People everywhere do use American history and culture to avoid looking at their own shameful pasts and current social problems. That the US has many serious problems with race and social class is obvious. But the rest of the world gives themselves a pass, because after all, there's always America to deplore.

I see your point. And I agree that comment sections are really depressing.

Actually, according to most comments, ONLY Americans ever say or do or have done anything shitty. Ever.

As a native-born American, you should know better than to believe these ghastly tweets represent most Americans.

Arrogance and stupidity are clearly NOT just for Americans.

These tweets are appalling. They have set off numerous cries of outrage across the United States and the world.

I'm surprised at the amount of love this letter is getting. The comments on an average day here are wittier and more effective than this letter.

Most of news about the US is negative here as well, if you remove the cute animal stuff. It's not like news about China is the only bad news here.

I am full-time university faculty and am glad to be married to a non-academic. For all the talk about liberal leanings in academia, the men in it seem less open minded about gender roles than guys in the outside world.

It's funny how being contemptible causes people to feel contempt about you.

The worm has turned. Twenty-five years ago I was repeatedly asked, by women who used formula, how I could "stand" feeding a baby, because it was, you know, perverted. Swear. To. God.

I can see why a lot of people would view these policies as letting the boys go scott free, but I see another side. I teach college writing to first-year students. I also do advising. This means I am privy to confessions I do not ask to hear, but do hear, about pregnancy, abortion and parenthood.

I will try to run that name together now!

I love your name "A Cock Called Chanticleer," first and foremost.

Like many cheerful, hectic Christians, he has the appearance of having ONLY 99.9 percent human DNA. You'd think that little bit that is missing wouldn't matter, but it does. There is something essentially different about guys like this. I mean just off. Alien?

He's insanely attractive. Total yum.

Thanks! I am so glad you received help while at a university, because I really do think that despite the current problems with affordability, they are one of our country's great assets.

Thank you for a thoughtful reply.

Thank you for a lovely story.

Fair enough.