Forums > Social Discussion > Why Do They Hate Us?

Posted: 26th May 2003
Great post Tika, that’s one of the best essays I’ve read on the subject.

I just hope people listen, because the world should be a much better place than it is at present. And, unless the US pulls its head out of the sand, and starts doing something positive, like ratifying the Kyoto agreement for example, there won’t be much of a planet left to fight over in a few years.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted: 27th May 2003
Yeah, I think that more than ever we need to start thinking about the "global village" than just our side of the globe. What happens to the Amazon rainforest also effects us, a war in the Africa will effect us, ect..
Once we start seeing us as part of the planet earth and not just canadian or wherever you are from we might start treating eachother and the world we live in differently. I am not saying that we all need to get along but some level of respect would be a start.

Posted: 27th May 2003
Good essay.

Although personally I think all the global community hype is responsible for many of the problems in the world. I think liberals yelling global village constantly challenges the soverignty of many nations of people.

Posted: 28th May 2003
what an excellent essay, finally someone is talking some sense!!
i was luck enough to grow up in the middle east and parents still live there, so this war subject has hit very close to home. While i was visiting there just after S11, my mum, lil sis and i were forced off the motorway into a barrier because the people in the other car thought we were americans!Thats how rediculous things can get and it has suprised me that americans never notice this dislike before now.so im glad that they are are finally starting to ask themselves (or at least some)this question. But i also feel that it is not only the US that is ignorant towards the rest of the world, alot of british people can be just as bad especially in my hometown of portsmouth and it surrounding area!to be honest it sickens me that in a country that is culturally diverse that people can be so misinformed and ignorant.im just glad that i was lucky enough to experience the childhood i had.

she who sees from up high smiles

Patrick badger king: *they better hope there's never a jihad on stupidity*

Posted: 28th May 2003
I think that a country can maintain it soverignty and still take part in international issue. And example is the new pot laws here in canada. As much as the US is pressuring us to not decriminalize pot we are making the decision to do so, joining other countries who have made that decision. We have decided to ratify the Kyoto agreement. I think that if our leaders start considering the future of the planet as it relates to the country you live in instead of the future up untill the next election year we would be heading down a different road.
While the essay concentrates on the middle-east you have the same opinion of the US in South and Central America and yet they have no problems with other "western" countries. You could almost write the same essay word for word except add South and Central American countries to it. I find that there is a strong dislike for the US here in Canada as well. And it's not because of how much more freedoms, medical care, ect they have. With so many people having a low opinion of you I would imagine that you would want to take an honest look at why.

Posted: 15th Jun 2003
Here we go:

Check out What The World Thinks of America. as prelude to a world-wide 90-minute TV debate, hosted from London this week, that brings together broadcasters and a range of diverse voices from around the globe to give a multi-national verdict on the United States.

Check your local TV guides, as What The World Thinks of America is broadcast via satellite with input from leading broadcasters around the world.

The debate will also reveal the results of a ground-breaking, international survey of attitudes that will capture popular prejudices and convictions about America. There will be a separate poll in the United States testing the grasp of Americans on their public image abroad.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted: 16th Jun 2003
There is a special on CBC Newsworld tomorrow 06/17/2003 called "What the world thinks of America" as well if anyone in Canada (or anyone who gets canadian news) is interested.

Posted: 17th Jun 2003
I want to start off by saying that I am american, Im in the military, and I have spent the majority of my adult life over sea.

That having been said beleave that Mr. Apel hit the mark with me at about 75%. I could not tell you who leads the G-8 nation. I dont even know who the G-8 nations area, and of that I am ashamed. I couldnt tell you the magor voices in the american goverment. And I will make an eforrot to pay more atention to how my goverment is acting. But while I dont know who the political hob nobbers are I have more then a far understanding on military history.

On this I agree with Mr. Apel America has caused almost all of its omn problems. From backing Hitler, before he started burning people, Yup we help put him in to power. To Arming the Sadudam and the al'quida. But what do you expect from a country where 95% of the people beleave the civil war was fought over slavey. Or dont know that the emancipation proclomation only freed slaves in the confederate state and that there were still legal slavery in the north. What Im getting at is that our goverment is very good at lieing, backstabing, double dealing, double crossing, double talking, hiding the truth, changing the truth, and maniputlation that most people think that the daily news is giving them everything that is important in the world, and that through out history america has been the freedom fighter they claim to be. But, they Quickly forget everything from how we treated troops returning from Vietnam, to the fact that we put almost a hundred thousand maybe more japanese americans in camps during world war two, and not a single german american camp was built. And still the all japanese unit, Im sorry I dont remember its designation, was the most highly decorate unit in the american military during that war. They forget quickly that a blackman was drug down an open street in texas, or that at least Three americans of middle eastern decent were killed needlessly after 9/11.

We forget not just our enemys but anything that threaten to burst the little bubble that we cuddle are selfs into at night. But every goverment has its problems. Every country has its enemys. Im not saying america is the evil tyrent some claim of it, or that it is the benevilent monarch that others claim it to be. It simply is a country. Filled with people. America is not the problem, as with many things lack of knowlage and intrest is the problem. And like any good soldier I plan to arm my self with both.

Thank you Tika for giving me that chance to improve myself.

P.s. And for listening to me rant and rave.

It is not the mistakes that matter, only what is learned.

Posted: 17th Jun 2003
woooow, Good monologue.

What the world thinks of americ, it might be god, it might be crap, but it will be in 1.5 hours here on BBC2

Posted: 18th Jun 2003
Thank you Kalroz but I merely posted the essay. I am glad that you can look at it in a positive light. I think that if a country such as the US who's foreign policy effects all corners of the globe should educate it's people and people should educate themselves on those countries and your governement policy towards them, at the very least listen to them.
I watched that newsbroad cast last night and while I wasn't suprised why the results of the polls, I was suprised by the America attidue about the poll.
Do most Americas not care about the world opinion of them?
Isn't kinda hard to go forth and democratize a country without knowing about them first? Or is that where the arrogance come in?

Posted: 20th Jun 2003
very interesting reading, george makes quick a few interesting quotes he isnt really the shinest nickle in the fountain but that aside if you look at the core of the problem being the americans and their fuel

"If we spent more money developing alternatives to petroleum, we wouldn’t need to work as hard as we do in protecting our access to it."

such alternatives that are more cost effective and are clean running already exist (there is one that runs off a corn extract and one of water). so why are they not currently being used? the answer is simple the oil companys have brought the intellectual property and as long as there are oil wells they wont allow them to be developed as they control the oil markets. as soon as the theory to such technology is made publicly available (or released in the form of a product that can be reverse engineered to give the theory) the oil companys lose their control of the market that they currently have total control over.

so really the only way to overcome these problems is to make the people who are currently in power and have money to have a dislike of both money and power. look at history all the conflicts arise from those two things its one of those inate human traits.

s11 was going to happen eventually as the face of war changes. if you look at history it was clubs, to spears, to swords , to gunpower, then dynamite (funnily enough the inventor won the noble peace prize) , to bombs, to nukes.

now if there is a nuke war thats the end of it for the world so large armies will become a thing of the past as corperations begin to take the place of governments and terror type attacks become more common place (i mean really there are so many ways to immobilise a nation that dont require planes, just think about what it is you need to like in a "modern" society and how well protected those facilities are and how hard they would be to make inoperatable). i mean really how bad would s11 have been if the citys water, power, backup systems and gas all died at the same time?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?

Posted: 4th Jul 2003
It's great that discussions like this one, and the 'God' discussion can be held here without turning into a flamewar as I have seen happen on many other places on the internet. I'll try to honor that.

I think the problem of the acceptance in the world of the US policies is not going to get better soon, and I base this on the EU-US trade war that simmered for years but GW Bush is now going for a show-down. I refer to the complaint the US filed at the WTO over the de facto moratorium and the labeling demands on Genetically Manipulated Organisms (GMO) by the European Union.
I've also heard of threats to other countries that the US will stop funding for Aids prevention projects or to stop trade benefits (Egypt) when they do not back this complaint.
That is a rather unpleasant way to behave and is unlikely to increase popularity.

And what about the "If your not with US, you're against US" argument played to try to get the internationally community get the same worldview as GWB.
And while many countries are trying to solve international problems with international treaties, the minute it means that (companies in) the US have to change something, they start blocking the treaty (like the Kyoto protocol on climate change, the Carthagena Biosafety Protocol) and on the other hand only stimulate treaties that support the US view on free trade. I.e. any regulation that tries to regulate trade of goods on any reason, is against free trade. This way it becomes impossible to stop child labour, to limit access of GMO, to organise return package systems etc.

Let's end positive. I am very glad that the US is now putting pressure on the Israelian government as well as the Palestinian leaders, so on _both_ sides this time, to try and stop the violence.

Posted: 13th Jul 2003
Well... after a few months of not posting here I decided, who gives a F*** I am gonna do things my way So... I am back

Anyhoo...

What does the world think of the US? Good question...

According to an Aussie Cab driver that gave me a ride home the other day, she likes the US. She said that the US was like Australia's big brother.

Starting way back in WWII, when Darwin was getting the snot pounded out of em something like 64 bombing raids were made on Darwin by Japan, anyhoo... odd fact the first person to die was a US pilot! Anyhoo, since then we have joined with the Australians in almost ever major engagment.

So in Thailand they like us, Japan... well... some like us, Korea... same story. Hrm where else have I been... PI they some like us, though some feel that we have done more damage than good with their econimy.

Everywhere you go you will find someone that either does or does not like the US, and every other country out there.

It is humourus how people will target one nation then concentrate on the bad.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 13th Jul 2003
its cos they can do whatever the .... they like and we cant do a damm thing about it, and they always operate in the intrests of thier controling elite. The only way they get away with this I recon is cos Amercans dont realise how bad their goverment is.

Have you noticed that its only called propaganda when someone else does it?

Im totalyy sick with america right now. I like americans in general, nice peaple, maybe too nice, its their goverment and ecenomic actions that make me wanna break stuff.

quote:

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America: Cant live with it, cant Nuke it.

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T

This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti

Posted: 14th Jul 2003
Ray, I was wondering, did u read the Essay? Some interesting comments there.

Unfortunately, Australia
follows the US into some stupid situationst All the way wiyh LBJ to the present lying PM.

Personally, I object to the way truth is distorted to satisfy the wims of jumped up politicans. It's really a War on TRUTH.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted: 14th Jul 2003

quote:

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You want the Truth?

You cant handle the truth!

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T

p.s. hell, have you ever seen anything you can really point to and say "here, this is the truth"? only if it happens to you.

This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti

Posted: 14th Jul 2003
Missed the point didn't we.

Perhaps we can't alawys C the truth, but we can certainly C the LIES. i.e NO WMD, NO childern overboard (oz) etcetcetc.

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted: 14th Jul 2003
It really doesnt matter if I read the post or not, the thing is, is that I was refering to my own personal experiences, those you wont find on TV or in some newspaper

Stone, I really do wonder what you know of war, let alone what you know of truth!

So tell me, what is war to you? Is it boats planes tanks and infantry all shooting at eachother, or is a unified people combating a common problem? To me, the definition of war is the second deffinition.

Your "War on Truth" hehe wow hehe you sound like Bush with your Axis of Evil hehehehehehe your funny. Anyhoo... you see, it isnt America that hides truth or aleast isnt just America. What about that German guy who had that movie out that totaly claimed that the Hollocaust didnt happen? What about the Japanesse guys who said there was no massacer in China that killed anywhere from 150,000-300,000 innocent civilians? N. Korea and their quest for nuclear weapons? And if I may be so bold as to bring up the treatment of Indiginous people in Australia, something they like to keep hush hush, not nessisarily the government but the general consenses. People forced to live without power and working toilets even though the government promised them a generater and working plumbing 30 years ago!


Yes there is a war on truth, and every government is responsible for it. So, if you dont have a problem with Americans in general why do you sit there and spill filth from your mouth about only them. Well the Americans and the occasional bashing of your PM. Hmm?

What are you prepared to do to stop this "War on Truth"? Sit there at your computer and complain on HoP? Sign pettition after pettition and walk in every parade out there? Sorry folks, it aint gonna do much. People are tired of seeing protesters. Preople are tired of endless rants about killing cows and no nukes. 1 million people may march on DC but to what extent, a 30 second segment on the news that the populous forgot about 5 seconds after it ended? hehe yep you just solved all the worlds problems there.

I cant stand Mike Moore, but he said something that is so damn true that it scares me. IF YOU DONT LIKE THE WAY THE GOVERNMENT IS RUN, RUN FOR OFFICE YOURSELF! So what if you dont get elected, atleast you tried, its alot better than sitting on HoP debating world matters with me!

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 15th Jul 2003
Ray good to see you back and in fine form too But I suggest U take the time to read the Essay because it explains many of the reasons why America is unpopular today. One problem being that Americans don't take the time to read or understand other peoples/countries opinions.

True, it isn't only America that hides the truth, and as you say every government is responsible. For me, running for "Office" is not possible. However, I do vote for the political party that best represents my views, and in Australia that is the "Green Party" who are gunna kick arse at the next election. Also, the trouble with running for "Office" is that it appears to be rigged. Like Bush became President even though he was not deomcratically elected, and PM Howard (honest John) got re-elected by lying to the Australian people about the childern overboard affair.

Catch ya

If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh

Posted: 15th Jul 2003
I never said that I didnt read the post, I just said that I was speeking of my own experiences and nothing else.

Ohh good to see you to Stone

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 16th Jul 2003

quote:

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Peaple who want power should never be alowed to have it and the peaple who should have power never want it. - Douglas Adams T.H.H.G.G.

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its powerlessness that gets peaple upset, we are powerless to affect the govement of the united states, we seem pretty powerless to affect our own (if the peace demos are anything to go by) and all thats left seems to be anger or dissafection. I dont see any point in running for office as there is very little power in that position, goverments are held to ransom by companies. The goverments must provide the work and services for thier populance, however they do not have any controle of thease matters, the comanies are turning all the screws. par example "we want greater corperate accountability" is replied with "fine, well take our buissness elsewhere, you still have to inport our products whatever, as you no longer have a self sufficent country."

America is the pioneer of this approach, thats why I hate it.

T

p.s. I cant believe howard got back in, I like ozzies, how come you failed to get rid of the monarchy (something the scots have been trying to do for ages) and then re-elected the most incredibly un-caring polotician ever. common guys, I think that apathy is both the greatest weapon of the establisment and the biggest problem for reform.

This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti

Posted: 17th Jul 2003
If there are 100 people in a train wreck, and you have time to only save one person before the train blows up, will you save that one person or let them all die?

Just becuase there isnt much glory in smaller government positions, doesnt mean that there isn't anything that you can do to improve the quality of life and the government. It may very well be a tiny change that is completly overlooked by everyone it effects but if it helps, then you have done a great job. You do not have to be in an office that dictates forigne or local business, what about running for the schoolboard, or even try to be mayor.

I remember when I was in highschool hearing about this 18 year old kid who didnt like the way his town was run, so he looked up the pre-recs for being mayor, found out that all you had to be was 18 and then ran and won his office. He changed his town and the power of his office was very small in comparison to others.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 17th Jul 2003

quote:

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I cant stand Mike Moore

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ray mate , what's the problem with Mike Moore?

ade

Posted: 16th Jul 2003
I actually hate the canadian government more then the american government because they are MY government and they keep ****ing MY country over. Sure the US ****s us over pretty hard and pretty outrageously. But it's MY governments fault for letting it happen.

Posted: 16th Jul 2003
Astar, do something about it

Ade, Mike More has a pretty bad attitude. I wouldnt matter who was in office, what they did, who they did what to even if it was positive, he would find something to bitch about! He does nothing but look for the negitive in people, especially political figures.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 17th Jul 2003
Yes, becasue we all know I can do something about it. Also you surely know I am not makeing my meaningless insignificant contribution to my political processes in my country.

I know ill join the military like you, then I will really be doing something about it!

Posted: 18th Jul 2003
Well... was that a jab at me? I never said you were doing things that were insignificant. I was just saying that telling me how much you hate your Gov. wont change it.

It is good that your helping out, personall I dont feel that being in the Military has anything to do with supporting the Gov. You dont get out because you dont like the current leader, your stuck, it has nothing to do with your personal political ajenda. It has to do with your country. The military is for the people not the Gov.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 18th Jul 2003
ray that was my point (I was being sarcastic)

Also What's the point of constantly pointing out that it's "not much good to do this and that" it acomplishes about as much as what you believe we acomplish by bitching about the government. Not everything discussed or done by people needs to accomplish something. It's a discussion forum, we are discussing. It's bloody annoying when people like you can't grasp that concept.

Posted: 17th Jul 2003
Damn I would really like to avoid a mud slinging contest, so lets discuss it.

It is just my personal belief that if your not willing to go out and change something, why should you bitch about it?

So, discuss away.

Some Jarhead last night: "this dumb a$$ thinks hes fireproof"

Posted: 18th Jul 2003
Your nto willing to do something about all of us bitching about something were not willing to do something about.

Really you should be shooting us in the face or not bitching at all.