why do all of you hate america... the thread

Originally posted by zappafan1
reply to post by mattguy404

 

But off the top of my head, America:

* Biggest polluter. Snip: Americas air is cleaner than it was before the industrial revolution. Better check out China and India.

* Breaking the Geneva Conventions. Snip: Examples, please? Also, Al-Queda and Hezbollah.

* Shoddy deals with Saudi Arabia - a brutal regime, yet they have the oil, so its 'okay'. Snip: I somewhat agree, but the world benefits from those "deals," not just America.


* Exports 'democracy' to other nations with bombs without really having it itself. Snip: Exports the possibility of Liberty and Freedom, not democracy. America is not a democracy. (though we're heading that way to our great peril.)

* Massive sponsor of state terrorism Snip: America does not sponsor Al-Queda, Hezbollah, etc.

* Dictates hypocritical policies to other nations Snip: Like who?

* An economy that all other economies have to kiss-arse to Snip: People will always go to where their money is treated best. No-one forces anyone to bring their money here. If other countries would have a more capitalist economy, they'd do much better.

* An over-riding arrogance and ignorance that spills over into evangelical, theocratical right wing Christians Snip: the idea of Right-wing versus Left wing is overblown. Most Americans are smack dab in the middle.... right where The Founders wanted us.

* Pollution: per capita, America is in fact the biggest polluter. China and India are undergoing rapid industrial development similar to what established Western nations once went through.

* Geneva conventions: Gitmo? Extraordinary rendition? Pre-emptive war?

* Saudi Arabia: well, if Saddam kissed-arse to yankee, I suppose he'd still be there, too

* Freedom™ and democracy have indeed been exported to Iraq, but I doubt that that will help the situation with electricity, water, and even sewage

afp.google.com...

* State sponsorship of terrorism: Iran-Contra affair? Nicaragua? America actually heavily funded the Mujahadeen in Afghanistan to fight the Soviets, leading to the formation of the Taliban. The democracy export to that country isn't going too well either.

* Hypocritical policy: well, just recently we have a few examples. The US tells Russia to stay out of Georgia, yet when Israel bombed Lebanon, and used cluster bombs, they didn't say anything. Also, while the US called upon Russia to respect the sovereignty of Georgia, they themselves are currently making cross-border raids into Pakistan with little regard for its sovereignty. But I guess it's to go after terrorists, so it's 'okay'.

* America's economy: Lehman Brothers has disappeared into a black hole. Fannie and Freddie have just been nationalized for heaven's sakes, that doesn't seem very free market and capitalist to me. Money treated best in America? Uh...

* Right wing Christian influence. One word - Palin.


Like I said, there's things I like about America, but don't get fooled by the hubris of teary-eyed patriots.

[edit on 16-9-2008 by mattguy404]

Originally posted by scrambledeggs

does america not have the highest quality of life in the world?

Well your fine students at the University Of Michigan seems to think MY country has the highest quality of life :

www.cphpost.dk...

Eat that one America.

To answer your topic, the thing i dislike about America (that hasn't been said so far) is the general selfish attitude of the people not wanting to pay taxes to take care of the weak and less fortunate. Also you pay to get treated at hospitals and stuff.
I think that paying taxes and taking care of the poor etc will strengthen the fundament with time and you will build morale and strength. Which then in the end should give back those tax dollars.

To put it another way, i don't like that you contionusly elect republicans.

Originally posted by JustAThought

Eat that one America.

Yes, We're all impressed with your old-world charm and sophistication now. I can see why rude, boorish americans get on your nerves.

To answer your topic, the thing i dislike about America (that hasn't been said so far) is the general selfish attitude of the people not wanting to pay taxes to take care of the weak and less fortunate. Also you pay to get treated at hospitals and stuff.
I think that paying taxes and taking care of the poor etc will strengthen the fundament with time and you will build morale and strength. Which then in the end should give back those tax dollars.

To put it another way, i don't like that you contionusly elect republicans.

In other words, you don't like us, because we're . . . . different from you.


.

Good for you scrambledeggs,I with ya 100%!God bless the greatest country in the history of the world.GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Originally posted by dr_strangecraft

Yes, We're all impressed with your old-world charm and sophistication now. I can see why rude, boorish americans get on your nerves.

No, but rude, boorish people get on my nerves. I've never even been to America and the Americans i've met in Denmark have all been nice people.

I'm not a fan of generalising in general so i guess it was kinda foolish of me even replying to this thread. The "Don't we have the best quality of life" just kinda did hit my nerves. It's a very ignorant statement. . . Although a question.

Originally posted by dr_strangecraft
In other words, you don't like us, because we're . . . . different from you.

No i just don't like republican policies. Same way i don't like the goverment Denmark is having atm.

I'm sorry if i came across as "hating" America. I surely don't. I still feel glad that you're the superpower and not Russia or China that's for sure.

Allow me to rephrase and say i believe your country could solve alot of it's inner and outer conflicts by choosing a more democratic and social approach.

I've witnessed myself how American influence has changed my own country through the years from leftwing to rightwing.
The culture has changed so that we are almost semi american. You don't see many danish bands actually singing danish anymore.

The music i can live with because i prefer the American/english language always for music, but i did like Denmark better when our goverment were socialists.

No a people who feel no responsibility for it's weak, poor and less fortunate just dosn't look morally good in my eyes. I mean what is actually good about it other than some superficial material needs beeing filled ? Over peoples lifes ?

I hope Obama gonna bring some of that change he's always on about.

For your sake and the rest of the world.

God bless earth. God bless humankind.





[edit on 15-9-2008 by JustAThought]

Hi,
Perhaps there has been what you perceive as USA bashing, maybe not all of it was done to bash... but to inform.

I've been to America, got around a little and met some nice people. At the same time I met a lot of real ugly people.. and I don't mean physical appearance. Every country is the same in that respect.

I was shocked to find how intense is the general perception of the USA being "The Greatest", at everything. While I don't have a problem with people loving their homeland, I do get a little worried when this concept of greatness becomes a perception of Superiority. And my concern is even more deepened to find this perception is indoctrinated at school.

Overseas, we get illustrations from the US which are mainly about a nation seeking Dominance in the world theatre and enforcing its own form of Justice upon others, while giving as many possible reasons as are deemed necessary to those of us who disagree with such actions.

Lifestyle does not equate with "having the highest quality of life". Most of what is shown to people overseas via media, are the illustrations of American Excess as something everyone must desire and attain, or, the negative aspects that are so abundant in the US.

I am also concerned with the Media that comes from America. Younger generations in my country have already lost their particular Aussie-ness and speak in Rap/Street slang, dress that way, form beliefs and behaviours based on the Benchmarks displayed, etc. And these benchmarks are set so very low.

Another concern is, many shows from the US make us think that there must be a large population of not very intelligent people living there. This cannot be the case, but we see so much proof on the TV, if we subject ourselves to the rubbish that it is.

As for other peoples of the world, consider their view. For the past 50 years one country has invaded many others, subjected it's people to ruin and then walked away leaving a shambles in its wake. To live in one of those countries would have been horrific, possibly more so than what preceeded the 'Intervention'.

The fallout from these actions has left a very sour taste in the mouths of those who experienced directly these things, or were near enough to see firsthand how one's own culture, beliefs and lifestyle got trampled on by the Intervening Country.

Come to think of it, this very same scenario is being played out in the middle east right now. Watch how US troops deal with the normal people of Iraq and then tell me you could still feel Greater or Superior.

That sour taste has grown into hatred in many countries today. You cannot blame them for how they feel.

But, you can help anyone you meet to see that not every American is an ugly american. Always put your own best foot forward in this world, no matter where you walk. People will notice.


Be well.

Originally posted by JonathanNicholas
Good for you scrambledeggs,I with ya 100%!God bless the greatest country in the history of the world.GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Yes the people here are great. If you believe that our government is great then you have been deceived! Explain why we are the greatest country...

Yeap humility that's it.

For the general American tone to be more humble and apreciative of other cultures would really only suit you. It takes true strength to practice humility and tolerance.

why should i pay taxes did the native americans make u pay or love unconditionaly
or let u die no they feed u
taught u how to hunt and fish and grow while replinishing the earth
you r the one who is greedy and would rather watch them be killed
for the prayers in protect life how can u say i should pay haven't i suffered enough i'm the last buut any dead yet it's a good day to die
u kill almost every body in my family when we told u
this is the best for the world did u not listen
die in your own waste or let the trees burn
u to hell how would u feel just likeme me
i have no parents only a corrpt gov.
teaching this illerate who dosen't have a right for love or parents
i tell u they taught me to kill and be prejudice but all i have is love
i'm waiting for u to give back what belongs to the king and my people

we fought the dynosaur defeated it made the sun and killed the devil anyone who is cherokee avenge your family the anchient way
with your mind soul and body study shamanism oh N.Y. and tell man who knows spiritually man or God come on woman ur next what they did to me they will do to you
why can't it be god's will

America is great, the beautiful, from sea to shining sea. Unfortunately our current leadership is driving us into a dumpster in an LA homeless park.

more like a concentration camp in beech grove indy

Originally posted by scrambledeggs
does america not have the highest quality of life in the world?
do those of you on this site who bash america not shop at any of americas convienent stores to support your life here?

No, America is far from having the highest quality of life. As an example I will use Australia (my country). For instance in Australia we have Medicare, a health system that enables ALL Australians access to medical care without waiting, paying or being asked your health insurance details while you lie dieing on your bed. We have just as many convenience stores as America, we have cable TV, Tivo etc etc etc the list goes on. As I write this I am using a broadband connection that rivals the speeds you get in America.

what is so bad about this country that you have to bash it time and time again?

Its not your country, its the attitude many Americans have. I find many Americans to be ignorant of the world outside America. I have heard stories of how some Americans think us Aussies all have a kangaroo for pets, live in tents and have just discovered electricity! I mean jeez, the ignorance there is astounding. The fact that you loudly proclaim America is the best, America is the greatest, America this America that. Quite frankly I never want to hear the word 'America' ever again. You are NOT the greatest, you just SAY you are and sadly believe it to.

What irks me the most about America(ns) is your sheer lack of knowledge of the rest of the world. Yet you think the world revolves around you. A simple example is given by a member here who posted that he/she wanted the date stamp on ATS postings to be in 'Standard' format, meaning American format. You honestly think that your formats are the worlds standards? Like I said that was just a small example of what I am talking about.

Let this be a thread where you can get your america bashing all said and done.... where you can voice your hatred for a country that has done so much for the world in so many different ways.

The day America fades into insignificance, stops unwantedly policing the world, stops proclaiming they are the greatest, stops the sheer arrogance....THAT is the day I shall stop talking about America in a negative tone. Even if some of what I said is changed, I may consider it.

i for one love this country, even during the bad times that we may be having right now, because i know that the majority of its citizens are strong enough to pull through and conquer the evil we have acquired.

As I said above, I do not hate all Americans, I hate the attitude and ignorance many of you have.

or do americans only believe in the greatness of themselves????

You hit the nail on the head there mate

[edit on 16/9/2008 by Kryties]

Kry, you mean you don't all have dingos tied up in the yard?

Spare me your generalizations. Many Americans are smarter than you think. And save me a few shrimp on the barbie.

That was kind of hateful.

[edit on 9/16/2008 by jpm1602]

reply to post by jpm1602


I am not sure what part of my above posts refer to generalisations. Could you point them out?

And these aren't generalisations?

Originally posted by jpm1602

Kry, you mean you don't all have dingos tied up in the yard?

And save me a few shrimp on the barbie.

Personally I think you just added creedence to my above post by your attempted mockery.



As I said in my post above:

I do not hate all Americans, I hate the attitude and ignorance many of you have.

I have a few American friends who moved to Australia that I enjoy spending time with, I know for a fact that there are many intelligent Americans as well, but it seems to me that the ignorant far outweigh the intelligent and caring Americans.

I am sorry if it seems hateful to you, it is not meant to come across that harshly, but the question was asked so I answered truthfully. I would hope you would want me to speak truth rather than just mollycoddle you all and not say anything that might offend.

[edit on 16/9/2008 by Kryties]

Ya right.

And I have a few aussie friend who don't puke beer on themselves. You know zactly what I'm talking about.