[vanusa]

Was it ever?

Social atomization, hyperconsumerism and a generally blighted physical environment (who-gives-a-fuck suburban sprawl nearly everywhere) are what define your life in most parts of this country, if you don't earn a high enough salary to offset their effects. That, and the relentless "life == work" mentality exhibited even in other comments in this thread.

[vanusa]

Lest I come across as a glass half-empty person, let me mention a few things about this country that I genuinely like and which rare (if not unique) throughout the world:

(1) Genuine ethnic diversity (simply unmatched in its breadth and scale), and a genuine, bedrock belief that (at least in principle) if you're a citizen you have a right to be here and to live your own life, dammit whatever your ancestry, religious belief, however you dress, etc. The fact that the racism which does exist is so virulent comes in part from the fact that it is a minority view.

(2) Truly awesome natural beauty, also very diverse (what's left of it anyways)

(3) Pioneering in LGBTO and abortion rights while much of the world remains a frightening place indeed in these respects.

(4) A away of looking at life in the large and as full of possibility which has brought many bad things but also Jazz, Rock'n'Roll, amazing cinema, etc.

[merlinscholz]

Sorry but this just feels like you've never left the US:

1) The diversity may be partially right, but even if you are a citizen there still is enough discrimination especially against black people than in many first-world countries

2) Okay I grant you that, for a single country the US is very beautiful, mostly because of its sheer size. That's not to say there aren't beautiful spots in other countries though, there just cannot be as many

3) LGBT and abortion rights while there still is the bible belt, people blocking planned-parenthood institutions, and a significant part of the government actively trying to ban abortions and same-sex marriages, partially successful

4) The new world perspective through the rise of a new country only a few hundred years ago lead to lot's of innovation, but it is an illusion that the USA is the only country where any innovation and creativity happens

[dang]

Please make your substantive points without getting unduly personal. Your comment would be fine without the first sentence.

[vanusa]

This just feels like you've never left the US

If you only knew.

In brief: of course there are many shameful / antagonizing aspects to the culture here. But the broader undercurrent of acceptance here (rather than tolerance as in most countries) gives grounds for optimism, if you choose to embrace it.

The USA is the only country where any innovation and creativity happens.

That is absolutely not what I said and of course this isn't true. And I wouldn't even say is broadly "more" creative in any sense. But there is a certain "largeness" to the creativity -- and in the force of will in certain disempowered groups -- here, which I believe is quite special.

Which is why, in a few short years starting around 1969-1970, you had tens of thousands, then more, taking to the streets in NYC and SF saying, basically: "We are people, too, dammit -- and we are not going back". Whereas just a few years before they were almost universally considered to be outright deviants, if not mentally ill, with no prospect of living anything other than a life on the margins, perpetually in fear for their jobs, of arrest and beatings, and estrangement from their families.

Along with giving the world Steve Jobs, Star Trek, Soul Train, Dolly Parton, etc.

[gota]

Regarding:

> (1) Genuine ethnic diversity (simply unmatched in its breadth and scale)

Brazil matches and surpasses, as far as I know

Edit: a quick google search indicates this is a controversial topic, to say the least

Also, kudos for recognizing that this is a valuable characteristic of a place for quality of life. Genuine ethnic food restaurants, a wide variety of interesting events and festivals, diverse influence in music and cultural hightlights... it does make a lot of difference for people attuned to its effects