WHy are Americans and their government so inward looking people?

Question

Americans think they have the best of everything in the world which is simply not the case. After traveling extensively, I came to realize that we have good life but not the best quality of life, not the best cities to live in, not the best serving government, not the best products , not the cleanest streets, not the best health care for masses, etc. But we can take pride in having least harmony among ethnic groups, most special interest serving government, lousiest social security system among industrialized countries, etc.
Most of us are like frogs in a well having never lived anywhere but only in the U.S we think we are the world. So we become very inward looking and fall behind.

I have lived in America, Europe, Asia and traveled to a few dozens countries. Of course, we are far better off if we compared ourselves to Sudan or Burma. My point is we have become too arrogant that we think every where else is worse off than us and we are beyond improvement is a mistake. other countries learn from us, likewise why can't we learn from others too. This was once a great county and now the very precious thing we cherish most called freedom is gone. Besides, quality of life has nothing to do with being able to drive SUV or curse the president.

Answer 1

Honestly, your question presuposes it is true. I live in America and don't think America is "the best". I am a Christian, I strive to stay neutral in political matters and don't prefer one country over another.

Answer 2

Swings and roundabouts - everywhere is different and nowhere is better across the board than everywhere else. Like any other country, America has its good and bad points.

It's not really very accurate to lump all Americans together either. I live in Texas, and for the most part we look out for each other here.

If you think the social security system here is lousy, take a good look at Britain. The loudest voices get the benefits while the deserving often fall by the wayside.

Answer 3

I've got news for you: every country tells their people they are the best. Most people live in that country their whole lives and never think otherwise. Even the poor in North Korea think they have it best. It's necessary for the state to attempt to make you feel this way. The idea of the US being the best is known the world over. Many who do live here and many who don't believe this. It's not necessarily true, you can find nice places the world over, but what's wrong with having pride in where you live?

Answer 4

You are generalizing just a bit there. There are many of us who are not inward looking at all and do not fit the description you have posted. We realize that while we may indeed have a good quality of life, we also have a long way to go. Public opinion, especially in health care is driven by special interests groups and opinions once formed are often immovable by facts. Thus, we have the government we have today. I am not referring solely to the administration and the Republicans, but also to the congress and the Democrats.

Answer 5

I have to wonder how extensively you have really traveled, because many of the worlds nations lack ethnic unity, and have no social security. Many also have a dictatorship rather than a govermment whose citizens get to elect it's government.

America has its problems, but it can't be too bad since people are trying to immigrate here in droves daily. I read one post here that says it all....Freedom. Many have died for that freedom we enjoy. Maybe you should consider moving.

Answer 6

We do tend to be a bit xenophobic as Americans, but our system has no more problems than any other nation's. Also, there are other countries with MUCH more ethnic disharmony, (witness Chechnya) and just as many areas for improvement as the US. Of course we can improve. Sadly, we usually take the crabs in a barrel, if you don't like it leave attitude, instead of exploring ways to better ourselves. It's easier to curse the darkenss than turn on a light. Sigh.

Answer 7

He only signed the bill starting to be the Obama youngsters Corps. next up, Nationalize banks, get rid of inner maximum wealth, degree political practice trials, develop taxes on the wealthy, Demonize revenue, Cripple industries, Patronize the damaging, Create new taxes and make each and every thing loose, paintings around the form to prohibit weapons, Pimp the mainstream media, Scare human beings, keep them offended and ignorant, Marginalize the protection rigidity, Redefine what wealthy is, Take off shirt for photographers, develop taxes on the nuevo wealthy, shrink money to all human beings else, keep the damn canines off the furnishings, Reinstitute the fairness Doctrine (and incorporate the internet on it this time), and finally, Revoke presidential term limits. he's gonna be busy.

Answer 8

Because its a capitalistic and the individual is stressed in it culture. Also the media loves to show the 'american dream' and people love to grab that concept instead of looking at what really is wrong. Good for you, you have seen the light!! (but look at some of the answers here, proves me point)

Answer 9

Inward looking? Are you serious?

Billions of dollars in foreign aid to help underdeveloped countries grow.

Trillions of dollars in international trade.

Truly Global economy with companies employing workers around the globe, producing products for people around the world.

Relatively low rates of taxation and the highest productivity of any economy in the world.

Your opinions about health care, the nature of our government and racial relations are your opinions and are certainly open to disagreement. High tax rates and cradle-to-grave nanny-style government welfare isn't every ones idea of "good" government.

The USA's founding principles involved liberty and limited government. It may not be the "best' government, but it is the one that most closely matches what we, as a society, want.

Answer 10

I can't agree more about the cities being in shambles.

we are going on a downward spiral, and some people will deny these facts by clinging to what our memories and history provide. some people don't want to accept this downward spiral of this great country. they don't want to accept our failing schools, our health care, high crime rates, decaying cities, etc..