What's America's Problem?

Question

Have you ever noticed that non-Americans speak 2,3,4 or more languages? I'm proud to be an American, but I'm rather irritated that it is not compulsatory in school for us to be at least bilingual. Do you feel the same way?

What would have to change to make America a better place? What's America's biggest problem, in your opinion?

Question for Non-Americans?

What do you think of Americans, in general? What are stereotypes about Americans? Do you like/dislike Americans? Do you think of Americans diverse, or do they all sound and look the same to you?

God Bless America. Hahahaha.

Answer 1

I'm about to write a lot, sorry.

The language thing actually bothers me, too. I don't understand why it isn't required for children to learn (in addition to English) Spanish or French at least, since they are spoken in the countries that border our own. Or maybe have an option for one of the other widely spoken languages in the world. The only reason that comes to mind (well, there are two) is laziness...and a sense of ethnocentrism (our country is the center of the world and all must learn English, etc.).

I'm an American who learned a foreign language after becoming an adult, and believe me, I wish it had been compulsory for me as a child.

Many things would have to change to make America better, but it would be tiring and futile to list them, since 1.) I can't come up with solutions to everything, not being a lawyer/lawmaker or a philosopher and 2.) nothing would really work (sorry for the pessimistic yet realistic view) since people are complacent with the status quo of lowering educational and moral standards.

The biggest problem is, in general, a lack of sufficient education - the kind that requires people to learn, to think, to learn to think for themselves, and to attempt to empathize with those around them. A huge problem is the "sense of entitlement" that many seem to feel - though I don't know if that's worldwide or just an American thing. The sense that the world "owes" one something, that the world revolves around one, that everyone else must cater to one's needs/wishes/desires. Also, one more thing, is the total lack of personal responsibility, which actually ties together the lack of education and the sense of entitlement.

I'm American, so I can't really answer the rest.

Answer 2

I like Americans in general, but I do find some of them rather arrogant (not you, though; you're a nice American!). I think American stereotypes are mostly just stupidity and obesity (also blind arrogance). I do think Americans are diverse - very diverse. I mean, you get people from all kinds of races in America! And, like England, you get different accents all over America. So no, I don't think you all look and sound the same! :)

Answer 3

Obama in collusion with the Fed is making irresponsible, incompetent choices in order to intent $25 a loaf of bread, $forty a gallon of orange juice and many others. Which are inflation adjusted highs established on hedonics after QE2. Not most effective will we've got inflation, however the economic climate noticed no financial benefit given that of the big spending hes doing. We're now not.....all...always....doomed, however the economic climate goes to worsen. Deep deep recession with big inflation....will begin early subsequent 12 months.

Answer 4

I could never say that America has a particular problem - it has many problems, many solutions to other problems. Americans are isolated from the rest of the world on many levels - and there are things that come with isolation, like some ignorance. But, for every ignoramus, you'll find more interested and enlightened people.
Maybe, extreme materialism is one huge problem in the US - but there are many people that I know that aren't concerned with financial gain.
America? A work in progress - not remotely perfect.

Answer 5

Well French was part of my elementary school curriculum for one year, and Spanish was part of my Junior High and High School curriculum for many years. I continued my French in college. But I was always in accelerated classes.

But America is an isolated place and in the middle of America, it may be hard to convince people that this is necessary. Everyone around them is the same, and if they visit other places people speak English. In isolated parts of other countries, multi lingualism is less commonplace also.

I am desperately now trying to add Japanese to the mix, but too lazy so far :)

Answer 6

I think that it used to be required that students take Latin. And some schools still have language requirements.

However, judging by some of the postings on this forum, I think there needs to be a greater emphasis on learning spelling, proper English, and grammar.

Answer 7

when you say "americans" your making a sweeping generalization aka saying something is true for all this group. aka americans

"americans" just don't care. they'd rather watch 7-10 hours of T.V. then learn something.

I know that learning other languages rock!!! im learning Spanish and Hindi.

Answer 8

Lots of greed and materialism, lots of poverty and just plain ignorance. Epidemic obesity die to scarfing down fast food and not getting enough exercise. The outer man gets fat while the inner man or soul gets no nourishment. Everywhere someone has his hand out for your money, and we are governed by short sighted fools who are just looking out for their own agenda. It's very sad.

Answer 9

Right now our biggest problem in my mind is that we're about to get knocked out of copa america. :P

I can converse in 3 foreign languages if it's any consolation and I can get by in a 4th.

UPDATE: We just tied the match (with paraguay) up!!! :)

Answer 10

I think that America's biggest problem is the attitude "every man for himself". You don't see people helping one another very much these days.