This is an outstanding thread. I think all of the serious questions which have been asked are reasonable and eye opening, actually. The growth of the US and its society has been an organic and somewhat chaotic process. The expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the inclusion/subjugation of multiple ethnic groups and other factors have led to the development of an often confusing and somewhat bewildering culture which seems to change haphazardly based on geographical location. Although we do have a strong centralized national government, each state has its own independently elected and partially autonomous government as well. Within each state, there are also counties, cities and townships which have independent elected governments. This naturally leads to a state of mild schizophrenia amongst most Americans, myself included. It is absolutely of no surprise to me at all that everyday things I take for granted are perplexing and maddening to those who visit here.
For instance, with a few exceptions, there is no national regulation of public transport. (buses, subway/light rail, commuter trains, etc.) These systems are developed and operated largely by the states, counties and cities. This means that the way the systems are operated may vary between locations. Taxi services are owned and operated by the private sector with little overview or regulation by the government.
Quote:
Originally Posted by st4bilo
Oh, I've a question I always wanted to ask an U.S. American:
Recently Iwatched a video on YT, Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama (Live)
and they had a rebel flag (see below) on stage.
Some guys in the comments were discussing and complaining about the flag.
So what is the meaning (nowadays) of this old flag, what does it stand for
in everyday life, e.g. when someone has a sticker with it on his car ?
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This is the Stars and Bars also known as the Rebel Flag and was the banner used by the Confederate States (Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, etc.) which seceded from the US during the Civil War in 1860's. The flag is an iconic and somewhat contentious symbol of the southern states and their continued feeling of separation and independence from the rest of the country. It is often displayed by people as a sign of their independence from society and as an announcement of their 'rebel spirit'. It is also used by many separatist, militia and hate groups. Most notably, it is displayed prominently during Ku Klux Klan rallies.
This reply is more long winded than I had planned. My apologies.