Do you "Hate" the United States?

These days, anti-american sentiments can be found, it would seem, everywhere. I can pick up a newspaper, a magazine and find statements that are clearly derogatory towards the United States. I can even find such sentiments right here on ATS. This leads me to ask a few simple questions;

Do you hate the United States? If so, why do you feel the way you do about the U.S.?



The vehemence that I often perceive against the United States, in my mind, is totally irrational. Sure, there are those who dislike President Bush but how can this be extrapolated to hate and and despise an entire country?

I realize that much of this hatred is rooted in envy. I believe that many people perceive the U.S. as a nation that prospers on the "backs of others". But is this really true. Or perhaps it could be that Americans simply live in a more productive nation.

Do YOU hate the U.S.? What's your reason?

No.

People who stand up and say they hate the United States for how much destruction they do, is hypocritical because the country does alot of good. If you do not like George Bush, or some of their previous Presidents, that is not enough to say you do not like the country.

I believe a health care system is required, and capital punishment is used too much.

They have corruption, as does any other country.

But all of these leave you short in a valid reason to hate the country. I believe it to be stereotypical and prejudicial to say you dislike a whole country. People within the country may not stand for the same ideals, and they should not be painted with the same brush.

I do believe the United States takes the brunt of punishment due to the manner our western civilizations live. Think of the resources we waste on a daily basis, and how much of a difference these scraps would make to people in Africa?

I can understand peoples frustrations when you look at these aspects. People do hate the United States for this. But we as Canadians are in the same boat, and Canadians are much more welcomed internationally than Americans. I have never travelled internationally, but I have always been told to carry something to indicate I am Canadian to avoid mistreatment.

There definitely is an anti-American sentiment worldwide at the moment. I have great friends in Europe and when I'm over there and they tell friends of theirs I'm from the U.S. usually they have to be like "he's my friend, really, really, yes, he's my friend...I'm not kidding, he's my friend!" if you
know what I mean. Especially if they ask me about Bush and I say I voted for him, then they really look at me like I'm a space alien.

But, I don't think it's gotten to the point where the personal safety of Americans traveling abroad to most countries is in any special danger above other westerners.



[edit on 10/12/2006 by djohnsto77]

I don't hate the US.

That said, I don't like how the US tends to dominate things and claim some kind of 'divine right' to be the boss. We all know the US is stronger than our country (no matter what country you live in) and we can't keep the US from doing whatever they want, but there's really no need to rub our faces in it, is there? Just look at any thread on ATS where there are Americans discussing foreign countries.

That kind of behaviour can create resentment.

I did not mean to insinuate that Americans would be in danger. Only that I have been told that the people are more accepting and polite if they are aware your not American.

As many of you know, I am an American. I just happen to live in Canada. I am a dual citizen (through marriage). And, frankly, I prefer to live in Canada. Canada is a wonderful and, until recently, a tolerant country.

In the past few months, when I go to social gatherings, I have, at times, been "singled out" as an American. Somehow, I have been lumped into a category that seems to include Nazis, warmongers and imperialists. I have been chastised (as if I had anything to do with "anything" that the U.S. government happens to do). I have been scorned and even ridiculed. Yes, scorned and ridiculed; "Oh he's an American, watch what you say or he'll "put you on his list". Oh sure, it was meant, probably, in good fun but it does not speak well of what the future holds. Are Americans to become a nation of paraiahs? Will Americans be shunned, scorned and ridiculed throughout the world?

In social settings, where people have not known that I was an American, I have been privy to conversations that were, frankly, filled with derision against "egotistical, arrogant, self-righteous, pompous, ignorant, war-mongering, blood-thirsty, elitist, dumb bastard Americans. These are all actual labels that I have heard with my own two ears. Now I might be a pompous bastard myself but this certainly isn't because I'm an American.

Maybe I'm a bit too sensitive but, nonetheless, I find this attitude troubling. I did not sense this sort of anti-American sentiment last year.....but in the past few months, it has been increasing and I have become well aware of it.

It would be very easy for me to simply deny being an American. You know, I can "pass" as a Canadian quite easily....eh but I refuse to lie, deny or simply, conveniently, fail to mention being an American. I am proud of being an American and I am proud of being Canadian. These are two fine nations that hold and maintain principles for which I would, most definitely, defend. But I am troubled by the very bigoted opinions and downright slanderous statements and attitudes that are being pinned on the United States and it's citizens.

Nobody said Denying Ignorance would be easy.

But yes, it is absolutely jaw wrenching to come across people so prejudicial. Nobody is willingly to admit you can be a pompous bastard on your own merit, it has to be that your American. I am very open to criticism, but I do find comments like those are the rare bread to get a rise out of me. I completely understand BT.

Just like me being an ingrate because I am from eastern Canada. Or Newfoundlanders have lower IQ scores because of their horrible accent. (That we Cape Bretoners share)

I understand this thread is to discuss the American aspect, but it stems so much farther.

Everything is tossed out the window though when you correct a person on their prejudices with factual information, but they are too stunned and can not get out of their own way. It is unfortunate to say but some people are helpless.

Chissler, I wish that I could bestow upon you the "Voice of Reason" award. You have succinctly sorted the issue out.

Americans aren't the enemy or the problem...Ignorance is the problem.

I will say that I am still alarmed at the rise in "anti-american" sentiments but I can clearly see that this is due to "ignorance". But it raises another question and that is why is ignornace so readily accepted.

Does ignorance simply develop naturally within society or is there an agenda of deliberately planting disinformation in order to foment the products of ignorance; bigotry, hatred and prejudice?

I'll be totally honest with you, even though this probably isn't going to reflect very well on me. When I find myself thinking 'Bloody Americans', which does happen occasionally, it is always a sign that I have spent to much time on ATS and need a break. There are many, many wonderful people in the US, including some of my relatives. The problem is when I start to forget about all the nice Americans I know and only notice the ones whom I find objectionable.

BT, it's embarrassing for us homegrown Canadians when someone opens their yap and makes us all look like jerks. Just remember that for every schmuck you see booing the US anthem at a hockey game, there's a loud-mouthed Canuck like me telling them to shut up and show some respect.

Originally posted by Duzey
Just remember that for every schmuck you see booing the US anthem at a hockey game, there's a loud-mouthed Canuck like me telling them to shut up and show some respect.

I hear you Duzey and thanks for reminding me. I've been to many a hockey game myself and, lately, I have heard jeering at the American anthem. But I have also seen and heard the disapproval of the crowd of Canadians to this disrespect. A lot of Canadians do know and love Americans. They might not always approve with the politics but they know the difference between disliking someone because of who they might happen to be as opposed to what they might happen to do. There certainly IS a difference.

Anyway, thanks Duze.

Nothing urks me more than listening to fools boo the national anthem. Whether it is an American booing the Canadian anthem or vice versa, it is a behaviour not welcome in our arenas.

Sports is about pride, dignity, honor, and sportsmanship. You are expected to respect your opponent, this is the same for the audience. Fans have the right to boo players any time they wish, but lets leave the politics out in the parking lot.

This is more than a hockey or sports issue, it is no different then what BT endured at the social gathering. Completely uncalled for and a measure of ones charachter.

Emotions will get the best of us, we all can admit to that. People make mistakes, but people who do this day in and day out are ignorant and should be escorted from the rink.

I am an American, living in America. I have traveled extensively and it used to be that foreigners admired Americans. But since Bush has become prez, that has changed. We have become a nation that doesn't respect others soveriegnty, have decided to make decisions unilaterally and have interfered far too often in the affairs of other nations. Admittedly, some of this was before Bush, but it's become worse now. So, I think other countries fear us and think we are endangering them, especially over our terrorism policies. In my travels, I have often seen Americans be absolutely rude, imperious, arrogant and ignorant to the point where I am embarassed. We Americans are not known for our manners, or our admiration of other countries and cultures. I can totally understand why others look down at us right now. We've also given away our precious freedoms. I have to admit that I don't have alot of respect for our govt or our own people right now. There's a reason why we're stereotyped as "the Ugly American." I love what my country is supposed to stand for, what it used to stand for, I was always proud to be an American. We were the great liberators, the haven for oppressed peoples but now we have become the oppressors. I don't like the American govt much at this time.

OK, now I"ll put on my flame-retardant cape as the Americans on this board I'm sure will be calling me unpatriotic, a traitor, etc.

Imho,i think much of the resentment comes from bush's iraq war.Which most of the world is against.What they dont know is only half of u.s.supported bush/iraq in the begining and suspect many less here support him now.

I've been considering the idea or notion that "hating" America is, simply, fashionable. It's almost as if hating or putting down Americans is cool. You know, a trendy thing to say or a fad. I don't know how this sort of behavior has evolved except to consider that this is a product of the media.

Perhaps, in the course of critisizing certain American policies or the president and his administration, television, music and hollywood personalities have "crossed the line" between genuine critical opinion and comedy or satire.

When the SouthPark Movie came out, there was good natured, satirical humor about "Blaming Canada". No one took this seriously, of course, but it was typical South Park humor. When Jon Stewart, for example says something demeaning -- and satirical -- about America, perhaps there are people who don't dismiss it as humor. Perhaps they take it seriously?

Regardless, is American bashing a trend, a fad, a fashionable facet to our society that will simply wind it's course?

OK, now I"ll put on my flame-retardant cape as the Americans on this board I'm sure will be calling me unpatriotic, a traitor, etc.

Forestlady,
I'm an American living in America and I feel exactly the same way you do.

I think Chissler explained it perfectly.

Originally posted by forestlady
I am an American, living in America. I have traveled extensively and it used to be that foreigners admired Americans. But since Bush has become prez, that has changed. We have become a nation that doesn't respect others soveriegnty, have decided to make decisions unilaterally and have interfered far too often in the affairs of other nations. Admittedly, some of this was before Bush, but it's become worse now. So, I think other countries fear us and think we are endangering them, especially over our terrorism policies. In my travels, I have often seen Americans be absolutely rude, imperious, arrogant and ignorant to the point where I am embarassed. We Americans are not known for our manners, or our admiration of other countries and cultures. I can totally understand why others look down at us right now. We've also given away our precious freedoms. I have to admit that I don't have alot of respect for our govt or our own people right now. There's a reason why we're stereotyped as "the Ugly American." I love what my country is supposed to stand for, what it used to stand for, I was always proud to be an American. We were the great liberators, the haven for oppressed peoples but now we have become the oppressors. I don't like the American govt much at this time.

I feel pretty much the same way.
It's a shame really.

I am an American and I hate our government.

I hate politicans, I hate the democrat and republican partys because they are all corrupt. Not everyone, but most, well... most at the high levels anyway.

People dont realize how great we could be if it wasnt for our corrupt officals and media. We might actually be prosperous, but no, we got a government that has lost TRILLIONS of our money and spends it on I dont know what. We have a government that is too damn corrupt >.< Too many corporate-government connections.

Thats why I hate the American Government.

They are the enemy of the people.

[edit on 12-10-2006 by Mujahid187]

I am an American citizen. I love our country and hate alot of what our government does. In my mind, the country is separate from the governing powers controlling it at this time.
And most Americans are pretty good people I think. Even if I don't agree with all of them all of the time.

Regardless, is American bashing a trend, a fad, a fashionable facet to our society that will simply wind it's course?

I don't know if it's just a fad, but if I were somewhere in another country and heard them talking about "ugly Americans", I would'nt put up with it, and I would never act "ashamed" to be an American.



[edit on 12-10-2006 by elaine]

BT no I dont hate America or American's I think the hate issue stems from two issue's, superpower status and your foreign policy and maybe PNAC. I'm sure if you met a bunch of people down the pub from different backgrounds and races they would get on fine, but its the perceived image thats the problem.

Many, both inside and outside of America do not like what America is doing in the world but there's nothing new in this, people hated the British for their Empire and what it did to them (some still do) but ordinary people usually get on just ok.

I think its just human nature and when America fades into history some will be hating whoever is on top then. I think until we all grow up and learn to live together the process will continue so I wouldnt worry about it too much.

Well seeing as I'm American, it'd be frivilous to hate my own country.

I love America for what it as founded on, freedom.
However, I dislike the government, the fundamentalist religious
right, and anyone who opposes freedom.