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Wow!! This thread wedged between "happily married men" and "best pickup lines." No dis on those, its just - wow - contrast.
I have always felt that, while cultures are strong, people are influenced heavily by other cultures. This is happening more rapidly in a world that is seemingly growing smaller with every advance in technology.
I feel a current bad decision by the United States that may lead to our downfall is the domination of our culture, goods, and beliefs. Especially beliefs. I feel this really leads to alot of resentment in other places, as US companies start chasing the almighty dollar around the globe.
So there you have it - I believe that we are so amazingly materialistic that we may be alienating other cultures that hold other values. And these cultures will probably resent it.
Could we be so strong in our capitalist beliefs that the whole of OUR society suffers - why not? If the upper ten percent continues in an upward trend while the rest of citizens see little hope of advancement, why couldn't there be a popular revolt against the very ideas that the United States was founded on?
Caveat, though. Supposedly our democratic society should be able to meet challenges that we have not yet dreamed of if meeting these challenges becomes a priority of the people. In other words, if we are threatened as a nation or society, we should have representation that addresses the threat.
Your uncle sounds like an excellent teacher. To often, I found in college that you paid to go to classes taught by an instructer - not a teacher. Real "just the facts" people. The good ones are geniuinely interested in being there. I'll never regret taking more difficult electives (instead of health) with recognized experts, and above all, great teachers. Not just facts, but knowledge and a great attitude are applied in settings that mark the college experience.
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