The people of the [b]United States[/b] are pretty diverse; different ethnicities, races, religions, political and ideological perspectives. But for some reason it’s okay to lump us all in one category with one mindset.
Right now we’re about as divided as we have ever been on several issues, [b]including[/b] about what’s going on between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
@bijouxbroussard Hello darling, I am well aware that Americans are diverse And I do not hold resentment towards the American people. However , this is my opinion and I’m allowed to have one. I have met plenty of American people (both pleasant and unpleasant ones ) and despite their inner thought that they’re probably among the least brainwashed nations in the world To me they come across as the complete opposite more often than not and this is based on my own interactions.
Now I am sorry if my opinion hurt your feelings It was not intended as such
@Moon3624 "Darling" ? I can’t really say my feelings are hurt, we’re strangers on a social media site. We wouldn’t know each other if we passed on the street.
And of course you’re entitled to your opinion. But from about 20 years of social media, I’ve observed that some countries can be more freely criticized than others. With others you risk being accused of bigotry and xenophobia for even questioning policy.
I understand [b]why[/b] that is, but I find it interesting nonetheless.
Darling sweetie etc doesn't matter I was just tryna be nice. If it offends you I’ll stop calling you that.
Anyways ,
“ I’ve observed that some countries can be more freely criticized than others. With others you risk being accused of bigotry and xenophobia for even questioning policy. “
I come from Saudi Arabia each and every post about Saudi music , landscape , culture etc (not politics !) I post receives endless racist and islamphobic comments and comments who hurry to bring up politics. Here is an example when I shared a post about saudis singing the Arabic version of the American song fly me to the moon (not politics ) and look at this disgusting comment :
Do you have a post where you shared Americans singing a song and one commented “barbarians singing “ I don’t think so. So no I believe you are far from the truth when you victimize yourself and people . I’ll never forget how at the age of 10-11 years old when I had to sit down and with my broken English explain to an adult how Saudis are humans like any other and not some backward barbaric terrorists who go around and kill or harm people I’ll never forget how I had to explain to him how most of us are normal and civil people (and actually statistically safer than USA ) and he couldn’t believe it . that was not my first or last time . That’s how your 9/11 and media dehumanized us in your eyes that’s why when 1 million Iraqis died because of an illegal invasion led by the USA based on a lie all of what your politicians said “well it was a mistake “ Because we are and will always be just a collateral damage. less of value humans on the margins.
If you tell me “after my observation and talking to many Saudis I think theyr among some of the most brainwashed people” I would not hate you for it or attack you for it cuz it’s your honest opinion Plus that is not dehumanizing. In fact brainwashed people are victims in my opinion . I genuinely believe your media does a great job in shaping your narrative of the world. I genuinely believe many Americans are brainwashed and most do not research. That of course does not apply to Americans only But I say this because most Americans believe they come from the most free and least brainwashing country when its far from the truth. I do not hate Americans I believe in general theyr lovely people
[quote] Darling sweetie etc doesn't matter I was just tryna be nice. If it offends you I’ll stop calling you that.[/quote]
While it’s not that big a deal, in my culture using a term of endearment towards a stranger (unless you are very elderly) is sometimes interpreted as [i]condescending[/i]. Just saying. 🙁
[quote] So no I believe you are far from the truth when you victimize yourself and people . I’ll never forget how at the age of 10-11 years old when I had to sit down and with my broken English explain to an adult how Saudis are humans like any other and not some backward barbaric terrorists who go around and kill or harm people [/quote]
I wasn’t "victimizing" myself. I was stating an observation (which I have the right to do—just as you do your opinion). My thoughts were about my having been slammed for asking questions about Israel’s laws, but it’s interesting that you went on the defensive.
I’m not denying that there’s plenty for me to criticize about my own country from having lived here all my life and seeing firsthand that it doesn’t treat all of its own citizens equally. So yeah, there are [b]certainly[/b] bigots here. But I’d be willing to wager a few exist in your country, as well. You have American friends. I’ve had Saudi friends (expats), who are wonderfully kind to me.
And ironically, I’ve actually agreed with some of your posts, found some very relatable. So the assessment that "most" of us are "brainwashed" feels weird in the face of that. Again, you have the right to state that opinion. So I figure I at least have the right to say how I feel about it.
@bijouxbroussard “ sometimes interpreted as condescending” In my culture same gender holding hands is a sign of friendship but in yours it’s considered gay especially when two men do it. In my culture we say “habibi/habibti “ which means darling or my love to everyone even strangers . Etc… as you can see Culture differences I’m sorry I swear it was not my intention. I just didn’t know.
“And ironically, I’ve actually agreed with some your posts, found some very relatable. So the assessment that "most" of us are "brainwashed" feels weird in the face of that. Again, you have the right to state that opinion. So I figure I at least have the right to say how I feel about it.“
thank you for sharing your feelings I’ll be more careful with how I word my opinions in the future in order to not confuse people or stir hatred
