USA, my friend, listen! : why the World hates America (not a bash... an eye opener)

I say the world at large loves America, even if SOME Americans are, loudmouthed, arrogant, and/or inflexible. Some attributes of being "cocky". You can find those qualities in any individual in any nation.

Certain American policies deserve critism, the people in general do not, even in light of the fact they sometimes vote for idiots who make poor policy and have "cocky" attitudes. Alas not every citizen votes for their elected officials, but at least half do (or slightly less as recent history dictates), but they dont neccassarily deserve critism either. Some dont vote at all, they may deserve some constructive critism . Of course this is the same for any democratic nation or group.

My point really is that America is just too damn broad and diverse to say Americans are one way or the other. I direct my critisms toward policy and politics, not the Nation itself. Like history dictates: America, its people, and its varied high ideals, are great enough to make up for most mistakes and grievances in the long run.

[Ronn_Bman]

Originally posted by Ryanamur: You did promisse the world these things during the Cold War, that's what the entire strategy was based upon to fight the Russians. No, it's only normal. As any country strive to protect it's own national interests, some countries can be allies. However, when those interests change, that alliance can fall to bits and peaces. That's what happened to the US after the Cold War. Especially in the Middle-East and Africa, the USA were activelly involved in fighting communism (I wrote terrorism by mistake). They brought the economy of those countries up and helped them fight the USSR. On the other side, the Red's were also spending money in their satellite countries. So, when the USSR topples, the USA retreats and leaves those countries to themselves. Now, that means no money coming in from both sides. Conditions go down and people are looking to put blame. That's when Bush Sr, Clinton and little Jr fall in: "we are the best", "we defeated the USSR", "we brought justice and freedom to the world". That is a bright shiny beacon. Those are the guys to blame for our child dying, they are the reason why a civil war erupted. They say that they provide security to the world, that they bring justice and they turn a blind eye to the genocide in my country... yeah, talk the talk but don't walk the walk thinks the guy at the other end of the world. Well, let show you what I can do. No, it's only normal that the US became more vulnerable after the USSR toppled. That, couple with the overall illusions of security and superiorism left the doors right open for what happened on 9-11. BTW: you're right, some people will hate no matter what...

We didn't promised the world that we could hand it to them. That's what your implying. If these countries could shake off the Soviet Yoke, they would be free to do these things for themselves. We still send these countries aid. Maybe not as much as they'd like, but....



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"The Martyr" (excerpt)

There is sobbing of the strong,
And a pall upon the land;
But the People in their weeping
Bare the iron hand:
Beware the People weeping
When they bare the iron hand.

--Herman Melville (written after the assasination of President Abraham Lincoln)

[Prime2U]

My personal view on this, and I've been to many other countries and am very open as well, is that you have a point, other countries do tend to view Americans and America as supremely arrogant in general. It's not always the case, but it does happen a lot. Are they correct in this view? No. I found the people from other countries to be every bit as "arrogant" as we are. It's called pride in country, pride in culture. If someone from any other country came to visit the US I wouldn't expect them to adapt their entire lifestyle to fit in here (although in the US almost any other country's people can find a place they fit in just as they are) so why should they expect us too?


I think the big reason why we're seen as more arrogant than other countries is due to conception. If you see a person in your school/ work/ etc who has a nicer car, better clothes, etc. than you sometimes you get to feeling like he's stuck up and better than you. Most of the time that's not his fault, but it's there regardless. I think people of other nationalities regard US citizens this same way far too often. "They think they're better than us just because they have all that money and cool stuff, and can live pretty much as they want."
Can anyone on this board honestly tell me they've never in their life slighted a person or considered them stuck up just because that person had things better than them? Put it on a national level, and that's the attitude I get from many countries about us.

* Please note, I don't say that all people and countries feel this way, many people like us a lot, just in some of the countries I've been to this feeling was pretty prevalent.

Prime

[This message has been edited by Prime2U (edited 10-19-2001).]

[Silverquick]

It would be impossible to argue against this one.

It is litterally the truth.

Worse, it litterally gauls the rest of the world that the bottom line truth is the world cannot move or act as a whole without the participation and consent of the United States.

Which litterally rubs salt in the wounds.

All these UN treaties they speak of that they have so much hope in that die a horrible death when the United States decides not to participate or doesnt like them just annoys them to no end.

Yes, the bottom line truth in the end of all those things is that the world does litterally revolve around the United States and its decisions. If the United States is on board, it has wieght, if it isnt, its just a useless piece of paper.

Worse, many Americans know this and rub it in.

[Archie_Bunker]

Originally posted by Silverquick: It would be impossible to argue against this one. It is litterally the truth. Worse, it litterally gauls the rest of the world that the bottom line truth is the world cannot move or act as a whole without the participation and consent of the United States. Which litterally rubs salt in the wounds. All these UN treaties they speak of that they have so much hope in that die a horrible death when the United States decides not to participate or doesnt like them just annoys them to no end. Yes, the bottom line truth in the end of all those things is that the world does litterally revolve around the United States and its decisions. If the United States is on board, it has wieght, if it isnt, its just a useless piece of paper. Worse, many Americans know this and rub it in.

Ah little salt in da wounds might be what day needed dere!

It might make 'em ah little more, what do ya say, um... circumsized.

Edith, bring me a beer!


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"Those were the days."



[This message has been edited by Archie_Bunker (edited 10-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Archie_Bunker (edited 10-19-2001).]

[John D Harris]

I'm an American and your right I'm cocky which reminds me of an old cold war era joke.
*****Warning maybe offensive*******
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Ok you've had your chance
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The KGB decides that they want to engage in some psychological warfare so they send an order to the Trojan Condom co. in the USA for 1,000,000 condoms, 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches long. the CIA hears about the order and goes to Trojan Condoms and tells them to fill the order, but to mark all the condoms......"MEDIUM"

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Crustiest of the OLD COOTS
Airline ticket to Afghanistan $800
High powered rifle with scope $1000
Hotel room with roof access $100
A clean Head shot on that sack of Horse Manure Usuma Bin Laden PRICELESS!

[Cloudbringer]

Originally posted by John D Harris: I'm an American and your right I'm cocky which reminds me of an old cold war era joke. *****Warning maybe offensive******* * * * * * * * * * * * Ok you've had your chance * * The KGB decides that they want to engage in some psychological warfare so they send an order to the Trojan Condom co. in the USA for 1,000,000 condoms, 3 inches in diameter and 10 inches long. the CIA hears about the order and goes to Trojan Condoms and tells them to fill the order, but to mark all the condoms......"MEDIUM"

ROTFL!!!!! Once again, I'm spitting Coke on my screen!

CB


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Raindancer of the Laughing Hyenas Clan
CloudDragon of the OHF
Storm-Queen
Raven's Cloud
StormCloud of the Black Knight: Heart Mind Soul Forever
"To sleep, perchance to dream..."

[AzureWolf]

Originally posted by Ronn_Bman: I don't think we promise the world these things; these are the ideals we believe in because these are the ideals we strive for. But you know that some people hate, just to hate. Some people would never be satisfied. It's strange that the fall of the Soviet Union would leave America so open to attack.

Is that not what Bush is promising the world now?
That America will strike down the Taliban and replace it with what they think fit. America may feel they are doing the right thing but even if the new government is a good one it is still simply America intruding into something in which they have no right to. And thats why so many people are anti-american.



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"I was born of darkness. My fathers eyes closed before mine opened. I am not of this world or the other, and I have the right to be what I am..."

Overlord of all that I behold and anything that i happen to not notice either.

Founding Hamlet of the HADB.

[Yorick]

Originally posted by AzureWolf: Is that not what Bush is promising the world now? That America will strike down the Taliban and replace it with what they think fit. America may feel they are doing the right thing but even if the new government is a good one it is still simply America intruding into something in which they have no right to. And thats why so many people are anti-american.

Perhaps they should just keep it for themselves as an American province like the British did in Aotearoa Azure?



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[AzureWolf]

Originally posted by Yorick: Perhaps they should just keep it for themselves as an American province like the British did in Aotearoa Azure?

Of course not
But this does not change the fact that America is forcing what it thinks is right on others. No I dont think the Taliban should stay in government. But I also dont think America are the ones to change what government Afghanistan has.

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"I was born of darkness. My fathers eyes closed before mine opened. I am not of this world or the other, and I have the right to be what I am..."

Overlord of all that I behold and anything that i happen to not notice either.

Founding Hamlet of the HADB.