American Freedom Is Fake | JAY STEPHAN

[@JJoeisCooking]

I lived in Germany for almost 34 years and the only thing I didn't like about it was the weather. I moved back to the States when I retired last year. I am having a very hard time adjusting to it and will probably move somewhere else. The political situation here is very disturbing.

[@bk10200]

Especially in winter, dark, foggy, windy, rainy, and depressing. I think it is the same in most European countries, except, souther European countries. I lived in the NL and the weather was awful.

[@moirangthemvishalsingh]

try singapore

[@safe-keeper1042]

I can see that. Lived in Houston from 01 to 04 and while I do want to go back and visit some day, I won't do it for a while yet. The country seems to be in a really bad place right now, and it's breaking my heart.

[@DieFarbeLila88]

I feel the same. I live Germany and the only thing I want to do, is move to a warmer climate.

[@pookyac42]

I've read so many complaints about the German weather. Well, you got to get used to the German saunas, mates. Not as nice as Japanese Onsen, but once you become used to the typically nude *and* mixed saunas, you'll love it. Cooling down in the snow is a rare but great highlight. Free your.. uhm, yeah, also your minds! xD ;-)

[@karstenbursak8083]

"It's called the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it." (George Carlin)

[@peter_player]

Europe doesn't have such a dream! and do you know why? because we are awake! ( Al Murray )

[@karstenbursak8083]

@@peter_player the actual quote is: "The American dream? We don't have a dream in Britain because we're bloody awake!”

[@wolfie5]

@@karstenbursak8083 Al Murray :) but yeah I bet George Carlin said the original :)

[@kille-4B]

The American Dream 🤣🤣🤣🤣 yeah, you can only dream of it!

[@ilikeknives1000]

@@kille-4B why pursue the american dream and not your own ????

[@atomictsarina4378]

Actually, I have this feeling that Americans mistake freedom with a lack of personal responsibility. There is no freedom without responsibility.

[@chiuansheng]

If freedom is given to you by someone else. It can also be taken away by someone else. People often confuse freedom with the good life. You can run freely in the forest. It doesn't mean that someone will give you running water. Or that you have a doctor when you are sick. Or that the police protect you from being eaten by a bear.

[@BloodDracolich]

Trust me, as someone who lives in the American South with a lot of these jackasses; you don't know the half of it. And don't get me started on the ironic part of how easily they can be convinced to kill themselves off over a virus.

[@afqwa423]

@@chiuansheng You're making no sense to me. The first half reminds me what I see other Americans use to justify their fearmongering about "the government," while the latter half clearly recognizes the need for positive freedoms _granted to you by the labor of others._ These two positions run contrary against one another. The first position is actually the one that is used as a miserly justification for pretending that you're an Übermensch that can live in complete isolation in the forest. Americans always seem to first talk about whether you _deserve_ a good life, rather than talking about _how_ to give you a good life.

[@zuglymonster]

This is exactly it

[@kimburnham7317]

Yes, well said.

[@AH-cy4md]

American here. As we near retirement age, we’re seriously considering moving to Portugal, or somewhere in the warmer countries of Europe. Because of the guns, the religiosity, the political state🤪...the fucked up medical-insurance-pharmaceutical $$ industry Totally with ya dude👍

[@fumanchu4785]

Should have done that decades ago! .. But since even life expectancy is in decline in the US ..you maybe will live another nice life abroad where people live longer :)

[@j.h.7730]

Portugal is said to be lovely. Many Brits used to retire there....before brexit ;-)

[@dianeleitch7049]

Live in the Algarve Portugal. Lovely place to live. great climate, good food and friendly people.

[@jc7453]

Go for it!! We live in Malta, it's great. In the Mediterranean countries of Europe you will have a longer and healthier life than if you hung around gun-slinging health insurance cowboys!!!

[@moni1383]

We've done it years ago, decades before retirement. Felt like I wanted a change in my life. Never looked back.

[@skwervin1]

Many years ago my husband worked for a pharmaceutical research company that had labs and offices around the world. He was the IT guy for Australia and each week they would have a meeting with his counterparts from Germany, UK, Spain and three guys in the USA. Often he and the non US folks would be chatting about something happening in the world (an earthquake, bombing, political situation etc) and the US guys had no idea what they were talking about. So my hubby gave them the links to a few online news services such as the Australian ABC World News, BBC Worlds news and some online print newspapers. The next week they came back flabbergasted. They couldn't believe there was so much going on they had no idea about - a war for democracy in Timor, the war in Rwanda, a nuclear meltdown, a coup in some country and so on. When he went to leave the company years later, his head boss rang and thanked him personally for opening his eyes to the outside world. He had started his kids listening and reading these online news papers and radio programs to see how the rest of the world saw America and to give his kids a well rounded idea of reality. I visited the USA in 1999 and could not believe the lack of international news. It was all so US centric and so very fear driven. DO you KNOW what is in your cereal??? These Poisons in YOUR drinking water and so on. I bought a major paper, the LA times and the total international coverage was about half a page IN TOTAL!!! It was like there was a wall 100m high around the country and they had no want to know what was happening on the others side - they just didn't care. No wonder Americans have no clue what is going on

[@David_randomnumber]

Seems like the Star-Spangled Banner and the Iron Curtain were made out of the same material.

[@ravenclaw783]

Just remember, The USA is a country of 300+ million people. Not everyone is unaware of the world around them. There are many people in Europe who also have no clue.

[@shooster5884]

@@ravenclaw783 True. Unfortunately though it is the media and political face of the USA that foreigners only see unless they look further.. and from both they see the worst America mindsets only...

[@MrKevin1144]

@@David_randomnumber Damn

[@David_randomnumber]

@@MrKevin1144 ok maybe this was a little harsh. I don't think there is a difference in Europe too. Every country will tell you it's the best in the world and without either family or friends abroad or an unrestricted internet access you won't have chance to learn otherwise. That's it if you even want to know wich most of us won't bother anyway.

[@photobearcmh]

We were at a club in Berlin and I was speaking with a German lady who lived in Ohio for a while. She said she had to get back to Germany, I asked why and she replied "So I could be free." It really struck me and started a lot of introspection about what freedom really means. When I ask other Americans, it was astounding to me that so many think freedom begins and ends with your right to own a gun. It so much more than that. I think universal health care is a tremendous freedom because you are free from having your health care tied to your employer. Your also free from being driven into bankruptcy from medical bills cause you got sick. If more people in the US were better educated and better travelled they would understand and demand better from our government.

[@ElPablo390]

Very true. I live in Texas and the thing you mentioned about freedom meaning being able to own a gun is true. Also one of the worst states for workers rights. Healthcare is one of the worst in the US.

[@toni4729]

No need to ever have to want a gun. To be able to sleep without fear in a house alone anywhere in the country. You know, without fear of someone breaking in, without needing a gun. This is freedom, the freedom I've had all my life.

[@pierrechildress8875]

Interestingly, the creation of Social Security in the US (an anti-poverty program designed to pay a monthly stipend to retirees) was passed only after african-americans were specifically excluded. Many years later they were added, but the concensus was it never would've been made law if not for that exception. It's my firm belief that if the US was a homogeneous white nation, universal Healthcare would've been passed 80+ years ago along w Social Security. But by tying Healthcare to employment, it automatically excluded people who were traditionally absent fr the mainstream economy. A passive, yet effective, mode of discrimination that ironically affects any and all who suffer while living on the economic margin - regardless of race.

[@fredrickroll06]

@@toni4729 I think the most basic freedom is the freedom to decide NEVER to kill ANYONE!

[@toni4729]

@@fredrickroll06 How about freedom never to fear being killed. Especially if you're a kid, or a mother?

[@vascobatista2132]

Maybe it all boils down to education. Making good education affordable for the vast majority could turn out to be beneficial for a country. Just a thought…🤨

[@probrickgamer]

Not really, most of the people on his flight were likely wealthy and educated. You can be a dick whether educated or not. In fact the uneducated blue collar workers in the United States are more likely to be extremely pleasant.

[@PragerFenster]

@@probrickgamer Well, wealthy and educated are not really related in the US and may be even mutually exclusive. If you feel entitled enough to have everything, anyway, why bother about much education?

[@PragerFenster]

Absolutely agree. I think one point is also little appreciation of knowledge and at the same time huge over-emphasis on how much money you have. The mere phrase "He/she is worth 3 billion" or whatever sends chills down my spine.

[@karenweger5284]

I don't think so. It's the media lying to you and making you think that your country is the best. And it's believed. Also a lack of empathy for others

[@vascobatista2132]

@@karenweger5284 no, I don’t think my country is the best. And I don’t think that all media is lying either.

[@harrynac6017]

The first time an American friend of mine went to a shop abroad, he pointed and said "cigarettes" to the lady at the counter. The lady said "por favor" and kept waiting. It took him a while to figure out what she meant and why he didn't get anything, but he said it was a valuable lesson. When you go to an other country, at least learn to say "please" and "thank you" in their language.

[@jsmacks11]

There can be some rude customers here. Alot though just depends on the person. Back when I worked Customer Service, I had some nice polite customers but I had some extremely rude, and agitated ones as well. Some times I dont think people are always aware of their rudeness but some just don't care.

[@andrewparton5404]

Good manners cost nothing but can go a long way !

[@linzierogers5024]

@@andrewparton5404 What many people forget is a primary duty of a parent is to civilize their offspring.

[@eattherich9215]

@@linzierogers5024: yes, but you can't teach what you never learnt. Some people come from generations of RUDENESS.

[@captainfighter7666]

Bro Its not our fault that former colonies didnt adapt papa Britains language.

[@DarylBark]

38 years ago I decided to stay in Germany to work and raise a family.There are so many things I like better, the main one being Universal Health Care. I do miss a few special people but there are a whole lot of folks and attitudes that I'm glad to be free of. So much of what you said also rings true for me and I loved some of the comments below. One little side note; I've been very critical of my Country since my teens and I feel that it is not only my right but also my patriotic duty. When people online tell me, "well if you don't like 'Murica then move somewhere else", I just tell them that I already have, that I'm very happy where I am and that not having to worry about Medical bills is absolutely fantastic.

[@rickarmstrong9660]

I'm envious. I would move to somewhere in Europe in a heartbeat if I were financially able. For years now I have become discouraged about what a bad place this country has become. And it just gets worse and worse. The arrogance and the diminished intellectual capacity of so many Americans is appalling to me. The vast majority of them have been brainwashed to believe that this is the greatest, the free-est country in the world, and I don't think there's any hope of unbrainwashing the brainwashed. I think that America is on the verge of crashing hard, and unfortunately it's going to affect the entire global economy.

[@DarylBark]

@@rickarmstrong9660 I too worry for America's future but the whole world keeps giving me reasons to feel uneasy. But as they say, "hope springs eternal" and I'm not about to throw in the towel just yet. I still love my Country very much, so many kind and compassionate folks and so much natural beauty. I hope to come back for a visit someday but the way things are going it might be a while. Peace

[@louisealsing3155]

I’m from the midwest USA, and I FULLY agree with you. Looking at those around me makes me truly embarrassed for the United States. I try to be an example of a better world citizen, but I feel like it’s a losing battle.

[@timnewman1172]

I am a life-long midwesterner and all I see is one party actively stripping away rights from people they don't like or disagree with, be it personal autonony and "choice" to decide what to do with their bodies, attacks on sexual identity and preference, even the ability to travel out of state to get a medical procedure... America is far from "free" and the only thing we are "exceptional" at is mediocrity, rudeness, and ignorance!

[@deborahhattel351]

Same Louise, same :( I am heartbroken. I'm 52 and I feel alot of embarssment. I too feel hopeless.

[@nathanjansen2695]

Keep it up brother. I know every little bit helps

[@iriscollins7583]

It's not a losing battle. Please keep trying. I can assure you its worth it. Every journey starts with one step.

[@johnchristmas7522]

You are not fighting your countrymen but BIG BUSINESS

[@coasterblocks3420]

As an Australian the one that I love is “you don’t have freedom because you can’t own a gun”. Actually, Australians can own a gun, we just don’t allow any lunatic to have one and we reserve military weapons for the military only.

[@dutchman7623]

We try to enjoy our freedom of guns in the Netherlands, the only ones who shoot are gang members and good for us they only shoot other gang members. Chance of getting wounded or shot as a normal citizen, are practically zero.

[@coasterblocks3420]

@@dutchman7623 it’s usually the same here funnily enough. Kind of like the trash taking itself out.

[@Kirchnerize]

I would have loved your answer two years ago. Your government going Assad on you people during Covid WAS a gamechanger, though.

[@nixon699756]

That's undemocratic: making a ruling class and a serf class that cannot own guns because the laws are made to suppress these disenfranchised class of people. More hypocritical puppet cherry picked electorates. Only Jesus kingdom will be truly equitable. And all these jerks who like to gaslight people for generations.

[@chiuansheng]

If freedom is given to you by someone else. It can also be taken away by someone else. People often confuse freedom with the good life. You can run freely in the forest. It doesn't mean that someone will give you running water. Or that you have a doctor when you are sick. Or that the police protect you from being eaten by a bear.

[@gunlindblad6816]

I lived in CA for a while. Had a really good job and friends. But when I was ready to start a family I desided to go back to Sweden because of the lack of freedom. I could not think about letting my children bevome americans. Also as a child having to have someone wathing you when you are just outside playing…. It is not freedom to be afraid just being outside. Not being able to bike or walk to school as a child.

[@baer0083]

Good point. If your kids cant play outside without supervision outside, where is freedom? Feels more like being held hostage inside hostage.

[@TexTRUTH]

Don't blame you. California is a progressive hell hole. The Democrats who run it have ruined that beautiful state.

[@lohikarhu734]

How about the "freedom" to attend university only if your parents have a LOT of money... or the freedom to be bankrupted by medical bills?

[@polliebain7450]

And freedom to take just SIX weeks UNPAID leave after giving birth

[@rodolfodoce]

not having functioning public transport and being car dependent is a clear sign of quality of life(not), you see automobiles grant freedom. usa baby

[@andrewgreenwood9068]

you have to think about it differently. in America private healthcare has the freedom to bankrupt you with medical bills.

[@gregp9350]

Yes these are the 'true' American 'freedom's of this age we live in. Lohi Karhu, you have it down to reality.

[@icecold9511]

And the solution is what? Confiscate from someone to give to another? Maybe we should do that to you? There is no free anything. When you Confiscate resources, that is a piece of someone's life they can never get back. I strongly suggest listening to Mark Levin. You might just realize how evil it is to simply seize what wasn't yours. What you want isn't freedom. It is having someone wipe your bum for you.

[@crimson8960]

American here. I completely agree. There are plenty of good Americans who are not arrogant and realize any freedom we do have is dwindling day by day. I don't know if I will be able to stand living here for much longer. We are not a democracy, The current political environment has gone crazy. I am thinking about looking into Germany. I have never been overseas, so the idea of just getting up and going without knowing what I am going to is a bit unnerving. The turbulence in America is just too much.

[@sandorkonya8005]

Germany is NOT Paradise( Especially the Wether!!) You will find things you may really don't like....but what Freedom you have in Germany is not available in the US...To many uneducated and und Civilised People with their " Me,Me, Me Attitude" have ruined this country. Freedom has Roles which are outspoken....free means NOT its Your Way or nothing else....Living in USa 30 Years....

[@TEWMUCH]

Agrees.

[@fifigurl2011]

As an American, I just want to say I AM SOOO GLAD SOMEBODY FINALLY SAID THIS! (Jay, I am loving you so much right now!)

[@TheLiamMurphy]

As a European, I find it insulting when Americans tell me about "American Freedom" by defining me as "less free". Dude wake up and look around ....

[@romystumpy1197]

Yes how very true

[@sallieb6435]

They are nuts! Without ever living in Australia we are being called out for having people detained for 2 weeks with covid ...DER!!!! We are a fabulously free country that enjoys life without fear. No guns -also does not mean our rights are being abused.

[@chiuansheng]

@@sallieb6435 People like you often confuse freedom with the good life. You can run freely in the forest. It doesn't mean that someone will give you running water. Or that you have a doctor when you are sick. Or that the police protect you from being eaten by a bear.

[@kille-4B]

@@chiuansheng You are wrong, I have also seen this exact comment from you in other comments! Who gives you water, apart from nature, it’s your community that gives you water - hopefully a community that you are a part of! If you want to live in the forest, there are streams, lakes and rivers!

[@warriorclass1040]

🤣🤣🤣

[@beverlyweber4122]

#nailedit #truth When you live OUTSIDE the US bubble, you see things with a new lens. It's true that 'freedom' isn't what Americans think it is.

[@ccat342]

Exactly, it's their perception of freedom because they don't know a different brand.

[@trevordoolan5011]

Freedom Isn't Free... .

[@chiuansheng]

People like you often confuse freedom with the good life. You can run freely in the forest. It doesn't mean that someone will give you running water. Or that you have a doctor when you are sick. Or that the police protect you from being eaten by a bear.

[@oldgus01]

American ideas of freedom tend to be too individualistic, and see laissez-faire capitalism as a natural state of the world rather than something for society to prevent for the good of all. Your average loud American going off about their freedoms gets as far as "I'm free to ___." Maybe you've got some folk in the middle who consider "My freedom to ___ ends when it affects other people's freedoms." In some cases they also go as far as "my freedom to ___ requires protecting someone else's freedom to ___", but it's super obvious when they don't (especially regarding who can vote.) But almost never do you get as far as "our freedoms are strongest when we work together to protect, support, and ensure them," or "as society advances, our ideas of rights and responsibilities must advance too, because one fundamental right for all should be the freedom not to lie cast out and forgotten from the benefits of the society you live in, that opportunity and freedom are only ensured with the needs for life and engagement with society, and all of that requires fighting against those who say 'they don't deserve that' or 'they aren't ___, they don't have rights' or 'they're just useless eaters, a drain on society.'" Thinking of reasons this person is not worthy of running water, or that person doesn't deserve a doctor or a full belly is how we as a country went from "a minimum wage means enough money to support a family on one salary" to "those aren't real jobs, and people aren't meant to survive off just that, grind or die bitch."

[@sandraschmied6459]

And what is it? I am an American who has traveled internationally. Not sure what the American bubble is.

[@davidrayner9832]

Australian here. A lot of Americans think we envy them being able to carry guns and own almost any kind of gun. I and most people I know actually pity them for feeling the need to carry a gun and/or have one under their pillow for fear (real or imagined) of being attacked and/or shot. I'm 61 and not for a fleeting second has the thought of being shot crossed my mind.

[@annabackman3028]

🇸🇪 Sweden here. I agree 100%

[@bothorvardarson2199]

🇩🇰 Denmark here. Totally agree

[@Retzmag]

🇳🇴 Norwegian here, I just wanted to keep the Scandinavian agree train rolling

[@heatherhansen3664]

As an American I understand exactly what you're saying. We have an obsessive love affair with guns. It's sad. We think we're the most armed nation but Australia has MORE guns per capita than the US but no mass gun deaths. Why? Policy and common sense. I envy your country's ability to put people's lives above financial gain. ❤

[@wasabiao6380]

Thinking they going to be shot or harmed; is an imaginary Buggy Man. To give them excuses to treat people they decided not to like cause of there ism. Chicken Little the sky is falling. Someone wants a drink of water. No, where my gun. I dont like they way you look. Someone wants to work for a living, no , you can not have that job. Where my gun.

[@sfuterfas]

My best friend is German and lives in Berlin. We met in our 20s when she was living in Los Angeles, in the early aughts. I've traveled many times to Germany over the years to see her. I absolutely love Germany, especially Berlin. She was just here with her family for the first time in over 15 years. She could not get over how shitty and expensive it was and how horrible the homeless crisis was. She was shocked. I would move to Germany (or many other places outside the US) in a heartbeat if I could. The US sucks. We peaked in the 90s and it's been downhill since then. Most Americans don't realize it, though, because they've been shoving that U!S!A! we're #1 bullshit down our throats since we were babies. When I was in Italy I got mistaken for an Italian. That was the best compliment ever. I hate seeing Americans when I'm abroad. I try to pretend I'm not American when I'm abroad.

[@Fabian-Wenzel]

I have the impression that there is much more freedom in Germany than in the USA. Because for me, freedom also means protection from negative effects. According to the Basic Law, Germany is a social federal state, and I am really proud of the twelve social code books in Germany. My country is trying to help people in bad circumstances. Likewise, workers have far more rights than in the US. This starts with the fact that no vacation days are deducted if you cannot appear at your job due to illness. Firstly, German employers send workers home because they feel a responsibility towards the people who work for them and because that way you don't infect your colleagues. My boss often sent me home when I came to work sick.

[@gerdahessel2268]

In Germany there are more and more people who say "freedom" and mean: egoism. I don't like where this goes 😞

[@brigittelacour5055]

Same in France

[@lollorosso4675]

So many people are insisting on their freedom to endanger others these days - claiming to defend democracy against the evil government. It is a travesty.

[@gerdahessel2268]

@@lollorosso4675 I sometimes have the feeling they don't want democracy at all. They want a leader, who shares their opinion and everybody else has to be quiet. We Germans know a lot about that!

[@horscanigunger5098]

Hallo Gerda, antworten Sie doch das nächste Mal, dass Sie die Freiheit des Anderen schätzen. Früher endete der Satz mit... des Andersdenkenden. Querdenken konnt ich schon immer. Im Sinne von über den Tellerrand schauen. Querlesen lernt man im Studium, so weit ging es dann leider doch nicht. Bis zum Studium. Leider wurde aus Quer, nur Queer, wegen LGBT, oder Gendern, der Anglizismen halt, oder eben Querdenken, also Schwurblern. Schade! Alle fünf Jahre spüre ich neues Denken in der jeweiligen Generation, ich hoffe wirklich, dass wir bald zum Münchner Leben und leben lassen zurückfinden. Oder eben bayrischen Leben und Leben lassen. Es wäre schade, wenn die 2021 zugezogenen 100.000 Menschen! hier, des ned amoi lerna dadn. Hochdeutsch? Dies nicht einmal lernen würden. Freiheit? Nicht immer nur die des anderen, sondern der Mut, das Recht, und die Haltung, eine Meinung zu haben, die man evtl. auch argumentativ vertreten kann. Davon leben Demokratie, Diskussion, und auch Freiheit, zumindest einem Teil meiner Erziehung nach. Schönen Tag noch.

[@arnodobler1096]

@@gerdahessel2268 so true living in a dictatorship is easy, to live in a democracy is to learn every day

[@bobpackard9527]

Great to see and hear this. As a New Zealander, you couldn't PAY me to trade my NZ freedoms for those of America.

[@fumanchu4785]

Needless to say that most even partially educated people in the so called western world would not do this trade either. But it does not end there! There are a lot of videos here on YT from expats living the US or US citizen living now abroad telling about things in the US or comparing them with other countries and how they do it. And now you can more and more see people in the comments from countries, that are even considered 3rd world ..that are so shocked about the reality (in the US) ...that even these people don't would want to leave their countries for the US ..because even they have it even better in most topics. That is amazing. But it also tells you that the US is really going down the hill ...very fast!

[@louiseleite3866]

You had one of the most strict lockdowns and have a psycho as a leader 😂😂

[@Arltratlo]

been to NZ, having a look around and went home to Europe, nature is nice, but being surrounded by countries filled up with history... that is a complete different thing!

[@korenng5553]

US has changed drastically - ppl need to wake up as we won't be returning bk to innocent times.

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

German here. Agree.

[@wheresyouraloha]

I lived in Switzerland for 10 years. As a Hawaiian I definitely don’t feel that the USA offers freedom, I felt way freer in Switzerland than I do here at home especially as a native person whose lands have been stolen And who’s home is illegally occupied by the US military industrial complex. I agree with you there is no for real freedom in the US of a…(haoles American foreigners) have always treated us Hawaiians this way feel entitled as if our home is nothing more than a swimming pool and a golf course. I’m a former flight attendant don’t get me started about how Americans behave on airplanes, it’s pretty disgusting when you see some big 300 pound guy with his foot up on the bulkhead clipping his toenails… Yes a lot of the United States people really lack couth, etiquette, and are generally uncultured yokels.

[@DiskusGames]

From what I know, Hawaii as a US state seems to be uniquely bad to live in. You guys have the highest cost of living in the entire country, yet you have pretty limited job opportunities, and a lot of the higher paying jobs are filled by people from mainland US. Of course the tourism, along with some of it’s own problems, is driving the cost up even more. Especially since a lot of land is bought up by foreign companies to build vacation homes and other tourist stuff there. Also the military holds quite a bit of the islands, don’t they? Like almost a fifth of Oahu or something like that? They’re also testing weapons on land considered sacred by the natives. And natives are also hit the hardest by the Gentrification, making up the largest portion of homeless people and of course just being a unique people without he right to self-govern. At least those are all things I found out through some research. So maybe I’m wrong on this. Feel free to correct me. It’s a shame what tourism has done to Hawaii and it’s inhabitants. I’d actually love to visit the islands some day, but I’d feel rather bad to be a part of the problem.

[@adrena7321]

I empathize. Short story: when I first visited Hawaii (from North Eastern Europe, been to the US before), we went to this viewpoint, and this older, posh looking lady asked where I'm from, and then proudly said, "well, welcome to the United States of America" with a cheeky proud smile ... which made me feel quite uncomfortable knowing a little bit of history of Hawaiian islands. It felt so imperialistic of her. To my surprise, there was so little Hawaiian culture left... So little grown and produced there. It made me sad, TBH. We were visiting Kauai, where I thought I'd see more of the native traditions. I just have a wish to say, please, keep your culture alive... We really appreciate your uniqueness.

[@puidemare2337]

@@DiskusGames Speaking as a Hawaiian, you are very pololei(correct) in what you know about that aspect of Hawai'i. In regards to visiting the islands, visiting it is not the problem. It's how one conducts themselves that is the greater problem. A visit can have positive impact. For example, support local businesses, visit cultural places and learn something about the island's history/culture, give something back. Most of all, come with humility and respect and you'll have a very fulfilling and wonderful experience. Because, truly, the people here, like any where, respond to kindness, humility and respect.

[@Whistlewalk]

The concepts of simple politeness, including the appropriate use of the words "please" and "thank you", seems to be lost on many of the people who live in North America. I'm Canadian and it is appalling how the simple use of the simple concepts of appreciation are no longer used in our society. Could the lack of this simple acknowledgement be the cause of so much social anger?

[@julesmasseffectmusic]

Symptom of U.S. citizens desire to enforce they will over others being denied such is oppression.

[@myself2noone]

Wow Ron Swanson, and Peter Griffin is right about Canada it seems. That sounds like it sucks. As I live in America and people are perfectly polite most of the time.

[@JorgePetraglia2009]

Linda : and to think that they make fun of us Canadians because we say "sorry,please and thank you" way too often.

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

So that's why America stereotypes people in Canada as super polite: Americans are just super rude themselves.

[@brettdaugherty3046]

I agree with you 100%. I’ve traveled to India a couple of times and was humbled by their hospitality. One thing I also noticed was that despite most living in poverty they were a lot happier than most Americans I know. That’s why I believe traveling is important. It really opens your eyes and heart. Thank you dear sir for your open and loving perspective. Love and light to you!

[@johnchristmas7522]

Thats why they keep you poor-they don't want American eyes opened!

[@lindyralph8792]

Thanks for this. I'm Australian and we tend to look at the US with raised eyebrows, like, 'WTF?' Our government is far from perfect, but compared to the US it kinda feels like utopia here, especially when you consider that we have universal healthcare and strict gun laws. I"m also always so annoyed when I hear people demanding things and not saying please, even when I see KZbinrs ordering a coffee in their vlog, it's always 'can I get a...' or 'gimme a...'

[@jacksmith-vs4ct]

Seems like Australia is starting to follow our lead unfortunately, hope you guys can turn it around.

[@skwervin1]

As my mother would say - "No you cannot have X but you MAY have it"

[@JesuisIamEstoyyoSonoIoIchbin]

I love your comment, I am a French Canadian, I live freely, like you do in Australia, we live the american dream while they are living their nightmare. I live 40km from the border and I stoped visiting since Bush went in office, I went once under Obama and avoid even looking south while Trump was ruining the rest of what was left of their credibility and reputation.

[@tamjansan1154]

@@jacksmith-vs4ct Durring Covid restriction Australia proved to be bigger jail state than US.

[@ariels8322]

@@JesuisIamEstoyyoSonoIoIchbin things were BETTER with Trump, the mainstream media spread disinformation & propaganda.

[@peterhomann2140]

As a German living in the US for some 30+ years by now I realize that 1. In my mind and memory I seem to exacerbate the good things about Germany, almost creating an illusion of Germany in my mind that is not real. 2. And trying to consciously counter #1: Germans can be obnoxious too and in my many travels literally around the world I was ashamed witness to some of that. Having said this: What I do see as true however is an American arrogance of thinking that America is #1 in about anything without knowing much about how it is done anywhere else. As a Health Care Professional I always hear about the freedom of choice within the "best health care system in the world" after a 2 hour discussion about how to save money with/for the patient juggling networks, copays, surgeons, hospital privileges... Same could be said about Education, (Gun) Violence, Police, Electoral System... Many Americans seem to have an opinion on everything but no clue about anything.

[@harrydehnhardt5092]

Sure, Germans can be obnoxious too, just like Brits, French or Dutch, and there's a fair share of idiots in every country, but I've never read a comment on YT where someone brags about their home country like Americans do. And at the same time, the US is giving an image right now that is really nothing to be proud of anymore. This kind of blind patriotism seems to be an American privilege.

[@karinsorensen5604]

Wow, I'm really surprised and and the same time glad that an American is speaking it out loud. There are obnoxious people all around the world. I can say this since I have been travelling a lot and living in other countries too. But you're definitely richtig about some Americans thinking that they are the top of everything. Thanks for making this video!

[@peterhomann2140]

@@harrydehnhardt5092 I certainly agree 100%

[@t.a.yeah.]

This way of thinking is the most dangerous...

[@peterhomann2140]

@@t.a.yeah. I certainly agree with you. Another effect of such thinking is a reluctance if not inability to learn from other countries or nations. We had this phenomenon in China during the Ming dynasty. At the time China was leading the world in just about ever aspect and the Ming rulers decided there is nothing to gain from trade or exchange with the outside world. They burned oceangoing junks (state of the art vessels at the time) and closed the country off. This was a start of a steady decline in every aspect of society which eventually lead to China splitting into different enclaves, ruled by local warlords who then came under the influence of European imperial powers like England, Portugal and Germany and even the US. I see similar developments here.

[@toecutter3100]

RESPECT! This video will probably not make you friend with the "in the row in front" americans. But you described exactly how i see many americans as german. I once was a huge "fan" of the US, drove a completely idiotic US car (V8 Jeep with giant tires) in West-Berlin before the german reunion. I travelled the american southwest in proper style on a Harley. The decoration of my apartment was "US-style". But as years went by, more and more disturbing questions "popped" up in my head. What kind of freedom is it to teach other countries the american way of life with bombs and guns? Many americans see their country high above the rest of the world but know absolute nothing about this rest. When i hear americans constantly calling german SOCIAL state socialism and communism, the dimension of stupidity is unbelievable. I'm happy there are americans taking a closer look at germany/europe. They see the good AND the bad things in germany but more important they have a different perspective look on their homecountry. Being aware of things going wrong does NOT mean you don't love your country. More americans of your kind, Jay, would make me hang my US posters again 😉

[@jamesmcadory1322]

Yeah as an American I wish more people here could see the problems with our country and actually implement changes to fix them, but many Americans are in denial of the current state of the US and believe it’s the greatest and most free country ever. We’ve been in decline for a while and I don’t think things will be getting better anytime soon. Also, ich will Deutscher werden. Kein Land ist perfekt, aber liebe ich Deutschland und ganz Europa. Ich möchte einfach frei, glücklich, und gesund sein. Leider, das ist unmöglich in den USA😔

[@hagenmassar4555]

@@jamesmcadory1322 You will be welcome in germany / europe.

[@jamesmcadory1322]

@@hagenmassar4555 Thanks for the encouraging comment! I really hope so! I’ve visited Europe a few times and I miss all the places I’ve been so much when back in the US

[@teotik8071]

@@jamesmcadory1322 America has some outstanding landscapes and very kind and welcoming people. I just wanted to add. Hope you can pursue your goal to move to good ol' Europe. 🤞

[@toecutter3100]

@@jamesmcadory1322 Cool! One more open minded US citizen, i welcome you in germany. Maybe we can send one of our german a**holes to the states in exchange? 🤣

[@banhit75]

I'm from the U.S. but spent almost half my life overseas. I used to tell people I was Canadian, while my North American accent held. Now I'm back in the U.S., and regret not getting citizenship in the country I spent most of my youth in. I feel like I live in the Twilight Zone: some people around me have actually said "You don't live in the real world" because I don't have standard U.S. thought processes about how things are done here. Of course, those people have never left the country.

[@johnchristmas7522]

iTS THEM NOT IN THE REAL WORLD. THEY ARE THE ONES ,TOTALLY BRAINWASHED- BELIEVE WHATEVER THEY ARE TOLD.

[@moni1383]

When I lived in the States I always marveled that the minute you step into a European plane (I traveled a lot to Europe), the news you're getting is completely different, it's like US is a different planet.

[@hikareti9503]

The US is not nearly as free as it thinks, it comes near the bottom of the developed world in freedom of the press, economic freedom and a lot of other areas.

[@MOI-qq8zc]

Healthcare

[@icecold9511]

Freedom of the press? Our press publish whatever they want. Even are able to manipulate facts. What do you see as a challenge to free press? What is economic freedom? Aside from taxes, I have complete economic freedom. I'm able to spend as I wish, invest as I wish. We're I to have the same freedom many of my family wishes, much of my life wouldn't happen. I wouldn't own a home or anything. What people call economic freedom is the ability to reach into someone else's pocket.

[@ville9738]

@@icecold9511 mate, you might want to do a bit research what those terms mean before sounding like a total idiot... economic freedom doesn't have anything to do with someone going for your money. It basically tells how easy it's to move between economic classes or how easy It is to start a business...

[@KrasMazovHatesYourGuts]

@@icecold9511 Freedom of the Press doesn't just mean content, it also means control. Despite what you might think, the vast majority of America's publishing is controlled by a very small handful of corporations, all of whom have direct control over what can and cannot be published in their outlets.

[@hellionstaley5875]

@@icecold9511 rolf. waking you up. american media are a joke. they are shamefully politicized. manipulating information and misinformation are abuse of freedom of speech not freedom of press. independent media that exposes the government like the young turks depend on youtube, fb, and apps. corporate media do whatever they can to keep them out of cable and satellite networks. american media has one purpose: brainwash. o right wingers with conspiracy theorists and lies and moderate-right to hide info from the outside world and lies too. CNN has the tools to show americans how European countries take care of its citizens. but they doesn't. they show you the negative only. american are the only people who whine about taxes. why? they aren't used on you or take care of you like the other democracies. US gov uses it for corporate welfare and military. but not the people. people in US die because they can't afford the ridiculous healthcare costs. you sound like an upper class lad. but I guess you live exploiting yourself in the work. workers in US barely have rights. people are exploited. and how many people are homeless, how many live in their cars. yeah people working but living in their cars because they can''t rent and much less buy. americans always thinking about themselves only.

[@clivejones5880]

I'm a Brit who has lived in America for the last 20 years, I love living here and most of the people are nice but what kills me in the health system in the US. US citizens are constantly told they have the greatest health care system in the world and yet the US is ranked number 37 on the World Health Organization charts. When I recently told someone this in a conversation, their response was "who cares what the rest of the world thinks", he clearly had no understanding of what i was trying to convey. I won't get into the cost of medical care here as that is a subject that causes more bankruptcies than any other factor. Most Americans have absolutely no idea what goes on outside their boarders.

[@ravenclaw783]

If you've been in the USA for the last 20 years, then you would know that most Americans would like to have a universal healthcare system that provides affordable quality healthcare. The problem isn't the American people, its the fact that we have powerful lobbyists from the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries enticing politicians with massive campaign donations to keep the system as is. If you know how America works, you would know the the only thing that matters here is money and those who have it.

[@garryferrington811]

I've known a number of Brits (we used to play real darts) who worked here in LA and retired to the UK or elsewhere.

[@mlem6951]

I sometimes wonder, if i would still alive when i would live in America. How do people with chronic and/or mental illnesses manage to survive? I even had a few years where i couldn't work, because of my pain problem and the anxiety and depression which came from this. Whitout the german healthsystem and Social-system i would be dead today, because i could litlerly not leave my bed. But also have no real Family.

[@ravenclaw783]

@Thomas That's not even remotely accurate. Most Americans do not believe that universal healthcare = communism. I'm not sure where you are getting your information but if its the news, that's the problem.

[@clivejones5880]

@sarahtf97 That's quite a statement. Do you know why America doesn't have affordable health care? It's because the insurance companies didn't want people of color in the same hospitals as white people, yes, you don't have affordable health care because of race. Don't believe me?... look it up, it's all documented including the names of those involved at the turn of the last century.

[@FluffySylveonBoi]

I am always like: "How can the USA say they are the greatest country in the world, when most people there don't even know how the world works?"

[@uradragon]

40 million live in poverty. Children go to bed hungry. Millions need medical and dental care but can't afford it. On and on the list goes, but we have white politicians who can commit voter fraud and skate. Or vote for more money to the Pentagon while owning stocks in Lockheed Martin. It is not Freedom that's America, it is Corruption. The stench, the stench.

[@nagranoth_]

Answered your own question there...

[@haraldschuster3067]

Dunning Kruger is the answer - right there at the left side of the diagram. Maximum confidence powered by maximum ignorance.

[@GhostSal]

We aren’t. When you mentioned greatest country, it made me think of the old Newsroom clip with Jeff Daniels. According to the 2021 Human Freedom Index, the US isn’t even in the top 10. Switzerland - 9.11 New Zealand - 9.01 Denmark - 8.98 Estonia - 8.91 Ireland - 8.90 Finland - 8.85 Canada - 8.85 Australia - 8.84 Sweden - 8.83 Luxembourg - 8.80 (The US was 15th according to this and according to another was 19th). In literacy we are ranked 52nd in the world. Math we are 25th. Science we do well in some ways and are ranked number 1 but ironically we came in 3rd in a world science competition despite our number 1 ranking. Life expectancy we are 46th. Infant mortality we are 52nd. Household income we are 5th. Labor Force we are 3rd. Exports we are number 2. Incarceration rates we are number 1 Angels??? Not sure where we are ranked but according to a poll from the Associated Press 8 out of 10 people believe in Angles in the US. Defense spending we are still number 1 (and out spend at least the next 10 combined). Bonus: Press Freedom Index we are 42nd. Happiness we are 19th. Paid vacation days, the US isn’t even in the top 30. Number 1 is Austria and Number 30 is Japan. Overall healthcare raking is 18th. Víolent críme ràtes we are ranked 94th (safest)

[@johnchristmas7522]

Its like when they say about American Football. "World Series" ha ha ha ha.

[@ddpvk6746]

I am also from Southern California and moved to Berlin 6 years ago, and I relate to this video so much. Once in awhile I come across American tourists who are just SO obnoxious and entitled and ignorant and I just feel so much shame in those moments for my nationality....People like this are just SO blatantly American, in the worst possible ways, and really make it hard for the rest of us living abroad to be taken seriously and/or respected...it makes me feel embarrassed whenever I have to show my passport somewhere for any reason in public (that blue passport dude, I can FEEL the judgement the moment I take it out). I know there are lots of forward thinking and intelligent americans out there, and that not all of us are so self-obsessed and blindly patriotic, but the ones who are stand out so much in a crowd here because they're just so demanding and loud!

[@catharinaforbes-boeren82]

I bounced into this post and now you have another subscriber! I’m from the Netherlands and married with a Californian man. We lived there together for 12 years. Last year we moved back to my home country and we can’t tell you how happy we are to escaped the craziness in the USA. Keep posting and thank you for your honesty.

[@alexandercoll4863]

That’s interesting because California is considered the most liberal of all the states

[@Miles-sy9cf]

Great video! So refreshing to see an American see the way most Europeans see most Americans. America is far from being the land of the free. Pretty much every European country is far “freer”.

[@gregp9350]

Sad to say this is true.

[@feschannette4227]

Hi Jay, I can relate to your feeling Americans are so unaware or ignorant of the rest of the world. When I was in school, we had an English teacher that went to the USA for a year to learn more about the language, the culture etc. He came back and we were allowed to ask him questions about that time there. And he told us, when we asked what the American students wanted to know about Germany, they asked, how long it took him to come to the USA by car......... Nothing more to say

[@darkiee69]

A very, very, long time with an Amphicar as it only does 11km/h in water. 😉😁

[@gregp9350]

@@darkiee69 ha ha!

[@chuckkottke]

Isn't there a car ferry service from Bremen to New York? 😉 🚢

[@andregayle]

Literally the conversation I was having today at home. The sense of entitlement, the condescension, the petulance. They're ALL about "rights" and nothing about Responsibility.

[@adrena7321]

I tried selling some stuff on eBay in the US... The buyer didn't respond to my messages, got the wrong item for them, and then demanded money back. Indeed, I was shocked, no communication and no responsibility. Just horrible experience, I pity all entrepreneurs and waitresses there. Even though the American customer service is generally amazing, I now see the price of it. Dehumanization of workers.

[@CatherinePearl100]

Not all of us. But I am pretty embarrassed about the vast numbers of people from here who are like that.

[@renaissanceman21c]

I’m an American, and I can tell what you describe is due to the poor quality of education that exists in the public schools and the miseducation that exists in the universities for those unfortunate enough to attend them.

[@kay9din]

Freedom is being able to get sick and not being fired or getting into debt for it, it's being able to have time to enjoy family and friends or being able to walk down the street at any time of the day or night and not always have to look over your shoulder... And especially not to fear those who swore to defend us...

[@JesuisIamEstoyyoSonoIoIchbin]

I used to travel a lot in the USA when I was younger. As a French Canadian, I could experienced how rude and condescendant but above all ignorant. Since Bush got elected, I decided not to go there anymore. Saddly, USA became (US), American first at its best. I am glad to be canadian and to relate more Europe and their values. In the USA the only value is money, and fear of the others who they might be lol! I felt like a ventriloquist listening to you, I got the same views!

[@rickberglund2134]

Interesting, that you mention Americans bring rude. The treatment of Americans in Quebec is appalling, specifically if we don’t speak your version of French.

[@JesuisIamEstoyyoSonoIoIchbin]

@@rickberglund2134 lol! Please, we only répond to their arrogance, they act as if all belongs to them. I am sure your lover is fluent in English and you only cope with the basics in the language, this is part of what the rest of the world ( as Americans say) dislike. Es ist ganz ineterressant zu mit dich sprechen!

[@thatcarguy1UZ]

I am an American and I am actively trying to get my Italian citizenship (for my children because they will be entitled to it through me) so they can live a better life in Europe and I can hopefully join them when I retire. I am so disgusted with this country. We are a 3rd world nation and we just don’t know it yet.

[@uthrasriram9386]

Excuse me. I take exception to the US being called a 3rd world nation, as we've been already tagged as one. You keep the US where it belongs. In a stupid bubble, like a frog in a well. We don't have police shooting at dark skinned people/ homeless vets/ student debts/ ignorant high school graduates/ anti-women & anti-poor policies/ medical bankruptcies/ school shootings/ the latest - porch pirates. These are uniquely American achievements!

[@Sabrina-rp8zq]

as an Italian I really hope you and your family will have a beautiful life here. we have a lot of problems too tho

[@thatcarguy1UZ]

@@Sabrina-rp8zq thank you, I appreciate the kind sentiment! I am also struggling to teach myself to speak Italian, but unfortunately since I don’t have anyone to talk to in Italian, I feel limited in what I can do while using Duolingo and Babbel. Of course working 60-70 hours a week means I only have limited time to study and when I do, I am exhausted and struggling to learn. Unfortunately when I went to high school, a foreign language was not required and young, stupid me decided not to take Spanish or French (the two languages offered in my high school). I know they aren’t Italian but I am of the understanding than knowing either of them would help me learn it. Also, I have no doubt that Italy has problems too. But those problems are probably easier to deal with while eating real, whole foods without all the horrible chemicals and pesticides that the United States allows, and while living in walkable neighborhoods that are not so car dependent, and while not worrying about bankruptcy from getting sick, and while not being crushed under a mountain of student debt, and while riding a functional public transportation system so you don’t have to drive everywhere (I love driving but it’s healthier to not always park your ass behind a steering wheel for basic daily transportation, not to mention cheaper), and when you don’t have to worry about living in poverty when you retire, and getting a good work/life balance and 6 weeks of paid vacation a year. Also being a citizen of an EU member nation, we could live and work in any other EU nation as well. I know Italy isn’t perfect, and it’s in my nature to research politics and work and vote to make things improve in any way I can. But Italy’s problems are far less than American problems, and with the massive undercurrent of imbecilles that vote for and support far right wing ideology, and who think Trump is a genius and who wholeheartedly support him, I don’t see things improving here anytime soon. I believe my kids will have a much better life in Europe as compared to the ruins of America.

[@Sabrina-rp8zq]

@@thatcarguy1UZ yeah I mean your kids con play outside or going to (free) school without being worried of being shoot

[@runascarlet2623]

Wish you nothing but the best in Italy. I am also an American but I have decided that I’m going to move to Canada. Can’t believe how backwards the US is heading; as a woman I am legitimately scared to live here (I live in the Bible Belt). There’s no such thing as Freedom/ or democracy in America and I have a feeling it’s only gonna get worse if I don’t get out.

[@gerdturidlohneolsen5057]

I live in Norway and I donnot concider the US as being democratic. Here in Norway, ALL CITIZENS can vote. They are automatically registered as voters. The US has political parties that are doing whatever they can to hinder persons from voting. The US considers itself as the most amazing nation in the world. I hear this all the time. Here in Norway we have a much better social system that takes much better care of its citizens. People are very ignorant of other cultures and everything outside of the US.

[@icecold9511]

Most people are ignorant of cultures outside their own or immediately neighboring cultures. No one can possibly understand everyone from everywhere. Even regarding the foreigners to the US. Take the term Yank. Short for Yankee. It is actually an offensive term to many us citizens. Like calling an Irishman English. We are better at shrugging off such ignorance though. I remember a Latin guy getting pisswd because a worker couldn't understand the name Jorge. "Dude, he's from Africa. They have no experience with Latin culture."

[@violacesario4389]

I'm an Aussie living in the US, and it absolutely blew my mind when I found out that there are ongoing efforts to limit the ability of some people to vote. I'd never heard of the concept until I moved here.

[@icecold9511]

@@violacesario4389 There are no limits like that. We even allow convicted felons to vote now. But people think showing an ID is demanding.....

[@violacesario4389]

​@@icecold9511 It's a combination of many things which I think is difficult to understand for many of us. For example, in some places, there are few locations to vote, making lines long or requiring people to drive long distances. In addition, for many people, obtaining an ID is difficult - this can be because they don't have the money, or they work more than 1 job and can't find the time or maybe transport to get to the DMV. That some politicians are trying to enact laws preventing others from helping people get to polling booths or providing water to those in line is, IMO, a waste of tax payers' dollars. In each of these instances, it's financially insecure people who are most impacted. Then there are those lawmakers who are trying to omit postal voting altogether.

[@icecold9511]

@@violacesario4389 Sorry, no. The places to vote difficulty is in rural areas, and most places now have vote by mail. Many place will give you ID free, if you show cannot 'afford' it. Funny how people afford other things. And ID is critical to many parts of life, like getting a job. I'm not some kid unaware of life's little difficulties, and manage all of it just fine.

[@leealexander3507]

I roll my eyes when I hear someone talking about our freedom or how America is number one and the best country in the world. I would be happier if we became a social democracy.

[@jymbo1969]

All Americans not in the top 1-10% would be happier.

[@MOI-qq8zc]

Canada…

[@timnewman1172]

How does a "free" nation not have affordable healthcare for ALL of it's citizens, have one of the highest rates of incarceration, have one of the highest rates of firearms deaths, just to name a few?

[@tuneaddicted]

@@timnewman1172 So true!!

[@Nitzpitz]

@@timnewman1172 and highest rate of death penalty for a democracy, highest rate of teen pregnancies, no maternity leave, no safety net to speak of, and a deteriorating infrastructure. It is sad.

[@celsaflores7529]

This is right on. Most people aren’t as outspoken as you have been here and I commend you for it. All is painstakingly true. Thanks for being honest. I was just in Germany for one month and when coming back it was mostly all people from the United States and it was a sad feeling I got to see this exact same behavior. Oh, one thing I must add. Americans is not the correct word to describe these people. Americans are all of us who live in a continent called AMERICA!!! They even have taken a whole continent for themselves, like it belongs to them.

[@dirklindsayfranke1753]

Wow well said my friend. German that grew up in Africa and now living in Ireland can attest that America does not have the monopoly on freedom! i really think we have more in Europe

[@ravenstormchild6491]

I can’t remember the first time I heard the American President referred to as “the Leader of the Free World”, but my reaction to that was utter disgust…now I realize that they believe that because they believe they are the ONLY free country in the world…

[@icecold9511]

Maybe because 90% of the free world would lose their free healthcare if they didn't exist under the US defense umbrella? Look at the current behavior of Russia and China, if you think that underfunded defense is a good idea.

[@lucymolockian1849]

People say that because our tax dollars go to defend 'the free world'.

[@ravenstormchild6491]

@@lucymolockian1849 😂😂😂😂😂

[@reinerhoch1357]

I am german! I was born here but lived a good portion in the states but I am back in good old germany for some years now. I have seen both sides of the Atlantic and when people ask me if I ever wanted to go back or is the USA as great as they say my only answer is "HELL NO" I am with you Jay, freedom in the united states seems like a good PR joke. Anyway I think that alot is due to the awful education in the states, usually when you talk to someone with a decent education they actually know what is going on in the world and that the U.S. system is pretty rotten. The rest and that is the majority, seriously belive what you are saying here that the U.S. is the only country that has "REAL" freedom. They live like the Goldfish in a bowl they don´t know that there is some real life behind the glass like horses with blinders on their eyes, they are simply indoctrinated and can´t see past their borders and sometimes I think they don´t even know there is a world beyond their border or even beyond their own backyard.

[@ekaterinas8796]

Same here! I am happy to go back for vacations, but I would never ever want to live there again.

[@mariuscheek]

The amazing 'freedom' to be bankrupted by medical bills if someone runs you over in the street, even if you have insurance through work... Barbaric.

[@commentor93]

Regarding the right to own guns, I recently came upon a study that said that the biggest common denominator of new gun owners is a rise in the rate of suicide by gun use in the following years. That made me think new about the 'privilege' of owning a gun and I'm glad the US is the exception in the way they treat it.

[@johnchristmas7522]

iT JUST MEANS MORE SCHOOL CHILDRENS DEATHS.

[@kelseyschroeder7519]

I agree with everything you’ve said. I’m American but my mom is Australian and every time I’ve traveled to Australia or Europe, I’ve struggled adjusting coming back to the US because I feel like complaining is almost a way for people to connect here. Every time I come back from Australia, I notice more and more how many conversations are built solely around complaining about everything. Being demanding and rude is so common place…

[@newasblue1981]

I have to say as an American living in Germany that Germans are really good at complaining as well. I'm sure some of my beloved Germans (married to one) on here would agree. 🇩🇪🇩🇪

[@Kivas_Fajo]

What you got more in terms of freedom is, that a person with an IQ of the room's temperature is able to buy a gun. And I sure didn't mean Fahrenheit, but Celsius, which makes the number so low it barely is enough for breathing and blinking.

[@lonelylionsingle7582]

I'm glad as a Swedish& European citizen person to see that there's American's in this world that open's their eyes & mind to the real world to able get facts & other real life experience's that the American School system don't educate you about what freedom & democracy really means as a whole when those words get a different taste to it when you travel

[@wolfgang8418]

ich liebe Ihre Videos, weil sie Tiefgang haben. Ich (83) habe in den 70 er und 80er Jahren viel mit amerikanischen Firmen gedealt und war folgedessen viel in den USA . Damals sah ich Amerika durch eine positive Brille . Das hat sich gewaltig geändert. Ich empfinde viele Amerikaner (einer bestimmten Schicht) jetzt als borniert und sehr unangenehm ! Sie sind erfreulich nicht so 😀

[@wora1111]

Ich war als Austauschschüler in den 70ern in den USA. Einmal haben wir die verschiedenen Einheitensysteme ( metrisch und imperial) diskutiert. Ich war ganz stolz, als meine amerikanischen Klassenkameraden einräumten, das metrische System sei logischer uns einfacher. Ein Teil ihrer Begründung war, es sei ja auch von einem Amerikaner erfunden worden. Sonst könnte es nicht besser sein. Ich war dann erstmal sprachlos, bis der Physiklehrer sie korrigierte. Glücklicherweise war keiner der zahlreichen Amerikaner, die ich in Europa getroffen habe, so borniert.

[@JayStephan]

Danke dir. :)

[@marie34K]

When I was in L.A some years back I had the scare of my life when the man of the family I was staying with hurried to his room to get a gun because some guys in the street started yelling , then he went out of the house with that gun and I was in shock and horrified..It was the first and only firearm I’ ve ever seen . French here ...

[@Bruintjebeer6]

Friend of my got married in France. Her in laws came over from Texas and she asked me to entertain them for the week because my boyfriend was from the US as well. That whole week they only eat burgers and fries just because they did not know the food in France. They never once even tried to eat some local food. Not even a croissant or baguette with the local jelly. Since we were in the mounties there was no McDonalds or any other fastfood restaurant. They demanded to take them to a place where they served burgers and fries. I asked my boyfriend to do it because I knew i had to asked a chef to please make it. I did not dare to do it. It would be to embarrassing They even wanted it for breakfast.

[@kaipeterson]

I've been married to an U.S.American for 31 years now and spent some time in the U.S. - NYC to be exact. I was always wondering why U.S.Americans would think that the 'Murican Freedom was freer than anywhere else in the world. When you look at other countries (in Scandinavia for example) you will quickly notice that they are much freer as societies. The 'Murican Freedom seems to be the freedom to be obnoxious - or the freedom from obligations that come with freedoms. In other words: A true 'Murican wants to have his/her cake and eat it too. Funny side note: When my kids misbehaved while in New York I'd 'threaten' them with:"If you don't behave we'll move here instead of staying in Austria!" That ALWAYS got their atttention and they'd behave like little angels :)

[@holger_p]

Just compare this beeping of words on TV to the freedom of speach.

[@johnrooney507]

Austria where there are protest of mandatory Covid vaccination.

[@Leatherkid01]

🤣🤣🤣 Good one .... hi from 🇨🇦

[@robindear5043]

LOL😹😹

[@jymbo1969]

Behave or Uncle Sam will get you!

[@isoldedumas8726]

Awesome video. I’m German living in US and I know exactly what you’re talking about and I totally 100% agree with you. Lots of American people are very ignorant and feel privileged. Have experienced many times. 💞

[@maraboo72]

That poor behavior is not something that only USA citzens show. I as a German remember some unpleasant scenes of Germans on holiday in Italy or France where we sat at a table in restaurants feeling deeply ashamed because of Germans sitting next to us. That demanding behavior is one good argument against national pride.

[@meisen1988]

Nationalstolz an sich ist erstmal nichts grundsätzlich schlechtes. Nur das übertriebene, überspielte Patriotengehabe ist total für´n Eimer...

[@axelackens2157]

Das ist aber ein generelles mentales Problem dieser Menschen (egal aus welchem Land), die werden sich nicht nur im Ausland so beschissen benehmen sondern wohl auch im eigenen Land nicht die angenehmsten sein und sich wie arrogante Arschlöcher geben oder sich als unterwürfige, hinterhältige Schleimer benehmen.

[@aw3s0me12]

Some may yes but general it is outside germany not direct interaction but passive applying "german "'holiday"" rules" such as, go as soon sunrises down to the pool and lay down your Towel on a bench to set it "taken" yaaa such things you can find at germans. But the *tone* talking or let us say... _trying to talk_ is not demanding but normal speech. Germans woule not have general in mind vs italy/spains "i/we are superior" which is the point of this video.

[@Frohds14]

Ich fahre deshalb ungern außerhalb Deutschlands in Urlaub, weil ich mich zu oft fremdschäme. Nicht nur über Landsleute, sondern generell über Leute, die deshalb in Urlaub fahren, um dort zu erzählen, dass es bei ihnen zu Hause am besten, schönsten, tollsten ist. Daheim weiß ich, wie ich solchen Leuten aus dem Weg gehen kann. Mir ging das schon als Kind so. Ich weiß, dass ich mich als 9-jährige beim Italienurlaub mal über Freunde meiner Eltern aufgeregt habe, die als echte Großstädter (Köln) in D immer davon sprachen, dass sie „beim Italiener“ Pizza essen oder Eis essen waren und die italienische Küche die beste sei und sie auch nur italienischen Wein trinken. Bei uns gab‘s ab und zu mal Spaghetti, mehr Exotik war einfach nicht in nem kleinen hessischen Dorf. Und dann sind wir mit ihnen im Italienurlaub, am schönen Gardasee, und sie essen in ihrem Campingbus jEdEn tAg zum Frühstück Schmelzkäse auf Toast, jeden Mittag aus Deutschland mitgebrachte Erbsen- und Linsensuppe aus der Dose, sogar gelegentlich Ravioli aus der Dose, gehen jeden Abend in dieselbe deutsche Gaststätte vor Ort, essen Jägerschnitzel, Zigeunerschnitzel, Bratwurst mit Pommes und trinken natürlich Pils dazu. Einmal waren wir mit ihnen gemeinsam bei einem echten Italiener in Italien essen und die Frau bestellte… … natürlich eine Pizza Hawaii, die ja auch nur für die deutschesten unter den deutschen Touristen auf der Karte stand.🧐🙄 Ich verstehe nicht, warum solche Leute jedes Jahr tausende von Euro ausgeben, sich den Stress mit den Urlaubsvorbereitungen antun, um dann nur festzustellen, dass man sich zu Hause am wohlsten fühlt bzw. um zu Hause zu erzählen, dass es im Urlaub ja so toll war und man sich schon wie ein halber Italiener, Türke, Spanier, Katalane, Franzose… fühlt.

[@theotherside8258]

I can say same for the uk.

[@maricruzmedina3356]

I second everything you’ve said. I live in Texas, and I’m surrounded by the arrogant, gun-loving, “freedom”proclaiming type people you mentioned. So annoying.

[@johnchristmas7522]

They are just thick!

[@alexandraowens2971]

Same. I’m in NC. I hate it

[@AE-vc6te]

As an American that lives in the Southeast, I will have to agree. I can not stand rude people. I have never seen so many rude people with ZERO manners. I did not grow up this way. I don't understand it. There seems to be an epidemic of ignorance. Please know that we are not all this way.

[@anthonywatts2033]

Something happened in the US: it went from "we the people" to "it's my right". The consequence is sad, and not only for the people economically struggling.

[@BOULDERGEEK]

Excellent rant! As a native-born American white male, I agree entirely. I have been saying that America is an empire in decline for 25 years. I have spent as much time as possible over the last 30 years or so traveling and investigating where my money, skills and energy might be better applied and received. I am definitely an aspirational expatriate, looking for reverse US migration. I continually go abroad in search of greener pastures, just like so many who fled Germany, France, Ireland, etc had done 150 years ago. Jay's observations are very typical of what I see. I am a pretty novice Spanish and French speaker. One of the ideosyncracies I hear in my own speech is that I overdo it with 'please' (por favor / s'il vous plait) and 'thank you' in every conversation. But, words of kindness and gratitude are never out of place. I don't even know how to order rudely in Spanish or French! 😀 I alsays sound like, "Please, if you wouldn't mind, I would like to have XYZ, if that isn't a problem to bring to me. Thank you so very much!"

[@buddyneher9359]

Careful or they'll think you're Canadian! (I'm Canadian so I can say that.... eh)

[@johnchristmas7522]

You sound like a Brit to me! Although I must admit, there are those who go out of their way to be rude. Just arrogance.

[@laurettelaliberte8864]

What you're saying is what I've been trying to tell my family for years, and it is something I only realized after leaving the US and moving to overseas.

[@healthyself7941]

Totally spot on! I've traveled/lived in other countries, and I agree whole heartedly with every single point you make. Of course, it's also true that you find ill mannered people all over the world. But again, you make fully valid points.

[@stuchatterton6550]

As someone who has worked in the security industry for many years, there is a real difference between being on the job and hyper-alert, constantly scanning for threats, evaluating every noise and movement, right down to little things such as who is walking through the door behind you, and just being able to simply be. It is exhausting and mentally draining to be "on" all the time. If "freedom" means having to live like that 24x7, then I can absolutely assure you that is not freedom whatsoever.

[@SuperBotanica]

there is a simple rule for me abroad: always show your best side, because you represent your people

[@fumanchu4785]

Well, maybe they do show their best side! ... ... Yeah, I don't want to think about that either ^^

[@CitroTeam]

I never wanted to visit the USA. When I saw the news of murders in schools and half the country didn't even want to know about it, I thought this country was a disgrace and a place to avoid. Another thing was the similarity with South Africa's racial discrimination, apartheid.

[@daddy3484]

At the end of the day you are an ethno-state much different from the US. You are all hopelessly uncultured and rely on NATO or some other entity to keep your country stable.

[@PropertyOfK]

I always say that Americans have the freedom to work 2+ jobs just to barely survive, freedom to get in debts for higher education or health, freedom to not having many employee-oriented labour laws (which means freedom to not to have many vacation days, not to mention sick days or parental leave), freedom to have to choose the place to live based on the schools if you want your kid to get semi-good basic education, freedom to save money for 401K just to spend them at once because of emergency operation. In that case it is the real "land of the free". I bet that not every European is fully content with the government and system in their country (I definitely am not - Poland), but living here IS easier than in the States. Of course most of us was thinking about the American dream at some point in life, but when you see it closely, you notice that the USA is a giant on earthenware legs, just about to fall down.

[@nitanice]

Great comment!

[@moni1383]

So true! We moved to the States in the 80s and back 20 years later. Free university education for our kid, universal healthcare, paid sick leave for as long as needed etc. And we don't have to kill ourselves working 10-12 hrs a day.

[@Cup_of_tea424]

The politeness thing omg!!! I am completely American... I just have good manners and anxiety and saying please and thank you is really something I value. But it is still something I have to actively think about. It isn't instinct. It's so normal to belittle our customer service people. That American Couple is PERFECTLY representative of the republican and some democratic people. I feel the same anger and frustration that you felt. THANK YOU FOR SAYING IT!!! All of your points are so incredible!!! America is narcissistic and toxic to her people, and most of us are her victims. We aren't a democracy. Also about being a self-proclaimed leader... I'm pretty self-aware about how awful we are as a country. But for some reason... Despite being told this my whole life "America is the world's leading nation" I never actually stopped to think if that was just us saying that... or if it was an actual fact. LIke I've long since accepted that we suck in safety and health, and probably the freedom to express sexual identity compared to some nations. But... Idk why I never actually challenged the title. The brainwashing goes a long way.

[@ShonnMorris]

I am loving your channel. I work in sales and have done various customer service jobs my whole life. The average American customer is very entitled and staggeringly self-centered. I also live in California and Germany is a place I'd love to live in. On the world freedom index, the US isn't even in the top ten, coming in around 12 or 13 or so. I am with you. Screw both main political parties in this country.

[@fumanchu4785]

So don't waste your life -- you only have one! Move abroad!

[@ShonnMorris]

@@fumanchu4785 You don't worry about me

[@waynebernitt2806]

Totally agree. I have many American friends and most would agree with you. There's a reason way Australians, Canadians, English, etc put their counties flag somewhere on their luggage when we travel internationally. It's not because of pride. It's so we're not mistaken for Americans. They think they're free because they get told they are.

[@andraogden4859]

Thing that bothers me as a Canadian alot of Americans will use Our Canadian 🇨🇦 to be treated better. All the while acting ignorant in someone else's country pretending to be us. Canadians think of Americans as the racist uncle that we have to put up with because our country is above there's. We have a wonderful country we r prideful not boostfull, we have manners. When people come from other countries we don't make them conform to our way we celebrate our differences.

[@jurgentreue1200]

I'm Australian and lived in Laos for eight years. I travelled around SE Asia extensively with an Australian flag on my luggage so people wouldn't think I was American.

[@waynebernitt2806]

@@jurgentreue1200 that sounds great. I was in china for 7 years. I Know an American that traveled with a Canadian flag. How fucked up is that. Cheers bro.

[@ravenclaw783]

Australians like to separate themselves from us Americans, but when China comes knocking on their door, who are they going to call? Ghostbusters? Nope, they are going to call DC. Remember that.

[@fromrighttoleft8328]

@@andraogden4859 I'm an American and I share your sentiment. It's disrespectful to Canadians and disingenuous for the Americans themselves who are traveling. Just own up to your nationality and be the best ambassador for yourself and your country that you can be. Given that I have a Southern accent, I couldn't be mistaken for being a Canadian, Australian or something else even if I tried. By the way, I was just in Canada again; y'all really are *that* polite and good-natured (away from the major cities anyway).

[@phantomsf]

I always truly enjoy your videos! As a German/American living in San Francisco, I truly feel for you. Luckily in CA we are in some sort of a bubble, for the most part, apart from the rather huge portion of population you refer to in this video. Unfortunately I don't get back to Germany as often as you do. But when I do, and am boarding my return flight to the US, my stomach slumps and a feeling of sadness and disappointment creeps up on me, especially when encountering such folks as you had described. Hopefully I'll get back to Germany soon. The pandemic had hindered me from doing so in recent times, but it appears that things could be looking up. Again, thanks for your KZbin contributions! Du sprichst mir aus der Seele! 🙂

[@GUITARTIME2024]

I'm American and have flown to Europe many times (I lived there). I rarely saw an American acting badly on those flights, and rarely saw Amercans acting badly at tourist spots. Also, whatever "bubble" you think you live in, give me a break. The typical American is not trying to be loud and rude in Europe. (Hope you enjoy all the crazy addicts living 9n your sidewalks. So progressive !) . Your bubble is a far left racist joke.

[@JayStephan]

@SanFranMan Thank you for sharing. The feelings are mutual.

[@justrickz9859]

@@GUITARTIME2024 Even if they´re not trying to be like this, many still are.

[@Saarloos1960]

Hi Jay, I wish I could disagree with you, but unfortunately you hit the nail on the spot. So I am glad to see that there are still sane Americans!

[@25Soupy]

50% of Americans can't find Canada on a map, forget about knowing what Indian food is.

[@Red-hr4gw]

I once visited the Ann Frank house in Amsterdam. It was a humbling place and we were asked respectfully to not take photos as the flash could potentially damage the artefacts. We were followed in by a group of noisy Americans who proceeded to snap lots of photos. When they were asked to stop by one of the guides one of the Americans turned on the guide and said” I’m an American. No one tells me what I can and cannot do.” Needless to say they were asked to leave - including by some of the Europeans who were disgusted at their disrespect. We saw them later on loudly asking passers by where the nearest McDonald’s was. Enough said.

[@ProctorsGamble]

Don’t get me started Jay! I love going to Germany to visit my family. The flight back is always depressing since 1977. And it’s gotten a lot worse in the last 20 years.

[@iggyblitz8739]

Why don't you move to Europe then ?

[@bekind2047]

Sounds like you’re a masochist

[@philsarkol6443]

I agree with what you are saying about the fact that the US is declining since the 70's. Freedom is a tricky subject to talk about to an average flag&country loving american. I live in the Netherlands, and I am free to vote, free to express my opinion. The only reason why I comment on the dire situation the US is in right now, is that I am worried and concerned that the it is running out of hand. Politics is in the hands of corporations who are making laws to favour them by corporate owned politicians. I know there are a lot of good normal thinking people in the US. I hope that the US will be able to look in the mirror that is upheld by the rest of the world to step-up and change.

[@BM-ur4je]

Absolutely spot on on every single point! Exactly what I've been saying, yelling out there for decades. I now wake up at night literally in a cold sweat worrying about the gradual decline of America.

[@jenniferbarron2317]

I'm from a small town in east Texas. I love this! so true! FACTS!

[@lavinamontoya8164]

Thank you so very much for this video. It is so strange to hear a sensible, well educated, well informed, travelled and self critical American citizen. It is refreshing, it inspires hope. Greetings from Europe 🇩🇰 🇪🇺

[@desertdetroiter428]

Lol…I’ve been saying this stuff about the United States for 30 years. I lived in Germany and Italy for a combined 13 years, and I came back to the United States to live permanently back in 1998. I’ve been disillusioned ever since. Americans have gotten nearly EVERYTHING wrong, and to even try to be specific would still be an exercise in prolixity. Forget it. Any country that spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on its war machine is clearly a nation in decline. These people are nuts. I wish like hell that I’d never come back. SMH

[@goldenlordofnightmares]

This is how I feel and never left the US.

[@desertdetroiter428]

@@goldenlordofnightmares LMAO!! I get it.

[@iggyblitz8739]

Can you go back to Europe ?

[@johnchristmas7522]

LEAVE NOW- You can do no worse thing than stay. Think down the line, how will you live under the threat of getting ill?

[@user-lk1qx7gb5o]

Agreed. But you can keep Italy. Italians are just as bad in their own way.

[@billybobwombat2231]

After spending a few months travelling the US and getting on my return flight to Australia I sat next to two Aussies that had done similar US travels as myself, our firsts words to each other was " what a fucken run down shit hole " I shan't be going back again.

[@wolfgangholba6365]

A correct description. This behavior, which can often be observed, means that the vast majority of Europeans (and Asians) perceive Americans as uneducated, undisciplined, selfish and ridiculous.

[@Sammiejomitchell]

That would be because we are.

[@FelixMerivel]

And loud.

[@Diamondc4life]

Very reasonable observations thanks for the share ❤

[@user-xm5le5ok2r]

I totally agree! After visiting Europe, I have been shocked how bamboozled and naive we are.

[@neekondrums]

I get what you're saying. I am born and raised in the U.S., and I am often ashamed of some of the directions our society has migrated during my lifetime. I'm torn, though, over whether moving away is the answer. The more people who feel this way and leave for Europe or elsewhere, the fewer people that will be here to help our country improve. It might be better for me in the short term, but it's probably worse for the future of our country. Considering America's global influence and power, it's probably worse for the entire world in the long run.

[@jymbo1969]

But right now, more of the people who want a better country live in the USA and it's not getting better. The GOP will take the Senate and probably the House in 2022, and if he runs, Trump is likely to win in 2024. This is the end of the American empire. Get out while you can.

[@brightonbabe2139]

You have so many structural problems in America that it takes a massive change and America is not ready for change or at least to put the work in to make those changes. The first one is cultural - stop focusing on money as a judgement for everything.

[@icecold9511]

@@jymbo1969 Please, leave then. If that occurs, it is because your liberals were way out in left field thinking they had a cram down majority. Maybe dems didn't have quite the mandate they thought? Or they knew, but hoped to push as much through as possible before the correction.

[@icecold9511]

@@brightonbabe2139 In America you are free not to focus on money. But you aren't free to the advantages of it, after ignoring earning it. You don't have to work your ass off, if you don't wish to. But as someone in the middle of that, I'm not about to share what I've earned with coasters who preferred vacations to owning a home.

[@johnchristmas7522]

Yes its hard being a patriot- but its your life. As we Brits say, they are big enough and ugly enough! So think of yourself and your family-you wont change whats in store for America.

[@branc2658]

What about the freedom to be accepted in every hospital even if you have no health insurance, the freedom to pay nothing or a small bill and not going bankrupt for staying in the hospital few Days if you haven't health insurance?. What about the freedom, when you are still young, about studying in a college and not finding you're in huge debts after you have finished your student's career?

[@GUITARTIME2024]

American law makes it ILLEGAL to be denied healthcare due to lack of insurance at a hospital. At worst, you will be moved to a "public" hospital in the same city.

[@briantitchener4829]

@@GUITARTIME2024 In that case, why do any Americans pay for healthcare insurance at all? You can drown in healthcare debt in the U.S.

[@branc2658]

@@GUITARTIME2024 Apparently according to this American doctor even the middle class, not just the poor people, seems unable to access to medical treatments, most of times, even with healthcare insurances. Take a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3Lchoh-p9FkZqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6aVl3yfZ8yLg8U

[@swanpride]

@@GUITARTIME2024 All well and good for an emergency. But you can actually avoid such emergencies with regular check ups aso.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

@@briantitchener4829 because you would owe that money. Also, insurance providers are able to get cheaper rates fur services for the customer.

[@holger_p]

I also noticed, Americans behaving like "I pay - I rule", or "I'm the boss". Also the permanent phrase "I'm a taxpayer" is something you never hear in any other country.

[@DEAR7340]

A couple of things at play here. First, there is this very weakly challenged notion among conservatives that wealth is an objective measure of success, or hard work, or intelligence. We know that this is false; wealth is not a meritocracy. Secondly, I like how many Europeans negotiate their pay based on the "net" (take home) pay rather than the "gross" pretax pay, It acknowledges the social contract and the need to fund common social institutions and structure, as opposed to the American thinking that this is what the government steals from you.

[@icecold9511]

@@DEAR7340 If it is taken against your will, it is theft. Though a certain amount of taxation is inevitable, roads being a thing and all, the social contract is the invented justification for leaching from others to avoid work. It is no more real than when barons claimed divine right to the services of people living and working in 'his' lands. Of course God didn't directly hand him those lands. He used an army to claim ownership of land. It was pure luck people were already farming his land. People are good at word games to justify claiming that which belonged to another.

[@rabukan5842]

I am 63 and am with the military in Asia. When I retire in 2 years, I will not return to the US, but will happily retire in Asia, where national healthcare for everyone is a given, people are very friendly, caring, courteous, socially conscious as opposed to selfish individualists, and understand the value of life over money. It's also a region where I never have to carry a gun. I know guns well, was an instructor for 10 years, and the US has become gun crazy. The truth about guns is that most owners know nothing about using a gun in combat, and most have never seen gunshot wounds other than in movies. But most of the problems in the US are a result of the majority of citizens having to live under minority rule - mostly religious zealots who get to create rules for the majority who have little power to change a very flawed and antiquated system. Freedom is a misunderstood concept as there can be no freedom without restrictions.

[@hannestrnka6087]

I think freedom is very subjective and depends on each person's needs and wants. I grew up in Austria and moved to the United States when I was 20 years old. I've been living in Texas for the last 30 years. I had a great childhood in Austria, but as I got older I felt more and more restricted in my country of birth. I couldn't really be myself. The things I like and dislike, and the things that give my life meaning are different from the mainstream. My intention was always to live my life in a way that's right for me while at the same time being very accepting of other people's personal choices. That did not work in Austria. I originally came to the U.S. for school, and wasn't planning to stay very long. However, people here were so nice to me and so accepting of who I really was that I changed my mind. For me freedom is being able to be myself without any guilt or shame, and I am very grateful that there is a country that allows me to do that. We are all different and have different wants and needs, different things that make us happy. There is no single country or culture that can please all people. I'm glad there is a rich diversity of different cultures in the world that allows people to find a place where they can be happy.

[@icecold9511]

Welcome to America. Not a melting pot, but many different flavors. Note that he expressed bigotry to American flavors he didn't agree with. You Don have to be what others want you to be because they feel special and 'cultured'. But freedom is freedom for one word. Choice. Your needs and wants do not define freedom. Choice defines it.

[@lanzknecht8599]

I was in an all-inclusive hotel in the Dominican Republic with international guests, mainly from North America. After a short time i could tell who was US American (with very few exceptions) and who was Canadian. The clichee you described totally fitted. Maybe it is because the US is a young nation that a lot of their citizens behave like big children, including their attitude regarding guns - a fatal and tragic attraction.

[@rais1953]

The US is not a young nation. Its declaration of independence was in 1776. They were established in North America well before the declaration of independence. Its democracy is shaky but it's one of the oldest attempts at some form of democracy.

[@lanzknecht8599]

@@rais1953 The "Mayflower" sailed to America in 1620 - in a time where all other nations in Europe had already developed something like a national identity. Europe´s history even goes back many centuries in time. So for us the USA is a young nation. Aren´t the americas called "the new world".

[@peter_meyer]

@@rais1953 "attempt" seems to be the important word here nowadays. But, for 1776, that deffinitaly was a big step forward.

[@rais1953]

@@peter_meyer I put it that way because it was a slave owning state at the time Peter. But I take your point. US democracy looks shaky at the moment even from here in Australia with our unsavoury history and present faults. At least our coming election offers a chance of changing the government without gerrymander or voter suppression, however many its other faults.

[@darkiee69]

@@rais1953 Oh, wow... My hometown was given its town rights in 1413 and had been a small fishing village since before the viking age. And it's not even that old compare to surrounding cities. A few hundred years is nothing on a world scale.

[@matthewguy7863]

Whenever I travel abroad it turns into an exercise in how long I can go without opening my mouth. I don't want to spoil the moment by letting people know I'm an American.

[@johnchristmas7522]

Dont worry Matt, they will just feel sorry for you!

[@karenweger5284]

Thank you Jay. I agree with you. I also find living here half my life. That most Americans I know. Have a hard time facing reality. They don't care for straight forwardness. And tend to want to sugar coat things.

[@ziggystardust3060]

Wow! This is genuinely SO refreshing! Thank you for posting the TRUTH. 💕💕💕

[@Wordavee1]

We were on holiday in Turkey a few years ago, there were quite a few Russians staying in the hotel, and they were rude and obnoxious to the staff too, treating them like servants instead of servers!!

[@secret3957]

Hiya Jay, I accidentally stumbled upon your video. You made me laugh and I am so on the same page as you. I currently live in France and I have been following the US politics for years and I never knew how large a part of the population was blind to the actual problems of their own country. It was scary to see the former president's reign and the gullibility of about 40 percent of the inhabitants of the USA. Plus all the enablers. I only look from outside in, but you know the in as well and you are confirming what I see as well.

[@crustycobs2669]

You are so right. That is one reason I retired in a civilized, peaceful, free, and polite country in Europe

[@genghisthegreat2034]

A passport and a backpack are a wonderful school.

[@JayStephan]

It really is!

[@ilangurl2246]

I firmly believe that travel is one of the greatest eye-openers, if you are willing to see.

[@dalangie]

Jay, you have no idea how good it feels to finally meet an american citizen who doesnt see his country as the "best" in the world. I always thought that we in Germany are way more democratic and are not a "perfect" but a great country. I never understood the american way of thinking "we are the best/greatest". Such a way of thinking never led to good stuff... So thank you for your open mind!

[@DaveT383]

My family is American. I was born there, but haven't lived there for over 50 years. Most of my life I've lived in Canada and the last 20 yrs in Asia. I decided long ago, in the early 80's, I would never live in America though all my family has long since returned, with the exception of one sibling still in Canada. As many people have noted here, America's violent decline is proceeding apace. I don't know why anyone would want to live there.