Robin Williams can do an incredible job in the right role- I think 'The Fisher King' was a one of the best films of the decade. He is extremely talented, but he ruined 'Bi-Centennial' man. I would bet that a few here have actually read the short story that the movie was based on... It was a powerful story about what it means to be human, and how that 'humanity' should be treated with respect.

As for what you said about America, I agree %100- In general diversity is accepted and even celebrated here- go to any coffee house and look at the diverse people drinking and talking with eachother. I know you have been to the Big island, Hawaii, and I am willing to bet that you noticed the huge diversity here- I think the attitude here towards diversity is the healthiest of any place I have lived.

Living here you see so many shades of skin color and different cultures that if you were a person that cared about such things you would become numb to it in a month or two... what I think is amazing about living here is the goodnatured way people poke fun at other cultures and their own and no one seems to get upset. Its refreshing.

In my nearly 3 years here I have not seen one 'diversity' seminar at work- (maybe there was one and I missed it....) such a seminar would be silly where I work... The people I work with are such a varied cross section of cultures that diversity training would be a joke.

While I agree with your assessment of America as the shining example of the melting pot (I really think this is why we are the hope for the future) I think we can do better...

As for your asessment of France, I have to disagree- I lived in France a couple of months... Yes there were a couple of times when I was treated rudely, but mostly I found the French VERY friendly. I got completely lost in Paris one night and EVERYONE I asked for help went WAY beyond the call of duty to help me. I was trying to find the apartment of the professor I was working with because he had invited me to dinner. One helpful Parisian decided to take me to a phone and phonebook, There was a bank that was closed with only a security guard in the lobby- my new French friend banged on the door and cursed at the guard until the guard relented and let us in... (CERTAINLY a serious violation of the rules for a bank!)

I couldn't find the name I was looking for in the phone book, and the fellow helping me was not satisfied that he had done enough- He wanted to help me find my way to the address I needed to go... I finally had to insist that he just go home... he had done enough... (Hell he had broken us into a bank!)

This was repeated a few times that night- no one was rude or nasty, they all just tried to help the best they could. Finally someone I met realized I was confused between boulevard saint Jaques and Rue Saint Jaques.... I finally made it to the dinner 2 hours late.

When waiting for a train, strangers that noticed I was American would eagerly talk to me and practice their english...

In short, I think France is much maligned unjustly... If I had been a frenchman lost in New York City I seriously doubt I would have gotten such helpful treatment- especially from the idiots that called french fries 'Freedom' fries...