Reply
Thu 23 Dec, 2004 10:28 am
Before considering why people hate America, let us first consider who hates America
"Shock, rage and grief there has been aplenty. But any glimmer of recognition of why people might have been driven to carry out such atrocities, sacrificing their own lives in the process - or why the United States is hated with such bitterness, not only in Arab and Muslim countries, but across the developing world - seems almost entirely absent."
"People don't sacrifice themselves for no reason. Let's find out what it is. And if we did something wrong (no doubt we did) let's apologize, ask for forgiveness, and then ask how we can do better."
Unjustified hatred
There is much unjustified hatred in the world. There is unjustified hatred of the USA. Much of this arises from the victimisation complex that sweeps much of mankind. Whoever is in charge, whoever is powerful or successful will also be hated. This immature hatred often evaporates quickly with a little reason or thought. The second section of this essay lists some invalid, unjustified criticisms. The most widespread hate is the hate by people the world over who fall victim to their own shortcomings, and want a scapegoat.
When people are willing to kill themselves for a cause it is not due to a whim or immature persecution complex. People willing to go this far... and to maintain that mentality for periods of time to organize an attack and carry it out have got more of a grudge than a mere jealousy or shallow hatred of success. I will dismiss several "unjustified" causes of hate in the second section of this essay. This essay is not geared to these shallow reasons.
Intellectual hatred
The most prevalent form in Western nations of anti American feelings is due to intellectualized reasons. In short this amounts to opinions on America, it's actions. Intellectual hatred is based on principles, morals, and historical hatred based on past conflicts and actions of the USA.
SO I ASK EVERYONE Why do people hate America?
You're going to need a few more options on that poll.
FreeDuck wrote:You're going to need a few more options on that poll.
Can you suggest afew please
Rafick wrote:Can you suggest a few please
we are the only so-called Super Power left
reaction-formation to feelings of jealousy (from other countries)
not appreciating what we have (from inside the USA)
because it's the kewl thing to do
More, please ....
Those look good.
Also we could put:
Objection to a perceived immorality in our culture
Objection to our political support of non-democratic governments
Feelings of victimization (overlaps some with jealousy)
Objection to our insatiable appetite for natural resources
Settlers mentality (reference to a board game where a common phenomenon is that when one player appears to be too far ahead the others work together to bring him down -- the object of the game seemingly shifts from winning to preventing another from winning even if it means you losing)
All of the above
Power & Jealousy
As a public world-police force, people are prone to resent it in the same way they resent any authoritarian figure or large institution. The American government is more prone to corruption given it's powerful position and size, and if it is corruption you despise you should fight that, but try not to actually place blame for it's existence, when it is a universal problem.
As a symbol of Western power and aggression, the USA is frequently made a scapegoat for the evil's of commercialism on the rest of the world. USA is the biggest, most ego-filled nation and therefore the clearest and most gratifying target to tarnish. Which is stupid.
You could certainly add that one.
There are many people who have very justified reasons to hate the US.
I think you have to take it on a case by case basis.
Looks like a poll designed to elicit a certain response. Just a hunch...
Success & Jealousy
As the world's richest nation, jealousy does give rise to hatred. Many level headed people will subconsciously feel it's effects, even though they may recognize it as what it is, many won't.
There is much unjustified hatred of America. Much of this arises from the victimisation complex that sweeps much of mankind. Whoever is in charge, whoever is powerful or successful will also be hated. This immature hatred often evaporates quickly with a little reason or thought
If that were the case, people would hate the other wealthy nations almost as much. I don't think there is a correlation.
Rafick, is there a link to this stuff, or are you making it up as we go along?
ebrown_p wrote:There are many people who have very justified reasons to hate the US.
I think you have to take it on a case by case basis.
emkay, so why ask why?
The topic title is actually 'Who hates America?' You would be one, correct?
You live here, correct? Why not move? No disrespect intended, but, if you hate where you live, why stay? Is it the "change it or lose it" thing? Now, that I can get behind! :wink:
You would be a little presumptuous, correct?
ForeverYoung wrote:ebrown_p wrote:There are many people who have very justified reasons to hate the US.
I think you have to take it on a case by case basis.
emkay, so why ask why?
The topic title is actually 'Who hates America?' You would be one, correct?
You live here, correct? Why not move? No disrespect intended, but, if you hate where you live, why stay? Is it the "change it or lose it" thing? Now, that I can get behind! :wink:
No. I love America, which is why I do everything I can to make her a better, more just nation.
I am just pointing out, that there are people who have been unjustly harmed by the actions of the United States. It is no surprise that these people hate the US. If we love the US, it seems we should understand this and try to make things right.
FreeDuck wrote:You would be a little presumptuous, correct?
Oh, you're just angry because it was me hiding under the bed (see childhood fears where I admitted it). :wink:
ebrown_p wrote:ForeverYoung
No. I love America, which is why I do everything I can to make her a better, more just nation.
I am just pointing out, that there are people who have been unjustly harmed by the actions of the United States. It is no surprise that these people hate the US. If we love the US, it seems we should understand this and try to make things right.
Yes, I understand now.
That's what I meant by "change it or lose it."
President Bush has recently said that these terrorists hate Democracy and Freedom
ForeverYoung wrote:FreeDuck wrote:You would be a little presumptuous, correct?
Oh, you're just angry because it was me hiding under the bed (see childhood fears where I admitted it). :wink:
I saw it, that was cute (though it was my closet, how memory fades with age...)
No, I just have some knowledge of ebrown's posts and happen to know the he does not hate America.
Rafick wrote:President Bush has recently said that these terrorists hate Democracy and Freedom
President Bush likes to frame things in terms that are simple to understand. I think it unlikely that there are many people with little or no power who also happen to hate Democracy and Freedom.
...but now I think you are doing an assignment with our help.
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