Generation Q

[DanaC]

Then you will have to quit representing England for Dana.

Having an opinion on another country, and clarifying what one considers to be the pertinent points in the discussion is very different to holding yourself up as a representative of that country and the views/character of its people.

In fairness to UG I don't think there's much wrong with referring to "us Americans" etc. I do it from time to time myself. It is simply a way of emphasising national character or predilections, in a way that contrasts with the national character or predilections of the other person's country.

To an extent I think most of us do that...of course UG tends to express himself (and indeed seems to hold views) with a greater than normal level of intensity, so it tends to stand out a little more when he does it. Just my take on it.

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Originally Posted by DanaC

. . .of course UG tends to express himself (and indeed seems to hold views) with a greater than normal level of intensity, so it tends to stand out a little more when he does it. Just my take on it.

Well, those views that I hold intensely I write about with passion. Stuff that's milder or more abstract, that gets a milder treatment.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by DanaC

Having an opinion on another country, and clarifying what one considers to be the pertinent points in the discussion is very different to holding yourself up as a representative of that country and the views/character of its people.

Then why is it so hard for me to give an opinion of England without being told in no uncertain terms that I am an American with double-standards?