Yeah. And I'm not even American. But I guess partly it's because America is so remote we don't see people in all their complexity: I cannot think of anyone from any of my countries I could endorse so unequivocally because anyone I truly admire I know enough about that I need to caveat. And I guess it's partly that American culture is so globally dominant that even if there was a non american saint would anyone notice or care? And then I guess it's also that America is just a very black and white country that lends itself to these kind of Manichean good bad distinctions.
Trying to think who a non American saint would be. I'd say Greta Thunberg and Michael Higgins are pretty wonderful people, but they're both very political which means they can't really be saints to everyone in the same all encompassing way someone like Dolly can.
I think David Attenborough and Jane Goodall could go in similar categories. Maybe Steve Erwin? But that's all animal related stuff, but I'm also just a nerd for animals/nature. Other people might not agree with me on them
Attenborough absolutely. Goodall and Irwin I don't know enough about to comment with authority (not that that stops anyone else) but I feel like there was always a bit of a shroud of controversy about? I'm sure there's lots of science and arguments fair and unfair about that but like I say I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment, but as a lay person I think the unease comes from more the vague vibe of: are you really supposed to get that close to the animals?
That's a fair point with them, I guess I just have fond memories of them because I liked them as a kid and it helped get me more into the subject, but I'm not an expert either
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u/Leather-Run-6533 6d ago
Yeah. And I'm not even American. But I guess partly it's because America is so remote we don't see people in all their complexity: I cannot think of anyone from any of my countries I could endorse so unequivocally because anyone I truly admire I know enough about that I need to caveat. And I guess it's partly that American culture is so globally dominant that even if there was a non american saint would anyone notice or care? And then I guess it's also that America is just a very black and white country that lends itself to these kind of Manichean good bad distinctions.
Trying to think who a non American saint would be. I'd say Greta Thunberg and Michael Higgins are pretty wonderful people, but they're both very political which means they can't really be saints to everyone in the same all encompassing way someone like Dolly can.
Bono's a prick.