Why are Americans so uptight?

Thanz · 23rd February 2005, 01:30 PM

After the whole Janet Jackson nipple fiasco, I began to wonder why the citizens of the USA are so darn uptight. I recall that an ad for Labatt's that showed two women kissing during the Janet superbowl received far more complaints to the CRTC (the Canadian FCC) than Jackson's nipple. But what truly brings home the difference in attitudes between Americans and Canadians to me is a recent bit I saw on Rick Mercer's Monday Report.

Monday Report is sort of like the Daily Show. It is a satirical look at the news and events. Previous bits have included the host, Rick Mercer, doing a one on one interview with the Prime Minister during which he actually takes a swim in the PM's pool, for which he had to borrow a pair of the PM's shorts. Can you imagine anything of the sort happening with Bush?

One of the recurring bits on the show is celebrity tips. They get famous Canadians to give step by step instructions on various things (for ex, Geddy Lee of Rush explaining proper tobogganing technique). In any event, I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans. It can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/mondayreport/

Bear in mind that this was shown on the CBC, which is the government owned, national network (both TV and Radio), and shows at 8:00 Eastern time. Can you imagine the furor if an American author of any stature gave instructions in prime time on American TV on how to roll a joint? I think that it would make Jackson's nipple seem positively wholesome in comparison.

My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts?

Marquis de Carabas · 23rd February 2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thanz
After the whole Janet Jackson [repulsive language referring to disgusting part of female anatomy removed] fiasco, I began to wonder why the citizens of the USA are so [repulsive language removed] uptight.

Uptight? How so?

Lisa Simpson · 23rd February 2005, 01:59 PM

We are uptight because our very water supply is infected with homeopathic Puritanism (Latin name Puritanum uptightidae). As soon as one leaves the country and it's tainted water supply, the uptightedness is gone.

Donks · 23rd February 2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lisa Simpson
We are uptight because our very water supply is infected with homeopathic Puritanism (Latin name Puritanum uptightidae). As soon as one leaves the country and it's tainted water supply, the uptightedness is gone.

Really? I thought introducing even trace amounts of alcohol into the mix also removed the uptightedness. Is Girls Gone Wild lying to me?

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thanz
One of the recurring bits on the show is celebrity tips. They get famous Canadians to give step by step instructions on various things (for ex, Geddy Lee of Rush explaining proper tobogganing technique). In any event, I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans. It can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/mondayreport/

I don't think americans would have any problem with that. Cheech and Chong is played on TV quite a bit. The issue is that most americans don't think that the female breast should be on public TV. Other countries may draw the line at frontal nudity, others at sex acts. I'm not sure what your issue is with the moving of this line for public TV. You can still have subscribed channels (Ie, HBO), that are free to show pretty much whatever they want, as well as order pornography to your heart's content.

DavidJames · 23rd February 2005, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thanz
My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts?

Gimme that old time religion...

I think there are other reasons, but I think that's the big one.

Furious · 23rd February 2005, 02:13 PM

To paraphrase Robin Williams:

Keep in mind we are a country that was initially settled by people who were so uptight the British kicked them out.

Lisa Simpson · 23rd February 2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Donks
Really? I thought introducing even trace amounts of alcohol into the mix also removed the uptightedness. Is Girls Gone Wild lying to me?

Obviously you haven't been reading the homeopathy threads enough to know just how powerful homeopathy is.

Donks · 23rd February 2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lisa Simpson
Obviously you haven't been reading the homeopathy threads enough to know just how powerful homeopathy is.

But homeopaths use alcohol as a solvent, no? Hmmm, can one make a homeopathic remedy of alcohol, using alcohol as a solvent?

elle_inquisitor · 23rd February 2005, 02:34 PM

I think conservatives state side are more fierce about defending their opposition in the public arena. There is also more media outlets catering to the conservative masses. Canucks don't seem to embrace their opposition with such passion. Money talks and I don't believe personalities like Limbaugh would find the Canadian Media market very lucrative. Quite simply put, the squeeky wheel gets the grease.

Gotta love those Trailer Park Boys, eh?

Number Six · 23rd February 2005, 02:34 PM

I don't think the Janet Jackson nipplegate controversy had so much to do with what was shown as it did with the time and place where it was shown. I often see that kind of stuff on TV and I don't even have any movie channels. People know that such things are on and there's little outcry over them. But halftime of the Super Bowl is a different story and people were not expecting it and that is why many of them were upset.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 02:37 PM

You are not the first to ask this question, Thanz. Much of the civilized world wonders exactly as you do.

One would have thought that someone somewhere made a Phd researching this question.

Jocko · 23rd February 2005, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thanz

My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts?

Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc.

America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc.

Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jocko
Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc.

Seeing as how a certain part of Canada has been trying to gain independence from Canada through decades, I find your explanation vacuous.

Quote:

America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc.

Why "inevitably"? And what makes you think that other countries only have one line to cross?

Quote:

Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.

I wont disagree, but how exactly is this relevant?

DavidJames · 23rd February 2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jocko
Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc.

America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc.

Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.

Tell me, and specifically address the examples in the OP, how cultural diversity is related. Which cultures are and are not offended by nipples and rolling joints and why?

Thanz · 23rd February 2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jocko
Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc.

America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc.

Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.

Really? I fundamentally disagree with your premise that Canada is more culturally homogenous than America. In fact, I believe the opposite to be true. America has a history of being a melting pot - everyone assimilating together. Canada, on the other hand, is more of a mosaic - with many individual parts.

Further, I think that the multi-ethnic mosaic nature of Canada - with lots of diversity - leads to more tolerance and acceptance that one person's line may be another person's norm - and less fuss is made about it.

I find it perplexing that you think America has an obsession with celebrating diversity. I see America as the opposite - Celebrating Capital A America first, and other cultural diversity be damned. chants of "USA! USA!" abounding.

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jocko
Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc.

America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc.

Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.

I dunno, south korea is pretty homogeneous, but If I step foot in her wing of the dorm (at any time of the day) while I'm visiting, she gets expelled.

elle_inquisitor · 23rd February 2005, 03:04 PM

Canada is most definitely not a more homogeneous society than the States. A visit to Toronto would confirm this. Toronto has been called the most diverse city in the world by the UN. Here's some info on Toronto. Definitely no melting pot, eh?

http://www.afghan-network.net/Toronto/

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thanz
I find it perplexing that you think America has an obsession with celebrating diversity. I see America as the opposite - Celebrating Capital A America first, and other cultural diversity be damned. chants of "USA! USA!" abounding.

We're not the ones requiring that a certain percentage of media be native in origin.

Lisa Simpson · 23rd February 2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Donks
But homeopaths use alcohol as a solvent, no? Hmmm, can one make a homeopathic remedy of alcohol, using alcohol as a solvent?

Yes, but any alcoholic beverage would have water in it, yes?

Regardless, I don't think Americans (the people) are terribly uptight. The government, OTOH, panders to the very vocal religious right, despite being a minority of the populace. And the media panders to the almighty god of ratings.

Nyarlathotep · 23rd February 2005, 03:16 PM

I think saying 'Americans are uptight' is a gross over generalization. I think that there are a group of terribly uptight Americans who give the rest of us a bad name.

jay gw · 23rd February 2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans.

Absolutely true. Canadians, and alot of Europeans, Australians are much more laid back/mellow than Americans are.

The reason? It would have to come from the differences in religious ideas. I've heard that Canadians would be shocked if the PM prayed in public. Europeans would be too.

Americans would be shocked if the president NEVER prayed in public. Even Bill Clinton did it. And how conservative is he?

The US public is divided into liberals and conservatives, but there's a segment of conservatives that are extremists. They really believe in the rapture and Israel is the holy land and must be defended at all costs from the forces of "evil".

Where do you think America's unwavering, unflinching and frankly, irrational support of Israel comes from? The liberals criticize Israeli policies all the time. The media doesn't, which is very weird, since they're supposed to be liberals. Something else has to be going on there. The extremists tell liberals they're going to hell.

America was founded by what amounts to as a religious cult. The Puritans, Quakers, Shakers, Mennonites and the rest were outcasts in Europe. Their hold is pretty tight, even though they've been gone for a very long time.

The group of people that founded Hinduism and Buddhism have been dead for hundreds of years, thousands in fact. Does that mean their hold on Asia is any less than it was?

There's a group of Americans that want to keep the ideas everything started with, even if it means being out of step with the entire world.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nyarlathotep
I think saying 'Americans are uptight' is a gross over generalization. I think that there are a group of terribly uptight Americans who give the rest of us a bad name.

I think you are right but I wont say so in public.

D'oh!

IIRichard · 23rd February 2005, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RussDill
I don't think americans would have any problem with that. Cheech and Chong is played on TV quite a bit. The issue is that most americans don't think that the female breast should be on public TV. Other countries may draw the line at frontal nudity, others at sex acts. I'm not sure what your issue is with the moving of this line for public TV. You can still have subscribed channels (Ie, HBO), that are free to show pretty much whatever they want, as well as order pornography to your heart's content.

The thing about Janet was not her pastie covered tit. It was the obvious manipulation of images to shock and for nothing but shock. It was also the unspoken ratification of violence towards women. I was offended, I'm a man. It is not OK to cop a feel, particularly on national TV. That Jackson obviously consented in advance is just beyond belief.

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanishDynamite
I think you are right but I wont say so in public.

D'oh!

eh?

kittynh · 23rd February 2005, 03:45 PM

Hmmm, define up tight. I just read that a religious group had to pay a large fine to two homosexuals they "offended" by placing ads in the paper with the place in the bible to find the texts saying homosexuality is a sin. In Canada. OK, but come one, freedom of the press and all that. How about those French? Come on, signs in FRENCH only, everywhere else FRENCH AND ENGLISH! Lighten up!

Music, and kids programming is quite heavily censored. Protect the kids and the minority groups.

It's a little uptight too...

And please the endless how PURE is the Canadian music. Sure the singer is Canadian, but a certain number of the group must also be Canadian. What is we kicked Peter Jennings off as he was Canadian?

When it comes to sex, I don't know...not compared to Germany! Id' like to see a store in Canada get away with placing a magazine with a woman sucking her own boob at eye level with the candy. It was educational! I didn't find it offensive, it was just very funny that stores placed the magazines like that next to the candy! Canada is ok, but Ottawa is NOT Amsterdam! Now that's a city that is relaxed!

Charlie Monoxide · 23rd February 2005, 03:46 PM

I'm still giggling to myself with a mental image of Pierre Berton showing how to roll joints (I didn't see the TV show). Did he show how to blow "shotguns" as well?

I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored.

I was amazed that someone stated that Canadian society is homogenous. This appears to be a person who hasn't been to Canada.

Charlie (Canada's best export: humor/humour) Monoxide

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by IIRichard
The thing about Janet was not her pastie covered tit. It was the obvious manipulation of images to shock and for nothing but shock. It was also the unspoken ratification of violence towards women. I was offended, I'm a man. It is not OK to cop a feel, particularly on national TV. That Jackson obviously consented in advance is just beyond belief.

If you had a topless women doing the announcements for the superbowl, you would have gotten a response just as contrieversial. I don't think it has anything to do with violence.

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Charlie Monoxide

I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored.

Take the small group that makes the vast majority of complaints about the simpsons of all things.

Nyarlathotep · 23rd February 2005, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Charlie Monoxide

I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored.

I think you hit it right on the money. I think the REAL question isn't "why are Americans so uptight?" it's "Why are the uptight Americans able to get their uptightness enshrined in public policy?"

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RussDill
eh?

Sorry.

I was trying to be funny.

Forget the "D'oh!".

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nyarlathotep
I think you hit it right on the money. I think the REAL question isn't "why are Americans so uptight?" it's "Why are the uptight Americans able to get their uptightness enshrined in public policy?"

I could agree.

So, why is it that a supposed minority in the US not only get to make the laws but get to make their screwed up world the general opinion of how Americans are like to the rest of the world?

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanishDynamite

So, why is it that a supposed minority in the US not only get to make the laws but get to make their screwed up world the general opinion of how Americans are like to the rest of the world?

As far as indecency laws go, its because try to be a very sensitive and understanding people. Is there something so horribly wrong about banning topless women from public TV? Its not like there is a ban of topless women or anything.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RussDill
As far as indecency laws go, its because try to be a very sensitive and understanding people. Is there something so horribly wrong about banning topless women from public TV? Its not like there is a ban of topless women or anything.

Sorry, I don't understand your response. Could you clarify?

kittynh · 23rd February 2005, 04:39 PM

Well and it's the whole the US is darn BIG. Some places, let's say VEgas, pretty open minded. Other places, the Bible belt, not so...

When I am in Europe it is not ALL the same. Some areas, let's say the Vatican, not going with the nudie pics on the street corner. Other places, who cares?

In Canada I know my Asian relatives are VERY conservative. They totally disapprove of homosexual marriage and stuff like that. I find them way behind my friends and co workers from Vermont.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kittynh
Well and it's the whole the US is darn BIG. Some places, let's say VEgas, pretty open minded. Other places, the Bible belt, not so...

When I am in Europe it is not ALL the same. Some areas, let's say the Vatican, not going with the nudie pics on the street corner. Other places, who cares?

In Canada I know my Asian relatives are VERY conservative. They totally disapprove of homosexual marriage and stuff like that. I find them way behind my friends and co workers from Vermont.

Cool.

Europe, however, is not a country.

The USA is a country. And to some extent a democracy. So why is it that if only a minority has this screwed-up opinion, it is nevertheless the law of the land, as well as the general perception of the US?

Ralph · 23rd February 2005, 04:55 PM

Uptight????

As compared with who????----Saudi Arabia.....China.......Sudan........Singapore

I think the majority of Americans really could've cared less about what Janet Jackson did.

Jorghnassen · 23rd February 2005, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kittynh
Hmmm, define up tight. I just read that a religious group had to pay a large fine to two homosexuals they "offended" by placing ads in the paper with the place in the bible to find the texts saying homosexuality is a sin. In Canada. OK, but come one, freedom of the press and all that. How about those French? Come on, signs in FRENCH only, everywhere else FRENCH AND ENGLISH! Lighten up!

Sigh. For one, if there is a thing everybody in Quebec hates, it's being associated with the cousins. And bill 101 isn't half as strict or half as bad as The Gazette would tell you.

Anyway, tittie-wise (TV-wise), Canada certainly isn't as up tight as the US. Boobies before 10PM on publicly-owned channels, softcore porn on non-cable channels starting at 11:30PM. At least it's better than informercials (but we have those too).

RussDill · 23rd February 2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanishDynamite
Sorry, I don't understand your response. Could you clarify?

You seem to view the banning of topless women from public TV as going over the "top" as it were. I could see how a society banning all images and apearences of topless women as a problem though.

DanishDynamite · 23rd February 2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RussDill
You seem to view the banning of topless women from public TV as going over the "top" as it were. I could see how a society banning all images and apearences of topless women as a problem though.

Of course I view any society who would even question the appearance of nude women on their electronic altar, as backwards.

I would love to hear your reason why such a society would not automatically be a society of dimwitted Neanderthals.

23rd February 2005, 01:30 PM	#1
Thanz Fuzzy Thinker Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centre of the Universe Posts: 3,850	Why are Americans so uptight? After the whole Janet Jackson nipple fiasco, I began to wonder why the citizens of the USA are so darn uptight. I recall that an ad for Labatt's that showed two women kissing during the Janet superbowl received far more complaints to the CRTC (the Canadian FCC) than Jackson's nipple. But what truly brings home the difference in attitudes between Americans and Canadians to me is a recent bit I saw on Rick Mercer's Monday Report. Monday Report is sort of like the Daily Show. It is a satirical look at the news and events. Previous bits have included the host, Rick Mercer, doing a one on one interview with the Prime Minister during which he actually takes a swim in the PM's pool, for which he had to borrow a pair of the PM's shorts. Can you imagine anything of the sort happening with Bush? One of the recurring bits on the show is celebrity tips. They get famous Canadians to give step by step instructions on various things (for ex, Geddy Lee of Rush explaining proper tobogganing technique). In any event, I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans. It can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/mondayreport/ Bear in mind that this was shown on the CBC, which is the government owned, national network (both TV and Radio), and shows at 8:00 Eastern time. Can you imagine the furor if an American author of any stature gave instructions in prime time on American TV on how to roll a joint? I think that it would make Jackson's nipple seem positively wholesome in comparison. My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts?
	__________________ "I am totally with Thanz on this one." -- Yahzi

23rd February 2005, 01:40 PM	#2
Marquis de Carabas Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: vuori Posts: 27,106	Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Thanz After the whole Janet Jackson [repulsive language referring to disgusting part of female anatomy removed] fiasco, I began to wonder why the citizens of the USA are so [repulsive language removed] uptight. Uptight? How so?
	__________________ Jesus ... wasn't he the bloke who turned fish into wine and made the lepers multiply? -KateHL Violence is more acceptable than incest. I have been told to keep this in mind.

23rd February 2005, 01:59 PM	#3
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,057	We are uptight because our very water supply is infected with homeopathic Puritanism (Latin name Puritanum uptightidae). As soon as one leaves the country and it's tainted water supply, the uptightedness is gone.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

23rd February 2005, 02:02 PM	#4
Donks vBulletin God Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,321	Quote: Originally posted by Lisa Simpson We are uptight because our very water supply is infected with homeopathic Puritanism (Latin name Puritanum uptightidae). As soon as one leaves the country and it's tainted water supply, the uptightedness is gone. Really? I thought introducing even trace amounts of alcohol into the mix also removed the uptightedness. Is Girls Gone Wild lying to me?
Donks vBulletin God Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,321

23rd February 2005, 02:02 PM	#5
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Thanz One of the recurring bits on the show is celebrity tips. They get famous Canadians to give step by step instructions on various things (for ex, Geddy Lee of Rush explaining proper tobogganing technique). In any event, I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans. It can be found here: http://www.cbc.ca/mondayreport/ I don't think americans would have any problem with that. Cheech and Chong is played on TV quite a bit. The issue is that most americans don't think that the female breast should be on public TV. Other countries may draw the line at frontal nudity, others at sex acts. I'm not sure what your issue is with the moving of this line for public TV. You can still have subscribed channels (Ie, HBO), that are free to show pretty much whatever they want, as well as order pornography to your heart's content.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 02:04 PM	#6
DavidJames Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 7,085	Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Thanz My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts? Gimme that old time religion... I think there are other reasons, but I think that's the big one.
	__________________ I will no longer respond to those who choose to have tools of murder as their avatars. Everyone is a skeptic except, of course, for the stuff that they believe Beaver Hateman: Is your argument that human life loses value proportionate to the number of humans available? Malcolm Kirkpatrick: That's part of the argument. Value is determined by supply and demand.

23rd February 2005, 02:13 PM	#7
Furious Critical Thinker Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 295	To paraphrase Robin Williams: Keep in mind we are a country that was initially settled by people who were so uptight the British kicked them out.
Furious Critical Thinker Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 295	__________________ Total noob

23rd February 2005, 02:15 PM	#8
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,057	Quote: Originally posted by Donks Really? I thought introducing even trace amounts of alcohol into the mix also removed the uptightedness. Is Girls Gone Wild lying to me? Obviously you haven't been reading the homeopathy threads enough to know just how powerful homeopathy is.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

23rd February 2005, 02:21 PM	#9
Donks vBulletin God Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,321	Quote: Originally posted by Lisa Simpson Obviously you haven't been reading the homeopathy threads enough to know just how powerful homeopathy is. But homeopaths use alcohol as a solvent, no? Hmmm, can one make a homeopathic remedy of alcohol, using alcohol as a solvent?
Donks vBulletin God Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,321

23rd February 2005, 02:34 PM	#10
elle_inquisitor Student Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 49	I think conservatives state side are more fierce about defending their opposition in the public arena. There is also more media outlets catering to the conservative masses. Canucks don't seem to embrace their opposition with such passion. Money talks and I don't believe personalities like Limbaugh would find the Canadian Media market very lucrative. Quite simply put, the squeeky wheel gets the grease. Gotta love those Trailer Park Boys, eh?
elle_inquisitor Student Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 49

23rd February 2005, 02:34 PM	#11
Number Six JREF Kid Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,017	I don't think the Janet Jackson nipplegate controversy had so much to do with what was shown as it did with the time and place where it was shown. I often see that kind of stuff on TV and I don't even have any movie channels. People know that such things are on and there's little outcry over them. But halftime of the Super Bowl is a different story and people were not expecting it and that is why many of them were upset.
Number Six JREF Kid Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,017

23rd February 2005, 02:37 PM	#12
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	You are not the first to ask this question, Thanz. Much of the civilized world wonders exactly as you do. One would have thought that someone somewhere made a Phd researching this question.

23rd February 2005, 02:39 PM	#13
Jocko Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, Chicago... it's a toddling town. Posts: 5,463	Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Thanz My question is, why? Why such a huge difference in attitudes? Any thoughts? Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc. America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc. Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity.
	__________________ You claimed that a turd is a turd. I clearly demonstrated that some turds are gold. You're wrong, Jocko. KOA proving me "wrong."

23rd February 2005, 02:48 PM	#14
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Jocko Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc. Seeing as how a certain part of Canada has been trying to gain independence from Canada through decades, I find your explanation vacuous. Quote: America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc. Why "inevitably"? And what makes you think that other countries only have one line to cross? Quote: Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity. I wont disagree, but how exactly is this relevant?

23rd February 2005, 02:50 PM	#15
DavidJames Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 7,085	Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Jocko Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc. America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc. Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity. Tell me, and specifically address the examples in the OP, how cultural diversity is related. Which cultures are and are not offended by nipples and rolling joints and why?
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23rd February 2005, 02:54 PM	#16
Thanz Fuzzy Thinker Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centre of the Universe Posts: 3,850	Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Jocko Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc. America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc. Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity. Really? I fundamentally disagree with your premise that Canada is more culturally homogenous than America. In fact, I believe the opposite to be true. America has a history of being a melting pot - everyone assimilating together. Canada, on the other hand, is more of a mosaic - with many individual parts. Further, I think that the multi-ethnic mosaic nature of Canada - with lots of diversity - leads to more tolerance and acceptance that one person's line may be another person's norm - and less fuss is made about it. I find it perplexing that you think America has an obsession with celebrating diversity. I see America as the opposite - Celebrating Capital A America first, and other cultural diversity be damned. chants of "USA! USA!" abounding.
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23rd February 2005, 03:03 PM	#17
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Jocko Homogenous societies naturally have fewer sensitivity issues to cope with. Canada is far more culturally homegenous than the US is, therefore there's more general agreement on what obscenity is, what's funny and what's not, etc. America's obsession with celebrating diversity has led inevitably to not one line, but a thousand lines that can be crossed on any given issue/race/creed/orientation/etc. Oversensitivity is the result of constant cries for sensitivity. I dunno, south korea is pretty homogeneous, but If I step foot in her wing of the dorm (at any time of the day) while I'm visiting, she gets expelled.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 03:04 PM	#18
elle_inquisitor Student Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 49	Canada is most definitely not a more homogeneous society than the States. A visit to Toronto would confirm this. Toronto has been called the most diverse city in the world by the UN. Here's some info on Toronto. Definitely no melting pot, eh? http://www.afghan-network.net/Toronto/
elle_inquisitor Student Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 49

23rd February 2005, 03:07 PM	#19
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Re: Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by Thanz I find it perplexing that you think America has an obsession with celebrating diversity. I see America as the opposite - Celebrating Capital A America first, and other cultural diversity be damned. chants of "USA! USA!" abounding. We're not the ones requiring that a certain percentage of media be native in origin.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 03:12 PM	#20
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,057	Quote: Originally posted by Donks But homeopaths use alcohol as a solvent, no? Hmmm, can one make a homeopathic remedy of alcohol, using alcohol as a solvent? Yes, but any alcoholic beverage would have water in it, yes? Regardless, I don't think Americans (the people) are terribly uptight. The government, OTOH, panders to the very vocal religious right, despite being a minority of the populace. And the media panders to the almighty god of ratings.
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23rd February 2005, 03:16 PM	#21
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	I think saying 'Americans are uptight' is a gross over generalization. I think that there are a group of terribly uptight Americans who give the rest of us a bad name.
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23rd February 2005, 03:30 PM	#22
jay gw Suspended Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,824	Quote: I encourage you to look at the video of Pierre Berton, Canadian author and Companion of the Order of Canada, giving instructions on how to roll a joint. It is quite funny, and shows just how laid back most Canadians are in contrast to Americans. Absolutely true. Canadians, and alot of Europeans, Australians are much more laid back/mellow than Americans are. The reason? It would have to come from the differences in religious ideas. I've heard that Canadians would be shocked if the PM prayed in public. Europeans would be too. Americans would be shocked if the president NEVER prayed in public. Even Bill Clinton did it. And how conservative is he? The US public is divided into liberals and conservatives, but there's a segment of conservatives that are extremists. They really believe in the rapture and Israel is the holy land and must be defended at all costs from the forces of "evil". Where do you think America's unwavering, unflinching and frankly, irrational support of Israel comes from? The liberals criticize Israeli policies all the time. The media doesn't, which is very weird, since they're supposed to be liberals. Something else has to be going on there. The extremists tell liberals they're going to hell. America was founded by what amounts to as a religious cult. The Puritans, Quakers, Shakers, Mennonites and the rest were outcasts in Europe. Their hold is pretty tight, even though they've been gone for a very long time. The group of people that founded Hinduism and Buddhism have been dead for hundreds of years, thousands in fact. Does that mean their hold on Asia is any less than it was? There's a group of Americans that want to keep the ideas everything started with, even if it means being out of step with the entire world.
jay gw Suspended Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,824

23rd February 2005, 03:42 PM	#23
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	Quote: Originally posted by Nyarlathotep I think saying 'Americans are uptight' is a gross over generalization. I think that there are a group of terribly uptight Americans who give the rest of us a bad name. I think you are right but I wont say so in public. D'oh!

23rd February 2005, 03:44 PM	#24
IIRichard Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: CT/NJ Posts: 290	Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by RussDill I don't think americans would have any problem with that. Cheech and Chong is played on TV quite a bit. The issue is that most americans don't think that the female breast should be on public TV. Other countries may draw the line at frontal nudity, others at sex acts. I'm not sure what your issue is with the moving of this line for public TV. You can still have subscribed channels (Ie, HBO), that are free to show pretty much whatever they want, as well as order pornography to your heart's content. The thing about Janet was not her pastie covered tit. It was the obvious manipulation of images to shock and for nothing but shock. It was also the unspoken ratification of violence towards women. I was offended, I'm a man. It is not OK to cop a feel, particularly on national TV. That Jackson obviously consented in advance is just beyond belief.
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23rd February 2005, 03:45 PM	#25
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Quote: Originally posted by DanishDynamite I think you are right but I wont say so in public. D'oh! eh?
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23rd February 2005, 03:45 PM	#26
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,707	Hmmm, define up tight. I just read that a religious group had to pay a large fine to two homosexuals they "offended" by placing ads in the paper with the place in the bible to find the texts saying homosexuality is a sin. In Canada. OK, but come one, freedom of the press and all that. How about those French? Come on, signs in FRENCH only, everywhere else FRENCH AND ENGLISH! Lighten up! Music, and kids programming is quite heavily censored. Protect the kids and the minority groups. It's a little uptight too... And please the endless how PURE is the Canadian music. Sure the singer is Canadian, but a certain number of the group must also be Canadian. What is we kicked Peter Jennings off as he was Canadian? When it comes to sex, I don't know...not compared to Germany! Id' like to see a store in Canada get away with placing a magazine with a woman sucking her own boob at eye level with the candy. It was educational! I didn't find it offensive, it was just very funny that stores placed the magazines like that next to the candy! Canada is ok, but Ottawa is NOT Amsterdam! Now that's a city that is relaxed!
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23rd February 2005, 03:46 PM	#27
Charlie Monoxide Wag Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 2,761	I'm still giggling to myself with a mental image of Pierre Berton showing how to roll joints (I didn't see the TV show). Did he show how to blow "shotguns" as well? I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored. I was amazed that someone stated that Canadian society is homogenous. This appears to be a person who hasn't been to Canada. Charlie (Canada's best export: humor/humour) Monoxide
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23rd February 2005, 03:47 PM	#28
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Re: Re: Re: Why are Americans so uptight? Quote: Originally posted by IIRichard The thing about Janet was not her pastie covered tit. It was the obvious manipulation of images to shock and for nothing but shock. It was also the unspoken ratification of violence towards women. I was offended, I'm a man. It is not OK to cop a feel, particularly on national TV. That Jackson obviously consented in advance is just beyond belief. If you had a topless women doing the announcements for the superbowl, you would have gotten a response just as contrieversial. I don't think it has anything to do with violence.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 03:48 PM	#29
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Quote: Originally posted by Charlie Monoxide I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored. Take the small group that makes the vast majority of complaints about the simpsons of all things.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 03:53 PM	#30
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	Quote: Originally posted by Charlie Monoxide I've been in the states since 1996. The "true" uptight Americans are a pathetic minority in my experience. They make the most noise, get the most news coverage, and apparently can dictate to the leadership their views to be honored. I think you hit it right on the money. I think the REAL question isn't "why are Americans so uptight?" it's "Why are the uptight Americans able to get their uptightness enshrined in public policy?"
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23rd February 2005, 04:23 PM	#31
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	Quote: Originally posted by RussDill eh? Sorry. I was trying to be funny. Forget the "D'oh!".

23rd February 2005, 04:28 PM	#32
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	Quote: Originally posted by Nyarlathotep I think you hit it right on the money. I think the REAL question isn't "why are Americans so uptight?" it's "Why are the uptight Americans able to get their uptightness enshrined in public policy?" I could agree. So, why is it that a supposed minority in the US not only get to make the laws but get to make their screwed up world the general opinion of how Americans are like to the rest of the world?

23rd February 2005, 04:31 PM	#33
RussDill Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,326	Quote: Originally posted by DanishDynamite So, why is it that a supposed minority in the US not only get to make the laws but get to make their screwed up world the general opinion of how Americans are like to the rest of the world? As far as indecency laws go, its because try to be a very sensitive and understanding people. Is there something so horribly wrong about banning topless women from public TV? Its not like there is a ban of topless women or anything.
	__________________ The woods are lovely, dark and deep but i have promises to keep and lines to code before I sleep And lines to code before I sleep

23rd February 2005, 04:35 PM	#34
DanishDynamite Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: In the cold Posts: 10,802	Quote: Originally posted by RussDill As far as indecency laws go, its because try to be a very sensitive and understanding people. Is there something so horribly wrong about banning topless women from public TV? Its not like there is a ban of topless women or anything. Sorry, I don't understand your response. Could you clarify?

23rd February 2005, 04:39 PM	#35
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,707	Well and it's the whole the US is darn BIG. Some places, let's say VEgas, pretty open minded. Other places, the Bible belt, not so... When I am in Europe it is not ALL the same. Some areas, let's say the Vatican, not going with the nudie pics on the street corner. Other places, who cares? In Canada I know my Asian relatives are VERY conservative. They totally disapprove of homosexual marriage and stuff like that. I find them way behind my friends and co workers from Vermont.
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