Mark Manson Explains It All For You

Last week, we shared information from a site known as The Art of Manliness. They're not the only ones on the "You Da Man" bandwagon. Mark Manson is a highly-successful entrepreneur, writer, and world traveler (just ask him), who authors a site aimed at a similar, if slightly more worldly audience, known as PostMasculine.com. (Think of Esquire with some of the thinly-veiled naughty bits left in.) In this entry from last week, he enlightens us with “10 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About America.” Brace yourselves.

1. Few People Are Impressed By Us
2. Few People Hate Us
3. We Know Nothing About The Rest Of The World
4. We Are Poor At Expressing Gratitude And Affection
5. The Quality of Life For The Average American Is Not That Great
6. The Rest Of The World Is Not A Slum-Ridden S#!†hole Compared To Us
7. We’re Paranoid
8. We’re Status-Obsessed And Seek Attention
9. We Are Very Unhealthy
10. We Mistake Comfort For Happiness

Now, this writer has to admit, there is some food for thought in each of the items he presents (which was not without some reaction from around the planet). And Manson is from the States himself, although currently residing in Colombia. That said, here is how one might respond to each point.

1. The feeling is mutual, or you would not have been so inspired.
2. Given our generous foreign aid whether they do or not ...
3. In the past century, for better or worse, we have influenced the culture around the world more than they have ours. See how it all makes sense now?
4. ... but really great at rebuilding countries that we've blown to bits when the war is over, right before leaving. Eventually.
5. ... which explains why everyone wants to immigrate here.
6. You describe Singapore as "pristine." So would Manhattan, if New Yorkers were put in jail overnight and cane-whipped for spitting on the sidewalk.
7. Only since 9-11. Go figure.
8. You have the rest of the country confused with the fellow-entrepreneurs you visit during your occasional forays here.
9. Most of us are also in a tax bracket under fifty percent, and we don't wait six months for emergency surgery.
10. See reply to number 8.

That's just off the top of yours truly's head. Of course, Manson still has a special place in his heart for the land of his birth. Or, to read his telling of it ...

This is how I lovingly describe my current relationship with the United States. The United States is my alcoholic brother. And although I will always love him, I don’t want to be near him at the moment.

We miss you too, Mark, just like every other effete piece of Eurotrash who comes to our shores and tells us what we could do better. You should visit more often, don't you think?

Or don't you?