The usual prejudice against citizens of USA is they're dumb. To make amends to the sensitive, I'll say I know their top education is the best worldwide.
However, their Gvmt is seen as all-controlling and all but all-knowing. The leaks actually exposed there is not that much to know; after all, if you were paid to read all the bloody papers and talk to local cronies - perhaps you'd come up with better reports.
However, I can't somehow get rid of the paradox that I'm sure my Gvmt is dumb and yet - Croatians usually consider themselves fairly smart. The country is in shambles but we'll muster all that local intelligence. (The difference between First and Third world is explained well in the Terminal: "..and you'll see why Uncle Sam wipes his ass with three-ply..")
In fact, I reckon if you asked the regular Ivo (that would be John, or Joe, actually) - he would posit himself between the degenerate Americans and the tribal Albanians. Of course, he is then in no better situation because, as we know, it is highly suspect you're the sole sane one.
"The very purpose of existence is to reconcile the glowing opinion we have of ourselves with the appalling things that other people think about us", declareth Quentin Crisp. And wisely.
Let's talk in terms of individuals. And ideas. As for our nations, as for ignominy, let's not.
petak, 18. veljače 2011.
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I appologize in advance for all incorrections that will be an integral part of this text :-), but my main point, anyhow, is just to try to depict my opinion. General idea in "A fair proposal" IS GREAT, but why don't we go an extra mile in that fair spirit. I feel that it is not a happiest choice, that of mr. Crisp, describing a life like an art of combining two distortions :-). We can, instead, just pay attention to the real example of how the appalling situation in Japan brings out to the sufrace the glowing quality of Japanese people as cooperative individuals. It's not a rule without exeptions but it is a real example of being wise without falling into a trap of detaching yourself or hiding behind of what is common ar average. So let's mention them, why not?
Why not, indeed. The situation is hopeless enough for true humanity to shine through.
However, I am not quite that certain that, historically, the Japanese nation managed not to quench its share of opposition. Nations are vile, each nation a crime. Moreover, they create wars. Cooperations does sound great though - I have been looking. Thanks for the comment.
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