What is an event that changed how you view the world?

centof@lemm.ee to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 203 points –
198

You are viewing a single comment

Not how I view the world, but how I view USA and "citizens of the free world".

In 2016 my girlfriend and I visited New York - for me, first time visiting USA. I had a co-worker who lived in USA for most of her childhood, so I asked her if she had some advice for me to get along with people I met on my way.

"Never underestimate the stupidity of Americans".

I thought that to be rude as I had "talked" with many Americans on Reddit and sure, there were idiots, but that didn't define a person from USA for me.

We arrived in New York and took a cab to the hotel. The driver asked us "So, is Donald Trump making headlines in Europe?" (This was during the 2016 election).

I laughed and told him "Yeah, can you believe people will vote on such a moron"...

Oh no I didn't... He was furious, as Donald Trump was the Saviour of USA and he was singlehandedly going to "clean up the swamp" or whatever his catchphrase was.. and then he said one of the stupidest things I have ever heard.

"90% of Muslims are terrorists and if you don't kill them, they will kill you"..

I know not all Americans are this dumb, but I learned my lesson.... Never underestimate the stupidity of Americans.

It can be applied elsewhere too. Whenever politics come up, it's wise to initally talk about it in a neutral state.

Well, yes, but where I'm from the topic "Donald Trump" is not a political one, it's more of a "will you look at that shit show".

A lot has changed since 2016 and I will most definitely approach every subject in a neutral state, as I feel like more and more people are getting more stupid by the hour.

Ahh I see, then I'm part of the dummy ones it seems.

Indeed a lot has changed since 2016, but maybe people were always this stupid, although your comment indicates that you're pretty experienced in life already, so maybe you're right. I'm only 22.

My London cabby also loved Trump. For some reason he just assumed I would be a fan since I'm from the US.

Maybe cab drivers are all just fucking morons?

My old boss was once asked by a NY taxi driver "So what language do you all speak over there in England?"

He said French.