For the people wondering about the pledge of allegiance because some people are claiming that I am lying. I have linked a few websites/articles down below that talk about the pledge and how students are still threatened, suspended, grades being lowered, children being arrested for not saying the pledge of allegiance. *Just because it did not happen to you does not mean it never happened* www.youthrights.org/issues/student-rights/pledge-of-allegiance/ edition.cnn.com/2019/02/18/us/florida-pledge-of-allegiance-altercation-arrest/index.html abcnews.go.com/US/california-teacher-lowers-students-grades-standing-pledge-allegiance/story?id=42110506 www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45656149
The punishment you received is just insane. But I think that with people commenting saying you're lying (which I don't believe at all you are), and the fact that other similar stories have made headline news, I think a reasonable argument can be made that even by American standards, such occurrences are unusual, ridiculous, and far from the norm.
@@dannyboy5086 maybe so but a lot of people are afraid to “disobey” the pledge because of the discipline and actions they might receive in retaliation. More story was one of many during a time where outrage over such things was not common. We did not have the internet- we had local news that didn’t care about our stories because it was a conservative place and it was deemed “unamerican” I am pretty sure this would happen more often if kids decided to stop saying the pledge.
Hi :-) To the "Patriots". The Patriots shelved the US Constitution in 1917 and a second time under Roosevelt's administration and a third time under the Trump Administration. The Wilson Administration would purge German-America. Some compare it to a pogrom. Many US Historians now admit that the Germans copied the C.P.I. Propaganda Ministry from 1917. They copied the Internment,Labor & Deportation camps. The Public Relations Propaganda Ministry (first of its kind) was copied by Vladimir Lenin months after the CPI was created. The Patriots "Americanized" the USA, allowed to ban all foreign and indigenous languages (the Babel-Proclamation). We have intensively researched US-American history and found out that over half of US-History is some kind of re-formed history. The USA has organized the most systematic, deliberate book (literature) destruction of the last century. Public book burning events was held all across the USA starting 1917-18. In 1918 the National Guard would amass all German & German-American literature (literature written by German settlers in America) and burn it publicly. German language was made a "war-crime" in 1918. German Music and Art was destroyed and banned. Businesses,property,churches, farms, breweries ect annexed or destroyed. Prohibition especially targeted German breweries. - That is literally a Pogrom of German-America, a literal purge. - Are Patriots even worse as Nationalists? Because the Nationalists never shelved their Constitution or would even dare to let it be shelved. - The Patriot went full blown Communist in 1917. Is Patriotism worse and more dangerous as Nationalism? And think about it, the USA explicitly tried to kill German Nationalism...the war to end all wars... - So, not even the German Nationalists had to do such a pledge (to my knowledge). - Thank you Alexis.
As a young teacher in Germany (german and history) your story about the pledge really shocked me. In German schools we have a so called „Überwältigungsverbot“, as a teacher you are prohibited to mint your social/ political opinions on pupils. You are not even allowed to say what you think in certain matters, so the children don’t refrain from Building their own opinion about the matter, even if it is different from the ones the teacher believes in. Furthermore we have the commandment of controversity. If a topic is controversial in the society or education sector and we discuss the topic in class, we have to offer the main different stances, so the pupils can make their own mind with these information. Let’s say we speak about the gun culture in the US, which is highly controversial, I would have to give pro and anti stances to the class so they can view the matter from both sides and come up with a conclusion on basis of this information. Basically the goal of German social education is to create an able democratic citizen, who is empowered to create his own opinion out of all the information the day offers you.
So in history lessons you have to present arguments against AND for Nazism? I think not - well actually I know you would be required not to. What is and what isn't controversial is a very subjective thing or do you think any person holds any views they consider to be controversial? Oh they might be aware that people with conflicting views find them controversial, but to them its the opposing views that are the controversial ones.
@@CarlAlex2 that is to a degree true - we look an historical sources that support nationalsocialism and those who are against it, but we always include the historical context. We have to do that to learn why the got to power in the first place and we’re able to wage such a horrifying war against humanity in the first place. (Although it has to be said nationalsocialism, Holocaust usw. are a bit different from the way we usually teach). You are right about the controversity: for an individual it his highly subjective but not if you scale it up on the basis of the society. We offer viewpoints from different sides, the pupils don’t have to agree with them but they learn that opinions can differentiate.
As an American who's lived in Germany and attended 2 schools in Germany and 5 in the US (moved a lot), her story shocked me too. Her punishment was ridiculous and wildly unusual. The average student here (if they got in trouble at all) would've gotten in trouble specifically for not following instructions, and wouldn't have had anything to do with failing to be patriotic... This exact situation happened to a classmate of mine in middle school and the teacher simply said they didn't have to if they didn't want to, and that was that.
Carl Alex, yes at school we got presented with a full picture of the World War 2 era, including positive things that Hitler did for the people in Germany at the time and beyond. For example, he promised people jobs during the depression following WW1 and he delivered by initiating a lot of federal government funded projects like building roads. A lot of the German Autobahn was build during Hitler’s time. We are taught about why he rose to power and how, and some of the reasons why were good for people at the time, which is why they believed him. Having this understanding helps way more in preventing the situation arise again rather than just painting it all negative.
its way worse to force children to use those gender language you guys doing these days in schools dictated by politics and promoted by the media, than having to say some meaningless patriotic pledge in the morning.
The most dangerous thing about being told your country is the greatest in everything is, that it takes away any will to improve. About "patriotism", as a German looking at what Americans today call patriotism, makes me feel very uncomfortable and think of a very dark period in german history.
agreed - especially the plegde of allegiance stuff evokes images of the HJ... pledging your allegiance is something only adults in full possession of their faculties can and should do... it is a serious choice to make - not something that can be forced... and trying to force kids to do it is indoctrination
It does remind one of the darkest time in recent history, yet it seems some people or groups have either not learned about it or want something similar to happen again… They say history is bound to repeat itself, I just hoped it took a little longer…😕
Whenever I hear about the "bad healthcare in Germany" thing I have to take a literal breather. I had scoliosis and hip-spine-dysplasia as a child, diagnosed at about five I think. When I was seven I got to go to a specialized orthodontist who does tooth braces as a correction of hip and spine issues. From ages eight to now (21) I have worn over 10 different kinds of braces that fixed my bent spine and literally re-alligned my entire skeleton so I now have a mostly healthy body. If you'd take the entire amount of money for my treatment it would be 20.000 euros give or take. My parents didn't even have to pay half of that. Most of it was taken over by insurance. I would not be able to have a healthy life without these treatments and I literally count my blessings that I had the priviledge of getting it. And this is why I get absolutely flabbergasted at people saying Germany has bad healthcare. I would not be able to stand up or sit normal or possibly walk without German healthcare and insurance. It's so ridiculous and almost dystopian to see that Americans are brainwashed like that.
As an American living in Germany and enjoying the people here I actually like my German doctor. Usually he's straight to the point, actually investigates things regarding any illnesses I may have, and he does in fact have a sense of humor. I could get treatment very readily if need be. In America you'd schedule an appointment and they might be early, but generally they’re half an hour or more behind so you sit there waiting for the time you were supposed to show up, and sure you might get diagnosed that day, or you might get a blanket diagnosis here take some of this medicine if it doesn't work come see us in a few days to rack up more bills. Hated it so much in America, and yes its sad when I knew early on as a teen that we are the only developed country you can go medically bankrupt in.
Als Privatpatient bekommt man ja so ungefähr die realen Kosten in unserem Gesundheitssystem mit. Alleine eine Kieferorthopädische Behandlung kostet 20.000€, bei einer Skoliose-Behandlung mit Krankengymnastik und evtl. Reha, kannst du an die 20.000 noch eine Null dranhängen. Und das ganze für die USA mal 3 nehmen.
Great video.I am a US Army veteran living in Germany (35 years) . The Patriotic brainwashing is gone overboard in the US. Last Memorial Day someone posted on Facebook Thanking all service members past and present for sacrificing their lives for American freedom. I asked that individual what did the service members who lost their lives in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan had anything to do with American Citizens freedom . I was told to go live in a communist country.and then I would understand.The American government spending on the Military is oneof the highest in the world. They could put half of the funds in their health system.(which would help a lot). If anyone knows history, the last time American soldiers gave their lives for American freedom was the Civil War and WW2 (against Japan).'The rest of the Wars and conflicts were about American interest.
What a wonderful comment. I live here in the US . German here. Just when I hear those " wonderful" civilians claiming to thank the veterans for their scrafices. But then having to watch all the homeless vet on the streets no one gives a holy crap about. They were good enough to go for one of their many senseless wars and then come back. And then no one seems to care about them.
I agree with just about everything you said. Only thing I would point out is that US military spending (last I looked) was higher than the next 9 largest countries combined. About 7 of those are also considered close allies of the US. Surely if they could spend as much as the next 7 (or less) and still have a more superior fighting force than necessary. Then yes, they could afford the healthcare and education that other countries have.
Awesome observation. People are not taught anything in the US. Y'all (well, with obvious exceptions) have no idea what communism is, or socialism, or regulated capitalism or anything. Whenever you try to criticise anything you receive a barrage of vitriol. I have a feeling that the American public is being intentionally stupid so they'll continue to accept awful living standards in the name of freedumb. But I have a sinister mind...
*for me as german, if i think about the USA, i think about a shithole country full of lies and greed, filled with complet buyable politics and gunslinging maniacs and christian talibans*
Thank you for that. I was working for a Marriott hotel for a while and every time we had a veteran as a hotel guest he heard "thank you for saving our country". As a European guy I just can't understand how can you save your country 5 or 6 thousands miles away from your country . It's just too abstract. And one of my family members said once 'My brother in law is being deployed and going to some Dubai or Afghanistan" So they basically know the direction where they are are flying. But do you think, if they don't even know the difference between Dubai and Afghanistan they know what they are doing and they are the true patriots defending our country?
I'm from a former communist country and learning about the "land of the free" having the pledge of allegiance in school was shocking. They used to do that in our schools back when we had a dictator and the national communist party...doesn't sound free to me.
@@wwbuirkle We didn't have to say it or put our hand on our hearts but we were made to stand and you could get sent down to the office for refusing. And this was in the Northeast.
The United States has had the Pledge of Allegiance after the Civil War... written in 1892 by Francis Bellemay for his Boy's youth group. It was to teach children that their first allegiance was to their newly formed United States which is why it starts as "I pledge allegiance to the United States of America"... it was to reenforce that we were all under one flag, under one Republic and that no longer would their be any division and no man would ever be held as a slave ever again. It was more of a promise to be loyal to their law makers and Government. It has nothing to do with Dictatorship. If your too ignorant to research out history and where and why these things were created then you may want to hold your strong opinions about our country unless you were born and raised here or have become a U.S Citizen by Naturalization. You siad it yourself, you lived in a former "communist country" ruled by a dictator and learned about 'The land of the Free" there. Not here. Patriotism in not more or less being loyal to your own country no matter where you were born in the world. There will always be some who take it way to seriously and much too far out of loyalty to 1 man, not "One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for all." The rest of us fully understand what patriotism is and how it plays a role in keeping our country free from communism and dictatorship.
I'm American, retired military, hours away from the nearest military post, now living in Germany for the last 9 years. I don't feel that I can live in the US to the same standard that I live in Germany. It's different. Different doesn't mean better or worse but I can say from my experience that I've taken the language course, work full time time on the German economy and pay the 19% German tax on what I earn. My health care is provided for from that tax and at no tme have I ever feared being ill or worried that my child wasn't going to come home from school alive or have I ever feared being caught in a shoot out at a drive through restaurant window over a stupid pack of ketchup. America is a great country but it's got some major problems that leave the rest of the world shaking its head.
You mixed something up here ;-) 19 Percent is on things you buy, or 7% on papers and things. The main difference is, that you don't have to care about the deadlines, to file in your income report and paying taxes on your own, except for when you have your own business, but even then the periods are completly different. In Germany, your income tax, the part for health insurance and unemployment insurance are also directly forwarded by the company. Germany is no paradise, but like you said, extreme thing are happening a lot less, if at all and after having been over there often enough myself, I was always glad to come back to Berlin. Even looking as neutral at all the things as possible, the US will never stand up for what we have here, maybe the reason why my mother never gave up her citizenship, even aftter more then living 40 years over there.
A friend of mine emigrated to the US in the late 1980s. Last year he planned a trip to Germany, visiting relatives, also doing a short trip through Switzerland and Austria. He told his neighbour who, with an appaled facial expression, asked "but are those 3rd world countries safe for travel?". Well yes dude, probably safer than your own backyard...
It is hard to believe that the USA thinks of itselfs as a safe place. The safest place in the world sounds like a joke. With all the guns and gangs and murders it feels like a very dangerous place for someone living in middle or western Europe. Thanks for this video, Hayley.
There is a Webpage with a US Mass Shootings List, They happen on average 2 out of 3 days & there has not been 1 week this year without a Mass Shooting, Not to mention there has been more School Mass Shootings than weeks in 2022.
To be honest, I never really see anyone saying the US is the safest place in the world. I don’t think most people think that (though I’ve never asked).
@@shaneeslick there have been 693 mass shootings in the USA in 2021. Nearly 2 every day. @Jordan Thornburg when it comes to intentional homicide the USA is the 137th 'safest' place in the world. More dangerous than Bolivia, Angola, Sudan, Mozambique or Lebanon.
Thank you! As a German studying in the US, you can't imagine how many times I have to deal with very wrong assumptions and "jokes" about my home country... It's exhausting after some time.
@@stillcovalent Your elderly grandmother tells you that you will get killed when you visit Germany, and that's a joke but still offense. Aren't there more jokes I need to tell you?
Hi, I am from the Netherlands and I am always shaking my head when Americans start to talk about their flag. It's just a piece of fabric. I love my country and I am proud if some Dutch athlete wins in an international event, but I also recognize the flaws in the Netherlands. Some things suck overhere, just as some thing suck in other countries. Anyway, good video. Thanks. Tjuss.
Not from Netherlands, but Canada, and I totally agree. I get proud when Canada succeeds in some worldwide event or sport, or even if a certain entertainer from Canada gets recognized, but I know Canada needs to constantly improve, both on internal issues, and on the world stage. There are improvements to be made. Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Ukraine 🇺🇦
@@HladniSjeverniVjetar government sucks, they look more after the rich then the poor, in 10 or 20 years we will have the same problems as the US with hobbos
Hi from germany, we spend our last holliday in the netherlands(near Gouda), it was also our first one in NL…and…we Loved it 😃 so Nice and Green there! Love it!😊
You was punished as a child because you wouldn't pray to a stupid piece of cloth? As a German this reminds me of the stories my grandparents told me. 😦 And a lot of German movies about Germany during a specific period.
Bro, that's what my mom told me. She's an Omaha Woman (from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska), who dated a German man. When she stayed in Germany, she got to talking to his parents, who were ex-H1tl3r Youth. They asked about the flag thing, because they were uncomfortable learning about it. Because that's what they had to do, as children She definitely told me it was a fashy thing, and I've never done it after second grade
@@HDreamer i mean... it does not surprise me. The USA was close to fascism in the 1930s as well. Henry Ford financed Hitler for a time. And the Jim crow area was an inspiration for the categorisation of "Jewish blood"...
Thanks for this one, especially the section about patriotism. As a German I find this kind of hyperpatriotism more than cringeworthy, it is outright creepy. As the saying goes: You may be proud of your own achievements, but how can you be proud of a country you were just born into?
And we can also be EXTREMELY proud of our country as well, ok? There is nothing wrong about that. I am mexican, born and raised here, I have spanish blood, my skin is white and I am very proud of my spanish heritage and my indigenous one. No need to SHADE people who are proud of their country. I love the USA and it is not my country and for me, it is the best country in the world, guess what? I HAVE THAT RIGHT TOO!
@@AM-be1ov if you make it an even better place to live, then you can be proud of your contribution, but no, there is, to my understanding, no reason to be proud of the country you happen to live in. You may claim to be a lucky person to live there and that's it.
@@marcusathome So? My country is not perfect, it is actually quite HORRIBLE. Two days ago a sister of my friend was CUT into 38 pieces ok? Mexico is not a safe place to live in, yet, I feel proud of some aspects of my country and that is MY RIGHT, you CAN NOT tell others how to feel about their own countries or others, that is my FREEDOM.
@@AM-be1ov you can think what ever you want. But we also have the right in questioning your opinion. You might not like that but you have to Deal with it.
Hey Hayley….American woman living 29 years in Spain….I feel 100 % more comfortable here than in the US….always! People don’t know until they live in another country…
I feel extremely safe living in the US. It all depends where you live. The only thing that worries me is being attacked by a grizzly bear in my backyard which is why I own a high power rifle. I lived in Switzerland and Germany for 10 years so I know what safe means.
OMG you nailed this! In 2012 my mother took me to Germany for life saving surgery we couldn’t get in the US. It was such an eye opening experience living there for three months. Talking with Germans and other European people was such an education about just how much Americans are taught propaganda and how much better life can be. My care, the people, the food, housing, sense of community and the world in general…coming home was brutal and we totally suffered reverse culture shock. I wish people would see this type of stuff for the truth it is and not go straight to saying that it’s unpatriotic. Thank you! 👏👏👏
What kind of insurance did your friend have that the deductible was so high that it was cheaper to fly to Europe to have one done out of pocket??? I had an MRI a while back and it didn't cost me a dime.
@@tempest411 He was raised in a "Insurence is for the weak!" way. Today he thinks different. Married and with kids on his own he took care of everything back then he had to pay every cent on it's own.
@@Notfallhamster Way to roll the dice. I met a few people when I was about 18 that told me about running into a health issue or two...a broken arm, and a bout of sepsis by another, and the amazing debt they incurred from that. They were between 15 and 20 years older than me and they'd not paid it off for many years because it was such a large amount of money. Treatment for a broken arm in the U.S. can cost $80-100K USD-or more! It was then I decided that I decided keeping myself covered by health insurance was the number one goal in life. Even if it was a job that I hated, as long as it offered employer-sponsored health coverage. I've always been healthy, but life doesn't come any guarantees that will always be the case, so you better be prepared.
I am an American living in Germany (6 years). I love Germany so much and would choose it 100 times as a women over the US. I have never felt unsafe here.
If you ask a German "do you love your country" and the average German will say something like "I wouldn't say that, but it's okay to live here for now though things could always be better"
@@ericm4046 We used to have some live next door to us...lovely people....the house is still owned by them but they let it out to others now. We keep an eye out for them and contact them if any issues...
@@radschele1815 sorry to say but many dangerous neighborhoods and disrespectful/dangerous men happen to be Arab/Muslim in Germany. It comes with poverty and their conservative values. Not all Muslims are like this, it's a specific kind of population within Germany that is however predominantly Muslim.
"socialized" healthcare system? Whenever I hear Americans talk about health care systems in Europe, a word I hear a lot is "socialist". And there's this terrible prejudice that those systems will result in you paying for others. While it's true that the amount you pay doesn't depend on your health and risk levels or pre-existing conditions but on your income, those systems are not socialist. They're social. And no "socialist" is not the adjective of "social". Social is an adjective itself. At least that's the English I learned (it's the same in German btw...) :) At the end of the day I don't care if Americans call our healthcare system "socialist". I am proud to live in a country where people don't die because they cannot afford going to the doctor and doctors not only swear the hippocratic oath, they are able to be true to it. Pride to live in this country? Proud to be German? OMG?!? Could that be patriotism? Now that's wild. What Americans call socialist, I call patriotic.
Well said! And it's a similar healthcare system in Sweden but it's not related to income and it's free for children up to 18 years old. I think that a country where they're letting people (children too!) suffer and even die of treatable diseases or conditions because they don't have healthcare insurances is both inhuman and uncivilized. I would certainly not call that the best country in the world. Edit: Everyone in Sweden has state healthcare insurance.
@@EleonorS The US is pretty much a Banana Republic: Issues with separation of power, issues with elections not being free, equal and secret, issues with the legal code and its certainty, issues with separation of church and state. I wouldn't move there for a million dollars. Remember when Donald Trump said he would like less immigrants from "shithole countries" but more from countries like Norway? While I am not sure why Norway would be better than Sweden or Germany I know that if we had the same understanding of values, we actually should not accept immigrants from the US.
@@psibiza I've always said that even if I got a free trip to the US I wouldn't go. High crime, poverty, racism -no thanks. (But of course I don't dislike the Americans themselves in general. They're of all sorts, just like everywhere else.)
@@EleonorS I have started to realize that even some 3d world countries are still safer to live in than America, because those places are at least trying to get better, and some are actually succeding at that, albeit slowly! And even places where changes to the status quo are not accepted are still relativey safer, as far as gun violence is involved. Plus, i believe that no one should tell others how to live their lives. Change has to come from within the living people, not some external influence. And it takes time. Just my opinion, and i men no offense.
There is still a funny confusion between socialism and social democracy as seen in Europe ! As a frenchman, I can assure all americans that we are not living here in a socialist country at all !
It always surprises me when Americans say "The US is the best country in the world!!!" and I'm like "Actually there are no facts to back this claim, the US is a very violent and unequal country" and they usually answer something like "GO LIVE IN MEXICO AND AFRICA THEN AND YOU WILL SEE HOW SAFE THE US IS" and in my head I'm like "There are more countries than just the countries in Africa and South America, like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and all the developed countries in Europe and Asia exist too. So why not compare the US to countries like Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France etc that are about as rich as the US?" But they don't want to compare the US to European countries because they know it would make the US look bad
And the countries they list as worse than the usa were most likely ruined by us foreign inverventions (coups, sanctions, war, exploitation) America is a cancer on humanity. The nation was hitlers inspiration for fucks sake
Frankly, of all the countries I have visited, the USA is where I felt least safe. There are less safe places, but I do things in the USA, that I would not do in any country in Western Europe. The safest countries are the actually most equal countries. There is then no need for crime or violence.
You should point out to them that all the countries they throw out as being “worse” are in fact on the receiving end of imperialism and colonialism at the hands of the US and Europe, and they should be thanking them for the abundance of resources and wealth that allow them to live their lives comfortably
@@mc_kublai I totally agree, every time someone says "Somalia is full of criminal pirates" I tell them that Somalia is a nation that heavily relies on fishing and 99% of all "pirates" where fishers before other nations came and stole all their fish and dumped chemicals near their cost, causing the marine life to die. There are some pretty nice documentaries about all the stuff that "developed countries" did to Somalia to make them a pirate country.
I am an American who has been living in Germany for about ten years, and I really appreciate the way you handled these topics. I can't count the number of times I have discussed these issues with Germans and my family back in America. I grew up in a small farm town in rural eastern Washington, and the attitude and mentality that you described is all too familiar. The discussion about patriotism and nationalism hits especially close to home, as I, just like most Americans, had the same experience growing up. Hearing your story of defiance toward the Pledge of Allegiance was pretty inspiring....I would never have dared to stay seated during that each morning. I am sure you experienced the scorn of your peers as well, depending on where exactly in Florida you grew up. As you also said though, it doesn't even seem strange when you have grown up in that environment. I never questioned it until I moved abroad. The level of propaganda and brain-washing in the states is astonishing. Also, socialized healthcare is awesome for the most part. I would say that if you are on public healthcare, there are definitely situations where you have to wait quite awhile for appointments, but in the states you would just not go to the doctor at all because of the insane costs.
@@luyzqint3760 I can appreciate your sentiment, but unfortunately the word America is right there in the name of the country. What is the alternative, United Statesean?
@@tonybates1537 It is a Continental description, not a country's name. Regardless if you were thought that there is a American Continent or 2, 3. The point of the matter still the same: Every country in the American/s Continent/s is a American country. How many times did Biden called it's country, America in front of the American countries on the American summit?. Anything else is appropriation.✌️😜
@@luyzqint3760 I am not denying that America is also the name of a continent, or from an English speaker's perspective, two continents. I am also not saying it was a good idea to name a country after a continent. I know all too well about confusing terms, being from Washington state and not Washington D.C. And yet, "United States of America" is literally the name of the country, whether you want to accept it or not. What did Biden call it?
@@tonybates1537 It is more of a description than a name, it reads: United States of America. And it means: The United States within the American Continent. And before their independence from England, it was, United Colonies. Also, when the British moved, they went to the American Continent, where Americans already existed. Those are facts.
Really appreciate this video. As a PhD student living in Germany for the last 3 years, I feel like I really can relate to this "awakening" you talked about here. I came from a military family, 2 siblings, dad, grandparents in the military, so this hyper patriotism was constant growing up. I had to reckon with the fact that criticizing a system in a country you care about is not the same as hating your country. But to many of my family, the idea of blind loyalty is the only way to truly love your nation, and it is a frightening thing to me, to be so willing to let a place you love so much fall to broken systems and bad actors just because you want to ignore any problems and pretend nothing is wrong for the sake of your own pride.
Last December I talked to my doctor here in Germany about a little swelling on my neck. He found it suspicious and ordered an MRI scan. Due to the fact that I am privately insured I know all the prices of the examinations and treatments I got, so might be interesting: January: MRI scan, showing a tumour in my shoulder: 958 € March: after talking so veral hospitals because it was a very difficult tumor, growing around an artery and stuff, CT in a specilaized hospital: 500 € April: pre surgery talks, 2 surgeons discussion procedures and such foe 2 hours: 0 € May: 8 hours surgery, requiring a neurosuregeon, a thorax surgeron, a vascular surgeon and several other specialists and 14 days in hospital (2 bed room, elevated level of care): 7500 € May: histological report, it was not cancer, phew: 900 € (it was as big as a cauliflower and they needed over a week to examine it) Every american here is free to make their own assumptions about how much these treatments would have cost in the US. I am, btw 100% covers for all these cost and also accompanying medication, massages and other aftercare work. The German Pensions Insurance granted me a 3 weeks rehabilitation stint in one of their facilities too. No gofundmes neded to be opened. Really terrible to live here, isn't it?
I broke my ankle in the USA, and had to have an operation to put two pins in it. The operation cost $23,000. Luckily I was insured twice, but I had to combine both my European insurances to cover that cost. The most expensive country in Europe is probably Switzerland, but that cost was way above the cost of a similar operation in Switzerland, which is why I had to use both insurances in the end.
@@Carlsonrufer Well this is the thing, Mr. Rufer. Private patients invoices are MORE EXPENSIVE that the public healthcare system ones. Doctors can bill higher than usual. So as a "standard" patient, prices for all the procedures are even lower - and fully covered anyway. I basically showed you the WORST CASE, which makes my point even more valid.
@@catriona_drummond I grew up here, 40 years old now. back in the days, the german system was great. but nowadays... i broke my foot in 2018, went to the emergency in Frankfurt. They told me, sorry, busy, come back tomorrow. then i needed an MRI. took four weeks, was useless by then. Now I need to go to the dermatologist. waiting time 6 months. you know what i have to pay per month for the public insurance? 800 euro! for basically zero service. plus, the system got so expensive, that the tax revenue alone (42% on my end) doesnt cover it no more. in fact, the state has to get more and more into debt just to keep it halfway running. sounds sustainable to you? to me it doesnt. for sure the US system is worse, but that doesnt mean the german system good. 30 years ago, yes, now, not so much. so you are privately insured. ever considered getting kids? or growing old? you will be amazed what costs are waiting for you ;-) yeah, private invoices are more expensive, as will be the fees.
@@Carlsonrufer Oh I was focusing on the invoices side for a reason. Granted one misconception that foreigners have that healthcare is free here. It of course not. And there are a lot of problems. I don't think there will ever be a health system that makes everyone happy. But one of the advantages that are still left are the price caps for treatments and medication. Some things I don't get though. With an 800 € rate you should qualify for private insurance? Well depends on age whether that still makes sense I guess. my rate for the private one is quite high as well. But what do you mean with the tax revenue? German health insurance is a so called parafiscus, separate from federal budget, not financed by taxes at all and currently not much in debt because the number of employed people has reached a record high...
Unfortunately … it’s nothing wrong with patriotism , just what some people make out of it , or when they think that they’re better because of that country they’re born in.
@@J.A.W.1964 but that's precisely the feeling patriotism is meant to generate: make you consider your country as so superior to any other you're willing to go to war for it at the whim of any politician. Which is why I call it the religion of the State.
@@J.A.W.1964 I recently learned about 'false friends'. Most people here use the German 'Patriotismus' as equivalent to the American 'patriotism' which should be translated as 'Fanatismus'. Same with the word 'social' that should be translated as 'sozialistisch'. Please take into account that the English meaning may be different, more like the European/German interpretation.
@@agnesmetanomski6730 in some way you’re right . But at the whim of a politician is just stupid (enough examples in the last century all over the world )bad enough that some people still fall for these politicians . You can love your country , be patriotic and still can choose to help and support . After all if you look back at the European history , let’s say start at Charles the Great /Charles leMagne / Karl der Große …. Had 3 sons divided his country and what happened ? You got France , Germany and in the middle was Lotharingen ( son #3 who dies childless of poor health or so ) and the other 2 brothers wanted his “share” aswell and the stupid animosity between France and Germany started and lasted until after WW2 … thank god that sh.. is mostly over , even you still can hear it on both sides now and than and I guess it’ll take another century before this is really forgotten and over .
@@wora1111 you’re absolutely right with that . The meaning in English is the same like in the rest of Europe , but it’s like like mentioned , what people make out of it …. In the US ? Just remember January 6 2021 …….
When I hear "America is the greatest nation", my pedantic German brain goes: "At what?" , "Measured by whom and with which method?", "Compared to what?" But I do remember that Americans generally like to speak in superlatives: "You're my BFF", "That was the greatest meal I ever had!", "Best day ever!". Germans do not tend to make such sweeping statements. So maybe we should take this sentence with a grain of salt and rather hear: "Man, I love my country!"
For those of you who probably don't know, in a lot of countries in Europe, we call USA America. So when we say "America" we usually mean USA, not the continent.
@@luyzqint3760 When I was in Mexico for a vacation, our guide (born in Mexico, lived in Germany many years) always reminded us that there are no "Americans" and we need to distinguish between North-Americans and South-/Middle-Americans.
I'm a german & I've been to the US often. I love the citizens of the US. But the last time I have been there , it felt like a policestate. I'm sorry but that's how it feeled. A cop wanted to arrest me because & this is what he said: "I don't like how you cross a street!" After I was detained by the two cops they did everything to provoke me. They keeped on repeating:" I don't like your accent, I will lock you up, if you move I will taser you!" This keeped on going for 20 minutes. Then a woman came over to help me & told me that this is illegal. They told her:"Do you also want to have a problem?" And all this because I crossed a street. German cops would have been fired right away!
I feel like you need to live in a country for a while before you get a good feel of it, so while I don’t doubt your experience it doesn’t really say much about the country as a whole unless you traveled widely there and stayed there for a good while.
When I lived in the US, I was told not to go outside by myself. Having grown up being outside whenever I was able to, I did not understand what was wrong. Ppl are scared and this says a lot.
For me as an european, the scariest thing for me is the pledge to the flag. Seeing these kids gave me the chills. It reminded me of a time in my country when the citizens also were told that their country is just the best and all the others were horrible to live in. The children had to do a pledge back then also, not only to a flag but to a weird guy from Austria as well . . .
And that (the last thing you said) is a key difference: the pledge is to the flag "and the republic for which it stands". No weird guys from Austria involved. That said, Hayley's story is scary indeed, it's pure brainwashing. Although as an expat in the U.S., I always liked the relationship Americans have with their country, and I think (e.g. the Gemans) could use a bit of that, too.
I am 57 and sang the German Anthem maybe 4 times at school. And I'm proud to be German. Wouldn't want to be anything else. Where is the need to put German flags on my house when I'm IN Germany? So where is the need to have the flags on American Houses? I do understand these actions when there are some great international games of some kind.
@@regfin6855 I'm 63 and have never sung it anywhere. If I remember correctly, the tune was played at night at the end of television programs and at international sporting events. Today there is no end to the program and therefore probably no national anthem. But I'm not entirely sure, as I have no television (but Internet) for many years.
I grew up in Mexico and when I was in middle school our english teacher was a man from the US. He made us learn the pledge of allegiance by heart and we had to stand up before every english class put our hand to our heart and say it. We didn't really understand the meaning of it and just did out of habit eventually but now thinking back that was super weird...
I like your comparison between patriotism and nationalism. I am German and proud of it, although I was born in this part of the world only by chance. I am proud of what we could give to the world. States are entities invented by people. To think that any state is inherently better than all others also shows low self-esteem.
I agree, especially with your reasons! I’m not proud of being born in Germany, but I’m proud of many things our country has done in my lifetime and that I do support this by paying my taxes and health insurance and trying to be a good person and to encourage others to do the same, because it does matter, what we do as a society, not just our politicians.
Exactly because of the coincidence that I was born here in Germany I can't be proud of being a German. But nevertheless I'm happy that I was born in Germany because I could have had less luck. Per definition you can only be proud of something you've did, made created, achieved etc. But don't get me wrong, I like it living here and I love the place I'm living in, I'm loving my City the nature, culture and I'm kind of patriotic of our constitution. I'm just a happy German by coincidence. But in the rest I agree with you, Peter. 😁✌️
@@jennyh4025 You're not proud of being born in Germany but you are proud of Germany..... oh my god, I'll never understand the logic used by you or many people on here. But that's ok, nowadays NOBODY uses logic nor can they think critically. Fair enough, have a nice day.
@@sullivanl3305 why should I be proud of being born somewhere? That’s like saying „I am proud, that the weather was good on my first day of school“, it’s not something you had any influence on. But I can be proud of something I do have (some) influence on, like the society I live in.
As a Native American person, when I was growing up. I never. NEVER stood for the pledge of allegiance I got shit for it From fellow students, from teachers, from security personnel and from family (not my siblings or mom, extended family) I do HOWEVER, stand for Tribal anthems, and Tribal Entry Songs. Since those are my People, my mother's People and they don't have the same expectations that America has, for me
@@kathrinscharrer3923 Leider wird oft der fehlende Patriotismus mit Selbstverachtung gleichgesetzt, da ersteres in vielen Ländern vorausgesetzt wird und somit das Fehlen nur negativ sein kann.
After a trip to the US I like Germany even more :D. I was 1 week in Russia and noticed the pride in the people and explained it to myself with propaganda. I went to the US and was shoked by the poverty, dirty streets, cables hanging everywhere, potholes, homeless everywhere and the overall feeling that something can happen and the people think they live in the best country in the world ... I guess this is again propaganda but I like it. If you ask someone in north korea you will see the same...
LOL. True. There's too much pride in those imperialistic countries like the US and Russia nowadays. And some others (khem khem) that are now in war because of that. ...which leads to a conclusion: pride, patriotism, propaganda -- all eventually turns into war and lastly, smithereens.
Knowing about the daily pledge at school, the novel "The Wave" makes much more sense, doesn't it? Also: My grandmother had to make a similar pledge to the flag in the NS fatigue duty camp back in 1940...
Liebe Hayley, Leute wie Dich gibt es leider viel zu wenige auf RUclips - und wahrscheinlich auf der ganzen Welt. Ich liebe Deine Videos, weil Du komplexe Zusammenhänge sehr einfach und gleichzeitig auch sehr differenziert mal eben so in einer Viertelstunde auf den Punkt bringen kannst. Und das auch noch so, dass es alle verstehen. Das ist in dieser Form, wie wir sie hier sehen, eine hohe Kunst! Und dafür verdienst Du großen Respekt und Anerkennung. Du machst das großartig. Und lass Dir von niemandem etwas anderes erzählen! ;-)
Du hast recht, ich bin dankbar für jede differenzierte Sicht, um Dinge zu erkennen, die man vorher vielleicht nicht sah. Es gibt zu viele expat RUclipsr, die nur erzählen was andere hören wollen, um mehr subscriber und likes zu bekommen.
Hi, I’m Australian, I grew up never knowing everything you just said until the last year or so, via RUclips. I was totally shocked and yes heartbroken for Americans. My friends son now lives permanently in Germany Re his job and loves it. His parents, my friends left yesterday for a holiday visit, again, to visit their son, they are also visiting Switzerland and UK as well. They would never leave Australia but absolutely loved Germany. Their other son went to College in the USA via a baseball scholarship. When I ask him about America, he never says anything negative to me, he actually says nothing, as he’s polite but just raises his eyebrows at me. I often wondered why Americans said, they are the greatest country, it always fascinated me. I think Australia is wonderful, perfect, no, no country is perfect. But all countries are great in different ways. Listening to you now I know why they said it, it’s sort of a form of brainwashing. But watching RUclips, so many Americans are realising what you just said. I have wonderful American friends online, one I know personally and one lovely American who was friends with my parents, all sadly now passed. I hope one day America can be a wonderful country to live in, for all Americans. But I’m staying put here in Australia . Wishing you a happy life in Germany, well you already have that 😊💞
As a German I am deeply offended by your comment about the VW Golf, because even after 20 years, those cars still work better than the American health care ever did.
This is more and more becoming a political commentary channel, and I don't think that's a bad thing. That last story is super scary and I don't think there's much of a difference to what kids are taught and treated like in China etc. - I don't even remember if we were taught the national anthem at school, for sure we never had to do anything with the flag or pledged allegiance to whatever. For a German the idea of a school cop alone is weird enough.
I (German) learned the national anthem in elementary school. But we just learned it, that's it. And later of course the history of it and which verse was cut and why.
I agree, the whole pledging allegiance is all very communist to me. I was born and raised in the London, UK and I work with many people from European countries who were schooled under communist regimes in the 80's and early 90's and the common theme was pledging allegiance to the country and president. It's as if parts of America fool themselves into thinking they one identity (e.g. freedom of speech, freedom of religion), but also these very draconian ways of viewing their country. Even the playing the national anthem before every sport game when they're not playing another country. I understand in it in the Football World Cup and Olympics because you play against another country. Although in the UK I was taught the National Altham, but that was in preparation for Charles and Diana's wedding!
@@missd2657 Communist? Tf? It's literally what the Nazis did. Left Wing ideologies are the ones who go against this shit. Sounds like you repeat the same stuff the Americans propagate.
German here! The pledge of allegiance thing really shocked me. But now it makes so much sense to be why all americans immediately stand straight, hands to their heart, when the hymn plays. It always weirds me out so much, that Americans act that way, and I thought it was just like cause they get told how great their country is, and that they really like their hymn or smth. To see that children get forced to do this from young age on really sounds like nationalism/dictatorship to me. So sorry you had to go through that. Also, I really thought this Simpson intro with "write this 100 times" was a joke OMG. These poor US kids.
The thing that always baffles me is the fact that words like „social“ and „liberal“ have bad connotations in the US. These words are LITERALLY good things for people. A not social society is an unjust and unhealthy society. „Liberal“ means „free“. The demonising of those words is something very weird for most Europeans.. The educational system in the States has truly failed the people…
Say it with me. "The Red Scare. Never Left." People are terrified of anything that can be vaguely "socialist" or "staterun". Never mind Social Security is state run or their pension plans lol.
@@KiraDaBeastNY It goes so far as that people in the US frequently seem to confound social behaviour (like caring for others) with socialism, so they abandon the former to avoid the latter.
@@franzfred7511, nope. They don’t. It‘s a weird narrative, even for conservatives. The only thing conservatives can do is conserving dumb ideas from the past that even in the past never worked. And in the end they just spew untruths, which they often even believe themselves, because otherwise they could never justify their hatred and dumbness towards themselves and others. 🤷🏻♀️ Classic fail of education system.
Wow, that part with your experiences with the pledge creates goosebumps to me. That's not patriotism, that's conditioning and teaching not to question things but to glorify. As a German, our dark history shows the power of flags and symbols when used to influence peoples mind, opinion and behaviour. It is important to explain to pupils which positive achievements have been made by PEOPLE, and neither made by a country and most ridiculous nor by a coloured piece of fabric.
About the healthcare thing, my mom's friend currently lives in the US with her family, they have enough money to live comfortably and still she came here to Chile for her surgery because in the US medical procedures is REALLY expensive
Isn't that "sick", to stick to the topic? Even including the flights, it is much cheaper to go to a country that is considered to be a 3rd world country by the US State Goverment this Hipocrisy alone shows it all
I had a heart-attack 11 weeks ago, was brought to the ER, got a stent, was in ICU for 4 days and in standard-care for 2 days. After that I had sick-leave for 7 weeks and a rehab of 3 weeks and all I had to pay was a co-pay of 70€. But yes, I pay by monthly deduction of my salary of ~280€ for healthcare. In the US I had to file bankruptcy or had died, being afraid of the bills.
Hoping so much you are doing well! The thing many Americans don’t understand is that the cost for healthcare in Germany is actually so much less that what we pay in the states! For a family, even if the insurance is through an employer, you pay several hundred dollars monthly, then a deductible of several thousand, just to get to where insurance will pay 80%. To get to the point where insurance will cover 100% it costs my family $15,000 a year on top of the monthly premium. That’s even if insurance will cover it. Because of my health I had to have my wisdom teeth extracted at the university outpatient surgery clinic. It cost $60,000 that insurance didn’t pay a penny for. I need to return to Germany for additional vascular surgery which is about €40,000 and that covers surgery many days ICU then a week in private room and all tests and supplies. But because all the money pays for minimal care here I can’t get to Germany yet. It’s insane and heartbreaking and millions of people are just like me
@@chelseahill1257 Even (especially!) if you pay out of pocket the cost is less here. In the USA, hospitals overcharge the uninsured. Sadly that movement is happening as well in the Netherlands, I feel it applies to car insurance as well. But also hospitals are "contracted" for lower cost operations by discount insurers.
@@pizzablender it’s so true that the uninsured pay the most in the US and I’m sorry to hear it’s starting in your country. So many people here don’t realize that the insurance contracted rates are a fraction of the billing…yet healthcare systems think they are generous when they offer uninsured people 50% discount! There is just no reason for charging close to a million USD for care comparable to what I had in Germany that cost $50,000.
THANK YOU for this, Haley. Greatly appreciate your thoughts on patriotism. I’m thrilled to have been born in the USA BUT, I shudder to think what we’ve become and how it borders on nationalism. Thank you for sharing this; a virtual hug and a high five - you go grrrl
I really enjoyed your video. I married to the USA in 1992 and the 1st cultural shock I received was - brainwashing. I was shocked how many people kept repeating the same thing and what was disconcerting to me was - why do so many people believe in that as I was not seeing a reason for it. Long story short, 25 years later I live back in Europe even with my husband and all of our kids. I love it here. This doesn't mean that I don't love the USA, I do, but I have only one life and my life here is better due to the points that you mentioned. Also, I am pleased how many young people are starting to speak up and point out the obvious. I have high hope that the situation will change and improve. Thank you for your video.
Our English class book in my German high school has a section about "cultural differences" between the US and Germany, and patriotism and gun culture are the biggest differences mentioned there. It says to not criticize the US at all when on a student exchange there, because patriotic Americans will be furious.
I was an exchange student in the US, and before I went they actually warned us about not bringing up certain subjects because you never know how they will be received, and especially how your host family thinks about them. And if you piss off your host family you will have a bad time
@@scotthullinger4684 I agree with you, but there is a big difference antagonizing, and just talking about something. E.g when the topic religion comes up there are exchange students that actively have to lie, and say that they believe, because the host family is either indoctrinated, or strait up bigoted against atheists. Luckily my host family was extremely open minded, and I could talk to them about anything from politics to religion, but there were people in my program who had very different experiences
@@scotthullinger4684 It shouldn't be a problem, but unfortunately it is. You can either choose not to believe me, or do some research on the matter. There are a lot of stories of theists in the US who are disowning, or ostracizing their own children when they come out as atheists. The exchange program is about individuals, and an exchange of cultures, but some families only want to show of their own culture without being open to the culture that the exchange student can bring. And at that point you can only hope that you are in a good program with people that care enough to get you a new family. Of the 10 or so other students I was in semi-regular contact with 2 had to change families. 1 because of religion, and the other because of other inter-personal reasons. Other stories I only heard in anecdotes
@@scotthullinger4684 It certainly is true and does happen. A friend of mine has broken off her au pair stay in the U.S. cause of religion. Her Host Family insisted on her attending church. Praying together, bible courses and so on. She said rather early that she is an atheist. but that she would pray before dinner and bedtime with the children. Th thing she didnt want to do was taking part in the church and the bible course afterwards. She felt as if they wanted to proselytize her and didn't feel welcomed anymore. There was no other family found so she's gone back home after 1 months instead of 1 year.
@@scotthullinger4684 I didn't know that the american "culture" is just there religion. Cause the only thing that she didn't want to do was going to the church and to the bible courses. For me, that's not the host culture. Handcuffs weren't needed. They used psychological pressure. She was called a bad influence to the children(host ones). At some point they told her she could either come along or get out of there house. Really harsh to say to a 18 year old girl, that's the first time alone in another country, let alone on the other side of the world. Needless to say that she wanted out. The agency couldn't find another place for her that fast, so she cancelled her Au Pair year and took the next flight home. I'm not saying that every Host family is like this, but such things do happen and are also warned about over here. TIn case that you say again that this "in no way did occur", just follow the link. That is about exactly that problem. www.timesandseasons.org/harchive/2012/08/do-not-convert-exchange-students/
I‘m from Hamburg, Germany and I like to consider myself a patriot in the sense that I love my country and my city, but just like when loving a person, loving the country means that I see the troubles it has and that I try and help my country/city to become the best version it can be. Also loving one country/city does not mean that it’s the best there is or that others can’t be equally good or even better.
I always measure a society by how it deals with justified and respectful criticism. Unfortunately, the Americans are not doing very well on this point. Ignorance explains many things, but in this day and age there are plenty of opportunities to inform me about the rest of the world from home.
@@LaureninGermany It is super interesting for me (as a German) to listen to and learn from opinions from outside. It can prevent me from becoming "betriebsblind" (suffering from tunnel vision) and it is fascinating how positive most of the feedback seems to be. And if there is negative feedback that is also very helpful to improve our society further.
@@klaushohmann1101 the opportunity to show respect is voting at every election, caring for the environment and being respectful towards people who we disagree with besides many other things an individual can do.
@@klaushohmann1101 absolutely! I love this particular era we are in, where we can share on a platform like this, because I used to get so many „schräge Blicke“ when I expressed enthusiasm for Germany. But there is so much that’s wonderful here. I think the health care system really strikes us Brits as well as Americans. Because exactly as Hayley pointed out, the access to top equipment and specialists is for everyone here. And the beauty, the comfort, the standard of living… it’s fantastic to share our thoughts and reach the people who can enjoy our experience of their country.
Dear, wonderful, upstanding, brave Hayley, you dared to say something negative about the USA. Like it is with most such cases, it is best if a native or a member of a group says the negative things they recognize in that group. I do hope that the horrible comments to you about "not being a patriot" or "not being a true American" or such will be the absolute minority. Because neither is true. For me you are a true, upstanding American, ready to notice when something is really, terribly wrong with your own country, and daring to point it out, as well as possible solutions to such problems. That takes guts, courage, bravery, chutzpah, you call it however you want to, it certainly ain't easy. That is probably the influence of Germany. We Germans LOVE to criticize and grumble about our country. What we fail to recognize is that despite all of Germany's flaws, errors, problems, etc there are still sooo many things that are working well here. That's where people like you come in: the outsider, the Ausländer, who has integrated into our society, sees both the good and the bad, in both your new home here, as well as your home back home. The people with enough courage to point out where both countries have failed, and how we could learn from each other. Thank you for those insights, Hayley, and for the constant reminder what good there is in Germany, that we should appreciate, and pointing out our flaws in a way that we can hopefully improve.
I always wonder why they are not buying atom bombs. The government has those, right, and you need to stand up against government? And then it turns out the freedom is (luckily) not as free as taught.
the main problem is, that too many ppl r just too unreasonable regarding the handling of guns. in current times i d wish i had my own just for self defence purpose. since so many ppl seem to have gone crazy.
Interesting to hear your thoughts Hayeley, because as a Norwegian who has been slightly obsesses about the US for decades and lived there I continue to struggle to understand where this absolute certainty about America being the greatest comes from. Or perhaps more: How did people conclude all these other countries are so bad when they have never been there? I remember living in the US about two decades ago. It was a great experience on many levels as I learned a lot about America, different cultures, people not at least a lot about myself and the culture I came from. It is very hard to understand your own culture unless you have lived outside of it. I think you would agree Hayley based on the things I can remember you saying in other videos. Anyway, while in the US I would get into casual conversations with people where they learned I was from Norway. Americans are really eager about welcoming new people to America, showing them the good stuff etc. That is nice. What is less nice is what often followed. When they learned I was going home they start digging to understand why. I gave as diplomatic answer as possible: I said all countries have different qualities and benefits and that I like a lot about America but I decided that I like living in Norway more. Oops bad things to say! This seemed to trigger every American I talked to. They could not accept that I did not find America best. They would tell me that I had to just live a bit longer there to realize just how amazing America was and how much better it was than Norway. Cautiously I would ask "How do you know America is better than Norway, have you visited Norway or studied the country?" Nope, they didn't know anything about Norway. Couldn't mention any places, culture, or just about anything about life in Norway, but they sure knew whatever Norway was like, America was better. Stuff like that really just left me with a bad taste. I do in fact like a lot about the US. I wrote this love letter to America: erik-engheim.medium.com/an-ode-to-america-5869cda8b038 But American patriotism is just a big turn-off. I don't mind patriotism as such. We are very patriotic in Norway as well. And yes we tend to think Norway is the best country to live in, but we are not as convinced of this as Americans are. We would never claim Norway was better to a foreigner living in Norway if we had never visisted their country. It is considered very bad manners to be that assertive about things you don't know. In Norwegian culture you are supposed to be humble. Maybe that is what turns me off America sometimes, that humility is not a virtue in America. Quite the opposite.
Noruega seria el paraiso si estuviera en el Mediterraneo.. jajajaj, la gran suerte que tenemos en Europa es que al haber viajado podemos comparar. Para mi particularmente es pais que mejor representa Europa y su modo de vida es Francia, es una mezcla de lo latino y lo germanico, su unico problema, es que esta lleno de franceses...jajaja, no hay ningun pais perfecto, salvo Suiza, pero es muy aburrido vivir alli.
That happened to me when I moved to Germany for about the first 3 years. My mother is german and her family is here, and while we were stationed in Germany and the US equally, I moved here by myself in the 90's at 16. First of all the expectation to be more self sufficient and the freedom someone my age enjoyed as opposed to the States was the first culture shock. Second, being raised in the military and living as a biracial person is a whole other experience as a civilian in either country. The base racism I experienced in the States was different to the ignorant racism I come across here. Not to say that Germany doesn't have it's issues, but I felt there was more of an even scale when meeting people and an acceptance. And yes, things are just plain and simply less extreme. Its not an either or world outside of the US. There isnt an ultimatum placed on you that makes you question your identity and what values youre willing to let be hoisted on to you by other people for the sake of assimilation. You have room to find these things out for yourself here, i find. Of course this is all in a very general sense, because I'm not out here trying to write a dissertation lol. I just know that there is nothing for me there anymore. The America I knew apparently has only gotten worse and I can't be bothered. The rest of the world is just too interesting for a curious soul like mine and I'm VERY content with this realization.
omg I agree with you 100%, I left California when I was 28, and have been in Germany for 6 years now....we really are all brainwashed there for our entire lives, because how would we know otherwise? We can't imagine how much better things are in other countries because we are taught our whole lives that the US is the greatest country in the world in all areas of life and we have hardly any exposure to anyone who would know or have experienced anything else! That's so crazy because literally EVERY area of my life is dramatically better here than it was in California, I had no idea how much better life could actually be before
Life can be better anywhere in most countries than in the US. Also, we are taught that the US is the safest, cheapest, friendliest, smartest, most powerful, and most secure country in the world, and all of that is still a lie. You can't travel to Germany because you will get killed or it's too dangerous so that's not the case, and you can still go to Germany. Germany is ranked 16th on the Global Peace Index, and there are plenty of countries that are safer than the US. The US is not safe and has never been safe. SMH at these Americans defend the US.
Wow, the whole pledge to the flag thing is freaking creepy. I would expect something like that from countrys like North Korea, China and apparently Russia is beginning to do that sh*t in shools too. How in the world is this possible in the USA?
Funny enough, it was started to counteract Soviet Russia's potential influence on children (ha!) It was a Red scare tactic, to brainwash the children, to never listen to counter culture teachings My mother remembers doing it, and absolutely hating it. Because my grandmother saw it, as yet another attempt by the USA, to bring Native American's back in line for assimilation She later went to Germany, with her then boyfriend for a time, and had a few talks with his parents Lo and behold, they were ex-H1tl3r Youth, and told her that they were deeply disturbed by the whole Pledge of Alliegence thing, and said it gave them "bad memories" I've never stood up for it, after second grade. When I began to see how weird it was, that everyone in my class (all native kids) were enthusiastic about it. About being American When their parents/grandparents suffered in Boarding School and whatever American efforts to assimilate us was inflicted
After a few years of living Europe my American friends often have this bitter, disillusioned phase, it’s when they feel betrayed by their own country and the upbringing they got there. The funny thing is they seem to be unsure if it’s even ok to feel that way.
I lived in New Jersey for a while a long time ago. My daughter went to first grade and loved it, she even did the pledge even so we are German. I didn’t want her to feel different, but it was very weird. She couldn’t care less because she had no clue what she was doing. We left the US after our 4 year stay and I will never ever go back! Even so our time over there was really ok. That country is so out of touch to the rest of the world that it is painful to watch and it literally makes me angry that they lost all their common sense. Stupidity at its best ! Sorry! It is so refreshing to see that people who look over the Tellerrand gain their brain back I love your videos and how you are not afraid to step on people toes 😄 👍👍
I can very much understand your opinion on not wanting to go back to the US. For me it's kind of the same with the UK post-Brexit as I actually love the UK but I just don't feel welcome anymore as a German. And that pledge thing? That freaks the shit out of me! Terrible brainwashing and dictatorship style education (although education is the wrong term here - it is more like indoctrination). Furthermore I'm having discussions with my 13 year-old daughter who would like to spend a year abroud - the US and especially California being one location on the list. My wife and I explained to her that we will definetely not let her go there as long as we can legally stop her. I would worry my arse off every single day! And after the Roe vs Wade decision she even came to us and said she finds it horrible that a raped woman cannot get an abortion and she'd rather go to Canada or Ireland.
Patriots will always go full-communist when their President goes out Marxist. In 1917, the US American settler denied his true origin (French,British,German,Spanish,Polish,Russian,Hindus ect). The pressure was to high. They forced everyone to quit their mother tongues. Its called "Americanzation" a rather British-Colonial instrument. We can prove that the Patriot have been as bad as the Communists in Germany,Europe and Russia. In fact, the Soviets didnt have a Propaganda Ministry before the USA did. Vladimir Lenin coped the CPI of the USA and created the "CheKa" months after Wilson and did exactly the same thing: Segregation, annexation, political persecution and on and on. - The USA made propaganda movies on Soviet Russia portraying it as a "Paradise". In both world wars the US Officials 100% supported the Soviets. No wonder the Patriots went full-blown communist twice and would go full-communist under Trump again. The Patriots will go full communist again if their President is saying so. - The Patriot will allow to shelve the Constitution just like they did under Trump in 2019-20. I this case, as a Nationalist will never ever allow to shelve the Constitution, i regard Patriots far more dangerous as a natural Nationalist. - In most cases, a Nationalist is a real indigenous person from a specific ethnic background on a specific territory. The USA is a melting pot and ca not be compared to Germany,Japan, Chile or Uganda. Patriots dont have the "National" affinity , the US-Patriot does not understand World-Nationalism...they know they are immigrants on non-original soil...Patriots in most cases dont pay respect to the indigenous of America at all, on the other hand, the true National does and even demands for the Indians to gain a "own" territory in the USA or Canada. - Patriotism... if they go full communist each and every time...what is a Patriot? Ad why are Patriots Anti-National and want to dissolve independent nations? That would be Anti-Nationalism and Anti-Nationalism can be regarded as a somewhat racist ideology, as they pay no respect to independent, ethnic National States with history older as 2000 years. - Is Nationalism really dangerous? It only gets dangerous if you de-Nationalize a foreign Nation & Peoples not from America, waging war against them to install a US-Democracy & McDonalds... right? - Real Historians call the modern Germany "Americanized" ...a misch-masch of Americanized culture and a new form of "German". And they are right when they say Germany has become a Allied Colony and does not resemble what once was "German", would you agree?
@@germaniatv1870 I think, what "-ism" is better and what is worse is not the point in all this. Ideologies are just a imstrument to rule over the population, sometimes used to unite them, sometimes to divide them, just as the ruling people see fit for their purposes. Since WW2 the USA and Russia have been fighting over the world domination (lately joined by China as a 3rd competitor), and everybody else was just a figure in their chess game. Also the so called "Allieds" like Britain, France, Germany and so on. What the whole friendship is worth you see as soon as one country takes a stand for its own interests and spoils the profit for the US or also the EU.
Dieses Video ist Quatsch. Es gibt vielleicht ein paar Leute in den Vereinigten Staaten, die daran Glaubt was sie gesagt hat. Sie hatte keine Ahnung über Deutschland vor seiner Erfahrung da. Millionen von Menschen in den V.S.A. hat ein Erbe von Deutschland und es gibt noch deutsche Dialekten in den V.S.A. Quatsch!
@@petebeatminister The Germans are not "Allies" as the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs admitted. They clearly stated that "Germany" is no partner to the USA, but Britain & Israel is. The USA made the worst mistake by fighting the peoples who sacked the British and made USA independent. Before 1917, Britain was the Arch-Enemy of the USA. - Germany is still occupied and the EU made the Germans dependent from Britain & the USA this year. The Sanctions and blockade will start September this year. - The USA destroyed Germany for attacking Soviet-Communism...now the USA demands us Germans to destroy Russia... Im sorry, but i will not drop to this level. They talk about WW3 like its fun and games and a normal thing to do... what the hell? - So the reality is this: Germany,once again, is dependent form Britain,France and now the USA. America First they said. -Basically, the Germans, if they know it or not, have to regain their independence and quit being bullied by the Allied-Powers. - Reality struck us almost over night... what do you think?
What a courageous kid you were to say no to that pledge. If anything, that kind of independence and freedom of speech should be the epitome of being American.
Another point is how the system only allows salaried Americans two weeks of paid vacation, which isn't enough to actually leave and go to a different part of the world. It keeps people from leaving and seeing for themselves what life outside of the US is really like.
Chanting "were number one" at a ball game is one thing, but when you start to believe your superior to other people it can and has lead down a dark road. Hubris has humbled more than one empire!
This is social healthcare and thank goodness it exists: My mum is 78 years-old. February: She went for an eye test. At the eye test, the optician noticed a problem with her eye and referred her to a consultant. March: My mum saw an eye specialist who recommended a small surgical procedure. April: My mum was operated on. At the same time the consultant saw some 'lesions' and took a number of biopsies. April: The consultant confirmed that one of the biopsies had come back as a form of skin cancer. He referred her to a cancer specialist. May: My mum saw a cancer specialist who recommended the non-surgical approach of radio-therapy. May: A mask was made to protect the parts of the face that did not need the therapy. June: Treatment started on 1st of June and it is scheduled to end on 13th June, with my mum attending every weekday (10 treatments in total). My mum gets NHS transport to and from the hospital. Cost of all of this - £0.
The costs aren't £0. Everyone in the country pays for it every month with their taxes. It's like a mandatory insurance. And since it is mandatory the fundings are ensured and better medical care for everyone can be implemented, and not just for the few, that choose the best health care plan since they can afford it or the corporation you happen to work for offers it as benefits by chance. Over all much more fair than the purely capitalistic driven system of the US. And cheaper for everyone as well.
@@matteloht obviously she knows that and meant free at the point of care. Because in the US you pay health insurance (if you can afford it) and then you still have deductibles and co-payments easily in their thousands depending on the care you received.
as an Austrian it always creeps me out when I see how intense many Americans are with their patriotism. It reminds me so much about what we learned about WW2 in school... when I was younger and I had seen in american movies and tv shows how students do this pledge at school I thought that's just a thing that happens in some movies. I was baffled when I found out it's real. And about the healthcare system, because of health issues I have to go to hospital for multiple months every year (ranging from 2-5 months at a time). Every year I pay 300 Euro because only the first month of a stay is partially paid by the person themselfes. everything else is paid by the health care system. and Americans are trying to tell me how great their country is when many end up homeless to pay hospital bills? Edit bc I think it might be interesting: every January I get a list from health care insurance how much they paid for me the previous year for therapy, hospital, doctors, etc: It's never under 20.000 Euros. imagine having to pay all that every year
Thanks a lot for this video! For me as a German, patriotism is a construct that´ll lead us into some bad history. And I´m seeing this movement in countries all around the globe with concern over the past years. Because I knew since I was a child (we were taught that in classes 4 and up) where this kind of governmental speech and citizen pride can lead up to. I am a German who lives abroad. I like how some things in Germany are handled because it makes sense and it´s efficient. I don´t like the bureaucracy behind most german things, and I´m very pleased that I live in a country where the human factor is much more valuable. But despite the actual crisis with Ukraine and how to treat the fleeing russian opposition my inner german standard for such many things is my north pole were I measure my behavior and actions.
14:06 this is so freaky. I'm trying to imagine this happening to me at school (in Austria) but I literally can't. Wtf. If any teacher ever pulled anything like that, they'd be fired I think, lol.
I'm in a discord server with mostly Americans. One day, me and the ones outside of America (Canada (me), Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Netherlands) created a separate server simply to bash on how fucked up America is. We learned so much purely from that server. From their opinions on guns, to socialize Healthcare, to racism, to our countries. It's unreal how dilereous some people are there, to an extent that reaches cult levels. AND NONE OF THEM CAN PROCESS IT. Land of the Free? More like land of constant fear.
@@mielvanvelzen5967 one was ripping on me for spending 12 hrs in the ER under going many tests. I was like "Laughs in Canadian, this would cost you minimum 10k, so who really has it bad?"
One of the safest countries that I have ever lived in was Japan. There was always someone trying to help me even though I didn't speak the language fluently. I also noticed that women and children could walk the streets late at night safely, something I would never do in America.
1:45 about the "America is better" thing: Volker Pispers put this in a nice statement a few years ago: Americans think of themselves as orchids while the rest are common daisies (in best case). Thinking of it, he might be right, orchids are beautiful, but some of them are quite smelly 😉
I thank you for your reflective and critical views about the US. Some time ago I made a comment on your blog about Trump and that he reminded me at 1933 Germany. Short afterwards the comment was gone. Then there was the attack at the Capitol by nationalists, that really scared me. People that are brainwashed are in danger to follow charismatic demagogues to end in a dictatorship. All over the world. You do a great job to open peoples minds for different views of the world.
I remember a talk I had with an American. I told him things about compulsory unemployment insurance and job trainings paid for by this. Finally he called our system „more civilized“.
Hey HayleyAlexis, here a Dutchy living in Germany. You are so right. Those who get the possibility of visiting other countries, especially Europe are the lucky ones. Hopefully the US will change for the better. It's almost like trying to save the average American. But with the political and economical system in the USA, I'm afraid that there will never be a change.
You're spot on. Your observations mirror my own - and the video's of this man in the UK which was the inspiration of your video. Your personal report of the detention because of refusing to the pledge is horrifying. The whole pledge thing is borderline totalitarian indoctrination and brainwashing as you so profoundly stated in this video. Girl, you have grown so much as a person since I've first seen you in video sitting on the floor of your apartment and a while before Micha entered the picture. I'm proud of you. I do not always agree with your opinion but you formulate it in an educated and conclusive way that I admire.
Thank you for this video! It's kinda chilling to hear an American woman say these things. I am German, but I studied American Studies (and have visited the US about 20 times). I learned these somber observations about the American self-perception already in my studies ... but fortunately I also met many people in the US who thought differently. By the way, there is a nice word in German for what you are holding in the video: eine Wutrede. Stay on and keep up the good work! I hope you make some people in both countries think!
Greets from a modern Germany. The US-Patriotism ( Trumpism) reminds me of the beginning of the darkest Time of our history. Be smart.... and carefull with your Democracy
11:30 "The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which he can be proud; otherwise he would not have recourse to those which he shares with so many millions of his fellowmen. The man who is endowed with important personal qualities will be only too ready to see clearly in what respects his own nation falls short, since their failings will be constantly before his eyes. But every miserable fool who has nothing at all of which he can be proud adopts, as a last resource, pride in the nation to which he belongs; he is ready and glad to defend all its faults and follies tooth and nail, thus reimbursing himself for his own inferiority." Arthur Schopenhauer
I'm from Germany and I'm mother of two children. An Internet friend from Pennsylvania asked me if it wouldn't be very hard for me to live in Germany and see that my kids can get in contact with alkohol, drugs and crime every day here. I was wondering because there haven't been a problem at all. Yes, Sometimes they tried alkohol and a joint in their youth as most of them but nobody of my kids or friends are still consuming. Of course there are people who are addicted but I think much less than in the US. English isn't my native language but I hope it's understandable.
While editing the video I was thinking I should have put that as the first point because I don't think everyone will watch til the end... Growing up that was "normal" and I realize now that it was disturbing and traumatic!
I also just noticed in the picture I chose.... there is a "I want you" sign in the background basically trying to recruit children to join the military.... SO FREAKING WEIRD 😅
Yes, and it brought back memories of my childhood in the GDR. Every morning at school there was the socialist greeting: "Seid bereit, immer bereit". That's crazy. I already knew that this loyalty to the flag in the U.S. was exaggerated, but this school story made it so much clearer.
Holy sh*t! As a German, I find that disturbing on a completely different level to a point that it's just frightening. I think that topic deserves a video on its own: - patriotism vs nationalism (is there a difference in quality or just quantity?) - danger of group thinking (we versus them) - positive view on military and war (wtf) - (nations are as artificial as any other form of human organization) - (proud to be born in the right place?) - (false idea of unity of race, culture, language and space) I could go on forever and you probably sense that I take a clear stance on that topic from the latter 3 points, but I would also just like to hear your opinion or just encourage to take the questioning of what you experienced one step further :)
I'm _thankful_ I was born into a country that takes care of me, where I'm supported, but I've never really felt "proud" of being German .... until I saw the stuff other countries get up to, and at least in that regard I'm proud we're owning up to the shit we did
The pledge of allegiance is the absolute STRANGEST thing in American schools and it's very hard to see where personal freedom is a part of that whole thing.
I'm 54 years old, live in Belgium and have visited Germany (Bremen, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne) a lot. I've never been robbed, attacked, felt threatened, had my car window smashed to steal stuff, had a break in in my house etc anywhere, not in Belgium or Germany !
46 year old American here... When I attended grade school, we had to 1) say the pledge of allegiance while facing the American flag, posted in every classroom, with our right hands over our hearts and 2) sing one of America's anthems, every morning. My generation has "The Star Spangled Banner", "America the Beautiful", and "My Country Tis of Thee" permanently ingrained in memory as we had to sing one of those three songs every morning, depending on the teacher's mood. America is hardcore about brainwashing its citizens to NEVER leave the country, ever. Why leave when we have 3,000 by 3,000 miles of contiguous land to explore, etc, etc? From "sea to shining sea", right? Only 37% out of a 2021 population of 332 MILLION Americans even HAVE a passport to be able to leave the country. The rest will never leave the country. I thank the heavens that I was the first-generation of my family born in America, and will be the last generation born in America. Don't get me wrong; some of that brainwashing worked on me as well. I do love America... the "original idea that Washington and his cohorts had from 200 years ago", that is. However, most of America today has become the disgustingly growing, violent, white nationalistic "viral" plague, which has infiltrated and infected all three branches of the government. I hate politics, precisely BECAUSE I'm an American. It's sad to feel disenfranchised and completely not safe anywhere at all in the country in which you were born. I'd like some of that "socialistic healthcare" please! ;)
Respect !! And don't worry, looking at your "guilty plea" and what followed up, you don't have to worry at all. ;-) I am a social-democrat to the bone and I hate war and violence, but if some country would try to invade, even I would stand up ....
When you are raised with the believe your country is the best , and it's unpatriotic to criticizes the system people stay complaint. Divide and rule. Let people fight their culture wars, while the 1% rich and powerful laughs all the way to the bank.
I don't know. I lived in East Germany and we grew up exactly like that. Our country and our system was the best and there were repressions for saying otherwise. Only very few of us actually believed it. Suppose it needs a specific kind of intellectual shallowness or ignorance to actually fall for that kind of crap when the evidence clearly shows otherwise. It makes the Americans kinda special.
@@catriona_drummond Yes, but East Germany was a special case. I mean it was a system imposed upon you by the Soviet union, and you knew things were different in Western Germany/ I grew up in the Netherlands , and i remember how little we knew about countries beyond the 'iron curtain'. So all i know about East Germany was what i learned in school. When the wall came down , we met people from 'the east' , but i can't remember meeting anybody from 'Eastern Europe ' before that. Very different times .But ye, Americas are a different level of ignorant.
Hailey, just discovered your channel and subscribed 🎉. I'm German living since 20 years in the US. I agree with your points very much, and I don't understand the extreme patriotism here at all. But Germans haven't been raised like that anyway. I've never felt proud to be German, just liked it. There are so many beautiful and safer places in the world, no country should assume they are the best! Especially not if not visiting the rest of the world. I like my life here, but do I feel safe? No, not like in Europe!!
Hello! Greetings from a former youthleader in Sweden. You were talking about how Americans compare USA with African countries etc. When I was talking with the kids in my groups I sometimes talked about an invention of mine (not really mine) and that was the ”bullshit-detector”. It works like this: if you are going to compare something you can`t take the best from your side and compare it with the worst of the other side. If you do that there`s no surprice that your side looks great. In Sweden we have a kind of friendly quarrel between tNeighbouring towns. Like when I lived i Kumla the largest prison in Sweden was there. Of course the people from the neighbouring towns would make jokes about ”if you go there you will never leave” (which actually is quite funny). Since Hallberg is the neighbouring town and is a connectionpoint for trains the people of Kumla made jokes about ”the best thing with Hallsberg is that it is so easy to leave”. If you`re going to make a comparison you have to make a juste one. Take the best of your side and look for an equal country/town/person or subject. Another function the bs-detector has is when somebody for ecample says that ”all immigrants are criminal” you take the same sentence and say it about you own group. Then you realize that there are some criminals but most of us are law abiding citisens. Then it probably is the same with the immigrants as well. Thank you for you vlog. You`re doing a good job.
The thing is? As an American these people comparing the worst African countries (note I say worst because there are African countries doing ok and getting better) and other not so great countries to America do not care if you point that out. Their response to you pointing out the great things that peer countries have that we don't have is to either get really angry or smugly say "Well if like them so much why don't you go live there!" Hence the shirt shown in the video saying if you don't like the flag I'll help you pack. Never mind that leaving the US is actually rather difficult.
Are the prisons in Sweden anything like the prisons in Germany or Norway? From what I've seen, German and Norwegian prisons are much better than a very large % of US prisons, and are probably better than a large minority of regular US housing.
Hi. As a german the story about the pledge to the flag was giving me very bad vibes. I know that germans are sensitive to nationalism, maybe even overly so. Still it felt like a scene from a horror movie.
Ja, die Deutschen reagieren aus gutem Grund empfindlich auf Nationalismus. Denn die wollen nie wieder die Auswirkungen von Nationalismus durchmachen. Umso mehr hat mich die Entwicklung der Corona-Impfung erstaunt. Als ob man live den Film "Die Welle" miterlebt. Fand ich äußerst interessant, diese Entwicklung.
@@mr.x4633 Hab ich nicht so erlebt das nur deutschland in impfstoffe investiert hat, und es lief auch in dem meisten ländern so wie hier, der staat legt das geld für forschung auf den tisch und sobald man das geld wieder rein holen kann, weil man eine impfung hat, wird ausgegründet und das geld geht an investoren. Was das mit nationalismus zu tun haben soll ist mir schleierhaft. Ich denke das ist eher globalisierter finanz kapitalismus. Bei deutschland würde ich sagen lief das noch am wenigsten nationalistisch ab, denn das geld ging mit pfiser nicht unbedingt an einen großen deutschen player, obwohl wir ja mindestens einen größeren player im medizin sektor in deutschland haben. Vielleicht meintest du diese disskussion darum wie toll das ist das wir einen eigenen impfstoff haben und das der von menschen die erst in zweiter und dritter generation hier leben entwickelt wurde. Ok, ja das war sonderbar.
@@jimmieleebillibob9779 Da hast du mich vermutlich missverstanden. Ich bezog mich auf die Entwicklung von "Ihr könnt euch freiwillig mit den neuen Impfstoff impfen lassen. Es wäre nett von euch, wenn ihr dabei auch an der Studie teilnehmen würdet" bis zum "Ihr müsst euch impfen, oder ihr landet (über Umwege) in den Knast". Und die Mehrheit der Bevölkerung hat das im laufe der Zeit sogar noch unterstützt bzw. für gut befunden.
@@mr.x4633 ok, ich weiß nicht woher du die info hast, aber so richtig stimmt das nicht. Es wurde diskutiert ob man das evtl macht, eine impfpflicht und es ist nicht dazu gekommen. Am ende müsste man sich selbst mit einer impfpflicht, nicht impfen lassen und dann die geldstrafe nicht bezahlen. Auf die selbe weise kannst du für alle kleinst delikte in den knast kommen, zum beispiel wenn deine wortwahl beleidigend war. Ich denke das zu begrüßen ist nicht so schlimm, ich habe meinen großvater noch, da er kein corona bekommen hat, ansonsten wären die aussichten nicht gut für ihn. Das die mehrheit der deutschen entweder selbst alt ist und nicht sterben will, oder aber jemanden der älter ist gerne mag und nicht missen möchte finde ich logisch, da muss man sich nur den demografischen wandel ansehen. Das ganz europa zusammen versucht hat möglichst viel zu impfen ist geradezu das gegenteil von Nationalismus. Das viel versucht wurde zu impfen war um andere rechte zu schützen, das recht zu leben, das recht innerhalb europa frei zu reisen, das recht sich privat zu treffen. Dabei ist auch viel schindluder abgelaufen, z.b. waren grossraumbüros sehr lange erlaubt auch wenn sie in homeoffice umgewandelt werden konnten, da bin ich bei.
@@jimmieleebillibob9779 Vorweg: Es geht mir um die Freiwilligkeit. Wenn sich jemand impfen lassen will, weil er dann besser geschützt ist, dann soll er das machen. Ich halte es aber für sehr kritisch, wenn man Menschen zu etwas zwingen will, was sie nicht wollen, wenn es nur sie selbst betrifft. (Das Argument, dass es Menschen gibt, die sich nicht impfen lassen können und deswegen sich andere impfen lassen müssen, halte ich persönlich für Unsinn, denn irgendwann trifft es sie auch, selbst wenn alle geimpft wären - Stichwort Impfdurchbruch) "Es wurde diskutiert ob man das evtl macht, eine impfpflicht und es ist nicht dazu gekommen. Am ende müsste man sich selbst mit einer impfpflicht, nicht impfen lassen und dann die geldstrafe nicht bezahlen." Die Quelle, dass man sich bei einer Impflicht nicht impfen lassen muss und man auch keine Geldstrafe zahlen muss, möchte ich mal sehen! Meinen Information nach, war das ganz anders und wurde auch von Herrn Solmecke ausführlich erklärt. Es ist nicht dazu gekommen, weil dann Omikron kam und diese Variante milder war, als die Vorgänger. Zudem ging das dann so Viral, dass man schließlich auf Durchseuchung gesetzt hatte und der Sommer vor der Tür stand. Wäre es weitergegangen, sodass die Politik der Überlegung zugestimmt hätte, hättest du ein Bescheid bekommen (wenn du ungeimpft bist), dich innerhalb von 2 Wochen impfen lassen zu müssen. Andernfalls hättest du ein Bußgeld in Höhe von 500€ zahlen müssen. Wenn du nach der Zahlung dich dann immer noch nicht impfen lassen wolltest, hättest du erneut ein gesteigertes Bußgeld zahlen müssen, dass dann bis zu 2000€ gehen kann. Wenn du nicht zahlen kannst/willst, wärst du in Beugehaft gekommen, bis du zahlst oder dich impfen lässt. So sah die Sache aus! Ich weiß nicht, ob du das mitbekommen habe, aber kannst du gern nochmal nachlesen. Der 1. Schritt war ja schon, dass Arbeitskräfte in vulnerablen Bereichen sich impfen lassen mussten oder sie mussten gekündigt werden, wenn sie sich weigerten. Neuzugänge durften nur anfangen, wenn sie geimpft sind (ist das immer noch?) "Ich denke das zu begrüßen ist nicht so schlimm" Siehst du, genau das meine ich. Es mag ja für dich in Ordnung sein. Aber gleichseitig bestimmst du damit automatisch über andere hinweg, die das nicht wollen, wenn die Mehrheit so denkt. Es ist genau das, was auch in der NS-Zeit der Fall war, mit den Juden. Es wird jetzt zwar niemand exekutiert, aber das Konzept ist das Gleiche. "Das viel versucht wurde zu impfen war um andere rechte zu schützen, das recht zu leben, das recht innerhalb europa frei zu reisen, das recht sich privat zu treffen." Das hätte man auch damit lösen können, das Ungeimpfte wie zur Lockdown-Zeiten behandelt werden. Dazu muss man niemanden zum impfen zwingen. Zudem kommt noch die Verhältnismäßigkeit dazu. Wenn genug geimpft sind, wozu soll man dann noch die restlichen Minderheit zum impfen zwingen, wenn sich die anderen doch kaum noch anstecken könne, da die ja alle geimpft sind?
Thanks for this video. I grew up partially in the US and now live back in Europe. My friends here have trouble believing me when I try to explain this stuff to them. And my old school friends back in the US have trouble beliebing me that this stuff is considered unbelievable and kinda insane in Europe.
I just wanna say something on the subject of the normality of patriotism in America. It really depends on where you go and the community you grow up in. I'm from Brooklyn, New York and grew up in a overwhelmingly immigrant community. I never had to stand for the flag at the beginning of class every day, and if you talked to most people in the area outside of select wealthy white areas of Brooklyn like Kensington and Midwood, people tend to have a *lot* to say about their issues with the US. You don't really find too many "patriot" rah rah America types here. But our difference in seeing this stuff is probably a combo of regional differences, you being from the south and myself being from the big city up north, as well as age cause I'm 22 so lol.
So... your immigrant parents moved you to the US from their sh*thole countries for the opportunities the US offers, but you grew up hating the US anyway? How about you move back to your ancestors' home country and be patriotic there?
Dear Haley, I’ve commented quite a lot here because the conversation is really interesting. But I forgot to say I think you’re really brave and patriotic to say these things. Societies can only progress when there is criticism and it works best when it comes from inside (ie an American). So keep up the good work. Love your videos!
Good point! I'm german. In the 7ties, if someone wanted to change something (politically), it was quite common to get to hear: "we have the best democracy, here! If you don't like it here, move over." (To the GDR.) My point: "If we do have the best one, where do you think this came from? 'Cause the people before us struggled to find a best solution. And continuosly adjusted it, to what we have now. And we are now stopping to appreciate all of their efforts, in NOT trying to develop this any further? THAT would be disrepectful !"
Growing up in Southern Germany, I was so used to all of this, including traveling to different countries for vacation, school exchange, or day-trips that I keep being blown away by American's amazement ;-)
Imagine being from Europe with an Accent and Moving to the United States (Midwest) growing up in American schools. Brutal! (yes...lots of Pledge stuff) . My parents had me go to speech therapy to remove my accent, so I would be treated better.
What I hear: "I had to pledge allegiance to the flag" What my brain now says: "That was not my question! Did you or did you not donated your whole allegiance? Not pledged. Donated!"
For the people wondering about the pledge of allegiance because some people are claiming that I am lying. I have linked a few websites/articles down below that talk about the pledge and how students are still threatened, suspended, grades being lowered, children being arrested for not saying the pledge of allegiance.
*Just because it did not happen to you does not mean it never happened*
www.youthrights.org/issues/student-rights/pledge-of-allegiance/
edition.cnn.com/2019/02/18/us/florida-pledge-of-allegiance-altercation-arrest/index.html
abcnews.go.com/US/california-teacher-lowers-students-grades-standing-pledge-allegiance/story?id=42110506
www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45656149
The punishment you received is just insane. But I think that with people commenting saying you're lying (which I don't believe at all you are), and the fact that other similar stories have made headline news, I think a reasonable argument can be made that even by American standards, such occurrences are unusual, ridiculous, and far from the norm.
@@dannyboy5086 I don't think so.
@@dannyboy5086 maybe so but a lot of people are afraid to “disobey” the pledge because of the discipline and actions they might receive in retaliation.
More story was one of many during a time where outrage over such things was not common. We did not have the internet- we had local news that didn’t care about our stories because it was a conservative place and it was deemed “unamerican” I am pretty sure this would happen more often if kids decided to stop saying the pledge.
@@HayleyAlexis What do you mean Colin kapernick became a corporate hero not standing for the anthem
Hi :-)
To the "Patriots". The Patriots shelved the US Constitution in 1917 and a second time under Roosevelt's administration and a third time under the Trump Administration. The Wilson Administration would purge German-America. Some compare it to a pogrom.
Many US Historians now admit that the Germans copied the C.P.I. Propaganda Ministry from 1917. They copied the Internment,Labor & Deportation camps. The Public Relations Propaganda Ministry (first of its kind) was copied by Vladimir Lenin months after the CPI was created.
The Patriots "Americanized" the USA, allowed to ban all foreign and indigenous languages (the Babel-Proclamation).
We have intensively researched US-American history and found out that over half of US-History is some kind of re-formed history. The USA has organized the most systematic, deliberate book (literature) destruction of the last century. Public book burning events was held all across the USA starting 1917-18. In 1918 the National Guard would amass all German & German-American literature (literature written by German settlers in America) and burn it publicly.
German language was made a "war-crime" in 1918. German Music and Art was destroyed and banned. Businesses,property,churches, farms, breweries ect annexed or destroyed.
Prohibition especially targeted German breweries.
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That is literally a Pogrom of German-America, a literal purge.
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Are Patriots even worse as Nationalists? Because the Nationalists never shelved their Constitution or would even dare to let it be shelved.
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The Patriot went full blown Communist in 1917.
Is Patriotism worse and more dangerous as Nationalism? And think about it, the USA explicitly tried to kill German Nationalism...the war to end all wars...
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So, not even the German Nationalists had to do such a pledge (to my knowledge).
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Thank you Alexis.
As a young teacher in Germany (german and history) your story about the pledge really shocked me. In German schools we have a so called „Überwältigungsverbot“, as a teacher you are prohibited to mint your social/ political opinions on pupils. You are not even allowed to say what you think in certain matters, so the children don’t refrain from Building their own opinion about the matter, even if it is different from the ones the teacher believes in. Furthermore we have the commandment of controversity. If a topic is controversial in the society or education sector and we discuss the topic in class, we have to offer the main different stances, so the pupils can make their own mind with these information. Let’s say we speak about the gun culture in the US, which is highly controversial, I would have to give pro and anti stances to the class so they can view the matter from both sides and come up with a conclusion on basis of this information. Basically the goal of German social education is to create an able democratic citizen, who is empowered to create his own opinion out of all the information the day offers you.
So in history lessons you have to present arguments against AND for Nazism? I think not - well actually I know you would be required not to. What is and what isn't controversial is a very subjective thing or do you think any person holds any views they consider to be controversial? Oh they might be aware that people with conflicting views find them controversial, but to them its the opposing views that are the controversial ones.
@@CarlAlex2 that is to a degree true - we look an historical sources that support nationalsocialism and those who are against it, but we always include the historical context. We have to do that to learn why the got to power in the first place and we’re able to wage such a horrifying war against humanity in the first place. (Although it has to be said nationalsocialism, Holocaust usw. are a bit different from the way we usually teach). You are right about the controversity: for an individual it his highly subjective but not if you scale it up on the basis of the society. We offer viewpoints from different sides, the pupils don’t have to agree with them but they learn that opinions can differentiate.
As an American who's lived in Germany and attended 2 schools in Germany and 5 in the US (moved a lot), her story shocked me too. Her punishment was ridiculous and wildly unusual. The average student here (if they got in trouble at all) would've gotten in trouble specifically for not following instructions, and wouldn't have had anything to do with failing to be patriotic... This exact situation happened to a classmate of mine in middle school and the teacher simply said they didn't have to if they didn't want to, and that was that.
Carl Alex, yes at school we got presented with a full picture of the World War 2 era, including positive things that Hitler did for the people in Germany at the time and beyond. For example, he promised people jobs during the depression following WW1 and he delivered by initiating a lot of federal government funded projects like building roads. A lot of the German Autobahn was build during Hitler’s time. We are taught about why he rose to power and how, and some of the reasons why were good for people at the time, which is why they believed him. Having this understanding helps way more in preventing the situation arise again rather than just painting it all negative.
its way worse to force children to use those gender language you guys doing these days in schools dictated by politics and promoted by the media, than having to say some meaningless patriotic pledge in the morning.
The most dangerous thing about being told your country is the greatest in everything is, that it takes away any will to improve. About "patriotism", as a German looking at what Americans today call patriotism, makes me feel very uncomfortable and think of a very dark period in german history.
Dumb!!!
100%!
agreed - especially the plegde of allegiance stuff evokes images of the HJ...
pledging your allegiance is something only adults in full possession of their faculties can and should do... it is a serious choice to make - not something that can be forced... and trying to force kids to do it is indoctrination
It does remind one of the darkest time in recent history, yet it seems some people or groups have either not learned about it or want something similar to happen again…
They say history is bound to repeat itself, I just hoped it took a little longer…😕
What “patriotism”? 🥴 In 2022 Germans are way more patriotic than Americans. Stop repeating everything you hear like some brainw. 🦜
Whenever I hear about the "bad healthcare in Germany" thing I have to take a literal breather. I had scoliosis and hip-spine-dysplasia as a child, diagnosed at about five I think. When I was seven I got to go to a specialized orthodontist who does tooth braces as a correction of hip and spine issues. From ages eight to now (21) I have worn over 10 different kinds of braces that fixed my bent spine and literally re-alligned my entire skeleton so I now have a mostly healthy body. If you'd take the entire amount of money for my treatment it would be 20.000 euros give or take. My parents didn't even have to pay half of that. Most of it was taken over by insurance. I would not be able to have a healthy life without these treatments and I literally count my blessings that I had the priviledge of getting it. And this is why I get absolutely flabbergasted at people saying Germany has bad healthcare. I would not be able to stand up or sit normal or possibly walk without German healthcare and insurance. It's so ridiculous and almost dystopian to see that Americans are brainwashed like that.
Hello Puffin, thank you for sharing your story and all the best for you! :)
As an American living in Germany and enjoying the people here I actually like my German doctor. Usually he's straight to the point, actually investigates things regarding any illnesses I may have, and he does in fact have a sense of humor. I could get treatment very readily if need be. In America you'd schedule an appointment and they might be early, but generally they’re half an hour or more behind so you sit there waiting for the time you were supposed to show up, and sure you might get diagnosed that day, or you might get a blanket diagnosis here take some of this medicine if it doesn't work come see us in a few days to rack up more bills. Hated it so much in America, and yes its sad when I knew early on as a teen that we are the only developed country you can go medically bankrupt in.
I am an immigrant living in a Muslim country, I had a few therapy sessions last month, and it was free! Even for an immigrant.
@@christianedwards9025 i have the exact Same experience in Germany. I guess IT depends in the doc you have got.
Als Privatpatient bekommt man ja so ungefähr die realen Kosten in unserem Gesundheitssystem mit. Alleine eine Kieferorthopädische Behandlung kostet 20.000€, bei einer Skoliose-Behandlung mit Krankengymnastik und evtl. Reha, kannst du an die 20.000 noch eine Null dranhängen. Und das ganze für die USA mal 3 nehmen.
Great video.I am a US Army veteran living in Germany (35 years) . The Patriotic brainwashing is gone overboard in the US. Last Memorial Day someone posted on Facebook Thanking all service members past and present for sacrificing their lives for American freedom. I asked that individual what did the service members who lost their lives in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan had anything to do with American Citizens freedom . I was told to go live in a communist country.and then I would understand.The American government spending on the Military is oneof the highest in the world. They could put half of the funds in their health system.(which would help a lot). If anyone knows history, the last time American soldiers gave their lives for American freedom was the Civil War and WW2 (against Japan).'The rest of the Wars and conflicts were about American interest.
What a wonderful comment. I live here in the US . German here. Just when I hear those " wonderful" civilians claiming to thank the veterans for their scrafices. But then having to watch all the homeless vet on the streets no one gives a holy crap about. They were good enough to go for one of their many senseless wars and then come back. And then no one seems to care about them.
I agree with just about everything you said.
Only thing I would point out is that US military spending (last I looked) was higher than the next 9 largest countries combined. About 7 of those are also considered close allies of the US. Surely if they could spend as much as the next 7 (or less) and still have a more superior fighting force than necessary. Then yes, they could afford the healthcare and education that other countries have.
Awesome observation. People are not taught anything in the US. Y'all (well, with obvious exceptions) have no idea what communism is, or socialism, or regulated capitalism or anything. Whenever you try to criticise anything you receive a barrage of vitriol. I have a feeling that the American public is being intentionally stupid so they'll continue to accept awful living standards in the name of freedumb. But I have a sinister mind...
*for me as german, if i think about the USA, i think about a shithole country full of lies and greed, filled with complet buyable politics and gunslinging maniacs and christian talibans*
Thank you for that. I was working for a Marriott hotel for a while and every time we had a veteran as a hotel guest he heard "thank you for saving our country". As a European guy I just can't understand how can you save your country 5 or 6 thousands miles away from your country . It's just too abstract. And one of my family members said once 'My brother in law is being deployed and going to some Dubai or Afghanistan" So they basically know the direction where they are are flying. But do you think, if they don't even know the difference between Dubai and Afghanistan they know what they are doing and they are the true patriots defending our country?
I'm from a former communist country and learning about the "land of the free" having the pledge of allegiance in school was shocking. They used to do that in our schools back when we had a dictator and the national communist party...doesn't sound free to me.
Right on! Nailed it. Cheers from the UK.
Nobody is forced to pledge
@@wwbuirkle Hayley was 🤷
@@wwbuirkle We didn't have to say it or put our hand on our hearts but we were made to stand and you could get sent down to the office for refusing. And this was in the Northeast.
The United States has had the Pledge of Allegiance after the Civil War... written in 1892 by Francis Bellemay for his Boy's youth group. It was to teach children that their first allegiance was to their newly formed United States which is why it starts as "I pledge allegiance to the United States of America"... it was to reenforce that we were all under one flag, under one Republic and that no longer would their be any division and no man would ever be held as a slave ever again. It was more of a promise to be loyal to their law makers and Government. It has nothing to do with Dictatorship. If your too ignorant to research out history and where and why these things were created then you may want to hold your strong opinions about our country unless you were born and raised here or have become a U.S Citizen by Naturalization. You siad it yourself, you lived in a former "communist country" ruled by a dictator and learned about 'The land of the Free" there. Not here. Patriotism in not more or less being loyal to your own country no matter where you were born in the world. There will always be some who take it way to seriously and much too far out of loyalty to 1 man, not "One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for all." The rest of us fully understand what patriotism is and how it plays a role in keeping our country free from communism and dictatorship.
I'm American, retired military, hours away from the nearest military post, now living in Germany for the last 9 years. I don't feel that I can live in the US to the same standard that I live in Germany. It's different. Different doesn't mean better or worse but I can say from my experience that I've taken the language course, work full time time on the German economy and pay the 19% German tax on what I earn. My health care is provided for from that tax and at no tme have I ever feared being ill or worried that my child wasn't going to come home from school alive or have I ever feared being caught in a shoot out at a drive through restaurant window over a stupid pack of ketchup. America is a great country but it's got some major problems that leave the rest of the world shaking its head.
You are right, but even Germany is not perfect. There is a saying "Wir kochen alle nur mit Wasser."
This kind of different DOES mean better.
You mixed something up here ;-)
19 Percent is on things you buy, or 7% on papers and things.
The main difference is, that you don't have to care about the deadlines, to file in your income report and paying taxes on your own, except for when you have your own business, but even then the periods are completly different.
In Germany, your income tax, the part for health insurance and unemployment insurance are also directly forwarded by the company.
Germany is no paradise, but like you said, extreme thing are happening a lot less, if at all and after having been over there often enough myself, I was always glad to come back to Berlin.
Even looking as neutral at all the things as possible, the US will never stand up for what we have here, maybe the reason why my mother never gave up her citizenship, even aftter more then living 40 years over there.
And the rest of the world is filled with problems, way more than us, that leave us shaking our heads🙄
A friend of mine emigrated to the US in the late 1980s. Last year he planned a trip to Germany, visiting relatives, also doing a short trip through Switzerland and Austria. He told his neighbour who, with an appaled facial expression, asked "but are those 3rd world countries safe for travel?".
Well yes dude, probably safer than your own backyard...
Third world countries hahahaha yeah right...
@@admortor Yes, according to the, mhm, highly competent Donald Trump.
That's funny because in my friend group we call America "the third world country in a Hugo Boss suit". It's just half a joke.
That can't be true! Central Europe 3rd world?? Does the neighbour live under a rock?
I don't believe you
It is hard to believe that the USA thinks of itselfs as a safe place. The safest place in the world sounds like a joke. With all the guns and gangs and murders it feels like a very dangerous place for someone living in middle or western Europe. Thanks for this video, Hayley.
There is a Webpage with a US Mass Shootings List, They happen on average 2 out of 3 days & there has not been 1 week this year without a Mass Shooting,
Not to mention there has been more School Mass Shootings than weeks in 2022.
To be honest, I never really see anyone saying the US is the safest place in the world. I don’t think most people think that (though I’ve never asked).
@@shaneeslick there have been 693 mass shootings in the USA in 2021. Nearly 2 every day.
@Jordan Thornburg when it comes to intentional homicide the USA is the 137th 'safest' place in the world.
More dangerous than Bolivia, Angola, Sudan, Mozambique or Lebanon.
it sounds scary for someone in Eastern Europe as well, trust me.
@@freakymeff I can understand that from that perspective.
Thank you! As a German studying in the US, you can't imagine how many times I have to deal with very wrong assumptions and "jokes" about my home country... It's exhausting after some time.
Am besten Karteikarten ausdrucken und dann die jeweilige vorzeigen. Sind ja meistens die gleichen Themen.
What kind of jokes? Please explain!
@@stillcovalent Your elderly grandmother tells you that you will get killed when you visit Germany, and that's a joke but still offense.
Aren't there more jokes I need to tell you?
Hi, I am from the Netherlands and I am always shaking my head when Americans start to talk about their flag. It's just a piece of fabric. I love my country and I am proud if some Dutch athlete wins in an international event, but I also recognize the flaws in the Netherlands. Some things suck overhere, just as some thing suck in other countries. Anyway, good video. Thanks. Tjuss.
Mostly lack of taste in food and hard to find housing (kinda of universal)....what else sucks in Netherlands?
tjuss
Not from Netherlands, but Canada, and I totally agree. I get proud when Canada succeeds in some worldwide event or sport, or even if a certain entertainer from Canada gets recognized, but I know Canada needs to constantly improve, both on internal issues, and on the world stage. There are improvements to be made.
Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Ukraine 🇺🇦
@@HladniSjeverniVjetar government sucks, they look more after the rich then the poor, in 10 or 20 years we will have the same problems as the US with hobbos
Hi from germany, we spend our last holliday in the netherlands(near Gouda), it was also our first one in NL…and…we Loved it 😃 so Nice and Green there! Love it!😊
You was punished as a child because you wouldn't pray to a stupid piece of cloth?
As a German this reminds me of the stories my grandparents told me. 😦 And a lot of German movies about Germany during a specific period.
Bro, that's what my mom told me. She's an Omaha Woman (from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska), who dated a German man.
When she stayed in Germany, she got to talking to his parents, who were ex-H1tl3r Youth. They asked about the flag thing, because they were uncomfortable learning about it. Because that's what they had to do, as children
She definitely told me it was a fashy thing, and I've never done it after second grade
It gets "better", they used to do it with the right arm raised.
That quickly was ended during WW2 though....
@@HDreamer i mean... it does not surprise me. The USA was close to fascism in the 1930s as well. Henry Ford financed Hitler for a time. And the Jim crow area was an inspiration for the categorisation of "Jewish blood"...
Thanks for this one, especially the section about patriotism. As a German I find this kind of hyperpatriotism more than cringeworthy, it is outright creepy. As the saying goes: You may be proud of your own achievements, but how can you be proud of a country you were just born into?
Absolutely.
And we can also be EXTREMELY proud of our country as well, ok? There is nothing wrong about that. I am mexican, born and raised here, I have spanish blood, my skin is white and I am very proud of my spanish heritage and my indigenous one. No need to SHADE people who are proud of their country. I love the USA and it is not my country and for me, it is the best country in the world, guess what? I HAVE THAT RIGHT TOO!
@@AM-be1ov if you make it an even better place to live, then you can be proud of your contribution, but no, there is, to my understanding, no reason to be proud of the country you happen to live in. You may claim to be a lucky person to live there and that's it.
@@marcusathome So? My country is not perfect, it is actually quite HORRIBLE. Two days ago a sister of my friend was CUT into 38 pieces ok? Mexico is not a safe place to live in, yet, I feel proud of some aspects of my country and that is MY RIGHT, you CAN NOT tell others how to feel about their own countries or others, that is my FREEDOM.
@@AM-be1ov you can think what ever you want. But we also have the right in questioning your opinion. You might not like that but you have to Deal with it.
Hey Hayley….American woman living 29 years in Spain….I feel 100 % more comfortable here than in the US….always! People don’t know until they live in another country…
I feel extremely safe living in the US. It all depends where you live. The only thing that worries me is being attacked by a grizzly bear in my backyard which is why I own a high power rifle. I lived in Switzerland and Germany for 10 years so I know what safe means.
@@jessicaely2521 She never questioned that either. It was just the view of some that nowhere is as safe as the US. Which is nonsense.
@@jessicaely2521 *I'm also white and rich.
Fixed.
I'm Stephen from Missouri and u
@@danielefabbro822 Nice race card, whitey.
OMG you nailed this! In 2012 my mother took me to Germany for life saving surgery we couldn’t get in the US. It was such an eye opening experience living there for three months. Talking with Germans and other European people was such an education about just how much Americans are taught propaganda and how much better life can be. My care, the people, the food, housing, sense of community and the world in general…coming home was brutal and we totally suffered reverse culture shock. I wish people would see this type of stuff for the truth it is and not go straight to saying that it’s unpatriotic. Thank you! 👏👏👏
I am curious how this works exactly. Did your mom have to pay out of pocket for your care?
A friend flew from the USA to Germany to get a CT scan and MRI. He stayed for a week and flew back and still saved 20k$. I was a tiny bit shocked.
Strangely i've had enough of US health system bashing, at this point it's just sad and i wish everybody had access to appropriate healthcare.
IF someone has that much money to spend, I really do not have any sympathy for him.
What kind of insurance did your friend have that the deductible was so high that it was cheaper to fly to Europe to have one done out of pocket??? I had an MRI a while back and it didn't cost me a dime.
@@tempest411 He was raised in a "Insurence is for the weak!" way. Today he thinks different. Married and with kids on his own he took care of everything back then he had to pay every cent on it's own.
@@Notfallhamster Way to roll the dice. I met a few people when I was about 18 that told me about running into a health issue or two...a broken arm, and a bout of sepsis by another, and the amazing debt they incurred from that. They were between 15 and 20 years older than me and they'd not paid it off for many years because it was such a large amount of money. Treatment for a broken arm in the U.S. can cost $80-100K USD-or more! It was then I decided that I decided keeping myself covered by health insurance was the number one goal in life. Even if it was a job that I hated, as long as it offered employer-sponsored health coverage. I've always been healthy, but life doesn't come any guarantees that will always be the case, so you better be prepared.
I am an American living in Germany (6 years). I love Germany so much and would choose it 100 times as a women over the US. I have never felt unsafe here.
If you ask a German "do you love your country" and the average German will say something like "I wouldn't say that, but it's okay to live here for now though things could always be better"
@@ericm4046 We used to have some live next door to us...lovely people....the house is still owned by them but they let it out to others now. We keep an eye out for them and contact them if any issues...
Thank you for telling it as it is. ❤
@@ericm4046 yeah, a little racism sprinkled in is always good.
@@radschele1815 sorry to say but many dangerous neighborhoods and disrespectful/dangerous men happen to be Arab/Muslim in Germany. It comes with poverty and their conservative values. Not all Muslims are like this, it's a specific kind of population within Germany that is however predominantly Muslim.
"socialized" healthcare system? Whenever I hear Americans talk about health care systems in Europe, a word I hear a lot is "socialist". And there's this terrible prejudice that those systems will result in you paying for others. While it's true that the amount you pay doesn't depend on your health and risk levels or pre-existing conditions but on your income, those systems are not socialist. They're social. And no "socialist" is not the adjective of "social". Social is an adjective itself. At least that's the English I learned (it's the same in German btw...) :)
At the end of the day I don't care if Americans call our healthcare system "socialist". I am proud to live in a country where people don't die because they cannot afford going to the doctor and doctors not only swear the hippocratic oath, they are able to be true to it. Pride to live in this country? Proud to be German? OMG?!? Could that be patriotism? Now that's wild. What Americans call socialist, I call patriotic.
Well said! And it's a similar healthcare system in Sweden but it's not related to income and it's free for children up to 18 years old. I think that a country where they're letting people (children too!) suffer and even die of treatable diseases or conditions because they don't have healthcare insurances is both inhuman and uncivilized. I would certainly not call that the best country in the world. Edit: Everyone in Sweden has state healthcare insurance.
@@EleonorS The US is pretty much a Banana Republic: Issues with separation of power, issues with elections not being free, equal and secret, issues with the legal code and its certainty, issues with separation of church and state.
I wouldn't move there for a million dollars.
Remember when Donald Trump said he would like less immigrants from "shithole countries" but more from countries like Norway? While I am not sure why Norway would be better than Sweden or Germany I know that if we had the same understanding of values, we actually should not accept immigrants from the US.
@@psibiza I've always said that even if I got a free trip to the US I wouldn't go. High crime, poverty, racism -no thanks. (But of course I don't dislike the Americans themselves in general. They're of all sorts, just like everywhere else.)
@@EleonorS I have started to realize that even some 3d world countries are still safer to live in than America, because those places are at least trying to get better, and some are actually succeding at that, albeit slowly! And even places where changes to the status quo are not accepted are still relativey safer, as far as gun violence is involved. Plus, i believe that no one should tell others how to live their lives. Change has to come from within the living people, not some external influence. And it takes time. Just my opinion, and i men no offense.
There is still a funny confusion between socialism and social democracy as seen in Europe !
As a frenchman, I can assure all americans that we are not living here in a socialist country at all !
It always surprises me when Americans say "The US is the best country in the world!!!" and I'm like "Actually there are no facts to back this claim, the US is a very violent and unequal country" and they usually answer something like "GO LIVE IN MEXICO AND AFRICA THEN AND YOU WILL SEE HOW SAFE THE US IS" and in my head I'm like "There are more countries than just the countries in Africa and South America, like Australia, New Zealand, Canada and all the developed countries in Europe and Asia exist too. So why not compare the US to countries like Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France etc that are about as rich as the US?"
But they don't want to compare the US to European countries because they know it would make the US look bad
And the countries they list as worse than the usa were most likely ruined by us foreign inverventions (coups, sanctions, war, exploitation)
America is a cancer on humanity. The nation was hitlers inspiration for fucks sake
Frankly, of all the countries I have visited, the USA is where I felt least safe. There are less safe places, but I do things in the USA, that I would not do in any country in Western Europe. The safest countries are the actually most equal countries. There is then no need for crime or violence.
You should point out to them that all the countries they throw out as being “worse” are in fact on the receiving end of imperialism and colonialism at the hands of the US and Europe, and they should be thanking them for the abundance of resources and wealth that allow them to live their lives comfortably
@@jonathanscott7372 Yup
@@mc_kublai I totally agree, every time someone says "Somalia is full of criminal pirates" I tell them that Somalia is a nation that heavily relies on fishing and 99% of all "pirates" where fishers before other nations came and stole all their fish and dumped chemicals near their cost, causing the marine life to die. There are some pretty nice documentaries about all the stuff that "developed countries" did to Somalia to make them a pirate country.
I am an American who has been living in Germany for about ten years, and I really appreciate the way you handled these topics. I can't count the number of times I have discussed these issues with Germans and my family back in America. I grew up in a small farm town in rural eastern Washington, and the attitude and mentality that you described is all too familiar. The discussion about patriotism and nationalism hits especially close to home, as I, just like most Americans, had the same experience growing up. Hearing your story of defiance toward the Pledge of Allegiance was pretty inspiring....I would never have dared to stay seated during that each morning. I am sure you experienced the scorn of your peers as well, depending on where exactly in Florida you grew up. As you also said though, it doesn't even seem strange when you have grown up in that environment. I never questioned it until I moved abroad. The level of propaganda and brain-washing in the states is astonishing.
Also, socialized healthcare is awesome for the most part. I would say that if you are on public healthcare, there are definitely situations where you have to wait quite awhile for appointments, but in the states you would just not go to the doctor at all because of the insane costs.
American from which country?, We are 35 American countries.
American is a Continental identity, not a nationality.
@@luyzqint3760 I can appreciate your sentiment, but unfortunately the word America is right there in the name of the country. What is the alternative, United Statesean?
@@tonybates1537 It is a Continental description, not a country's name.
Regardless if you were thought that there is a American Continent or 2, 3. The point of the matter still the same: Every country in the American/s Continent/s is a American country.
How many times did Biden called it's country, America in front of the American countries on the American summit?.
Anything else is appropriation.✌️😜
@@luyzqint3760 I am not denying that America is also the name of a continent, or from an English speaker's perspective, two continents. I am also not saying it was a good idea to name a country after a continent. I know all too well about confusing terms, being from Washington state and not Washington D.C. And yet, "United States of America" is literally the name of the country, whether you want to accept it or not. What did Biden call it?
@@tonybates1537 It is more of a description than a name, it reads: United States of America.
And it means: The United States within the American Continent.
And before their independence from England, it was, United Colonies.
Also, when the British moved, they went to the American Continent, where Americans already existed.
Those are facts.
Really appreciate this video. As a PhD student living in Germany for the last 3 years, I feel like I really can relate to this "awakening" you talked about here. I came from a military family, 2 siblings, dad, grandparents in the military, so this hyper patriotism was constant growing up. I had to reckon with the fact that criticizing a system in a country you care about is not the same as hating your country. But to many of my family, the idea of blind loyalty is the only way to truly love your nation, and it is a frightening thing to me, to be so willing to let a place you love so much fall to broken systems and bad actors just because you want to ignore any problems and pretend nothing is wrong for the sake of your own pride.
Last December I talked to my doctor here in Germany about a little swelling on my neck. He found it suspicious and ordered an MRI scan. Due to the fact that I am privately insured I know all the prices of the examinations and treatments I got, so might be interesting:
January: MRI scan, showing a tumour in my shoulder: 958 €
March: after talking so veral hospitals because it was a very difficult tumor, growing around an artery and stuff, CT in a specilaized hospital: 500 €
April: pre surgery talks, 2 surgeons discussion procedures and such foe 2 hours: 0 €
May: 8 hours surgery, requiring a neurosuregeon, a thorax surgeron, a vascular surgeon and several other specialists and 14 days in hospital (2 bed room, elevated level of care): 7500 €
May: histological report, it was not cancer, phew: 900 € (it was as big as a cauliflower and they needed over a week to examine it)
Every american here is free to make their own assumptions about how much these treatments would have cost in the US. I am, btw 100% covers for all these cost and also accompanying medication, massages and other aftercare work. The German Pensions Insurance granted me a 3 weeks rehabilitation stint in one of their facilities too.
No gofundmes neded to be opened.
Really terrible to live here, isn't it?
I broke my ankle in the USA, and had to have an operation to put two pins in it. The operation cost $23,000. Luckily I was insured twice, but I had to combine both my European insurances to cover that cost. The most expensive country in Europe is probably Switzerland, but that cost was way above the cost of a similar operation in Switzerland, which is why I had to use both insurances in the end.
ok, you are privately insured and NOT part of the public health care system in Germany. BIG difference ;-)
@@Carlsonrufer Well this is the thing, Mr. Rufer. Private patients invoices are MORE EXPENSIVE that the public healthcare system ones. Doctors can bill higher than usual.
So as a "standard" patient, prices for all the procedures are even lower - and fully covered anyway.
I basically showed you the WORST CASE, which makes my point even more valid.
@@catriona_drummond I grew up here, 40 years old now. back in the days, the german system was great. but nowadays... i broke my foot in 2018, went to the emergency in Frankfurt. They told me, sorry, busy, come back tomorrow. then i needed an MRI. took four weeks, was useless by then. Now I need to go to the dermatologist. waiting time 6 months. you know what i have to pay per month for the public insurance? 800 euro! for basically zero service. plus, the system got so expensive, that the tax revenue alone (42% on my end) doesnt cover it no more. in fact, the state has to get more and more into debt just to keep it halfway running. sounds sustainable to you? to me it doesnt. for sure the US system is worse, but that doesnt mean the german system good. 30 years ago, yes, now, not so much. so you are privately insured. ever considered getting kids? or growing old? you will be amazed what costs are waiting for you ;-) yeah, private invoices are more expensive, as will be the fees.
@@Carlsonrufer Oh I was focusing on the invoices side for a reason.
Granted one misconception that foreigners have that healthcare is free here. It of course not. And there are a lot of problems. I don't think there will ever be a health system that makes everyone happy.
But one of the advantages that are still left are the price caps for treatments and medication.
Some things I don't get though. With an 800 € rate you should qualify for private insurance? Well depends on age whether that still makes sense I guess. my rate for the private one is quite high as well.
But what do you mean with the tax revenue? German health insurance is a so called parafiscus, separate from federal budget, not financed by taxes at all and currently not much in debt because the number of employed people has reached a record high...
Jau, in Germany we were having the same kind of patriotism, but it became out of fashion after 1945.
Unfortunately … it’s nothing wrong with patriotism , just what some people make out of it , or when they think that they’re better because of that country they’re born in.
@@J.A.W.1964 but that's precisely the feeling patriotism is meant to generate: make you consider your country as so superior to any other you're willing to go to war for it at the whim of any politician. Which is why I call it the religion of the State.
@@J.A.W.1964 I recently learned about 'false friends'. Most people here use the German 'Patriotismus' as equivalent to the American 'patriotism' which should be translated as 'Fanatismus'. Same with the word 'social' that should be translated as 'sozialistisch'. Please take into account that the English meaning may be different, more like the European/German interpretation.
@@agnesmetanomski6730 in some way you’re right . But at the whim of a politician is just stupid (enough examples in the last century all over the world )bad enough that some people still fall for these politicians . You can love your country , be patriotic and still can choose to help and support . After all if you look back at the European history , let’s say start at Charles the Great /Charles leMagne / Karl der Große …. Had 3 sons divided his country and what happened ? You got France , Germany and in the middle was Lotharingen ( son #3 who dies childless of poor health or so ) and the other 2 brothers wanted his “share” aswell and the stupid animosity between France and Germany started and lasted until after WW2 … thank god that sh.. is mostly over , even you still can hear it on both sides now and than and I guess it’ll take another century before this is really forgotten and over .
@@wora1111 you’re absolutely right with that . The meaning in English is the same like in the rest of Europe , but it’s like like mentioned , what people make out of it …. In the US ? Just remember January 6 2021 …….
When I hear "America is the greatest nation", my pedantic German brain goes: "At what?" , "Measured by whom and with which method?", "Compared to what?"
But I do remember that Americans generally like to speak in superlatives: "You're my BFF", "That was the greatest meal I ever had!", "Best day ever!". Germans do not tend to make such sweeping statements. So maybe we should take this sentence with a grain of salt and rather hear: "Man, I love my country!"
American is a Continental identity, not a nationality.
We are 35 American countries.
Except that they are actually taught to believe it's the greatest
And when I hear that America is a nation, my American identity goes crazy!.
America is a Continental identity, not a country.
Just like European.✌️
For those of you who probably don't know, in a lot of countries in Europe, we call USA America. So when we say "America" we usually mean USA, not the continent.
@@luyzqint3760 When I was in Mexico for a vacation, our guide (born in Mexico, lived in Germany many years) always reminded us that there are no "Americans" and we need to distinguish between North-Americans and South-/Middle-Americans.
I'm a german & I've been to the US often. I love the citizens of the US. But the last time I have been there , it felt like a policestate. I'm sorry but that's how it feeled. A cop wanted to arrest me because & this is what he said: "I don't like how you cross a street!" After I was detained by the two cops they did everything to provoke me. They keeped on repeating:" I don't like your accent, I will lock you up, if you move I will taser you!" This keeped on going for 20 minutes. Then a woman came over to help me & told me that this is illegal. They told her:"Do you also want to have a problem?" And all this because I crossed a street. German cops would have been fired right away!
Puh, digga, das bestätigt irgendwie das Bild, das ich habe, dass das Rechtssystem da drüben irgendwie ziemlich Banane zu sein scheint
You will love this channel :
youtube.com/@AuditTheAudit
You are right. Hate the way the cops do their job in America.
I was in 40 countries and I felt the most unsafe in the USA.
just over 30, been to south america and USA....both the same dangerous.... safe is Singapore!
Same, never felt as unsafe as in USA and I’ve traveled extensively all over the world. Feel the safest in Scandinavia and Japan.
Agree expect for the Balkan lol
I feel like you need to live in a country for a while before you get a good feel of it, so while I don’t doubt your experience it doesn’t really say much about the country as a whole unless you traveled widely there and stayed there for a good while.
@@jordandthornburg Statistics don’t lie
When I lived in the US, I was told not to go outside by myself. Having grown up being outside whenever I was able to, I did not understand what was wrong.
Ppl are scared and this says a lot.
For me as an european, the scariest thing for me is the pledge to the flag. Seeing these kids gave me the chills.
It reminded me of a time in my country when the citizens also were told that their country is just the best and all the others were horrible to live in.
The children had to do a pledge back then also, not only to a flag but to a weird guy from Austria as well . . .
same!!! I get these pictures too everytime
And that (the last thing you said) is a key difference: the pledge is to the flag "and the republic for which it stands". No weird guys from Austria involved. That said, Hayley's story is scary indeed, it's pure brainwashing. Although as an expat in the U.S., I always liked the relationship Americans have with their country, and I think (e.g. the Gemans) could use a bit of that, too.
I am 57 and sang the German Anthem maybe 4 times at school. And I'm proud to be German. Wouldn't want to be anything else. Where is the need to put German flags on my house when I'm IN Germany? So where is the need to have the flags on American Houses?
I do understand these actions when there are some great international games of some kind.
@@regfin6855 I'm 63 and have never sung it anywhere. If I remember correctly, the tune was played at night at the end of television programs and at international sporting events. Today there is no end to the program and therefore probably no national anthem. But I'm not entirely sure, as I have no television (but Internet) for many years.
I grew up in Mexico and when I was in middle school our english teacher was a man from the US. He made us learn the pledge of allegiance by heart and we had to stand up before every english class put our hand to our heart and say it. We didn't really understand the meaning of it and just did out of habit eventually but now thinking back that was super weird...
The arrogance to MAKE the students recite that, in a foreign country, to boot -.-
Horrible teacher!!
That's not just super weird... I don't know what that's called but there's something very wrong with that
How strange!
Just think, America also used to do the Nazi salute when they doing the pledge...talk about brainwashing?
I like your comparison between patriotism and nationalism. I am German and proud of it, although I was born in this part of the world only by chance. I am proud of what we could give to the world. States are entities invented by people. To think that any state is inherently better than all others also shows low self-esteem.
I agree, especially with your reasons! I’m not proud of being born in Germany, but I’m proud of many things our country has done in my lifetime and that I do support this by paying my taxes and health insurance and trying to be a good person and to encourage others to do the same, because it does matter, what we do as a society, not just our politicians.
Exactly because of the coincidence that I was born here in Germany I can't be proud of being a German. But nevertheless I'm happy that I was born in Germany because I could have had less luck. Per definition you can only be proud of something you've did, made created, achieved etc.
But don't get me wrong, I like it living here and I love the place I'm living in, I'm loving my City the nature, culture and I'm kind of patriotic of our constitution. I'm just a happy German by coincidence.
But in the rest I agree with you, Peter. 😁✌️
@@batluckies Speaking my mind! I'm proud of things I've learned to do, of (most :-) things I did.
But happy to be born in Germany.
@@jennyh4025 You're not proud of being born in Germany but you are proud of Germany..... oh my god, I'll never understand the logic used by you or many people on here. But that's ok, nowadays NOBODY uses logic nor can they think critically. Fair enough, have a nice day.
@@sullivanl3305 why should I be proud of being born somewhere? That’s like saying „I am proud, that the weather was good on my first day of school“, it’s not something you had any influence on.
But I can be proud of something I do have (some) influence on, like the society I live in.
As a Native American person, when I was growing up. I never. NEVER stood for the pledge of allegiance
I got shit for it
From fellow students, from teachers, from security personnel and from family (not my siblings or mom, extended family)
I do HOWEVER, stand for Tribal anthems, and Tribal Entry Songs. Since those are my People, my mother's People and they don't have the same expectations that America has, for me
Ein deutscher Präsident sagte, als er gefragt wurde, ob er Deutschland liebe, daß er seine Frau liebe, nicht Staaten.
Das war die beste Antwort, die jemand auf diese Frage geben könnte.
Gustav Heinemann hatte das gesagt. Er war Bundespräsident von 1969 bis 1974.
Klasse!
@@unsinnkim3690 Selbstverachtung? Welche Selbstverachtung?
@@kathrinscharrer3923 Leider wird oft der fehlende Patriotismus mit Selbstverachtung gleichgesetzt, da ersteres in vielen Ländern vorausgesetzt wird und somit das Fehlen nur negativ sein kann.
After a trip to the US I like Germany even more :D. I was 1 week in Russia and noticed the pride in the people and explained it to myself with propaganda. I went to the US and was shoked by the poverty, dirty streets, cables hanging everywhere, potholes, homeless everywhere and the overall feeling that something can happen and the people think they live in the best country in the world ... I guess this is again propaganda but I like it. If you ask someone in north korea you will see the same...
USA is really falling down
LOL. True.
There's too much pride in those imperialistic countries like the US and Russia nowadays. And some others (khem khem) that are now in war because of that.
...which leads to a conclusion: pride, patriotism, propaganda -- all eventually turns into war and lastly, smithereens.
Knowing about the daily pledge at school, the novel "The Wave" makes much more sense, doesn't it?
Also: My grandmother had to make a similar pledge to the flag in the NS fatigue duty camp back in 1940...
Liebe Hayley, Leute wie Dich gibt es leider viel zu wenige auf RUclips - und wahrscheinlich auf der ganzen Welt.
Ich liebe Deine Videos, weil Du komplexe Zusammenhänge sehr einfach und gleichzeitig auch sehr differenziert mal eben so in einer Viertelstunde auf den Punkt bringen kannst. Und das auch noch so, dass es alle verstehen. Das ist in dieser Form, wie wir sie hier sehen, eine hohe Kunst! Und dafür verdienst Du großen Respekt und Anerkennung. Du machst das großartig. Und lass Dir von niemandem etwas anderes erzählen! ;-)
dem stimme ich zu, empfehle dazu aber auch 'My merry messy life', auch Amerikaner, die sich kritisch mit den kulturellen Unterschieden befassen.
Es ist gut, ein Deutsches comment zu sehen.
Du hast recht, ich bin dankbar für jede differenzierte Sicht, um Dinge zu erkennen, die man vorher vielleicht nicht sah. Es gibt zu viele expat RUclipsr, die nur erzählen was andere hören wollen, um mehr subscriber und likes zu bekommen.
@@grandmak. Black Forest Family on RUclips
@@johannesheinsohn6956 of course !
I'm American and I've always wondered why others say "America is the best country". That's just stupid.
Hi, I’m Australian, I grew up never knowing everything you just said until the last year or so, via RUclips. I was totally shocked and yes heartbroken for Americans. My friends son now lives permanently in Germany Re his job and loves it. His parents, my friends left yesterday for a holiday visit, again, to visit their son, they are also visiting Switzerland and UK as well. They would never leave Australia but absolutely loved Germany. Their other son went to College in the USA via a baseball scholarship. When I ask him about America, he never says anything negative to me, he actually says nothing, as he’s polite but just raises his eyebrows at me. I often wondered why Americans said, they are the greatest country, it always fascinated me. I think Australia is wonderful, perfect, no, no country is perfect. But all countries are great in different ways. Listening to you now I know why they said it, it’s sort of a form of brainwashing. But watching RUclips, so many Americans are realising what you just said. I have wonderful American friends online, one I know personally and one lovely American who was friends with my parents, all sadly now passed. I hope one day America can be a wonderful country to live in, for all Americans. But I’m staying put here in Australia . Wishing you a happy life in Germany, well you already have that 😊💞
The media portrays the United States as a rich, glamourous, dynamic country. That’s not true. ruclips.net/video/GVC8i4oSB14/видео.html
Forced patriotism in "the land of the free"? Interessting, Indeed.
.....Isn't it ironic???
Ask Colin Kaepernick🇺🇸🏈
@@foxmulder2845 He's a race grifter.
As a German I am deeply offended by your comment about the VW Golf, because even after 20 years, those cars still work better than the American health care ever did.
The rabbit td is better lol 😆 😂
That's what she actually meant. Obviously your language skills are crap.
Pure gold comment 😄
The Golf from 20 years ago were amazing. The Golf from 5 years ago is not.
OMG!
What have you said just there?
My deepest respect for what you said! Stand tall!
This is more and more becoming a political commentary channel, and I don't think that's a bad thing. That last story is super scary and I don't think there's much of a difference to what kids are taught and treated like in China etc. - I don't even remember if we were taught the national anthem at school, for sure we never had to do anything with the flag or pledged allegiance to whatever. For a German the idea of a school cop alone is weird enough.
LMAO I will upload a food video or something next... can't have all the political crazies just popping up LMAO
I (German) learned the national anthem in elementary school. But we just learned it, that's it. And later of course the history of it and which verse was cut and why.
I agree, the whole pledging allegiance is all very communist to me. I was born and raised in the London, UK and I work with many people from European countries who were schooled under communist regimes in the 80's and early 90's and the common theme was pledging allegiance to the country and president. It's as if parts of America fool themselves into thinking they one identity (e.g. freedom of speech, freedom of religion), but also these very draconian ways of viewing their country. Even the playing the national anthem before every sport game when they're not playing another country. I understand in it in the Football World Cup and Olympics because you play against another country.
Although in the UK I was taught the National Altham, but that was in preparation for Charles and Diana's wedding!
@@missd2657 Communist? Tf? It's literally what the Nazis did. Left Wing ideologies are the ones who go against this shit. Sounds like you repeat the same stuff the Americans propagate.
@@HayleyAlexis Pls do so! (I'm subscribed mostly to food channels. Next comes music LOL
German here! The pledge of allegiance thing really shocked me. But now it makes so much sense to be why all americans immediately stand straight, hands to their heart, when the hymn plays. It always weirds me out so much, that Americans act that way, and I thought it was just like cause they get told how great their country is, and that they really like their hymn or smth. To see that children get forced to do this from young age on really sounds like nationalism/dictatorship to me. So sorry you had to go through that.
Also, I really thought this Simpson intro with "write this 100 times" was a joke OMG. These poor US kids.
The thing that always baffles me is the fact that words like „social“ and „liberal“ have bad connotations in the US. These words are LITERALLY good things for people.
A not social society is an unjust and unhealthy society. „Liberal“ means „free“. The demonising of those words is something very weird for most Europeans..
The educational system in the States has truly failed the people…
Say it with me. "The Red Scare. Never Left." People are terrified of anything that can be vaguely "socialist" or "staterun". Never mind Social Security is state run or their pension plans lol.
Unfortunately the only thing American people seem to learn at school is how to dodge gunfire.
@@KiraDaBeastNY It goes so far as that people in the US frequently seem to confound social behaviour (like caring for others) with socialism, so they abandon the former to avoid the latter.
Liberals become more and more of a problem, even in europe.
@@franzfred7511, nope. They don’t. It‘s a weird narrative, even for conservatives.
The only thing conservatives can do is conserving dumb ideas from the past that even in the past never worked. And in the end they just spew untruths, which they often even believe themselves, because otherwise they could never justify their hatred and dumbness towards themselves and others. 🤷🏻♀️
Classic fail of education system.
Wow, that part with your experiences with the pledge creates goosebumps to me. That's not patriotism, that's conditioning and teaching not to question things but to glorify. As a German, our dark history shows the power of flags and symbols when used to influence peoples mind, opinion and behaviour. It is important to explain to pupils which positive achievements have been made by PEOPLE, and neither made by a country and most ridiculous nor by a coloured piece of fabric.
This kind of Pledge of Allegiance isn't patriotism. It's fascim.
About the healthcare thing, my mom's friend currently lives in the US with her family, they have enough money to live comfortably and still she came here to Chile for her surgery because in the US medical procedures is REALLY expensive
Isn't that "sick", to stick to the topic? Even including the flights, it is much cheaper to go to a country that is considered to be a 3rd world country by the US State Goverment
this Hipocrisy alone shows it all
I had a heart-attack 11 weeks ago, was brought to the ER, got a stent, was in ICU for 4 days and in standard-care for 2 days. After that I had sick-leave for 7 weeks and a rehab of 3 weeks and all I had to pay was a co-pay of 70€. But yes, I pay by monthly deduction of my salary of ~280€ for healthcare. In the US I had to file bankruptcy or had died, being afraid of the bills.
Hoping so much you are doing well! The thing many Americans don’t understand is that the cost for healthcare in Germany is actually so much less that what we pay in the states! For a family, even if the insurance is through an employer, you pay several hundred dollars monthly, then a deductible of several thousand, just to get to where insurance will pay 80%. To get to the point where insurance will cover 100% it costs my family $15,000 a year on top of the monthly premium. That’s even if insurance will cover it. Because of my health I had to have my wisdom teeth extracted at the university outpatient surgery clinic. It cost $60,000 that insurance didn’t pay a penny for. I need to return to Germany for additional vascular surgery which is about €40,000 and that covers surgery many days ICU then a week in private room and all tests and supplies. But because all the money pays for minimal care here I can’t get to Germany yet. It’s insane and heartbreaking and millions of people are just like me
@@chelseahill1257 ... and still there are polticians trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act...
@@leonlowenstadter9223 affordable healthcare here is an oxymoron. I dream to return to Germany and never come back to the states
@@chelseahill1257 Even (especially!) if you pay out of pocket the cost is less here. In the USA, hospitals overcharge the uninsured.
Sadly that movement is happening as well in the Netherlands, I feel it applies to car insurance as well. But also hospitals are "contracted" for lower cost operations by discount insurers.
@@pizzablender it’s so true that the uninsured pay the most in the US and I’m sorry to hear it’s starting in your country. So many people here don’t realize that the insurance contracted rates are a fraction of the billing…yet healthcare systems think they are generous when they offer uninsured people 50% discount! There is just no reason for charging close to a million USD for care comparable to what I had in Germany that cost $50,000.
THANK YOU for this, Haley. Greatly appreciate your thoughts on patriotism. I’m thrilled to have been born in the USA BUT, I shudder to think what we’ve become and how it borders on nationalism. Thank you for sharing this; a virtual hug and a high five - you go grrrl
Please vote for Democrats in the midterms climate change is a global problem and we need the US to have a climate plan.
I really enjoyed your video. I married to the USA in 1992 and the 1st cultural shock I received was - brainwashing. I was shocked how many people kept repeating the same thing and what was disconcerting to me was - why do so many people believe in that as I was not seeing a reason for it. Long story short, 25 years later I live back in Europe even with my husband and all of our kids. I love it here. This doesn't mean that I don't love the USA, I do, but I have only one life and my life here is better due to the points that you mentioned. Also, I am pleased how many young people are starting to speak up and point out the obvious. I have high hope that the situation will change and improve. Thank you for your video.
Our English class book in my German high school has a section about "cultural differences" between the US and Germany, and patriotism and gun culture are the biggest differences mentioned there. It says to not criticize the US at all when on a student exchange there, because patriotic Americans will be furious.
I was an exchange student in the US, and before I went they actually warned us about not bringing up certain subjects because you never know how they will be received, and especially how your host family thinks about them. And if you piss off your host family you will have a bad time
@@scotthullinger4684 I agree with you, but there is a big difference antagonizing, and just talking about something. E.g when the topic religion comes up there are exchange students that actively have to lie, and say that they believe, because the host family is either indoctrinated, or strait up bigoted against atheists.
Luckily my host family was extremely open minded, and I could talk to them about anything from politics to religion, but there were people in my program who had very different experiences
@@scotthullinger4684 It shouldn't be a problem, but unfortunately it is. You can either choose not to believe me, or do some research on the matter. There are a lot of stories of theists in the US who are disowning, or ostracizing their own children when they come out as atheists.
The exchange program is about individuals, and an exchange of cultures, but some families only want to show of their own culture without being open to the culture that the exchange student can bring. And at that point you can only hope that you are in a good program with people that care enough to get you a new family.
Of the 10 or so other students I was in semi-regular contact with 2 had to change families. 1 because of religion, and the other because of other inter-personal reasons.
Other stories I only heard in anecdotes
@@scotthullinger4684 It certainly is true and does happen. A friend of mine has broken off her au pair stay in the U.S. cause of religion.
Her Host Family insisted on her attending church. Praying together, bible courses and so on. She said rather early that she is an atheist. but that she would pray before dinner and bedtime with the children. Th thing she didnt want to do was taking part in the church and the bible course afterwards. She felt as if they wanted to proselytize her and didn't feel welcomed anymore. There was no other family found so she's gone back home after 1 months instead of 1 year.
@@scotthullinger4684 I didn't know that the american "culture" is just there religion. Cause the only thing that she didn't want to do was going to the church and to the bible courses. For me, that's not the host culture. Handcuffs weren't needed. They used psychological pressure. She was called a bad influence to the children(host ones). At some point they told her she could either come along or get out of there house. Really harsh to say to a 18 year old girl, that's the first time alone in another country, let alone on the other side of the world. Needless to say that she wanted out. The agency couldn't find another place for her that fast, so she cancelled her Au Pair year and took the next flight home. I'm not saying that every Host family is like this, but such things do happen and are also warned about over here.
TIn case that you say again that this "in no way did occur", just follow the link. That is about exactly that problem.
www.timesandseasons.org/harchive/2012/08/do-not-convert-exchange-students/
I‘m from Hamburg, Germany and I like to consider myself a patriot in the sense that I love my country and my city, but just like when loving a person, loving the country means that I see the troubles it has and that I try and help my country/city to become the best version it can be.
Also loving one country/city does not mean that it’s the best there is or that others can’t be equally good or even better.
I always measure a society by how it deals with justified and respectful criticism. Unfortunately, the Americans are not doing very well on this point. Ignorance explains many things, but in this day and age there are plenty of opportunities to inform me about the rest of the world from home.
Very well said. Germans, I find, are really open for opinions and observations from foreigners about their country.
@@LaureninGermany
It is super interesting for me (as a German) to listen to and learn from opinions from outside. It can prevent me from becoming "betriebsblind" (suffering from tunnel vision) and it is fascinating how positive most of the feedback seems to be. And if there is negative feedback that is also very helpful to improve our society further.
@@LaureninGermany Maybe it's because we are our harshest critics. Sometimes I wish we had a little more respect for our country.
@@klaushohmann1101 the opportunity to show respect is voting at every election, caring for the environment and being respectful towards people who we disagree with besides many other things an individual can do.
@@klaushohmann1101 absolutely! I love this particular era we are in, where we can share on a platform like this, because I used to get so many „schräge Blicke“ when I expressed enthusiasm for Germany. But there is so much that’s wonderful here. I think the health care system really strikes us Brits as well as Americans. Because exactly as Hayley pointed out, the access to top equipment and specialists is for everyone here.
And the beauty, the comfort, the standard of living… it’s fantastic to share our thoughts and reach the people who can enjoy our experience of their country.
Dear, wonderful, upstanding, brave Hayley,
you dared to say something negative about the USA.
Like it is with most such cases, it is best if a native or a member of a group says the negative things they recognize in that group.
I do hope that the horrible comments to you about "not being a patriot" or "not being a true American" or such will be the absolute minority.
Because neither is true.
For me you are a true, upstanding American, ready to notice when something is really, terribly wrong with your own country, and daring to point it out, as well as possible solutions to such problems. That takes guts, courage, bravery, chutzpah, you call it however you want to, it certainly ain't easy.
That is probably the influence of Germany. We Germans LOVE to criticize and grumble about our country. What we fail to recognize is that despite all of Germany's flaws, errors, problems, etc there are still sooo many things that are working well here. That's where people like you come in: the outsider, the Ausländer, who has integrated into our society, sees both the good and the bad, in both your new home here, as well as your home back home. The people with enough courage to point out where both countries have failed, and how we could learn from each other.
Thank you for those insights, Hayley, and for the constant reminder what good there is in Germany, that we should appreciate, and pointing out our flaws in a way that we can hopefully improve.
its really crazy that if people dont have guns everyone is safer. WHO KNEW RIGHT?
I always wonder why they are not buying atom bombs. The government has those, right, and you need to stand up against government?
And then it turns out the freedom is (luckily) not as free as taught.
the main problem is, that too many ppl r just too unreasonable regarding the handling of guns.
in current times i d wish i had my own just for self defence purpose. since so many ppl seem to have gone crazy.
Interesting to hear your thoughts Hayeley, because as a Norwegian who has been slightly obsesses about the US for decades and lived there I continue to struggle to understand where this absolute certainty about America being the greatest comes from. Or perhaps more: How did people conclude all these other countries are so bad when they have never been there? I remember living in the US about two decades ago. It was a great experience on many levels as I learned a lot about America, different cultures, people not at least a lot about myself and the culture I came from. It is very hard to understand your own culture unless you have lived outside of it. I think you would agree Hayley based on the things I can remember you saying in other videos.
Anyway, while in the US I would get into casual conversations with people where they learned I was from Norway. Americans are really eager about welcoming new people to America, showing them the good stuff etc. That is nice. What is less nice is what often followed. When they learned I was going home they start digging to understand why. I gave as diplomatic answer as possible: I said all countries have different qualities and benefits and that I like a lot about America but I decided that I like living in Norway more. Oops bad things to say! This seemed to trigger every American I talked to. They could not accept that I did not find America best. They would tell me that I had to just live a bit longer there to realize just how amazing America was and how much better it was than Norway.
Cautiously I would ask "How do you know America is better than Norway, have you visited Norway or studied the country?" Nope, they didn't know anything about Norway. Couldn't mention any places, culture, or just about anything about life in Norway, but they sure knew whatever Norway was like, America was better.
Stuff like that really just left me with a bad taste. I do in fact like a lot about the US. I wrote this love letter to America: erik-engheim.medium.com/an-ode-to-america-5869cda8b038
But American patriotism is just a big turn-off. I don't mind patriotism as such. We are very patriotic in Norway as well. And yes we tend to think Norway is the best country to live in, but we are not as convinced of this as Americans are. We would never claim Norway was better to a foreigner living in Norway if we had never visisted their country. It is considered very bad manners to be that assertive about things you don't know. In Norwegian culture you are supposed to be humble. Maybe that is what turns me off America sometimes, that humility is not a virtue in America. Quite the opposite.
Noruega seria el paraiso si estuviera en el Mediterraneo.. jajajaj, la gran suerte que tenemos en Europa es que al haber viajado podemos comparar. Para mi particularmente es pais que mejor representa Europa y su modo de vida es Francia, es una mezcla de lo latino y lo germanico, su unico problema, es que esta lleno de franceses...jajaja, no hay ningun pais perfecto, salvo Suiza, pero es muy aburrido vivir alli.
That happened to me when I moved to Germany for about the first 3 years. My mother is german and her family is here, and while we were stationed in Germany and the US equally, I moved here by myself in the 90's at 16. First of all the expectation to be more self sufficient and the freedom someone my age enjoyed as opposed to the States was the first culture shock. Second, being raised in the military and living as a biracial person is a whole other experience as a civilian in either country. The base racism I experienced in the States was different to the ignorant racism I come across here. Not to say that Germany doesn't have it's issues, but I felt there was more of an even scale when meeting people and an acceptance. And yes, things are just plain and simply less extreme. Its not an either or world outside of the US. There isnt an ultimatum placed on you that makes you question your identity and what values youre willing to let be hoisted on to you by other people for the sake of assimilation. You have room to find these things out for yourself here, i find. Of course this is all in a very general sense, because I'm not out here trying to write a dissertation lol. I just know that there is nothing for me there anymore. The America I knew apparently has only gotten worse and I can't be bothered. The rest of the world is just too interesting for a curious soul like mine and I'm VERY content with this realization.
Welcome !
omg I agree with you 100%, I left California when I was 28, and have been in Germany for 6 years now....we really are all brainwashed there for our entire lives, because how would we know otherwise? We can't imagine how much better things are in other countries because we are taught our whole lives that the US is the greatest country in the world in all areas of life and we have hardly any exposure to anyone who would know or have experienced anything else! That's so crazy because literally EVERY area of my life is dramatically better here than it was in California, I had no idea how much better life could actually be before
Life can be better anywhere in most countries than in the US. Also, we are taught that the US is the safest, cheapest, friendliest, smartest, most powerful, and most secure country in the world, and all of that is still a lie. You can't travel to Germany because you will get killed or it's too dangerous so that's not the case, and you can still go to Germany. Germany is ranked 16th on the Global Peace Index, and there are plenty of countries that are safer than the US. The US is not safe and has never been safe.
SMH at these Americans defend the US.
Wow, the whole pledge to the flag thing is freaking creepy.
I would expect something like that from countrys like North Korea, China and apparently Russia is beginning to do that sh*t in shools too.
How in the world is this possible in the USA?
Funny enough, it was started to counteract Soviet Russia's potential influence on children (ha!)
It was a Red scare tactic, to brainwash the children, to never listen to counter culture teachings
My mother remembers doing it, and absolutely hating it. Because my grandmother saw it, as yet another attempt by the USA, to bring Native American's back in line for assimilation
She later went to Germany, with her then boyfriend for a time, and had a few talks with his parents
Lo and behold, they were ex-H1tl3r Youth, and told her that they were deeply disturbed by the whole Pledge of Alliegence thing, and said it gave them "bad memories"
I've never stood up for it, after second grade. When I began to see how weird it was, that everyone in my class (all native kids) were enthusiastic about it. About being American
When their parents/grandparents suffered in Boarding School and whatever American efforts to assimilate us was inflicted
I was punished as well in 4th grade for not pledging to the flag. It’s so dumb.
After a few years of living Europe my American friends often have this bitter, disillusioned phase, it’s when they feel betrayed by their own country and the upbringing they got there. The funny thing is they seem to be unsure if it’s even ok to feel that way.
I lived in New Jersey for a while a long time ago. My daughter went to first grade and loved it, she even did the pledge even so we are German. I didn’t want her to feel different, but it was very weird. She couldn’t care less because she had no clue what she was doing. We left the US after our 4 year stay and I will never ever go back! Even so our time over there was really ok. That country is so out of touch to the rest of the world that it is painful to watch and it literally makes me angry that they lost all their common sense. Stupidity at its best ! Sorry!
It is so refreshing to see that people who look over the Tellerrand gain their brain back
I love your videos and how you are not afraid to step on people toes 😄 👍👍
I can very much understand your opinion on not wanting to go back to the US. For me it's kind of the same with the UK post-Brexit as I actually love the UK but I just don't feel welcome anymore as a German.
And that pledge thing? That freaks the shit out of me! Terrible brainwashing and dictatorship style education (although education is the wrong term here - it is more like indoctrination). Furthermore I'm having discussions with my 13 year-old daughter who would like to spend a year abroud - the US and especially California being one location on the list. My wife and I explained to her that we will definetely not let her go there as long as we can legally stop her. I would worry my arse off every single day! And after the Roe vs Wade decision she even came to us and said she finds it horrible that a raped woman cannot get an abortion and she'd rather go to Canada or Ireland.
Oha, das gibt Ärger... Aber egal was die "Patrioten" sagen, bleib stark, denn Du hast recht.
Patriots will always go full-communist when their President goes out Marxist.
In 1917, the US American settler denied his true origin (French,British,German,Spanish,Polish,Russian,Hindus ect). The pressure was to high. They forced everyone to quit their mother tongues. Its called "Americanzation" a rather British-Colonial instrument.
We can prove that the Patriot have been as bad as the Communists in Germany,Europe and Russia.
In fact, the Soviets didnt have a Propaganda Ministry before the USA did. Vladimir Lenin coped the CPI of the USA and created the "CheKa" months after Wilson and did exactly the same thing: Segregation, annexation, political persecution and on and on.
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The USA made propaganda movies on Soviet Russia portraying it as a "Paradise". In both world wars the US Officials 100% supported the Soviets. No wonder the Patriots went full-blown communist twice and would go full-communist under Trump again.
The Patriots will go full communist again if their President is saying so.
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The Patriot will allow to shelve the Constitution just like they did under Trump in 2019-20.
I this case, as a Nationalist will never ever allow to shelve the Constitution, i regard Patriots far more dangerous as a natural Nationalist.
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In most cases, a Nationalist is a real indigenous person from a specific ethnic background on a specific territory.
The USA is a melting pot and ca not be compared to Germany,Japan, Chile or Uganda.
Patriots dont have the "National" affinity , the US-Patriot does not understand World-Nationalism...they know they are immigrants on non-original soil...Patriots in most cases dont pay respect to the indigenous of America at all, on the other hand, the true National does and even demands for the Indians to gain a "own" territory in the USA or Canada.
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Patriotism... if they go full communist each and every time...what is a Patriot? Ad why are Patriots Anti-National and want to dissolve independent nations? That would be Anti-Nationalism and Anti-Nationalism can be regarded as a somewhat racist ideology, as they pay no respect to independent, ethnic National States with history older as 2000 years.
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Is Nationalism really dangerous? It only gets dangerous if you de-Nationalize a foreign Nation & Peoples not from America, waging war against them to install a US-Democracy & McDonalds... right?
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Real Historians call the modern Germany "Americanized" ...a misch-masch of Americanized culture and a new form of "German". And they are right when they say Germany has become a Allied Colony and does not resemble what once was "German", would you agree?
The fact that Ms. Alexis decided to leave the US shows her independent mind & her curiosity of the world outside. Good for her. Bravo.
@@germaniatv1870 I think, what "-ism" is better and what is worse is not the point in all this. Ideologies are just a imstrument to rule over the population, sometimes used to unite them, sometimes to divide them, just as the ruling people see fit for their purposes.
Since WW2 the USA and Russia have been fighting over the world domination (lately joined by China as a 3rd competitor), and everybody else was just a figure in their chess game. Also the so called "Allieds" like Britain, France, Germany and so on.
What the whole friendship is worth you see as soon as one country takes a stand for its own interests and spoils the profit for the US or also the EU.
Dieses Video ist Quatsch. Es gibt vielleicht ein paar Leute in den Vereinigten Staaten, die daran Glaubt was sie gesagt hat. Sie hatte keine Ahnung über Deutschland vor seiner Erfahrung da. Millionen von Menschen in den V.S.A. hat ein Erbe von Deutschland und es gibt noch deutsche Dialekten in den V.S.A. Quatsch!
@@petebeatminister The Germans are not "Allies" as the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs admitted. They clearly stated that "Germany" is no partner to the USA, but Britain & Israel is.
The USA made the worst mistake by fighting the peoples who sacked the British and made USA independent.
Before 1917, Britain was the Arch-Enemy of the USA.
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Germany is still occupied and the EU made the Germans dependent from Britain & the USA this year. The Sanctions and blockade will start September this year.
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The USA destroyed Germany for attacking Soviet-Communism...now the USA demands us Germans to destroy Russia... Im sorry, but i will not drop to this level.
They talk about WW3 like its fun and games and a normal thing to do... what the hell?
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So the reality is this: Germany,once again, is dependent form Britain,France and now the USA.
America First they said.
-Basically, the Germans, if they know it or not, have to regain their independence and quit being bullied by the Allied-Powers.
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Reality struck us almost over night... what do you think?
What a courageous kid you were to say no to that pledge. If anything, that kind of independence and freedom of speech should be the epitome of being American.
Another point is how the system only allows salaried Americans two weeks of paid vacation, which isn't enough to actually leave and go to a different part of the world. It keeps people from leaving and seeing for themselves what life outside of the US is really like.
Chanting "were number one" at a ball game is one thing, but when you start to believe your superior to other people it can and has lead down a dark road. Hubris has humbled more than one empire!
This is social healthcare and thank goodness it exists:
My mum is 78 years-old.
February: She went for an eye test. At the eye test, the optician noticed a problem with her eye and referred her to a consultant.
March: My mum saw an eye specialist who recommended a small surgical procedure.
April: My mum was operated on. At the same time the consultant saw some 'lesions' and took a number of biopsies.
April: The consultant confirmed that one of the biopsies had come back as a form of skin cancer. He referred her to a cancer specialist.
May: My mum saw a cancer specialist who recommended the non-surgical approach of radio-therapy.
May: A mask was made to protect the parts of the face that did not need the therapy.
June: Treatment started on 1st of June and it is scheduled to end on 13th June, with my mum attending every weekday (10 treatments in total).
My mum gets NHS transport to and from the hospital.
Cost of all of this - £0.
The costs aren't £0. Everyone in the country pays for it every month with their taxes. It's like a mandatory insurance. And since it is mandatory the fundings are ensured and better medical care for everyone can be implemented, and not just for the few, that choose the best health care plan since they can afford it or the corporation you happen to work for offers it as benefits by chance. Over all much more fair than the purely capitalistic driven system of the US. And cheaper for everyone as well.
@@matteloht obviously she knows that and meant free at the point of care. Because in the US you pay health insurance (if you can afford it) and then you still have deductibles and co-payments easily in their thousands depending on the care you received.
@@matteloht In fact, the payment per citizen is cheaper in mandatory healthcare.
@@checkcommentsfirst3335 yeah, that's what I was saying. Thx for the conformation :)
as an Austrian it always creeps me out when I see how intense many Americans are with their patriotism. It reminds me so much about what we learned about WW2 in school... when I was younger and I had seen in american movies and tv shows how students do this pledge at school I thought that's just a thing that happens in some movies. I was baffled when I found out it's real. And about the healthcare system, because of health issues I have to go to hospital for multiple months every year (ranging from 2-5 months at a time). Every year I pay 300 Euro because only the first month of a stay is partially paid by the person themselfes. everything else is paid by the health care system. and Americans are trying to tell me how great their country is when many end up homeless to pay hospital bills?
Edit bc I think it might be interesting: every January I get a list from health care insurance how much they paid for me the previous year for therapy, hospital, doctors, etc: It's never under 20.000 Euros. imagine having to pay all that every year
Thanks a lot for this video! For me as a German, patriotism is a construct that´ll lead us into some bad history. And I´m seeing this movement in countries all around the globe with concern over the past years. Because I knew since I was a child (we were taught that in classes 4 and up) where this kind of governmental speech and citizen pride can lead up to. I am a German who lives abroad. I like how some things in Germany are handled because it makes sense and it´s efficient. I don´t like the bureaucracy behind most german things, and I´m very pleased that I live in a country where the human factor is much more valuable. But despite the actual crisis with Ukraine and how to treat the fleeing russian opposition my inner german standard for such many things is my north pole were I measure my behavior and actions.
I'm Stephen from Missouri and u
Never been told that Germany isn't safe. All my friends especially my military ones always raved how great Germany was/is
The pledge of allegiance and _especially_ being punished for not doing it, is 100% fascism.
14:06 this is so freaky. I'm trying to imagine this happening to me at school (in Austria) but I literally can't. Wtf. If any teacher ever pulled anything like that, they'd be fired I think, lol.
I'm in a discord server with mostly Americans. One day, me and the ones outside of America (Canada (me), Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Netherlands) created a separate server simply to bash on how fucked up America is. We learned so much purely from that server. From their opinions on guns, to socialize Healthcare, to racism, to our countries. It's unreal how dilereous some people are there, to an extent that reaches cult levels. AND NONE OF THEM CAN PROCESS IT. Land of the Free? More like land of constant fear.
"Land of the constant fear" I can only agree to that - so true
100% accurated mate
I always love telling Murican gaming friends about that one time a cop gave me directions to the drug testing centre lol.
@@mielvanvelzen5967 one was ripping on me for spending 12 hrs in the ER under going many tests. I was like "Laughs in Canadian, this would cost you minimum 10k, so who really has it bad?"
Exactly
One of the safest countries that I have ever lived in was Japan. There was always someone trying to help me even though I didn't speak the language fluently. I also noticed that women and children could walk the streets late at night safely, something I would never do in America.
1:45 about the "America is better" thing: Volker Pispers put this in a nice statement a few years ago: Americans think of themselves as orchids while the rest are common daisies (in best case).
Thinking of it, he might be right, orchids are beautiful, but some of them are quite smelly 😉
I thank you for your reflective and critical views about the US. Some time ago I made a comment on your blog about Trump and that he reminded me at 1933 Germany. Short afterwards the comment was gone. Then there was the attack at the Capitol by nationalists, that really scared me. People that are brainwashed are in danger to follow charismatic demagogues to end in a dictatorship. All over the world. You do a great job to open peoples minds for different views of the world.
That pledge of allegiance is really bad. And the school response at rejecting it constitutes abuse.
I remember a talk I had with an American. I told him things about compulsory unemployment insurance and job trainings paid for by this. Finally he called our system „more civilized“.
Oskar Wilde said:
"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious."
Somehow he was right
Hey HayleyAlexis, here a Dutchy living in Germany.
You are so right. Those who get the possibility of visiting other countries, especially Europe are the lucky ones. Hopefully the US will change for the better. It's almost like trying to save the average American.
But with the political and economical system in the USA, I'm afraid that there will never be a change.
You're spot on. Your observations mirror my own - and the video's of this man in the UK which was the inspiration of your video.
Your personal report of the detention because of refusing to the pledge is horrifying.
The whole pledge thing is borderline totalitarian indoctrination and brainwashing as you so profoundly stated in this video.
Girl, you have grown so much as a person since I've first seen you in video sitting on the floor of your apartment and a while before Micha entered the picture. I'm proud of you. I do not always agree with your opinion but you formulate it in an educated and conclusive way that I admire.
there is nothing borderline about it. It is full on totalitarian inoctrination.
Thank you for this video! It's kinda chilling to hear an American woman say these things. I am German, but I studied American Studies (and have visited the US about 20 times). I learned these somber observations about the American self-perception already in my studies ... but fortunately I also met many people in the US who thought differently. By the way, there is a nice word in German for what you are holding in the video: eine Wutrede.
Stay on and keep up the good work! I hope you make some people in both countries think!
Greets from a modern Germany. The US-Patriotism ( Trumpism) reminds me of the beginning of the darkest Time of our history. Be smart.... and carefull with your Democracy
11:30 "The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which he can be proud; otherwise he would not have recourse to those which he shares with so many millions of his fellowmen. The man who is endowed with important personal qualities will be only too ready to see clearly in what respects his own nation falls short, since their failings will be constantly before his eyes. But every miserable fool who has nothing at all of which he can be proud adopts, as a last resource, pride in the nation to which he belongs; he is ready and glad to defend all its faults and follies tooth and nail, thus reimbursing himself for his own inferiority."
Arthur Schopenhauer
Just imagine being a kid from another country whose father is working on a 1 year contract in Texas and being made to do the pledge of allegiance.
Detention for not saying a pledge? And there's still those saying it's not brain washing... 🙄
I'm from Germany and I'm mother of two children. An Internet friend from Pennsylvania asked me if it wouldn't be very hard for me to live in Germany and see that my kids can get in contact with alkohol, drugs and crime every day here. I was wondering because there haven't been a problem at all. Yes, Sometimes they tried alkohol and a joint in their youth as most of them but nobody of my kids or friends are still consuming. Of course there are people who are addicted but I think much less than in the US. English isn't my native language but I hope it's understandable.
The last thing, about you as a kid and the flag, you talked bout was really creepy
Didn't know about such things either, truly shocking.
While editing the video I was thinking I should have put that as the first point because I don't think everyone will watch til the end... Growing up that was "normal" and I realize now that it was disturbing and traumatic!
I also just noticed in the picture I chose.... there is a "I want you" sign in the background basically trying to recruit children to join the military.... SO FREAKING WEIRD 😅
Yes, and it brought back memories of my childhood in the GDR. Every morning at school there was the socialist greeting: "Seid bereit, immer bereit". That's crazy. I already knew that this loyalty to the flag in the U.S. was exaggerated, but this school story made it so much clearer.
Holy sh*t! As a German, I find that disturbing on a completely different level to a point that it's just frightening. I think that topic deserves a video on its own:
- patriotism vs nationalism (is there a difference in quality or just quantity?)
- danger of group thinking (we versus them)
- positive view on military and war (wtf)
- (nations are as artificial as any other form of human organization)
- (proud to be born in the right place?)
- (false idea of unity of race, culture, language and space)
I could go on forever and you probably sense that I take a clear stance on that topic from the latter 3 points, but I would also just like to hear your opinion or just encourage to take the questioning of what you experienced one step further :)
I work with a woman from Germany and she doesn’t like how things are done in the USA.
I'm _thankful_ I was born into a country that takes care of me, where I'm supported, but I've never really felt "proud" of being German
.... until I saw the stuff other countries get up to, and at least in that regard I'm proud we're owning up to the shit we did
The pledge of allegiance is the absolute STRANGEST thing in American schools and it's very hard to see where personal freedom is a part of that whole thing.
I don't get how something like that can be mandatory for non military or non politicians. Sounds like something North Korea would do
I'm 54 years old, live in Belgium and have visited Germany (Bremen, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne) a lot. I've never been robbed, attacked, felt threatened, had my car window smashed to steal stuff, had a break in in my house etc anywhere, not in Belgium or Germany !
46 year old American here... When I attended grade school, we had to 1) say the pledge of allegiance while facing the American flag, posted in every classroom, with our right hands over our hearts and 2) sing one of America's anthems, every morning. My generation has "The Star Spangled Banner", "America the Beautiful", and "My Country Tis of Thee" permanently ingrained in memory as we had to sing one of those three songs every morning, depending on the teacher's mood.
America is hardcore about brainwashing its citizens to NEVER leave the country, ever. Why leave when we have 3,000 by 3,000 miles of contiguous land to explore, etc, etc? From "sea to shining sea", right? Only 37% out of a 2021 population of 332 MILLION Americans even HAVE a passport to be able to leave the country. The rest will never leave the country.
I thank the heavens that I was the first-generation of my family born in America, and will be the last generation born in America.
Don't get me wrong; some of that brainwashing worked on me as well. I do love America... the "original idea that Washington and his cohorts had from 200 years ago", that is. However, most of America today has become the disgustingly growing, violent, white nationalistic "viral" plague, which has infiltrated and infected all three branches of the government. I hate politics, precisely BECAUSE I'm an American. It's sad to feel disenfranchised and completely not safe anywhere at all in the country in which you were born.
I'd like some of that "socialistic healthcare" please! ;)
Respect !! And don't worry, looking at your "guilty plea" and what followed up, you don't have to worry at all. ;-)
I am a social-democrat to the bone and I hate war and violence, but if some country would try to invade, even I would stand up ....
When you are raised with the believe your country is the best , and it's unpatriotic to criticizes the system people stay complaint. Divide and rule. Let people fight their culture wars, while the 1% rich and powerful laughs all the way to the bank.
I don't know. I lived in East Germany and we grew up exactly like that. Our country and our system was the best and there were repressions for saying otherwise. Only very few of us actually believed it. Suppose it needs a specific kind of intellectual shallowness or ignorance to actually fall for that kind of crap when the evidence clearly shows otherwise.
It makes the Americans kinda special.
@@catriona_drummond Yes, but East Germany was a special case. I mean it was a system imposed upon you by the Soviet union, and you knew things were different in Western Germany/ I grew up in the Netherlands , and i remember how little we knew about countries beyond the 'iron curtain'. So all i know about East Germany was what i learned in school. When the wall came down , we met people from 'the east' , but i can't remember meeting anybody from 'Eastern Europe ' before that. Very different times .But ye, Americas are a different level of ignorant.
Hailey, just discovered your channel and subscribed 🎉. I'm German living since 20 years in the US. I agree with your points very much, and I don't understand the extreme patriotism here at all. But Germans haven't been raised like that anyway. I've never felt proud to be German, just liked it. There are so many beautiful and safer places in the world, no country should assume they are the best! Especially not if not visiting the rest of the world. I like my life here, but do I feel safe? No, not like in Europe!!
Hello! Greetings from a former youthleader in Sweden. You were talking about how Americans compare USA with African countries etc. When I was talking with the kids in my groups I sometimes talked about an invention of mine (not really mine) and that was the ”bullshit-detector”. It works like this: if you are going to compare something you can`t take the best from your side and compare it with the worst of the other side. If you do that there`s no surprice that your side looks great. In Sweden we have a kind of friendly quarrel between tNeighbouring towns. Like when I lived i Kumla the largest prison in Sweden was there. Of course the people from the neighbouring towns would make jokes about ”if you go there you will never leave” (which actually is quite funny). Since Hallberg is the neighbouring town and is a connectionpoint for trains the people of Kumla made jokes about ”the best thing with Hallsberg is that it is so easy to leave”.
If you`re going to make a comparison you have to make a juste one. Take the best of your side and look for an equal country/town/person or subject. Another function the bs-detector has is when somebody for ecample says that ”all immigrants are criminal” you take the same sentence and say it about you own group. Then you realize that there are some criminals but most of us are law abiding citisens. Then it probably is the same with the immigrants as well. Thank you for you vlog. You`re doing a good job.
The thing is? As an American these people comparing the worst African countries (note I say worst because there are African countries doing ok and getting better) and other not so great countries to America do not care if you point that out. Their response to you pointing out the great things that peer countries have that we don't have is to either get really angry or smugly say "Well if like them so much why don't you go live there!" Hence the shirt shown in the video saying if you don't like the flag I'll help you pack. Never mind that leaving the US is actually rather difficult.
Johannes Nordstrom have you considered becoming a teacher? You would be really great at that!
@@carolinavanderlande4904 I am a teacher now. Teaching new youthleaders for our country.
Leaving the USA is very difficult and expensive- especially if you renounce citizenship.
Are the prisons in Sweden anything like the prisons in Germany or Norway? From what I've seen, German and Norwegian prisons are much better than a very large % of US prisons, and are probably better than a large minority of regular US housing.
Hi. As a german the story about the pledge to the flag was giving me very bad vibes. I know that germans are sensitive to nationalism, maybe even overly so. Still it felt like a scene from a horror movie.
Ja, die Deutschen reagieren aus gutem Grund empfindlich auf Nationalismus. Denn die wollen nie wieder die Auswirkungen von Nationalismus durchmachen.
Umso mehr hat mich die Entwicklung der Corona-Impfung erstaunt. Als ob man live den Film "Die Welle" miterlebt. Fand ich äußerst interessant, diese Entwicklung.
@@mr.x4633 Hab ich nicht so erlebt das nur deutschland in impfstoffe investiert hat, und es lief auch in dem meisten ländern so wie hier, der staat legt das geld für forschung auf den tisch und sobald man das geld wieder rein holen kann, weil man eine impfung hat, wird ausgegründet und das geld geht an investoren.
Was das mit nationalismus zu tun haben soll ist mir schleierhaft.
Ich denke das ist eher globalisierter finanz kapitalismus.
Bei deutschland würde ich sagen lief das noch am wenigsten nationalistisch ab, denn das geld ging mit pfiser nicht unbedingt an einen großen deutschen player, obwohl wir ja mindestens einen größeren player im medizin sektor in deutschland haben.
Vielleicht meintest du diese disskussion darum wie toll das ist das wir einen eigenen impfstoff haben und das der von menschen die erst in zweiter und dritter generation hier leben entwickelt wurde. Ok, ja das war sonderbar.
@@jimmieleebillibob9779 Da hast du mich vermutlich missverstanden.
Ich bezog mich auf die Entwicklung von "Ihr könnt euch freiwillig mit den neuen Impfstoff impfen lassen. Es wäre nett von euch, wenn ihr dabei auch an der Studie teilnehmen würdet" bis zum "Ihr müsst euch impfen, oder ihr landet (über Umwege) in den Knast". Und die Mehrheit der Bevölkerung hat das im laufe der Zeit sogar noch unterstützt bzw. für gut befunden.
@@mr.x4633 ok, ich weiß nicht woher du die info hast, aber so richtig stimmt das nicht. Es wurde diskutiert ob man das evtl macht, eine impfpflicht und es ist nicht dazu gekommen. Am ende müsste man sich selbst mit einer impfpflicht, nicht impfen lassen und dann die geldstrafe nicht bezahlen. Auf die selbe weise kannst du für alle kleinst delikte in den knast kommen, zum beispiel wenn deine wortwahl beleidigend war.
Ich denke das zu begrüßen ist nicht so schlimm, ich habe meinen großvater noch, da er kein corona bekommen hat, ansonsten wären die aussichten nicht gut für ihn.
Das die mehrheit der deutschen entweder selbst alt ist und nicht sterben will, oder aber jemanden der älter ist gerne mag und nicht missen möchte finde ich logisch, da muss man sich nur den demografischen wandel ansehen.
Das ganz europa zusammen versucht hat möglichst viel zu impfen ist geradezu das gegenteil von Nationalismus.
Das viel versucht wurde zu impfen war um andere rechte zu schützen, das recht zu leben, das recht innerhalb europa frei zu reisen, das recht sich privat zu treffen.
Dabei ist auch viel schindluder abgelaufen, z.b. waren grossraumbüros sehr lange erlaubt auch wenn sie in homeoffice umgewandelt werden konnten, da bin ich bei.
@@jimmieleebillibob9779 Vorweg: Es geht mir um die Freiwilligkeit. Wenn sich jemand impfen lassen will, weil er dann besser geschützt ist, dann soll er das machen.
Ich halte es aber für sehr kritisch, wenn man Menschen zu etwas zwingen will, was sie nicht wollen, wenn es nur sie selbst betrifft. (Das Argument, dass es Menschen gibt, die sich nicht impfen lassen können und deswegen sich andere impfen lassen müssen, halte ich persönlich für Unsinn, denn irgendwann trifft es sie auch, selbst wenn alle geimpft wären - Stichwort Impfdurchbruch)
"Es wurde diskutiert ob man das evtl macht, eine impfpflicht und es ist nicht dazu gekommen. Am ende müsste man sich selbst mit einer impfpflicht, nicht impfen lassen und dann die geldstrafe nicht bezahlen."
Die Quelle, dass man sich bei einer Impflicht nicht impfen lassen muss und man auch keine Geldstrafe zahlen muss, möchte ich mal sehen! Meinen Information nach, war das ganz anders und wurde auch von Herrn Solmecke ausführlich erklärt.
Es ist nicht dazu gekommen, weil dann Omikron kam und diese Variante milder war, als die Vorgänger. Zudem ging das dann so Viral, dass man schließlich auf Durchseuchung gesetzt hatte und der Sommer vor der Tür stand.
Wäre es weitergegangen, sodass die Politik der Überlegung zugestimmt hätte, hättest du ein Bescheid bekommen (wenn du ungeimpft bist), dich innerhalb von 2 Wochen impfen lassen zu müssen. Andernfalls hättest du ein Bußgeld in Höhe von 500€ zahlen müssen. Wenn du nach der Zahlung dich dann immer noch nicht impfen lassen wolltest, hättest du erneut ein gesteigertes Bußgeld zahlen müssen, dass dann bis zu 2000€ gehen kann. Wenn du nicht zahlen kannst/willst, wärst du in Beugehaft gekommen, bis du zahlst oder dich impfen lässt.
So sah die Sache aus! Ich weiß nicht, ob du das mitbekommen habe, aber kannst du gern nochmal nachlesen.
Der 1. Schritt war ja schon, dass Arbeitskräfte in vulnerablen Bereichen sich impfen lassen mussten oder sie mussten gekündigt werden, wenn sie sich weigerten. Neuzugänge durften nur anfangen, wenn sie geimpft sind (ist das immer noch?)
"Ich denke das zu begrüßen ist nicht so schlimm"
Siehst du, genau das meine ich. Es mag ja für dich in Ordnung sein. Aber gleichseitig bestimmst du damit automatisch über andere hinweg, die das nicht wollen, wenn die Mehrheit so denkt. Es ist genau das, was auch in der NS-Zeit der Fall war, mit den Juden. Es wird jetzt zwar niemand exekutiert, aber das Konzept ist das Gleiche.
"Das viel versucht wurde zu impfen war um andere rechte zu schützen, das recht zu leben, das recht innerhalb europa frei zu reisen, das recht sich privat zu treffen."
Das hätte man auch damit lösen können, das Ungeimpfte wie zur Lockdown-Zeiten behandelt werden. Dazu muss man niemanden zum impfen zwingen.
Zudem kommt noch die Verhältnismäßigkeit dazu. Wenn genug geimpft sind, wozu soll man dann noch die restlichen Minderheit zum impfen zwingen, wenn sich die anderen doch kaum noch anstecken könne, da die ja alle geimpft sind?
Thanks for this video. I grew up partially in the US and now live back in Europe. My friends here have trouble believing me when I try to explain this stuff to them. And my old school friends back in the US have trouble beliebing me that this stuff is considered unbelievable and kinda insane in Europe.
I just wanna say something on the subject of the normality of patriotism in America. It really depends on where you go and the community you grow up in. I'm from Brooklyn, New York and grew up in a overwhelmingly immigrant community. I never had to stand for the flag at the beginning of class every day, and if you talked to most people in the area outside of select wealthy white areas of Brooklyn like Kensington and Midwood, people tend to have a *lot* to say about their issues with the US. You don't really find too many "patriot" rah rah America types here. But our difference in seeing this stuff is probably a combo of regional differences, you being from the south and myself being from the big city up north, as well as age cause I'm 22 so lol.
So... your immigrant parents moved you to the US from their sh*thole countries for the opportunities the US offers, but you grew up hating the US anyway? How about you move back to your ancestors' home country and be patriotic there?
will you gonna see to live 23?
I’m from NJ and I’m trying to remember if we had to say it as well.
Dear Haley, I’ve commented quite a lot here because the conversation is really interesting. But I forgot to say I think you’re really brave and patriotic to say these things. Societies can only progress when there is criticism and it works best when it comes from inside (ie an American). So keep up the good work. Love your videos!
I'm Stephen from Missouri and u
Good point! I'm german. In the 7ties, if someone wanted to change something (politically), it was quite common to get to hear: "we have the best democracy, here! If you don't like it here, move over." (To the GDR.)
My point: "If we do have the best one, where do you think this came from? 'Cause the people before us struggled to find a best solution. And continuosly adjusted it, to what we have now.
And we are now stopping to appreciate all of their efforts, in NOT trying to develop this any further?
THAT would be disrepectful !"
Growing up in Southern Germany, I was so used to all of this, including traveling to different countries for vacation, school exchange, or day-trips that I keep being blown away by American's amazement ;-)
Imagine being from Europe with an Accent and Moving to the United States (Midwest) growing up in American schools. Brutal! (yes...lots of Pledge stuff) . My parents had me go to speech therapy to remove my accent, so I would be treated better.
What I hear: "I had to pledge allegiance to the flag"
What my brain now says: "That was not my question! Did you or did you not donated your whole allegiance? Not pledged. Donated!"
I was not a big fan of the trial but this comment made me chuckle out loud.
@@HayleyAlexis Oh, das freut mich. Dann war mein Kommentar doch nicht völlig unsinnig. Glück gehabt. ^^
That's not what Amber heard!
Ein Kracher 🤣🤣🤣