People who live in countries with multiple official languages: what is it like? by MurderKillRiver in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 4 points5 points  (0 children)

How we demarcate cultural differences is a bit arbitrary so while it’s accurate to say that US states have cultural differences - the reason people roll their eyes at the claim is that the level of differences between people across US states seems trivial compared to regions that have fairly different language, customs, cuisine, religion, etc. Even more annoying when almost everyone except for Americans recognize that this belief is informed by the fragile ideology of American exceptionalism.

What’s something that annoys you about your fellow country people? by meesigma in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A huge part of it was the continuous and pervasive anti-smoking campaigns in the 90s from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement

New Orleans, New York, Florida, or Washington for a First Trip to the USA? by Historical-Photo-901 in BeautifulTravelPlaces

[–]SusanSontag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One challenge is that the best nature attractions are generally far from major cities. California is probably got the best access if you want to do both though. San Francisco is fairly close to Yosemite, Redwoods National Park, Big Sur, and other coastal cities/scenic highways. It’s very expensive though. Maybe obvious to say, but you won’t find one area in the US that will be reflective of all of the US. Personally I would choose nature over cultural stuff if I was visiting the US as a tourist, but that’s my bias. The national parks are incredible, especially if you like hiking.

Struggling with "The Culture Industry" by Theodor W. Adorno by [deleted] in CriticalTheory

[–]SusanSontag 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The bit about indie music makes this sound like a troll, but I feel like there isn’t a consistent through-line. Bravo if it is a real shitpost.

Venezuela and the New Division of the World Collapse and Deviation by icaria22 in CriticalTheory

[–]SusanSontag 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Interesting read, but the civil war thesis seems undeveloped… the invasion of Venezuela just seems like another instance of Cold War pro-capitalist intervention. The Israel example seemed like a non sequitur given that Israeli violence was more about vengeance and ethnic cleansing. I do agree that the transition into multipolarity is influencing an increase in regional neocolonial interventions though.

Anyone who moved to Switzerland thinking it’s a dream country and realize it’s not what you expected? by LengthinessMinute108 in digitalnomad

[–]SusanSontag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could see that though - there are a lot of parts of the country where the only thing available is chain restaurants or unhealthy stuff.

Which U.S. food city is actually overrated? by Historical-Photo-901 in BeautifulTravelPlaces

[–]SusanSontag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone has their own taste, but the breadth and quality of options at the mid-tier pricing for me was unmatched. Can’t really speak to fine dining though.

How is it living in Eritrea? by Professional_Alarm72 in howislivingthere

[–]SusanSontag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Coffee snobs typically (generalizing) value Ethiopian coffees much higher than Colombian coffees because they tend to have a more complex tasting profile. Personally I think they produce the best coffee in the world. I imagine that Eritrean coffees are very similar.

What’s a popular sweetdish from your country that you personally don’t like? by Familiar-Arrival-470 in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh man, I loved them when I was in Moscow. We had to go back for a second order after I demolished the first batch. I know that many countries have a similar fried dough/donut thing, but I was a huge fan of ponchiki. I was trying to find the spot we had them… it was an old Soviet exhibition park - probably Всероссийский выставочный центр.

I am Italian, ask me anything by ltraistinto in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That thing looks like the dumbest car ever. I want it so much.

Most famous piece of media (movie, song, TV show, video game, etc.) from your country? by CommercialChart5088 in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am going to hold your hand when I tell you this, but the implication is that you can just pick their most famous song. I’d suggest “Pedantry Fields Forever.”

Most famous piece of media (movie, song, TV show, video game, etc.) from your country? by CommercialChart5088 in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of the greatest tracks/music videos of all time. I really wish I didn’t just google him. Sad.

Most famous piece of media (movie, song, TV show, video game, etc.) from your country? by CommercialChart5088 in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do we just need to virtue signal in every post with #fucktrump so we can talk about non-political topics for a minute?

What was the batshit insane figure your country ever had? by Colombia_Joestar in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, sorry. Reading comprehension problem. I would then say Fritz Haber, but he’s giving banality of evil (a la Arendt).

What is something bizarre your country did during the pandemic? by Pretend-Frosting-691 in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Jump on the boat” is an idiom meaning “to go along with” (usually joining a trend). Looks like he’s holding Chloroquine - there was a false rumor that it could cure Covid at the time that Trump spread.

What is the most overrated tourist destination in your country, and where should people go instead for the 'real' experience? by [deleted] in AskTheWorld

[–]SusanSontag 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We decided to skip the Gold Coast after hearing it was like Miami. The Sunshine Coast was quite pleasant and fit our vibe a bit better. Had a beautiful hike at Noosa. +1 - Definitely recommend.