Proud of My Country (USA Excluded)

Too bad the US is excluded, this would have been lots of fun.

Yeah, I thought this ounded great, too, but I'm in the U.S. so for some reason I can't join.

Wow, this would've been a fun swap to do. Too bad my country limits me from participating. I think that's the first of these swaps I've seen on here that excludes one particular country - does this happen often?

Oh man, I wanted to join too, but I'm in the U.S. Although the United States is a country (as a whole) each state has something unique and awesome. This would have been great-- too bad though.

Muushuu, it's not usually one particular country that is excluded, it's usually all other countries except the US that are excluded.

While I'm not inside the brain of the swap coordinator I can see a couple of reasons for excluding the US. 1)American stuff is already everywhere around the world so it's not really new to anyone. Here in my little town in northern Europe I can watch American tv shows 24 hours a day, go down to the grocery store and get Mountain Dew and Stove-Top Stuffing, pick up a magazine filled with American entertainers, see American flags on peoples clothing, walk down the street and hear people speaking American English, our nightly news is saturated with what the US government is doing, and on and on and on.
2)Retribution. There are so many swaps we are prohibited from maybe the swap coordinator just wanted to show what it feels like. Like how Americans now have to be fingerprinted and photographed when they enter Brazil. No other reason than "what's good for the goose...".

But I can't say for sure.

-CP

While I understand that American crap is ubiquitous, at the same time - we have a good deal of different states - and things that are unique to each of them.

I am originally from Puerto Rico (yes I know it's USA, as well, but it wasn't always) and would've liked to have participated with things from there. I guess not everyone is in this same boat, but that's life :)

I haven't been on here long enough to see how many swaps exclude anywhere but the USA, but I understand. I would hope "retribution" wouldn't be the reason, but hey - it's kind of true, what's good for the goose...

cpfaves- I can understand your reasoning to an extent but I agree with muushu; it would have been interesting including something from our own part of the country. I don't think anyone here would be sending out mountain dew or stove top or showbiz mags, at least I know that's not what I would send. As Muushu said, every part of the US is unique and just because you watch the news and see the flag a lot that doesn't mean that you couldn't possibly get something unique from your swap partner in the US. I live near Niagara Falls and Buffalo and there would have been lots of interesting items from my hometown that I could have sent. But it's cool, maybe someone will start a US swap with the same theme sometime. It would be lots of fun. :*)

I think US swapers should be able to join, mainly becase I too wont to join swaps that are just for the US sometimes. every swap for me is an international one, I hope you can join or start a new swap (but not just for you, as Goobearsmom segested),and that you will never start another swap that is just for the US. if shipping cost is too expensive for you don't join, but don't leav me out...

I find it very interesting to see how suddenly many realize it sucks to be left out! I will not participate in this one looneylusty because I dont live anymore in my country, and couldnt say I am proud of the one where I do live, oops sorry. But good idea!

Claumiu, I think there is a difference between saying "(specific country) only" and "only one country is not allowed." I've been reading through swaps and seeing that there are many "US Only" swaps. I can understand that it's frustrating for non-US members.

However, the difference here is that one seems like it's for postal reasons, and the other sounds like nothing but personal dislike of a country and/or its citizens.

I wouldn't make an international swap and say "PROUD OF MY COUNTRY (NEW ZEALAND EXCLUDED)" but hey - maybe I'm just not in it for retribution.

"and the other sounds like nothing but personal dislike of a country and/or its citizens.

I wouldn't make an international swap and say "PROUD OF MY COUNTRY (NEW ZEALAND EXCLUDED)" but hey - maybe I'm just not in it for retribution."

I agree with this 100%. When I saw this, it kind of made me feel like it was an insinuation that everyone BUT the USA should be proud of their country. :/ Almost like a discrimination thing. And for the record, I also think it is wrong to exclude other countries as well.

"I think there is a difference between saying "(specific country) only" and "only one country is not allowed."

Yes, I whole-heartedly agree with this too... it almost seems like a personal "dig" against the US.

When peole in the US make US only swaps, it is not because they are against other countries... it is simply postage reasons.

You don't see the US saying; "All countries welcome except for middle-eastern ones..."

That's all I have to say about it.

Danit - I worded that wrong, actually. What I meant was that I hope there will be a swap like this one that members from the US can join. :*)

Looneylusty, where have you gone? Perhaps there is a simple explanation you could give us that would clear up the confusion. I would like to think of this as a postage issue, but if that were the case, members from Canada would also be excluded, wouldn't they?

I was kind of thinking of what the cpfaves said--about how the US stuff is everywhere. That's true of course, but the thing is there are so many "little" things in the U.S. that aren't even available to people living in ohter parts of the U.S., and it would have been fun to show those little never-heard-of details.

Iteresting discussions....It's hard to see how the term 'excluded' could be taken in a purely benign manner. 'Europe only', or 'Asia only', doesn't have quite the harshness, does it? I'd hate to think the diverse and creative swappers here might be painted with one brush when it comes to political or cultural views. As has been mentioned, a collection of regional or local treats would be welcomed by most everyone. I suppose this exclusion isn't for postal rate reasons - it must be equally as dear to ship from Australia to Ireland?
Maybe someone could host a 'betcha didn't know' swap that would include the US, so we have an opportunity to share with others parts of our regional culture that aren't as homogenized as popular opinion would suppose.

Its funny how many people find it hard to accept simple rules for a swap, instead of just creating one of their own were they can put whatever rules they wish.

I won't participate in US only swaps, never, ever no matter how good they sound. I know the restriction has nothing to do with xenophobia (at least I really hope it doesn't) and is most likely a cost saving measure, but even still, it doesn't seem fair. People in other countries don't moan when they pay overseas postage, and they have to do it almost all the time, and postage in a lot of the countries I've visited in Europe is higher than the US.

I am happy to see that there are very few "Europe Only" or "Australia/New Zealand Only" swaps. On other swap sites those are much more prevalent. Probably not so many on this site because the member list isn't large enough to sustain a healthy swap with US folk excluded.

What does surprise me is the unwelcoming message this particular swap sends. And it doesn't mean I don't "accept simple rules," just that the wording is distasteful and rude.

Wow, this really got everyone going didn't it!

I don't know why this swap excludes US but it is annoying when swaps say US ONLY, for me the main reason for joining this site is to swap with peole from other countries!

Maybe someone should start another swap for REGIONS so it could be country, state, whatever. I'm in the UK which is small but has some very distinct areas with different things which come from them.

Wow what a can of worms I have opened up with this swap. I have just arrived home from work and read through the comments from every body here and it has really blown me away. At no stage was it my intention to upset or offend anybody by excluding the States from this swap and if I have done so I sincerely apologise.

I decided to make this swap for everybody else because so far in all the swaps I have been a part of I have only had two non American partners and I was interested to see where all the other swappers came from. I have had some wonderful parcels arrive from American swappers and really enjoyed what I have received from them so I have nothing against the USA. I felt it would be nice to send something myself to a swapper in another part of the world who hopefully may not know much of my own country; New Zealand. I know postage can be an issue and all the parcels I have sent off myself have been in the range of NZ$14 which I think is roughly US$28 and on top of the cost of the parcel this can be a little costly. For this reason I limit myself to one swap per month and sometimes it may only be a postcard swap. I accept postage as part of the cost and I am prepared to pay it, I feel it is worth the expense knowing that I will receive a parcel myself.

And yes if I am honest with myself and with other swappers I do get annoyed with swaps that are only for USA and Canada as sometimes I would love to be a part of that swap and to be excluded is not nice. I did consider including Canada in the exclusion but decided against it.

Please accept my apology if you are unhappy with not being able to participate in this swap, I have taken note of this and promise that when this swap is over I will do another one with no exclusions this time and hopefully this will make amends to the American swappers.

Cheers

looneylusty

Good come back looneylusty, I see your point and that of our US cousins too!

I think, whatever your reasons, you have the right to do what ever kind of swap you feel. I definately understand your reasoning! So hats off to you for doing a swap the way YOU want, it is YOUR swap after all!! I am American and was not offended! I just liked your swap idea so much that I made one of my own :) So I guess I owe you a thanks for the inspiration :)

Sincerely, Alisha Mitchum

i can totally understand why you would do this. I am in alot of swaps and alot of yahoo groups and it seems like Americans have alot of swaps and they get to send within the states which cuts down on postage for them. BUT when you are one of the few international swappers you KNOW you will be spending alot in postage so you have to limit yourself when it comes to swaps. So it is nice to see a swap just for international swappers..BUT yah you should have worded it differently..no one likes to EXCLUDED...but people like to be INCLUDED...so like someone said...you could have said Such and such Country INCLUDED ONLY because excluded jsut seems like a negative word...okay psych class going to my brain too much

I just want to add that I'm glad this swap sparked a civil interchange rather than hostility. I'm also glad it hasn't been changed. Let's hope we're always free to raise questions and seek answers. If something doesn't suit, the solution isn't necessarily to demand it change, but to be inspired to create an alternative. That's what happened here, which makes me happy. I'm weary of people constantly demanding that everything around them be reinvented to please them.

I, too, understand why someone would want to exclude the US since a lot of swaps are US only... at the same time, I am outraged!! It seems a bit harsh to say "ok, every country BUT the USA."

First off, I'm sure the people that put swaps as US only are only doing it for postage reasons - not out of spite. This is completely malicious.

Now, personally I don't care... I don't really want to join this swap and I only opened the page because of (USA EXCLUDED - all in caps).

I have been in several international swaps where I have never been hesitant to send out of the country to places such as New Zealand or Portugal! All this swap did was make me realize how prejudice swap bot really is.

Again, power to you. To have made a swap and boldly say "no Americans" you have to have some gusto. All the same, ouch. I think this may have opened a door to several swaps with a "ENGLAND EXCLUDED" or "AUSTRAILIA EXCLUDED". I believe this will make Swap-bot a very hostile enviroment.

... AND I feel like a jerk.. just forget everything I just said... Except that I am personally hurt by this swap although I probably shouldn't be.

Shnookly, you forget that America is not just a country but a continental, with 50 states in it, not one. and if US swapers can say I don't wont to ship to other continents, why is it wrong to say I choose this time to not ship to this continent? also about the word "excluded". not all international swapers have good English, I don't, so stop complaining about the choice of words, no harm done, we just wont the chance to send stuff somewhere else for a change, is that too much to ask?

No - it isn't too much to ask to want to have partners left of the usual American sender.

HOWEVER, it is rude.

I don't believe I've ever been in a swap that was US only. As I've said, the last swap I had I sent a package to Portugal and New Zealand.

Also, I'm not an idiot. I realize there are 52 states counting Alaska and Hawaii. (I'm 19 - not 2) The postage for me to send to Hawaii VS. within my own state differ about 95 cents. I'm sure some people here are just on a low budget (like myself) and don't want to be spending the $15.92 on postage I had to spend to go to New Zealand.

When someone says "US and Canada only" they are referring to postage. When someone specifically says "US excluded" they are saying "screw you US... we don't want you in our swap."

If you're in (for example) Ireland... and you're in this swap, you could be sending to Austrailia... the postage to Austrailia is much more than what it is to America. Obviously, it has nothing to do with postage.

Now, this being said, I am not a mean person. I'm a generally smiley/happy person and this is only giving a bad take on how I act.

Normally I wouldn't get steamed over something like this.. if someone said "England only", I'd be ok with it because it's not excluding anything. It's not saying, "we don't want you in our swap because your country stinks - we want interesting countries only!"

It's simply saying that the people in the swap don't want to spend tons of money on postage.

If I saw a swap that said "Everyone BUT England" I'd be angry... I don't live in England, but it's still just rude.

This is very prejudice.

Don't get me wrong, I don't like it and I'm not participant in this swap. It maybe be rude but it is not prejudice. maybe you ment discriminating?

shnookly,

Just a couple of things. First, there are 50 states, and second, often countries have a standard postage for outside the country no matter where the package is going, so a package leaving my country costs me the same to Ireland or the US or Australia. It's a standard cost by weight, not destination.

And I also want to clarify to everyone that my first post does not reflect my own feelings, I was just speculating.

Oh dear i though everyone had calmed down and got over this now!

What's done is done and I have to say that since this happened the percentage of international V US swaps seems to have increased and everyone seems to be making a concerted effore to be nice on new swaps so maybe in the long run it wasn't such a bad thing this happened.

Please can we all be friends again?

Actually, I am neither for or against this idea but just wanted to say, I can send 2 identical packages. One within Canada and one to the USA. My Canadian package costs $6.00 the American one $19.00. So when you say US and Canada only, we are not really 'saving' any money.Because the American dollar is worth more than ours of course it would be cheaper to mail to Canada rather than recieve from Canada. Like any international package it can get hung up at customs too. I too have seen many swaps, that I would have liked to have joined be US only and I was "put off" by it. Not offended, just felt like this was an 'elite' swap. However, in keeping with the original idea of this swap it would have taken a lot of thought and typing to say,"Australia, China, Brazil,Japan, Africa, Korea,Poland, Germany,England,Peru,Chille,Greece,Italy,Iceland, Sweeden,Canada........only please" I don't think the wording was meant to offend anyone, just the easiest way to get the point accross. What reponse would I get if I inquired as to why I wasn't able to join a US only swap? Likely, "Those are the rules set out by the organizer"

Let's keep it happy!-PHH

Good Grief,

I can not believe the discussion this swap has created and the feelings behind some of the comments. My choice of the word "Excluded" may not have been very PC but it certainly doesn't mean I am a rascist, nor am I prejudiced or illiterate towards the English language (it is after all the language I speak ), I am not rude (well my intention wasn't to be)I am definately NOT saying "Screw you" to the American people and I definately did not mean to "discriminate" against anyone either. I started this group because I wanted to guarantee I would receive something from a country that wasn't America for a change as I have never travelled out of my own country and wanted to see what else was out there. There is nothing wrong with that and I feel it is my right as co-ordinator of this group to set it up the way I wish and if it offends anybody then I can only apologise once again for this. I have also written previously that I would be keen to do this swap again without exclusions so everybody can join in as I can see that there are a lot of people who would have liked to be a part of this one. I also like the idea of doing one for Regions so this might be another swap to look forward to next year as well. I intend keeping the swap the way it is but would be interested to hear from anyone who can come up with an alternative choice of words that I could have used and wouldn't have offended anyone or not as many people.
Schnookly I don't know where you got the idea I wrote excluded in Capitals because I have checked through and can not find it written this way except where you have written it. Have I missed something here?

Happy swapping everybody

looneylusty

Shnookly I am sorry I meant to go back and check the spelling on your name before posting my comment but I forgot so please accept this as a personal apology for not spelling your name correctly.

looneylusty

looneylusty, thanks for explaining your reasoning behind excluding the USA. It makes a lot of sense to want to get something other than from America. Using the words "pride" and "USA excluded" may not have been intentionally rude, but it came across that way to me. I'm glad that was not your intent. It's a sensitive issue and we Americans tend to over-react a bit sometimes. I hope we can all move on now. Swap-bot isn't the place for this kind of discussion.

For starters, let me go ahead and say yes.. you're right - i'm an idiot... 50 states. I'm not sure how in the world I got 52. Grandma says I must've lost my "noggin".

You're probably right.. I must have meant discriminate rather than prejudice.

Also, it wasn't in all caps... I must've been looking at the wrong title - I'm loosing my mind this week! It's been crazy.

ANYWHO, I obviously went to my grandma on this issue because I've been furious about it for a week.

My Grandmother is 86... soon to be 87... She didn't say much but she did say something very important: "Unity is what our country is all about."

My final statement on this issue is that while I may have over-reacted, this WAS rude. Intended or not. Nothing I said was meant to be a personal attack towards the co-ordinator of this swap, nor any specific individual. As I said, I am 18 - and my wording and phrases may be a little off kilter.

ALSO, excluded is an awful way to word a group heading. It was obviously worded that way because it was the shortest way to write it, all the same. When I think of the word excluded, I think of the little nerdy kid in elementary school that everyone stayed away from until the teacher would demand that no one was "excluded".

ex·clude /ekxsklud/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ik-sklood]
–verb (used with object), -clud·ed, -clud·ing. 1. to shut or keep out; prevent the entrance of.
2. to shut out from consideration, privilege, etc.: Employees and their relatives were excluded from participation in the contest.
3. to expel and keep out; thrust out; eject: He was excluded from the club for infractions of the rules. 4. to ignore; to hurtfully force: She was excluded from jump rope for her hair color.

Exclude is just a bad word.

My Grandma's main concern was more about how more Americans weren't upset... how the people that stood up against this swap later appoligized and withdrew.. or said things like "sometimes Americans over-react".

Now, I'm not going to get into a Bush conversation, but I can say this... while our country can sometimes be a hot issue - it's ours. If you don't have pride for what you have, then you have nothing.

My mother died when I was 10... I remember she never had much, and the only thing she left me was an ugly stuffed bear from the late 1970's...It smelled like mold! Everything else she left to charity... A boy in my class stole the bear, leaving me with nothing of my mother. At first, I was ok with it, the bear was hideous! It smelled! I hated it...

Then I realized that it was mine... if I couldn't look beyond the smell and horrifying nature of the appearance to what it really was... if I couldn't have pride in my own things - then I wasn't worth it. (I washed it off, it looked and smelled worlds better!)

America is our country. If we don't stand up for it, then we aren't worth it.

My grandmother said unity is what our country is about... I think it may have lost that glorious word somewhere along the line... but still. If we don't stand up for each other or fight for ourselves, then we are in far worse trouble than a swap pushing away Americans.

If all anyone takes from what I'm saying is that I'm a disgruntled teen with nothing better to do than type on a bot (no less) about how America should be included in a swap, well then I'm sorry. That's not what I'm saying. I am not upset that I can not join in this swap, I don't think it's that amazing! I'm simply apauled that people who do want to be in this swap can take the side that America should be excluded or even that America is at fault for something this silly. For the love of all that is holy, have some dignity.

America is the strongest country in the world, and still you feel you need to prove it again and again. stop being the bully kid and start acting like the understanding parent you think you are. and shnookly, we love you, isn't that enough?

Shnookly...First of all, I think the reason you thought the words were in all caps is because when it was listed in the list of newest swaps, all that was visible of it was the swap title and "(USA E...". The rest of the word wasn't there because it was too long to be shown. I thought it was in all caps, too, but I think that's why. My brain saw it as all caps even though it wasn't.

Secondly, I certainly wasn't saying that America was at fault. What I was saying was that I was at fault, for reacting as I did. I'm very proud to be an American, and I make no apologies for that. I like what your grandma said about us sticking together. I agree with her. But this is just a swap, and in my opinion, not worth the time or anger. There are a ton of other ways to support our country and to express unity where my time can be better spent. You're right that "exclude" is a bad word, but the coordinator here has a right to invite whoever she wants to her swap, and she has explained her reasons for doing it. I didn't mean to offend you with my message to her here. I admire your patriotic spirit!

If it is such a big deal, why don't you just start a swap with the same idea and not exclude the US... If you do and you are worried about the American Crap phenominon then request that things that are sent are from your geographic area and not just straight up american stuff. I think the wording is fine. I think you need to be less sensitive wrt your own feelings of how it is worded; (it is not like it says "Proud of My Country (USA go f@#$%^ yourself)" it says "excluded") instead be more sensitive to other folks language, culture and the Wal*Mart way of life that is my 2c

~Q

WOW! I like the idea behind this swap - but knew people would be offended as usual. Seriously, when ISN'T someone, somewhere offended by something? Can't please everyone!

I'm in Australia and usually my send/receive partners are in America 95% of the time so I understand the 'intention' of this swap. Therefore I'll be joining to send/receive something from somewhere else in the world ... guaranteed! Nothing more nothing less.

As an international swapper it's obvious I have to send overseas everytime. So it's definitely not about the money - I know full well what it's going to cost me. The US Only swaps are also about money but also excluded people just the same. I don't see what the big deal is really. As soon as I seen a swap I can't join due to my location I just go on my merry way. I don't post to say how unfair it is that I'm excluded just because of my location. Reason being is that there is never a shortage of swaps to join or create. It's about the gift of giving - which is the central theme and ohh so much fun!

There is enough for everyone to enjoy. Happy days :)

Wow! I think that it took me a whole hour to read that bulls@#t!! Excuse my AMERICAN languge. Well, I'm starting to sound like I'm againist this swap! I'm all for it!!! And I Live in NEBRASKA. gasp!! That's one of the 50 states in the US of A! (yes shnookly, there are 50! apperently american history wasn't required for high school graduation in your area of the country...) Well, my intention once I read an ENTIRE MILE or KILOMETER (yes, I'm being PC here to please EVERYONE) of text wasn't to be nasty but it is turning out that way isn't it...

Any way my point.... I would love to be in this swap, however I would like to be the only american.

I would much rather receive and send something out of the country. But because there are so many of us americans. I get California, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida. BORING!!! Yes, Nebraska is boring too. Getting a letter from me would be just as dumb and boring. I love meeting people but people from another country would be much more interesting.

I totally understand where the coodinator is coming from. Don't you think that when names are "randomly selected" people from other countries get more than 50% people from the US. That would get boring... WHY? becase like some one else said almost all of the other contries in the world have our movies, our magazines, our TV shows. And in non-english speaking countries you are required to learn english in school starting at day one! They don't want to go looking for American stuff. They are force fed it from birth! Don't get me wrong here I'm sure there are some third world countries that would love a big bite of the USA but they don't have the interent and can't speak english. No swap-bot for them. That's why we are "Stupid Americans" to some people in other countries. I agree we are stupid.

Last night, I was watching a show on public television about the English Royal family and the castle. Which is called Windsor Castle. You know the Queen's guards right? (the one's with the tall hats) The showed some AMERICANS trying to make him laugh. They even said "poop" instead of "cheese" while the where taking pictures. How embearssing!!! I'm pretty sure it was a BBC production.

I'm glad we reinterated to the whole world (at least on Swap-bot) that we in fact "stupid americans". Thank you and enjoy your swap!! ~westie

PS feel free to insult me by correcting my grammer and spelling.

WOW Aren't you guys friendly? A friend of mine asked me to check this out and this is disgusting.

In the beginning of your discussion no one even made a point to defend their own country, just put down the US.

THEN when someone did stand up for their country, everyone jumped down their throat then called them the bully!

You guys are really messed up.

PS. It's 50 states, without Hawaii and Alaska it's 48.

agree with cutebird - you probably shouldn't be picking on people who don't know the number of states if you can't spell - maybe english isn't required where you are.

I have been trying to resist the urge to get involved with this again but I'm hoping thatr these facts might go someway to illustrating why Lunylusty started thsi swap; I joined swap-bot less than 1 montha go and so far have sent to 15 swap partners, of those 11 were in the USA, 2 in Canada and 2 in Europe like myself. And Yes, it does cost significantly more to mail to North America, not that I'm complaining about that I knew when i joined there would be a lot of US participants, after all there are a lot of people in the USA!

Please don't think that I'm anti american or canadian or anything, I like America and my Grandmother was Candian. None of us are responsible for the terrible actions of our governments and i am frequently ashamed to admit that I'm English, I think it's great that Americans have so much pride in their country.

Interesting discussions. I was thinking of joining, even though I am in the US, and sending something from a country of my heritage. That could include Philippines, Germany, Great Britain, IReland, or Denmark. Nathalie

Now that's an idea for a future swap, noelanicat. How interesting to have a theme of exploring and sharing one's heritage? Hmmm.....

I have had a request to clarify the amount to be spent on this swap which I have put down as $20. This is NZ dollars which should be a manageable amount for everybody.

Cheers

What's the big deal? On a good day there are many US Only swaps on swap bot, and when I put up a swap from here in Australia, I have to put "International" because it feels as though the default is USA, and by denoting "International" you are electing to include all others.

This is neither good nor bad - but represents the level of usage, a country like Australia or New Zealand can't compete with the numbers of users from USA - because our populations are so small, and the % of Swap-Bot members from other countries I imagine would be much lower.

my 2c worth.

PS. I generally wouldn't join a swap like this, because I think most Australians are kind of embarassed by the whole "National Pride" thing. Koalas, kangaroos, boomerangs and stuff is pretty cheesy. (IMHO)

I just started 3 swaps... I always make my swaps international.

Maybe you didn't mean to offend anyone by starting this swap, or by saying anything to support this swap. Maybe you meant to start this swap to offend only people who start/join US Only swaps... Either way, you didn't. You offended me and as far as I can see, a few other people who have always had open minds to shipping. Not everyone in my country is a jerk. We don't all start US Swaps and say "screw everyone but us." You've all made a very irrational gerneralization.

Canada is hardly more exciting than the US... maybe a little more exciting but not much. Why not exclude them too?? (I don't know much about Canada, but from what I hear - It's a very clean and beautiful place - hence I'm not sure as to it's exictement levels, lol).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to join this swap. BUT If you were a little smarter about this, you would've included the US... maybe put a spin on the US resident's task... suchas tell any swapper in the US to send items from their state. For instance, I live in North Carolina... We have 2 of our own breeds of bird, we have a meal called "Carolina Pulled Pork", we have a state flag, a state bird, a state flower, a culture to our area, and so on... As does every state.

If I were a little more stupid, I'd start making all of my swaps "Austrailia Excluded" just out of spite... Just because Austrailia is "boring". ..But I'd never sink to your level. Enjoy your US Excluded swap.

my gosh shnooky, have you read any of the other statements? it's not that the US sucks, it's that most of loonylusty's swaps have come from the US and she just wanted a change. th US ROCKS (and i'm a Canadian). i think you should put on your empathy hat for a moment and see where other people are coming from, and start another swap just like this one. take action, not offense.

these argument against the co-ordinators wish to exclude the USA from the swap just shows how important some feel about the USA and how, even though they control most of the world, they feel like they are missing out and that it is wrong...i think USA history should be looked at and it should be seen how much the USA is responsible for others not getting...etc

plus, to go with a majority, Western crap is everywhere...

Shnookly again I am amazed at the depth of your feelings but as you are only 18 I guess this is to be expected. You have a lot of living to do and life to experience before you can look at a swap like this and take it at face value. I have explained previously the intentions behind forming this group the way I did but you seem to be so outraged that somebody would dare to exclude your precious country you really haven't read what I have written. And frankly your attitude is one of the reasons I did this the way I did. As well as wanting to guarantee I received a parcel that wasn't from the States I also wanted to show many people what it feels like to be excluded from a swap that you really liked the look of. And whether the word excluded was used or not this is what it means when you read USA and Canada only.
To the rest of the world American people exhibit an arrogance about themselves and an ignorance of other countries despite the fact that most of the population is made up of a varied ethnic mix. This is so sad because while they are patting themselves on the back and thinking how marvellous they they are not aware of the impact a country like America has on the rest of the World. I know I am generalising here and I sincerely apologise to anybody who takes offence to what I have just written. I know enough to realise every country is full of genuinely lovely people who I would be proud to be friends with should I ever meet them but there are also many people who aren't so nice. That is the one of the laws of nature, we can't all be the same. Shnookly while it is wonderful to see such passion from someone about something they feel strongly about please widen your outlook and try to see things from anothers point of view as well.
Good luck with your own swaps, I hope they are successful and you have many participants sign up for them.

Cheers Leanne

I have been reading the posts with incredulity. Perhaps everyone needs to take a step back and breathe! Perhaps, too, it was the title of the swap…PROUD OF MY COUNTRY - USA EXCLUDED that was the flashpoint. In retrospect, unfortunate phrasing, but these things happen.

Although it is clear that America-bashing was never the intent of the host, the tone of some of the posts defending her choice of swap format do seem to have taken on that tone. Those of us who live in one of these 50 states and are indeed proud of our country, warts and all, are a bit tired of being blamed for all the ills of the world - from the lack of world peace to Stovetop Stuffing mix in your stores. I guess if Mountain Dew and Stovetop and American entertainment magazines weren’t selling in other countries, they would disappear from shelves. But there they are so…someone must want them! We also know that life is not a zero-sum game and that our country’s prosperity doesn’t diminish any other country’s opportunity for prosperity. We also believe that, all things considered, we are a greater force for good in the world than not.

I always like to think that these little swaps are a nice example of creative folks reaching out in a “we are the world� kind of way, putting politics aside and exercising that most precious freedom...the freedom to choose and act on one's choices. I choose not to be upset that the host has chosen to conduct her swap in this way. There are lots of other swaps to choose from. I’m going to go choose one now.

DARN, I just typed a really long response and my computer frooze... gr.

ANYWAY, thanks Looneylusty - again, this wasn't directed at you in any way. I can understand the want for new things.

AND THANKS, I hope my swaps go well.. they're my first's... and all international : - P

I'm choosing not to respond to the rude and ignorant things that have been posted since I started going on and on. If someone can honestly go through this swap and tell me some of these things aren't personal attacks or attacks on America, then you need help!

If all people can take from what I'm saying is I'm an ignorant 19 year old with a redneck view of America, then you are way off. My whole point was that America, while not always right, is my country. I didn't start any wars, my neighbor didn't start any wars, my grandfather didn't start any wars. Don't make generalizations that include all Americans into such charming titles as "ignorant" or "in control of everything". I don't control much of anything at all... a gerbil perhaps... and I barely control him.

Also.. I'm not a redneck. I'm 4'10'' and I've never worn overalls in my life... I don't own a cow... or a barn. I don't use the word "ya'll" regularly. I just like my country. I live in North Carolina... It's a beautiful place. I live about 15 minutes from many National forests and parkways. I'm about 30 minutes from the Smoky Mountains. It's a lot of fun here.

And finally, while I'm not in support of all of our presidents choices, I'm not stupid enough to insult my own president. I'm not the Dixie Chicks, : - P

I always found it stupid to start down talking other people's countries and heritages, and even more stupid to down talk my own.

I don't believe I've attacked anyone personally or anyone's country, but I see that many people have attacked me and my country... and I can already see in my head that people are thinking they haven't.. but I think if you really read over everything, you'll see that I'm very right about this one.

I'm choosing not to view this page again because it's frustrating and I can't seem to make anyone see how they're being rude and making large generalizations. If you don't like America, that's fine. I couldn't care less. BUT for jolly sakes, don't go into a forum or swap and start saying things like "western crap is everywhere" or "they control everything and still they're upset". That's the most degrading thing you could do, and it's down right stupid. That's like going into a school bathroom and writing bomb threats on the wall. It's a waste of time, I don't want to see it, no one else wants to see it, and it just has to be cleaned up later.

The time has come to start sending out your parcels and it would be great if we can achieve a 100% send out rate for this swap. Through the discussions on this page I have come up with ideas for future swaps so look out for the next one which will be posted early next week. Thank you all for your patience with this swap I didn't anticipate the controversy that has been created by it and it still surprises me the depth of feeling behind some of the postings. I laughed when I saw who was sending to whom because of the irony involved, I'm sending as far as I usually do, others are close by to their partner and others are sending within their own countries. What a dag!! "Sorry local expression meaning 'that's really funny'." Please enter into the spirit of this swap and post a photo of the parcel you have received so we can all see what you got. And also a thank you through this column would be great, it's always nice to hear what other people thought about their parcel.

Happy swapping everybody.

Cheers Leanne

I'm sending my parcel off tomorrow! :)

Thanks so much to littledragon for my awesome parcel. I have uploaded a pic (way to big - didn't resize) and a description of all my goodies :)

I still haven't received my swap package :( the mail can sometimes be very slow to Australia, but hopefully it turns up next week! My partners says they have sent it, so fingers crossed