I've been pretty annoyed at some the comments made (both by NZ and American comments), but I've also learnt a lot also. How can any of us pass judgement on another country when we don't even know the real situation in our own country? I don't feel I can.
Many differing opinions colour things differently, and pointedly trying to tell someone in another culture that how they do something is wrong, is bound to get them on the defensive. Everybody makes mistake, every country makes mistakes. I don't feel we can judge a whole population by small samples like what has been done. Those in power do not represent the feelings of the majority all the time.
Today I donated money today to the NZ Police who are collecting for the NY Police. Our NZ Firefighters are collecting for the NY Firefighters. My friends at uni were collective in their shock, my workmates sat stunned in front of the tv at work. I wandered around Aotea Square after the memorial service and felt so sad looking at the candle wax littering the ground from people who came from all over to pray, remember and mourn with the world.
I've tried to sit out of this discussion, but I feel we should try to be a little more understanding. The American's will be upset at any country who doesn't appear to be wholehearted in their support as us NZers would be if it happened in our country. But NZers are doing all they possibly can, as I'm sure America would be doing if our positions were reversed.
I have my opinions which would inflame the situation further I'm sure, but I am refraining because I'm scared enough of what's come out of this - the views, the values, the hatred, and the misunderstanding. This may have brought the world closer, but it seems to have the potential to divide individuals.
Have you ever played the game Chinese Whispers where you pass a sentence around a group, by whispering in each others ears. Do you remember how you'd laugh at how distorted the end result was? Well cultures, media, perceptions and attitudes have the same distorting effect - it's up to you whether we take offense, or sit back, think laterally and learn.
United we stand, divided we fall (how cliche!) :)
God bless.