Backhanded Compliment

[Yorick]

My post about Tony Blair in the war forum, was actually meant to show a certain appreciation of both him and of Britain.

Like it or not, to many outside Bonny Britain, he is the face of O'l Blighty. Well, it's either him or Lizzy, so take your pick.

The blow-up in my face of what was a positive statement was very odd. Anyone would have thought I'd insulted the country, but instead I, an Australian supposedly with all sorts of stigmas against the convict sending mother country was praising the nations leader.

Instead of flatly criticising my views, could we not have observed that he obviously is viewed differently outside his nation than in. The venom was astounding to say the least. I can't even vote for him - or Bush for that matter.

I've been realising that we cannot escape geography - where we live -affecting and shaping our viewpoint.

My own views for example, have shifted slightly depending on where I've been in the world in only these few months.

It was said that my views reflected "middle America". Should that not say something? That an Australian, placed in another land starts sharing the views of those around?

It is no secret phenomena the effect of environment on collective psychology. I've read books on the Russian, German and Australian collective psychology, and experienced mild shifts myself firsthand.

I do, when travelling attempt to immerse myself in the culture as if I were born there or would stay forever. Kind of like a wierd role-play I guess. Attempting to see and experience how "the other half live" so to speak.

However, when one enters an existing collective psychology, one either moulds to it, finds compatible elements, or reactively rejects. Clinging to the original culture and self-identity.

Or they do all of this and I'm talking out of my date.

Back to my BG2 game, Duncan Sheikh/Sting/Coldplay CD repeats and glass of Grand Marnier I guess.

[Yorick]

Oh, and not the edible "date" either.

[Cloudbringer]

Hey Yorick! Where are you these days? I'm back in upstate NY again. Got a nasty cold, though. Middle America, huh? Well, welcome to my world, dear.

Cloudy