[quote="Jamie_Lambo"][/quote]

That video has nearly 8 million views and comments are pretty rough.
Still I was taught in school that we are GOAT .

Now I think the greatest of all time might not be the USA but GSP...maybe Jose Aldo?
I don't know.

You ever thinking of moving into MMA, Jamie?

Therapist wrote: P.S. Akira, though the term Jap has been used here. I consider you a bona fide American if got your greencard or citizenship in the states. You’re not just a mal-adjusted Zainichi Gook/Jap that loves his AK-47 and his AK-87. America can be tough on asian boys psychologically, especially if you can't decided what you are. But you got your cars and your guns! Stand tall son even though you're short.

Interestingly enough, I am in the process of leaving the U.S. for good and have sold my home, all but one vehicle, all my bikes and even the AK. Just kidding, I only had a Beretta and a hunting rifle. It's true I've lived in the U.S. longer than in Asia but to be frank, I've never really felt at home or absolutely comfortable in the states. It's not my skin/appearance (there's a huge amount of Asian Americans in California), nor my accent (which is noticeable), nor the fact that no one calls me American (despite being "American" on paper), but always Japanese (or Chinese if they don't know). I don't feel at home because I've been very bothered for a long time about certain American ways of doing things. I'll explain.

While I know I'm no history buff, the more I learn the more I feel (just personally) that America oversteps it's welcome into far too many nation's business and it's been weighing on my mind over the years because it's something I disagree with very strongly. I know Japan is no saint either (see WW2), but the Korean war, Vietnam war, Desert Storm, war in Iraq etc, America is ALWAYS at war and honestly (going back to gun loving), there's a huge love for guns and military power. I'm not an exception "emotionally", I love to go shooting and find guns very enticing, but I'm also deeply disturbed by what destruction they've cause since their inception as well, so it's a love hate relationship almost.

I also don't like the "sacredness" of the American flag, or the huge nationalistic pride that is blatantly displayed everywhere. American flags everywhere, "U.S.A! U.S.A!", America, greatest nation on earth, etc, it's a bit cultish in my eyes and always has been. I think it hit me hard when I got in trouble at school for not saying the pledge of allegiance. My argument was that I wasn't from America, nor were my parents, and that we didn't believe in their god, but I was going to be indoctrinated I guess. America has some great things absolutely no doubt in my mind about that and I respect many of my American friends enormously, but the almost brainwashing extent of things I saw whist attending school up in the U.S. has always bothered me. "We're the good guys, everyone else is the bad guy, now do as you're told..." that's how I felt the mentality was.

I hesitated to respond to the thread in fear of offending some of my American friends, but I can't say I am comfortable being "American" because there are many fundamental principles I do not identify with, and many cultural differences as well so there's no need to think of me as an American. I don't even have a gun now, haha.

I'm curious though, I rarely mentioned my Korean ancestry to anyone. Sure I spent some time in South Korea but I don't remember ever mentioning outright that I am part Korean. Have we met?

Either or everyone else, no need to emulate me or praise me I'm just a person and in my eyes, a rather flawed and messed up one at that. Made more than my fair share of mistakes while growing up and still continue to do so. Maybe I do things here and there that people like more than others, maybe people like cars and bikes like I do, or maybe I'm a great porn star , but I'm really nothing much more than anyone else. Just a little asian man with an identity crisis I guess, haha.

Hi Akira. We’ve never met. I don’t even know what you look like.

Akira my post concerning you was directed at the witty exchange between Bob and Sailorman because Sailorman had repeatedly used the term “Jap Jap Jap” when you had just posted in support of Sailorman in regards to gun ownership, etc. I was poking fun at the IRONY of the situation and not at you.

I actually was a counselor though definitely not a psychotherapist. You’re right, you’ve never said you’re Korean or anything else such as height, etc. So simply put, I deduced and I guessed.

I guessed Korean Japanese because you remind of my close friend back home who was Zainichi. He also did not live a conventional life and we all respected him for it, but he hadn’t found his passion in life; you Akira have. Anyways, although I wouldn’t take him on as a client, he asked me to work with him on some of his issues as a friend.

I continued to deduce. For you to travel the world means that you certainly haven’t followed the conventional path that other men from your background take in life. I also assumed that you are under fifty and that would make your generation more outgoing than my friend’s generation. I didn’t know you lived in California because you said you received a carry permit after age 21 (in my days it was near impossible in California but times have changed I guess). Also, you’re signature Kanji “Akira” also “sung” in Korean, the AK-87, so on—I made due with what you posted. With less information I might have guessed Japanese of Chinese descent and the height reference was a generic shot in the dark.

In contrast to you, I’ve lived in Asia longer than the States. Likewise, I know that Japan and Korea have very austere ideas about racial purity, social hierarchy, and expectations. You’ve crossed those parameters and personally I respect that; nevertheless, it also reminds of many Japanese of Korean ancestry I know as well.

However since we’re on the subject. The only observation I would make is you don’t necessitate the affability. It’s obscuring something deeper. The hardships or failures in your life don’t diminish you and I can feel that you’ve suffered. If I had to deduce more, I would add a strong feminine influence in your life too; more sisters, aunts, or mothers than brothers and such? Get back to basics, meaning get your physical health in order first, then the rest will follow. I can also commiserate with your narrative about not fitting in. Mostly what comes across is your passion for automotive engineering AND your charitable nature. That’s a really beautiful thing.

So if you think I am saying this in judgment you are mistaken. You’ve nothing to prove to me or anyone. My last paragraph about you was supposed to be ironic. If my deductions were close to reality, I meant no harm. Read my posts. I'm the most maladjusted person I know other than the sociopaths in government.

Also, you’re not any more “messed up” than I am, unless you’re a serial killer or something. I’m a near cripple and a grouchy old fuck but I’m at peace with myself, meaning with my mistakes. Everyone here vouches for you.

I hope we meet one day and I can buy you a drink and we can talk in person. Beers and bacon on me. I make observations NOT indictments.
The Badger

AE86 wrote: While I know I'm no history buff, the more I learn the more I feel (just personally) that America oversteps it's welcome into far too many nation's business and it's been weighing on my mind over the years because it's something I disagree with very strongly. I know Japan is no saint either (see WW2), but the Korean war, Vietnam war, Desert Storm, war in Iraq etc, America is ALWAYS at war and honestly (going back to gun loving), there's a huge love for guns and military power.

vladimir wrote:Can u guys at least tell me why you don't like my avatar?

I don't have a problem with it for this reason: http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swasti ... istory.htm

And in regards to the video, spot on. Bravo. (Thanks for sharing.)

GonzoBobH wrote:

vladimir wrote:Can u guys at least tell me why you don't like my avatar?

I don't have a problem with it for this reason: http://history1900s.about.com/cs/swasti ... istory.htm

And in regards to the video, spot on. Bravo. (Thanks for sharing.)

i dont get why people get butthurt about the symbol when its origins go way back further than the nazi party!
now if it was the Schutzstaffel (SS) symbol then that would be a different story..

I also don't like the "sacredness" of the American flag, or the huge nationalistic pride that is blatantly displayed everywhere. American flags everywhere, "U.S.A! U.S.A!", America, greatest nation on earth, etc, it's a bit cultish in my eyes and always has been.

Guess u have not spent much time in Thailand or Japan where the Nationalistic fever/pride is 10x higher than America

Funny u feel that way, my daughter is half thai/half American and lived in Thailand for 18 years and always felt more American than thai an after 3 years in the sf bay area , more American than ever.

America is what it is an for sure was a better place when i was growing up but still. i would venture to guess if anyone not American had the choice of where to go to live it would be at the top of the list.

Dont confuse the country with the goverment ( even thou the government is trying to run the country) LOL

Therapist wrote:Hi Akira. We’ve never met. I don’t even know what you look like.

I continued to deduce. For you to travel the world means that you certainly haven’t followed the conventional path that other men from your background take in life. I also assumed that you are under fifty and that would make your generation more outgoing than my friend’s generation. I didn’t know you lived in California because you said you received a carry permit after age 21 (in my days it was near impossible in California but times have changed I guess). Also, you’re signature Kanji “Akira” also “sung” in Korean, the AK-87, so on—I made due with what you posted. With less information I might have guessed Japanese of Chinese descent and the height reference was a generic shot in the dark.

In contrast to you, I’ve lived in Asia longer than the States. Likewise, I know that Japan and Korea have very austere ideas about racial purity, social hierarchy, and expectations. You’ve crossed those parameters and personally I respect that; nevertheless, it also reminds of many Japanese of Korean ancestry I know as well.

However since we’re on the subject. The only observation I would make is you don’t necessitate the affability. It’s obscuring something deeper. The hardships or failures in your life don’t diminish you and I can feel that you’ve suffered. If I had to deduce more, I would add a strong feminine influence in your life too; more sisters, aunts, or mothers than brothers and such? Get back to basics, meaning get your physical health in order first, then the rest will follow. I can also commiserate with your narrative about not fitting in. Mostly what comes across is your passion for automotive engineering AND your charitable nature. That’s a really beautiful thing.

So if you think I am saying this in judgment you are mistaken. You’ve nothing to prove to me or anyone. My last paragraph about you was supposed to be ironic. If my deductions were close to reality, I meant no harm. Read my posts. I'm the most maladjusted person I know other than the sociopaths in government.

Also, you’re not any more “messed up” than I am, unless you’re a serial killer or something. I’m a near cripple and a grouchy old fuck but I’m at peace with myself, meaning with my mistakes. Everyone here vouches for you.

I hope we meet one day and I can buy you a drink and we can talk in person. Beers and bacon on me. I make observations NOT indictments.
The Badger

Living up to your name i see ? Arm chair psychotherapist

I’ve lived in Asia longer than the States

Pray tell how long does that add up to?
I have lived much more than 1/2 my life outside the states as well ( over 36 years outside the states) which does not include travel time,

@Therapist

That's alright, I don't take offense to things or personally (although I get superficially worked up often, haha), I just wanted to set the score straight since I am leaving the U.S. and not intending to return. Just wanted to clarify as many seem to not know what I am. I've had people even ask if I spoke Japanese

And the Korean reference just surprised me because I rarely/if ever speak about it. That's why I asked, no offense taken to anything, don't worry.

phuketrichard wrote:

I also don't like the "sacredness" of the American flag, or the huge nationalistic pride that is blatantly displayed everywhere. American flags everywhere, "U.S.A! U.S.A!", America, greatest nation on earth, etc, it's a bit cultish in my eyes and always has been.

Guess u have not spent much time in Thailand or Japan where the Nationalistic fever/pride is 10x higher than America

Dont confuse the country with the goverment ( even thou the government is trying to run the country) LOL

Only been to Thailand twice just for a brief visit so I have no clue. Japan well, I'm sort of from there so I do have an idea of what it's like there. I'll agree that the Japanese are very proud people (myself included), but Americans are a lot less subtle about it and that's something I don't associate with. I don't see a problem being proud of where you're from, so long as you're open and willing to accept other people's point of view and where they're from too. Don't get me wrong, while I like being Japanese, I don't agree with everything Japanese either. Every culture/nation is flawed, and I guess it comes to the heart of what nationality is (at least to me). I pick where suits me the best and then if I become a citizen by choice, then I am what I say I am. It's why I say I'm Japanese and why your daughter probably says American, it's a better fit for her.

While my experience is a very limited one in terms of years compared to others, my American "friends" where always the most imposing of their culture on me, even when I was in Japan. They were there to civilize me, not to learn from or just be acquaintances with. Not saying this is the ultimate truth on all of America, (I'm well aware that no singular situation is a good representation of an entire nation), but it's who I've dealt with often and it's left me feeling more alienated rather than apart of the culture.

I think that's why it's much easier to generalize the government as the country itself, much more manageable label that way.

phuketrichard wrote:i would venture to guess if anyone not American had the choice of where to go to live it would be at the top of the list.

Possibly, if you're talking about untravelled people, including and especially Asian nationalities that buy into the Hollywood/Fox BS, but I'd bet many people would strongly disagree. Personally I'd happily move to Canada aye but never the US.