Why does the whole world hate America

@Anniedup (3651)
Richards Bay, South Africa
March 8, 2007 7:58pm CST
I don't understand this, I am from South-Africa, and where ever I go I get into a darn debate about America. And don't give me the Iraqi war, or the President, that just contributed to the global hatred to-wards America, and saddest off all the generalization of all Americans are as.... I am talking about comments like "Yes that is typical American,f... always bigger, better," Even here on MyLot I have picked it up in a few discussions, even from Americans themselves. I am also not particular crazy about my country, which BTW received billions of dollars from America, the same with other developing countries. Bite the hand that feeds you, comes to mind. I have never even met an American, I also just like millions of people, watch the news and read newspapers. But what I pick up from sources like that, they say they are not bias but they are, we never here the good they do, because good news doesn't sell. Just because the president is not so hot doesn't mean the whole country is s...t So give me your views
8 people like this
45 responses
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I did not know we were so hated here. It seems we are liked well enough when our military force is *needed* at our taxpayers expense, or when there is a natural disaster causeing mass trauma and clean-up *at american taxpayer expense* and everyone is more than happy to help us increase our national deficit by loaning us money to do these things for their country. seems to me we should be pretty well liked, over-all. but, maybe we "butt-in" too much, trying to be big brother to everyone, which can be offensive, I suppose. All I can do is be the best person I know how to be and if I am not liked upon my own merits - I will at least know that I tried my best to be good.
5 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
No insult meant but you must live in a gated community with all Bush supporters. Open your eyes, we really are despised by so many. The unfortunate thing is, no matter how well you or I live our lives as good people, it won't make a difference. The world only sees what they want and what their news reports. Who do these countries usually see? Crooked politicians, messed up celebrities and the criminals.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
Modestah, that was my whole question, I know America is a great country, always there to help, so why would so many people hate America. And these are not my words, but this is on TV day in and day out, then you must stop and ask, You, and thousands of others, are good people, why do they have this hatred. Something is wrong. Very true jumpinjack, I just hope that those people who feel so strongly, that America and her people deserve their hate, come to this discussion to give their reasons, and opinions for feeling that way. Please state and justify why you feel this way. To say America is bad and we hate them, doesn't make sense or help the situation, it just makes people angry, get it out in the open, but open your minds and read how Americans feel about the world's perception and the stigma that they have to live with everyday.
1 person likes this
@decimus785 (1419)
• Aruba
9 Mar 07
If they hate the president ,they hate the people,because the people voted for the president
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Not all of us voted for him. Enough said.
2 people like this
• Aruba
9 Mar 07
I know,but because of one persons error ,the whole country gets a bad name.i dont hate america.
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Good for you. I'm glad you can see past that. I can understand how many people around the globe can't stand us. That's because we tend to act very arrogant. What people around the world sees is not what best represents the majority.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Anniedup, you hit the nail squarely on the head. It really doesn't make sense why we're hated by so many but I can understand why. Just reading the responses you've received by other Americans so far is a good reflection of that. We spend a lot of time reminding people of all the good we do (pride, arrogance). We also overdo & over consume everything (gluttony). So many of us take so much for granted and are never happy with what they have (greed). There are, by far, so many more perversions here in America compared to elsewhere. (lust). Are you seeing what I'm seeing? There's a pattern developing. Even though I'm not a religious fanatic, I'm someone who believes in living life... Well you know per other discussions. The seven deadly sins (as they are called) can be applied to life outside of religion. That's the way I approach it. The seven behaviors to keep under control are; Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed & Sloth. If we all just live life with those contained then perhaps the world would view us in a more positive light. Correct me if I'm wrong but much of the world looks to us for guidance, so if we don't set a good example we're definitely going to be frowned upon. ‹(°¿°)›
2 people like this
• United States
12 Mar 07
Thanks again for your vote Anniedup. It was my turn to get away this weekend. ‹(°¿°)›
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
My friend, what can I say, you summed it up in such a manner, that again I am speechless. What I can say is this; I learned allot why you feel so strongly, I learned from all the responses so far, and above all, I learned so much from your post. You answered allot of my questions and I'm sure allot of others as well, I hope. For me it is maybe easier, or sometimes more difficult, I don't harbor the same feelings as the rest of the world, and just for that I sometimes get into a tiff, but it is because allot of people, including me,are guilty of the bad qualities that you mentioned and should strive to live in such a manner, or try at least, to root out all these qualities and replace them with the opposite. I am not going to thank you for your response but rather thank you for your Contribution, thank you jumpinjack. Thank you for your
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
That last little bit wasint me:)
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I have wondered about this for a long time. Most of the people I know are kind and caring people, just like people anywhere else in the world. I know that our country, The United States, has been one of the top contributors to other countries, especially in times of nation calamities like earthquakes, floods, etc. When I mentioned that to one person who was calling us all kinds of names on his blog, he said, "Yes, but that America always had strings attached to every penny they gave away." If that is true, I never heard of any such thing. Then he accused us of starting wars for oil. As far as I know, we don't get a single drop of oil from Iraq. Most of our oil comes from Arabia and South America, but when people already hate you, for whatever reason, it is very difficult to explain anything to them. A lot of our people are getting tired of being called arrogant, greedy, warmongers, and they want to pull back from the world and do nothing more to help any other country. I hope that doesn't happen, but I am almost getting to that point myself. I know that the average American has more money and more possessions than many other people in the world and we have worked hard to get to that place, but most of us have been willing to share with others. Is that why they hate us? I know you can't buy friendship, but I don't tear down the leader's of other countries, unless they are killing their people by the thousands like Sadaam was, so I don't think they really have any right to complain about our president either. At least he is only elected for 4 years at a time and they will soon have someone else to complain about while some other countries are stuck with a poor leader for a lifetime. Thanks for your discussion. I'm sure it will soon fill up with people telling you why they hate America.
• United States
9 Mar 07
Wow, I'm usually not at a loss for words but in this case all I can say is keep living a nice naive life. There's nothing wrong with that as long as you don't have any influence on others. Wow.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
And I am sure it will fill up just as quickly with comments from people like you Stringbean who shows a true love for their country and are not "married" in a political sense to one President. I am living in a country where in my everyday I see the hand of America. I envy you that you feel so passionate about your country and your people, because I am not proud of my country and no matter what I do the patriotism doesn't want to come back
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
I think other countries want the help of the USA. And let us not forget which country everyone wants to enter and then change their status when they get here to be permanent citizens. That would be America. However, our idea of help might be different from the people receiving help. Nobody has a problem receiving money from the USA. But do they want us to invade the country and kill extremists who are killing their own people? Some do and some don't, and everyone wants it done without bloodshed and that is impossible. Some people who come to the USA, have the preconceived ideas that everything is free or easy. That they don't have to learn English. That they don't have to work. Then when they get here and they have to work to learn the language, work harder to get a work permit, a green card....and a decent job--one that any American would be proud to have and it isn't working...and some American people hate imigrants because they do not see that America is a melting pot...they end up hating America. Not all imigrants are treated the same why. Arabs are truly at a disavantage. They don't get all the freebies Mexicans get like free education in some cases, Spanish on every can of food, Spanish on driving tests. Then the immigrants end up being angry at each other because some ethnic minorities are treated better. On top of that, our gov't reminds us that we love the Muslim Arabs and we welcome them here, but when they get here and try to get a work permit and green card, they are mistreated. You cannot judge every Muslim/Arab who comes to this country and think he or she wants to bomb America. We have Christians who bomb abortion clinics...are we afraid all Christians will bomb abortion clinics? No, we aren't.
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
This is exactly the nose up in the air attitude that irks people around the globe. Stop pushing all our good deeds down peoples throats. How would you like to have a friend who reminds you that she let you borrow a dress or perhaps throws in your face that she's richer than all her friends. You don't want to hear the same thing over and over again. You'd get frustrated at the very least, if not angry. Look at what you wrote and determine if other people around the globe want to be reminded constantly of the same old crud. ‹(°¿°)›
• United States
9 Mar 07
Since so many people hate the American society, maybe what we should do, is stay to ourselves. Rule ourselves...help ourselves. Ignore others. People are always happy to take our money, physical aid, technology...and they do want to live here (many do). Since we are unnerving so many, maybe we need to say no to immigration...no to visitors, and when there is a disaster in another country, no...sorry, we cannot help you, we might do something wrong and offend someone. When we develop new ideas with technology not share that either. We will mind our own business....No, we will not need anyone's oil because we will be concentrating our efforts on doing things a different way. That is starting to sound good. Nobody can criticize us for anything then.
• United States
10 Mar 07
The question is, Why does the whole world hate America? I am RESPONDING to the question. I did not just come on here ranting about how good America is. Wake up! I have every right to respond to that question as you do. Get over yourself!
1 person likes this
@Karmalina (647)
• Australia
9 Mar 07
They even hate us in some parts of Australia. Often it feels like people are trying to get me to put down my home country and say how baaad it is, but I just can't because its generally a good place to live when you take out government crap. I've heard all kind of anti "yank" talk. A friend of my ex actually started going on talking about "yanks" were useless and he couldn't stand them right in front of me in a store and I went running out the door. Later I was informed "He thought you were Canadian." Like that would make it all o.k. I've also heard us called lazy and stupid and be made fun of in public. Of course it's always by uninformed people, but it still amazes me how people can be THAT uninformed. The most bothersome thing I hear is people saying "Don't let them Americanize us." like it's some kind of contagious disease. The US likes their idea of Australians being different. I don't see anybody forcing changes onto any Australians. (Other than John Howard kissing Bush's butt.) Okay, I'm getting mad and rambling here. Bottom line is I don't think anybody has a right to generalize about everyone in a country. People can't help where they were born and raised.
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
I think that's sad because I don't think I've ever heard and American say anything bad about an Australian. Most Americans who have spent any time there love it.
3 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
"Don't let them Americanize you " Yes there you go I heard that a million times in my country. Horrible to judge so generally! With the previous government, in SA, because of "Apartheid" we suffered just like Americans do now.The image that the world had of us, cripples us still today. I have never been a racist, I didn't vote for the previous government, but wherever and whatever we did we were always slandered and not just from the outside world but three quarters of my country today think I was part of "Apartheid" just because of the color of my skin. That is why I can relate to allot of Americans. Thx desertdarlene and Karmalina for your contribution and response xx
• Australia
9 Mar 07
It was far worse up near Sydney. I haven't heard as much of the crap down in Victoria. The worst I get is "What kind of accent is THAT?". I don't think anywhere near all Aussies are like that, but I know I managed to find a bunch!
3 people like this
@dellion (6698)
• Malaysia
9 Mar 07
I fully with your point of views with regards to this matter concern as I do think that the political issues shouldn't be take into account for us to make any judgements towards its nation,its peoples. Any matured and educated peoples should know that there's lots of things beside the political or anyone in person that we need to consider before we can say somethings about that country or peoples.The "Hate" of any such thing will only make the world more ugly and move backward.
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
9 Mar 07
My dear friend dellion, if we had more people like you, and I know there are, just to little, then this world would truly be a better place! Thank you my friend I am so proud to have you as my friend. xx
@r0ck_r0ck (1952)
• India
9 Mar 07
i dont hate america! i hate g.bush! -1 for him!
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Glad you got that of your chest:) thx for your hmmmm response
@shrekk (561)
• Pakistan
9 Mar 07
Its not just about the president's "hotness", annie. Its the general mentality of, not the Americans, but the AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. You see, whoever is in power, always wants to make his power more established and widespread. Same with America. Their government has visons and they work towards achieving them, but in trying to acheive them, they do not care about the feelings or well-being of the people of other nations. Its true that they give large amounts to the same nations, but its also true that if they find anyone impeding their path of progress, they become inhuman to alarming extents. There's more another face to this issue, which is, that it is the governments who know that america is financially helping them. the nations dont have enough idea. Thats the reason you find the commone people "biting the hand that feeds them", while their governments may not be of the same opinion and mostly aren't.
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Please read jumpinjackOO's response, the 9th entry, I think you will find it very informative, and he confirms some of the issues you raised. plse comment there, I would really like to hear what you think Thx for your response
• Nigeria
9 Mar 07
Because the American Govt. practises double standards. Bush is not a war criminal, but Saddam is. The U.S.A. goes on accumulating nuclear weapons, but condemns the audacity of other nations to do so. It creates a weapons market to check its over-production of weapons, but the purchasers of such weapons soon become its enemies. It practises liberal economy, but its parliament raises a hue & cry to pass anti-outsourcing laws the moment its own labour market dwindles. That's why... However, I believe George W. Bush & his administration do not represent the common American people. The U.S. people are some of the greatest believers of freedom & probably the most caustic criticism of the American Govt. policies come from within America. So hat's off to the American people and thumbs down to its present Govt.
1 person likes this
@timou87 (1638)
• Singapore
10 Mar 07
i agree with you, that the american government, throughout all the different presidents have been pracitsing double standards. i also agree that it is important to be distinct between the actions of the american people and that of their govenrment.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Thank you, for pointing out that negative influence of the government, does not represent all the American people. thx for your response
• India
9 Mar 07
The whole world hates America because they are not aware of the truth.And even if some people know the truth they don't want to accept it.They only see the merciless behaviour of Americans towards their enemies,but they forget that they are only the one who are running the world.The technology implemented by them is the best and we all copy or are indirectly dependent on their work.So I think the people purposely see only one side of the coin.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Thank you for a positive attitude, and for your response.
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
9 Mar 07
Hi, I do not hate America although I live in Australia there are a lot of people that hate America but the main thing is that my people do not understand the history behind Australia and that is during the second world war if it was not for America, then we would not be a free country as they saved Australia from the Japanese when they entered our water here, I think that we have to appreciate what America has done for those who care about other countries, and it is like other people they follow like sheep when they do not like something they stick to this whether it be right or wrong. It is very hard to change their minds.
2 people like this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
kathy77 thank you for your response, and the little history lesson, I didn't know America played such a big part in Australia, during the second world war. I bet there are allot that didn't know that thx again
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
It's not because of the president. It's the fact that America, with all of its power, can do all sorts of things to improve the human condition but instead does the opposite. I think the word here is selfish. While it isn't wrong to look out for your own self-interest, you should give other people a break too. In this case, America is using the World Bank, IMF and WTO to impose their own rules which are, to some, oppressive.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Selfish & oppressive are two superb words to use when describing my country. For someone outside the U.S. that is very observant. This is someone who thinks with their eyes open.
2 people like this
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
Well, let me ask you, a person from a great country (I mean it really, you have a good country but bad policies) who uses the power of that greatness by imposing rules on everybody through WTO, World Bank, IMF and other similar institutions?
1 person likes this
• Philippines
9 Mar 07
I should have added, what right do you have to impose those rules?
1 person likes this
9 Mar 07
Well it is a simple as that, the person who is on top or a thing that is the best, never gets recognition in the terms of how good they are, in the case of america, it is just the same thing applicable, they are the world leaders, everyone knows that, but normal tendency nobody appreciates that, they just point out the negatives, in whatever way they can, and that makes a piece of big news too because its been said against something which is so big and powerful. Long live America! for supporting so many economies and yet what do they get always...just critism.
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Thank for your positive view, and for your response
@timou87 (1638)
• Singapore
10 Mar 07
i wouldnt say that the whole world hates america or even americans, i just feel that its a small group of self serving politicians and warmongers who wish to make a name for themselves in the history books, or to satisfy their hunger for more money, or such selfish desires, that are committing atrocities in the name of america and tansihing all that america stands for
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
You are hitting it on the nail my friend. Thanks for your response
@smanipasu (350)
• India
9 Mar 07
because they are trying to be a BOSS of the world. you know always we don't like our Boss.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Mar 07
But who do you hate? Me? All of us? We're not our own bosses in our own country. Only the government is stretching its tentacles. We here in the U.S. don't like it any more than any one of you. We'd rather our government takes care of its own first than give some serious thought to how it handles international affairs. The problem right now is that this (Bush) administration is doing a poor job on both fronts. I'm more like your co-worker than your boss.
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
smanipasu, have a look at jumpinjack,s comment, I think it is a very appropriate statement here. "I'm more like your co-worker than your boss" Thx for your response
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
9 Mar 07
Thanks for being so rounded about this. You seem to recognize the good the US does without the knee jerk reaction of jealous and hateful outsiders. Thanks for your words and support.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Thank you for the kind words, and the response
• Saudi Arabia
10 Mar 07
Hi there again... There's a big difference between ppl who don't like America because of the culture and (this is ur question) or who dont like America bcoz of politics, i guess for both we mainly have 2 reasons: FIRST: A dominant country, in general, is always hated because what happens is a dominant country's culture is always directly or indirectly imposed on weaker countries, history says so. When saying, directly that means by colonization where direct contact between the dominant and the weaker takes place. Indirectly like when media helps market and spread the culture of the dominant like tv shows , movies, etc so what happens is people feel they're kinda forced to accept it rather than having the choice to accept or reject. SECOND: i am not gonna go thru' the political side (although it can't be overlooked) but there's an important factor, Europe compared the U.S or europeans in general have better relationships with the other parts of world as we see because they can build bridges and communicate better. Maturity and experince in politics is important. Europe, especially the leading countries like France 4 instance have gained experience in dealing with other part of the world and also wisdom besides they (europeans) have long history and roots, just if we just read the history of Europe we can easily figure it out, this history has helped them build better ways in communicating and dealing with other countries, colonization-wise or war affairs and i think it's normal that it'd take the americans time (since their history is relatively recent or new compared 2 mother europe), it'd take them some time before they reach the same level of experience. Thank you 4 the valuable post
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Hello my friend I am so glad you responded, and I am not going to say a word further than I hope allot of people read your response. Yes America is a teenager compared to Europe, and you know the joke about teenagers, "If you want to know anything,and everything, ask a teenager he's got all the answers" Take care
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I am an American. I never realized there was such hatred for us till i started visiting sites like this. I am just a normal human being. I am poor. I feel bad for others who have it rough. I do what i can to help. I Hate the Iraq war. I wish we were not in it. I don't have the same views as the president. I'm just glad i live in a country where I can say I disagree and not have to worry about being thrown in prison for saying so. I m sorry people from other countries don't like us. But if they knew there were others like me maybe they would.
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
I salute! you mssnow, Everybody take a good look, THIS IS THE REAL AMERICA!!! Thank you very much my friend for this wonderful response!
• Singapore
9 Mar 07
i'm fine with americans...
1 person likes this
@Anniedup (3651)
• Richards Bay, South Africa
10 Mar 07
Me too!! thx for your response