Ask Me Help Desk - Why do we as Americans accept bashing?

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello Mary:

What makes us great, is that we let a lemon slip through once in a while. What KEEPS us great, is that we repair the damage the lemons do.

excon

Agreed.

Hi Excon,

Its going to be very difficult and cost your country A lot of money to repair the damage this lemon has done! I think that I can say that even though I am Irish... Im not hurting anyone am I?!

I thank you all, yes ALL for responding. From my heart I thank you. And thanks for those that lent a chuckle and support. To be honest, I needed it.

Excon - I guess not uncomfortable, but it makes me sad, upset and sometimes, angry.
By the way.. thank you for your service.

Need Karma - I hope I didn't upset you. I was upset myself and just really wanted and needed to share how I was feeling.

I don't think my feelings of upset will ever change but I can't thank all of you enough
For sharing your thoughts and listening to mine.

People on internet boards and newspapers and plenty of other places have been offering their opinions of other countries forever. I'm not sure why it has come to your attention now. We are all interconnected in some way, no man is an island so to speak. Some of the 'bashing' of other countries is done here by americans. Make sure to apply the same standards to others. :)

We accept it because we respect people from all over to have the right to say what they wish. That doesn't mean it isn't rude, that doesn't mean it doesn't upset us sometimes, but in order to have free speech (which I think most Americans agree should be a global thing) we have to tolerate what we don't like as well as what we do like.

Remember too, the media in many countries is quite biased (but not ours :)) and may not portray the US and our actions in the best light. This could be from past disagreements with said country or simply out of misunderstanding. I remember reading in a textbook about a man who moved here from China on business and he was terrified because of what he had heard of America. He thought we all lived two people to a mansion and we all leave our money to our pets when we die, not to our children. He got here and was relieved to find we were normal and hard-working.

Also consider that for governments who are opposed to our administration or our politics in general, the best way to make the displeasure known is to have it's citizens dislike our country and administration as well. It gives the country an upper hand, so to speak, the more people who dislike us, the more likely we are to change.

Depending on what I see/hear people say, I often think their disdain is a result of lack of knowledge about America, what we stand for, and the good things we do in the world. Are we always good? No. But are we evil? No. I know this is a great country; it could use some work, but really, what country couldn't?

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Originally Posted by jillianleab

We accept it because we respect people from all over to have the right to say what they wish. That doesn't mean it isn't rude, that doesn't mean it doesn't upset us sometimes, but in order to have free speech (which I think most Americans agree should be a global thing) we have to tolerate what we don't like as well as what we do like.

Remember too, the media in many countries is quite biased (but not ours :)) and may not portray the US and our actions in the best light. This could be from past disagreements with said country or simply out of misunderstanding. I remember reading in a textbook about a man who moved here from China on business and he was terrified because of what he had heard of America. He thought we all lived two people to a mansion and we all leave our money to our pets when we die, not to our children. He got here and was relieved to find we were normal and hard-working.

Also consider that for governments who are opposed to our administration or our politics in general, the best way to make the displeasure known is to have it's citizens dislike our country and administration as well. It gives the country an upper hand, so to speak, the more people who dislike us, the more likely we are to change.

Depending on what I see/hear people say, I often think their disdain is a result of lack of knowledge about America, what we stand for, and the good things we do in the world. Are we always good? No. But are we evil? No. I know this is a great country; it could use some work, but really, what country couldn't?

Just and incredible and clear explanation! It makes sense and helps a great deal.

Thank you... very much.

When I was working with Individuals from all over the world, they were doing a two year tour and all of them and their families cried upon leaving. They were truly sad to leave us. They missed their homeland very much and looking forward to being with their loved ones again, but it did pain them to leave us as well.

I honestly and sincerely thank you for sharing. It helped immensely!

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

"The rest of the world and the liberal establishment hate the fact that the USA is great."

This person lists many reasons why America is hated, some quite naïve.

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I really doubt that! I for one do not think that the USA is not that great... Far from that in fact.

Do you mean "I for one think that the USA is not that great?" If so, other than the reason you listed, why?

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Your leader is an idiot who thinks that he rules the world. Well he doesn't. He is a money minded man who should not be in power.

Our leader, like every other leader we've had is quite fallible. But your description of him is just an opinion and I have yet to see anyone show me ANY irrefutable evidence it's true. He mangles words but that doesn't make him an idiot. I have yet to hear of his attempted takeover of Europe, Africa, Asia, Central or South America, and one does not get rich by serving for 8 years as president of the United States. I have never seen the mythological Bush that the left has created.

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A great country would have a great leader...

Fortunately, America is great because of her people. A great leader is just a bonus but at least our leader has a better approval rating than congress... currently a 10 point advantage on average. :D

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

"The rest of the world and the liberal establishment hate the fact that the USA is great."

I really doubt that! I for one do not think that the USA is not that great.... Far from that in fact. Your leader is an idiot who thinks that he rules the world. Well he doesnt. He is a money minded man who should not be in power.

A great country would have a great leader....

Irelands had there fair share of bad leaders too you know. Not every country's perfect, anyway we voted for him so your appropriate answer should be that Americans are money minded. Plus with our current state with the economy we need a money minded person in power.
Speaking of great leaders who is Irelands prime minister anyway? You know the name of our leader, but who's running your country?
Think about the hipocracy in your statement.

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

Hi Excon,

Its going to be very difficult and cost your country ALOT of money to repair the damage this lemon has done! I think that I can say that even though I am Irish.... Im not hurting anyone am I??!!!

You see, now that is the common misperception. 535 plus members of congress had a hand in this alleged 'damage' - and that's just for starters.

The reason we accept bashing is because of our culture…we have everyone's culture.
For you non-Americans, this means that some of your fellow countrymen, in times past, have immigrated and brought some of your culture with them. The parts we liked we adopted as our own.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

People on internet boards and newspapers and plenty of other places have been offering their opinions of other countries forever. I'm not sure why it has come to your attention now. We are all interconnected in some way, no man is an island so to speak. Some of the 'bashing' of other countries is done here by americans. Make sure to apply the same standards to others. :)

No doubt, we've been making jokes about the French for decades... and Canadians, Mexicans... :D

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

The reason we accept bashing is because of our culture…we have everyone’s culture.
For you non-Americans, this means that some of your fellow countrymen, in times past, have immigrated and brought some of your culture with them. The parts we liked we adopted as our own.

To me, within your answer there is a great answer... In all of us Americans, is actually
Parts of people all around the world, so, we actually are all a part of each other.
I am being sincere, not trying to be sappy.

I think the British "bash" americans to get back at them.
Americans think everyone from England speaks posh and drink nothing but tea (ect), and they make fun of us, so we do it back, we copy their accent in a stupid manor and say they eat nothing about mcDonalds (ect)

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Originally Posted by speechlesstx

Actually magprob you're right, others are following our example. If Americans bash America why not everyone else?

That is a very good point... and very true.

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Originally Posted by Princess-IMYM

I think the brittish "bash" americans to get back at them.
Americans think everyone from England speaks posh and drink nothing but tea (ect), and they make fun of us, so we do it back, we copy their accent in a stupid manor and say they eat nothing about mcDonalds (ect)

Hi Princess,

Actually I didn't think the British did bash us :( . But I think we may joke back and forth.
At least that's how it was amongst some of the British that I met. And sooooo funny you said that about us thinking you all speak posh and drink nothing but tea... That is exactly what my British friend thought we thought. Too funny.

p.s. Do you actually drink anything other than tea :D

Acctually it's mostly coffee that we drink, tea isn't strong enough anymore :D
I personally hate tea.
And I suppose not all americans eat anything other than mcDonalds? I kind of guessed that anyway. :p

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Originally Posted by Princess-IMYM

Acctually it's mostly coffee that we drink, tea isnt strong enough anymore :D
I personally hate tea.
And i suppose not all americans eat anything other than mcDonalds? i kinda guessed that anyway. :p

I actually love tea :) Goes well with Mc D's. ;)

Actually Mc D's does have the BEST french fries.

I do like the occasional McD's but too much makes me ill... yes the fries are very nice, I agree ^^
My friend dips them in strawberry milkshake! How odd! Do you do that? Or is she just strange?

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Originally Posted by Princess-IMYM

^^
My friend dips them in strawberry milkshake! how odd! do you do that? or is she just strange?

I will not speak ill of anyone... she does what :eek:

I never tried it... I'll have to give it a go. Ya know, there are times we eat other then Mc D's, there is Dunkin Donuts :D

:p I have never heard of that.
All I know is McD's and burger king.

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Originally Posted by Allheart

Actually, I am not one to speak ill of another person, place or thing. Not saying that I haven't but it is a very very rare occassion. So, I do have expectations that I guess are high, as they are the same standards that I apply. Hard to beleive but it is true.

To be quite honest, I started this thread, as the continual negativity about America, I will admit, really does bother me and just wondered if it bothered any other Americans. I guess I stand alone.

You don't know me, but I always have given the upmost respect to all cultures and that's why I do get so taken back at how freely some speak so negatively about America.
I will always be uncomfortable with it.

Allheart, you do not stand alone.

I have also observed the prevalence of America bashing. I think it's partially due to the narrow scope of these peoples focus.
Read about how much monies the US sends to so many places in peril.
Did you hear about the US ship that was sent to to Indonisia to help with tsunami victims? Or doesn't that count?
Spend just half the time looking at or for good press and you'll change your tune!

Talk all you want about how we speak about rouge nations, while you sit as close to our borders as you'd like. Feels good to be protected by our proximity without having to face the same proverbial lashing we receive.
I could go on but my time is limited right now.
In the words of a very famous transplant, "I will be back!"

Our Government deserves it. Most of the people in our country deserve to be made fun of. Hell most school kids can't point out America on a map. Look the facts are when Britney Spears is "headline news" on CNN don't you think the rest of the world deserves to laugh at us because most American's care more about her then REAL NEWS!!

Then you have these crazy people who watch TV just to call the FCC and Complain because NYPD Blues showed someone's Bare Butt on TV. When really they could be doing something IMPORTANT with their time instead of trying to make TV "safe".

The world has a right to laugh at us and we have no right to complain until we get our act together.

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Originally Posted by spitvenom

Our Government deserves it. Most of the people in our country deserve to be made fun of. Hell most school kids can't point out America on a map. Look the facts are when Britney Spears is "headline news" on CNN don't you think the rest of the world deserves to laugh at us because most American's care more about her then REAL NEWS!!!!!

Then you have these crazy people who watch TV just to call the FCC and Complain because NYPD Blues showed someone's Bare Butt on TV. When really they could be doing something IMPORTANT with their time instead of trying to make TV "safe".

The world has a right to laugh at us and we have no right to complain until we get our act together.

Must be lonely way up there in your Ivory Tower.:eek:

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

Must be lonely way up there in your Ivory Tower.:eek:

Typical American response! Now I know my comment was correct and it hit a nerve. So my next question is what did I say that was not true?

Aren't you tired of our government acting like the police of the world? I know I am! Aren't you sick of seeing these idiots from hollywood on the news every night like they actually affect real life? I am!! Aren't you sick of how people freak out over a TV show showing someone's bare butt or cursing, But no one really freaking out when an election was rigged! I AM!! So until people in this country wake up and see what is really happening around them the rest of the world has a right to laugh at us.

You better run now I am sure you are missing some prime coverage of Britney Spears Eating a Big Mac!!

I think it is incumbent on the wealthiest and most powerful Nation in the world to protect people against terrorism and fight for their freedom and liberty, in the pursuit of happiness. And I think those who would stand by and do nothing are cowards.

Well yes we should go after terrorist, but let's be honest we were never looking for terrorist in Iraq. But we sure got those oil fields locked down don't we!!

I noticed DC that you didn't say anything about the idol worship of singers and movie stars in this country, don't you agree that NO time should spent on them in the Real News and more time should be spent on World Issue's?

It's apparent that you don't know anything about the Terrorist Hussein and his reign of terror; nor his intentions in the mid-east. It is also apparent that you have been reading some of what you are railing against.

Yes I know all about Hussein and all the killing he has done I am not excusing it he needed to be dealt with. But not under the guise that he was the reason behind 9/11.

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

It is also apparent that you have been reading some of what you are railing against.

Not sure what you mean here are you saying I am reading what someone else wrote and just putting it on this site?

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Originally Posted by spitvenom

Our Government deserves it. Most of the people in our country deserve to be made fun of.

Yeah right, not much worthwhile comes from the US, eh?

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Hell most school kids can't point out America on a map.

Maybe our schools should do less brainwashing and indoctrination and more teaching?

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Look the facts are when Britney Spears is "headline news" on CNN don't you think the rest of the world deserves to laugh at us because most American's care more about her then REAL NEWS!!

I think maybe the UK has us beat in that regard.

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Then you have these crazy people who watch TV just to call the FCC and Complain because NYPD Blues showed someone's Bare Butt on TV. When really they could be doing something IMPORTANT with their time instead of trying to make TV "safe".

So we should have no standards?

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The world has a right to laugh at us and we have no right to complain until we get our act together.

And we have a right to laugh back :D

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

I think it is incumbent on the wealthiest and most powerful Nation in the world to protect people against terrorism and fight for their freedom and liberty, in the pursuit of happiness. And I think those who would stand by and do nothing are cowards.

Well let's look at that. I know you believe it's an incumbent position (which it isn't) but let's play "what if". What if the wealthiest (not so much actually) and strongest nation decided to not get involved in fighting terrorism abroad? Let them fight it out. No meddling in the Middle East, etc. Instead that country focused on making its own populace happy. What would happen then?

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Originally Posted by spitvenom

Typical American response! Now I know my comment was correct and it hit a nerve. So my next question is what did i say that was not true?

Aren't you tired of our government acting like the police of the world? I know I am! Aren't you sick of seeing these idiots from hollywood on the news every night like they actually affect real life? I am!!!! Aren't you sick of how people freak out over a TV show showing someone's bare butt or cursing, But no one really freaking out when an election was rigged! I AM!!!!!! So until people in this country wake up and see what is really happening around them the rest of the world has a right to laugh at us.

You better run now I am sure you are missing some prime coverage of Britney Spears Eating a Big Mac!!!!!!!!

Complain complain complain complain.

Try a little humor.
Yakov Smirnoff - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It had to be under a guise, as most, if not all wars are…otherwise the status-quo would not stand for it. For instance, we prodded Japan into striking first so that we could intervene. In WW1 we purposely sent the Lusitania into German waters knowing the U-Boats would attack it.

What I meant was that I don't watch the shows you are against on TV, or read about them.

I also think a lot of the negative comments and degrading of America and Americans has to do with stereotypes. We're described as "stupid" "fat" "lazy" "loud", and someone from a foreign nation will have a few encounters with someone who fits that mold, and it will reinforce their belief we are all like that. Don't get me wrong, Americans do it too, and it's not right coming from either side. I try not to put too much stock in people who's comments are based upon stereotypes; I think that helps in not getting worked up or upset about negative comments.

But to inject myself in the conversation DC and spitvenom are having... America can't win regarding being the "world police". Either we do too much, or too little. We're always in the wrong place and never in the right place. And I've found often the people who complain about this are the ones who want it both ways. I've mentioned this story before, but I used to work with several South Africans who were living in the US. They would complain and complain about the war in Iraq and how "America needs to mind it's own business" and that we "have no right or reason to be there"... Then they would complain America didn't step in during the Rwanda genocide. Or Sudan. Or anywhere else in the world where something was going wrong. We can't win.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Well let's look at that. I know you believe it's an incumbent position (which it isn't) but let's play "what if". What if the wealthiest (not so much actually) and strongest nation decided to not get involved in fighting terrorism abroad? Let them fight it out. No meddling in the Middle East, etc. Instead that country focused on making its own populace happy. What would happen then?

Yes, a lot of Americans don’t believe it a Duty of the strong to protect the weak. You can watch the Local News in most large cities and read where someone was mugged while people watch and did nothing too often….again…cowards.

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Maybe our schools should do less brainwashing and indoctrination and more teaching?

Exactly!!

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I think maybe the UK has us beat in that regard.

Probably but I don't pay attention to any countries movie and music stars.

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So we should have no standards?

No Not really. Why should I be denied seeing what I want to see cause someone was offended in some bible belt town.

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And we have a right to laugh back :D

Yeah we have the right to laugh at other countries I mean France thinks Jerry Lewis is a comedy Genius. HOW FUNNY IS THAT!! All I am basically saying is why even get offended when other countries make fun of us. We deserve most of it.

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

Yes, a lot of Americans don’t believe it a Duty of the strong to protect the weak. You can watch the Local News in most large cities and read where someone was mugged while people watch and did nothing too often….again…cowards.

Um... thanks for the non-answer.:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Um...thanks for the non-answer.:rolleyes:

Yes, a no answer to a hypothetical that is not in the realm of reality. That is no different than saying we should have waited for Hussein to decide to make people happy.

But what of Duty and cowards?

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Originally Posted by Dark_crow

But what of Duty and cowards?

Not worth my time to answer.

Why am I not surprised... Given that Canada's sense of Duty stops at its borders.

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Originally Posted by spitvenom

No Not really. Why should I be denied seeing what I want to see cause someone was offended in some bible belt town.

I know, I know, parents can just turn the TV off... but consider the amount of sex, violence and other rot that kids are exposed to on TV. Wouldn't we be wise as a nation to tone it down a little on broadcast TV during hours kids will be watching? Preferably voluntarily by the networks?

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Yeah we have the right to laugh at other countries I mean France thinks Jerry Lewis is a comedy Genius. HOW FUNNY IS THAT!! All I am basically saying is why even get offended when other countries make fun of us. We deserve most of it.

Come on now, we deserve some of it... just like everyone else.