1) It is for ME because all of my hopes, dreams, and most loved ones lay or live in the USA.
2) Comparing countries? Standard of education, political and religious freedom, economic stability standard of living.
3) Yes to a degree.
4) Yes. I try to listen, watch, read unbiased (relatively) news. I talk to people of other culture/backgrounds and find out they feel and what they believe. I read articles from foreign correspondants and I listen to experiences of writers. (There was a wonderful piece recently by an American writer who lived in Paris for 5 years.)
5) News and documentary. Personal experience.
6) Not always. My view and expectation of the USA prior to visiting was somewhat different from my experience. I believe the same is true for many other places. You have to live there to really understand.
7) I have been resident of 3 countries, UK, Australia and USA. I lived in Australia for 2 years, the USA nearly 7 years. I have worked in and often visited Canada. I have visited and worked in Ireland, France, Germany and Switzerland. I have visited as a tourist other southern European countries and one Eastern European country. My oldest brother has shared with me his experience of living and working in India and Iran.
In all cases I have found people to be friendly and hospitable to strangers. You can't label whole countries just because of the political regime (i.e., "an axis of evil").
In several cases I was surprised because expectations were bettered by reality. My experience: It helps if you try to speak in the local languages even if you are totally hopeless (like me).
Thirdson
(Legal alien - USA)
