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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have traveled to many countries and have always been impressed that the citizens in these countries could speak multiple languages fluently.  The US is the only place I have ever been that the people are so stupid and think being fluent in multiple languages is a bad thing. [/quote]

If we had to navigate multiple languages and cultures, we would be like Europe, so many little warring tribes.  Also, from what I have seen many people who are "fluent" don't tend have much of deep understanding, usually pretty happy just to say "hi how are you, where is the bathroom", and can't navigate so much as discussion of the weather.  I mean there are people who have lived here for ten years that are fluent in English that can't do that.

Sorry, I couldn't help it, "fluent" is a low bar.  IMO, Americans tend to value standardization more than other countries; it's part of what makes America unique.  America is otherwise a large, peaceful and prosperous place.

Even other large countries that appear homogenous don't enjoy the liberty that Americans have.  For example: China is a large homogenous country, but their dialects are different enough that they have a difficult time understanding each other, and they seldom if ever travel between their states, not even on a road trip.
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