The greatest gift of the United States of America - Page 2 - Historum

PubliusBassus · June 8th, 2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hob

Yes, that is true, but I would not define faster versions of consumerism, despite their innovative delivery systems, culture. I am talking about something that is driven from a value outside of oneself and encompasses a people. I know Americans think that "Freedom and democracy' is their Culture but many cultures have had these elements in their makeup.

I think the modern culture of Space is American. It is completely American and therefore their actual contribution to Human cultures.

Does no one agree?

No, I think space exploration is itself not a part of American culture, but the innovative ethos and exploratory drive are part of American culture. The space program springs from those cultural roots.

hob · June 8th, 2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PubliusBassus

No, I think space exploration is itself not a part of American culture, but the innovative ethos and exploratory drive are part of American culture. The space program springs from those cultural roots.

Not Space exploration, the idea of Space. How we view space. How we view something is cultural, and how the planet views Space is American.

Although it seems you disagree--tell me what would be left of America if you were the poorest least powerful country on the planet? What to your mind would be left, culturally. What goals would drive the people?

PubliusBassus · June 8th, 2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hob

Not Space exploration, the idea of Space. How we view space. How we view something is cultural, and how the planet views Space is American.

Although it seems you disagree--tell me what would be left of America if you were the poorest least powerful country on the planet? What to your mind would be left, culturally. What goals would drive the people?

Even if America happened to be the poorest nation it is still defined, at least in part, by innovation and originality, with innate freedom and diversity as the other cultural tenets. These tenets essentially define the "American Dream" - the dream is that anyone from anywhere can live as they like, say what they want, worship who/what they want, and accomplish virtually anything with enough ingenuity and hard work. My contention is that America's fascination with space and overall view of space exploration is a result of that dream. So to me the American view of space is simple a product of its cultural ethos.

**Crystal Rainbow** · June 8th, 2012, 12:30 PM

Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jean's or denim's, my man has a Harley Davidson and buys lot of Harley Davidson merchandise

**bartieboy** · June 8th, 2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crystal Rainbow

Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jean's or denim's, my man has a Harley Davidson and buys lot of Harley Davidson merchandise

Good girl

**dagul** · June 8th, 2012, 01:36 PM

..... modern democracy and the rule of law, thank you U.S.A.

**Rongo** · June 8th, 2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hob

I can think of nothing as inspiring as the American space program to put a man on the moon.

Putting a man on the moon is one of the biggest mistakes the US ever made, IMO. It's all been downhill from there. That single event led Americans and people all over the world to believe that America could do ANYTHING, with the predictable result being huge disappointment and disillusionment. How many times have we heard:

"If they can put a man on the moon, why can't they..."

It's led to basically all of America's problems and the world's problems being blamed on the United States government.

BRIAN GOWER · June 8th, 2012, 02:29 PM

America is "Energy".

**dagul** · June 8th, 2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rongo

Putting a man on the moon is one of the biggest mistakes the US ever made, IMO. It's all been downhill from there. That single event led Americans and people all over the world to believe that America could do ANYTHING, with the predictable result being huge disappointment and disillusionment. How many times have we heard:

"If they can put a man on the moon, why can't they..."

It's led to basically all of America's problems and the world's problems being blamed on the United States government.

It separated the U.S. from the rest, and for whatever its worth, it was an effective propaganda which lead to the destruction of authoritarian and communist regime in U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe.

..... there goes my argument of propaganda

bro.

**Rongo** · June 8th, 2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagul

It separated the U.S. from the rest, and for whatever its worth, it was an effective propaganda which lead to the destruction of authoritarian and communist regime in U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe.

..... there goes my argument of propaganda

bro.

That's ok, my friend. Your enthusiasm and optimisim are a breath of fresh air.