Question For All Non U.S. Residence

[Jeffieboi]

I have a question for anyone who doesn't live in the U.S.. What do you guys think about us? It seems like the whole world hates us. I guess I can understand why, but I feel that a lot of your are misled (eeeeeeee! MISLED!, lol). I have a feeling that when our government says something, that people think all of us agree with it. I know most of the world hates Bush, but so do we, lol. Most Americans hate him with such a passion, and for the most part, we're on your side. We DON'T like the war in Iraq, we were NOT pro Vietnam War, and honestly, we really don't think we're better than anyone else. I promise you guys that. We're all sooooo excited for Bush to leave office. I just pray Hillary Clinton is our next president. So, what does everyone else think of the United States?

[Bellamy]

If majority of US hate Bush, how can he won the president election two times in a row. If majority of US hate war, why there're US army everywhere around the world. It just doesn't make sense. And if the US can stop acting as the world police, the world maybe would be much better.

 

That's just my opinion.

[Jeffieboi]

If majority of US hate Bush, how can he won the president election two times. If majority of US hate war, why there're US army everywhere around the world. It just doesn't make sense. And if the US can stop acting as the world police, the world maybe would be much better.

 

Well, back in the '00 election, there was foul play as far as voting. Al Gore won the popular vote. In '04, there was very little competition against Bush. All the other candidates were bad. But as far as Bush's approval rating, I think it's down to like 27% now. And yes Bellamy, you're right...the U.S. SHOULD stop policing the world. But you have to remember...it's our GOVERNMENT that does these things. Everyone else in the U.S. things we need to mind our own business.

 

And that's the point I'm trying to make. The rest of the world thinks we think a certain way, but we don't George f*cking Bush does. We all want our troops to come home and leave the rest of the world alone. Let them live how they want to (assuming all their citizens are safe and happy). Just cause our government says something...doesn't mean we agree with them.

[LuisMa]

As I have been discussing with Jeffie, it is unfair that Americans are criticized overtly just because of the actions of one person (namely the president) or a group. But sadly, it is like this. In my country, some people do not like Americans because they associate them with the fact that the US ejects a lot of economical and political power over different areas in the world. I've been to the US several times, and I love the place and the people. And just as in any country of the world, there'll be good and evil people, but we cannot overgeneralize and label the people of one country just because of a specific person, power or situation that takes place.

[Bellamy]

But those decisions are not made by a small group of people, there're many many supporters. US is a liberty country after all. Now you're saying everything is decided by one person or a small group. That's not true.

 

I do know there're many Americans hate Bush, hate war. But I really doubt it's over 50% in US.

[Jeffieboi]

But those decisions are not made by a small group of people, there're many many supporters. US is a liberty country after all. Now you're saying everything is decided by one person or a small group. That's not true.

 

Yes there is a cabinet who decides everything, but it is indeed a small group. If you're not a politician, you have no political power. You can voice your opinion, but if congress doesn't agree with it, even if it's the popular opinion, there's nothing we can do. Most of Bush's supporters are poor, uneducated rednecks. And everyday, Bush's support in the U.S. is going down more and more. If you read American newspapers or online articles...you'll see most of us are not Bush fans.

[LuisMa]

But those decisions are not made by a small group of people, there're many many supporters. US is a liberty country after all. Now you're saying everything is decided by one person or a small group. That's not true.

 

I do know there're many Americans hate Bush, hate war. But I really doubt it's over 50% in US.

 

 

No, Bellamy, I have not said that. I'm speaking generally of situations that may occur anywhere in the world, and that we as humans sometimes tend to generalize or apply terms to people without knowing the situation in which they are or because they are included in the same "minority". For example, here in Costa Rica a lot of people do not like Nicaraguans a lot because there are lots of people who enter the country illegally. Then for example if there is a robbery and a Nicaraguan shoots a Costa Rican woman, then all Nicaraguans become murderers in the eyes of lots of people.

 

That's what really bothers me as well as Jeffieboi, that labels are given to people because of the actions or situations that others are involved in, but I did not say that everything is decided by a person or a small group of people. In fact, the word SMALL does not appear in my post.

[Jeffieboi]

I've posted some sources from articles that I've gathered to help better explain myself:

 

Bush's Approval Rating - 31%

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/19/bus...tion=cnn_latest

 

People In The U.S. Who Approve Of The War - 29%

http://www.pollingreport.com/iraq.htm

 

So as you can see...the U.S. does NOT like Bush, OR the war.

[Bellamy]

No, Bellamy, I have not said that. I'm speaking generally of situations that may occur anywhere in the world, and that we as humans sometimes tend to generalize or apply terms to people without knowing the situation in which they are or because they are included in the same "minority". For example, here in Costa Rica a lot of people do not like Nicaraguans a lot because there are lots of people who enter the country illegally. Then for example if there is a robbery and a Nicaraguan shoots a Costa Rican woman, then all Nicaraguans become murderers in the eyes of lots of people.

 

That's what really bothers me as well as Jeffieboi, that labels are given to people because of the actions or situations that others are involved in, but I did not say that everything is decided by a person or a small group of people. In fact, the word SMALL does not appear in my post.

I understand that well. Just like Some made in China products have problem make everyone think made in China = bad.

 

"because of the actions of one person (namely the president) or a group." sounds same to me.

 

I've posted some sources from articles that I've gathered to help better explain myself:

 

Bush's Approval Rating - 31%

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/19/bus...tion=cnn_latest

 

People In The U.S. Who Approve Of The War - 29%

http://www.pollingreport.com/iraq.htm

 

So as you can see...the U.S. does NOT like Bush, OR the war.

Still at least 31% support him even now after so many wars. And 29% support the wars now. I don't know if there's any other country in the world would have so many people support wars in other countries. Can't the 29% US people mind their own business?

[Jeffieboi]

Well Bellamy, Im' sure there are lots of people in many countries who support something that may not be popular worldwide. For example, many nations in the middle east treat women as less than human, yet they don't get any sh*t for it. As a human race, the rest of the world SHOULD be fighting for the rights of these sad and oppressed woman. EVERY country should do that. It's not fair to say the U.S. is the only country that has a citizens (and a small portion at that), who are for something that most of the world is against. Most of the country agrees with you Bellamy. Most of us think the same way you do. It's better to think about the 71% who oppose the war, instead of focusing on the 29% that are for it.

[Krys]

i've been to America twice myself. i find it a very nice place. i'd love to go back again sometime soon

 

i dont like the political stuff thats going on. but again, this is basically nearly the same everywhere else in the world. yes, Bush started the Iraq war and caused a lot of suffering to the people of Iraq and to the soldiers of the US. America is one of the most powerful countries in the world. its not surprising that your government wants to act like the police of the world

[Jeffieboi]

I wouldn't exactly say we want to police the world, but we definately want to help. Maybe our intentions go misinterpreted, but we don't want to harm anyone.

 

Another thing I should add is that the 31% and 29%, are the impoverished, uneducated, bottom rung of society. They can't even speak properly because well...they're just not smart.

 

i would also like to add that most people here embrace other cultures, and love traveling to other countries to learn about other people's lifestyles. I for one, REALLY want to go to Asia. Specifially China or Japan. They're beautiful countries (with REALLY hot Asian guys), with such rich cultures and histories. They also have AMAZING food, lol.

Edited March 20, 2008 at 05:20 AM by Jeffieboi

[Krys]

I wouldn't exactly say we want to police the world, but we definately want to help. Maybe our intentions go misinterpreted, but we don't want to harm anyone

 

im just sayin, because America is a powerful country, maybe your government feels the need to go help out the 3rd world countries. but sometimes, its best to leave the other countries on their own as they have their own problems too without the US interfering

[Jeffieboi]

You're TOTALLY right L'amour. 100% correct. I think we've learned from our past mistakes (slavery, segragation, etc) that there's right, and there's wrong. We, however, try to push other countries to do it too quickly. I'm really referring to 3rd world countries. Maybe it's their lack of education, and that's why their oppresive, and still 3rd world countries. But you're right. We should mind our own business and realize that just because a nation isn't 100% like us, that it doesn't make them worse. Most of us feel the way I do. I promise.

[Bellamy]

I wouldn't exactly say we want to police the world, but we definately want to help. Maybe our intentions go misinterpreted, but we don't want to harm anyone.

I think most countries don't like the kind of "help" US goverment give them. Most "helps" are like I give you money, you give me oil. I give you money, let me put my army in your country. I destroy your country by war, cause people there are not "free". I think most of them think, no thanks, I don't want any "help", just leave me alone.

[Jeffieboi]

You're right Bellamy, and most of the U.S. agrees with you. That's what my post is about. It's one thing to hate our government, but hating us as people, isn't fair.

[Davey84]

well I'm not going into the 'war' stuff.. cos we are at war (well actually help to rebuilt but it's more war) in Afghanistan.... but that's cos of the backboneless prime-minster we have

 

But... I think that Americans, in the media, come across very agrogant! Even more then the French ever were There just doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the 'holy' United States of America. Everything is bigger, better, faster then anywhere else. But the strange thing is, most Americans haven't even been outside the US, so how could they know? Also the problems with the gabs between rich and pour are the same as in China, although it manifestates itself differently. I've read that in the last 5 years 1.2 TRILLION dollars have been spend on Iraq... 1.2 TRILLION!! How many zeros are there in trillion?? 12?? $ 1,200.000.000.000.

Like this article says... you could have done this with the money: For starters, $1.2 trillion would pay for an unprecedented public health campaign — a doubling of cancer research funding, treatment for every American whose diabetes or heart disease is now going unmanaged and a global immunization campaign to save millions of children’s lives.

 

Combined, the cost of running those programs for a decade wouldn’t use up even half our money pot. So we could then turn to poverty and education, starting with universal preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old child across the country. The city of New Orleans could also receive a huge increase in reconstruction funds.

 

Damn I didn't want to go on on the war in Iraq... btw I think the only reason Bush jr began this war, is that bush sr didn't succeed in killing Sadam Housein

 

To me it seems, that American think they are invinceble and that they are 'above' all other countries... and that gives them the right to tell other countries what to do, and how. But I think the US forgot where it came from, it was 'just' a colonie of Brittain (and of The Netherlands party )... people came to the US to live the 'american' dream, but I don't know if that dream is so great anymore.

 

Oh also... the sex thing.... and even the homofoob thing, americans are soooooo pruede!!! there cannot be an @$$ shown on tv, or there will be millions who complain... and here all the tourist go to Red Light District.... but the porn industry isn't anywhere as big as it is in the US...and they 'create' the strangest kinds of porn... and the sex scandals (in politics) are just all over the place

 

But having said this... there are also great things about America... the nature, great movies, and tv-shows, amazing books and of course Las Vegas I like the US, but i don't like their 'foreign policy' and their arrogance.

 

 

 

note... I do know all americans are not the same... but that cos for muslim people too no one should be offended by this... unless u support bush

[aleskr]

Good post Davey! 100% agree with you

[Davey84]

thank you!

[Sarit31]

I think it's hard to judge people when they're in a group, especially when you live far from them, like me. But, I like to take people as I find them. I've only ever met 1 American to really talk to, but I meet some at work every now and then, 'cause I work in the tourist industry. If they're OK with me, I'm OK with them. The Media plays a big part in what people think of Americans, and indeed others, and don't we all know that they exaggerate stuff?

[Sarit31]

But... I think that Americans, in the media, come across very agrogant! Even more then the French ever were

 

Of course, the media plays a very big part in creating an image of someone else. And you know what, the French aren't that bad in real life you know! Sure, some are arrogant... but don't you get that everywhere? LOL

[VintageCeline]

I think Americans as people are just like the rest of us...But as it is in many different cultures, things are different.

 

I do find some things "different" and sometimes strange, but I guess thats because I dont see that everyday where I come from.

 

One thing that makes me wonder, is how patriotic americans are portrayed. "land of the free....home of the brave" and all, but some laws and peoples actions across the pond make me question that.

 

Although, something draws me in when I see small towns of america on TV and on the internet, I will visit soon!

x

[amyja89]

I love the country! Been to Florida, California, Vegas and going to New York in 19 days!

 

Have to tell you this story though! I was out shopping the other day, and living in Oxford there are always tourists all over the place. I was in a queue and an American lady struck up a conversation with me which lead to this...

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Oxford is nothing like I expected, England in general isn't what I expected. Have you seen the film Oliver? That's what I thought England was like."

 

ME: "Well, it was like that 150 years ago."

 

AMERICAN LADY: "What? Oliver is set in the 60's!"

 

ME: "What? No, it was MADE in the 60's!"

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Are you kidding me?"

 

Obviously I know that it wasn't because she was American, but I thought it was relevant to the topic! It made my day!

[DianaLuts]

I have a question for anyone who doesn't live in the U.S.. What do you guys think about us? It seems like the whole world hates us. I guess I can understand why, but I feel that a lot of your are misled (eeeeeeee! MISLED!, lol). I have a feeling that when our government says something, that people think all of us agree with it. I know most of the world hates Bush, but so do we, lol. Most Americans hate him with such a passion, and for the most part, we're on your side. We DON'T like the war in Iraq, we were NOT pro Vietnam War, and honestly, we really don't think we're better than anyone else. I promise you guys that. We're all sooooo excited for Bush to leave office. I just pray Hillary Clinton is our next president. So, what does everyone else think of the United States?

 

AMEN to next to last sentence.

[Jeffieboi]

Everything is bigger, better, faster then anywhere else. But the strange thing is, most Americans haven't even been outside the US, so how could they know?

 

Um...I have NO idea where you got this info from, besides maybe your own assumptions, but that's 100000000% FALSE! Americans travel to other countries all the time...ALL the time, and usually have nothing but positive things to say about them.

[Davey84]

I love the country! Been to Florida, California, Vegas and going to New York in 19 days!

 

Have to tell you this story though! I was out shopping the other day, and living in Oxford there are always tourists all over the place. I was in a queue and an American lady struck up a conversation with me which lead to this...

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Oxford is nothing like I expected, England in general isn't what I expected. Have you seen the film Oliver? That's what I thought England was like."

 

ME: "Well, it was like that 150 years ago."

 

AMERICAN LADY: "What? Oliver is set in the 60's!"

 

ME: "What? No, it was MADE in the 60's!"

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Are you kidding me?"

 

Obviously I know that it wasn't because she was American, but I thought it was relevant to the topic! It made my day!

 

 

Everything is bigger, better, faster then anywhere else. But the strange thing is, most Americans haven't even been outside the US, so how could they know?

 

Um...I have NO idea where you got this info from, besides maybe your own assumptions, but that's 100000000% FALSE! Americans travel to other countries all the time...ALL the time, and usually have nothing but positive things to say about them.

 

well you see, that's an assumption I made, based on the media, like Sarit31 said... it doesn't always give the right picture but which americans travel around the world? ..... I think only people in a higher salery class... which might be an false assumption as well, but I don't think that a lot of afro-americans, latino's and 'white-trash' have ever travelled outside the USA, let alone outside their state! but what Amy said kinda proves my assumptions about americans on holiday!

 

But you know who are the worst?!!! the japanese!! they go to 11 european countries in 7 days and make pictures everywhere, picture, picture, picture and don't even know where they are... only when they are back home and they devellop the pictures they are like... oh that would be Amsterdam, that would be Rome, that would be Berlin etc

[Nat27]

There are always misconceptions about countries you dont really 'know' Look at South Africa. People know only a little bit about it and then draw their own conclusions....usually they arent anything close to the truth.

[Filine]

Bush might lose support statistically, but everything that Clinton accomplished (Bill) in profiling America as more friendly, more social, more peaceful, more powerful in terms of acting instead of talking was just destroyed by Bush agressive politics. Invading Iraq was not all about getting rid of Saddam Hoessein and freeing the people of this country and protecting the US from terrorism it was definately also about securing the deliverance of oil and securing the economy.

 

What I feel most strongly is about is that, like Davey said, that they are prepared to put a zillion dollars in various wars (I don't forget The Netherlands in this either haha). I know the US was attacked in 2001 but seven years later they still don't have the man who was responsible for it. I don't want to say you have to turn the other cheek but I don't not believe in answering violence with violence. Are Iraq and Afghanistan really a better place today, do people feel really free after so many years of foreign soldiers in their countries? The oil probably is safe, that's for sure. There will come a day when the US will leave those countries and what's next, a new Saddam with even more hatred against everything that's American and the American allies? That scares me.

 

In the meantime there are still millions of people in the US that are suffering from extreme poverty, there are still people in the New Orleans area that lost everything but haven't been compensated or helped in any way. I sooo remember the following quote by Barbara Bush, the president's mother:

 

“And so many of the people in the arenas here you know, were underprivileged anyway. This is working very well for them.”

 

This was said when Mrs. Bush Sr. visited the people in New Orleans who were evacuating to the nearest states. Like nothing matters except the fact that you have money or not, that you lose your house, friends, family, work, your entire life didn't matter. That just sums it up about how I feel about Bush and his family, it's not only based on this quote alone in my opinion Bush jr. was never a man of the people. He strongly defends the standards of a minority of people that have a lot of influence, power and money...

 

I wish that with all the power this country has, it's a fact, that we could go back to what really matters and that's peace in the world and deviding the riches nationally and globally. Although that might sound naïve, the US should set the example. A woman in charge might change a lot Go Hillary

Edited March 21, 2008 at 10:46 AM by Filine

[Frida]

I love the country! Been to Florida, California, Vegas and going to New York in 19 days!

 

Have to tell you this story though! I was out shopping the other day, and living in Oxford there are always tourists all over the place. I was in a queue and an American lady struck up a conversation with me which lead to this...

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Oxford is nothing like I expected, England in general isn't what I expected. Have you seen the film Oliver? That's what I thought England was like."

 

ME: "Well, it was like that 150 years ago."

 

AMERICAN LADY: "What? Oliver is set in the 60's!"

 

ME: "What? No, it was MADE in the 60's!"

 

AMERICAN LADY: "Are you kidding me?"

 

Obviously I know that it wasn't because she was American, but I thought it was relevant to the topic! It made my day!

 

 

Hahahaha, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week

[Jeffieboi]

Everything is bigger, better, faster then anywhere else. But the strange thing is, most Americans haven't even been outside the US, so how could they know?

 

Um...I have NO idea where you got this info from, besides maybe your own assumptions, but that's 100000000% FALSE! Americans travel to other countries all the time...ALL the time, and usually have nothing but positive things to say about them.

 

well you see, that's an assumption I made, based on the media, like Sarit31 said... it doesn't always give the right picture but which americans travel around the world? ..... I think only people in a higher salery class... which might be an false assumption as well, but I don't think that a lot of afro-americans, latino's and 'white-trash' have ever travelled outside the USA, let alone outside their state! but what Amy said kinda proves my assumptions about americans on holiday!

 

Well, I mean you're right, but there's a reason that's the way it is (eeeeeeeeee!!!....TTWII!) It's not that the less fortunate don't WANT to travel, it's just that they can't afford to. International travel is a luxury, and it's one that most people here would want to experience as well. But when you have to choose between feeding your family, or going to Japan on vacation...of course you're gonna choose to feed your family. I'm sure that's the same in every country, and doesn't only apply to the U.S.

 

BTW Amy...HELARIOUS story. Was that woman blonde by any chance?

 

Filine, you make a really good point. Back when Bill Clinton was president...the U.S. DID portray a more positive image, and that's because Bill Clinton is a wonderful person, and George Bush is the son of the devil. That's kind of the point I was trying to make with this thread. The reputation of a country is usually reflacted on its leaders, and right now...we have really bad ones, lol. Whether Clinton, Obama, or McCain become presiden, I think no matter who it is, that it will once again bring that more postitive aura about the country. I don't think McCain will win though, because he wants to keep our troops in Iraq, and most Americans won't stand for that.

 

BTW, I know some people from North, South, and Central American get offended when we call ourselves "Americans" because technically it's ALL considered America...but let me reassure you, it's not to be mean or degrading...we just don't have any other word for it in English, and that's in ANY English speaking country. Now because I was educated about the matter in my Spanish classes, I always say The U.S. instead of America...because I want to respect others. But it's like in Spanish, someone from the U.S. is called "Estadounidense", well, there is no word like that in English, and that's the only reason we say 'Americans'. It's not meant to be offensive.