RubySoho
Winston
America's Foray into Self-Parody Continues....
May 23rd 2008 23:31
Sometimes it can can be a bit depressing when, as an American, I read something that makes me realize just how low our star has fallen in the eyes of the international community. It wasn't all that long ago that the thought that other countries might look askance at us never crossed my mind. Obviously we weren't perfect, but I wasn't actively embarrassed by our national identity. I'm still proud to be an American, and I still love my country, but every now and then I wince a little at something I see in the news. The story I'm going to share with you here is a good example (taken from news.bbc.co.uk):
US car dealer in free gun offer
A car dealership in the United States is offering a free handgun with every vehicle sold.
Max Motors in Butler, Missouri, says sales have quadrupled since the start of the offer.
Customers can choose between a gun or a $250 (£125) gas card, but most so far have chosen the gun.
Owner Mark Muller said: "We're just damn glad to live in a free country where you can have a gun if you want to."
The dealership sells new and old vehicles, including General Motors and Ford cars and trucks, and its logo shows a cowboy holding a pistol. It has sold more than 30 cars and trucks in the past three days, an increase which the owners put down to their promotional offer.
Inspiration from Obama
Mr Muller said that every buyer so far "except one guy from Canada and one old guy" chose the gun, rather than the gas card. He recommends a Kel-Tec .380 pistol, which he describes as "a nice little handgun that fits in your pocket". He added that the promotion was inspired by recent comments from one of the Democratic nominees for the presidential election, saying: "We did it because of Barack Obama.
"He said all those people in the Midwest, you've got to have compassion for them because they're clinging to their guns and their Bibles. I found that quite offensive. We all go to church on Sunday and we all carry guns."
The website advertisement for the offer, which continues until the end of the month, mentions that an approved background check on gun ownership is required.
It's bad enough that the story is true. What's worse is that it has been picked up by the international media, who are already having a field day portraying Americans as gun-toting, Coke-slurping, SUV-driving, belligerent, bellicose airheads. And who can blame anyone for reading this story and thinking that very thing? At a time when the price of gas is rising day-to-day, far outpacing wages, who in their right mind would take a handgun over 5 free tanks of gas? A proud American, that's who! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw!
Now, this news story is out of Missouri, which is like a different planet in many respects as compared to Massachusetts, where I reside. Even so, I have to assume that even in Missouri there are people who think this is insane. It is certainly not representative of the American mindset as a whole. Unfortunately, America-bashing is a worldwide pastime at the moment, and with material like this I can't really blame anyone. What I hope people outside of the States understand is that this isn't all of us. We're not this cartoon that we seem to have become. We're not all inclined to choose a needless handgun over an essential such as fuel. Most of us are pretty sensible, I promise. But, as with anything else, sensibility and normalcy doesn't sell newspapers.
I still can't make sense of this part, by the way:
"We did it because of Barack Obama. He said all those people in the Midwest, you've got to have compassion for them because they're clinging to their guns and their Bibles. I found that quite offensive. We all go to church on Sunday and we all carry guns."
So, because they were offended by a statement that they felt misrepresented them, and possibly veered into stereotype......they wholeheartedly embraced the stereotype and made more guns available for what might be the most ridiculous reason possible. Oh. Makes sense. Although if Max Motors had REALLY wanted to make a statement and put Obama in his place, they would give out handguns inside of Bibles. That'll show 'im.
I wish I thought that stories like this would vanish. They won't. If the international news outlets are looking for stories out of the U.S. to amuse and disgust their readers, I would bet that we'll be providing rib-tickling antics for some time to come. Funny for some, anyway. Some of us here just find it sad that there are people in the world who, when hearing the word 'America' will think of something like this.
Then again, it is pretty amusing...........
US car dealer in free gun offer
A car dealership in the United States is offering a free handgun with every vehicle sold.
Max Motors in Butler, Missouri, says sales have quadrupled since the start of the offer.
Customers can choose between a gun or a $250 (£125) gas card, but most so far have chosen the gun.
Owner Mark Muller said: "We're just damn glad to live in a free country where you can have a gun if you want to."
The dealership sells new and old vehicles, including General Motors and Ford cars and trucks, and its logo shows a cowboy holding a pistol. It has sold more than 30 cars and trucks in the past three days, an increase which the owners put down to their promotional offer.
Inspiration from Obama
Mr Muller said that every buyer so far "except one guy from Canada and one old guy" chose the gun, rather than the gas card. He recommends a Kel-Tec .380 pistol, which he describes as "a nice little handgun that fits in your pocket". He added that the promotion was inspired by recent comments from one of the Democratic nominees for the presidential election, saying: "We did it because of Barack Obama.
"He said all those people in the Midwest, you've got to have compassion for them because they're clinging to their guns and their Bibles. I found that quite offensive. We all go to church on Sunday and we all carry guns."
The website advertisement for the offer, which continues until the end of the month, mentions that an approved background check on gun ownership is required.
It's bad enough that the story is true. What's worse is that it has been picked up by the international media, who are already having a field day portraying Americans as gun-toting, Coke-slurping, SUV-driving, belligerent, bellicose airheads. And who can blame anyone for reading this story and thinking that very thing? At a time when the price of gas is rising day-to-day, far outpacing wages, who in their right mind would take a handgun over 5 free tanks of gas? A proud American, that's who! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw!
Now, this news story is out of Missouri, which is like a different planet in many respects as compared to Massachusetts, where I reside. Even so, I have to assume that even in Missouri there are people who think this is insane. It is certainly not representative of the American mindset as a whole. Unfortunately, America-bashing is a worldwide pastime at the moment, and with material like this I can't really blame anyone. What I hope people outside of the States understand is that this isn't all of us. We're not this cartoon that we seem to have become. We're not all inclined to choose a needless handgun over an essential such as fuel. Most of us are pretty sensible, I promise. But, as with anything else, sensibility and normalcy doesn't sell newspapers.
I still can't make sense of this part, by the way:
"We did it because of Barack Obama. He said all those people in the Midwest, you've got to have compassion for them because they're clinging to their guns and their Bibles. I found that quite offensive. We all go to church on Sunday and we all carry guns."
So, because they were offended by a statement that they felt misrepresented them, and possibly veered into stereotype......they wholeheartedly embraced the stereotype and made more guns available for what might be the most ridiculous reason possible. Oh. Makes sense. Although if Max Motors had REALLY wanted to make a statement and put Obama in his place, they would give out handguns inside of Bibles. That'll show 'im.
I wish I thought that stories like this would vanish. They won't. If the international news outlets are looking for stories out of the U.S. to amuse and disgust their readers, I would bet that we'll be providing rib-tickling antics for some time to come. Funny for some, anyway. Some of us here just find it sad that there are people in the world who, when hearing the word 'America' will think of something like this.
Then again, it is pretty amusing...........
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Comment by Jeff Musall
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
To be fair, every country has its loonies...its just that yours are just that little bit loonier and there are so many of them.
How dare you accuse me of clinging to guns and religion? Why that's just enough to make me grab my gun and march off to Church! That'll show you!
Seriously guys, if Obama doesn't win in November, you are headed for big trouble...
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Big, big trouble... I don't even want to think about it...
Comment by Mountain Fog
What, with all that 'drive by shooting', to actually combine the gun and the car, is totally appropriate and displays great creative marketing sense!
Well...particularly if you are a "God fearing, gun toting bible bashing Mid Western yokel or big ass red neck Southerner! Am I on track with those locales being the epicentre of all things 'red and necked' in the good 'ole US of EEHHH?
Frankly, I think you should be more worried about the cabal that exists within your governmental system that, for instance, organises the assassination of troublesome US Presidents, and certain nominees, along with human rights campaigners, then gets away with blaming it all on saoe poor hapless innocent sap! Catty I know...maybe a magic bullet will fix it?
Well, as I am directly related to Americans, my family doing their bit to establish and maintain good relations between Oz and the USA, (Biblically speaking too!) I have views from both sides of the fence. Incredible to contemplate, considering my caustic wit, I know!
Frankly, Winston, it isn't what your red necks do, well that is both entertaining and worrisome, but we have them here too, it is the USA foreign policy, that has been slowly hijacked over the decades, by the industrial/military complex, as warned by President Eisenhower all those years ago. And for those that yell "What conspiracy theory nonsense!", you just have to look at ALL the facts and evidence, in a time line, and the questions start piling up...and up...and away!!
Gone are the days of American loving flag waving, by greatful European villagers, being liberated from nasty Nazis, by deservedly proud US soldiers!
Now, the obvious and self-serving mercenary attitude, of US government organized conflict, for the sake of arms sales and securing oil supplies under the excuse of ridding the world of another dictator and/or terrorists, (many of whom the USA has been supporting previously), makes the rest of the world cynical regarding the US government's motives.
However, let us pray Obama gets in, and is of a different 'cut of cloth', and dismantles this outrage against humanity, that is the present system, and throws Rumsfield, Wolferwitz and Cheney into gaol where those mass murdering psychopaths belong!!
P.S.
No, I do not hate America, I love her so much, I am prepared to openly make a stand, and deliver criticism where it is way overdue.
I too want to see America return to its rightful place, as the respected leader of the free world.
However, it has a long way to go, to prove to the world by its actions, that once again, America deserves their trust and their admiration.
cheers
fog
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
these are two of the most perfectly formed, mentally stimulating statements i have ever read . . . if anyone is in any doubt that an intelligent american still exists i suggest they read this article as proof you are not all homer simpsons!
well done winston, much respect!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Do you mean offer the choice between a free gun or a free Bible? Oh I love it!
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
haha, oh god, this is too much.
Family Guy was right! It's just, how much more extreme can the parodies get? It's so damned on target it's sad wouldn't you agree?
Though really, I hope Obama wins the election, I've just set my heart and mind on him. The fall out for me will be worse than the fall out I had after John Howard was re-elected. I'm way too deeply and emotionally invested in this, hopefully these news reports are the exception and not the rule!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Hehehe
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
PMC and Ruby, although I am an Obama supporter, I won't go so far as to say that we are in trouble if he doesn't win in November. I think our troubles stem from many more sources than just who sits in the Oval Office, and I don't think that the outcome of this election is necessarily going to make or break us. All 3 choices are better than what we have currently, at least. But I want to be careful not to pin too much hope (or ascribe too much importance/significance) to Obama or anyone else. He's a politician, after all, not a savior.
Thanks to both of you for your comments, and sorry it took me so long to respond. It was Memorial Day weekend, sort of the "unofficial" start of summer. We were across the state at the in-laws' house, where I grilled lots of food and consumed plenty of beer. No time for Orble in my schedule with that type of activity
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
My honest opinion is that the entire world is watching you guys so very closely. After the debacle of the eight Bush years another Republican victory is going to take you down another notch or two (or 20) in our esteem is all...we scratched our heads in 2004. But this, this would be too much.
p.s I don't think McCain will be any better than Bush to be honest.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Yes, in a way it's a win-win situation, whoever gets into the Whitehouse. I am hoping, however, for some kind of 60s-esque cultural revolution after all these dark and oppressive Bush years, and I believe that is more likely under an Obama government. I don't think he's perfect at all (for instance, his lack of initiative on gay rights is horrendous), but I don't mind setting myself up to be really disappointed in McCain gets it. After all, I know what I want.
It is my hope that IF McCain gets it, America will nevertheless recover some of its previous international standing.
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I will say first that I generally find that conspiracy theories only raise more complicated and implausible questions than they answer. That's not to say that there aren't some nefarious dealings going on, but overall I think that the accepted truth tends to be closer to reality than some of the more fanciful conspiracy theories floating about in the ether.
With that being the case, my point here wasn't really addressing that aspect of why Americans are sort of an international joke at the moment. Yes, there are various political (and military) reasons why we are disliked. But stories like the one above are a wholly different matter. The politics and government aspect addresses America the Country. Dumb little news stories like this address America the People. And this makes the People look like the stupid, gun-happy yahoos that we're sometimes imagined to be. It's one thing to have a maligned government, it's another to have our citizens as equally maligned as our government. But when the people behave in ways that only amplify the negative stereotypes associated with us, I guess we only have ourselves to blame if our PR goes down the toilet. I just don't like the fact that now it isn't only George Bush that many foreigners dislike. More and more people abroad think that we're a nation of George Bushes, and that's troubling.
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
No no, I would never force someone to make such a difficult choice. I was thinking more along the lines of hollowing out the Old Testament (which is often selectivley ignored anyway) and putting a gun inside. Or maybe a Bible-shaped holster, I dunno.
A match made in heaven in either case!
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Thanks for the comment
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I do find some aspects of a McCain presidency troubling, but I also find him to be a much more practical and capable leader than Bush. What troubles me most about McCain lately is that the "Straight Talk Express" seems to have derailed a bit and been replaced by "Pander to All Shuttlebus". The one thing I admired most about McCain was that I thought he was forthright, but he's become just another politician selling his opinions out in exchange for votes.
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Who said there wasn't two Americas?
Oh hey, i just reread you comment about handgns INSIDE of Bibles. haha. I thought it said handguns INSTEAD of Bibles!
Comment by Mountain Fog
always nice to leave a long winded diatribe here too! hehe!
Actually, I need to point out that, a 'conspiracy theory' exists when there is no evidence, otherwise, it is a consiracy.
i actually see it directly relating to the fabric of what makes American society, and thereby, how quite often American society is viewed internationally.
I suggest you watch "911: In Plane Site" , a doco made by an American, using only CBS footage. Frankly, I cannot see how anyone could come to any opther conclusion, than the events of that awful day were 'stage managed'.
Look for yourself, do not be put off by thoughts that it is hysterical baloney. More qualified people than that doco maker have serious doubts about the government's interpretation of the 911 events.
I have posted a distillation, with photos, about this area in the past, if you are interested, otherwise, get the movie out and check it out. As someone who seems sane, caring and intelligent, and hwo loves his country, I urge you to look at it, before passing judgement.
cheers
fog
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
I will check out the movie at some point soon. I have seen other things of the same nature, analytics of the footage, etc. that make the conclusion that the 9/11 was engineered. Thus far I've found it less than compelling. It is entirely implausible to me that an operation of that magnitude could be undertaken successfully in this day and age. We're not talking a 100 years ago, but now in the communications age. You can't sneeze now without someone knowing about it. There's no way that the government would be able to suppress that sort of information for any amount of time. We've seen just effective they are at planning and covering their tracks in all other aspects. We're to believe that while they're practically incompetent in all other aspects of planning, they pulled this off without a hitch and no one is talking? Inconceivable. I won't get into the reasoning flaws about how the towers couldn't have collapsed, etc. but thus far I have seen nothing from the detractors I've found convincing.
As someone who was working in NYC on that day, and who saw the dust covered masses slowly walking uptown away from rubble, I generally find the conspiracy theories troubling. Not because I believe them, but because I think it takes the focus away from what happened to 3000 people. This is not a mystery to be solved, it's a tragedy to be mourned.
I want to pull this back before it gets too off topic. This isn't a post on conspiracy theories (although now you've got me thinking). Regardless of whether or not these theories are valid, I think you're right in saying that they impact how we're viewed internationally. I suppose there's only so much we can do about that. All we can do, really, is try to at least keep from looking like a society of complete morons, but we're even having trouble with that lately......
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by Jeff Musall
And what Ruby said is right, so much is riding on this election internationally. Won't it be nice to have a president who doesn't cause other leaders to cringe? Like Germany's Merkel who looks like she want to hide, or Putin who looks at Bush like he's talking to the dumb kid in class.
Comment by Winston
Small Thoughts on Big Questions
Comment by Jeff Musall
Comment by Mountain Fog
yes I agree, it defies the usual expectations of the aedministration, however, I counter that a lot of objection has been raised, and evidence exposed, but the media is playing hands off, for whatever reason I do not want to debate.
The unedited and publicly released CBS footage supplies it all, (the dodc uses their released disc).
You make a valid point about the hapless 3,000, however, I say there is a higher duty to them and their memory, to expose what has really gone on...
I like to see where the faults are in any argument, but with this, after much research, I cannot conclude other than we have been lied to, and the major media has gone along with it.
cheers
OH, nearly forgot...on topic too...(wow wot a change guvnah eh?)... as for the antics of the average suburban maniac in America, fear not, your country is not alone! We have them by the legion, as does Britiain, and AUstria....eeewww...
Poor America just has LOTS more people to show their madness, and lots more general (comparative) wealth, so more maniacs can do more mad stuff!!
I should do a post entitled "Idiots in Oz", or something, just so you can see how 'normal' America is compared to its cousins!
P.S. Don't get my intentions wrong, regarding 911, I understand your purview, for it is logical to make the assumptions you have. I also understand the shock and hurt you have felt. I was watching the news here in Oz at the time of the first attack, rang my sister in San Diego, and watched for the next three days straight, and it was saddening and terrible to see what happened. But, after seeing the doco, and checking out some expert opinion in aircraft accident analysis, ex-military etc, I found much more to be saddened and frightened by.
Check out these links:
patriotsquestion911.com
my post with links
Comment by Mountain Fog
infognito link
cheers
fog
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Jeff, I will chuckling over this all day.
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
That's actually as sign of intelligence, as far as I'm concerned. It almost makes me want to look for footage of Putin doing this. Almost.