10 things most Americans don’t know about America
I have only just come across this lengthy but perceptive blog posting by an American who sets out a lot of truths that will be uncomfortable to many Americans.
The author of the piece, Mark Manson, is clearly an atypical American. We know this because he writes that he has visited over 40 countries – but most Americans don’t even have a passport (don’t believe me? click here).
May 1st, 2013 at 5:43 pm
A good article you’ve highlighted here, Roger.
He was right about it being a nod-a-thon for non Americans, I found myself agreeing with a lot of what he said, although there was some overlap between the 10 things.
There was a serious omission in the passport article, however. No account seemed to be taken of the sheer size and physical diversity of the United States. Whist we Brits have to travel abroad to experience glaciers,hot springs,deserts etc, and even skiing is primarily done abroad the Americans can stay in their own country for the same things. Educated and reasonably well-to-do American friends of ours do have passports and travel abroad occasionally, but appreciate the things their country has to offer for most of their vacations (what little they get – and here we’re back to the first article!).
May 1st, 2013 at 6:01 pm
Hi, Janet.
I agree that Americans do not have the same need to travel out of the country to experience different geographical attractions, but this means that they are not exposed to a different culture, language, food, political system, or way of thinking which is so important if one is to have a rounded view of the world.
I’ve been to 60 countries now and I’m learning all the time.