Why are *many* Americans so disrespectful when debating?

Question

Europeans are very polite when conversing or debating.They don't call you names, or bash you if you disagree with them. Americans, on the contrary, call you "idiot", "moron", "homeschooled", just for disagreeing.
And you wonder why the French hate you so much?
For a country who idolizes Paris Hilton and Eminem, I am not much surprised.

Answer 1

Oh the irony of your "question"

Answer 2

If you go to any forum (provided it's related to something not too high-brow), there will always be disrespectful participants who will conveniently hide behind the safety of anonymity and use character assassination as a means to get a point across ("You disagree with our actions? What should I expect from an ungrateful French guy?" "You think that movie's good? You're just another stupid American").

I don't see it as pertaining to Americans only, but to pretty much anyone who couldn't be bothered phrasing their own argumented point of view. If they think a certain way, they figure they're obviously right and will block out any attempt at listening to or researching a reasonable alternative. Or if they feel they've been put on the defensive, especially if a statement was based on ignorance, they're not likely to respond kindly.

And for the record, I'm French and do not hate Americans.

As for dubious celebrities, every country would have their share. The fact that the media is giving them extensive coverage is not necessarily a sign of how positively the public sees them. And the fact that your own country knows about these celebrities goes to show that your people seem to think they deserve the attention as well.

Answer 3

I am American and I agree with you for the most part. A good many are like that but not all. I wish those people would just grow up already. Stop acting like a five year old having a temper tantrum and have a real conversation. That was one reason why I was so glad to get out of high school, there was way to many people that will never grow up.

Answer 4

1) I'm American

2) I loathe Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie and Eminem

3) I do NOT hate France.

4) While I do occasionally insult people ... I try not to as it is unprofessional and unbecoming.

5) Generally speaking - the media is full of hate-spewing douchebags who are more concerned with their slanted agenda than reporting the truth.

6) Homeschooled children and children in main-stream schools BOTH have the same potential to learn and to fail. They can either turn out to be intelligent, well-adjusted adults or blazing retards who are incapable of adjusting. It all depends on the person(s) doing the teaching AND the person(s) doing the learning.

Answer 5

This is a sincere answer to this question.

Americans are not taught how to debate, in fact we are not taught much of anything about how to get along in society.

Our educational system has been a mess since the 1960's when civil disobedience became an acceptable, no, the most acceptable way of disagreeing. Civil disobedience is only one step away from uncivil disobedience, and the next step is rioting, which Americans do far too often.

We have a serious problem here in America. Until courtesy is taught to children and adults alike, we will become increasingly barbaric.

Answer 6

Have you ever watched the British Parliament? Talk about name calling and disrespectful debating! Please be kind and think out what you want to say before jumping to conclusions.
Just an FYI, there were a total of 7 people that showed up to the "Keep Paris Hilton out of Jail" rally in NYC. I would not call that a populous that idolizes her.

Answer 7

well,my french friend,history shows that you never liked us.TILL YOU NEED US. how would you expect us to feel? the only country in europe,that ever had any balls,is germany. and, the germans will be running the european union,before it's over. and you will be under their rule,once again.
you french are so inteligent, and your army waves the white flag,better than any army in the world.
question, who said ,i would rather have a german division in front of me,than 10 french divisions behind me? (during 2nd war)
i will admit one thing though,you make the best whores in the world. see,we don't always call names,and bash people.
another thing,just because you see some of our t.v.don't think we're all,"the simpsons".
we realize there may be one or two good frenchmen. but thats about all.
you have a nice day,pierre.

Answer 8

Generally, Americans have a lower level of education. Name calling is just an ad hominem argument: it had absolutely no baring on the debate, but it's something to say when you don't have a sound rebuttal.

I just called someone an idiot on here after giving her a stern lecture... bnut then I found out it was a clone, so I guess I'm the idiot! LOL

Answer 9

first off the Europeans are just as rude if not more so than Americans...

second i DO NOT idolize either Paris 'aka rich crack whore' Hilton or Eminem 'aka white trash retard trying to be black'...

and lastly you are trying to debate with a country with an average educational level of 7th grade, who also live and die by what the media tells them to think...

Answer 10

Why do people from other countries have awful stereotypes about Americans...?


...you homeschooled French idiot.

Answer 11

It really sounds like you are a polite debater! I relly don't think any American cares if the French hates us!