How The World Sees America

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I am French, and I don't hate America. I have made two trips to your country, and I study English at university. You Americans complain about not being loved by some people, but you don't accept anything that is not American; you are quite narrow-minded about French culture, our music, our movies. In Europe we're surrounded by American culture--fast foods, beverages, brand-name clothes, cinema and music. So who hates whom?

Emilie Blanc

Ales, France

The spread of a mass culture is wiping out smaller cultures and traditions. The United States, however, is not the sole perpetrator of mass pop culture. It is filling an ugly role that might exist even if America did not. Of course, this is not an excuse for the States to act irresponsibly. Steps need to be taken to preserve cultural identities, but it is a waste of time to hate the United States for producing Mickey Mouse.

Lied Eckblad

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I have traveled a great deal, most recently in South and Central America, but elsewhere as well. I have rarely met anyone who openly expressed hatred for America or Americans, though some have expressed disagreement with political policies. I think many Americans are too touchy about what others may think of them. Disdain for neighboring countries is the norm everywhere that I have gone and it shouldn't be surprising when you see it. Also, America bashing is sometime resorted to by the intelligencia and the politically active, as a way to distract attention from their own responsibility, or helplessnes as the case may be, regarding their national shortcomings. Some Americans in foreign countries are apologetic for their nationality. That is so unseemly and, I think, not usually appreciated. I think most people the world over expect a person to be loyal to his/her country and find it a little bit embarrasing for someone to be apologising, even if they agree with them. I would rather be respected than liked, and apologising for your country is no way to gain respect. All in all, I am immensly greatful for the good things I have experienced and learned from the people in other countries. My travel has made me appreciate not only what we have here in the States, but also what they have to offer of their own culture for our enlightenment.
Louis Acker

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Posted By: tin can man @ 10/28/2008 11:17:22 PM

I have traveled a great deal, most recently in South and Central America, but elsewhere as well. I have rarely met anyone who openly expressed hatred for America or Americans, though some have expressed disagreement with political policies. I think many Americans are too touchy about what others may think of them. Disdain for neighboring countries is the norm everywhere that I have gone and it shouldn't be surprising when you see it. Also, America bashing is sometime resorted to by the intelligencia and the politically active, as a way to distract attention from their own responsibility, or helplessnes as the case may be, regarding their national shortcomings. Some Americans in foreign countries are apologetic for their nationality. That is so unseemly and, I think, not usually appreciated. I think most people the world over expect a person to be loyal to his/her country and find it a little bit embarrasing for someone to be apologising, even if they agree with them. I would rather be respected than liked, and apologising for your country is no way to gain respect. All in all, I am immensly greatful for the good things I have experienced and learned from the people in other countries. My travel has made me appreciate not only what we have here in the States, but also what they have to offer of their own culture for our enlightenment.
Louis Acker