How do you see the US?

[WARPIG]

What is the real impact of the US on the world? Is it completely negative? Obviously not. Is the US the saving angel to the free world? Of course not. What is the real reason for Anti-American sentiment? Is it that the world believes the US evil or corrupt? Is it jealousy of our freedoms, success, or power? Does it cause some fear or uneasiness in other countries? What of that power we are supposed to have? Are we really a power? For that matter a success? Post your honest thoughts about the US. Not just foreign policy… not just the military… not just the leadership… not just Iraq!!! How has the US impacted the world ? Politically, culturally, financially, environmentally.. etc. Don’t just rely on media hype either. Think for yourself and give an honest perspective.

Before we start remember the basics:
Facts ~ plain and simple, list proven facts without your opinion or claim as a “truth”
Truth ~ all (that is 100%) of the facts to bring one conclusion=truth
Bias ~ a group of facts and/or opinions based on one point of view. Usually very limited
Ignorance ~ choosing or omitting facts, truths, theories, to prove a point, or some personal issue
Theory ~ Educated and structured conclusion based on facts and a variety of opinions
Opinion ~ Usually biased views but based on a larger number of other viewpoints.
Try to keep these in mind to allow people to take your comments seriously and in perspective. For instance if you thing the US is a great evil empire conspiring to take over the world…. That is cool.. just back it up with facts, theories, and truths.. or simply state that it is your own biased opinion or whatever it is in between.

[XASA]

I think some of the resentment comes from people who are very young and have no memory of the Cold War, Vietnam, Korea or WWII when the world was in much more turmoil and under the threat of "mutual assured destruction".

They've grown up in a world where the U.S. is the only superpower and they interpet that as being a "bully". 9/11 was the first time since Pearl Harbor that the homeland was assaulted by a foreign entity, and before that you would have to go back all the way to the War of 1812. This pissed us off, to say the least, and the world is now learning it doesn't pay to piss off the world's only superpower.

American culture, its films, music, food and fashion, etc., is overwhelming other cultures, which also possibly leads to some discontent.

Finally, its language. The rest of the world realizes English has become the language used as a medium of communication between peoples who speak a different language, which probably doesn't sit well with many folks force to learn it because their language isn't understood by others. When was the last time you saw Finnish or Swedish offered in an American college?

[WARPIG]

Interesting perspective XASA. No doubt from an American point of view. Do you thing our whole "Cowboy" reputation as a military power is justified?
Does anyone feel that the US military is viewed as a loose cannon of sorts?

[XASA]

"Cowboy" is used by many Europeans as a derogative term, while Americans think of it in terms of a folk hero. The current administration, especially Rumsfeld, occasionally come off as arrogant, but that's their management style. I think the Afghanistan War was well thought out and conducted. I have some issues with how the Iraqi War and its aftermath are being handled politically; however, I think supporting the military
is a no-brainer.

But I'm biased. My war was Vietnam. I didn't care much for the South Vietnamese we were supporting, thought the political reasons for us being there were bogus, and couldn't wait for the war to end. Having said that, I'm still angry that the stigma of that conflict fell on the men fighting it as if they wanted to be there. So, I don't want to see the troops in Iraq efforts diminished because a few politicians and generals don't have their **** together. Let's finish the job than argue about who was right or wrong after the men and women are safely back home.

[11F5S]

All you have to do is look at how the current administration has handled the situation with Iraq and it is easy to see how the US comes to be viewed as a bully.

The "it's my way or the highway" approach taken in running a business doesn't sit well with employees and the same can be said for the world community.

[WARPIG]

Good point. US soldiers do what we do as service to our countrymen. Not always for our country. I may not agree with whatever conflict I am asked to fight for but I personally owe my freedoms, and existance for that matter, to the generation ahead of me. (I'll share that with you later.) People in America sometimes want to simply stick to domestic business and take care of our own.. but, we realize that we have a responsibility because of the rights, freedoms, and possesions we have. One of those possesions is our strong military. We have a responsability as humans to protect those who can not or even will not do so.
The price of greatness is responsibility.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.
Dietrich Bonhoffer
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity an obligation; every possession a duty.
John D. Rockefeller Jr.

[Flagg]

IN my opinion I think some of the criticism the world vents towards the US is justified:

When it comes to trade the US can often possess a "Do as I say, not as I do" approach.....this is backed up by continued huge subsidies to industries such as agriculture...when at the same time the US pressures trading partners to eliminate gov't subsidies and dumping of US Ag product in global markets hurting 2nd & 3rd world farmers.

A failure to ratify/accept Kyoto protocol...I don't necessarily think it's the greatest idea ever...but the US is the world's biggest consumer of natural resources and polluter....failing to contain the pollution in an agreed global framework can piss off a lot of people.

US foreign policy has stumbled BIG at times......I'm a new member and I'm not sure if this has been covered yet but the festering squalor of Afghanistan which allowed the Taliban and Al Quada to gain traction MAY have been preventable. The Russians and US spent billions fighting by proxy but how much effort was spent in REBUILDING the cold-war battleground after the conflict ended?

Based on huge efforts in GWI & GWII, but limited or non-existent effort in slaughterhouses like Rwanda lead many to PERCEIVE the US as only concerned about a "Return On Investment"....no natural resources...no assistance.

I'm also quite surprised the world hasn't played more on the idea of the US working to eliminate a nuclear threat from Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and diplomatic efforts with Pakistan....yet supports Israel which likely possesses a bad-ass triad....AIR,IRBM,SLCM...I know Israel is a democracy and the others aren't.....but many could PERCEIVE it quite differently.

Also, after meeting people from a number of different countries, cultures, etc. I get the sense people fear the average US citizen's lack of understanding of the world around them(backed up by the periodic media coverage of US students not able to find country A,B,C,etc...reports like that get big airplay here)...sort of like having a big bully on the block who is heavily armed and "kinda slow".

US culture becoming more widespread and global was mentioned earlier......I would agree.....it's hard to avoid, if you WANTED to avoid it...and I could see how local culture could be silenced from all the "noise".

In the end I think the US is ONE of the greatest nations in history........the amount of GOOD things done far, far exceeds the BAD.....but as the only remaining superpower and the self-designated global cop the US is always centre stage.....down here it's called "Tall Poppy Syndrome".....those who stand out get criticized.

Anyway...just my .02 cents

[budanski]

A failure to ratify/accept Kyoto protocol...I don't necessarily think it's the greatest idea ever...but the US is the world's biggest consumer of natural resources and polluter....failing to contain the pollution in an agreed global framework can piss off a lot of people.


Have to disagree with you, Flagg.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a clean environment. I have no problems with responsible stewartship of the land.

I DO have problems with bad science, especially bad environmental science.

Kyoto is bad science propagated by anti-american and anti-capitalist politics and marxist-environmentalist(my opinion) organizations.

[marktigger]

i agree with the comment about americans almost total lack of awareness of the world and other countries and cultures.alot americans i'm afraid have a holywood romantisised view of the world. when they travel they want other countries to be mini americas. Added to the recent trend in Holywood to steal other countries history and potray it as america did it. And certain high profile actors being allowed to have their prejudices turned into anti british propaganda. Added to your Irish american interference in the affairs of Northern Ireland with out actually understanding about the realities of terrorism which they paid for and armed. Then there is the constant **** ups by your armed forces leading to the deaths of British service personel and the near misses caused by the cowboy attitude your troops take. You don't have a good reputation. as people you are actually great guys and girls so where does it go wrong?

[Ichhabe]

This is the best topic/question in here in ages.

Still pondering on the answer here, hehe.

And I observe that only Americans has answered so far. :D (Untill MARK.TIGGER answered it rigth before I was to post this, hehe.)

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

I agree with Trigger and Flagg about the lack of awareness of the world outside of the United States. Unfortuneatly United States policy has failed at times, the "my way or the highway" attitude of Mr.Bush has came around in some situations to bite him (and the US) on the ass. Same with "we can handle this job ourselves" then 3 months later asking for support from other countries.

Sometimes trade and commerce have also been a problem. Theres something called the "softwood lumber agreement" which pretty much puts and insane tax on wood exported from Canada (last time I heard it was 15%). Thus making it very expensive for our lumber industry to deal with the U.S. I know a few towns that now are ghost towns because of it, and personally I've been effected by it too. My dad is a welder and he depends on those mills running producing wood. When the mill runs it breaks down, then he comes in a fixes it. Theres been many years were I've had no christmas at all because we were barely making ends meet and putting food on the table, let alone dealing with creditors and bills. Right at this moment he's been out of work for over 2 months, it's really hard to get by. Personally I dont get to enjoy many things like birthday presents (which I got nothing) and same with christmas this year and the last year. This maybe seen as bias but try having a fridge with no food and a christmas with no presents then you'll know all about it.


------------> edit
What also makes it worse is that the United States wont even come to the table and try to make an agreement with our mill owners and our politicians...I guess its going to be another Kraft Dinner christmas this year :(...now I want you americans to ask yourself how would you feel if you were in our (me and my dads) shoes?

[11F5S]

If I were in your shoes, I quit complaining, get off the internet, and find work.

The 'softwood agreement' came about in 1996 so, if I were in your dad's shoes...I'd have looked until I found work in another industry.

Life's tough....Christmas presents are not important to life....besides you don't need money to give Christmas presents....you have two hands...make something.

[Deuterium]

I agree with Trigger and Flagg about the lack of awareness of the world outside of the United States. Unfortuneatly United States policy has failed at times, the "my way or the highway" attitude of Mr.Bush has came around in some situations to bite him (and the US) on the ass. Same with "we can handle this job ourselves" then 3 months later asking for support from other countries.

Sometimes trade and commerce have also been a problem. Theres something called the "softwood lumber agreement" which pretty much puts and insane tax on wood exported from Canada (last time I heard it was 15%). Thus making it very expensive for our lumber industry to deal with the U.S. I know a few towns that now are ghost towns because of it, and personally I've been effected by it too. My dad is a welder and he depends on those mills running producing wood. When the mill runs it breaks down, then he comes in a fixes it. Theres been many years were I've had no christmas at all because we were barely making ends meet and putting food on the table, let alone dealing with creditors and bills. Right at this moment he's been out of work for over 2 months, it's really hard to get by. Personally I dont get to enjoy many things like birthday presents (which I got nothing) and same with christmas this year and the last year. This maybe seen as bias but try having a fridge with no food and a christmas with no presents then you'll know all about it.


------------> edit
What also makes it worse is that the United States wont even come to the table and try to make an agreement with our mill owners and our politicians...I guess its going to be another Kraft Dinner christmas this year :(...now I want you americans to ask yourself how would you feel if you were in our (me and my dads) shoes?

The same could be said about all the auto workers jobs that left for Canada. They are in the same boat as your dad exept they are American. Nothing in life is guaranteed to be fair and life doesn't owe you anything. Ther are THOUSANDS of American textile workers who don't have a job because of their jobs leaving to Mexico. You are not alone.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

wow 11F5S you make life sound so easy. I do have a job but currently im not working due to a stomach illness I've been fighting over the past year now. I bet your not a 58 year old welder who's depended on the industry his whole life, try getting a loan to get retrained up here. Thats also apart why people dont like americans..they have no compassion for others.

[Deuterium]

wow 11F5S you make life sound so easy. I do have a job but currently im not working due to a stomach illness I've been fighting over the past year now. I bet your not a 58 year old welder who's depended on the industry his whole life, try getting a loan to get retrained up here. Thats also apart why people dont like americans..they have no compassion for others.

What about the 58 year old mill worker in North Carolina who just lost their job to a Vietnamese textille mill?

[Deuterium]

"Thats also apart why people dont like americans..they have no compassion for others."

I'm sorry but that's complete bull****. You watch to much American TV.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

what american tv? I cant afford cable it got cut off because i couldnt pay the bill....

[Ratamacue]

No compassion? Alright buddy.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

point proven

[Deuterium]

what american tv? I cant afford cable it got cut off because i couldnt pay the bill....

Ouch I feel your pain. At least you got your priorities correct, INTERNET, cable....

[EvanL]

Im still stuck with 56gay, so i cherish my television more.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

I have to have internet to keep in contact with my employers. I work for msn.

[Deuterium]

I have to have internet to keep in contact with my employers. I work for msn.

AHA!!!!! Part of the evil empire!!!!!! ;)

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Not my fault I work for "McMicrosoft" as we like to call it , or "Microshaft" rofl

[James]

I think a lot of people outside the United States tend to view our country as some monolithic entity and make the assumption that the actions taken by our government/military are supported by 280 million people when that is far from the truth. They also often fail to realize that the military is a tool, not the creator of foreign policy.
I think many of the negative attitudes towards the U.S. came about because of our government's actions towards Iraq over the past year - basically giving the finger to the UN and invading a sovereign nation for reasons many people around the world (myself included) found highly questionable. I, for one, would have been far more supportive for action in Iraq if the reason had been liberation all along, rather than "WMD, no, regime change, wait, liberation. Yeah, that will work." THat brings about the question of our inconsistent foreign policy. If we went to war in Iraq to liberate the people, shouldn't we do the same in every other non-democratic nation where freedoms we believe fundamental to life are suppressed by the government?
I think some nations and cultures are simply jealous as well. I don't think that anyone will argue with the notion that the U.S. is now the world's only superpower, and that we can really do anything we want to. No one can stop us. This is especially infuriating for nations that were once powerful but aren't anymore. They remember their strength, but there is nothing there now.
I once heard an analogy about America's foreign policy, though it was during the Clinton years - I'm afraid it wouldn't apply as much now. But, for what it's worth -
American Foreign Policy is like a big, friendly dog. Sometimes the dog gets enthusiatic and clumsy, and its tail knocks the drinks off of the coffee table.

Anyway, just some thoughts.

[fisheyestudio]

Hey howdy hey!

This is a great thread and I really love the fact that people can be honest and enjoy this "free" expression we all share.

If you have seen the movie, "The Life of Brian", (and if not, then you really need to) think of the scene were the leaders of the Jewish rebellion are have a secret "pep" rally meeting. In an attempt to stur up resentment against the occuping forces of Rome, the question is asked, "What have the Romans ever done for us...". And the list progresses through aquaducts, sewers, schools, civil order, medicine, etc etc but everyone is still trying to be negative.

I believe it is much the same with us. It really does not matter what we do to help the rest of the world, some people will always need someone to hate and to blame their problems on. I know that we have made many missteps and have done things that can only be described as evil. But our desire as a nation is to enjoy life and to keep other "nations" from interfering with our pursuit of happiness. Along the way, we are willing to help others with their pursuit of happiness as well.

In my humble, back woods, Kentucky opinion, the main thing that the "world" is upset about with our current leadership in America, is that the President was willing to say that we will do what we believe is right whether anyone else is willing to come along or not...

As a Christian, I have to ask myself that same question everyday. Like the old hymn says, "Though none go with me, I still will follow...". So I hope and pray that each of us as individuals will be seekers of truth and once we have found it, will hold to it irregardless of the vote, poll number, UN mandate, Supreme Court Decision or cost to ourselves...even if it be our lives.

Jesus blessings to you all
chris holloman

[Flagg]

Have to disagree with you, Flagg.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a clean environment. I have no problems with responsible stewartship of the land.

I DO have problems with bad science, especially bad environmental science.

Kyoto is bad science propagated by anti-american and anti-capitalist politics and marxist-environmentalist(my opinion) organizations.

Like I said in my post...I don't think the Kyoto Protocol is the greatest idea....but it often comes down to PERCEPTION...and the perception of the world is the US uses a large chunk of global resources and the media around the world has a field day when the US fails to ratify the Kyoto Protocol....

[Flagg]

If you have seen the movie, "The Life of Brian", (and if not, then you really need to) think of the scene were the leaders of the Jewish rebellion are have a secret "pep" rally meeting. In an attempt to stur up resentment against the occuping forces of Rome, the question is asked, "What have the Romans ever done for us...". And the list progresses through aquaducts, sewers, schools, civil order, medicine, etc etc but everyone is still trying to be negative.

Excellent analogy Fisheye.....I'll have to look for it in DVD...it's been a long time since I saw it....

[Fargin]

US is so much more than it's politics and military.

In general I'm +US.

[budanski]

Like I said in my post...I don't think the Kyoto Protocol is the greatest idea....but it often comes down to PERCEPTION...and the perception of the world is the US uses a large chunk of global resources and the media around the world has a field day when the US fails to ratify the Kyoto Protocol....

Ah. gotcha! :oops:

[front]

Fisheye wrote:

"So I hope and pray that each of us as individuals will be seekers of truth"

Keep praying my friend.

cheers

front

[The Walrus]

In terms of the US government I think it's like any other government, it basically does things for it's own interests, not 'liberty', 'freedom' etc,
It has done some pretty nasty stuff in the past, especially in the Middle-east and Latin America, it also rebuilt Europe and Japan into prosperous nations, my point is that America didn't create the Marshall plan because it was an angel, it did it to strengthen western Europe and prevent it coming under control of the USSR, and America didn't support Saddam and the Ba'ath party because America was an evil bastard, but because it wanted to create a 'bulwark' against Islamic fundamentalist states like Iran which were a serious threat to American interests in the middle-east.
In essence I think America is not black or white, but grey, like any other country in the world. I find biased anti-americanism just as annoying as biased pro-americanism.

[Ichhabe]

[11F5S]

I took this test and decided it was time to retire.

http://webpages.charter.net/hkirtley/stress/

[Ichhabe]

WARPIG asked a good question here in the forum, and I've been pondering on that for some days now.

Unfortunately, not so many of us foreigners have given our honest reply on this question.

I now will try. And remember, this is mostly my opinions.
Based on my experience in life, from the media, from meeting Americans.
From meeting other foreigners, that either love or hate the USA.
From my country, from my friends.
Lets just say that it is my 37 years of just gaining "Experience of Living on the Earth."

WARPIG asked/said:


What is the real impact of the US on the world? Is it completely negative?

Well, I would say the impact that the USA makes on the world is quite "heavy".
Any country that wakes up and see a foreign army rolling in would say that it is quite an impact. ;)

But you also have cultural impact. In my country, American culture is quite big. We got it all, exept for rodeos.
And the cultural impact is for someone to embrace, and others to hate.

Actually, while sitting at my computer and typing this stuff and I turn my head to the left I can see at least 10 American cultural related objects. And in the fridge I got Coca Cola.
I can't even walk 10 paces in my neighbourhood without getting in close contact with American culture.

Am I complaining? No. It is just the way it is. It is called "Cultural exchange". Bit for others it may seem a little bit to much.


Is the US the saving angel to the free world?

As you said; No. The USA only have one important objective. And that is to same themselfes. (Like any other country would do.)


What is the real reason for Anti-American sentiment? Is it that the world believes the US evil or corrupt?


Is it jealousy of our freedoms, success, or power?

Here is the question that make some of my fuzes to black out.
Maybe some people feel jeaousy. I can't sure tell.
But this is like a mantra for many Americans.
What I think is the problem, is that many countries feel that the USA overruns them compleatly. There are no real competition, cause the American companies has way much more money than the 3. world contries.
And then the way to critisise is short.


Does it cause some fear or uneasiness in other countries?

Of course it does. Would you like if a country was hanging over your shoulder and telling you what to do, or else...


Post your honest thoughts about the US.

My true and honest opinion about the US. Hehe. That is truly a hard hard question.
I will first go for the American people. But that of course isn't easy either.
Unfortunatley I haven't been to the USA. My observasions of Americans are made of what I have learned from the TV, from Newspapers. From meeting them in foreign countries and in my own country. (Norway)
I don't like to use the term "Americans". After all there are 50 states in your huge country. The people of the north is quite different than them from the south, east, west and mid-west. But you call yourself Americans, so we just have to go with that.
First, and what's amaze me: is how easy you are impressed. Watching American tourists in Norway, or rest of the world for that matters is quite an experience. Everything is marvelouse, amazing and fantastic. In a way, that is quite charming. Can't hate people like that, can we?

Second, the enthusiasm you have. You might hate your government. But step on their toes, even Clinton would be your hero.
You can't for the love of your life understand why the rest of the life has a grudge against you.
Trying to explain this, would be a mission impossible. Why this and that country and its habitants don't like the USA is as many reasons as there are stars above.

And notice: I used "not like" instead of hate. I think people dislike the USA, not hate it. But it seems like the word "hate" is easier to use by some people here in the forum.

Third: In general, I like Americans. People all over the world are generally the same. It is only when politics and religion comes in to matter that we tend to use sticks and stones.


How has the US impacted the world ? Politically, culturally, financially, environmentally.. etc.

Politically, bad. "The my way or the Highway"-approach are disliked by everyone.

Culturally... Just huge. Donald Duck, Coca Cola, Rock'n Roll... Do I need to say more. I like it all, but not Line dancing, or whats it called?

XASA said:


I think some of the resentment comes from people who are very young and have no memory of the Cold War, Vietnam, Korea or WWII when the world was in much more turmoil and under the threat of "mutual assured destruction".

That is actually wrong. Many of us in here have memory of the Vietnam war, the Cold War, etc. Of course, Korea and WW II is just a faded memory though,..hehe.

But! I said it before, and I say it again! For how long do we have to kiss up your asses for what you did in WW II? You always whhine about that. "If it haven't been for us, you all be speaking German now" and bla bla bla...

If so? Well, hell. Then we wouldn't have known any better. Now, would we?
The funny thing is that you'll never hear the Brits yak on about this. Why, I might ask. I see the efforts maid in WW II as a Joint Venture. All the allied countries gave their share. We all won the day.


American culture, its films, music, food and fashion, etc., is overwhelming other cultures, which also possibly leads to some discontent.

It is called culturale exchange. Has been going on since the day after the dawn of time. Today. American culture is no. 1.
That some doesn't like it, is their problem.


Finally, its language. The rest of the world realizes English has become the language used as a medium of communication between peoples who speak a different language, which probably doesn't sit well with many folks force to learn it because their language isn't understood by others. When was the last time you saw Finnish or Swedish offered in an American college?

I wish I could speak and write more languages. I like to communicate with people on their own language. But for now, it seems that English would do.
When I watch foreign movies, I'm glad that I live in a country that does not dub the movie. If I'm looking at a French movie, I like that the actors speak French. If it is a Japanese movie. I just love that the actors speak Japanese. It adds flavour to the film and I'm gaining a better experience. Sub-titles are great.
In countries like Germany, you can see and hear Arnold Schwartzenegger speak fluid German. Yuk
In the USA, they just re-make the movie with American actors. That is a great loss for you. Try to see foreign movies with foreign languages.


XASA said:
...on the issue of the Vietnam war:

Having said that, I'm still angry that the stigma of that conflict fell on the men fighting it as if they wanted to be there.

I do aswell think that the way the soldiers were treated after comming home was a crying shame. No politicans has regreted that and publicy spoken out on that issue. And now I'm talking about those who had power back then.


All you have to do is look at how the current administration has handled the situation with Iraq and it is easy to see how the US comes to be viewed as a bully.

It seems like that when "the going get's though" on the politically home front, the Republicans desperatly seek for scape goats. Just look on how they handled the "Mission accomphlished" sign.

11F5S said:



The "it's my way or the highway" approach taken in running a business doesn't sit well with employees and the same can be said for the world community.

Totally agree on that.


Well, I still don't feel satisfied with my reply. I will come back later to fill in the blanks.
There are so much to say on this issue, that it feels overwealming just trying to do it.

I'm gonna put on my thinking cap and do some seriously pondering.

[Beowulf]

Ichhabe, and everyone else, exellent posts. Well thought out and honest w/o being inflammatory. I appreciate that.

I will post my responses to the questions later, as there is quite a bit to think about.

[IDFM203]

Before I go into this I am going to answer the post question in a very straight and unapologetic way.

How do you view the U.S?? Simple: Its the greatest nation on earth!!! Period.

Now of course as many of you know by now, I am a staunch supporter of Israel and it might be a bit surprising that I didn’t do whatever everyone else is doing here in praising their own nations and putting down the U.S. (more on that later) but I just feel that yes Israel is a great nation and it has achieved remarkable things but I feel that it is in a minuscule scale as to what the U.S. has achieved for the entire planet. Of course as a Jew I love and respect Israel but at the same time I am not blind and intellectually dishonest as a lot are here and as such the only reasonable and sane conclusion is to come up with the above answer.

I say this only after looking at the planet as a whole and how it has behaved and what are its values and virtues. The conclusion I came to is that the bar for that answer is actually pretty low. The world for the most part is a selfish and uncaring and ungrateful world where most everyone looks out for their own selfish interests. The world is also a very immoral world and where the negatives far outweigh the positives. As such the bar for the greatest isn’t a high one but rather a low one.

The U.S. is far from perfect. Yes it has acted in a lot of time out of its own self-interests. Yes it has made plenty mistakes. Yes it has committed at times wrongs that it should never have done. With all that said, it is the only country that I can think of that at the same time has done the reverse and has acted a lot of times out side of its sole interests, or even when acting for its sole interests it has also at the same time gone a step futher outside of it in a unselfish way, it has corrected many mistakes that others have committed, it has committed many “rights” which would never have happened if it were not for the benevolence of the U.S.

From that imperfect standpoint it deserves that mark. It is that bar which every nation looks up to (whether they admit it or not). Europe, Asia, south America, Canada, are all below that bar. Period.

I believe the world resents the U.S. not out of pure hate but out of jealousy. Europe especially. America represents what Europe could have been and should have been. They failed and failed miserably and it was the U.S. and not Europe that pushed ahead and has been a flicker of light in a dark world.

Lets not forget that all the peacekeeping that Europe or Canada points to as some sort of counter balance to the U.S. many goods, (which is their only major bright spots) is primarily due to the U.S. defending them in thus allowing those nations to not have massive armies in defense of thier own nations individually but to have their token ones(like Canada for example) in order to do those peace keeping jobs. It’s the U.S. military backing that has ended nazism and had stopped the spread of communism and has defeated it that has allowed these other nations to concentrate on peace keeping mission’s. It’s the U.S. presence, militarily and economically that has allowed Europe, Canada and Southeast Asia to be as prosperous as it is today.

I could go on and on but to summarise. I say the U.S. is the greatest nation from a low standpoint that the world is in. I say that for yes I recognise that the U.S. is imperfect and has made mistakes but all that does not negate the good that they have done and its that simple fact that puts them on top of anyone else in the world.

For me it all boils down to the simple fact is that the world is a better place with the U.S. existence then without it. And I cannot say that about any other country on this planet in terms of benifiting the entire planet.

On a personal note to some of the Americans that I have clashed with. While we perhaps don’t see eye to eye on everything, its to me much more irritating to hear your (wrong views in my opinion) views then anyone else's for with the Europeans or anyone else I don’t expect any better and I don’t have the same type of respect when it comes from them as I do to an American for in my view an American has earned the right to agree or disagree more so then anyone else due to their actual actions (be it good or bad) that they have done VS. The rest of the worlds inaction or negative ones which they are as or more guilty then the U.S. has ever done. So our disagreements is coming from a view of respect (I can only hope that its shared) and not out of any resentment or any jealousy or hatred.

To everyone else out I can only hope that you don’t make this into a falme war or make this personnal or even do the usual and go off topic and blab away about Israel simply because an Israeli posted his view’s here about the U.S. its tiring and disingenuous not to mention pretty lame by now and its and obvious tactic to one that has no constructive thought to add here.

Shalom to all :D

[Beowulf]

I will use Ichhabe's "skeleton" for answering the questions posted on this thread.

WARPIG asked/said:


What is the real impact of the US on the world? Is it completely negative?

Not completely negative, neither is it completely positive. The US has a choice to make about it's foreign policy. Either Isolationism, and an adherence to Westphalian political notions or "to go out abroad in search of monsters to destroy"1

What is the right choice? I am not an isolationist. The US has an obligaton first and foremost to its own citizens, their safety and welfare. So the question is how is this safety and welfare best achieved. By going abroad or by shutting oneself in, or perhaps something in between.

Isolationists would argue that going abroad causes more problems in the long run. That helping the mujahadeen defeat soviet russia would have the unforseen backlash of 9/11. And other examples, their accuracy could be argued one way or the other.

An internationalist would say that we must secure US interests abroad, that we are already involved in world dealings through trade, trade involves politics, and war is of course an extension of politics. That it is in our own best interest to ensure stability in certain regions (GW1) Furthermore that we have a moral obligation to help our fellow man.
(The US is founded on a judeo-christian ethic, and should IMO remain adherent to those values, although that is for another discussion)

Sometimes securing our interests, and fulfilling what we perceive as a moral obligation to protect and help other humans are deligthfully convergent a la stopping the spread of communism.

The point is this there are two sides to the argument, I believe that the US should be a presence on the world stage, to what extent is debatable.



What is the real reason for Anti-American sentiment? Is it that the world believes the US evil or corrupt?


Is it jealousy of our freedoms, success, or power?

I'm not sure. There are alot of reasons, perhaps I'll write more later.




Post your honest thoughts about the US.

hmmm....



How has the US impacted the world ? Politically, culturally, financially, environmentally.. etc.


I need to say more. I like it all, but not Line dancing, or whats it called?

Hey....there's nothing wrong with a little line dancing now and then....


11F5S said:



The "it's my way or the highway" approach taken in running a business doesn't sit well with employees and the same can be said for the world community.

I agree, but I do think that Bush is truly acting on what he believes is right, and that is a refreshing change from 8 yrs of demagoguery from the clinton administration......
I'll give it some more thought and maybe flesh out the ideas a bit more...
All Best,
-b

1:"Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will be America's heart, her benedictions, and her
prayers. But she goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy"
-George Washington

[Trigger]

Man, this is a great thread. Thanks to all. I need the weekend to think of an answer.

[Skaman]

Hmmm, I see them as war mongers, selfish capitalists, and a virus that spreads its awful seed of culture around the world. Then again, thats my oppinion ;)

[Saranof]

Kyoto is bad science propagated by anti-american and anti-capitalist politics and marxist-environmentalist(my opinion) organizations.


That is a joke right? :roll: I don't have to comment that really, because I doubt anyone would take it seriously.

So the rest of the world is ruled by anti-american and anti-capitalist politics and marxist-environmentalism...
Riiiight...

That is, on Mars.





As I see the US
I have nothing against americans! :D
I just dislike your governments politics, as they affect the entire world. Many americans seem quite entocentric, as least they appeer to be.
I would like to go to the US for some year, just to see what it's like in real life. Most people see the US through movies and the news. Not a very reliable source.

That's my little thought... ;)

[James]

Hmmm, I see them as war mongers, selfish capitalists, and a virus that spreads its awful seed of culture around the world. Then again, thats my oppinion ;)

Read my post, ducimus. Apparently you are guilty of putting all 280 million of us in the same category.

[11F5S]

wow 11F5S you make life sound so easy.

I never said life was easy. I believe if you reread what I posted you will see that I said that life was tough.



I do have a job but currently im not working due to a stomach illness I've been fighting over the past year now.

You may have revealed the cause of your "stomach illness" and money woes in another thread.


sorry warpig i didnt read your last post. Been drunk for a couple days and been working on cars.

You claim you are too ill to work at your job but not too ill to work on cars...sorry but that just sounds a wee bit odd to me. Your money problems don't seem to be have put a hitch in your booze budget.



I bet your not a 58 year old welder who's depended on the industry his whole life, try getting a loan to get retrained up here. Thats also apart why people dont like americans..they have no compassion for others.

No , I've never been a welder...but six years ago my then 57 year old sister lost her job in mortage banking and went back to school to become nurse. Our government and our corporations have programs to help people retrain.

Compassion! It sounds like Canada is a place without compassion for it's own people.

[Fioraon]

Hmmm, I see them as war mongers, selfish capitalists, and a virus that spreads its awful seed of culture around the world. Then again, thats my oppinion ;)

Read my post, ducimus. Apparently you are guilty of putting all 280 million of us in the same category.

Yeah, he does that a lot. Try reading the "A History of American Accomplishments" thread. He really has no idea about the character of this nation and its people.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

11F5S geez someones really getting a hate on for me :lol:
"You claim you are too ill to work at your job but not too ill to work on cars...sorry but that just sounds a wee bit odd to me. Your money problems don't seem to be have put a hitch in your booze budget. "
No it doesnt hitch the booze budget at all, I enjoy turning wrenches on my friends cars cause I cant afford one myself. The usuall payment between friends is a nice dinner and a couple brews down at the local bar, you try changing a frost plug in -5'c temperatures and you to would want a form of payment. Considering the local garage wants $280 for a install of a part that costs .80 cents, you can see there was alot of money saved on there side.
Too bad Canada didnt have any programs for re-training people from one trade to another. The best thing my dad can do is travel around and work at mills that are still running.

As for american culture its un-avoidable. It has definately a heavy influence in the world. I myself havent been to the U.S. yet, but one day I'd like to. I have alot of family down in the U.S, they tell me everythings just a lil bit different from up here in Canada. I think it would be a learning experience that I'd probably benifit from in the future.

As for my opinion and what I think of Americans, generally they are nice people.

[Longbranch]

The strongest image of the U.S. to the world is through Hollywood films and entertainment. Most people have not visited America, but even the most isolated parts of the world have access to films and music, and this is how many reach an understanding of U.S. culture. The culture is seen as wealthy, exciting, free, random, opportunistic, violent, sexy… you name it… the appearance is "anything goes". The smorgasbord of topics through Hollywood and music are reflections of some of your freedoms, and this is the quality which attracts so much interest for emigration to America.

I don't think many are jealous of your freedoms, success or power – aside from other governments. Most citizens love freedom. Most governments do not – a government's mere existence is based upon control of their citizenry – the U.S. included.

The primary impact of the U.S. on the world is economic. Since WWII, the U.S. dollar has been the defacto international currency for trade. The benefits from this have been enormous to the U.S. and punishing to others, especially the third world. There have been dozens of U.S. military interventions during the past century all over the globe – from the Philippines a hundred years ago to Iraq today. Outside of the two world wars, all interventions have been with smaller, poorer nations, and all occurred on behalf of U.S. economic interests. It’s through these actions that other national governments see the U.S. It’s through these actions that affected peoples in other countries see the U.S., touched by the violence and economic hardships.

It’s not understood by most that the U.S. dollar as the international currency of trade is effectively a tax on everybody other than America. Having the currency for international trade is literally a license to create free money… As an example, say Canada wanted to buy a million barrels of oil from someone at $25 U.S. per barrel. Canada would need $25 million in U.S. dollars to pay for it. So Canada would need to cut down a forest of trees for wood, mine tons of ore, catch millions of fish… whatever… and sell these assets in order to get the U.S. dollars to pay for the oil. When the U.S. buys oil with U.S. dollars, the printing press can create $25 million dollars out of a few thousand dollars worth of paper and ink. The oil is essentially a “free” commodity to America. Yes, it’s paid for by the consumer at the gas pumps, but it was not paid for by those in control of the currency. Those who control the currency attain resources for next to nothing, then in turn sell those resources to U.S. citizens at full “international” value.

The Federal Reserve Bank is in control of the U.S. money supply, and it’s the owners of the Federal Reserve that are reaping the profits from this system. The Federal Reserve is not a part of the U.S. Treasury, but is a private corporation owned by American and European citizens. The American banking system is being used to extract wealth from other nations, with the American people benefiting nil from the experience. The United States has ended up with a boatload of enemies all over the world, without American citizens understanding where the hatred is coming from, or why it’s there.

The U.S. dollar as the international standard is being replaced by the Euro. As more nations switch to the Euro for international transactions, the more the U.S. economy suffers. What is going on in the world right now is not a War on Terrorism, it's a War Among Bankers. Terrorism is just the lie thrown forth to keep the people in step. The U.S. government is more overt now than ever before about keeping control of people, because they have more to lose right now than ever before.

I’ve yet to have a bad experience with the American citizens I’ve met, either in the U.S. or abroad. They’re as open, kind and warm hearted as I’ve found anywhere. The problems lie with the fictions fed to us from above, not just in the U.S., but in all countries.

[Skaman]

Interesting post indeed. I would not say I dislike American citizens, rather thier horible goverment. The mentality presented by many Americans also makes me a little sour. I have been to the USA many times, and I find them to be generaly good people. However, there is a darker side to the American populous...that makes me very afraid. While not thourough with all Americans, it is still very pertinent

1.Fear-of blacks, terrorism, los of jobs, loss of culture, and loss of rights.


This is very broad and I am going to use a VERY cheesy quote that you should all identify with.

YODA: Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering

seems preety rational to me, especially for a little green guy.

[Ratamacue]

Fear-of blacks
Are you on retarded? How many times do we have to correct you?


terrorism
If your country had 2 very large structures taken down and 3000 people killed within an hour or so, you may be a little afraid of terrorism too. But people aren't really that afraid, dude.


los of jobs
Of course people are afraid of losing their job. It's their only way of sustaining themselves and their family, genius.


loss of culture
I don't know a single person afraid of "loss of culture" because there is no true American culture. The diversity here is too great to really have a culture, and I don't think a loss of any culture we may have is an issue.


loss of rights
Of course some people are afraid of loss of rights. The foundation of this country was based on personal freedom, hence it's important to Americans even though it's not really under the threat of being lost.

[Skaman]

Fear-of blacks

Are you on retarded? How many times do we have to correct you?


oh cmon. The USA has to be one of the most insecure nations in the world. Just look at your media.

Cops, worlds scariest police chases, Fox News, fim, and rap music.
There are gun shops littered through every ghetto in the USA. I lost the link, but read a document showing that American citizens are the largest contributor to the purchase of home security, car alarms, and home defence. Americans feared African American uprising during the slavery period, and upon their freedom, rather than dealing with the issue, they segregated them, putting them in ghettoes. Comprare African Amercan poverty rates and salaries to that of White Americans. WHy is it not equal Ratamacue?

[Skaman]

You see, being aware of these fears is important, yet it is exagerated in News and media causing hysteria and fear. Leading to racism, and trying to find someone, or something responible. There is always a scapegoat.

Loss of jobs-Blame the Mexicans

Loss of Culture-Blame the Mexicans and the Blacks

Fear of Terrorism-Blame the ME

Fear of Loss of rights-Blame the govermet

Gun rights-"we need to protect ourself" from what>? well, were afraid

[Beowulf]

Fear-of blacks

Are you on retarded? How many times do we have to correct you?


oh cmon. The USA has to be one of the most insecure nations in the world. Just look at your media.

Cops, worlds scariest police chases, Fox News, fim, and rap music.
There are gun shops littered through every ghetto in the USA. I lost the link, but read a document showing that American citizens are the largest contributor to the purchase of home security, car alarms, and home defence. Americans feared African American uprising during the slavery period, and upon their freedom, rather than dealing with the issue, they segregated them, putting them in ghettoes. Comprare African Amercan poverty rates and salaries to that of White Americans. WHy is it not equal Ratamacue?

That's the best you can come up with? Originality look into it, and get your nose out of michael moore's ass.

[Ratamacue]

WHy is it not equal Ratamacue?
Allow me to quote myself:

As for why ghettos are mainly made up of blacks and hispanics, there are reasons. For the blacks, it's because the effects of slavery in the 1800's still have consequences, mainly that there were very few wealthy black families at the end of the Civil War, which means that most of the free slaves had very few opportunities to educate themselves. Because of that, things are still showing through today because it takes quite some time for a race of slaves to go to a race of free people, especially when there are still some prejudices in the south.

For the hispanics, it's because of the fact that many are immigrants from South/Central America, a collection of countries in which many are in poverty, and because of that, many legal immigrants do not have the money to live in nice areas. We do have minimum wage laws that apply to everyone except for illegal immigrants since we cannot really keep tracks on them and what they're earning. It's not the government's fault that hispanics are "a cheap work-force great for your economy" as ducimus pointed out.


Comprare African Amercan poverty rates and salaries to that of White Americans.

For poverty rates, see above. For salaries, things are far more equal than you give credit for. My dad has worked with and employed blacks that have earned just as good pay. If we were so racist, why would we allow so many blacks to play sports? Why are there so many wealthy black people now because they play sports? A helluvalot of black athletes earn more than white ones, and you know why? Because the ones that earn more perform better. It's called equality, and we have it in American contrary to what you might believe.

[Skaman]

How is two people having a similar view wrong? Thats like me teeling You to get your nose out of Starvingstudents ass becuase you both love the USA and think its perfect.

[Skaman]

You make a good point Ratamacue, alot of the African American situation is a result of Slavery/civil war-yet its far more complicated than that.

[Ratamacue]

No, it's not really. The racism that exists in some forms today came from slavery. And the vast, vast, vast majority of people have no racist feelings anymore, though that definitely wasn't the case 30 years ago. Black people weren't put into ghettos, they migrated into ghettoes because they didn't have the money to live in upper-class neighborhoods.

No one will deny that segregation sucked. I'm ashamed of my nation's history of segregation, slavery, and the murder of natives, but it's changed now, and unless you really know how things are in the US (which you obviously don't), you can't see how things have changed.

[Operation Ivy]

Ratamacue good answers! :D ...but ducimus19 is to stubborn to admit hes wrong,so keep up the good work :P ......o and were i live we have many black familes that are richer me im poor as ****,hell i even work under a black person at my work.

[rodin_hsu]

I almost read the whole thread. It's intereting to see so many opinions of people from the World (most are from Western). Would you like to hear an opnion from an Asian?

I think the resentment against the US around the World is not to all the Americans but the Bush administration. The American people have a good tradition: honest, faithful, love your own country and trust your leader. These good characteristics that many countries don't have, make you be blessed by God. You authorize your President to do what he want without condition and bear the result. On the other hand, you have a mechanism to investigate the result AFTER the action through your parliament system. It is basically an efficient way to run a country comparing to other democratic entities.

However, in my opinion, the Bush administration did very bad things to both the U.S. and the World, and many American support him just because they think Bush are doing things on behalf of their advantage.

The people around the world are questioning Americans: If you are not selfish or arrogant,

How can you pardon such a big lie on WMD when there are thousands of lives, including G.I.'s, dead for it?

As to kyoto treaty, you may make an excuse that there are no solid scientific evidence to support human-caused global warming. But what is your effort to save the resource of the planet when SUV, the gas consuming monster, are replacing gas efficient vehicles on U.S. market?

You are punishing countries acquiring nuclear ability, but lauch new projects to develop new kind of nuclear weapon and refuese to stop nuclear bombing test. Especially when you have been the only super power in the world.

[Fioraon]

You see, being aware of these fears is important, yet it is exagerated in News and media causing hysteria and fear. Leading to racism, and trying to find someone, or something responible. There is always a scapegoat.

Loss of jobs-Blame the Mexicans

Loss of Culture-Blame the Mexicans and the Blacks

Fear of Terrorism-Blame the ME

Fear of Loss of rights-Blame the govermet

Gun rights-"we need to protect ourself" from what>? well, were afraid

Loss of rights. Well no ****, Americans afraid of losing rights. The bloodiest wars fought in America were over rights. But is that supposed to be bad?

You are a real dumbass. 40% of the Californian Upper Working class is Mexican/Latino. Neither Mexicans nor 'Blacks' as you call them by the tone of their skin contribute to a loss of culture, but bring a wider range of culture to America. It’s called enriching, not a loss. Taking away religious items from children at school is a loss of culture. Banning dress, kilts, and Gaelic is a loss of culture. Banning guns is a loss of culture.


What does "The Worlds Scariest Police Chases" or Fox have anything to do with Fear of "Blacks (as you call Africans?) What does Rap have to do with Fear of "Blacks. You know the Blues and Rock and Roll as we know it all comes from an African sound?

Of course Americans buy Security; cause with Security comes Freedom and Happiness. Maybe if we had Nazi's in power it wouldn't be that big of an issue, but it is. Whats the deal?

With regards to slaves you know how long ago that was? You know that the Confeds were suppressed by a War? You do know that segregation was in large part done in the South East two generations ago? You do know equal rights are granted to all Americans?

African Americans or as you like to call them BLACKS were not forced into ghettoes, they had no where else to go. No education and many of them from third world countries, of course they wouldn't survive with those from say Sweden, Germany, Italy, or the UK. I grew up in a ghetto in the city with the highest murder rates in the state of California. Guess what color my skin is moron. Was I afraid because the majority of the people where I lived were of different skin color? No, I was afraid because there were ill educated, criminals lurking the streets.

[11F5S]

11F5S geez someones really getting a hate on for me :lol:

I don't hate anyone.



I enjoy turning wrenches on my friends cars cause I cant afford one myself. The usuall payment between friends is a nice dinner and a couple brews down at the local bar, you try changing a frost plug in -5'c temperatures and you to would want a form of payment.



You failed to explain:

1. How you manage work on cars in -5 deg C while you are too ill to work in a nice comfy office at MSN. Something just doesn't compute here....at least not to me.

2. Why you drink booze when you are suffering from a "stomach illness" that is serious enough to keep you from working.

In another thread you said:


I'm proud to play airsoft. Its a fun hobby, if majority of the people went out and had a game they would realise why we play it. I also consider myself a military enthusiast, but I and most airsoft players dont think that playing airsoft makes you an "expert". Its just something you do on the weekends to have fun and enjoy a good day. I myself dont wear any military badges, the only badge I have is of my canadian flag. Majority of players dont buy patches for swat teams and military units because they rather have patches of local clubs or teams. I personally havent seen anyone with a patch that wasnt a club or a flag....just my view on things

Care to explain how you are able to play Airsoft...but you are too ill to work.

[Seiyuuki]

I didn't bother reading most of the posts, so I hope someone haven't bring up this point yet.

I see the US by using a map.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Havent played airsoft in months, 11f5s does get a hard on trying to put me down though rofl.
I am going for an operation called a "colonoscopy" and "gastroscopy". For those less educated I'm pretty much getting a camera down my throat and one up my ass. Anytime I eat food I feel sick/nausea/weak. I've lost over 20lb's so far and I've turned white as a ghost and have been unable to work for the past 2 months. They figure I might have "colitius" (spelling?), inflamatory bowel, ulcers, or a bad digestive tract or a combination of em all. Its a serious problem thats plagued me for over a year and is not a laughing matter...try having diareha (bad spelling) everyday. So lay off 11F5S, i know how much you like to troll on me but u can eat my ass.

[Herrmannek]

I didn't bother reading most of the posts, so I hope someone haven't bring up this point yet.

I see the US by using a map.

Political or Topographic?

[Deuterium]

"Gun rights-"we need to protect ourself" from what>? well, were afraid"

We should all move to Canada now, its so free of crime.
I'll give one shot at this, no pun intended. There are bad people in the world. You may want to rely on the police and the governement to protect you. I want to protect myself and my family. I reserve this right.

[California Joe]

I'm an American, and dammit people like me.

It's funny that people are neglecting the fact that Americans are actually made up of people from all your damn countries. My Grandfather was Irish, my Dad was born in Canada and immigrated to the US at age 7 and I was born in Vermont. We all have prejudices etc. but that's what happens when you have a frigging melting pot. But we all get along reasonably well.

[Luxembourger]

IF you don t like Americans, you don t like , christians, jewish , muslims, germans , irish , french , italians, philipinos, Mexicans , saudis etc...

There is no country that s perfect, things are not perfect in the US, so do things in Europe or in other nations ..but for us who do not live in the Us but in Europe or else,,,it s easy to point the finger on the US and use the stupid tradiitional anti-american critics, like " everybody is fat there, or " it s a violent society " " they are all brainwashed by media " . "they are arrogant" etc...
Generally speaking many people here in Europe are talking bull**** about america know nothing about it ,,they just know who is Bush .

I n my opinion the world opinions about the US can be categorized like this :

Those who love america and backed the war in IRaq
Those who love america but don t like Bush because they only have a different opinion which has to be respected
and finally those who always hate America no matter who is president but who always blame it for everything. andn ever looks for their own mistakes hapening in their own country.


I repeat again no country is perfect , many things in Europe are better than in the US (health insurance etc,,,) and many other things are better in he US than in Europe .

[Beowulf]

All right. Let's try and bring the posts back on topic. Answer Warpig's questions before gettin yo flame on.

Also, this:
Hmmm, I see them as war mongers, selfish capitalists, and a virus that spreads its awful seed of culture around the world. Then again, thats my oppinion is not a constructive post.

It may be considerd tongue-in-cheek, but at least answer the questions first.

-b

[California Joe]

I'll kick your ass polesmoker.

Oh yeah, sorry. ;)

p.s. I'm a big MORON, and i smell like poo....

hehe, frigging mods and their wicked powers.

[Beowulf]

sorry i couldn't resist..... :hug:

[California Joe]

I don't smell like poo either. That would be Trigger. ;)

[StarvingStudent47]

What is the real impact of the US on the world? Is it completely negative? Obviously not. Is the US the saving angel to the free world? Of course not. What is the real reason for Anti-American sentiment? Is it that the world believes the US evil or corrupt? Is it jealousy of our freedoms, success, or power? Does it cause some fear or uneasiness in other countries? What of that power we are supposed to have? Are we really a power? For that matter a success? Post your honest thoughts about the US. Not just foreign policy… not just the military… not just the leadership… not just Iraq!!! How has the US impacted the world ? Politically, culturally, financially, environmentally.. etc. Don’t just rely on media hype either. Think for yourself and give an honest perspective.


I think the US is actually most influential in the world because of its culture, not its foreign policy. Many intellectuals criticize the "content" of American popular culture, but it seems to have a tremendous magnetism--even to people who didn't grow up around it. With the coming of Glasnost and Perestroika to the Soviet Union, a Pizza Hut opened up in Moscow. The line to get in the door was several hours long all day every day. Before the Iron Curtain fell, you could trade a pair of Levi's jeans for a CAR in any Warsaw Pact country. That sure didn't work in the other direction.

At the same time, American culture is made up of "foreign" influences way more than people give it credit for. We may have invented rock and roll, but look at the huge contributions British rockers like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones made in its evolution. Look at how popular and increasingly mainstream Japanese anime is. Look at the popularity of half-Lebanese, half-Columbian popstar Shakira. American pop-culture is an amalgamation of many different influences from all over the world.

And American culture is not just reflective of the "WASP establishment" as so many people say. Look at how popular Outkast is with everyone. Has any ever said to me "you're a white Jewish boy, you shouldn't be listening to two African-American rappers from the South"? HELL NO. That's just not how America works.

I think that anti-American sentiment is largely based on a culture clash more than frustration with our foreign policy. America's worst crimes in foreign policy were committed in Latin America. But Chileans didn't bomb the WTC--Saudis did. Our actions in the Muslim world are actually not as great as people would think. The Soviet and British empires interfered with the Muslim world FAR FAR MORE than the USA ever did, yet radical Muslim anger is directed at New York, not Moscow.

Except for the Muslim world, I think there's a dichotomy. Intellectuals of other countries dislike the United States because our culture is very modern and not rooted in some sort of "historical culture." But the populaces of European/Asian/Latin American countries LOVE us. Cubans and Mexicans risk their lives to get here. The French government has a department to resist the adoption of American slang, but they wouldn't need that if French teenagers weren't all listening to American music and watching American movies! And so on.

In conclusion, I think that most people overestimate the effects that specific foreign policies have on America's image abroad, and I think that people underestimate the effects that American culture (or cultures, to be more realistic) have.

[Seiyuuki]

I didn't bother reading most of the posts, so I hope someone haven't bring up this point yet.

I see the US by using a map.

Political or Topographic?

Both

[Durandal]

What is the real impact of the US on the world? Is it completely negative? .

I have a good thought on this.

According to the last G7 Summit.

The United States consumes 40% of the world's manufactured goods. So that is a good thing.

The sad thing is that if every American lived within their means rather than accruing 17 TRILLION dollars in personal debt (current average credit card debt in the United States is 20K), most of the nations in the world would go into an economic spiral. Probably leading to a depression. Our spending habits alone are keeping Japan hovering rather than the plumet it was headed for. Germany...you think 13% unemployment is bad, look out, how about 30%!?

Our political/military actions around the world concern me ess than our economic impact.

So, in a nutshell, Americans go into massive debt each Christmas to gaurantee that the world can eat...well, most of it.

That is the real impact. Iraq is nothing compared to that.

Add ontop of that, ALL the money we dole out to hardship cases and allies and international policy hummers, and the world as it exists today can thank the United States.


A scary, fairly over simplified, but not far from the truth, thought.

[jizzmonkey]

Historically, speaking our spending habits in the united states are irrelevant to world politics, unless you directly implicate the oil crisis.
And it is a crisis. I dont see how average household credit card debt is moling the world as we see it.
I try not to hold strong opinions about things I dont fully understand, and I'm no economist ( fortune tellers with more credibility than miss cleo ), I'm just a dumb grunt in the infantry thats getting to old for political jibber-jabber.
What does concern me is what really is that is determining political desisions in the middle east. I'm going to Iraq next week, and I want to be able to tell my son that I'm doing the nations buisness for the right reasons.

[Durandal]

Historically, speaking our spending habits in the united states are irrelevant to world politics, unless you directly implicate the oil crisis.

I never said anything about world politics. I said world economies. The purchasing of those 40 tasty percentage points allows most of the world to eat, live and spend their money on the rest of the consumeables.

As far as politics go, well, that is all smoke and mirrors. The key issue is economics, like it or nor (I know I often times do not).

The world is more tied to the United States, economically, than the United States is tied to Middle East oil.

I wish you god speed on your deployment and I hope you can tell your son that you belive in what you are doing.

I do.

[WARPIG]

Wow! Good to see people have taken this thread fairly seriously. With a few exceptional morons (most have ignored them) I have personally learned a great deal.
Before I start.. ****monkey. You don't have to tell your son anything patriotic, or romantic. It isn't even important to believe in any ideal yourself. Just tell him that you are doing your job and part of that is to make sure the soldiers with you get to come home too.

Getting back to the thread. It really gives me hope that people from all over are paying attention to what the "big picture" is. Not just pumping patriotic, pro USA, rhetoric but taking an honest look from their own perspective and trying to describe it just as that. Looks like many are taking an inward look and attempting to find some truth.
To those that can't seem to muster anything contructive.. go play a video game. It's safer for your brain, heaven help us if you should happen to try and think about the world outside your mom's basement.
To those who can't seem to know the difference between honest opinion, and baseless, ignorant, rhetoric... just read this thread for a while.. listen.. don't speak. It is OK to have an unpopular opinion. It is actually something I would really like to hear. State your view though... skip all that rhetorical jargon and make your point.
Thanks again for all the posts, keep them coming. I will continue to soak them up a little more and give my humble viewpoint shortly.

[WARPIG]

Warpig’s humble view.
To start, I will give you a little insight to my background.
I am a US Army Military Police in the National Guard. I served 5 years of active duty as an Infantryman.
My father and grandfather both served as US Army NCO’s during their generation’s related wars. (WWII and Vietnam) This makes me a 3rd generation volunteer in the US Army. No one was pressured or expected to join the military in any situation of my family. We simply are a family who values service.
My mother is from Korea. My father met her there. If it weren’t for US intervention during WWII to push Japanese out of Korea, my mother’s family would have been killed off. (Her family had political and royal affiliation.) US soldiers also made it possible for the few females that survived the Japanese attempt to breed out or kill the Korean royalty, to avoid communism. Under communist rule, female orphans are invisible and are usually left to starve. Had it not been for US soldiers’ efforts in the Korean War, my heritage would have been much different.
Growing up in a military family allowed me a lot of opportunity to travel. I have been to Europe, Asia, and most of the US. I have met and/or befriended people from every continent in the world. . I think I have a pretty objective outlook of the world. My only bias is that for my love of US soldiers. If you have a good understanding of my background you would understand the dept I owe to the servicemen of the generations before me.
The way I see the US is that we are most time overly confident in our military power. Many people take liberty of that and think that it gives us a little walking room in other countries. The media seems to blow this out of proportion. Our military is pretty aware of our strengths as well as our weaknesses. The worldview of us in general is of a large, powerful, successful country, but generally easy to approach and work with. Our large ego seems to be predictable so most countries play to this. We are extremely visible and every one is watching our every move. Scrutiny is a fact of life for us and is usually the most overlooked. Any country under the spotlight that America has endured would not fair much better.
The EU has made tremendous changes in Europe’s view of the US. Many counties in the EU have gained independence from US aide and as US military draws away from decades of support, EU nations seem to look down their noses at America from their newly gained moral high ground. This is all just opinion mind you.
Many people who come here are quite surprised at the diversity of people here. The wide cultural base of America is a wonderful surprise that seems to keep many visitors here. The other surprise to them is the vast number of Americans that either don’t appreciate their freedoms or simply choose to separate themselves from outside influence. I have had many conversations with people of many cultures about this. Although most Americans do appreciate their country’s diversity the number of people who are culturally ignorant is still quite sad.
Over all, counting all the negative or unpopular traits the US has, we are generally looked at in a positive way. Well, at least by those with enough perspective to see the overall effect on the world. If you really think of it, he US is the dare that other countries have not taken. We were not bound in centuries of history and cultural boundaries. We are a mixture of all the ideas and cultures of the world. Through trial and error we have generally achieved more success than failure. Our past is marked with many failures and mistakes but have molded the successful country we are today. I don’t think that most Americans really realize the impact we have on the world nor do they realize the visibility that we have. Maybe we would act a little differently if we did see that. We haven’t always been responsible or even respectful to the interests of the rest of the world. Maybe we never will. If you look at what other countries have done with similar power in the past… we have been extremely positive and extremely respectful in comparison.

[Red]

Let me say this the US has both positive and negative aspects to it.sometimes the negative aspects get a lot more attention than the positive aspects.

[andrew45c]

Most countries hate the U.S because they have decided on there own to act as the worlds policemen when in fact they are useless at it.

For example U.S troops in Iraq come under attack 33 times a day whereas other troops in the ccoaltion come under attack 3 or 4 times a week.

[Red]

Most countries hate the U.S because they have decided on there own to act as the worlds policemen when in fact they are useless at it.

For example U.S troops in Iraq come under attack 33 times a day whereas other troops in the ccoaltion come under attack 3 or 4 times a week.
Dude, trust me when i say that you should not have said that.

[radon]

Most countries hate the U.S because they have decided on there own to act as the worlds policemen when in fact they are useless at it.

For example U.S troops in Iraq come under attack 33 times a day whereas other troops in the ccoaltion come under attack 3 or 4 times a week.

The coalition is fake. Most there are american anyway. This means there are more americans there to come under attack. And maybe they get attacked more also because of
political reasons?

Somebody had to say it.

I see the Us with mixed feelings. I dont love them. And the
culture? That what i have seen from theyr culture is somehow distracting for me btw

I

[WARPIG]

The world expects the US to police them. NATO doesn't make a move without the US. We contribue funds as well as fire power. If you have something valid here.. talk about it. Just casting insults is both useless and a waste of time. Make a point. If you can't state your opinion without pointing out some facts.. well you should be embarrassed.