Most of the criticism of the USA seems to come from our European brothers and sisters. I call them such because they primarily settled our continient and are our ancestors. I have noticed some trends in this and find some fair things on their part for Americans to consider. I will address the following:
1. Euros express irritation that Americans do not seem to take criticism well.
2. American Pride irritates Euros, because we say we are the best.
3. Americans, in their efforts to be the good guys, come across to Euros as self-righteoues.
4. American patriotism and nationalism worries Euros that we might go to far.
Criticism: The reason that it appears that Americans find it hard to take criticism is that the criticism comes across as extreme, all-or-nothing. If an American company does something wrong or stupid, ALL American businesses seem to be blamed for corporate greed, etc. ... or if some Americans favor the death penalty, ALL Americans are painted as blood thirsty, gun toting, gang-bangers ... and before long the criticism sounds like something from Carl Marx and the Communist Manifesto. Balanced views of the fact that Americans are a very introspective and self-deprecating culture are not properly credited. And it is because Americans as a people, in general, do care about our European brothers and sisters, and that is why we feel their criticism more harshly. We forget that Euros do care and that is why they sling criticism, because they want America to do the sensible and right thing ... or at least listen to their views and consider alternative concepts more closely.
Pride: In fairness to Americans, Euros need to understand the American culture better on this issue. When we say we are "Ther Best Country" we do not mean that as globally as it sounds. A husband or wife might say that their mate is the best in the world. I tell people that my wife is the best cook in the world. It is not that we do not believe that there is someone that isn't possibly as good or better, but it is the sense of family loyalty and love that makes us say things like this about our mates. Americans have lost much of family strength and core support due to our high divorce rate, and the one common sense of community, of family, of social collectiveness we have is our national pride. Yes, other nations are proud of their countries, and do things that excell better than the USA. I strongly believe, for example, that the American approach to the drug war is way off base ... and I wish we would try the model set by the Netherlands (Dutch) where drugs are legalized and the drug lords are run out of business. America is Built upon the good ideas of other nations ... British law, Italian food, and German engineering to name a few. We are the product of the world ... and we do need to listen more - and we can do this without violating our sense of independance and values.
The Good Guys: Here is where America, I believe, needs to really tone itself down - Europeans have a good point on his one. Yes, the whole damn world knows we are motivated to be good. But we do not have to keep rubbing it in everyone's face, especially when there is a national crisis like 9-11. Our close allies and brothers, Canada, UK, Australia, and many others are also the Good Guys every bit as much as we are ... and we need to realize that even in our desire to be good, and having positive self-esteem, we do need to see where we have not been good, and bring more accountability to our politicians and businesses. These two entities, more than any other, affect our national image. Following this, I wish that Americans who travel abroad would set a better example and not piss off the nations they visit. They give the rest of us at home a black eye.
American patriotism and nationalism: Like American pride, this too is a quality that Euros seem to not understand about us. From the Euro point of view, I guess after two world wars and 70 years of Soviet domination, I would be worried about nationalism too ... and maybe we need to remember that our European friends just fear that if we get too full of ourselves with nationalism, it can and will go wrong, and we could end up acting like Nazi Germany or Communist Russia ... it can and does happen, and we Americans are still human and can succumb to this ... on the other hand ...
Euros need to remember that America is a very competitive, sports conscious nation. I love it when Simon and Englishman talk about some sporting event between certain UK cities ... for brief moments they sound very American, in a British way of course. America has a love affair with sports and competition ... and much of our nationalism and patriotism is found in that same vein ... it is our way of mustering the best of the best to do the job ... and when there is any kind of war, there is no choice but to win ... because unlike sports, where there is always next year, in war, there are no second chances.
Healthy Debate: I believe that 90% of the angst between Americans and Euros on this forum is due to misunderstanding, each side thinking they really know the other side, or each side underestimating the other. We are all good people, trying to do the right thing, and if we can criticize in a CONSTRUCTIVE way rather than destructive, we might have some productive and fun political debates without destroying each other. If we can realize that we are basically on the same team, a team that is trying to do things for the betterment and enrichment of humanity, we can accomplish much together - with healthy constructive debate.
Last but not least: Euros need to remember too that America is not only already a very diverse nation, but is changing and evolving right before their eyes ... in 10 to 20 years Anglos will be a minority behind Hispanics and Asians. As we speak, Hindus are investing heavily in America, rebuilding its cities. Koreans and Japanese and others are investing heavily in American business as well as many Europeans are investing in America, changing its way of doing business. This will eventually work its way into our foreign policies and change our responses to many nations.
I hope that our Euro friends and brothers can think about the above, know that you are appreciated for all that your respective nations and cultures have given to America, and that when you criticize us, try to be more moderate constructive ... and at the same time, at least this one American will try his best to listen better and understand that your criticism may not only be fair, but that it is because you are good guys who care too, every bit as much as America.
Edited by - Amazing on 4 July 2002 9:42:27