I'd say the difference is focus. We live in a society constantly distracted by technology. One minute you're studying online, the next minute you're watching people cliff diving on YouTube. While the internet has opened the floodgates of opportunity for anyone to accomplish anything, it comes with a fair share of snake oil salesman, target advertising, clickbait, etc. They scream from the sidelines like showmen at a carnival.

With so much access to information, we are more knowledgeable in a general sense than any of our previous generations. Specialization in a particular topic requires a disciplined focus. The focus we require now is much greater than it was back then. Books carry the reputation of the author, and his or her publisher, but anyone can make a website.  

I apologize Nathan, I think my response was hard to understand. Yes there is a racism problem in America! I think you are a good person so don't worry. 

Right now I am studying Japanese. I would love to be a language partner with you, but I am studying a different language. I am sorry about that.   

I hope you find the right person. I wish you luck!

That is very insightful オーラ。I think you are right about cultural differences in speaking respectfully. I think making something sound respectful in 英語 is actually quite clumsy. For example: "Thanks for reading my profile." vs "I am honored you have read my profile" or keep adding stuff to make it even more serious: "I am honored, and deeply touched you have read my profile". Maybe in comparison and considering what you have said, perhaps Americans don't quite express gratitude as often as they should. 

My strategy has always been to just get to a conversational level first, and once I can hold decent conversations I would start learning more formal Japanese from natives instead of on my own. I don't know if this is a good strategy yet, as I am still in the beginning stages of learning 日本語。 I will definitely consider everything you have said, and my goal is to become fluent so I appreciate the feedback! If you have any tips on what helped you I am always hanging around. Feel free to drop a PM. 

まことにありがとうございました。

The history behind black culture, and the recent resurgence in racial tension here in the United States have made it a difficult subject to openly ask people about. However, I will share a few things with you. 

To avoid controversy, I would not specifically say you are looking for a black person to talk to. There is the potential to alienate yourself (just something I've noticed). I would just say that you are looking for a language partner, and if a person of interest messages you, I would wait till you get to know them a little bit before asking them about their culture. 

Although I agree that black culture is fascinating, publicly talking about it as a non-black can spark racial controversy and misinterpretation on the internet. Thanks to twitter, tumblr, youtube, and a lot of "social justice warrior" movements, its hard to openly converse about certain topics without upsetting anyone. 

Good Luck Tomas!

*NOTE* This is my personal opinion and interpretation as an American. If anyone has an issue with it, you may message me to discuss it as a respectful adult. These comments were for informative purposes only, and not intended as a political statement, racial bias, or any other slanderous behavior towards a specific people, culture, etc.