Quote:
Originally posted by wig@Nov 2 2004, 07:45 PM
Hey CJ.
I think ppl who use the envy characterization mix up the realities of being the largest economy and superpower, and the feelings that come with that on both sides.
It is always easier to be number 2, 3, 4 than number 1. I say that speaking of the power that the US wields and nothing more.
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yes it is easier to be number 2, 3, 4 ... America seems to perceive the animosity from the rest of the world as envy, when I think its more a case of 'jeez those americans waste a lot of energy on the pursuit of power and very little in pursuit of happiness & humanity'
America is one of the few countries left in the world that is young enough to care about power ... most of the rest of the world has figured out that it doesn't mean dick to the average man.
I see USA as the teenager/twenty something trying to prove itself to the world - and europe as the grandfather, sitting back on the porch sipping a whiskey and sighing ...
We have been doing some biz with a greek company recently, and the day they were supposed to be sending final details for a project we get an email 'we are about to close for 1 month summer holidays so i'll finish this when i return'.
our reaction: "wtf?!!? you are just going on a holiday for a month and leaving a deal that is 2 minutes from completion?!?! are you people stupid?!?!? how unprofessional and inconsiderate!!!"
THAT is envy ... I wish our culture prioritized life over pursuit of power, just like the Europeans do.