Originally Posted by orthodoc (Post 906831)

Joining very late, with only a thought about Europeans and others despising North Americans ... yes, they do. Justified or not, they do. When in Canada, my son's Chinese friends were not allowed to visit/hang out with him because we were white NAms. And my MIL despised me as a NAm until the day she died.

I think every nation, every population with a sense of identity, sooner or later despises those who are 'other'. No actual knowledge is required. It's a hardwired human tendency. Some of us think we should try to rewire. It's not a job for the faint of heart.

Originally Posted by Aliantha (Post 906838)

My opinion is that the world is full of exceptionally stupid people. Even the US doesn't hold the patent on that formula.

Human populations ebb and flow. America is on the far side of its golden years. Cling to it if you must. Or embrace the rise of new world domination. Whatever floats your boat. I'll just hang about here being a dumb Aussie. ;)

Originally Posted by DanaC (Post 906842)

How does the attitude of your son's Chinese friends having a problem with him as a white North American stand as proof of Europeans despising North Americans?

Sorry - but that just wouldn't happen with a European or Brit. you've just lumped us all together as 'Europeans and others' and then offered a highly culturally specific example of Chinese racism. Chinese people in the UK are notoriously cliquey.