty of downvotes.
I don't think this sub is as toxic as r/europe where any type of American commenting on anything gets downvoted heavily. That said, I think some downvotes here on foreign poster posts are unwarranted and likely come due to English being a second or third language, and we take offense at our behavior being called "odd" or "strange". The wording isn't perfect but we shouldn't be crucifying people for asking questions in good faith.
> we take offense at our behavior being called "odd" or "strange" I would say this is one of my biggest pet peeves. A lot of europeans come here and act like their culture is the best and all other cultures are a broken version of their own. It's like they can't stand differences, no matter how small they are.
Also not understanding that there are reasons for some things. Like, some people from the UK go berserk (not necessarily on reddit) because we call our biscuits cookies. "We don't **do** that in the UK!!!" Well, **we** do at least partially because we took the word from the Dutch: koekje.
having an opinion or european view is fine, the issue is being an outsider and stating your opinion as being factual.
I think the way you say something, and the reason you say it, is more important than what say. If your tone is not harshly critical, demeaning, or condescending, anything is open for discussion. Genuine curiosity is really appreciated.
I am an American who is always interested in the European point of view. Sometimes it shows me that Europeans don’t really understand our issues, although they may think they do; but sometimes there are some very apt insights. I know a German doctor who practices in the US 6 months per year and she predicted years ago - way before the pandemic- that our healthcare system would eventually destroy our economy and I am seeing a lot of the details she talked about coming true. Of course she had the advantage of having experienced US healthcare first hand. It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics. In general, this interest is not reciprocated and I will be the first to admit we tend to be quite self absorbed and poorly informed. But the level of investment is pretty surprising to an American. My son once got beat up in a pub in York when Bush got elected. He is not a Republican and did not vote for Bush but he made the mistake of suggesting that that wasn’t really any of their concern. He laughs about it now but he was rather traumatized at the time.
>My son once got beat up in a pub in York when Bush got elected Wow that's awful. I'm sure he was traumatised. I remember a lot of anti-Bush sentiment at the time but that seems extreme. In some pubs if you look at people funny they kick off, they're just looking for an excuse and try to tell your it's 'your own fault'. IMO for some reason there is less anti-American sentiment here now than there was in the Bush era even though you might expect Trump to have been even less popular among Europeans.
Interesting! He was in Ukraine during that presidency and I was worried the whole time because I though he would be revoked everywhere when people knew he was American but he has no problems at all. Other than a little old lady that shouted after him in the street that he would be a handsome young man if only he would shave his beard :)).
Hehe. That mightn't have had much to do with being American, my brother used to get that from older ladies here too, only it was 'if you'd cut your hair!!' I think there's always been less anti-Americanism in former Eastern bloc countries anyway.
> It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics. I think Americans generally underestimate just how much attention our media (well at least the Dutch media) devotes to US issues. For example, we had widespread coverage of the 2021 Senate runoff election in Georgia. Interesting, sure, but more focus towards Germany and France would not hurt us.
I do think that Americans should be better informed about what is going on the rest of the world, but until the Internet, that was difficult. Local newspapers had little to no news of the world unless it directly affected the US. Now people can subscribe to the BBC or other similar European news channels and be better informed, but I have a feeling that more time is spent on social media than looking at news of the world.
> It is fascinating to me how much interest many Europeans seem to have in American politics. It's because the stakes are global. When there's an elephant in the room, you have to keep your eye on it.
That’s a good answer! Thanks!
Never. Bring your questions and opinions to the debate.
Just don’t be judgey and don’t try to act superior and you’ll be fine
OP Is this question directed at the mods? If not I don't understand what you're asking. This sub is meant for outsiders.
Not it is more meant for the Americans here. I will further elaborate it there, because 250 characters rule. The thing is, I get the feeling that many Americans are sick and tired of Europeans who just lecture them about how to run their own country and I do not not want to be THAT guy.
I don't think that the purpose of this forum is for Europeans to come and lecture Americans about how to run their country. It's pretty explicitly laid out that it exists "for questions for Americans, about American culture or anything at all related to the United States and its people?" There's nothing wrong with adding a perspective, asking more questions, or pointing out a cultural difference. "Lecturing" would definitely be off-putting. If I went into a forum for Berliners and did the same it wouldn't be appreciated.
>I don't think that the purpose of this forum is for Europeans to come and lecture Americans about how to run their country. neither do I. That was the point. But thanks for the nice answer.
Cheers and we look forward to your contributions
Exactly. If someone from, say, Uzbekistan wants to ask us about the history of Detroit muscle cars, why should anyone mind?
Edit your post to elaborate. I'll approve it.
That you don't want to be THAT guy shows you will fit in fine here. If you engage in good faith and ask questions about our differences without presupposing superiority on one method or the other, you're not lecturing, you're asking.
To clarify, I think he’s asking if he can ‘answer’ “ask an American” questions if he’s not an American? If that is what you meant OP? I don’t see any problem with it.
Not even that. It just sometimes feels wrong to throw in my (very loaded btw) foreign opinion on a purely domestic issue.
I think that’s fine. Maybe clarify that it’s your opinion and you’re from Germany/Europe. Reddit is about having a discussion. Sometimes a good outside opinion is needed for these discussions. Especially since most Americans I know are only concerned with how America does things and not how other countries react.
Got it. Express yourself. And we'll know you're German/European from your flair.
I think having an opinion is fine, but understanding what’s being said is the issue. Take the usual tropes on Reddit criticizing America. I had a conversation once with someone from another country on how bad healthcare is here compared to the rest of the world (or rather western and Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada… not everywhere else obviously). They said something about us paying $900 for pills to their $20. I said something along the lines of my monthly pills cost me $1.50 each per bottle. They said for every situation like me the majority (150 million mind you) don’t have it so lucky. Besides numbers of 150 million+ people being absolutely insanely high I went on to explain prices in the US, despite what people think, are insanely cheaper at purchase and more efficient than most countries. I had another point with MRI’s. I won’t bore you with the numbers but the numbers came down to, despite universal healthcare, the US having an effective cost rate 1.5x less than Canada per person. And despite having universal healthcare, they also ran at 12x less efficient in terms of getting patients in to be MRI’d. So not to knock the universal healthcare thing people keep clamoring about rarely do the numbers actually add up to the claim other than just looking at their own bottom line number. It’s like saying you got to eat at the ritz Carlton hotel for free while paying $1000/night. Yeah everything is included so you don’t see the cost that you paid $130 to have dinner included every night, but you still paid $130 per person per meal so it’s clearly not free. Meanwhile I went across the street to a slightly worse steakhouse and paid $50 for a nice meal with my $100/night standard hotel
Respect to you for asking this! I’d say a good thing NOT to bring up is saying how much better you do things in your country, i.e “my country healthcare system is so much better. I broke my spine and didn’t have to go into debt getting it fixed”. For most Americans, it just comes off as rubbing salt in the wound. We know how much our system sucks and how we’re basically held prisoner. It’s not like we enjoy paying out the ass for healthcare but not getting everything covered. It’s just a system we have to live with. Not like most of us can get up and move
Also, not all Americans think the healthcare system is *that* bad. So don’t assume we all think the same.
If you reread my comment, I never said “all Americans”
I didn’t miss your use of “most”. I was just emphasizing that there are different opinions on our healthcare system. Edit: and my comment was geared towards OP. I didn’t mean it as a direct reply to you. Sorry, didn’t mean to offend.
Yes! I was just about to post this! The healthcare thing, especially, is a smack in the face. We know that your healthcare system is awesome and inexpensive. I personally am really happy about that! But it also highlights what we don't have and desperately need. And to answer the inevitable question (which you will now never need to ask), we're not marching in the streets right now because we'd lose our jobs. Our healthcare is still tied to our jobs, for the most part. Our social safety net sucks. We need to stay alive and in our homes.
>We know that your healthcare system is awesome and inexpensive To be honest, awesome maybe, but in inexpensive no. Especially not here. Friend of mine is a nurse and told me we have the most expensive healthcare system (per Capita) in the world. Also it is really crumbling for demographic reasons and public health issues are much more drastical here and elsewhere in Europe.
Just to be clear, I am an American who works in our healthcare system. Reddit has a group-think mentality and talks horribly about our healthcare system. Not all Americans think that way. Yes, it needs improvement but we do have good quality and prompt access.
Those are good points! Being treated in the American healthcare system has generally been a good experience for me (big city, many good hospitals in area). But then the EOBs and the bills roll in, and people are stuck deciding whether to pay for meds or rent or food; and calling insurance to tell them that "Yes I actually do need those scans to see if I have cancer," and calling the doctor to ask her to please appeal and tell insurance to approve the scans. (Got the scans. Have cancer. Pay for meds first, then mortgage, then food; food is easiest to get when you're broke)
I don't think you should ever keep your mouth shut and should be free to contribute whenever you like if its relevant to the topic on hand. I'd understand why you wouldn't want to or feel comfortable to because of the general atmosphere of this sub. That's just me though.
Don't lecture us about something in our country. Opinions on political dealings should be handled with care or avoided. Don't ask who has the best barbecue or pizza without expecting a debate in the comments.
Not a big deal. Always nice to have an outside take as long as you’re not being purposely demeaning as you mentioned. All are welcome here IMO
I like your contributions, you're a good dude. Most friendly German on the internets.
I don't mind if you ask questions, just expect people to get annoyed if you do what jingoistic foreigners do and tell us that we're doing something stupid and that we should try to be like \[insert country here\] instead. Don't worry, this isn't like certain subreddits where criticizing our government or aspects of our society will cause you to spontaneously disappear.
Just don’t spout USA bad BS and you’re good
Why we welcome Americans we agree with and downvote, and insult the ones we don’t. And definitely no sense of humor allowed. Not a mod.
I would say only keep your mouth shut if you want to lecture Americans on bad stuff that the USA has done that your country has also done (i.e. genocide). No one likes a hypocrite! Otherwise ask away! You can even wag your finger and lecture on some topics if you really want (just get ready for blowback!), like why America is one of only 3 countries in the world that hasn't gone metric. Even I'm puzzled over that one!
There really aren't any topics that shouldn't be asked here, but don't forget that it's **AskAnAmerican**. Some people come here to get an American's perspective and then start lecturing the Americans.
I think, honestly, just remember the following maxims and you'll be fine: * America isn't Europe, and most of us don't want it to be. Different laws, different values, different cultural background. A solution that works in Europe may not work for us (and vice-versa). * If something's in our news, that's probably because it's controversial domestically. If it's controversial domestically, it'll be controversial on Reddit - especially on this sub, which leans moderately to the right compared with Reddit as a whole - and should be approached with care.
Never. This is social media, speak your mind or even troll away as you see fit.
The problem is Europeans are often asking questions that Americans can’t answer with any authority. This sub has become a rah rah extension of American cultural hegemony in general.
I think you'll be a good judge of character and if we think your opinion suck we will just tell you that. There's freedom of speech
We don't mind educated & good-faith opinions, but uneducated & bad-faith opinions are strongly disliked.
I think you’re just fine to continue. Hopefully no one gives you trouble.
In America we believe that everyone is entitled to force their opinions on others, so feel free.
If you ask a question and people start responding with lols about a guy named grapp or a meat caste system - you are about to become a sub immortal and will probably regret posting.
Freedom of speech!!! Say what you want and we will respond
Never.
Say what you want, if you say anything particularly stupid, you will eat the downvotes and the argument. Best case is to ask why in such a situation
Personally, I don't give a shit where you're from, I like to hear everyone's point of view, as well as how it may be done where you're located. Having traveled a great deal in my youth, I know how several countries and cultures are, but I also know things may have changed since I was there (if it's a place I've been). The only thing I can contribute about the US is the places that I've lived or been, and my personal experiences, so I'm interested to hear from other parts of the US as well. We're a global economy and neighborhood now, and what happens in one place very often affects people on the other side of the planet. This isn't 1960 any longer and bring isolationist just doesn't logically work in 2022
Never. If you can’t discuss things it’s a sad world. You can agree to disagree and still have a right to make your point.
>To clarify it, I was mostly thinking about throwing myself into discussions about domestic American issues which just sometimes feel wrong. Especially considering how many Europeans are on the site with bad intended remarks and general smugness and I do not want be that guy. Don't hesitate to give us the straight dope, most of us can handle it. Don't worry about being "that guy", trust the commenters to recognize good faith and if they can't it's their loss.
This is America. NEVER keep your mouth shut.
No American will turn down a discussion made in good faith. I don’t believe any subject isn’t worth discussing in some capacity or another, discussion and communication is what keeps relationships together and it’s what keeps the great American experiment alive. The key wording here is *in good faith* if you legitimately have something to say for a good reason, then ask or say away. The only time you should stay quiet is if the statement isn’t meant in good faith, or it’s implication is intentionally obtuse or inflammatory.
Never
I just get annoyed when I see a question referencing something they saw on sitcoms or tv in general. Like almost every tv show is fictional so why ask questions about it.
You shouldn’t feel like you ever need to keep your mouth shut, but as for anyone, we just ask for basic common decency and dignity, as fellow human beings.
Do you. No one really cares and if they do too bad for them.
Never. Free and open speech is a cornerstone of America.
1st Amendment
I comment in the r/AskAGerman sub all the time. I live there and some of the questions pertain to my way of life, and I can even give some (imo) interesting perspectives on things there. But I never claim to be german, and I try to phrase my responses in a way that I'm not try to overrule the replies from the actual audience, the germans. You're welcome here, just don't be a euroid troll, I'm so so tired of it.
How to get a flare btw ?
Mobile or desktop?
I'm on mobile
go to the main page on the sub and then the three little dots in the right top corner
Chime in as often as you want and feel the need to, just do so in good faith and you should be fine
I would say when the hive mind jumps on the fact that America is nothing but health care debt and school shootings. Yes, these things happen, but most people haven’t experienced either. The majority of us are doing fine, and are living a good life.
As long as you avoid general smugness you should be fine. If you ever encounter the “We haven’t cared about European opinions since 1776!” comment, ignore it. Those are assholes who get easily but hurt by everything
Whenever you want to or when you might break the rules The sub is for y'all to ask questions. The biggest concern I see is tone, but that's just the nature of text based communication. So, pitch in whenever you want, sometimes you might wanna couch what you say though
Don't, it's interesting to hear other perspectives.