Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 3:04 am
Kevin wrote:It's all very well to say that sort of thing, Megra, when you're living in your own country, but try living in a country that isn't yours and then you'll find that you suddenly become a focus for everything that pertains to your own nation.
I have lived in a country that isn't mine, Switzerland, a country not noted for its openness to other nationalities. What you describe just didn't happen to me. Nowadays, I spend a lot of time in France and have found nothing but generous hospitality and friendliness from the people I've met whether in Normandy or Provence, the two places I tend to visit. But then I'm not a racist. I'm not anti-anybody. If I spend time away from home I do so wanting to get to know its people, its culture, its language. I try to fit in with the local customs. I find such an approach useful whether across the channel or up in Yorkshire. Because I make an effort, I am accepted.
If I found myself confronted by someone who was prejudiced against me from the off, I rather think I'd be antagonistic and rude especially if they were visitors in my home.
Kevin wrote:Calling someone "anti-American" or whatever only means that you perceive them having an antipathy to one or more aspects of that nation, whether it's government policy, language, customs, traditions or at the end of the day, yes, the people themselves.
I'm sorry, Kevin, but that is rubbish as I've already explained in my previous posting. I am opposed vehemently to the policies of the present American administration. I am not, as should be abundantly clear from what I wrote, anti-American. I'm afraid that it's your having such a negative attitude that makes people antagonistic towards you. Perhaps you ought to think about changing your attitude then others might change theirs.