NationStates Jolt Archive

I've heard a number of non-Americans say that, after the 2004 elections, they were beginning to dislike the American people rather than merely our government and leaders. After all, we choose our leaders (at least to a certain extent).

Now, Americans disaprove of the current administration as much as we have disaproved of any administration. Does this mean that Americans aren't so bad?

Secondly, what is it that we have done to become so disliked throughout the world? What should we do in order to improve the world's image of the American people?

Uhh... to name two atomic bomb and My lai

I've heard a number of non-Americans say that, after the 2004 elections, they were beginning to dislike the American people rather than merely our government and leaders. After all, we choose our leaders (at least to a certain extent).

Now, Americans disaprove of the current administration as much as we have disaproved of any administration. Does this mean that Americans aren't so bad?

Secondly, what is it that we have done to become so disliked throughout the world? What should we do in order to improve the world's image of the American people?

Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them

Why should Americans care what everyone else think of us? Like the old saying goes "You can't please everyone all the time." I would just like to add "So don't even bother trying to please them at all." I think America should just do their own thing and not try to please everyone else on earth. Allthough, for future refrence, no more C average President.

Uhh... to name two atomic bomb and My lai

You can blame us for my lai, but the two nukes were justified.


I know a lot of what the world hates us for...

GWB @ 00
GWB @ 04
Gulf War 2
Gitmo
GWB @ 04
Having the gall to do anything without the UNs blessing...

I've heard a number of non-Americans say that, after the 2004 elections, they were beginning to dislike the American people rather than merely our government and leaders. After all, we choose our leaders (at least to a certain extent)

Those people are asshats. Ignore them.

Now, Americans disaprove of the current administration as much as we have disaproved of any administration. Does this mean that Americans aren't so bad?

Ye never were.

Secondly, what is it that we have done to become so disliked throughout the world? What should we do in order to improve the world's image of the American people?

Generally, it's seen that ye (and by that I mean your Government) are too quick to say that America is the champion of freedom and democracy, and yet America is notorious for knocking over government (even democratically elected ones) that they don't agree with. And installing human-rights abusing dictators to replace them. Basically, on the world stage, you're seen as arrogant hypocrites.

Does anyone know what the UN purpose is anymore?

Why should Americans care what everyone else think of us? Like the old saying goes "You can't please everyone all the time." I would just like to add "So don't even bother trying to please them at all." I think America should just do their own thing and not try to please everyone else on earth. Allthough, for future refrence, no more C average President.

True true....

QUOTE=Wilgrove]Does anyone know what the UN purpose is anymore?[/QUOTE]
So people who like to bicker Have a place to go.

Don't worry we'll have a new UN by the next World war

You can blame us for my lai, but the two nukes were justified.

Were they now? allot of influential people at the time thought other wise

Uhh... to name two atomic bomb and My lai
Yes, both of those were terrible atrocities. Have you forgiven the German people for the Holocaust?

Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them


:D :D

you crack me up.........:D

Why should Americans care what everyone else think of us?


Because going out of our way to displease the rest of the world can:


Make it more difficult to pursue the American national interest
Create conflict with other states (see also: first point above)
Create conflict with other societies and cultures, to the detriment of American security and prosperity (see also: terrorists crashing airplanes into large buildings)


Being nice to others can encourage others to be nice to you. This makes living with others easier and more productive (for their gain as well as ours).


Like the old saying goes "You can't please everyone all the time."


Foreign policy and national security issues should probably be based on something more substantial than worn out clichés. There is a difference between trying and failing, and not trying at all. The first is part of living in our reality, the second is a cheap and lazy excuse. Its the latter instance that tends to make people upset.

Yes, both of those were terrible atrocities. Have you forgiven the German people for the Holocaust?
Obviously, excluding those involved In the concentration camps and Hitler (Duh.) I don't blame the guy who dropped the Atomic bomb on Hiroshima Either (he had no Idea what was going to happen) but I do blame the higher ranking officials and the scientists who did.

Of course My Lai was something different entirely.

I think the reasons they hate us (currently) are our unwillingness to admit our mistakes in Iraq, Religious Zealotry and Maybe, the fact that we allow our leader to do pretty much what ever he wants.

I don't think I completely agree with the posters who have expressed the opinion that we should just ignore our international critics.
Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them
I think much of their disaproval comes from our international policies rather than our domestic policies. Heck, even if we became more conservative on issues such as gay rights and domestic "eavesdropping" I don't think they'd give a crap.

I think this expresses the attitude that I hear most often:
Generally, it's seen that ye (and by that I mean your Government) are too quick to say that America is the champion of freedom and democracy, and yet America is notorious for knocking over government (even democratically elected ones) that they don't agree with. And installing human-rights abusing dictators to replace them. Basically, on the world stage, you're seen as arrogant hypocrites.
I think if we it is silly of us to say that we want democracy to spread in the Middle East, while we reject the Palestenian democracy. I don't think it's very consistent.

Obviously, excluding those involved In the concentration camps and Hitler (Duh.) I don't blame the guy who dropped the Atomic bomb on Hiroshima Either (he had no Idea what was going to happen) but I do blame the higher ranking officials and the scientists who did.

Of course My Lai was something different entirely.
I guess I took your original statement as more extreme than I should have. That's why I asked that question.

I think the reasons they hate us (currently) are our unwillingness to admit our mistakes in Iraq, Religious Zealotry and Maybe, the fact that we allow our leader to do pretty much what ever he wants.
We can be stubborn with our policies. It seems, though, that we're beggining to admit our mistake in electing our current leaders. On the domestic issues, I honestly think non-Americans couldn't give a crap, for the most part. If we were less hypocritical on international issues, they would be much more approving.

I've also heard that, when Americans travel overseas, we can be rather dickheadish. What should we be doing differently?

I've also heard that, when Americans travel overseas, we can be rather dickheadish. What should we be doing differently?


There are five stereotypes of annoying Americans. Don't fall into them and you'll be fine.

1)The uber-nationalist. Everything he sees, even things unique to the country he's visiting, will have a counter-part in America that's bigger and better. He'll inform everybody around him of this fact. He'll also act surprised that the locals enjoy modern technology. He'll inform everybody around him of his fact as well.
2)The Loud-mouths. They'll positively shout their conversations at several decibels louder than everybody else in the room.
3)The Irish-American. A stereotype unique to Ireland. He'll tell everybody how he considers himself Irish and go into long detailed conversations about his genealogy. He'll also assume that every Irish person in the entire island knows every other one.
4)The woman that goes "Oh my God" in an annoying nasal tone, exactly like the women off of "Friends".
5)The Arrogant Prick. He'll be rude and insulting and speak loudly and slowly in English to people.

I don't know if any of these stereotypes have any basis in fact. Personally, any American I've ever met have generally been nice friendly people. Also they've all smoked weed, although that might be more a reflection on me.

Why should Americans care what everyone else think of us? Like the old saying goes "You can't please everyone all the time." I would just like to add "So don't even bother trying to please them at all." I think America should just do their own thing and not try to please everyone else on earth. Allthough, for future refrence, no more C average President.

Middle-aged middle-class women who like vacationing in Paris care about foreigners' perception of America.. college professors who like to take 6-month sabbaticals in Europe on government money and fear being insulted in some restaurant over there care about America's reputation among Europeans (which we'll call "the world" since that's what people usually mean when they say "the World doesn't like us"). And of course, your odd thin-skinned poli-sci student who feels a need to distance himself from his country to be more liked on some internet forum somplace..

That covers the bulk of it, I think. :p

I don't know if any of these stereotypes have any basis in fact. Personally, any American I've ever met have generally been nice friendly people. Also they've all smoked weed, although that might be more a reflection on me.


Eh, stereotypes are all over.

You know whats cool about us Yanks?

See, America is a fairly well-to do nation, and its people, are mostly middle class.

This means we have a bit more money and leisure time to devote to herb smoking.
It also means we have that down to a fricking science.

It means if we cant grow the best weed in the world...we sure as hell can import the stuff.

Theres plenty of us Yanks who would enjoy getting our global neighbors really, really toasted.

I've heard a number of non-Americans say that, after the 2004 elections, they were beginning to dislike the American people rather than merely our government and leaders. After all, we choose our leaders (at least to a certain extent).

Now, Americans disaprove of the current administration as much as we have disaproved of any administration. Does this mean that Americans aren't so bad?

Secondly, what is it that we have done to become so disliked throughout the world? What should we do in order to improve the world's image of the American people?

Wait...we're doing this topic again?

*sigh*

Anyone who's tired of this one wanna go play cards in the corner or something? I dislike fire.

Eh, stereotypes are all over.


Maybe, but I've come across Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of those types in my personal experience.

Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them
Stop feeling sorry for yourselves and acting like arrogant ignorants for a start. You are the most powerful and wealthy country in the world. You have no excuse for your double standards.

I think it's just politics, not culture. In 2004, Bush had ruined his reputation pretty much everywhere in the world, and then the Americans reelected him.

Usually in polls at least here in Germany, center-left voters stated they supported the Democrats, while center-right voters supported the Republicans. That had radically changed in 2004, when even a large majority of the center-right supported Kerry - not because they suddenly found him that great, but because they wanted Bush replaced. And I think as soon as the Republicans nominate a candidate who actually cares for America's allies (and not just what he can get away with nationally) the support for Republicans will be back as well, and when Americans elect a president like that the opinion about Americans will improve again as well.

Just remember that it takes much longer to build up a good reputation than to damage it.

I've also heard that, when Americans travel overseas, we can be rather dickheadish. What should we be doing differently?
This is not advice for Americans, it's general advice:

Buy a pocket dictionary of the foreign language that is spoken (so that you can get out of a stalemate when the person cannot understand your english) and always learn how to say "please" and "thank you" in that language.

Most people in my country find it very arrogant and rude, when turists don't even bother saying "obrigado". Doesn't hurt...

Maybe, but I've come across Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of those types in my personal experience.

Sure, theres truths to many stereotypes.

French people are snobby, the English have bad teeth, Germans like Schizer porn...etc..

African Americans dont tip, whats yer point?

You just have to remember that they dont really apply to everyone.

Theres plenty of us Yanks who would enjoy getting our global neighbors really, really toasted.

There's a foreign policy I can really appreciate.

Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them
Electing someone in the mould of B. Clinton'd be good enough for me.
if nothing else, it'd be a start towards ballless social chamberlainism ; )

I've heard a number of non-Americans say that, after the 2004 elections, they were beginning to dislike the American people rather than merely our government and leaders. After all, we choose our leaders (at least to a certain extent).

Now, Americans disaprove of the current administration as much as we have disaproved of any administration. Does this mean that Americans aren't so bad?

Secondly, what is it that we have done to become so disliked throughout the world? What should we do in order to improve the world's image of the American people?
Well, for one, the fact that this is dawning on most of the country now when it's too late isn't exactly all that helpful.

But one thing we could do to be more likeable would be to drop attitudes like this one:
Nothing we can do, short of rolling over, cutting off our balls, and becoming a socialistic gov't that practices chamberlainism will suffice them

There are five stereotypes of annoying Americans. Don't fall into them and you'll be fine.

1)The uber-nationalist. Everything he sees, even things unique to the country he's visiting, will have a counter-part in America that's bigger and better. He'll inform everybody around him of this fact. He'll also act surprised that the locals enjoy modern technology. He'll inform everybody around him of his fact as well.
2)The Loud-mouths. They'll positively shout their conversations at several decibels louder than everybody else in the room.
3)The Irish-American. A stereotype unique to Ireland. He'll tell everybody how he considers himself Irish and go into long detailed conversations about his genealogy. He'll also assume that every Irish person in the entire island knows every other one.
4)The woman that goes "Oh my God" in an annoying nasal tone, exactly like the women off of "Friends".
5)The Arrogant Prick. He'll be rude and insulting and speak loudly and slowly in English to people.

I don't know if any of these stereotypes have any basis in fact. Personally, any American I've ever met have generally been nice friendly people. Also they've all smoked weed, although that might be more a reflection on me.

Here's one I met:

6) The Soldier Boy: He lives in some semi-hidden American base (possibly even secret detention facility). And despite already living in a barracks, he goes to campings with his comrades to do what he could be doing at the barracks to: drink, shout, belch, laugh too loud, break the record of the most F*cks uttered on one evening, and potentially piss on innocent campers. Possibly he'll threaten the site owner with violence and gun fighting when he gets his obscene butt kicked off the camping.

Only in America, baby.

There are five stereotypes of annoying Americans. Don't fall into them and you'll be fine.

1)The uber-nationalist. Everything he sees, even things unique to the country he's visiting, will have a counter-part in America that's bigger and better. He'll inform everybody around him of this fact. He'll also act surprised that the locals enjoy modern technology. He'll inform everybody around him of his fact as well.
2)The Loud-mouths. They'll positively shout their conversations at several decibels louder than everybody else in the room.
3)The Irish-American. A stereotype unique to Ireland. He'll tell everybody how he considers himself Irish and go into long detailed conversations about his genealogy. He'll also assume that every Irish person in the entire island knows every other one.
4)The woman that goes "Oh my God" in an annoying nasal tone, exactly like the women off of "Friends".
5)The Arrogant Prick. He'll be rude and insulting and speak loudly and slowly in English to people.

I don't know if any of these stereotypes have any basis in fact. Personally, any American I've ever met have generally been nice friendly people. Also they've all smoked weed, although that might be more a reflection on me.
1.) Interesting story:
I know a foreign exchange student from Norway. We were talking about the differences between American and European television, and I asked her whether they had certain programs, like David Letterman and Spongebob, in Norway. She responded to these questions by saying "In Norway, we have everything you have and more." Of course, I teased her about being an elitist European. I mean seriously, "everything you have and more." That's just classically stereotypical. I know she meant it in a very limited context, but I still thought it was funny. Anyway, I hope what I perceive as good-natured teasing doesn't come across as arrogant nationalism to non-Americans.

2.) I'm fairly soft-spoken, so this one doesn't apply to me. Btw, those people are considered annoying and rude on this side of the pond as well.

3.) I'm half Irish, and I'm rather proud of that heritage. If I ever went to Ireland, I don't think I'd try to pretend that I'm a "real" Irishman. After all, I'm also half English and half German.

4.) I liked Friends. The one with the nasaly voice was a semimajor charactor that only appeared in a few episodes. I don't get why cetain people dislike that show so much. I suppose there is no accounting for taste.

5.) I know he said he doesn't speak English, but if I speak loudly and slowly enough he has to understand me.

6) The Soldier Boy: He lives in some semi-hidden American base (possibly even secret detention facility). And despite already living in a barracks, he goes to campings with his comrades to do what he could be doing at the barracks to: drink, shout, belch, laugh too loud, break the record of the most F*cks uttered on one evening, and potentially piss on innocent campers. Possibly he'll threaten the site owner with violence and gun fighting when he gets his obscene butt kicked off the camping.
6.) You obviously have no respect for the brave men and women of our armed forces. An American soldier has earned the right to urinate on whomever he/she desires.
Wait...we're doing this topic again?

*sigh*

Anyone who's tired of this one wanna go play cards in the corner or something? I dislike fire.
Yes, in fact, we are doing this topic again. You know, there have been so many threads on NS General, that it is effectively impossible to post on a serious topic that hasn't already been covered extensively. In fact, even if I did start a thread that was fairly original, the conversation would eventually devolve into one of the "traditional" NS topics, probably because most of us like debating the same things over and over again.
Middle-aged middle-class women who like vacationing in Paris care about foreigners' perception of America.. college professors who like to take 6-month sabbaticals in Europe on government money and fear being insulted in some restaurant over there care about America's reputation among Europeans (which we'll call "the world" since that's what people usually mean when they say "the World doesn't like us"). And of course, your odd thin-skinned poli-sci student who feels a need to distance himself from his country to be more liked on some internet forum somplace..

That covers the bulk of it, I think.:p
I'm a Screenwriting major, for you information. Anyway, I was just bringing up the point that some non-Americans might reconsider their dislike of us if it is based on disliking our elected leaders, because most Americans are beginning to disaprove of our leaders.
Well, for one, the fact that this is dawning on most of the country now when it's too late isn't exactly all that helpful.
We have Congressional elections every two years, and presidential elections every four years. I hardly think this qualifies as "too late."

Originally Posted by Laerod
Well, for one, the fact that this is dawning on most of the country now when it's too late isn't exactly all that helpful.
We have Congressional elections every two years, and presidential elections every four years. I hardly think this qualifies as "too late."
I think Laerod means that the realisation that Bush isn't exactly a top notch choice for president has come too late.


3.) I'm half Irish, and I'm rather proud of that heritage. If I ever went to Ireland, I don't think I'd try to pretend that I'm a "real" Irishman. After all, I'm also half English and half German.

This is partially what is annoying about Americans claiming heritage, namely that they exaggerate it, you say you're half-Irish, half-English, AND half-German, which is already impossible, and you haven't even counted any American heritage in yet.

Personally I think Eutrusca had it right


Originally Posted by Eutrusca
I strongly suspect that most Europeans and others would strongly moderate their speech if the US would work harder at living up to the ideals we have always espoused. Just one old soldier's perception.

Why do people dislike America?

Because America continually acts in unbelievably selfish manner, to put it simply. Wars are fought in self interest, American corporations treat workers in the rest of the (poor) world like shit as a whole, politically they aim to achieve success for themselves at the rest of the world's expense.

While these are the actions of the American government, not the people, the rest of the world has a tendency to see three key things-
1) The self centred ideals of the government rubbing off on the people.
2) The American people refusing to question why this is happening.
3) The American people choosing leaders who make these decisions.

To be fair, I think 1 and 2 have an element of truth about them. As with number 3, well, you never know what a politicians going to do 'til they're in power do you? Plus a lot of the people who give your country a bad name aren't electable, recallable or accountable.

I think Laerod means that the realisation that Bush isn't exactly a top notch choice for president has come too late.
Obviously, we weren't at our smartest for those years. Seriously though, people change. If you don't want to give us a chance, I say that's your loss.


This is partially what is annoying about Americans claiming heritage, namely that they exaggerate it, you say you're half-Irish, half-English, AND half-German, which is already impossible, and you haven't even counted any American heritage in yet.
The three halves thing was a joke. Not particularly funny, I know.

An important fact to realize is that when various national groups came to America they stayed somewhat segregated from other national groups. I suppose non-Americans might imagine that, once immigrants get here, they just sort of assimilate, especially after multiple generations. The truth is that, in many cities, neighborhoods were devided on the basis of ethnic heritage for a long time. This meant that a person born of Italian-American descent would have somewhat different experiences than someone born of Polish-American descent. Therefore, claiming a particular heritage is not at all a meaningless claim in America, although, admittedly those cultural heritages have evolved seperately and differently than their European counterparts.

As for me, I realize that my lineage is fairly mixed in heritage and that I am several generations removed from my immigrant ancestors. This means that my cultural experience has been almost exclusivly determined by my American heritage rather than any of the cultures of my lineage.

Does anyone know what the UN purpose is anymore?

Yeah, to come to us to be world police.

Yeah, to come to us to be world police.

Hardly. For an example, lets use Iraq: when the US attacked, was it because:

a) Kofi Annan prostrated himself before the skull throne of Darth Bush and begged him to deal with Saddam because the rest of the UN was made up of liberal communist European sodomites, or
b) Bush saw a chance to get a reputation as being a champion of democracy and get cheap oil at the same time?

Your time starts now.

Why should Americans care what everyone else think of us? Like the old saying goes "You can't please everyone all the time." I would just like to add "So don't even bother trying to please them at all." I think America should just do their own thing and not try to please everyone else on earth. Allthough, for future refrence, no more C average President.

I suppose you never heard of the word 'allies'.

I think it's time for us as a nation to stop telling other nations how to live. We should try to be part of the international community, not lead it. America has done alot of good, and we've done some bad. Our government and people need to rethink our positions and tactics for the world stage. It's a new age, and it's time we stopped acting like we own the world. We should however, continue our aide programs and work through the UN, along with other things. I'm definetly against U.S. troops being sent to invade other nations. If U.S. troops are to bve used abroad, it should be with the U.N. or at least its' blessing.

I suppose you never heard of the word 'allies'.
Exactly. I think that what alot of Americans don't realize is that if we had more reasonable international policies we could use our allies to help win the war on terror. With our current policies we don't have many allies.

Obviously, excluding those involved In the concentration camps and Hitler (Duh.) I don't blame the guy who dropped the Atomic bomb on Hiroshima Either (he had no Idea what was going to happen) but I do blame the higher ranking officials and the scientists who did.


Meh! It was declared war. There is no morality in war. Even a Japanese general said they would have used the bomb if they had it available.....

The U.S. desperatley needs to change its' foreign affairs policy.