This thread has actually brought to the forefront what is rather an interesting subject, namely the different visceral, gut-reaction response which different cultures experience when confronted with different stimuli.

The particular example I have in mind, which is probably of some relevance (or maybe not) to this thread, is the fairly common practice in the US of draping the Stars and Stripes in front of one's house, or flying it from a flagpole in the front lawn.

I found this weird at first, although I bet not one American Mudcatter would find it weird, having been accustomed to it from birth.

After a while, (it took a long while actually) I began to realise that this display of patriotism was actually something quite admirable, and of worth, and had none of the negative connotations which would have been implicit in the flying of the Union Flag in such a manner in a private house in Britain.

However, just try explaining the difference to any Brit who hasn't lived in the States, and you will get all the standard knee jerk responses about gung-ho Yankee imperialism etc etc, they will equate the flying of the Stars and Stripes with the flying of the Union Flag.

What I wonder is, can Americans see why the two situations are different, and if so can they appreciate it on the visceral level as opposed to the intellectual level ?

Like I say, it's all about gut response, and how people transfer their instinctive (or rather culturally induced) reactions to similar although not identical situations, and it takes time to change.

Having grown up with the CND logo, it will always trigger the "no-nukes" reaction in my brain, just as it will for Crow Sister, MtheGM, Howard Jones, and countless others of our generation in the UK.

We can't help it, it's hard wired.