Gwynneth Paltrow slams America

Der Spiegel ^ | 12/02/2006 | various media

[dfwgator]

Many Europeans think they know all about America and Americans but their "knowledge" is seriously tainted by the likes of the BBC and others.

A lot of what they "know" just isn't so.

[Suzy Quzy]

Hey Newbie....I wasn't degrading Americans....

[stanz]

I don't think it's absurd to consider that if you stop someone on the street and ask them to name a few signers of the Declaration of Independence, they could not. Or, ask them how many states in the union. Many answer incorrectly. Some of my office co-workers have never heard of Neil Armstrong or Clarence Darrow or even John Wilkes Booth. This is not rural America I'm speaking of, I work in New York City.
By the way, I spent the last 2 summer vacations in the UK. I know what the average Briton knows and what they like to discuss. Get your head out of the sand.
And it's not derision. Simply reality.

[Gene Eric]

>> I don't think it's absurd to consider that if you stop someone on the street and ask them to name a few signers of the Declaration of Independence

So, you approach people in the street and ask them such questions?

>> This is not rural America I'm speaking of, I work in New York City.

God help rural America.

>> I know what the average Briton knows and what they like to discuss.

How did you manage to figure that one out?

>> Get your head out of the sand.

Consider the gesture a sacrifice.


>>And it's not derision. Simply reality.

Your dissatisfaction based on perceptions relating to the discipline of social studies does not constitute a valid baseline through which ad hominem ridicule of the American public is justified. The spectrum of knowledge Americans possess is remarkably vast and there's certainly enough to more than 'wow' you. The opportunity for euphoria within the context of our borders is plenty.

[Gene Eric]

Hey Newbie....I wasn't degrading Americans....

That would be crankie newbie. Blame my uninvited retort on the Republicans who chose not to vote and inevitably gave the house away. I've been feeling a little defensive lately...

I'll consider going away in 2 years if we regain control.

[stanz]

Listen....I see stupid people.
Do not lecture me about social studies. I do not base my conclusions on textbook theories. I do know that the average American knows very little about his country or American history or what's going on in the world today. And I resent your patronizing attitude. Perhaps you do not think you ought to be included in my "stupid Americans" category. Are you an "average" American? Probably not.
I never liked intellectual snobbery......"ad hominem????"
please...
You turned my original simple post into an unpatriotic tirade which it was not...and you know that.
As for the "context of euphoria", I would not seek it in the halls of FreeRepublic.If you need to display your intellectual prowess to prove a point, I suggest that you not aim it in my direction. I consider this conversation at an end.

[Jahman]

Wow its pretty impressive she can go around as a racist. Its nice that she feels good making stereotypical statements. She certainly hasn't been at any dinner with me and she wouldn't be invited with such a narrow minded view on things. Also its nice to know she is a quitter and instead of trying to fix things just adds to what she considers America's Problem.
She can say whatever she wants I just hope she is paying her fair share of taxes to America to protect that right.

This is an example of how actors don't know what to say when they don't have prepared lines in front of them. People associate more with their characters than their actual personality which is a mistake.

[angcat]

I stopped buying Estee Lauder because of her.

[Palmettoprincess]

I say that everyone should boycott Estee Lauder and let them know why. Why should she make anymore money on us poor, dumb Americans. She can suck up to the Brits and guess what, they hate her guts just like they hate Madonna. Paaa-leeze.

[N. Theknow]

The only reason she is an actrees is because self-serve pumps rendered her level of erudition non-essential.

[Gene Eric]

You turned my original simple post into an unpatriotic tirade which it was not...and you know that

This has nothing to do with patriotism. I simply think your perspective is skewed regarding the information that Americans choose to keep at the tip of their tongues.

The best part of the dozens of trips I've taken to Europe was landing in JFK. My travels were not limited to London and my experience with the folks at home is not limited to Hannity's "Man on Street" segment. I like Europe and I have no problem with its wonderful people. I have many friends throughout Europe who are well informed and many who could care less about the time of day.

Comparatively speaking, the intellectual capacity is no different between Americans and Britons, and Europeans for that matter. The desire for knowledge and understanding of current events is not exclusive to people outside the States. Someone at home may not be able to recite historical fact or news bulletins that interest you and the company you keep in London; but, that doesn't mean they're ignorant, stupid, or indifferent.

Now, you're casting my assertions as intellectual snobbery; yet, you appear to defend Paltrow's position that "[Britons] discuss more intelligent topics". I'm not the one that set out to identify who's stupid and who's not. But, I might be just one of those you encounter in NY one day who fails the Britain Test and inevitably belongs in the stupid column. Your "stupid America" might just be my backyard.

I have a problem with Paltrow's castigation of Americans. I'm on solid ground to debate those that agree with her ...and you know that.