| Bad_Rich_Chic |
08-05-2003 06:33 PM |
How Would Jesus Park?
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Originally posted by greatwhitenorthchick
1. I don't think (and never said that) Americans are hyper-sensitive.
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No, that was me.
The whole point about the "piss taking" thing is that it ISN'T done just among friends and family - it may be done by casual acquaintances and virtual strangers in the pub, or your mortal enemy in the workplace, and the victim is fully expected to suck it up and take it like a man and smile like they like it. It's not really about insults or name calling, it is completely about making jokes at someone else's expense to their face and seeing if you can draw blood. If it doesn't actually hurt, you lose. If the vic can brazen it out with a good face on it, they win.
Actually, I want to take a moment to lament the fading of the great NYC tradition of copping attitude. Used to be the city's official sport, though most NYers would only engage in it if they thought you were another NYer, knowing outlanders didn't get it. Since the 11th, only about twice have I heard strangers get into some good old fashioned attitude-flinging name-calling. It's like everyone's afraid we're going to scare the fucking tourists. It's what they came to see, people!! Alas for the time when a 300 pound black woman sitting on a 115 pound man on the subway (sat right the hell on him, we thought he was dead, he actually had to be pulled out from under her by the people next to them 'cause she wasn't getting up again) grumbling about how "you stand UP when a lady needs a seat, you stand UP" barely rated a special mention.
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2. I do not see British behaviour as some kind of model of behaviour to be emulated. Did you see them when Diana died - there is a lot of repressed emotion over there just dying for an outlet.
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Actually, I think that was primarily an example of the british succumbing to US-style Jerry-Springer hysteria. Someone commented at the time that any American in London must have felt like the crack pusher in the school yard.
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There are good things to be said about American culture - and sometimes good things to be said about having a stiff upper lip.
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True, true. Give me plumbing and a sense of humor, dental care and tea 'n McVitties at 4.
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