American Relations

[Watcher74]

The Canadian thread gave me this idea. Now excepting the whole Iraq thing that has not been good for America's relations, from everyone's points of view, which countries like Americans and which countries hate Americans?

From my time in the Navy and the countries I have seen I'll provide what it seemed like to me:

England- They feel about Americans like an embarrassing relative visiting from the trailer park. Yeah, they're distant relatives, but for God's sake don't let the neighbors see.

France- Do the Frence like anyone? Definetly not the US.

Spain- This is a hard one. I didn't seem to notice anything either way. They just treated us like any old tourist.

Italy- As long as we were spending money they were nice. But they had this look, ya know. I don't think they care for the US too much.

Turkey- That was impossible to tell. They were working too hard selling you anything and everything they could get their hands on. Sometimes I still wake up with the sound "My friend! My friend!" ringing in my ears.

Greece- They were too busy hating the Turks to even notice that there was a new country around.

Israel- Love Americans. Great people and my God you should see the young girls walking around in fatigues with machine guns on their backs. Beautiful people and very nice.

Malta- A bunch of Americans at this point will say, "Malta? Where the h*ll is that? Is that even a country?". I was told it was. They seemed nice. Just a polite people.

Australia- Everytime I ran into any australians it was like we were first cousins that had all just turned 21 and were ready to hit the bars. I can't think of them without grinning. They love American Blokes.

Bahrain- Totally ignored by the populous. Take that any way you will.

What does everyone else think?

[Lila]

Originally posted by Watcher74


[B]England- They feel about Americans like an embarrassing relative visiting from the trailer park. Yeah, they're distant relatives, but for God's sake don't let the neighbors see.

Not what I've seen. Well, read at a UK site. There were several attacks, not only on our Government, but on our 'American Attitude'.

1. We attack our own government, so seeing their opinion on that was no surprise.

2. Their media gives them an image of us. They take that image and place it on majority of Americans.

What we tried to explain to them is, what they saw was actually minority of Americans. Now I'll admit, I've seen some of the 'attitude' in some of us, so I know it's true. But still, it's a minority.

One of them personally told me what UKs think of us. He listed so many things that I turned on him and said that's what some of us think of them. Then he complained it's what our media shows that forms our minds. I threw that back at him and he understood what I was getting at. He's gotten to know me pretty well, and I'm actually the first American he's had a friendship with.

Now mind you, I don't watch TV. So I don't allow the media to form my opinion on other people. Well, maybe to an extent with the war and all that.

But I don't assume that if I see a screaming Brit, exploding about our involvement in anything, that it reflects the behaviour and views of all Brits.

Geez ... this could go on for a long time.

Watcher ... interesting thread.

;)

Lila

[Watcher74]

No, no, no. You can't take any websites to factor this in. If someone is going to the trouble of making a website to express their point of view, then they are going to have a strong opinion for or against something.

All my points of view were based on being in the said country and meeting every day people and how they treated me and the other Americans with me.

I'd like to hear from anybody that have been in other countries and what impressions they got from the people there.

[Lila]

Originally posted by Watcher74
No, no, no. You can't take any websites to factor this in. If someone is going to the trouble of making a website to express their point of view, then they are going to have a strong opinion for or against something.

Then you're not understanding. I never said it was a website just to express strong opinions. Well, not political ones.

These are real people I 'chat' with everyday. One of them for hours, and I mean real talking.

What I just told you about their views is real. So what's the difference?

Now excepting the whole Iraq thing that has not been good for America's relations, from everyone's points of view, which countries like Americans and which countries hate Americans?

Are those not points fo views that I expressed? Heck darling, I'll give you the link to see that particular thread. It is not a political website, but a workshop. This was brought up in a General Discussion.

This was for a research project. And not only were there opinions from UKs, but other nationalities too. Those POVs would answer your question, if you were interested to know from those people themselves, and not Americans trying to say what they 'felt' was their opinions.

[Watcher74]

Ok, Lila. Calm down. Let me reword this.

Everyone has certain stereotypes toward other nationalities. And if you are on a forum or chatting online then those ideas or feelings or often expressed. What I was trying to gather was not other nationalities feelings or stereotypes of Americans.

I was wanting to know what impressions Americans got in other countries based on how, they as Americans, were treated. From the way the people interacted with them, the looks they received, visual as well as verbal clues, that generated a consensous on how Americans, as a people, were regarded.

An impression you can't gather by talking to 10, 20, 30 people online. But by walking around a foreign city and interacting with inumerable people in establishments, on the subway, on the sidewalk, etc.

But we could do another thread on here about views of cyberfolks from other countries toward us.

[Lila]

Originally posted by Watcher74
Ok, Lila. Calm down. Let me reword this.

Everyone has certain stereotypes toward other nationalities. And if you are on a forum or chatting online then those ideas or feelings or often expressed. What I was trying to gather was not other nationalities feelings or stereotypes of Americans.

Calm down! Calm Down! I'm stinking calm!
;)

Anyway ... understood.

But we could do another thread on here about views of cyberfolks from other countries toward us.

Wha? You don't want me hijacking your thread? That's no fun!

:(

;)

Lila

[aquariumfishguy]

I think every country thinks they are superior. America thinks we are the best, and the same goes for every other country. The same goes for states and territories. Michigan loves to pick on Ohio and visa-versa (for some unknown reason), and many in North Carolina seem to think the folk in South Carolina are "hillbillies" just because they are slightly farther south.

It even goes into Maryland where some folk consider those south of Baltimore to be rednecks. I can’t be for sure, but if I had to make an assumption, I would say we Americans have a big ego jerking our chain around, and it ‘should’ embarrass us.

…And whether any of this is true or not is immaterial. It's ignorant, and close-minded the way much of America acts. Just my thoughts. I’m sure I’ll be flamed for being “anti-American” now. :)

[slipknottin]

Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
I think every country thinks they are superior.

I would say we Americans have a big ego jerking our chain around, and it ‘should’ embarrass us.

It's ignorant, and close-minded the way much of America acts.

:o

You mean its ignorant and close-minded the way every country acts?

[aquariumfishguy]

Hmmm.... I suppose, but I have traveled quite a bit, and I haven't seen so much competition between the same country like I have America. I guess many feel that this goes on throughout the whole world, however you'd be suprised how little it goes on in other parts of the world.

Maybe we asked for it, being that we have 50 states and so much land and so much diversity? I'm not sure which... but it does seem to be a big problem here.

I am just one person, and I might be the only one who feels this way at AC. <shrugs>

[slipknottin]

competition in america? you mean like our arguing over the goverment and such?

Your saying that doesnt happen in other countries?

[Tyler718]

Originally posted by Watcher74
The Canadian thread gave me this idea. Now excepting the whole Iraq thing that has not been good for America's relations, from everyone's points of view, which countries like Americans and which countries hate Americans?

From my time in the Navy and the countries I have seen I'll provide what it seemed like to me:


Watcher,
With being in the Corps I have a lot of experiences with other countries on float also. It's late right now, but tommorow I'll chime in with my ideas on different countries tommorow. I need to put some thought into this one.:D

Dave

[Watcher74]

Coool:cool:

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Watcher74
..., which countries like Americans and which countries hate Americans?.....

What does everyone else think?

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL332/715239/1510346/33459269.jpg

With all the problems within the country I live, there's no other country I'd rather live, love and be loyal to.....

That's all..
I'm staying out of this thread.
Just thought I'd fly my flag.

[aquariumfishguy]

Originally posted by slipknottin
competition in america? you mean like our arguing over the goverment and such?

Your saying that doesnt happen in other countries?

Um, no I was talking more about how we fight over pretty much everything we can get the opportunity to fight over. I was thinking much greater than the government. But as I said, we do have 50 states filled with diversity (for the most part). I do think America has much more differences amongst the country as a whole than most countries else ware does.

[Watcher74]

I agree with AFG on that. I've thought about it myself many times.

One school will compete and be "against" a nearby school, one city will be united to compete against another city, then the entire state rallies against another state, etc., etc.

I've always just chalked it up to humanity's nature.

Of course if Aliens attacked Earth we would all unite and fight against them. Unless that ever happens we will always fight among ourselves.

I suppose it depends on how threatened a community feels. A small, weak country would be much more united than a big, strong country. Like how America united so solidly when 9/11 happened. We felt threatened. So we gathered together for strength. In peace and comfort we quibble over perceived differences.

[aquariumfishguy]

Yeah, amazing how such a tragedy brought out all the flags on peoples property... for however long that lasted (a few weeks maybe?). :rolleyes:

[Tyler718]

This is some of my thoughts and experiences on some different countries that I have been to. There is more that I have been to, but these are the ones that jumped out at me.

Kuwait- Real friendly with Americans.

Iraq - Contrary to the liberal media, Americans are welcomed. The majority the American people hear is the bad things that go on by the minority of Iraqis or the insurgents that keep coming into the country to cause problems. You hardly hear about the good things unless you watch Foxnews.

Thailand - They try to sell you everything and VERY liberal in their partying to make a buck. So you really can't make a clear decision on the people. I just didn't care for the country.

Bali- Very friendly to Americans and a beautiful country.

Australia- "Everytime I ran into any australians it was like we were first cousins that had all just turned 21 and were ready to hit the bars. I can't think of them without grinning. They love American Blokes." I have to totally agree on this. I couldn't explain it any better. I loved visiting there. Hope to go back one day.

Hong Kong & Singapore- For the most part Americans are ignored by the populous. It seemed like both cities were one big shopping mall.

Israel- "Love Americans. Great people and my God you should see the young girls walking around in fatigues with machine guns on their backs. Beautiful people and very nice." I agree on this comment.

Okinawa- The populous is a diverse group. They either love us or hate us. There is no middle ground. For the most part Americans are just ignored. Moving there this coming Febuary for one year. So I'll see if this changed at all when I get there.

Norway- Real beautiful country. Been there on many occasions and love going there. Real friendly to Americans and don't mind Americans there. Just don't get involved in talking politics with them or Swedes. It can get real ugly. :D

[Milton Friedman]

Norway- Real beautiful country. Been there on many occasions and love going there. Real friendly to Americans and don't mind Americans there. Just don't get involved in talking politics with them or Swedes. It can get real ugly. :D [/B]

Especially on economics.. Mind you, much of Europe is mildly too highly socialist

[happychem]

I suppose it depends on how threatened a community feels. A small, weak country would be much more united than a big, strong country. Like how America united so solidly when 9/11 happened. We felt threatened. So we gathered together for strength. In peace and comfort we quibble over perceived differences.

That's a fairly general truth. In times of war and conflict, people within a group are unified by the common cause. In times of peace, there's much more time and resources to dedicate to other aspects of life. This can take a positive form and lead people to delve into bettering their environment (like improving social programs) or a negative form, nitpicking and whining about little things.

This was shown really well in Steinbeck's translation of King Arthur. When they were at war or fighting everything was pretty good (other than the fighting, of course). But after they had won, things started going badly. The kids didn't respect the elders or their rules, they got lazy and unltimately it all fell apart.

I don't know that it's necessarily a bad thing that there's rivalry between states/towns/regions, so long as it's done in a constructive way. Mind you, I don't live there, so I really don't know the extent of it. But I think that one of the biggest differences between Canada and the States is that the USA tends to be more State centric and Canada tends to be more Federal centric. But again, that's just my impression, and that's largely based on tv media, which is hardly the most reliable source. :rolleyes:

[slipknottin]

IMO, strength comes from diversity.

The more we disagree and go back to finding solutions that work, the stronger we are. Its when everyone sits idly by and just goes along with whatever that civilizations crumble.

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I went to Switzerland when i was in grade 10 with a group of Girl Guides and a couple 'leaders'. We were sitting in a resturaunt talking and giggling like 15 year old girls do..... and getting evil looks from a couple sitting across from us. We overheard them say something like "Filthy Americans" or something along those lines. We were little girls! One of our leaders spun around and said "Excuse me, but we are Canadian." We got nothing but apologies for the rest of the time in the resturaunt. Its people like that that actually make me mad, people who hate someone personally just because of thier country.

I will always sew a Canadian flag onto my backpack whereever i go..... all of us Canadians do it.

Other than that i have not really had any experiences showing the opionion of other countries towards americans.

[happychem]

Originally posted by ~*LuvMyKribs*~
I will always sew a Canadian flag onto my backpack whereever i go..... all of us Canadians do it.


Some americans do to.

[Watcher74]

This is what I wear when I'm visiting other countries.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/b/a/bam302/Try%20And%20Stop%20Us.jpg

[DeVitaf]

Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
Yeah, amazing how such a tragedy brought out all the flags on peoples property... for however long that lasted (a few weeks maybe?). :rolleyes:

My flag flew before and is still flying :)

[aquariumfishguy]

That is great, but most people who had flags down the walk-way, up on their porches, and even high in the air have since taken the flags down. Its too bad.

[happychem]

Originally posted by Watcher74
This is what I wear when I'm visiting other countries.


LMAO!@@:laugh: :laugh:
But what episode was that?

[DeVitaf]

Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
That is great, but most people who had flags down the walk-way, up on their porches, and even high in the air have since taken the flags down. Its too bad.

I agree I have seen that as well...

[Watcher74]

originally posted by happychem
LMAO!@@
But what episode was that?

Heh, it was an episode where the simpsons were down in Brazil I think. Homer and Bart were walking along the beach and a life guard said, "Hey Americans!" Homer turns around and gasps "How did he know we were Americans?" He was wearing a T-shirt with that picture on it. I almost cracked a rib I laughed so hard.

I found a place online that sells the T-shirt and immediately bought one. Kinda sums up Ol' George's world relationship philosophy don't you think?

[Sensei_the_dojo]

Originally posted by Watcher74

Of course if Aliens attacked Earth we would all unite and fight against them. Unless that ever happens we will always fight among ourselves.
Aliens are much too intelligent to attack Earth. What they'd probably do is fake a crash somewhere in the desert southwest and sneak a few of their kind into local governments in the area. Eventually they'd spread their powerbase and . . .

Oh, perhaps I've said enough already.

[Dangerdoll]

Originally posted by Sensei_the_dojo
Oh, perhaps I've said enough already. ;)

:D

[Watcher74]

I knew it Sensei!!! You said there was nothing to the claims of Roswell!!!

SPILL IT!!!!!

SPILL IT D*MN YOU!!!!