Can't Really Blame Them

Sometimes I wonder why other countries would really, really hate Americans. Ever since I've moved abroad I get a lot of really ...odd questions about the states. I think the one that beats every other question has been "Do they have music in the states?" How do you answer that?

But most of the questions were regarding the election, which was a big thing over here. Everyone was so curious about it, a few kids even got excited when I showed them my absentee ballot. It was like show and tell that day.

"And this kids, is who YOU should be voting for, if you were allowed to vote."

Sometimes it's fun to ask someone about what they think the stereotypical American is.

"Loud, fat, lazy, and stupid."

Those are the most common responses. Also, another popular one is that we all carry our own guns and shoot each other in disagreements. I recently spent the weekend in Dublin and had to sit next to these 3 American girls (around my age) on a tour bus. And as loud as they were, I ended up forced into listening to their conversation.

First, there was a heated 10 minute discussion on what American really is. It's not being patriotic to your country, or taking the citizenship test (and passing), exercising your right to vote or even practicing whatever religion you want (even if it is Scientology). According to these 3 girls being American is being able to shove an entire Doritos chip in your mouth. Yes, if you can fit an entire Doritos chip into your mouth without breaking and getting crumbs all over yourself, then you are American.

Lastly, there was the tantalizing (always wanted to use that word) debate on who had the better cold french fries, Burger King or McDonald. One girl professed her lover of cold, day old Burger King Fries while another express her (and her entire families) loyalty to McDonald.

This is why other countries think Americans are stupid. Because they're sitting on the bus, watching some homeless guy peeing on a wall when they're subjected to conversations like this. You can't really blame them.

But I think my big question is....why are you eating the french fries cold? Are you dumpster diving for fries?