Views on America

MissTattoo

I think the education system over there needs to be a lot better and they need to increase the opportunities available for the lower classes; a university education is practically unreachable. If I were living in the US I would be screwed because I come from a very working class background and in a country as developed as America I don't think that's right. The overflowing prisons and gang culture speak for themselves in regards to the quality of the education system and what help there is (or lack of it.)
I also think that creationism should be COMPLETELY BANNED and that the US should be made into a religion-neutral country, as the founders intended it to be. I don't think Christianity should be taught as the "main" religion. I think religions of all kinds should be taught but not as fact and that no-one should have to choose.
Abstinence should not in any way be taught. It's just stupidity beyond words. Proper contraception and safe sex should be an education available to all. Again, this ties in with Christianity and, frankly, some of its teachings are outdated and idiotic, especially in regards to contraception and abortion. People need to realise that teenagers are going to have sex and the best thing to do about it is to just educate them properly so that accidents don't happen and if they do they can be taken care of.

I could go on and on but I get that most of the MFP is American and I'm and Atheist and detest religion of all kinds so the react probably wouldn't be very kind...

Wow! Your opinions are so sad, and sound very UNeducated

How are her opinions sad? Religion shouldn't be taught in public schools.
Sex education should be taught because come on, abstinence only is a joke. Sure, it works for some but it shouldn't be taught as the only option.
Christianity is not the only religion out there and not the only religion in America.

blink1021

I think the education system over there needs to be a lot better and they need to increase the opportunities available for the lower classes; a university education is practically unreachable. If I were living in the US I would be screwed because I come from a very working class background and in a country as developed as America I don't think that's right. The overflowing prisons and gang culture speak for themselves in regards to the quality of the education system and what help there is (or lack of it.)

A university education is actually quite attainable, and rapidly becoming worthless. Grad school is what is difficult to obtain access to and funds for.

Also, even if every American had a graduate degree, there aren't enough jobs that require them. The real issue isn't educational opportunities, it's the treatment of workers in all jobs. Even unskilled workers deserve a decent standard of living, but because the minimum wage is not a living wage, because so many jobs have been outsourced, and because services for those in need are not readily available, most unskilled workers live very precarious lives. Providing for all instead of for an elite few is where our society fails.

I don't just mean university, I mean both higher and further education. It seems to be either you have a degree or nothing; there is no middle ground. We have ex-polytechnics and further educational colleges all over the UK and you get full funding over here so there's no money to pay whatsoever. The quality of the student loans over there just aren't up to par. My friend went to university in the US and she asked for assistance with funding and they told her to go to a loan shark. We don't even have those over here in the first place and I really think that is testament to the quality of the student loans systems and also just funding for poorer people in general.

We have financial aid and pell grants I know because I finished my school with financial aid and the grants. Yes if you receive a federal loan you do have to pay it back but not until you finish your school. I know because I did it and I did not have to pay a dime while in school. I worked without a degree for years and so did my parents. You do not have to have a degree but if you want choices then a degree is necessary. Many jobs will pay for your higher education for you that is how my mother received her degree. In fact where I am now we offer higher education courses to our employees on our company dime and we are not a minority many other companies offer this as well.

Apa93

Wow! Your opinions are so sad, and sound very UNeducated

Took you a good couple of tries to quote me though, didn't it? You're the kind of people I'm on about in regards to the education system and their teaching in schools. The founding fathers would be ashamed of America and what it has become.

elexichoccyeater

i am going to America (from UK) this summer and just cannot wait... so excited the only thing I am concerned about is the portion sizes I see being eaten! I find it incredible they are sooooo big! Mind I do watch man v food... which may not be a good indication!

BAMFMeredith

I think the education system over there needs to be a lot better and they need to increase the opportunities available for the lower classes; a university education is practically unreachable. If I were living in the US I would be screwed because I come from a very working class background and in a country as developed as America I don't think that's right. The overflowing prisons and gang culture speak for themselves in regards to the quality of the education system and what help there is (or lack of it.)

A university education is actually quite attainable, and rapidly becoming worthless. Grad school is what is difficult to obtain access to and funds for.

Also, even if every American had a graduate degree, there aren't enough jobs that require them. The real issue isn't educational opportunities, it's the treatment of workers in all jobs. Even unskilled workers deserve a decent standard of living, but because the minimum wage is not a living wage, because so many jobs have been outsourced, and because services for those in need are not readily available, most unskilled workers live very precarious lives. Providing for all instead of for an elite few is where our society fails.

I don't just mean university, I mean both higher and further education. It seems to be either you have a degree or nothing; there is no middle ground. We have ex-polytechnics and further educational colleges all over the UK and you get full funding over here so there's no money to pay whatsoever. The quality of the student loans over there just aren't up to par. My friend went to university in the US and she asked for assistance with funding and they told her to go to a loan shark. We don't even have those over here in the first place and I really think that is testament to the quality of the student loans systems and also just funding for poorer people in general.

Also somewhat inaccurate. We have trade schools as well, tons of them, and it is actually very easy to get funding assistance to attend them. I have many friends who have attended non-traditional universities and gotten assistance to pay for it.

If you want to go to college, you can. My family did not pay one dollar for my education---I made it happen. I worked my butt off to receive several scholarships, I found tons of extra scholarships to apply for, I also applied for federal grants, and a grant from my University. I do have a little student loan debt, but I'm ok with that because I also have a really amazing job that I worked hard to get.

Also, when I attended public school, I was not taught to follow a religion, I was taught about different world religions and their basic beliefs and roots. I was also taught about safe sex, condoms, abortion, stds, etc. This was over 10 years ago, but I did learn all those things in public school. I have never ever been taught that Christianity is the only religion, aside from when I attended Catholic school, and even then, I was taught about other world religions and their basic beliefs.

Not to say our education system is perfect or anything, but I feel as though the op here had a somewhat inaccurate impression of the way things actually are.

Coolhand1969

i am going to America (from UK) this summer and just cannot wait... so excited the only thing I am concerned about is the portion sizes I see being eaten! I find it incredible they are sooooo big! Mind I do watch man v food... which may not be a good indication!

You don't have to eat it all!! No one will hold a gun to your head - promise!

MaraDiaz

I don't just mean university, I mean both higher and further education. It seems to be either you have a degree or nothing; there is no middle ground. We have ex-polytechnics and further educational colleges all over the UK and you get full funding over here so there's no money to pay whatsoever. The quality of the student loans over there just aren't up to par. My friend went to university in the US and she asked for assistance with funding and they told her to go to a loan shark. We don't even have those over here in the first place and I really think that is testament to the quality of the student loans systems and also just funding for poorer people in general.

You are right about the student loans but we do have a middle ground. We have 2 year tech, we have 4 year, and then there is Masters and PHD, but again, it's the last two that are really valuable and hard to obtain.

And once again, there aren't enough jobs for college graduates, much less for people with more advanced degrees. Look at it this way. Someone has to do all the low paying icky jobs that no college grad wants. Cashiering, flipping burgers, cleaning toilets. Why should those people be mistreated just because they're doing those jobs? Why shouldn't they have a house, a car, medical care, college money for their own kids, and a little happiness in life? Our system treats those people like they're disposable, like they're not worth anything and don't deserve anything, and it's shameful. The educated and the wealthy are not the only ones who deserve to have a decent, happy life.

BAMFMeredith

i am going to America (from UK) this summer and just cannot wait... so excited the only thing I am concerned about is the portion sizes I see being eaten! I find it incredible they are sooooo big! Mind I do watch man v food... which may not be a good indication!

Hahahah yeah, those are a BIT extreme! But portion sizes in restaurants here can be kind of ridiculous, I almost never finish my meal when I go out to eat.

carrie1013

Wow! Your opinions are so sad, and sound very UNeducated

Took you a good couple of tries to quote me though, didn't it? You're the kind of people I'm on about in regards to the education system and their teaching in schools. The founding fathers would be ashamed of America and what it has become.

So you make that assumption because I'm not a master mfp poster? Get over yourself!

blink1021

i am going to America (from UK) this summer and just cannot wait... so excited the only thing I am concerned about is the portion sizes I see being eaten! I find it incredible they are sooooo big! Mind I do watch man v food... which may not be a good indication!

True man vs food is a little unrealistic some of the time he is doing ridiculous challenges. Some places do give really large portions but there is a plus side to it just eat half and then you can save the rest for later. If you are staying in hotels many offer refrigerators and microwaves so you can have it for lunch the next day. :happy:

auticus

I get a little annoyed with how polarized we are over here.

Example I just got back from lunch and saw two bumper stickers:

"Don't blame me, I voted for the American"

and

"In 2012 vote American, not Socialist"

Indicating that if you aren't voting republican or have republican viewpoints, you aren't really an american.

Apa93

So you make that assumption because I'm not a master mfp poster? Get over yourself!

No that was just a little jibe on my part, actually. I make that assumption because you said I was "UNeducated" (which, by the way, does not need to be capitalised for any reason) about abstinence and religion and whatnot and are therefore a perfect example of what is wrong the education system over there.

elexichoccyeater

Can you ask for a doggy bag??? could my partner and I share a plate of food??? do they serve adults child portions?? and more importantly what is the best dinner I should order I am going to New Orleans and NYC????

BAMFMeredith

I get a little annoyed with how polarized we are over here.

Example I just got back from lunch and saw two bumper stickers:

"Don't blame me, I voted for the American"

and

"In 2012 vote American, not Socialist"

Indicating that if you aren't voting republican or have republican viewpoints, you aren't really an american.

Ugh I know, every time I see bumper stickers like that I have to work really hard to keep the vomit down. I just think "dammit guys, stop making us look bad!!"

carrie1013

So you make that assumption because I'm not a master mfp poster? Get over yourself!

No that was just a little jibe on my part, actually. I make that assumption because you said I was "UNeducated" (which, by the way, does not need to be capitalised for any reason) about abstinence and religion and whatnot and are therefore a perfect example of what is wrong the education system over there.

I actually respect your opinions on religion, sex, etc. I don't necessarily agree, but if we all felt the same way, the world would be a very boring place to live in. What I take offense to are jabs at our education system. It's not perfect, but show me a country that has a perfect education system.

BAMFMeredith

Can you ask for a doggy bag??? could my partner and I share a plate of food??? do they serve adults child portions?? and more importantly what is the best dinner I should order I am going to New Orleans and NYC????

You can get a to-go box anywhere, I almost always do! And you can definitely share, I often share stuff with my friends/boyfriend. NYC---the possibilities are endless, SO much good stuff to choose from! New Orleans, make sure you find a good Cajun restaurant and ask the server what they recommend. Cajun food is soooo good!

tam120

good read for later

Coolhand1969

Can you ask for a doggy bag??? could my partner and I share a plate of food??? do they serve adults child portions?? and more importantly what is the best dinner I should order I am going to New Orleans and NYC????

Can you ask for a doggy bag??? - definitely

could my partner and I share a plate of food??? - definitely

do they serve adults child portions?? -- generally. I even believe that in some states it's law that they have to do so, although it may still be frowned upon

and more importantly what is the best dinner I should order I am going to New Orleans and NYC???? - I can't answer that.

carrie1013

So you make that assumption because I'm not a master mfp poster? Get over yourself!

No that was just a little jibe on my part, actually. I make that assumption because you said I was "UNeducated" (which, by the way, does not need to be capitalised for any reason) about abstinence and religion and whatnot and are therefore a perfect example of what is wrong the education system over there.

And by the way, if we are correcting each other, the word is capitalized, not capitalised.

bio_fit

And by the way, if we are correcting each other, the word is capitalized, not capitalised.

We're not in the USA - it's capitalised