Why do many people from Canada, Europe, and Latin America say that Americans have no culture?

Question

This is a common thought, especially in Latin America, but also in other parts of the world. Are these just thoughts of jealous/stupid people, or is there a deeper hatred at work? Isn't this one of the steps the Nazis used with the Jews? Degrade a group of people by saying they have no culture or worth, then blame them for all the problems in the world?

Answer 1

Jealous! All major inventions were made in the USA.
From the Cars to the airplane to computers to the internet.
We are creative thinkers, we don't fight over religion.
We live and let live. Anyway we use to.
If we are so bad why do they all want to come here?

Answer 2

They may be right.
Maybe what they say is not meant to be an insult or manipulation.
I hear that often from foreigners.
I also used to hear "Why are you in Viet Nam"
Now it's about Iraq.
I am an American... Ahh a North American..(?) Well actually I am a citizen of the USA and we do not have a clear name for ourselves.
In most foreign countries, people relate better to each other, even if they have less cash and material possesions.
In the USA we have a lot of freedom, in the sense of equality before the law, but that same freedom allows our corporations to "sell" us things and move us all over the country. I have lived in 7 states and 2 foreign countries, hanging on to employment. The wages are good, but there is not much time left to pursue our USAian "culture". I'm afraid a lot of what passes for "culture" are movies, TV, sports events, eating places, all constructed to maximize profits, not build on a heritage.
Compared to Canada, Europe, etc. I think we have a good set of values, freedom, and a strong economy. But I envy their cultures and I wish we were saving ours.

Example: I was in Canada at a show, the host ran onto the stage and started leading a folk song. Everybody, instantly started singing! Together. They all knew the words.
I have had a similar experience several times in the US, but people don't know the words. Or the ones who do, don't feel right about singing in public. And somebody in a suit always asks if we have clearance from ASCAP. That makes me sad.

Answer 3

Most foreigners when they first arrive, they tend to believe Americans are stupid people. They saw people eating BBQ, hamburger and hot dog, they saw people doing needle points and carving wood arts.

They saw American people do not spent time and effort to do things. Everything quick and easy and with no elegance on anything they do.

To the larger extent, this is true and there is nothing US citizens can be proud of.

However, after they stay bit longer, they will start to see the strength of America. America has 3% people fueling their brain power to the 97% of below average population.

But this 3% leaders are what makes America to be America. Since these are mostly expressed in science, technologies, finance, economics, the every day American scene remain to be a very very silly stupid society.

Answer 4

1. Everything does not relate to Nazis.

2. America is only 200+ years old, many of the people who think this way come from countries that are thousands of years old.

3. America really doesn't have a "culture" it has a "lifestyle"

4. Most of the countries you mentioned have been the "victims" of America meddling in their affairs - over-throwing dictators, companies who rape the land and abuse the populace for profit. Many of them have never experienced the real America, only the Corporations and Military and American Tourists.

5. Even Americans don't really like American Tourists who can be annoying in our country. Abroad, American Tourists expect everyone to speak English and Accept American money. When I travel abroad I tell everyone I'm Canadian, that way they don't expect me to be rude and loud.

6. Everything does not relate to Nazis.

Answer 5

Some people say it, not all of us. I don't think any of us are jealous of you. You say we had bad teeth and food etc. I think America is just as bad at putting other people down. Actually I hear it just as much from both sides on here, we're as bad as one another.

Answer 6

that is a very astute observation of you. But don't worry cause they crave our music, movies and television shows. That is why they broadcast the oscars all around the world, yet I have never seen the British Movie awards broadcast here.

They don't hate us, they hate themselves for loving us so much.

Answer 7

im not aware of the numbers but thats not true

Answer 8

jealous/stupid people.....yep.