Fun Stuff > CHATTER
patriotism/nationalism
Lines:
American architecture is nothing compared to castles, temples, cathedrals, pyramids, tombs, etc. from pre-America. Also, I think American history kind of boring. Given the chance to choose between living in a skyscraper or a castle, heck yes I'd choose castle.
But to say Americans can't have as much pride in their country because we haven't been around as long is silly. No, people haven't been around here as long as say Europe or Asia or Africa, but we've still done some pretty notable things in the time we've had. Also, this country is known for being a melting pot, so it's kind of cool to know where your ancestors came from and when they came here and why.
JediBendu:
I think the only thing that can be said about castles vs. skyscrapers is that castles are by and large just decrepit old ruins or show buildings preserved for historical significance while skyscrapers actually have a practical place in modern society. Not to mention they are significantly more advanced in terms of engineering, the architecture part of it is completely subjective.
"Which is cooler" or "Which looks better" is pretty irrelevant since it's so much more relative when compared to "which is more useful."
Hat:
--- Quote from: tommydski on 25 Jul 2008, 00:04 ---
--- Quote from: jhocking on 24 Jul 2008, 18:36 ---While your argument makes sense, I still choose to believe that sports fans are ridiculous.
--- End quote ---
No more ridiculous than people who hold Religious beliefs.
--- End quote ---
It's cute the way you act like they're not one and the same to the British.
--- Quote from: fatty on 25 Jul 2008, 03:22 ---I think if half of Australia belonged to another country I would not feel as connected to it, it would be similiar to my feeling of New Zealand.
--- End quote ---
While it's not the sole factor in determining whether people will identify with each other, someone sounding very much the same as you is bound to foster some kind of mutal kinship in a way, and because of the fact that an Australian from Perth will sound very much like someone from Brisbane, I think that in a hypothetical situation where Australia was split up into multiple countries, the bond between the two countries would still be incredibly strong based on that alone.
Also this would explain why giving shit to New Zealanders is such a fantastic national pastime.
--- Quote from: JediBendu on 26 Jul 2008, 09:39 ---I think the only thing that can be said about castles vs. skyscrapers is that castles are by and large just decrepit old ruins or show buildings preserved for historical significance while skyscrapers actually have a practical place in modern society. Not to mention they are significantly more advanced in terms of engineering, the architecture part of it is completely subjective.
"Which is cooler" or "Which looks better" is pretty irrelevant since it's so much more relative when compared to "which is more useful."
--- End quote ---
When the Normans invade again, try to tell me that Castles aren't useful. You won't be able to because you'll be speaking French
As for the whole "how much history the US has compared to the rest of the world", I think we should probably take into account that while American History is comparatively short, it is incredibly dense compared to a lot of much older civilisations. The fact that America wasn't around in the 14th century does a LOT to balance out the averages.
Lines:
Yes, it's up to the individual to decide what is cooler, but I'd still take this, this, or this over a skyscraper. The engineering may be better, but still, these are so much more awesome to me.
JediBendu:
While recognizing your joke, Hat, I feel the need to go ahead and clarify the fact that useful historically and useful to modern society are also about as different as the difference between engineering marvels and architectural marvels. Humanity has outgrown the need for medieval fortifications and the very fact that we don't need it anymore in hardly any way makes skyscrapers more useful by definition (though the argument can be made that humanity doesn't truly need skyscrapers, but the economy of such a building is indisputable.)
And Linds, I have to admit I do agree with you. I've seen very few buildings in America as beautiful as things overseas, but even then I've seen very few buildings as economical as buildings here in America. (Though, Americans should keep in mind that a lot of countries in East Asia are becoming engineering giants as well. Actually probably a lot of countries have already overtaken America.)
And Hat pretty much hit the nail on the head regarding American culture and history's density vs. age. And as an American I think it's perfectly reasonable to be proud of our history, and actually if any of you foreigners disagree then I would make the argument that you just don't "get it."
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