American thoughts on Europe?

I've heard of it. As for what I know about it.. very little I'm afraid, except that it's right beside the Netherlands and .. 'waffles'.

 

I tend to think of Europe as being a bit more cultured and enlightened...perhaps it's the scope of history that would seems much more present. Perhaps this isn't so, but I think it might be. I mean, they do have Formula One...and we have NASCAR.

 

ROFLMAO!!

I have to laugh, if only because I love to travel. I've been to Europe several times, although I admit I've never been to Belgium. And yes, I've heard of Belgium.

Probably the most critical thing I've heard is that it's prejudiced against outsiders...but that could be said of many countries (including the US).

I can't speak for all Americans. We have a *huge*, diverse view of Europe as Americans - and much is divided along political lines. I love it, because it was so diverse for me. I loved being able to go on the Eurail and travel across to different countries in a matter of hours. I loved backpacking and going to different shops, and I loved learning about cultures and their differences.

 

When I was younger, I didn't know very much about Europe.
I know a little more now.
For instance, I know that Belgium is famous for their chocolate.
And they speak French there?

I guess that's all I know.

I went to London and Paris in 1977 for one week.

I think the European Union is a thing that makes trade among those nations easier... and that goes for Euros, too.

 

Oh! And they call soccer... football. :becky:

 

Is Belgium famous for their lace? Or is that a different country?

 

What's this Europe you speak of?

 

1. They have awesome accents and that they are good allies (the allies part is my opinion).

2. I'm not sure, people vary.

3. No.

 

I think Europe could be a rather interesting place. A place I would like to visit.

I think Europe is doing some things better than we are.

I wouldn't know I'm from the northwest. And the stupid seems to infect this country like no other.

I drink Belgian beer so yes I have.

 

Do you have jokes about Europeans in general or about specific countries?

 

I don't know what most Americans think about Europe. We hate the French (stupid French), adore the Italians, think Spain and Greece is beautiful (some other countries too), think its cool to visit the UK (and like their accents), think Sweden/Norway are the Canada of Europe, want to smoke pot in Denmark, and generally want to avoid Eastern Europe, especially Russia (I'm sorry- this isn't my opinion alone). We also think people in Switzerland are very uptight and that everything runs perfectly in Switzerland- like one gigantic fancy clock. Germany is cool too.

Yes, the Deep South probably has their own opinion, but whatever it is, it is probably stupid.

Yes, everyone I know has heard of Belgium. Some people I know are going to Lille, and they'll take the train to Belgium on the weekend. I've heard good things about Belgium.... except in my French classes.

 

I went to europe 6 years ago, it was lovely! Went to Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany. Europe has a "feel" in my mind that I always remember. I can't describe it because it is a time-placement memory, and those are distinct and nondescript for each person. Nevertheless, I loved it there.

I remember thinking that there are a lot of social rituals that are ignored, and there are a lot of new social rituals that I was not familar with. Overall I got the impression that people there were much more laid back, calm, and not so big on rushing around with everything. In a way it was refreshing. I always look at europe as being more "cultured" and organized, and things being much more placid and "motherly". I could easily live in europe and be very happy.

 

My own thoughts about europe are rather complex. so ill just list them.

Ancient fascinating societies, the architecture is much better their, europeans really know how to eat a meal, I am sick of europeans having hypocritical ignorant attitudes toward the US, Europeans tried to conquer the world once, Americans are misplaced europeans.

*Takes breath*

European society had civilized a great deal since the end of world war two. Certain factions of european society still have imperialist ideals, which reflects in policy from time to time. If we were to trade oil in euros the dollar would cease to be a hard currency. Investment banks would suffer, and that is were we get our loans from, the world economy runs on loans. If our financial institutions were to suffer we would all suffer.

Don't switch to the euro their is a better way.

Or am I exaggerating?

It is soccer not football.

 

We are threatened by the EU. We get pissed when europe gets out of line. Like when france disagreed with us over Iraq. We can't handle dat shit. Europe is a valuble market for american companies. The capitalist societies you all live in designed to be trading partners with the US after world war two. You are very much under our thumb, but you can fight back through powerful institutions like the EU.

Not a discernable one

I've heard of Belgium before my mom lived in belgium when she was little. She always tell stories about the place. Apparently they sell waffles on the sidewalk and eat french fries with vinegar. I've also read some really good belgian cartoons, band dessiness? I have no idea how to spell it. They speak french and dutch there and some other one. It a relatively small but beautiful country. And brussels is the capital of Belgium not the other way around.

 

This is a very good stereotype and probably accurate for the most part.

 

This is the biggest difference between the two continents. We Europeans like its easy. When we teach our kids what a ball is. We could just say:
"A ball is a round object with various uses. It is used in ball games, where the play of the game follows the state of the ball as it is hit, kicked or thrown by players." (from wikipedia)

An American has to add: Ohh and a ball could also be oval.

And of course when we none Americans talk about football, we are talking about a game when you mainly kick the ball.

Just my little add to the most serious part of this discussion.


To be serious though. It's an interesting discussion. It's always good to hear others thoughts and beliefs. That way people can learn about each others. It makes us grow.