NationStates Jolt Archive


Why does the world think Americans care if you hate us?

Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:33
Really. Why is your opinion worth so much? No poll is coming, because I can't delude myself enough to think of options.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:42
Um, dude? As a fellow American...

you really don't see anything wrong with that?

the REST of the FREE WORLD hates us, and yet, we don't CARE? Jesus, we're selfish bastards.

God bless America- Christianity and Captialism can both go to hell that way. Keep each other company
Roach-Busters
01-04-2005, 21:42
I don't give a shit what the rest of the world thinks. The more they hate us, the more I hate them.
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:43
Um, dude? As a fellow American...

you really don't see anything wrong with that?

the REST of the FREE WORLD hates us, and yet, we don't CARE? Jesus, we're selfish bastards.

God bless America- Christianity and Captialism can both go to hell that way. Keep each other company
What's your reason? Why should we care what they think? Because THEY'RE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD isn't really a reason.
Sdaeriji
01-04-2005, 21:44
Because as long as we don't care about anyone else's opinion, there will forever be people who want to destroy us.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:45
My point is, if 90% of the entire planet hates you, you've gotta be doing SOMETHING wrong

And don't give me any of this "They're just jealous" crap- that's also self-centered and arrogant. In fact, can anyone even stick up for not caring about the rest of the world without sounding self-centered and arrogant? Because that's why I hate America. We're self-centered and arrogant. Did I mention self-centered? And arrogant?

Not every American is that way, mind. That's just the sum total of all our politics and suchlike.
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:45
Because as long as we don't care about anyone else's opinion, there will forever be people who want to destroy us.
And listening to people's opinions ends all wars and conflicts?
East Canuck
01-04-2005, 21:46
What makes you think we care if you care or not?

Some of us hate. That's it. That all.

We don't really expect you to care, as hatred is blinding. The best we can hope is that you listen to our point, see the logic in it and form a better opinion of our side of the issue and see the flaws we see in your system.

We really couldn't care less that you care... Except that it would facilitate discussions.
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:46
My point is, if 90% of the entire planet hates you, you've gotta be doing SOMETHING wrong
That's a fallacious assumption. Right and wrong are independent of what people imagine them to be. Could be that 90% of the entire planet is doing something wrong.
Sdaeriji
01-04-2005, 21:47
And listening to people's opinions ends all wars and conflicts?

Not necessarily, but completely ignoring other people's opinions starts wars and conflicts.
San haiti
01-04-2005, 21:47
Because if everyone hated you (they dont, but i wont try and get in the way of your self righteous antipathy) no-one would trade with you, and your economy would be screwed.
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 21:48
Self-interest. If you can get people on board with your point of view, trade increases, and you can dominate the world through coersion, which is less expensive than overt force.
As for that, this is a forum, so everyones opinion has value, and can be posted.
Bush though, obviously believes he doesn't need world support. If, twenty years down the road, it turns out he was right, power to him. We'll see how things turn out.
Cannot think of a name
01-04-2005, 21:49
Well, there is how much our economy is reliant on other countries buying our goods and services. On how much that we do in the world that relies on the cooperation of the other countries. Oh, and there is the notion that we are supposed to be a 'force of good' (you know, as opposed to an 'axis of evil').

The less we're liked the less cooperation we get with the rest of the world, the more they start looking elsewhere, the less influence we have, the worse off we become.

So, even if for some reason you are comfortable being a complete dick, it does have ramafications beyond 'Ah do what ah want.'
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:52
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:52
Do you think Hitler cared if the rest of the free world hated him?

If we don't care what they think, why not just say, screw all ya'll, I'm gonna start bombing countries and taking whatever I want, and imposing my beliefs on everyone else.


Can someone define evil for me?
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:53
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.


This country is based on the idea that money = power, money = influance. So ifyou want to see it that way, well, total the amount of money all the countries that hate us have, and compare it to the wealth of this one nation
Cannot think of a name
01-04-2005, 21:53
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.
Then you are only listening to half of the argument.
The Internet Tough Guy
01-04-2005, 21:54
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.

That is some selective hearing you have developed, there.
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:55
That is some selective hearing you have developed, there.
Really? All the talk about trade and tarriffs and support must have given me the wrong idea then. Please explain further.
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 21:56
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.

That's correct. Out of self-interest. Most countries try not to shoot themselves in the foot economically.
Portu Cale MK3
01-04-2005, 21:56
Really. Why is your opinion worth so much? No poll is coming, because I can't delude myself enough to think of options.


Because you care enough to post a thread about it.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:57
Really? All the talk about trade and tarriffs and support must have given me the wrong idea then. Please explain further.

Okay, how do you think this country functions? You think we're entirely self-sufficient, that without any other countries we'd support ourselves and have all these wonderful things that were of course made her using raw materials we took from our own soil?
Carnivorous Lickers
01-04-2005, 21:57
I dont really care if they do hate us. The horde of dopey self loathing punks in here say they do, but I dont feel they are an accurate representation of their countries.
Certainly, with them all standing there with there hands out, accepting truckloads of cash and foreign aid, technology, medicine and even food, you cant hate us, can you? Two faced scum bags that cant exist without us propping them up might. Grinning selfish backstabbers might.
But it alright. We have a far higher standard to maintain than everyone else does. And they might hate us because we can keep to it and smile. but by smiling, they'll say we are arrogant.
Screw whoever doesnt like us. Stop accepting from us and feed yourselves. And stop sending all those conjoined twins here for surgery if we are so bad.
Arammanar
01-04-2005, 21:58
Because you care enough to post a thread about it.
So European's combined opinion is worth one thread and my subsequent posts on NS?
Akusei
01-04-2005, 21:59
So European's combined opinion is worth one thread and my subsequent posts on NS?

wait, say that again? You lost me
The Internet Tough Guy
01-04-2005, 22:00
Really? All the talk about trade and tarriffs and support must have given me the wrong idea then. Please explain further.

I'm not going to post an argument in this thread out of principle, but I have seen posts mentioning not only economic support, but diplomatic and military support as well.
Carnivorous Lickers
01-04-2005, 22:00
Because if everyone hated you (they dont, but i wont try and get in the way of your self righteous antipathy) no-one would trade with you, and your economy would be screwed.


They'll all trade with us till the end of time. Grinning and infused with dollars.
Portu Cale MK3
01-04-2005, 22:03
wait, say that again? You lost me


I think he his obcessed with the value of opinions.
Vetalia
01-04-2005, 22:03
I don't hate Europeans from any nation, nor do I hate anyone from anywhere else. I respect them and their culture, and expect the same in return. So, if they hate me, it is due to prejudice, not legitimate criticism of me or my actions.

In the end, we are all human, and should treat each other with respect rather than hatred.
The Cat-Tribe
01-04-2005, 22:03
What's your reason? Why should we care what they think? Because THEY'RE THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD isn't really a reason.

It just eats us up inside.

We just wanna be loved :fluffle:

Is that so wrong?
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 22:03
I dont really care if they do hate us. The horde of dopey self loathing punks in here say they do, but I dont feel they are an accurate representation of their countries.
Certainly, with them all standing there with there hands out, accepting truckloads of cash and foreign aid, technology, medicine and even food, you cant hate us, can you? Two faced scum bags that cant exist without us propping them up might. Grinning selfish backstabbers might.
But it alright. We have a far higher standard to maintain than everyone else does. And they might hate us because we can keep to it and smile. but by smiling, they'll say we are arrogant.
Screw whoever doesnt like us. Stop accepting from us and feed yourselves. And stop sending all those conjoined twins here for surgery if we are so bad.

I'm Canadian. I have been to the US on several occasions. I have American freinds. I have not taken a cent of your money or a bite of your food. I haven't even taken out a student loan, because I want to do this myself.
But, from an economic standpoint, it seems to me that the American government does care if the world hates them. This is sensible, as a trade disruption is bad for both the US and Canada.
I personally find the illegal (both under NAFTA and international law) tariffs you've slapped on our softwood lumber somewhat anger-causing, since my freinds Dad got laid off directly as a result of these tariffs. Prince George, which is one of the worst hit cities in BC by this, has seen increases in child-prostitution, unemployment, and EI applications, because of your illegal tariffs.
I doubt you'll care, but I know that we're in the right and the US govt. is in the wrong, so I post this anyway.
Alien Born
01-04-2005, 22:05
Arammanar: Do you have a moral stance on anything? If so, why? It doesn't matter what others think of you after all, all that matters is that you get what you want.

So go to some back of beyond town where you are not known by anyone, dispose of the single police officer and then steal everything you want. Take their money, their goods for yourself. It can't hurt. No-one will stop you. Your opinion of yourself has to be good afterwards as you got what you wanted.

Hold on a minute, your self image would not be great would it. Why not, because you would know that you had abused your position of power. How would you know this, by the reactions of others.

The same applies in relationships between countries. You know you live in a country that you can be proud of when other countries respect it. You know you live in a country that is behaving badly when other countries are critical of it.

That is why it matters.
Bottle
01-04-2005, 22:05
Really. Why is your opinion worth so much? No poll is coming, because I can't delude myself enough to think of options.
they probably think Americans care because many of us Americans do care. just a thought.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 22:07
I think he his obcessed with the value of opinions.

Apparently. What confused me is that suddanly the opinion of other nations went from utterly worthless to worth a thread on NS, which, judging by the other threads, is worth somewhere from jack shit (why do americans think we care if you care if we hate you?) to rather important news (The pope has passed, The patriot act) to personal deep feelings (Have you ever attempted suicide?)
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 22:08
they probably think Americans care because many of us Americans do care. just a thought.

You make me feel warm inside. :p
Jaythewise
01-04-2005, 22:09
Apparently. What confused me is that suddanly the opinion of other nations went from utterly worthless to worth a thread on NS, which, judging by the other threads, is worth somewhere from jack shit (why do americans think we care if you care if we hate you?) to rather important news (The pope has passed, The patriot act) to personal deep feelings (Have you ever attempted suicide?)

your flame baiting jackass, what would you think would happen?
Carnivorous Lickers
01-04-2005, 22:09
I'm Canadian. I have been to the US on several occasions. I have American freinds. I have not taken a cent of your money or a bite of your food. I haven't even taken out a student loan, because I want to do this myself.
But, from an economic standpoint, it seems to me that the American government does care if the world hates them. This is sensible, as a trade disruption is bad for both the US and Canada.
I personally find the illegal (both under NAFTA and international law) tariffs you've slapped on our softwood lumber somewhat anger-causing, since my freinds Dad got laid off directly as a result of these tariffs. Prince George, which is one of the worst hit cities in BC by this, has seen increases in child-prostitution, unemployment, and EI applications, because of your illegal tariffs.
I doubt you'll care, but I know that we're in the right and the US govt. is in the wrong, so I post this anyway.

Well-you've told me something I wasnt aware of and if what you say is true, I do care. I dont like to hear a man lost his job as a result of something like that. Wether he Canadian or American. Do you hate America for this?
Shasoria
01-04-2005, 22:10
Americans SHOULD care. Why? Because America would be nothing without international cooperation. You have to concern yourself with image quite the bit, if for no other reason than in doing business (something that I hear the States is known for). I mean really, think about it... you guys want to go make trades and deals with Osama right now? No. Why? Because opinion deters against it.

America should be concerned because the rest of the world is its neighbours. While listening to their opinions won't FIX everything, it will sure as hell give you an idea as to where to start fixing things. Because International Relations is the foundation of any country that wishes to continue coexisting peacefully with the rest of the world.
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 22:11
Well-you've told me something I wasnt aware of and if what you say is true, I do care. I dont like to hear a man lost his job as a result of something like that. Wether he Canadian or American. Do you hate America for this?

No. I never have and never will. I think America is wrong in their trade practices, and that is all. And I believe that Americans do care about doing the right thing, which is why they listen when people from other parts of the world say things like this.
Cannot think of a name
01-04-2005, 22:14
They'll all trade with us till the end of time. Grinning and infused with dollars.
Until it becomes less hassle to deal with the EU China and India. Even Bill Gates is transfering his wealth to Euros....kinda tells ya something...
Akusei
01-04-2005, 22:14
your flame baiting jackass, what would you think would happen?


...um, what?

First of all, use proper grammer, you're giving me a headache. Secondly, I just have strong feelings on this topic. "flame-bating" would be just plain attacking someone; I'm simply stating my VERY strong feelings on the subject.

Someone help me out here

EDIT: also, I said "WE're selfish". As in this country, not the founder of the thread in particular
Eichen
01-04-2005, 22:22
I think there was some kind of valid point to be made here, but it was eclipsed by the original poster's awful choice of words.

I care what the rest of the world thinks, in a general way.
But it's not like I lose sleep over it.
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:24
And listening to people's opinions ends all wars and conflicts?

Good question, maybe someone should actually give it a try someday to find out. ;)
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:27
Well, there is how much our economy is reliant on other countries buying our goods and services. On how much that we do in the world that relies on the cooperation of the other countries. Oh, and there is the notion that we are supposed to be a 'force of good' (you know, as opposed to an 'axis of evil').

The less we're liked the less cooperation we get with the rest of the world, the more they start looking elsewhere, the less influence we have, the worse off we become.

So, even if for some reason you are comfortable being a complete dick, it does have ramafications beyond 'Ah do what ah want.'


*nods* The European Union is already quite self reliant, if they feel snubbed enough, I wouldn't put it beyond their people to boycott American goods in repsonse.
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:30
Do you think Hitler cared if the rest of the free world hated him?

If we don't care what they think, why not just say, screw all ya'll, I'm gonna start bombing countries and taking whatever I want, and imposing my beliefs on everyone else.


Can someone define evil for me?


evil >adjective 1 deeply immoral and malevolent. 2 embodying or associated with the devil. 3 extremely unpleasant. >noun 1 extreme wickedness and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force. 2 something harmful or undesirable.
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:33
Really? All the talk about trade and tarriffs and support must have given me the wrong idea then. Please explain further.

I think you give people the impression that you care only about the tangible benefits of U.S. policy. While people have been trying to explain the logical and more abstract concepts as well, I think they have also been trying to appeal to your own sensibilities.
Akusei
01-04-2005, 22:35
evil >adjective 1 deeply immoral and malevolent. 2 embodying or associated with the devil. 3 extremely unpleasant. >noun 1 extreme wickedness and depravity, especially when regarded as a supernatural force. 2 something harmful or undesirable.


The comeback, of course, being "define immoral, define unplesant, define wicked, define depravity, define undesirable"

no dictionary can come up with what is in essence a moral judgement
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:37
I dont really care if they do hate us. The horde of dopey self loathing punks in here say they do, but I dont feel they are an accurate representation of their countries.
Certainly, with them all standing there with there hands out, accepting truckloads of cash and foreign aid, technology, medicine and even food, you cant hate us, can you? Two faced scum bags that cant exist without us propping them up might. Grinning selfish backstabbers might.
But it alright. We have a far higher standard to maintain than everyone else does. And they might hate us because we can keep to it and smile. but by smiling, they'll say we are arrogant.
Screw whoever doesnt like us. Stop accepting from us and feed yourselves. And stop sending all those conjoined twins here for surgery if we are so bad.


That's a big bag of hatred you got there mate. :(
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:39
They'll all trade with us till the end of time. Grinning and infused with dollars.


I don't think you realize that the rest of the worst dosn't necessarily think the same way Americans do. How else do you explain the dollar continuing to lose value to the Euro?
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:40
I don't hate Europeans from any nation, nor do I hate anyone from anywhere else. I respect them and their culture, and expect the same in return. So, if they hate me, it is due to prejudice, not legitimate criticism of me or my actions.

In the end, we are all human, and should treat each other with respect rather than hatred.


Bless you mate, there are some words to live by. Namaste.
Old Coraigh
01-04-2005, 22:48
The comeback, of course, being "define immoral, define unplesant, define wicked, define depravity, define undesirable"

no dictionary can come up with what is in essence a moral judgement


Ah... 'twas a trick question... I see... hmmm... *ponders looking up those other words for kicks*
Kervoskia
01-04-2005, 22:49
Because as long as we don't care about anyone else's opinion, there will forever be people who want to destroy us.
Damn straight.
Pepe Dominguez
01-04-2005, 22:51
I don't think I need to remind everyone that America is pretty well-liked in Poland. :) And things popular in Poland are pretty good in general. Henryk Sienkiewicz, Pierogis, the list goes on and on!
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 22:52
I don't think I need to remind everyone that America is pretty well-liked in Poland. :) And things popular in Poland are pretty good in general. Henryk Sienkiewicz, Pierogis, the list goes on and on!

I also enjoy my perogies, and didn't realize they were made in Poland.
Kervoskia
01-04-2005, 22:55
I don't think I need to remind everyone that America is pretty well-liked in Poland. :) And things popular in Poland are pretty good in general. Henryk Sienkiewicz, Pierogis, the list goes on and on!
Damn!!!We ALWAYS forget Poland, sorry :p
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 22:59
At the risk of appearing stupid- who is Henryk Sienkiewicz?
Carbdown
01-04-2005, 22:59
Um, dude? As a fellow American...

you really don't see anything wrong with that?

the REST of the FREE WORLD hates us, and yet, we don't CARE? Jesus, we're selfish bastards.

Didn't your mom ever teach you not to care what other people think?

If the world wants to hate us I say we stop funding thier happy-pappy asses. What would the state of economy be for the entire planet without good ole' America to back them up? Look at all our major industry's, our country IS in control, but not by some mad-man dictator or some unholy union in office *Cough!*UNITED NATIONS!*Cough!* But by nameless coporate big-wigs who own franchises like "Wal-Mart" and "McDonalds"..

As a liberatarian I demand we stop giving up our good money to the rest of this foul planet all-together. They bite too often the hand that feeds them.. Watch as our citizens all have jobs and great health bennefits meanwhile they all fall down into a savage state of failed communism. (America could probably do a succesful communism if Wal-Mart turned into a revised socialism. See?! We're that damn sweet!)

Anyways I don't see why our goverment kisses the U.N.'s ass anyways, all they do is pollute our air with thier oil mines and coal factories. Damn steam-punks..
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 23:03
Didn't your mom ever teach you not to care what other people think?

If the world wants to hate us I say we stop funding thier happy-pappy asses. What would the state of economy be for the entire planet without good ole' America to back them up? Look at all our major industry's, our country IS in control, but not by some mad-man dictator or some unholy union in office *Cough!*UNITED NATIONS!*Cough!* But by nameless coporate big-wigs who own franchises like "Wal-Mart" and "McDonalds"..

As a liberatarian I demand we stop giving up our good money to the rest of this foul planet all-together. They bite too often the hand that feeds them.. Watch as our citizens all have jobs and great health bennefits meanwhile they all fall down into a savage state of failed communism. (America could probably do a succesful communism if Wal-Mart turned into a revised socialism. See?! We're that damn sweet!)

Anyways I don't see why our goverment kisses the U.N.'s ass anyways, all they do is pollute our air with thier oil mines and coal factories. Damn steam-punks..

I hate to resort to insults, but how in God's name do you function?
The US kisses the UN's ass?!?!? Have you taken a look at the new US ambassador to the UN? A guy who thinks the UN shouldn't exist.
And I hate to break it to you, but the rest of the world is not dependant upon the US. Certain third world countries are, but most of them don't get the privilege of posting on NS forums. You're talking to Canadians, Europeans, and other 1st worlders who don't get one red cent form the US.
If you wish to state fact, please state fact. Otherwise, put a disclaimer above so that we know you're full of nonsense.
Jaythewise
01-04-2005, 23:20
I hate to resort to insults, but how in God's name do you function?
The US kisses the UN's ass?!?!? Have you taken a look at the new US ambassador to the UN? A guy who thinks the UN shouldn't exist.
And I hate to break it to you, but the rest of the world is not dependant upon the US. Certain third world countries are, but most of them don't get the privilege of posting on NS forums. You're talking to Canadians, Europeans, and other 1st worlders who don't get one red cent form the US.
If you wish to state fact, please state fact. Otherwise, put a disclaimer above so that we know you're full of nonsense.

ahh canada does depend on the USA for most of its trade silly
Pepe Dominguez
01-04-2005, 23:24
At the risk of appearing stupid- who is Henryk Sienkiewicz?

Poland's most famous epic novelist. Author of "Quo Vadis," the best-selling fiction novel of all time, as well as his Trilogy, and "The Teutonic Knights," among several other short stories and novels.

I'm told some of the strength of his work is lost when not read in the original Polish, but I think the translated versions are outstanding. You practically see the souls of his characters in the pages. Great if you enjoy historical fiction, his works were published at one of the worst times in Poland's history, and reminded many of the Polish people of better times, when the nation was being destroyed by war.
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 23:25
ahh canada does depend on the USA for most of its trade silly

Sorry, I meant not one red cent in handouts.
Great Beer and Food
01-04-2005, 23:29
Really. Why is your opinion worth so much? No poll is coming, because I can't delude myself enough to think of options.

I'm an American and I care what the rest of the world thinks....but then again, I'm also a wife who cares what her husband thinks, a daughter who cares what her parents think, a sister who cares what her siblings think, and a citizen who cares about what the rest of the community thinks.

It's all in how you look at it, I guess, and ultimately, what kind of person you want people to view you as.
Buddhas Cousin
01-04-2005, 23:29
I don't give a shit what the rest of the world thinks. The more they hate us, the more I hate them.
The more they hate YOU (not us), the more "shit" we get lobbed at us
Vetalia
01-04-2005, 23:31
I don't give a shit what the rest of the world thinks. The more they hate us, the more I hate them.

I think this explains why there are so many wars. Thank God for the Recurring Cycle of Hatred!
Pepe Dominguez
01-04-2005, 23:32
The more they hate YOU (not us), the more "shit" we get lobbed at us

Yeah, so elect an Ayatollah and implement Shari'a Law, and you'll be loved again. Simple. :)
Carbdown
01-04-2005, 23:46
I'm an American and I care what the rest of the world thinks....but then again, I'm also a wife who cares what her husband thinks, a daughter who cares what her parents think, a sister who cares what her siblings think, and a citizen who cares about what the rest of the community thinks.
Yeah umm.. you're a tool.. : /

Seriously, take me for example.

The girl I had such a huge fucking crush on treated me as though i had lepersy.
My family is full of drunks and pedophiles.
Other countries are wracked with famine, war, pesstielance, and half of them don't even bathe daily.

And you're going to tell me i should give two pieces of monkey crap what ANY of these ass-puppets think?!?!

Do yourself a favor and just stop caring, they're unworthy..
Pure Metal
01-04-2005, 23:48
Really. Why is your opinion worth so much? No poll is coming, because I can't delude myself enough to think of options.
I don't give a shit what the rest of the world thinks. The more they hate us, the more I hate them.
three posts into the thread and already this is a minefield of small-mindedness...


edit:
Yeah umm.. you're a tool.. : /

Seriously, take me for example.

The girl I had such a huge fucking crush on treated me as though i had lepersy.
My family is full of drunks and pedophiles.
Other countries are wracked with famine, war, pesstielance, and half of them don't even bathe daily.

And you're going to tell me i should give two pieces of monkey crap what ANY of these ass-puppets think?!?!

Do yourself a favor and just stop caring, they're unworthy..
woah this one takes the biscuit :eek:
Ubiqtorate
01-04-2005, 23:51
Yeah umm.. you're a tool.. : /

Seriously, take me for example.

The girl I had such a huge fucking crush on treated me as though i had lepersy.
My family is full of drunks and pedophiles.
Other countries are wracked with famine, war, pesstielance, and half of them don't even bathe daily.

And you're going to tell me i should give two pieces of monkey crap what ANY of these ass-puppets think?!?!

Do yourself a favor and just stop caring, they're unworthy..

So, you seriously think you're better than everybody?
I'm sorry if you don't care what anyone else thinks, but some people do, and (all men are created equal) I am going to continue to care, regardless of your belief that they aren't worthy.
Oh wait, I'm Canadian, not American, so I'm evidently unworthy. Please disregard. :rolleyes:
Earths Orbit
01-04-2005, 23:51
:headbang:
ok, there are really good reasons to not care what the rest of the world thinks.
If you're convinced that your country is doing the right thing, and 90% of the world disagrees, then good for you, stick by your country, say "I don't care!"

Honestly.

But, for the sake of yourself, to make your own opinions have some weight, at least think about *why* 90% of the world disagrees, then make up your mind.

Just saying "They don't like us" is only half of the story. They don't like you because...they're jealous? ok, that's valid. You shouldn't care about their dislike in that case. They don't like you because...you invaded their territory? Perhaps you should accept that as a valid reason, and if you care about your country being "the good guys" then care. Perhaps you feel that the invasion was justified, in which case you shouldn't care about their dislike. Notice the subtle difference? Not caring *for a reason* or caring *for a reason*

Many Americans say "If it's not in America, I don't care". That is just sad, really. There's a lot of stuff out there, a lot of really good stuff, and guess what? It's not all american. You're missing out on a lot. And when you say "I don't care what the rest of the world thinks" you, honestly, are just making your country look bad.

Now, onto a more tangible point...do you care about september 11? I know a *lot* of Americans do care. Those are lives that we can count. Those are lives that were largely lost because people in America *didn't* care what the rest of the world thought. I hate to say it, but America brought 9/11 on themselves with their shocking foreign policy. This does not in any way excuse what happened, or shift the blame at all. It was still a terrible, terrible thing. America wasn't "to blame", but America did have a part in the events that led up to 9/11. And it's not just that some terrorists wanted a big capitalist target. There's more to the story than that. If you think that's the whole story, there's another example of Americans only looking at their own country, which puts them at a disadvantage.

Australia, our biggest military threat would be Indonesia. Know what we did, stupid as it sounds? We sent our troops over there to teach their soldiers how to fight better. We sold them planes. We sold them weapons. We helped arm them, so they could feel secure in their military. We send aid when they have disasters. We help them out. Nowdays we have very good relations with them (well, people can debate this, but they certainly aren't a military threat) and, what's more, we have an armed ally who stands between us and the rest of the world. Not a bad deal, considering our coastline is so long that we can't properly guard it anyway. I'm saying that taking notice of them and responding has improved our relationship with another country. Caring has given us a direct benefit.

Oh, and I also quite like knowing that there are wars going on in the world which America isn't part of. Wars where people die. I'd prefer these things didn't happen, of course. But ignoring them isn't going to help anyone.
I quite like knowing how the actions my country takes effects the rest of the world, because they are human beings, trying to live their lives just as much as citizens of Australia.
I quite like standing up when I'm on the bus and an elderly person needs a seat.
I quite like being a *nice person*. It makes me feel good about myself.
It really doesn't take that much effort to care. All it takes is the ability to say "well, maybe my country didn't do the best thing ever" if, indeed, that is true.

Sheesh, grow up, and stop thinking that America is the centre of the world, and all other countries want to be just like you. And stop thinking that there is any moral way at all to justify not caring about other people.
Swimmingpool
01-04-2005, 23:54
And listening to people's opinions ends all wars and conflicts?
No, but considerig and acting on some of them might steer you in the right direction.

Sdaerdji makes a good point. Surely the point of the whole "democracy in the Middle East" thing is so that you'll have less people wanting to crash planes into your cities, right?
Swimmingpool
02-04-2005, 00:11
So because Europeans have money, we should listen to them, is what I'm hearing.
Yeah. What's the problem?

Yeah, so elect an Ayatollah and implement Shari'a Law, and you'll be loved again. Simple. :)
Whoever suggested appeasing Muslim extremists? You are the only one who has suggested it.
Shasoria
02-04-2005, 05:49
ahh canada does depend on the USA for most of its trade silly
And the USA depends on Canada just as much. We are each others largest trading partners. Without one, the other would fall. It's quite true, any economic theorist would tell you the severe repercussions if the US placed a trade embargo on Canada, or vice versa.

An estimated $1,000,000,000.00 in Goods and Services crosses our borders every day. The States would not just suddenly find another market to send those goods to. A more precise figure? America exported $293,100,000,000.00 in Goods/Services to Canada in 2001. Canada exported $382,600,000,000.00 in Goods/Services to America in 2001. And I can already tell you, a lot of those are raw materials that manufacturing in the United States depends on.

Also: your cars. GM, Chrysler, Ford, they all have huge plants all across Southern Ontario. In my hometown sits one of the key assembly plants Chrysler has. We produce millions upon millions of automobiles annually for American-run corporations. Leaving would close these plants; companies would lose a disgusting amount of money.

No offense, but America needs Canada just as much as we need you. Don't think that gives you the upper-hand in any way, shape, or form. We can screw each other over in a heartbeat.