Is there any country that actually likes us ?

[The Moz 69]

We were debating this alot today in lue of getting actual work finished !

 

We like to think U.K. is an ally then when you look at it there people can't focking stand us anymore than the rest of Europe.

 

Israel seems to only like us as long as we give them billions every year and basically give them protection against the Arabs joining forces and wiping them out - if they didn't need us they wouldn't give a fock. \

 

Japan - LOL we focking nuked 2 cities killing like 250,000 people ! I am sure they have really forgotten and everything is okay

 

Canada - Ask the "peoples" opinion and its not really that high of the US .

 

Austrailia - Not really certain but I would say along the lines of Canada and maybe struggle as evidence of protests.

 

What does this really mean ?

 

A. Noone really likes anyone - there are only Alies out of a Need basis - everyone out for themseleves and fock everyone else.

 

B. US and its policies are pretty focked up and need to be changed to fall in line with the rest of the world.

 

C. People just hates us becasue they are jelous of us and the power we have as a country.

 

D. It is all focking GWB fault !

 

 

IMO its alot of A. a little of C and B .

[Boz/BoFan 0]

A and C. Those who want us to "fall in line" are actually saying "come down to our level". I dont think that would be such a great idea.

[Snuff 10]

From what I have experienced, for some reason Canadians hate us the worst. Never could really understand that.

[IGotWorms 3,317]

in lieu

 

And it is not all GWB's fault, of course. We haven't been extremely well liked as a country since WWII. I don't think its coincidence that we started getting unpopular right around the time that we became a Superpower. To some extent other countries are always going to dislike the greater power. Then it got even worse after the end of the Cold War, because before at least there was also the USSR there to take a little heat off of us, and of course all the Western countries disliked the USSR more than us.

 

Also I think we got a little too cocky for a while. Vietnam was seen more as an act of aggression than an attempt to stop the spread of communism in most other countries. Things like Grenada, Panama, and Iran-Contra didn't help either. These types of actions, taken together, give the impression of an arrogant power run a little amok.

 

So there are a lot of factors, but clearly GWB is not helping.

 

From what I have experienced, for some reason Canadians hate us the worst. Never could really understand that.

 

Maybe Canada's the only foreign country you've ever been to?

[t.j 35]

From what I have experienced, for some reason Canadians hate us the worst. Never could really understand that.

 

Inferiority complex!

[mobb_deep 917]

I'm pretty sure Mexico likes us.

 

See NAFTA and the illegal immigrant problem for proof.

[Voice_Of_Reason 0]

I kind of think C has a lot to do with it. It's a simplified analogy, but when a dyansty appears in the NFL, you get two things...

 

1. Bandwagoneers

2. Absolute hatred for sed team.

 

It's a natural thing.

 

So, in terms of other countries, they hate us, because they can't be us. But in terms of individuality, they "bandwagon love" us and thus we have such a large population of immigrants.

 

Like I said, simplfied analogy, but that's what I think.

[SUXBNME 1,340]

Israel

[wiffleball 4,646]

I kind of think C has a lot to do with it. It's a simplified analogy, but when a dyansty appears in the NFL, you get two things...

 

1. Bandwagoneers

2. Absolute hatred for sed team.

 

It's a natural thing.

 

So, in terms of other countries, they hate us, because they can't be us. But in terms of individuality, they "bandwagon love" us and thus we have such a large population of immigrants.

 

Like I said, simplfied analogy, but that's what I think.

 

Prolly the best analysis so far.

 

I'm not sure the premise of the question is correct. The short answer is, culturally, many people in many countries love us. They love our music, our movies, hell, even our food. But, when it comes to foriegn policy, NOBODY likes bullies. And let's face it, in many ways, we are.

[SUXBNME 1,340]

But, when it comes to foriegn policy, NOBODY likes bullies.

 

Unless the bully in question is sticking up for them at the time

[wiffleball 4,646]

Unless the bully in question is sticking up for them at the time

 

 

Yeah, we were a lot cooler before the Soviets crapped out on us.

[naomi 343]

An aussie friend of mine was saying that it's easy to spot an American because they talk louder than everyone else. He strikes me as soft-spoken. In addition to being loud, when we're over there we like to make it known we're Americans...and they don't share in seeing that as something special so it's amusing to them.

 

A country that likes us isn't coming to mind, a few seem indifferent.

[Vikings4ever 496]

Unless the bully in question is sticking up for them at the time

[SUXBNME 1,340]

Yeah, we were a lot cooler before the Soviets crapped out on us.

At least the cold war made sense

[Voltaire 4,564]

As an American overseas, I have a prespective the rest of you lack. And I don't think it's so bad. You know, foreigners overseas hang out together so I have plenty of international friends. First the Western Europeans and Aussies I meet are able to differentiate between the US government and the population. And they all hate Bush but in a different way than I do. They're more prone to conspiracy theories than I am. Their position is more that Bush is an evil, self serving bully. A grandmaster of greed and exploitation. My position, on the other hand, is more along the line that he's a clueless, incompetent, flaming retard.

 

It's really not so bad. Honestly, I suspect that when we get somebody with a brain in the White House, we'll be able to smooth things out with our longtime friends.

 

As for the rest of the world- again- it's not so bad. The Chinese people wear red white and blue stars and bars motifs on clothes. The US is greatly respected here. They like us way, way, way more than they like their own government. Chinese people don't like or turst their government. From what I hear and what I've seen, the Eastern Europeans I meet love us too. Nicholas Kristof (NYT foreign affairs columnist) wrote last year while he was in Ukraine, he was treated like a rock star. That also is my experience in dealing with them. They respect Bush, that's why so many Coalition of the Willing participants are from Eastern Europe.

 

I was also shocked once to meet a man from India that supports Bush's Middle East policy.

 

Now in Central and South America, it seems the politicians bashing the US are the one winning elections all across the region. I don't know if that's because Bush is a pile of sh*t or not. Hopefully this perception will change when Bush leaves office too.

[Recliner Pilot 61]

itsatip that everyone hates us because we have the best economy, political system, civil rights, and freedom in the world.

 

itsalsoatip that eveyone loves us when their ass is in a crack and needs saving cuz we are the only country willing and able to save their sorry asses.

 

HTH

 

[buffalobillsffl2003 0]

I hate Amerikans who talk loudly.

 

 

People should go to Canada.....it's nice.

[Concrete Charlie 0]

I don't think any country likes the USA.

On the other hand, there are obviously many people in every country who would like to immigrate here. In a world with one superpower, the superpower is gonna get hated on a nationalist level, not a personal one.

Chalk it up to human nature.

[Peens 0]

I don't think any country likes the USA.

 

I'm fine with that since I dont like them either. If we all would strap on bomb jackets and walk into restaurants or shopping malls and blow up innocent civilians we would be more liked.

[Toro 1]

Whenever I am out of country, I usually make a conscience effort to monitor my voice level and respect the traditions or customs of the country I am in.

 

That being said, Canada has the issue because they believe they are morally superior or socially advanced to us, on just about every front. Sit in a bar in a hostel in Paris with 10 Canadians around and say you are from Texas. They lined up to tell me how stupid and brash Americans were, and how morally repugnant we were for just about everything.

 

But the average american lives up to the stereotype. If you are in another country and you see: A loud drunk at the bar; Someone loudly complaining in a restaurant; Someone yelling or saying very rude things to a busboy, front desk clerk or taxi driver; Someone push their way through a door or loudly talking on a cell phone in the middle of a quiet room; or someone just being generally obnoxious.....

 

They are an American or Italian. 8 times out of 10, American. 1 times out of 10, Italian.

 

I'm not saying there aren't nice American travellers out there. I am just saying that American society and social customs when dealing with others is much less civilized than other countries.

[kristv 0]

I've been living in England for 4 years, and I don't think everyone here hates the US. In fact, I've been told time and again by colleagues/cab drivers/strangers in pubs/in-laws that they would move to the U.S. in a heartbeat. I don't think they are crazy about the whole 'Middle-East thing', but they are intelligent enough to know that the situation is not the fault of the entire U.S. population, just a few messed up individuals in power. I mean, they've got Tony Blair over here, so they HAVE to understand the concept of inept leadership!

 

I've also visited Japan (twice) and was always met with courtesy and respect by the people there during my vacations. In fact, the older generation seemed quite delighted to talk to me and many said repeatedly that they loved the U.S. I don't think we're as hated as some would like to believe.

[akaoni 0]

As an American overseas, I have a prespective the rest of you lack. And I don't think it's so bad. You know, foreigners overseas hang out together so I have plenty of international friends. First the Western Europeans and Aussies I meet are able to differentiate between the US government and the population. And they all hate Bush but in a different way than I do. They're more prone to conspiracy theories than I am. Their position is more that Bush is an evil, self serving bully. A grandmaster of greed and exploitation. My position, on the other hand, is more along the line that he's a clueless, incompetent, flaming retard.

 

It's really not so bad. Honestly, I suspect that when we get somebody with a brain in the White House, we'll be able to smooth things out with our longtime friends.

 

As for the rest of the world- again- it's not so bad. The Chinese people wear red white and blue stars and bars motifs on clothes. The US is greatly respected here. They like us way, way, way more than they like their own government. Chinese people don't like or turst their government. From what I hear and what I've seen, the Eastern Europeans I meet love us too. Nicholas Kristof (NYT foreign affairs columnist) wrote last year while he was in Ukraine, he was treated like a rock star. That also is my experience in dealing with them. They respect Bush, that's why so many Coalition of the Willing participants are from Eastern Europe.

 

I was also shocked once to meet a man from India that supports Bush's Middle East policy.

 

Now in Central and South America, it seems the politicians bashing the US are the one winning elections all across the region. I don't know if that's because Bush is a pile of sh*t or not. Hopefully this perception will change when Bush leaves office too.

 

 

During my years living in Japan I had a very similar experience to the one that Voltaire describes. Most of the ex-pats I hung around with were advanced enough to seperate political US (i.e. US foreign policy) and the population. Many resent the US, not so much because we're the biggest, strongest, etc. but rather because in the international feild the US government time and again insists that the rules of interntional relations only apply to other countries and not to us. This makes our policys look hypocritical and unjust. That said, most don't have a problem with Americans (unless they're acting like the crass stereotype of the ugly American), and appreciate lots of things about our country. Many Japanese were another story, they often believed that the US was just like the one shown in the movies and had many interesting stereotypes about Americans.

[Blitzen 0]

I hate stereotyping of any kind. I think ignorance breeds contempt.

 

I don't think people up here hate US citizens per se. I know many people hate GWB but then so do many people in your country. I've had american friends and they're fine citizens.

 

When I worked in Victoria BC, as a francophone in a VERY British-style anglophone community, I can tell you that I helped break more than a few misconceptions about Quebec. If people travelled more and relied less on media to understand others, I think you would see a lot less blanket hatred.

 

That's all I've got...

[davebg 0]

Sit in a bar in a hostel in Paris with 10 Canadians around and say you are from Texas. They lined up to tell me how stupid and brash Americans were, and how morally repugnant we were for just about everything.

They got in your face simply b/c of where you were from and went on and on about how stupid, brash and morally repugnant Americans are?

 

Irony at it's finest.

[The Moz 69]

I hate stereotyping of any kind. I think ignorance breeds contempt.

 

I don't think people up here hate US citizens per se. I know many people hate GWB but then so do many people in your country. I've had american friends and they're fine citizens.

 

When I worked in Victoria BC, as a francophone in a VERY British-style anglophone community, I can tell you that I helped break more than a few misconceptions about Quebec. If people travelled more and relied less on media to understand others, I think you would see a lot less blanket hatred.

 

That's all I've got...

 

Your from Quebec ? I go up there a few times a year to visit the inlaws who live in " Granby " My FIL run the IBM plant in bromont there. Anyway I can say straight up they HATE Americans or at least strongly dislike ! When ever I talk and they know I am American the service is sh!t even at the MOntreal casino. I just keep my mouth shut and let my wife do the talking there as she speaks french becasue the minute they know your American its likee fock you ! Funny though as I remember it being alot different the first time i went up there in 1998. maybe it is all GWB fault ?

[Peens 0]

Your from Quebec ? I go up there a few times a year to visit the inlaws who live in " Granby " My FIL run the IBM plant in bromont there. Anyway I can say straight up they HATE Americans or at least strongly dislike ! When ever I talk and they know I am American the service is sh!t even at the MOntreal casino. I just keep my mouth shut and let my wife do the talking there as she speaks french becasue the minute they know your American its likee fock you ! Funny though as I remember it being alot different the first time i went up there in 1998. maybe it is all GWB fault ?

 

I say we Nuke Canada, that would really give them something to b!tch about.

[The Moz 69]

I say we Nuke Canada, that would really give them something to b!tch about.

 

 

Please don't give GWB any ideas he actually might consider it !

[Electric Mayhem 35]

Brits and Aussies think we are loud, brash, and above all completely egocentric. The more I hang around with my Brit/Aussie etc friends, the more I realize how right they are. Americans generally like to talk about me-me-me and are always trying to one-up everyone in conversation. i find that other cultures (the Brits especally) are excellent at carrying on a pleasant conversation without any tension or need to self promote. (the Aussies I know are pretty competitive however)

[Toro 1]

They got in your face simply b/c of where you were from and went on and on about how stupid, brash and morally repugnant Americans are?

 

Irony at it's finest.

 

Actually, they said everything in a very refined, sophisticated way.

 

Try explaining conceled handgun laws to a Canadian.

[Mungwater 588]

I say we Nuke Canada, that would really give them something to b!tch about.

 

We could use the parking

[SUXBNME 1,340]

I say we Nuke Canada, that would really give them something to b!tch about.

 

Won't happen. They are are first line of defense if the North Pole ever decides to attack us

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

During my years living in Japan I had a very similar experience to the one that Voltaire describes. Most of the ex-pats I hung around with were advanced enough to seperate political US (i.e. US foreign policy) and the population. Many resent the US, not so much because we're the biggest, strongest, etc. but rather because in the international feild the US government time and again insists that the rules of interntional relations only apply to other countries and not to us. This makes our policys look hypocritical and unjust. That said, most don't have a problem with Americans (unless they're acting like the crass stereotype of the ugly American), and appreciate lots of things about our country. Many Japanese were another story, they often believed that the US was just like the one shown in the movies and had many interesting stereotypes about Americans.

 

I think you've hit the nail on the head with more than one of your points, akaoni, especially the ones about the US government (whether Republican OR Democrat) and the "rules", and the crass stereotype. You guys are in a tough position though - like it or not, many countries consider you the "world police" that will defend them in times of crisis. Being in that position, you have to toe a very fine line between good guy and bully. Here in Canada, there are some that may fall into the "jealous" category but not that you're the "biggest, strongest, etc." - more towards the "you guys seem to think that no other country exists" mentality - that may just be said Canadians' inferiority complexes coming out, though. But make no mistake - a lot of us are glad that you're our neighbours (and yes, part of that is that you'll protect us if the North Pole makes a move on us).

 

I have to throw in a funny story that sort of feeds the stereotype. I was in Boston a few years ago, and my buddy's mother says: "So you're from Toronto? Is it true that you guys drive on the wrong side of the road up there?"

 

For the record, I looked her straight in the eye and replied "Only when we're drunk, ma'am."

[Spergon Wynn 0]

Kuwait

[IN$TANT REPAY 8]

the bahamas are threatening to bomb us over anna nicole's body and her baby....soooo take them off of the list!

 

 

[Greedo 13]

You forgot about POLAND!

[Ilov80s 0]

I am certainly no world traveler, but I have done my fair share. I think the hatred of Americans is overrated. I have always been treated extremely well and gotten along with the people I have encountered in my travels.

[zmanzzzz 1]

cuba

[IndyTom 0]

I am certainly no world traveler, but I have done my fair share. I think the hatred of Americans is overrated. I have always been treated extremely well and gotten along with the people I have encountered in my travels.

 

Exactly. I work for a British owned company in Indy and when I travel to England for work, I am always treated very well. Like others have said, most can separate government policy from the citizens. Though sometimes we run into a bloke that has had too many at a local pub, who isn't afraid to say something.

 

When having conversations with them about perceptions, etc., one comment struck a chord. The fact that we don't travel often to Europe or bother to learn a second language really irks them. I explained that, for one, the pound to dollar exchange makes it twice as expensive for us to travel there, in contrast for them to travel here. Secondly, they have the luxury of considering themselves cultural travelers because going from London to Paris is the same distance as going from Indianapolis to Atlanta. I went further to explain that most Americans never get the luxury of seeing - America - let alone Europe. So, it's not like we don't want to, it's just that it's a combination of affordability and wanting to visit the places in your own back yard first. I think that helped them understand.

 

As for the whole "2nd language" part, it is, admitting, kind of embarrassing. However, English is the language of world economy (I argued). There really is not other reason to need to learn another. Plus, our schools (most) would never entertain cutting an hour out of class time in the elementary schools to learn another language with No Child Left Behind, state test scoring, etc. It just wont happen. Some schools can't even keep Art let alone Spanish or Japanese.