An Open Question for 'Jock Scot' (and Scots)

[Jock Scot]

I think, maybe, you touched on the main point of the issue, understanding one another's needs. You do not share our needs, and based on comments made many times on this forum, it is clear that there are a lot of misconceptions about the American perspective. That Scots don't understand our perspective is probably normal; even we don't have it all figured out. I don't ask that any Scot agree with our perspective, but I do get a little tired of the sniping from perhaps a half dozen or so Scottish members.

I am sorry but I do have to butt in here in spite of me trying to keep out of this thread. OK I have failed!

I think some of you Americans flatter yourselves. Speaking solely for myself I have, until now made a point of using the term of non Scot to specifically avoid the accusation of singling out America. Why? Because American defences instantly go up and ears, eyes and minds are instantly shut. I am sorry but it is true any your post above just proves it. America is not the only place in the world you know and I am very sorry that you consider that you are being singled out for criticism . It is just not true and I am sorry to have to remind you of it.

Now we have another trans-Atlantic problem that was raised a few posts ago and I think by the same person that I actually think does involve North America and this perceived lack respect that bothers some of you over there. Try as I might I choose my words carefully and I take real care to get it right and sometimes an innocent remark that I and indeed others from this side of the Atlantic make that we would not think twice about over here, causes upset over there. Well that is unfortunate and a swift apology is usually all that is necessary to rectify the problem. I can't think of an example but no doubt the same follows in reverse.

So real effort is required from ALL to be understanding and accept that what some one is saying is not quite what you think they are saying. It is difficult, probably very difficult for some, but I really think much of this "respect" issue that we appear to need to improve on is not the problem that some think it is. It is more down to this "common language" that we are trying to communicate civilly and respectfully with to each other.

In passing I think this perceived "sniping" is unhelpful and I don't believe that it is intended at all. But we have to accept that is how some feel, which is unfortunate, and it would be better by far for those feelings not to exist, but when honest views are being voiced and mostly with considerable care then occasionally, yes I mean occasionally, misunderstandings occur, if they do, a civil explanation why this lack of respect has taken place is usually all that is needed. Some how there appears to be an awful lot of overly sensitive people turning up at the moment.

Sorry all, but voicing an opinion and voicing it with care does seem to ruffle some awfully sensitive feathers. Alright perhaps more care needs to be taken, but it does seem to me that there are subjects that unreasonable sensitivities want to prevail. Before anyone says it, yes I do have a habit of voicing minority points of view and yes I do choose my words carefully and yes sometimes I get them wrong.So let us not resort to petty point scoring and look at the wider picture. Please.