MY aunt taught me that I should have respect for other peoples and cultures and classes and backgrounds because as she correctly argued we are all the same because we are all human (except some of those HOllywood stars.)

So when I travel I look at this French policeman as an individual different from the very rude and snarly AMerican businessman who
once whined upon my entrance into first class "They are letting anybody in first these days."

OMNI response... I don't want to be KING or SUpreme Ruler or anything like that.

I just want to be happy, have lots of friends, two happy & healthy cats and just be CATMAN!

The peasants are revolting.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 01-31-99).]

PremEx - that is a very pleasant double entendre, and should please both sides of the debate...

In addition, it nicely echoes pjaucutt's response to Rudi when Rudi announced the year-end OMNI awards - unbeknownst to both, the 49ers jacket was on its way...

[This message has been edited by baobab (edited 01-31-99).]

Pjaucutt: I think you hit the nail on the head there.

The only thing I would say is that the English are VERY pompous. But I don't think the same applies to the Scottish, Welsh or Irish.

The class system sure as hell does exist here, that is why we have monarchy! But as Lord Aucutt you would know that.

I don't think nationalism is a form of racism though, it is just a form of identity. Your statement would mean everyone who fly's a national flag is racist? Everyone who swears allegiance to America is racist?

I think that is a little extreme. Live and let live by all means, but I am proud to be British.
MF

PS: I don't mind people poking fun at me or my Britishness.

Well, I didn't expect a sort of Spanish Inquisition...

(if you have to ask, never mind)

OMNI: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

http://www.stone-dead.asn.au/sketches/spanish.htm

Thank you FlightFan, my faith in humanity is restored.

Hmmm, what have I started here. I think that when it comes to countries and cultures, the (with apologies to Merry) French say it best: Vive la Difference!

A trip to london would not be complete without being snubbed at a tea or singing football songs at a pub (one raudy and randy Chelsea song comes to mind) with "commoners."

Nor would a trip to Paris be complete without being yelled at for not speaking french or openly staring at a cafe!

I do not want American culture everywhere, because that would be dreadfully boring, and would take all the fun out of travel.

Here! Here MATT!!! It's one of the reasons that I travel the world. I want to see how different people live, watch how people react
to things, try to learn to adapt to different habits and cultures.

I think most of us on the boards are cultured enough and experienced enough to adapt to any nation and any situation.

MATT: You've inspired me for something new to try while in LONDON: going to a pub and singing! (Although my voice does make my cats HOWL!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Just Merry has to promise me if he hears of a YANK getting in big trouble to come fetch me and send me back safely to the U-S!!! CATMAN

Merry: Have to agree with Peter. Nationalism IS a form of racism, but i wouldn't say that all feelings of cultural identification are nationalistic. For example, though I have not lived in a non-Americanized culture before, and thus am more comfortable and tend to identify with things American, I would never say that American culture is superior to others. The Americanization of the world (which has been going on for generations now) is basically a scourge, in my opinion, yet at the same time I can acknowledge that it's the easiest for me to navigate and the one I'm most familiar with. I don't think I have to have a deep experience of another culture to say with GREAT confidence that the things which set American culture apart (like its rank consumerism and worship of celebrity) are stupid and dangerous things. Am I "Anti-nationalistic?" I'd say no. I dislike these things not because they are American, but because whereever they might be found they would be undesirable.

If you think about it, what else could TRULY nationalistic feelings be, other than racism? If you prefer what's American SIMPLY because it originates or proliferates in the U.S., that's very close to a kind of racism. I have nothing against a kind of benign patriotism which manifests itself in the hope that the U.S. soccer team can oust England in their next match, but sincere, serious patriotism is almost always a brand of nationalism.

Please let me have it if I'm off-base, anyone.

And now for something completely different: As an "administrator" (actually we do next to nothing) I have been reluctant to ask, but I must: what exactly does OMNI mean? Clearly, it means something like "Off the subject of miles and points," but is it an acronym? An abbreviation?

thanks.

REALLY VERY OMNI

I strongly disagree Bryan. Nationalism or culturalism or whatever else we might want to call it is not racism. A big line is being blurred when we propose that.

There is nothing with prefering the ways of one culture and acting on those preferences. Racism begins when the tolerance for other peoples preferences is not respected.

If I loved absolutely everything American (which I don't), and expected you to, than I'm in the wrong. But if I allowed you the freedom of your own preferences and respected them weather I shared them or not, I can be as nationalistic as I want and not be a racist.

A clear line for me.

Sorry to borrow the soapbox, I'll put it back now.

While in London, I noticed two more sure signs that the UK is in STEEP decline vs. usa:

1) While we are both led, politically, by empty-headed goobers, at least ours is getting some action.

2) (and the most clear sign to date that the apolcolypse is upon the UK): the omnipresent close-up of Dick Branson's (bad teeth and all) face in every single tube station, bus depot and air terminal on a bright red poster hawking his book about investments. If folks are taking financial advice from this nut, then have mercy on your souls (or at least your money).

Bryan: You've got it about OMNI. Apparently its origin relates to a definition found in some ancient dead language upon which the haughty rely heavily (and which Rudi is studying dilligently!).

Guys and Gals:

Feel free to flame me for this, but...

Can we get off *serious* nationalism? Merry is a tough nut, to be sure, but his posts are not (to my interpretation, at least) meant to be 100% serious. We can yank each other's chain, to be sure, but when it starts getting serious, I think it's time to lighten up.

Please Flyerfolk, let's not lose a precious opportunity to learn from each other in a non-threatening manner!

You are ALL da best!

In all humility,
-Harry

I won't touch the 'racism' v 'nationalist' argument. Both sides of the issues have valid points and I welcome the opportunity to discuss in detail over brandy in BOS or zombies in HNL.

I will comment on Matt's description of Tony Blair -- here here hehehehehehehehehehe

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif