Otterson was speaking in his official capacity of Chief Spokesman for the Church. Ergo, he was speaking about Mormonism when he stated Europeans don't understand American Pluralism etc.
Drifting,
Regardess of whether he was speaking as a Chief Spokesman for ANY religion OR any American organization, he was pointing out the basic problem of speaking with Europeans in general about American issues. Ergo, you are still trying to force his words to say and mean something he did not say or mean.
For instance, let's say that Europeans don't like waterfowl in general. If Otterson was trying to promote the sale of Mallards to Europeans as the Mallard Chief Spokesman, his comments would have described the problem of speaking with Europeans about waterfowl in general especially because Americans love all types of waterfowl. Since that problem with the Europeans exists about all waterfowl, he is faced first and foremost with their pre-existing attitudes about waterfowl; not their attitude about any particular family or subset of waterfowl.
Can you tell me what, specifically, you think he meant by the term "the depths of American pluralism"?
Was he saying that they don't understand how Americans can embrace different religions? And that the reason they don't understand this is because they have no religion?
"The DNA of fictional populations appears to be the most susceptible to extinction." - Simon Southerton
krose wrote:Can you tell me what, specifically, you think he meant by the term "the depths of American pluralism"?
Was he saying that they don't understand how Americans can embrace different religions? And that the reason they don't understand this is because they have no religion?
Krose,
In a very simplistic way, yes. I would only add that the continuing attitude toward Americans ever since we came into existence as a nation, effects and interferes with all issues American which Europeans may disagree with. In their eyes they are the wise parent; we are the rebellious children. I do not believe that all Europeans are without religion. However, in general, they are becoming more and more secular.
jo1952 wrote:Are you guys going to be drinking that Guinness served at room temperature? I think most Americans are confident (what?? smug?? ) in their belief that Europeans haven't figured out what the best way to serve beer is.
jo
Your education in beer drinking is sadly lacking, jo. Americans are used to drinking American beer from the fridge because it makes it sort of palatable. When it's very cold it masks the poor taste.
European beers are of much better quality and taste better at a cool room temperature. Like a good red wine. You wouldn't chill a great Bordeaux would you? Maybe you would.
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.
"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.
Would you be happy that I was accurately reflecting Ottersons words?
Quasi, you shouldn't talk about chilling Bordeaux, not even in jest...you sometimes go too far...
“We look to not only the spiritual but also the temporal, and we believe that a person who is impoverished temporally cannot blossom spiritually.” Keith McMullin - Counsellor in Presiding Bishopric
"One, two, three...let's go shopping!" Thomas S Monson - Prophet, Seer, Revelator
Drifting wrote:Quasi, you shouldn't talk about chilling Bordeaux, not even in jest...you sometimes go too far...
You are quite correct, Drifting. I did cross the line. Tonight I plan to atone by making a small sacrifice to Bacchus by opening a lovely California Cab. (something Americans do make well).
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.
"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.
Drifting wrote:Quasi, you shouldn't talk about chilling Bordeaux, not even in jest...you sometimes go too far...
You are quite correct, Drifting. I did cross the line. Tonight I plan to atone by making a small sacrifice to Bacchus by opening a lovely California Cab. (something Americans do make well).
Just remember the "once it's open there's no putting the cork back in" rule. It is a cork right? Not a...*insert dramatic music*...screw cap...
“We look to not only the spiritual but also the temporal, and we believe that a person who is impoverished temporally cannot blossom spiritually.” Keith McMullin - Counsellor in Presiding Bishopric
"One, two, three...let's go shopping!" Thomas S Monson - Prophet, Seer, Revelator
Drifting wrote: Just remember the "once it's open there's no putting the cork back in" rule. It is a cork right? Not a...*insert dramatic music*...screw cap...
Rest easy, Drifting. I have no intention of putting the cork back in (my wife will be joining me). There was a time when screw caps were the sign of an evil, cheap wine.
A few years ago the Australians did some studies and found that screw caps were absolutely the best way to preserve wine in the bottle. If you get much Aussie wine around your area, you'll find that their best ones now have screw caps. Fortunately, they still don't chill the reds.
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.
"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.
krose wrote:Can you tell me what, specifically, you think he meant by the term "the depths of American pluralism"?
Was he saying that they don't understand how Americans can embrace different religions? And that the reason they don't understand this is because they have no religion?
In a very simplistic way, yes.
Well, I don't get it. Why is "American pluralism" something Europeans (or I, for that matter) should care about?
Sure, I understand your point about people in the older countries looking down their noses at the uncouth, uncultured Americans. I'm not sure it's true; it hasn't been my experience when spending time over there. But I get it.
What I don't get is the bit about "pluralism" in the quote.
"The DNA of fictional populations appears to be the most susceptible to extinction." - Simon Southerton
Quasimodo wrote:Your education in beer drinking is sadly lacking, jo. Americans are used to drinking American beer from the fridge because it makes it sort of palatable. When it's very cold it masks the poor taste.
European beers are of much better quality and taste better at a cool room temperature. Like a good red wine. You wouldn't chill a great Bordeaux would you? Maybe you would.
I must confess that I am not a beer or a wine oficionado. Therefore, I bow to your wisdom and knowledge.
) in their belief that Europeans haven't figured out what the best way to serve beer is.
