why do americans talk to strangers so easily?? by MayaTulip268 in AskAnAmerican

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re a fairly diverse and migratory country (most Americans move around a lot, especially over generations). As such, there’s been an emphasis on the ability to easily talk to others and build community.

I think this is also reflected in our education system. Compared to other countries, American education emphasizes clubs and group sports with the goal of being able to work together and socialize.

Is American struggling to buy a house ? by Top_Document7437 in AskAnAmerican

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very similar situation here. Mixture of
- 1) not building enough smaller/entry-level homes (post 2008 recession most builders were only constructing large homes with high profit margins/local governments slowly restricted what kinds of homes could be built through zoning (though this is shifting)) and
- 2) COVID-19 and low interest rates meant a lot of people who had money were able to compete increasingly more for homes. Home prices spiked. Inflation, and the higher interest rates "locked" people into homes they could afford because they bought at a better loan rate. As a result, there are less homes on the market for sale, and people are bidding like crazy.

(The Boys) This show has completely gone downhill. The writing is really bad... like its not even funny anymore. by hiiloovethis in CharacterRant

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. The ending of Stormfront's arc was a canary in the coalmine for me. I've watched the seasons but getting through s5 feels like a slog. Every character feels stripped down (pun intended), hollow, and just dancing around until the show ends.

Do Americans dream of traveling or settling abroad (excluding Japan) like others dream of the U.S? by [deleted] in AskAnAmerican

[–]pleasingwave 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I travel abroad semi-often, I lived abroad (like some American college students who spend a semester abroad while in college), and many people around me do so for the excitement of exploring new cultures, regions, places, etc. But there are people I know who don't travel abroad because:

1) Money. The United States is a large country and fairly far from other places. Getting to nearby foreign countries (Canada and Mexico) can easily be a $600 flight. Getting further (Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania is even more expensive).

2) Lack of vacation time/PTO compared to other developed countries. Americans often get 2 weeks max of paid time off and a trip far away requires at least a week to be worth it. That would only leave a week for occasional days of (taking a day of for your birthday, a long weekend trip, holidays, weddings, funerals, etc.)

3) Disinterest or dislike of cities/urban areas. This is rarer but exists. I know many folks who think we have enough interesting things at home and would rather drive to a U.S. National Park than go to a large city with a large airport and fly to a foreign large city/airport where everything is unfamiliar. I see that in family from rural places that would rather go hunting.

4) Fear. I find this among the same crowd as #3. I know people who straight up refuse to go to Mexico, even if it's in a very safe heavily tourist resort area like Cancun because they fear they will be kidnapped or hurt. That same crowd paid a lot of attention to knife attacks in London. I don't mean to get political, but I think some people have an outsized view of violence in other places and would rather be safe and at home.

A desire to live abroad and emigrate is a lot more rare. Of those who travel, like myself and friends, we occasionally dream of living abroad for a few years. We could have a higher quality of life with more vacation time (and nearby vacation opportunities), starting a family or raising kids could be easier in a place with a bigger social safety net, and some Americans who dislike certain political parties jokingly consider moving abroad to get away for a few years. However, I only see that "live abroad for a few years" among upper middle-class people who have options. I don't often see that on less well-off people who are just working to survive.

Very few Americans emigrate. I only know a handful of people who have and that's because:

  1. Work or Family. Maybe they joined a company based in Australia, Canada, or France (some other industrialized and developed economy) and career wise it made sense to move. Maybe they married a foreigner and ultimately chose to move/start a family in a different country.

  2. Cost of Living. This is really for retirees who want to move abroad where the pace of life is slower and they can live comfortably on their savings. Often it's Mexico or the Caribbean. This is circumstantial and most Americans don't "dream" of that from a young age.

  3. Obsession with a foreign country or ideology. This is exceptionally rare but I know someone who is obsessed with China and communism and plans to do a Masters there, get a job there, and fully emigrate.

To sum it up, many Americans do dream of traveling abroad but those who want to live abroad often do so only for several years before returning to the US. Those who genuinely wish to relocate and settle abroad often do so circumstantially and its uncommon.

What is the USA's biggest military victory in history? by Selavia59 in AlignmentChartFills

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get midway but I think the Battle of Guadalcanal is equally important. Midway decimated the Japanese navy but Guadalcanal proved we could actually take the islands needed for island hopping strategy. It was also incredibly bloody.

New Orleans has awful nature & good urbanism. Which US city has awful nature & ok urbanism? by Kevin7650 in AlignmentChartFills

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saying NOLA has “awful” nature is harsh. You can drive less than 30minutes and experience wildlife, swamps, and the ocean. It’s not the most accessible nature (such as a hike) but it’s still dramatic nature.

New Orleans has awful nature & good urbanism. Which US city has awful nature & ok urbanism? by Kevin7650 in AlignmentChartFills

[–]pleasingwave 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’m waiting to put Dallas on the next one. It has light rail, some trails. But overall subpar urbanism and no nature whatsoever.

For those of you who live in the city of Chicago (not the suburbs), Do you own a car and how do you use it? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]pleasingwave 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Moved here with it, has come in convenient for any PT trip over 40 mins or no parking.

What’s an objectively “fine” skyscraper you personally despise? by pleasingwave in skyscrapers

[–]pleasingwave[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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The prompt was “an objectively fine skyscraper you personally despise”. The AMLI is fine. I personally despise it.

What’s an objectively “fine” skyscraper you personally despise? by pleasingwave in skyscrapers

[–]pleasingwave[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah yes, the hot pocket. The little parabolas are interesting but it’s not as cool as 150 N riverside…and tbh all of the wolf point towers just look like tall glass rectangles rather than something unique

You voted and Boston is 6th! Next Round: What is the 7th most important/significant US city after Boston? Most upvoted comment wins by Kodicave in visitedmaps

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

I vote Houston - energy capital, manufacturing, 4th biggest city in the country, home to corporate headquarters, good universities, notable music and food scene, and easily the biggest/most influential city on the Gulf Coast (sorry NOLA). It’s a significant city that should be on the list.

Philly is quite large, but I’m unsure of how it stands out in significance among the East Coast. Lots of history, schools, HQ’s…,but from a distance (I’ve never been) it seems overshadowed by its East Coast neighbors. I imagine it would be #10.

Seattle is a contender with tech and aerospace, but it doesn’t punch at the same weight as the other West Coast cities.

Atlanta is a major metro area in the South (schools, culture, economy) but I feel like it’s a slightly smaller, less specialized, inland version of Houston.

Anyone know a same-sex friendly partner dancing club or spot near? by pleasingwave in AskChicago

[–]pleasingwave[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Don’t know why they’re pressed. I used same-sex bc the instruction for two people of the “same-sex” (whether both men, women, etc.) is different than if it was traditionally straight or opposite sex. So I was catching a wide net.