Which is what the world thinks of the USA?

[Jtolj]

I am curious, because I know that people generally have a concensus about feelings toward nations, and I honestly know not what people's concensus towards the USA is. What do people think of this nation, where I live?

[cuppajoe_9]

Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there:D .

[Shalot]

Hey JT -- are you from the US? Which part? Were you born in the US? From your posts and your writing style in some of them (but not all of them) you didn't initially strike me as a native English speaker. But what do I know?
I am also from America so I can't really respond to your post with any authority, but I can say that when I was in France (and in Belguim for that matter) the people there seemed to not like us tourists at all. The wait staff and the street vendors openly mocked us when we were trying to spend our money there. Or maybe somthing about us just rubbed them the wrong way, but it seems to me like the French do not like America and Americans in general. But I don't really have anything to go on other than articles/newscasts here in America.

[Shalot]

Nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there:D .

Hey cuppajoe -- do Canadians in general think we're stupid Americans? My brother told me that when he was there and I am not sure which part he was in exactly) some guy went whizzing by on a bike and said "stupid Americans" to him and his tour group.

[Jtolj]

Hey JT -- are you from the US? Which part? Were you born in the US? From your posts and your writing style in some of them (but not all of them) you didn't initially strike me as a native English speaker. But what do I know?
I am also from America so I can't really respond to your post with any authority, but I can say that when I was in France (and in Belguim for that matter) the people there seemed to not like us tourists at all. The wait staff and the street vendors openly mocked us when we were trying to spend our money there. Or maybe somthing about us just rubbed them the wrong way, but it seems to me like the French do not like America and Americans in general. But I don't really have anything to go on other than articles/newscasts here in America.I am from the New York Area, and the reason I speak in this manner is that I care not to get into specifics of grammatical continuity with the way of which I speak. I also have adopted manners of speech from languages I have studied.

There exists an animosity of the French and american cultures, mainly I think because we both have certain policy differences that really spark tensions. Mainly it is the way our governments go about their way, France supports tyrannical Muslim countries and tries to undermine America and that we are for freedom of speech and they are not. The feeling is mutual, but it is usually considered joking in America, and if they take it seriously in France, that is crazy. We would never mock a French person, in the street. In fact, most Americans would go out of their way to seem even more friendly so as that there would be no prejudice.

[Virgil]

I am also from America so I can't really respond to your post with any authority, but I can say that when I was in France (and in Belguim for that matter) the people there seemed to not like us tourists at all.

Well, that's France. :p My experiences in England and Italy are the opposite.

[Jtolj]

When I think about it, when foreigners are in America, most people go out of their way to be nice to them, from my knowledge, so people don't see as being mean.

[Jtolj]

Well, that's France. :p My experiences in England and Italy are the opposite.That's because a huge amount of Americans are English and Italian and because we have similar policies!

[cuppajoe_9]

Hey cuppajoe -- do Canadians in general think we're stupid Americans? My brother told me that when he was there and I am not sure which part he was in exactly) some guy went whizzing by on a bike and said "stupid Americans" to him and his tour group.

Some of the more embarasingly stupid Canadians do, in fact, think that, but most don't. I actually quite like most of America and most of the Americans I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Don't much like your government, though...

[Jtolj]

Some of the more embarasingly stupid Canadians do, in fact, think that, but most don't. I actually quite like most of America and most of the Americans I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Don't much like your government, though...Everyone hates the American government! That's a given. That's why we have so many safeguards. I'd say 80% of Americans do not like the government.

[Shalot]

Some of the more embarasingly stupid Canadians do, in fact, think that, but most don't. I actually quite like most of America and most of the Americans I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Don't much like your government, though...

Yeah, I guess there are stupid people all over the world. And I am sure that people who have visited America from other countries have had the same kind of experiences here.

[Jtolj]

One of the defining characteristics of America is our very large influence of Judaism. The New York area is extremely Jewish, and you can tell that its influence is apparent, because we are very pro-Israel.

[cuppajoe_9]

Everyone hates the American government! That's a given. That's why we have so many safeguards. I'd say 80% of Americans do not like the government.

There's a parable in one of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books about a planet where all the leaders are iguanas. Everybody hates the iguanas and their policies, but they keep voting for them because if they don't the wrong iguana might get in. Something to think about.

[Virgil]

Some of the more embarasingly stupid Canadians do, in fact, think that, but most don't. I actually quite like most of America and most of the Americans I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Don't much like your government, though...

I find the Canadians I have met to be so...so American. Only a little quieter. :)

[TEND]

Well really, there isn't much of a difference between Canada and the United States. Think US only colder, replace baseball with hockey and a province of francophones and that's us.

Yes, there are some very ignorant Canadians with a superiority complex (Over Americans), how Canada became so ethnocentric without a true culture of our own I'll never understand. But we're not all that way.

As tourists I've found we're treated rather well, I've never heard any complaints, besides once again France and Quebec. Something about the Francophones, they just don't like ya if you speak English. In practically every other country most people are very happy if you try to speak their langauge at least a little, while in both French and Quebec they'll mock you if you speak English, and they'll mock you if you speak broken French, so you know. I'm not saying all are like this, but generally it seems the tourist spots and larger cities are very cynical when it comes to English-speakers, American, Canadian, or British.

[cuppajoe_9]

I find the Canadians I have met to be so...so American. Only a little quieter. :)

I am by no means a Canadian nationalist, but I think there are a few more differences than that. Americans don't have a severe neurosis about being compared to Canadians, for example...

[cuppajoe_9]

Well, that's France. :p My experiences in England and Italy are the opposite.

Wait, wait, wait. You're Italian and you went to Italy and they treated you politely? Warmly even? I've never heard of such a thing.


;)

[RobinHood3000]

I think of America as representing some of the best philosophies and the worst attitudes. The latter, jaded half is a recent development as a result of pondering where human society thinks they're going.

[OZEED]

The American's I've met were really great people(a bit of a funny accent, but thats alright):D
I have a few quibbles with USA foreign policy, who am I anyway??
I get goose bumps when I hear the America national anthem, I LOVE IT!!

[Themis]

I am curious, because I know that people generally have a concensus about feelings toward nations, and I honestly know not what people's concensus towards the USA is. What do people think of this nation, where I live?

That's politics, I just know it is. But still -

´A global power that thinks they have a right to interfere everywhere and anywhere. ´

But actually, I like the few Americans that I have met.

[Pensive]

That's politics, I just know it is. But still -

´A global power that thinks they have a right to interfere everywhere and anywhere. ´

But actually, I like the few Americans that I have met.
I second Themis here, couldn't have put it better.

[Pendragon]

Hee-- I live in SW VA, as I've said before, an hour's drive could put me in three other states. But when I traveled as an Evangelist, I found people in different places all found my accent to be hilarious. I’ve always been told I had a well-modulated voice. But if I went to Baltimore, I was too Southern. If I went to Charlotte, NC, I was too Northern. If I was in Missouri, I was a "wild Easterner." That despite the fact that I am a fair voice mimic! I love the small towns, the mountains, and the lonely stretches of beach on the Atlantic. But I do not like the cities. :nod:

[Shannanigan]

I grew up in Los Angeles, California...that's pretty American in my opinion, lol, and honestly, after moving here to the US Virgin Islands and being surrounded by people of other nationalities on other islands, I've realized a lot of people consider us spoiled brats. I find it rather funny, and while it can be true, it is a somewhat misinformed opinion...

Anyways, I think the best defense I've heard for living here where I am was "It was the most unAmerican place to live while still remaining an American and retaining the rights of one."

My interpretation: A country with great ideas that is just having trouble making them work.

And in relation to everyone viewing us as a country who believes we have the right to meddle anywhere, I prefer the South Park interpretation: A lot of Americans want war and to meddle, and a lot hate war and want to figure out a better way...the solution? Go to war so we don't look like pansies, but let the citizens protest as loud as they want so we don't look like bullies. I know, I know, it's immature, but I really think it describes our screwy way of dealing with things pretty well...

I'd prefer to have American citizenship over any other, I think, but I also think that America is a far, far, far, far, distant, fading, (did I say far?) cry from perfect...

[Nightshade]

wow alot o postives which I sort of find suprising given some stuff Ive seen in my life, what do I think when I think america--- noisy rude tourists who yell at locals to 'learn a proper langugage and speak english' ( cant think where I got that idea must have seen or heard somthing once when I was little because most americans Ive met are really great people.
A place where you see things that makes you smile shake your head and say things like 'only the americans'
huh what else well this will sound down right stupid but when I was about 5 I saw a film on the war of independance actually I think it was about whoever it was who rode the hourse shouting the redcoats are coming?) anyway it was unfortunate that because I instantly took an unreasnable dislike to the fact that they were calling the english names ( and worse the actor who played the english mayor or whatver sort of reminded me of my grandad) took me years to get past that.

I know people who think america and see isreal I know people who think america is the only way to go and will make us all rich quick.

On the whole I dont mind america as long as it leaves me in peace and doesnt try to critise my quite reasonable life style just becasue it cant understand it.
Not a fantastic fan but not a hater.....just me
:D

[Mark F.]

There exists an animosity of the French and american cultures, mainly I think because we both have certain policy differences that really spark tensions. Mainly it is the way our governments go about their way, France supports tyrannical Muslim countries and tries to undermine America and that we are for freedom of speech and they are not. The feeling is mutual, but it is usually considered joking in America, and if they take it seriously in France, that is crazy. We would never mock a French person, in the street. In fact, most Americans would go out of their way to seem even more friendly so as that there would be no prejudice.

Thanks for making me laugh, that's about the stupidest thing I've read today. France doesn't support any tyrannical countries, the country is just traditionally tied to muslim countries. And France isn't against freedom of speach. Before churning out a load of crap you should at least give it some thought.

Back to the subject. Sadly, the French media are very anitamerican at the moment and as most people don't take the time to think for themselves they end up having the same opinion. These idiots basically think that America is a tyrannical christian country that's against freedom of speach.

Don't worry though, there are still a lot of French people who admire American culture.

[Scheherazade]

A reminder:

Discussion of current politics is not allowed in this Forum and any posts inclining that way are likely to be edited/deleted.

[cuppajoe_9]

Can France and America (and certian parts of Canada that aspire to be American) please just grow up? Neither country would exist without the other, so let's just get along.

[ShoutGrace]

I have a few quibbles with USA foreign policy, who am I anyway??

I think we all do at one time or another. ;)



My interpretation: A country with great ideas that is just having trouble making them work.

That's great, Shan. I am of the opinion that the American revolution and Declaration of Indepence mark perhaps the greatest surge towards the truths and ideals that make being a human being a humann (bad sentence, but I'm talking about freedom, unalienable rights, natural rights, etc etc). But then you have to try to ignore the whole history of slavery (not trying to be demeaning here). I think that illustrates it as well as anything. The U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution, followed by slavery. Argh!

The highest truths voiced by mankind attempted to be put into action, realistically, for the first time . . . and some may say we've failed.


Can France and America (and certian parts of Canada that aspire to be American) please just grow up? Neither country would exist without the other, so let's just get along.

This is an important point. The colonists wouldn't have won the Revolution without France. We owe France more than our next generation will ever realize (as I doubt that they'll actually absorb what is in their history textbooks).

[Mark F.]

Can France and America (and certian parts of Canada that aspire to be American) please just grow up? Neither country would exist without the other, so let's just get along.

You might as well add just about every country in the world and ask for peace on Earth. It's not going to happen.

[cuppajoe_9]

You might as well add just about every country in the world and ask for peace on Earth. It's not going to happen.

Might as well start with the stupidest rivalries and then work my way up.

[miss tenderness]

What's wrong with new ideas for threads! Lol, wondering who is posting next to see what the world think of his country. But anyway it's so interesting.

Now if I'm going to talk about my attitude towards the US, it's not only me who's talking, it's all the society that affects my attitude towards everything.


I do believe that Americans are very affable people, mostly concerned about their work and family. Something noticeable about them, the average American does not have interest in politics. Some of them do not know that there is a country in the world called Saudi Arabia, they would go like: where is it? And it happened with me with a member here whom I dearly love :wave: ,I find this better than knowing about it from the media there which has been trying to give an image of it as a devil on earth!

So Americans are of the people who I'd love to hang with and have as friends, their hearts are as white as sheets.
A note of love and respect to : Kath,Virg,Shalot,Jon1,Pen,Grace,Tend...and all those who I care for but not recalling their names.

[Mark F.]

Might as well start with the stupidest rivalries and then work my way up.

Well, good luck. I see people who supposedly hate Americans every day and I'm sick of it, so let me know once you've managed to fix that and I'll consider coming back out of my cave.

[another sara]

i think America is one big planet with ppl mixed like an italian dish!

[cuppajoe_9]

Well, good luck. I see people who supposedly hate Americans every day and I'm sick of it, so let me know once you've managed to fix that and I'll consider coming back out of my cave.

I'll be in touch.

[another sara]

I'll be in touch.

:D .............

[Evi]

I have a lot of very good US ( not American as America is a whole continent and not only US) friends, I have been there three times, people were friendly and welcomed with me.

I have been in Canada once ( Niagara and Montreal) , people were friendly, they didnt have any problem with me speaking in English, on the contrary they were helpfulll.

I have been a lot of times in France and i have a lot of French friends and i just love to be there.

I felt welcomed everywhere and thank you all!

Evi

[Shalot]

What's wrong with new ideas for threads! Lol, wondering who is posting next to see what the world think of his country. But anyway it's so interesting.

Now if I'm going to talk about my attitude towards the US, it's not only me who's talking, it's all the society that affects my attitude towards everything.


I do believe that Americans are very affable people, mostly concerned about their work and family. Something noticeable about them, the average American does not have interest in politics. Some of them do not know that there is a country in the world called Saudi Arabia, they would go like: where is it? And it happened with me with a member here whom I dearly love :wave: ,I find this better than knowing about it from the media there which has been trying to give an image of it as a devil on earth!

So Americans are of the people who I'd love to hang with and have as friends, their hearts are as white as sheets.
A note of love and respect to : Kath,Virg,Shalot,Jon1,Pen,Grace,Tend...and all those who I care for but not recalling their names.

miss tenderness, you are awesome. I read your post (the whole thing) and I agree with what you said there.

[Evi]

I add just a clarification in my last post: whatever i said was about people and not about the politics of each country.

Anyway, here we cant post anything about politics ( and bravo to this rule) otherwise we would have problems every day!!

Evi

[Virgil]

I’m going to try very hard not to be political. But I have to come to the defense of my country.

To those that don’t like the US not getting involved in foreign affairs, were you upset when the US stopped Nazi Germany from taking over Europe or Imperial Japan from taking over Asia? There would be people in Europe today that would be speaking German and not their natural language if the US at great cost of life and treasure did not free it. Were you upset when the US stopped the Soviet Union from taking over Europe and the rest of the world and turning your economies into something slightly better than that of the dark ages? Were you upset we tried to help the South Koreans or the South Vietnamese or the Cambodians from genocidal dictators? Were you upset when the US freed Kuwait and protected Saudi Arabia from another dictator? And that dictator would have then gone across the rest of the Arabic world? Were you upset when we had to step into Europe’s back yard and prevent genocide of Muslims in Bosnia? How many Muslims would have died if they had to wait for some European countries with frankly no guts for help? Are you upset that the US freed 30 million Muslims in Afghanistan and 28 million Iraqis? Are you upset we are in Iraq? Is that it? Well the overwhelming majority of Iraqis want us there. They are pleading for us to not leave and they are grateful for their liberty. We are protecting Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish Muslims there. We make no distinction.

The greatest shame that I feel in US foreign policy is when we did nothing to stop the genocidal murder of the Tutsis in Rwanda a few years ago. One million Tutsis were genocidally murdered and no one did anything. You ought to feel that shame too because your nations did nothing either. Is that they type of world you want, where no one helps other countries?

The US has freed and protected people and prevented genocide of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and other religions . We have helped Europeans, Africans, and Asians. We have not made distinctions. Our soldiers have died and it has cost us a lot to maintain our military. If you didn’t have the US military to count on, your military budgets would have to go up many fold. Go ahead and pay those taxes. The US has maintained stability and prosperity across the world for over fifty years.