Why is the rest of the worlds opinion of the US negative?

[Frackal]

I honestly believe we are the greatest superpower ever to exist on the face of this earth. However, I honestly feel that things are declining, which really saddens and frustrates me.

I probably fall slightly to the left on the LIBERTARIAN Spectrum which is strict constitutionalism...but I believe in helping people...for example, I would contribute some of my tax dollars to some social programs, but ONLY because I would *have the option* to do so, or do not do so, on my tax return...I disagree with the sweeping taxation policies...I also feel that free enterprise will do it better, faster and cheaper than government, but also believe in some govt. regulation of industry, particularly when it comes to enviromnemnt... etc etc

 

[Imnotdutch]

If you really want an answer to this you need to listen to what non-americans tell you. Unfortunately that rarely happens because of the 'arrogance' that Frackal mentioned.

So Frackal, do you think the USA is a more impressive super power that the Roman Empire.........or the British Empire........or one of the many other empires from history?

 

[Lao Tzu]

http://www.alonben-meir.com/articls/why_hated.html

click on causes of 9/11 on the left hand side

http://samvak.tripod.com/pp112.html

http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/MiddleEast/TerrorInUSA/Why.asp


theres probably alot of other op-ed pieces on why we are hated, but i think the council on foreign relations page had the most thorough one.

 

[HansNZ]

Good point, misdirected anger. I can only imagine the frustration of being suppressed like they are - it would become quite easy to blame and hate.

Are you suggesting that only people in dictatorships have a negative opinion of Americans? I assure you that is not the case. Are you suggesting that there is nothing that the US does abroad which has lead to it being so disliked?

Many of the attitudes expressed on this thread are an example of why Americans are disliked. The presumption of jealousy indicates a type of arrogance, i.e. the USA is better than anywhere else, so that is why everyone must be "jealous".

Other reasons: The noxious form of conservatism that prevails in the USA. The way Americans preach to the rest of the world but don't listen back. The way Americans install dictators and support "freedom fighters" who oppress their people, but then preach about "human rights" in countries the US is carrying out propaganda campaigns against.

The way Palestinians have to live in refugee camps so that Americans can enjoy their way of life. Basic ignorance about the rest of the world. Countless other double standards in US foreign policy. Exploitation of the third world while asserting that the third world exists on US aid - nevermind the fact that the third world actually subsidises the American way of life. The USA polluting the environment and being unwilling to change. US criticism of Iran, Nth Korea, etc., violating the Nuke non-proliferation treaty at the same time as the US violates the anti-ballistic missile treaty it signed...

The list goes on and on.

 

[HansNZ]

I honestly believe we are the greatest superpower ever to exist on the face of this earth. However, I honestly feel that things are declining, which really saddens and frustrates me.

In relative terms the Roman or British empires were more powerful. This type of arrogance and self-flattery is another reason why Americans are disliked.

 

[Imnotdutch]

Amen..........prepare to be flamed though.....

Are you suggesting that only people in dictatorships have a negative opinion of Americans? I assure you that is not the case. Are you suggesting that there is nothing that the US does abroad which has lead to it being so disliked?

Many of the attitudes expressed on this thread are an example of why Americans are disliked. The presumption of jealousy indicates a type of arrogance, i.e. the USA is better than anywhere else, so that is why everyone must be "jealous".

The conservatism of the USA. The way Americans preach to the rest of the world but don't listen back. The way Americans install dictators and support "freedom fighters" who oppress their people, but then preach about "human rights" in countries they are carrying out propaganda campaigns against.

The way Palestinians have to live in refugee camps so that Americans can enjoy their way of life. Basic ignorance about the rest of the world. Countless other double standards in US foreign policy, exploitation of the third world while asserting that the third world exists on US aid when the third world actually subsidises the American way of life, the USA polluting the environment and being unwilling to change...

The list goes on and on.

 

[HansNZ]

There are plenty of reasons. The US has never done itself any favours image-wise, but as an non-American, I can't help but respect and admire the the pride it instills in its people.

That's called nationalism (although it is often mistaken for "patriotism"). It is a form of control that has a darkside.

If you are proud to be a part of your country then that is patriotism. If you believe that your country is BETTER than other people's countries then that is nationalism. The latter is most prevalent in the USA.

 

[circusgirl]

I don't have a problem with americans. I like americans generally. I don't like the stereotype of americans that are so prevalent in Europe, for instance, all this crap about people in the US supposedly being lazy, um, I worked at the uni with lots of americans, and the LAST thing these people were is lazy...

I do sometines have a problem with the way your govt acts in your name. And I think some folks in the US need to try a bit harder to access foreign news. But it is hard to get foreign news coverage in the US, I'll accept that. And the govt is not the people, not always. I don't support everything the govt does here, for instance.

 

[gymrat]

Everyone likes the Canadains...right?

 

[HansNZ]

I don't like the stereotype of americans that are so prevalent in Europe, for instance, all this crap about people in the US supposedly being lazy, um, I worked at the uni with lots of americans, and the LAST thing these people were is lazy...

I've never heard of this stereotype before!

Actually I think Europeans perceive US society as the opposite - an overworked, overly competitive rat race. I think it is Americans who perceive Europeans as being a bit lazy.