why are so many people from the united states so ignorant and close-minded??

Question

before you freak out...i live in the united states and have for a long time and i have been insulted and treated quite poorly to the point of me being extremely offended...

take this simple question i asked about the english language in the united states...i made a simple point and was very clear that i know that english the dominant language in the united states...and i made the point that i think people should learn at least the basics of the dominant language if they are residing in a country...

anyway...heres that question...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Anj5AHEAuJ9MGLw8TXg74Yzsy6IX?qid=20060718215549AAU2tK6

intuitive, i am forced to generalize and prejudge because people dont make the effort to prove that they ARENT ignorant and close-minded. prove me wrong and i'll think twice about making generalizations.

Answer 1

it's a proud tradition? just joking . i've spent quite a bit of time travelling, and lived in germany as a student for two years. i think part of the "problem" is that the usa is so large and so diverse that many americans don't spend much time abroad, they just travel from state to state, and to canada and mexico. the european countries are relatively smaller and inter country travel is easier and less costly. too, there seems to be a certain sophistication and general appreciation for the arts and culture that permeates even the "working class" in europe. here, in the u.s. that seems to attract mostly just the college grad. types. from what i've experienced it takes both education and cultural pursuits, or at least, cultural pursuits as among the europeans, even minus college, to produce open mindedness, and minimal bigotry. this is a vast generalization, of course.

Answer 2

Lola it sounds to me as if you are the ignorant one. The question you asked before was rather ignorant too. You talk about being treated poorly and insulted but don't tell why. Is ti because you don't really try to fit in in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA do you flaunt your Latin heritage in peolpes faces I hpoe not. I feel insulted that so many Latinos have refused to asimilate to the point where all the banks and almost all telephone customer services senter begin with the option "to continue in English press 1. Excuse me but this is an english speaking country and has been since before the colonies rebell against England. Wouldn't you find it a bit offensive if you co-workers or the person at the store or resturaunt that is being paid to serve or assist you doesn't speak your language well enough to do the job and if you ask for someone who speaks the language they give you an attitude or say you are racist? Don't tell me Americans are close minded and ignorant if I went to your country illegally and didn't try to learn the language how long would I last until I was put in prison? Not nearly as long as we have tolerated the same behavior you and yours have, and now that it has gotten out of hand suddenly we are ignorant and close minded.I think you need to look at the issue from an perspective besides as a Latino. How would your country respond to millions of people crossing your border without permission and taking jobs and lower wages and using services paid for by your taxes and then stealing your Identity and ruining your retirement supplement that you have been contributing to since you were 15yrs old. Don't even say you would try to understand their reasons for coming to your country you would treat them like the criminals they are. I am not assuming as you do that you are illegal but I say you are close minded and ignorant for supporting them. Remember if you are an American Citizen it could be your socail security card that is beiung sold right now in MacArthur Park. Oh and when was the last time you heard a Mexican or Salvadoran citizen say they are American? This argument would hold wter if people in South and Central AMerica didn't alwys complain about gredy Americans and use slogans in like death to America or America stay out etc. Your point is spicious and you know it.

Answer 3

In your original question you came out with the grand realization that the United States of America lacks an official language and the complaint of people claiming that English is the official language. The people who claim such just happen to be a rather vocal minority who need to do some research, and are not at all reflective of the vast majority of Americans.

The problem that seems to come from your previous question is that it seems like a good ol' fashioned troll attempt. You asked a rather loaded question to a group of at least moderately educated people that already knew, for the most part, that Los Estados Unidos lacks an official language. And then go directly into the somewhat matter of fact, and rather grating, declaration that answers your own question, to an extent.

It's not the statement itself, but rather the way it is presented that could lead to people's treatment of you. It seemed rather condescending and matter of factly, despite the fact that it was most likely not meant to be read that way.

Your statement about Americans not calling The United States of America "America" can be interpreted as an insult. Why can't we call our country America? Is it somehow sapping the rest of the continent of vital energy? It's just a name, no harm no foul. You don't need to tell us to stop using it just because it offends your delicate sensibilities, in some cases you need to learn to deal with it, rather than the rest of the people adapting to your point of view.


Wow that's a lot of digression.

But as for this question. Not all people are ignorant and close minded, many are not. But those that are were most likely raised with an ethnocentric viewpoint, so it's what they believe and know, to some extent they never had a chance to discard their ignorance and are to another extent wallowing in it. But everyone knows that generalizations and generalizers are outright idiots.

Also, some people can be ***** to immigrants, this is a fact, if so then it may be in your best interest to dissasociate with those people or move somewhere else in the country if possible. But the blame cannot be entirely placed on them, it could be your personality that causes problems as much as theirs. Especially if you are confrontational.

EDIT:
And of course guys above me have to contradict everything I say with his biggoted tripe.

Answer 4

Your questions are confrontational in the way that they are stated. This makes people defensive. When people get defensive it starts their fight or flight response. Since the people that respond are going to be the ones that chose not to flee, you get the fighters.

And you did not clearly state that English was the dominant language until many people had already answered.

Your banter continues the stereotyping that you complain about. We have a saying for cases like this. "When you are just digging yourself into a hole, stop digging!" I recommend you take a break from the computer, breathe deeply, and realize that you were in part responsible for inciting inflammatory responses. If you don't want to hear them, try asking questions in a more neutral tone, and you'll get friendlier responses. Otherwise allow for the freedom of speech which you are allowed. As you will see in other questions: If people ask silly questions they usually get silly answers. If they ask rude questions (or in a rude way) they get rude answers. Think about it this way. How would you like it if I posted a question such as: "Why are so many Latinos so ignorant and close-minded?" Fortunately I know better. Latinos are wonderful people, just like the majority of people in the U.S. as long as they aren't provoked.

I hope you are able to gain a better attitude because I think you'll find that you get what you give and if you give a good attitude, you'll usually get the same in response. Best Regards.

Answer 5

Why are so many people from Argentina so insufferable and arrogant? Do they give snot lessons in schools across the Pampas? I have yet to meet an Argentine who wasn't completely conceited and stuck up - I've met many too!

English is the dominant language of the United States. You can prolly live here just fine without ever learning it, but if you want to become a fully functioning member of American society, you would be better off knowing English.

You are from ARGENTINA. That's the name of your country. This is the United States of America. That's the name of this country. You can call yourself an Argentine. What can Americans call themselves besides American? Besides, considering that you think that so many Americans are ignorant and closed minded, why would you want to share the same designation? Makes no sense...

Answer 6

Well just because some people are that way doesn't mean we all are. Not everyone here is an idiot you know. There are some of us that actually have an open mind about things and have a lot of common sense. There are ignorant and close-minded people all over the world. Don't insult an entire country just because of a few bad seeds. Thank you.

Answer 7

When you're always right, you can be closed minded. It's also because of our individualistic society, it's basically what this country was founded on. So people think that they shouldn't listen to anybody but themselves. The fact that you refuse to accept English as the language that should be spoken indicates that you have these same tendencies.

Answer 8

I can understand why you would be treated poorly, you come to a country whose Declaration of Independence, Consitution, Amendments, Laws, and primary language is English - yet you get pissy when people recommend that people who reside and work here learn that language.

Answer 9

A vast lack of awareness about the rest of the world plus a life of privilege and a superiority complex all contributes to this general attitude.

Answer 10

you should learn the basics. as a firefighter i run calls to hispanic
people that cant tell me the problem.in a lifethreatning situationthat can cause problems.
btw english is the official language of the usa and has been for many years.