Posted on 07/14/2004 7:52:40 AM PDT by Check_Your_Premises
America is hated throughout the world. There are many reasons for this. The first and most obvious is that America is the big dog. There is always a natural resentment for the strongest figure. Even the most benevolent ruler will be despised because others are jealous of their strength, and they will resent the fact that they are manifestly less.
The next reason is because our entertainment industry exports a very negative image of America. Our movies, music and television all depict an evil conspiratorial government and a morally depraved society. As depraved as our popular culture is, it does not represent the vast majority of Americans. This should be fairly obvious because if we did live as we are depicted, we would quickly collapse into barbarism.
Another reason are hated is because we rule the world such that we won’t let anyone else. Until the end of WWII all interactions between tribes and nations were ruled by a simple equation, if conquest can be pursued, it will be. When America took the stage, that all changed. No major world power has ever filled the role we now fill. We don't conquer other nations, nor will we let anyone else. Naturally, those who wish to rule their neighbors will resent us.
America is also hated because we don't respect ourselves. We simply do not put forth the image of a people who are proud of who they are. Many Americans do believe in their country. Many do, but are also susceptible to the arguments of those who are not. Then there are those Americans who hate their country outright. These people are not proud of our history and traditions, and/or they do not agree with some or all current governmental policies and/or institutions. They do not approve of the goals, desires, hopes, and fears of their countrymen. They simply hate what it means to be an American. Whether this hatred is rational or irrational will vary from case to case. Some will hate America because they simply lack the proper perspective. America, like all nations, has many shameful episodes in it's history. But if you look at our entire history, the way we have dealt with friend and foe, the advances we have made for humanity, and the quality of life we have afforded our citizens, it is clear that America is not merely acceptable but stands above all others. Others will hate America simply because they despise themselves. A person's identity is invariably linked to their country. If a person hates themselves, it is only natural to extend that hatred outward to their family, town, culture, peers, or country. To hate their own people provides so many comfortable explanations for all their shortcomings. So what could the world possibly think about a people who so publicly air their dirty laundry. When the rest of the world sees a nation that at the very least is not confident and at the worst is ashamed, then they are encouraged to hate that nation. If we, who know ourselves the best, do not like ourselves, then naturally others will take us at our word and dislike us as well.
Finally America is hated because we are slandered daily by the left. Any political ideology can only offer two things, hope and fear. Before the turn of the previous century, until the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Left was able to argue that Marxism could offer the hope of a better life. When the Wall fell so did the last shreds of credibility to the argument that Marxism could offer any hope of a better life. Without the ability to offer hope, they are left only with fear. With all their crimes and horror written across the world stage in blood, all they could hope to do is to paint their enemy with the same brush. The left has done what leftists always do when they are caught red-handed, they say "everybody does it, both sides are to blame". Sound familiar?
Very few Americans outside of the hardcore leftist echo chamber realize the extent of the slander against us. The best example of this slander can probably be found in the writings of Noam Chomsky, or in the films of Michael Moore. These men make accusations about the evils of America. Most of their claims are that we have engaged in wholesale murder throughout our history. Everybody does it don't you know. Their message has one single theme, "America is evil, America murders, and every evil can be blamed on America". This theme is joined with all the other accusations that America is racist, sexist, homophobic, violent, fat, lazy, materialistic, arrogant, and don't forget we kill people. Throughout the world this propaganda provides a comfortable excuse for the real reasons we are hated. They don't hate us for our alleged crimes, this is obvious because they don't damn others or themselves for the same crimes. Many Americans see this tripe for what it is, and many will see it as a justification for their twisted world-view. Unfortunately there are others who are influenced by this propaganda, and it keeps them from being proud of their country.
It is therefore the duty of those who are proud of their country to educate and embolden the doubtful. This is the key, the focus, the great battle to be won. Because when they again become rightfully proud of their country, the traitorous few will be marginalized. When that happens the world will see a proud America that is not ashamed to defend itself. Our enemies will tremble, and those who wish to live in peace will take us at our word, "America is the last, best hope for mankind."
America is hated throughout the world
no not in my country. That is not truth. I like America.
We are hated for the same reason most baseball fans hate the NY Yankees... We are successful and proud of it.
It's all Michael Moore's fault!
bump !
What country are you from?
We do?
And yet, everyone wants to come here.
An interesting dichotomy.
Many, but for now....
"Others will hate America simply because they despise themselves. A person's identity is invariably linked to their country. If a person hates themselves, it is only natural to extend that hatred outward to their family, town, culture, peers, or country."
Conversely, I think I partly despise people who "hate America" because I see it as a slight on ME. Likewise if they insult my family members or city. I feel a wave of defensiveness start in me, regardless my own objective view of these things! ;-)
Actually, I have run into immigrants where I come from that have no respect for this country, they are just here for the freebies, and make fun of us.
Actually, I have run into immigrants where I come from that have no respect for this country, they are just here for the freebies, and make fun of us.
Actually, I have run into immigrants where I come from that have no respect for this country, they are just here for the freebies, and make fun of us.
Actually, I have run into immigrants where I come from that have no respect for this country, they are just here for the freebies, and make fun of us.
If the rest of the world hates America so much why do the buy our products, watch our movies, listen to our music, send their young to our country for college education. The Hate America crowd I see in the same vain as I see the left a vocal minority.
I also agree with the fact that most of those who do hate us, do because we are successful and proud of it.
That is why I love this place :)
I think your post was meant for someone else.
I think your post was meant for someone else.
I think your post was meant for someone else.
I think your post was meant for someone else.
We are hated because we are envied. We have as, as a nation, the highest standard of living that has ever existed. Others want that as their own. They resent our resourcefulness, our creativity, our perseverance, and most of all, our freedom. Members of other societies look withing their national and personal character and find it lacking. However because it is difficult for one to admit he is lacking, instead of acknowledging this and working for the better, he simply attacks those who have the qualities he wants.
Whoops, focusing too much on eating watermelon and not enough on proofreading.
withing = within
Hey what happened to "They hate us for our Democrcy". Maybe it proves they really hate Democracy because they are killing us for wanting to install Democracy. I love it when a plan comes together.
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