Why Americans don't have good taste.

[Comraddict]

In books this time particulary. I'm reading one books board and read this recommendation : cited "This is one of her mystery books about a wealthy reporter with two Siamese cats that solve murder mysteries".
Now how stupid is that?
I always ask "book lovers" do they read anything other than american books. No they don't. And american books are best? They assume a priori that US is place to be, with best food, books and you add what-else. " Dummies guide to Las Vegas"? And how the hell aduult can read Harry Potter and find it "book of year" ?

I think, and trying to be real, that american newer books sucks big time. There are some big names, but other than them - it is tasteless fantasy and "romance" worthless mess. Just like Las Vegas is copy of something valuable, same thing applies to american books. How once cand find one good in ocean of valueless ones?
They are not aware how much they are missing by not reading European classics.

Do this kind of books make them/us more stupid, combined with mediocre school system ( which is not subject of this thread) , TV action and and... ?

 

[Benderino]

...well, you're right about one thing. We do have the best food here, undeniably.

 

[wildWolverine]

Perhaps if you had a better grasp of the rules of grammar and understood the English language better as a whole, you would enjoy American literature a little more.

However, I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would classify The Dummy's Guide to Las Vegas as good literature...

edit: Jealous of bends... it has been far too long since I've had a pie from Uno's

 

[zorven]

Originally posted by Comraddict

I always ask "book lovers" do they read anything other than american books. No they don't.

Do you mean only American authors or english language? Because I would have to say that I don't beleive Americans are going to the bookstore and only looking for American authors.

 

[Mojotronica]

Mass popular culture appeals to the lowest common denominator.

 

[thestonesfan]

Last time I checked, you could get any book you wanted. Quit spewing that elitist garbage. You ought to read more - maybe you could pick up some tips on how to write coherant posts.

I think, and trying to be real, that american newer books sucks big time. There are some big names, but other than them - it is tasteless fantasy and "romance" worthless mess. Just like Las Vegas is copy of something valuable, same thing applies to american books. How once cand find one good in ocean of valuelessness?

And you're some kind of genius that knows good literature?? "Valuelessness"??

Old Mrs. Winklestein isn't going to enjoy reading "The Prince" or "The Divine Comedy". She likes murder mysteries, and one with cats might be a refreshing change for her. You're going to fault her for enjoying something you don't? Maybe a big book burning of what deem as "stupid" is in order.

Have you taken a poll of the brilliant books that French people read? Or Romanians? How do you know they have better taste?

 

[zorven]

thestonesfan

 

[wildWolverine]

stones and I are agreeing on everything today...

 

[Comraddict]

They read what they are served massively. I'm saying that writers sucks, not readers. Novels are just another money making industry.

 

[MCdread]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
Have you taken a poll of the brilliant books that French people read? Or Romanians? How do you know they have better taste?

I think the point was that they read books from a more diversified origin.

But you are right about the taste of the masses, although there might be some diffferences from country to country. My best friend's fathere lived in France for many years and he said that he used to discuss Philosophy with owner of the grosery store where he used to go and the literature classics with many people he would talk to in public services and supermarket queus (sp?). But generally I agree that Mrs. Winlestein is very much universal.

However, from my experience in internet forums , I do think that in general americans do tend to read preferably american literature, but that seems more less normal. It's a big country and it's natural that the stuff available is mainly american.

 

[CivCube]

Originally posted by Comraddict

They read what they are served massively. I'm saying that writers sucks, not readers. Novels are just another money making industry.

Well, yeah. Everything is a money-making industry. And Harry Potter is a British series.

 

[thestonesfan]

The people that read at all are generally much more intelligent than those that don't. The stupid masses he is seemingly referring to are the teenage hordes that camp in front of MTV after coming home from a hard day of flunking classes. They don't read, period.

Anyway, I haven't yet read a book that made me dumber than I was before I read it.

 

[Benderino]

Originally posted by wildWolverine

edit: Jealous of bends... it has been far too long since I've had a pie from Uno's

Home Run Inn is very good as well.

 

[CrackedCrystal]

Also, who ever said that reading needs to have value all the time? It is entertainment. Last time I checked, Civ 3 have very little practical value other than just having a good time. But does that mean we shouldn't play it ever?

*CrackedCrystal waits for the resounding no from all the Civ3 fans here*

And you contridicted yourself in your post. You said Americans only read American books, yet voted Hary Potter book of the year? Um, J.K. Rowlings is British. Thus Americans do read non-american books.

 

[thestonesfan]

Actually, playing Civ has led to an exponential growth in my knowledge of history.

 

[phoenix_night]

Originally posted by Comraddict
I always ask "book lovers" do they read anything other than american books. No they don't. And american books are best? They assume a priori that US is place to be, with best food, books and you add what-else. " Dummies guide to Las Vegas"? And how the hell aduult can read Harry Potter and find it "book of year" ?

You know Harry Potter isn't American. I think it's Scottish.

Edit: Ahh, so CrackedCrystal already pointed that out.

 

[WillJ]

If there are people that only read American books, that's probably just a coincidence. I doubt anyone thinks, "Let's see... American books... Where are some good American books... Must not read foreign books..." American books are simply more available in America.

I'd say that the vast majority of people, including me, barely ever read for pleasure at all.

 

[phoenix_night]

Originally posted by WillJ
I'd say that the vast majority of people, including me, barely ever read for pleasure at all.

Maybe that's the real problem.

 

[pawpaw]

plus if french or german books are in german or french they are not going to be well read in the u.s.

 

[floppa21]

Originally posted by Comraddict
They read what they are served massively. I'm saying that writers sucks, not readers. Novels are just another money making industry.

This could end the thread right here but I'll post it anyways. So are movies, television shows, music, cell phones, cars, etc. BRITNEY SPEARS sold how many albums? How many homes tune in for the next episode of American Idol? Some movies in the theatres lately include: Hulk, Charlie's Angels 2, Tomb Raider 2, and Bad Boys 2. Yes most of the stuff out there being produced for the masses is GARBAGE and the masses don't seem to mind. But you know, if you buy it, they'll keep shovelling it.

So you say writers suck. Well only support the good ones and eventually the bad ones will dry up since there is no market for them. WHY AMERICANS DON'T HAVE GOOD TASTE... I am born and raised in America and have never bene to another country. (unless Utah counts) Do I read non-American books? Dickens Tolstoy Dostoyevsky Kafka Wilde Are these Americans?

I did not vote Potter book of any year. It bothers me that SO MANY people who don't read ANYTHING are buying and reading Harry Potter books. Sure it's good that they're reading, but there's plenty better out there. People who literally have not read a book in two or three years (which I cannot imagine) reading Potter. Well if you want some good suggestions, let me know.

This thread is lame. Some mod close it please.