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What the World Thinks of America

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“[Laura] was . . . aware of the faint irritation with which Americans nearly always inspired her. ‘They won’t use their eyes,’ she thought, ‘it’s always the same. They want uplift, and uplift they’ve got to have; facts must take their chance. And it must be their idea of what is uplifting too. They’re so deafened with the clamor of their own synthetic idealism that they can’t hear any of the funny little tones of reality.’ From Peking Picnic (1932).

Ann Bridge

United Kingdom

Current rating: (2547 votes)   Roll over the stars to vote

I cannot understand why America, where we are egalitarian and respect workers and reject class and caste, has become the tipping capitol of the world. Foreigners find it awkward and bizarre, and surely many of us do, too. I would love simply to pay bills without wondering about how much to add--10% at breakfast? Many people, in other countries, find the idea of tips demeaning. Why don't we?
KarenC ..more by this author..
USA

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