How does the world feel about the USA?

[yazzie]

Bahrain, and this is my personal view...

Its not hating America that we strive on, its more of not agree or actually not liking the government and the decisions made by it... this does not however mean that we hate every single American that we see, the fact of the matter is we dislike the government. there are exceptions where people do mistake the people with the government and thus hate both, but that is rare, and might seem very popular but that is because of the medias propaganda and emphasis on these negative aspects.

[kc4293]

As an American, I will definitely say there's a lot of things wrong with our country, but the stereotypes are of course not true for most of the people in our country (at least not all at once, anyway!

Though I know a lot of the world hates Bush, it should probably be said that a large number (maybe a majority) of Americans feel that way too. I am so ready to be done with the Iraq War, and so ready to be done with the way everything favors big business and throws the environment to the trash. As far as re-electing him goes, at the time media was still feeding (and I guess being fed) the idea of Weapons of Mass Destruction and large militant power, etc (I'll admit that if I could have voted, I would probably have voted for him). That's actually one of the things that scares me most, and it may be true for other countries as well: the media almost controls what people think and do. It's where we get all our information and it constantly surrounds us; not just tv but billboards, ads, articles... It's not necessarily a bad thing, since it makes information more accessible, and free speech rights mean a variety of opinons are available, but still... there are things the government has done that were barely known by the public at the time, like CIA machinations in Chile and the low coverage the Holocaust got.

Sorry about my rant Back to America. There is a large number of ignorant people, and unfortunately they often have very loud voices. They get shown on tv over and over because for some reason people find it more fascinating to listen to someone say stupid things or act badly than be smart and conscientious. There is an attitude of "I want it, so I am going to get it, but I don't want to work for it" that has become rampant, and will probably play a large role in the downfall of our nation. There are also many wise, hard-working, open-minded, and reasonable people here, too, though. Overall, I love living in this country, and I think its problems are solvable if we just allow our attitude to change a bit.

BTW, it's very interesting we have a forum on this, and I am very glad people are actually responding. Every time we host foreign exchange students at our school, classes ask the students this question over and over. I'm glad to hear its not just us who want to know

[IBStuck]

no way! which? and why?!?

IB's one of the great ways to rid the "condescending American" stereotype. I know my eyes have been opened a lot, through studying other cultures and even just forums like these which allow for conversations like this. I don't understand why ANYONE would ban IB.

(american by the way, as my little flag over there <<< denotes)

my IBC didn't tell me. but ther are a fair few people in the US that do not agree with IB. they don't agree with their ideals, the way they teach, and what not. ther are a couple of things on here, IBS, that talk about it.

[Mr. Shiver]

but ther are a fair few people in the US that do not agree with IB. they don't agree with their ideals, the way they teach, and what not.

Which is incredibly absurd, if you think about it.

[Silviana]

Alright, see here- I am addicted to this Australian show called "the Chaser's War on Everything", and basically they bag anything within sight, and the US happens to be a popular target. Americans are always portrayed as ignorant and clueless (in one show, several didn't know the date of the September 11th attacks)... so media might have something to do with the negative American image.

Also, I find the US gun laws RIDICULOUS.

That said, I admit I've never been to America so I don't know what American's are really like. I have a friend from the Us... she's really nice...?

[tvd7]

I'm Italian and American, and yes you may find this post a tiny bit biased.

The U.S. has some obvious faults and i could even list them myself. Like people will argue about gun laws, immigration policies, racism, imperialism, and what not. But if you look at the size of the country economically (not right now), geographically, population-wise, culturally, etc. you find that such an incredibly huge country comes with many ups and downs. For example, people criticize Americans for the Cuban Missile Crisis and other historical conflicts of the sort. However, think that if Communism had spread to the US most of the world would be facing the unfairness of not being able to express individualism through many aspects of life. So maybe the focus wasn't only for fear of communism spreading into the US, but for the good of the world?

But in general, the U.S. has had good intentions. Europe's a#$ has been saved multiple times by the US. I live in Switzerland, we would be speaking Russian and eating potato skins perhaps. Also, people like to think of Americans as ignorant. Chasers War on Everything is a lie. It takes a search to find such dumb people. They live everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if they could reproduce the same show in the UK or anywhere else.

AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE STATES FIND IT EASY TO CRITICIZE. GO THERE ONE DAY AND MAYBE YOU'LL DISCOVER YOU LOVE THE PLACE AND THE PEOPLE.

Try taking a walk through Times Square or down Sunset Blvd.

[deissi]

I live in Switzerland, we would be speaking Russian and eating potato skins perhaps

Russian, or German (by that I mean the Nazis, not your old language)? Which one is worse, that's a value judgment, personally I think the Russian would be worse. Thankfully neither of the two evils won Europe.

[Ib_slave]

In the Philippines, people kinda worship anything mildly western. It's sad (for us) that we can't even mold a cultural identity that doesn't have "America" written all over it. But who am I to judge? I plan to move to the US after I graduate IB!

[schouston1991]

Well i'm actually half australian half american, but i identify myself as Australian becuase i was born in here Australia and because of the social stigma associated with americans.

I've lived in America on and off for about 7 years so i think I have a pretty well rounded view of what people think of you guys. Well, Australians as a whole tend to accept the american stero-type of overwight, sef absorbed, materialistic and arrogant. George Bush is deffinaly not a fan favorite and the way the government tends to stick their noses in international affairs gives them a bit of a bad rap.

Personally, I do have to agree to a ceratin extent with this point of view. Americans are pretty naive when it comes to the world outside their own backyard. It never ceases to amaze me how my friends and family in America seems to think that Australians use kangaroos as transport, live on beach side properies, are all tanned and bleach blond.... I've even had a few comments of surprise that I speak english!!!

Although i do have to admitt that as of last week australia has overtaken the US with obesity rates... wich is appauling.

Hmmm... I've just read this comment and it seems a whole lot more criticall than i mean to be. Don't get me wrong i have nothing against america. Thats just how most of Australia seem to view the US... and to a certain extent so do I.

What you see in the movies is what you get.

-soph x

oh and yes, i deffinalty know that this comment is most probably riddeled with bias and that Australia has flaws of its own, this is just my own point of view.

Edited July 4, 2008 by schouston1991

[Guest heartarcade]

Okay, so I'm a Canadian who lives In Australia (and have been living here for only 2 years). This would probably have to be my own personal opinion.. (mainly because australians hate americans, and well canadians i never really noticed a strong anti-american attitude.. it was subtly there (more as a joke) but not at the forefront like australians.)

Basically my perspective of America is that the whole world seems to misunderstand it and that they do in fact have contradicting opinions on it. Generally, I think that most people's perception of America is based on George Bush, who despite whether or not he actually is intelligent, comes off as a tool. So really what most people hate is George Bush and his politics. The trouble is though, that most people don't even understand his politics. If Barack Obama is elected president (a campaign which I am insanely devoted to, even though it really cannot directly effect me) I think the whole worlds perception of America will change, for the better.

Personally, I think America is a really diverse, and exciting country full of ALL different types of people. While many people actually think Americans are the biggest idiots (believe it or not, this actually comes up in ToK and I got really angry and started telling the person off) is that there are big idiots all over the world. For example, someone in ToK, I don't remember what exactly we were talking about, but they said something about.. I can't believe how stupid Americans are.. like it just bothers me how ignorant they are.. When I was in Italy, in Florence, these Americans were looking at their map, and they said why can't italians just call it Florence like the rest of the world. Basically my argument towards this is their are ignorant people in the world, but the difference between the American in the story, and the ignorant people of Australia.. is that regardless they are getting out and seeing the world. The same type of person in Australia, would not have left the country and would have continued their lives even more ignorant of the world around them. Mainly, I find it irritating how superior everyone feels towards America, because really I reckon they're worse for constantly making fun of them.

I find it kind of funny how racism has actually gone in reverse, eh?

[Xerox]

I think that some state banned the IB because in IB you are taught about evolution, and as the people are so damn religious they don't believe that evolution happend but god created the world blablabla that is what i heard atleast, however, as i am not 100% sure i hope i was wrong because it just seems so stupid... but then again most people in sweden don't consider americans to be so bright...

I personally like america, and i like the americans i met. But there is certainly a anti-american thing in sweden, it is mostly because america is just doing whatever they want when it comes to global politics and stuff with no regard of anyone else it seems (atleast through swedish media which is very opinionated about the US i think) and sweden has for 60 out of the last 70 years had a more socialistic goverment. I don't really know how this came to be the anti-american thing and it is not like swedish people hate them, they just don't understand why america is so war loving (should be noted that sweden is the country in the world that has had the longest time of peace in the world, 200+ years i think) and the swedish mentality is so different from the american, swedes are humble and well.. americans are not.

Another problem that swedes see in america is the totall disregard of global warming, which is one thing that swedes love love to talk about. 43 % of totall energy consumption is enviromental friendly (highest % in the world) but this doesn't really matter, because swedish consumption is nothing compared to the US. So i think that swedes in generall just blame the americans for there totall disregard/ignorance of other people. (but they still favor the US as superpower then china) In conclusion i could say that (how very IB of me) that swedes do not dislike the america or americans, but they dislike some things that the US represent: war, global warming, ignorance, big brother (just read the patriot act... damn you guys are almost worse then sovjet...)

This all to be said, i am not swedish i am not that influenced by swedish media, so i do not think like a swede on this. I like the US and would not mind studying there, but i still hope that the next president (vote for OBAMA, not another crazy dude) will make some change in policies about foreign politics.

[Guest dragonb111]

best country to live in. It just won't be soon because everyone rejects God. The Bible says that those who praise God and are blessings to others will be blessed. We've been burdens to numerous countries. The Bible also says that you need to be a servant. We're like kings! That's the exact opposite. Besides world issues, the country is great. Go U.S.!

[deissi]

best country to live in. It just won't be soon because everyone rejects God. The Bible says that those who praise God and are blessings to others will be blessed. We've been burdens to numerous countries. The Bible also says that you need to be a servant. We're like kings! That's the exact opposite. Besides world issues, the country is great. Go U.S.!

Ah, reading this really makes me see why it is the greatest country in the world!

[Graeme]

best country to live in. It just won't be soon because everyone rejects God. The Bible says that those who praise God and are blessings to others will be blessed. We've been burdens to numerous countries. The Bible also says that you need to be a servant. We're like kings! That's the exact opposite. Besides world issues, the country is great. Go U.S.!

Hmm.. Sounds like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy might not come to visit you this year. Obviously been misbehaving!

[missrunway]

i feel that the USA needs to stop being so pro war and do they still enfore captial punishment? but the US is still a great country to study and you get ur drivers liscence when your 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why did canada up its age for getting your drivers to 18?????

[Guest dragonb111]

Ah, reading this really makes me see why it is the greatest country in the world!

It does! Doesn't it? It's great for now, but not for long

Hmm.. Sounds like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy might not come to visit you this year. Obviously been misbehaving!

The tooth fairy?

[deissi]

The tooth fairy?

Ah! So you don't know about the tooth fairy? He's the second daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene! Haven't you read any of the forbidden gospels?

[dennisalex833]

INDIAN!!

The views i am expreesing here are strictly my own and has nothing to do with my Community.I have resided in many nations a few of which are Usa,Uk,Portugal,France,Ecquador,Argentina,Japan,Australia,China,Japan,Yemen,Qata

r and uae!!

I have been in India only for a few years and hence i am not accustomed to the Indain way!!Well America was a great nation under the leadership of very capaple people like George Washington,Abraham Lincoln,Martin Luther etc...But since the lastd ecade people have started resenting America mainly due to the blunders done by the Bush administeration!!For eg-after the wars on yugoslavia(clinton),afghanistan and iraq(bush) and now a possible attack on Iran,people here have started resenting america.Of course, the resentment is only on the administrative system of the Us and not on the people!!Also the visa and greencard laws must be ammended.The people here also dont like the admission procedure in the american univeristies for the undergraduate course.other than these, Cheers for the US!!!

[Xerox]

i feel that the USA needs to stop being so pro war and do they still enfore captial punishment? but the US is still a great country to study and you get ur drivers liscence when your 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why did canada up its age for getting your drivers to 18?????

somethings in the US are just strange, you can take drivers licence at 16 but are not allowed to drink untill 21... i am srry but to me being european this is just wierd.

At the age of 16 most people have not developed enough mentally (and some parts physically) to be considered to be able to drive well. In sweden 18 is the limit which i think is quit fair, even so drivers between the age of 18-24 are overrepresented in driving accidents due to varies reason. Does anyone know how the statistics are for US teens driving?

Also drinking 21 ?? common, seriously, to what effect? people still drink in highschool don't they? (atleast the ones i have spoken to who come from the states)

It seems just plain wierd, as in holland where i was born you can buy beer at 16 and in most of europe you can atleast booze at 18.... so why is the US 21?

[Guest dragonb111]

Ah! So you don't know about the tooth fairy? He's the second daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalene! Haven't you read any of the forbidden gospels?

Why would I do that? I don't believe that Jesus has descendents. I've only heard of them when reading The Da Vinci Code. Good book...C'mon, really now, the tooth fairy? I stopped believing in that junk years ago.