Outside view of America
After all the recent events in the USA, I heard someone say this yesterday: ‘What must the image of America be from the outside?’
I don’t know, and I’m not one to care what other people think, but in this case….I’d be interested to know.
It’s how the world views the USA on the world stage, but is it important? I’m guessing it’s a conversation piece at many a table.
Many expressed shock and sadness at the Capitol shooting yesterday
It’s worth reading this BBC piece to see how the UK is reporting on the current situation with the government shutdown and how it really is, in reality, taking its toll on the lives of people. And this, about how Texas is supporting the government shutdown.
I posted this on my UK Desperate Housewife USA Facebook last night – it’s being doing the social media rounds.
Ah, humour!
An American chap, whom I don’t know, commented thus:
‘Well wasnt (sic) expecting you to take side. Leave the politics alone.’
Um, I thought this was the country that allowed freedom of speech…?! And politics – if it’s performing on the world stage and I’m right here, living and breathing in the consequences of those political decisions, and talking to my neighbour about his distress at being furloughed, I think American politics is ripe for conversation. Don’t you?
And really, it made me smile, because this is just humour/humor, in the face of adversity. That’s how we Brits deal with things, and I know many Americans do too – sometimes, it’s easier that way. Just not for this guy! Many Brits commented that they loved the humour in this. You know, if this was happening in the UK, we’d be ripping the piss out of ourselves! Fact. 🙂
Visitors to the USA!
Anyway, on a lighter note, my mother is coming over from the UK today! For a whole month! 😉
I wanted to let her know that, with all the shootings and wotnot, not to be too afraid. If there is one good thing that comes out of all this, the pound is on its way up against the dollar for her visit…….
A happy exchange rate for us Brits
ukdesperatehousewifeusa 
Welcome Claire’s mum! You’ll love it here and I hope you brought a nice food package with you! Hopefully we’ll hear mum’s opinions of life in the colonies during her stay. 🙂
Indeed! I know there’s some real Dairy Milk coming! 🙂
Sent from my iPhone
“Um, I thought this was the country that allowed freedom of speech…?”
the First Amendment applies to government. You’re free to make whatever comments, statements you like, but folks come to your blog and FB page to learn about an expat’s view of America not to be faced with political statements. Apparently then you believe that the US should have healthcare ala NHS and should abandon the Second Amendment.
healthcare and gun rights are two very contentious issues in America right now. didn’t expect you to take up the cudgel.
Hey ho 😉
Please don’t get your knickers in a twist about this. As an expat blog writer there are no rules as to what I write about and if there are, I guess I pretty much make them up. I enjoy your comments, keep them coming.
Personally, I don’t want to always blog about snowcones and the weather, and since politics is all around me and a big part if my US experience, then blog about it I shall!
If you were in the UK and there were some hot topic political debates happening that affect the whole country, bits of your life, your friends and colleagues, why not blog about it?! It’s interesting. It’s part if the expat experience.
Peace 🙂
pak152 said “but folks come to your blog and FB page to learn about an expat’s view of America” and that is exactly what this was: an expats view of America. You really should know how some of the events that take place here in the USA are viewed by others, and maybe more importantly by a ‘normal’ person not just the media viewpoint. Trust me, the rest of the world looks at America sometimes and shakes it head in amazement at what’s going on here.
🙂
Forgive me if I am mistaken but I didn’t see any political statement made in this blog post – the author shared a picture they thought was funny. That is all. They did not state that they agreed with the photo, or shared the views of it’s creator, or anything that would be seen as a statement of opinion in one direction or the other.
Paranoid much pak152?
🙂 Thanks Jen!
Go Girl, you talk about it. From here in the UK the shutdown seems a really silly situation. Why would people not want social health care, it is good for everyone. If you want private healthcare you pay for it, simples. If you don’t have guns people won’t get shot so often , simples. Hope you are enjoying the great country and friend that is the US.
Thanks David! I am so enjoying it and lovely to hear from you! 🙂
Expect that those of certain political bents (“gun rights” and hatred of Obamacare) have had their sense of humor surgically removed some time ago. Keep blogging as you wish. You DO have freedom of opinion. Please use it.
Cheers! 🙂
The whole thing is frankly ridiculous, and I live in Texas right now. I had to swiftly remove the head of our elementary school PTA from my Facebook friend list after about 3 days of her spouting her Tea Party BS. I’ve enjoyed 7 happy years in this land and the last few months have been enough to send me running for the hills!