I honestly and sincerely ask this question. When people from other countries hold “discussions” on OUR Country and it is in a negative light….. why is that okay? Furthermore, why would Americans join in on the “discussion”.

My feeling on this is, regardless if the points are accurate or not, is it not the highest form of disrespect to opening “discuss” and sometimes with great animosity, areas of our country, knowing Americans will see and view? I for one think it is insensitive and I also find it unacceptable.

If the discussions were initiated with a sincere gesture of seeking understanding, that would be different. On the flip side, I would find it just as disrespectful, if Americans time after time after time, bashed, pointed out, areas of concern, of other countries’ practices, Government, leaders and such in a negative light on the same consistent basis that is done to our Country.

If Americans wish to discuss our Country and the areas in need of improvement, that is their right and illustrates Freedom of Speech.

I do not mean any of this harshly but I think we as American’s give an impression and perhaps a false impression, that anything goes.

I respect, in some cases, admire and have a deep interest in learning about other countries and the people that make their particular country unique, special and incredibly interesting, I am only asking for the same level of respect in return.

I know I don’t have to participate or read or enter a discussion, but I just need to make my point of view heard that……This American, finds it to be unacceptable, rude and disrespectful.

Thank you for reading my view - It actually does come from the heart. I love my country,
For all that it is, I am proud and grateful. It is a great country, but it is a great country, one of many. I do not feel superior to any other country, I just love the country in which I was born.

I truly am so incredibly curious as to how others feel about this.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attach...1&d=1201683800

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Originally Posted by Allheart

I honestly and sincerely ask this question. When people from other countries hold “discussions” on OUR Country and it is in a negative light…..why is that okay? Furthermore, why would Americans join in on the “discussion”.

My feeling on this is, regardless if the points are accurate or not, is it not the highest form of disrespect to opening “discuss” and sometimes with great animosity, areas of our country, knowing Americans will see and view? I for one think it is insensitive and I also find it unacceptable.

If the discussions were initiated with a sincere gesture of seeking understanding, that would be different. On the flip side, I would find it just as disrespectful, if Americans time after time after time, bashed, pointed out, areas of concern, of other countries’ practices, Government, leaders and such in a negative light on the same consistent basis that is done to our Country.

If Americans wish to discuss our Country and the areas in need of improvement, that is their right and illustrates Freedom of Speech.

I do not mean any of this harshly but I think we as American’s give an impression and perhaps a false impression, that anything goes.

I respect, in some cases, admire and have a deep interest in learning about other countries and the people that make their particular country unique, special and incredibly interesting, I am only asking for the same level of respect in return.

I know I don’t have to participate or read or enter in a discussion, but I just need to make my point of view heard that……This American, finds it to be unacceptable, rude and disrespectful.

Thank you for reading my view - It actually does come from the heart. I love my country,
for all that it is, I am proud and grateful. It is a great country, but it is a great country, one of many. I do not feel superior to any other country, I just love the country in which I was born.

I truly am so incredibly curious as to how others feel about this.

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Think that you just answered your own question there!

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

Think that you just answered your own question there!

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No, Marydoll, I do not mean Americans, I mean people NOT from this country freely basing us.

Im Irish and I think That Ive have Freedon of speech too..

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

Im Irish and I think That Ive have Freedon of speech too.... ?

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To Bash America? Do you live here? Are you an American?

**edit**

I am not saying that all people do not have a right to say what they choose, I am just saying that I find it rude, unacceptable, and disrespectful. Just as I would if an American continuously openly said negative things about another country without any regard to the audience and with zero respect.

No Im not american, I don't live there.

Im Irish I have a right to my Opinion. I don't agree with anything that The american Government has done with years. I think that America looks out for its own and that's about it...

What good has america ever done in the world?

America is a great country. But we are very "young" especially on the west coast.

When I first visited Europe, I was amazed at how calmly tolerant people were. The kids, especially, amazed me with their down-to-earth maturity and decency. The rudeness of kids was there, but controlled. They were so different from American teens, I was flabbergasted. They were aware that their actions and words had a profound effect on everyone around them. We Americans generally are not aware as our first thoughts, like any child are about ourselves.

The discussions we had about American culture there, were illuminating to say the least. First off, they mostly all spoke English. The ones who did not were older and had not learned it in school, or had forgotten a lot. Yet, the older folks were kind and patient as well. They were respectful of differences and showed a sense of humor when things got weird.

When I am here, in America I cringe when someone says "you're in America, learn the language." Americans, compared to Europeans, in my experience are rude, pushy impatient, undisciplined and thoughtless in the extreme. Yeah, that's just my take on it. But if people want to talk down to Americans, perhaps it is because we don't have the maturity to come back at them on an adult level. They talk down to us because we behave like selfish children most of the time.

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Originally Posted by simoneaugie

America is a great country. But we are very "young" especially on the west coast.

When I first visited Europe, I was amazed at how calmly tolerant people were. The kids, especially, amazed me with their down-to-earth maturity and decency. The rudeness of kids was there, but controlled. They were so different from American teens, I was flabbergasted. They were aware that their actions and words had a profound effect on everyone around them. We Americans generally are not aware as our first thoughts, like any child are about ourselves.

The discussions we had about American culture there, were illuminating to say the least. First off, they mostly all spoke English. The ones who did not were older and had not learned it in school, or had forgotten a lot. Yet, the older folks were kind and patient as well. They were respectful of differences and showed a sense of humor when things got weird.

When I am here, in America I cringe when someone says "you're in America, learn the language." Americans, compared to Europeans, in my experience are rude, pushy impatient, undisciplined and thoughtless in the extreme. Yeah, that's just my take on it. But if people want to talk down to Americans, perhaps it is because we don't have the maturity to come back at them on an adult level. They talk down to us because we behave like selfish children most of the time.

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Hi Simoneauge,

I do undertand what your are saying. But I find it rude and incredibly unbecoming behaviour for someone not from America to speak so negatively about Americans, openly to Americans. Is that not rude, immature and uncivilized. I am not comparing cultures.

I had many interactions with Internationals, on our soil, and I was sure to know all about their culture, to ensure that I was showing the highest form of respect. That is all I am asking in return.

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Originally Posted by Allheart

**edit**

I am not saying that all people have a right to say what they choose, I am just saying that I find it rude, unacceptable, and disrespectful. Just as I would if an American continously openly said negative things about another country without any regard to the audience and with zero respect.

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I don't bash other countries, The only thing that I bash is the government. Most People in America are fine but the government... My god! Even though I guess Americans are to blame for that too seeing as they elected them!! :confused:

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Originally Posted by simoneaugie

When I am here, in America I cringe when someone says "you're in America, learn the language."

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That's just it in a nutshell, what I am trying to say. You cringe and rightly so and I would cringe right with you. Why? Because saying something like that is wrong, rude, ignorant and not dignified.

Most Americans do have that cringe filter. We are considerate when speaking to ensure that we don't offend. We are conscious of the fact that there are differences but most enjoy learning about the differences and embracing that knowledge.

When it comes to some not from this country, they do not cringe. They gleefully point out our difficulties, they attempt to put us down.

I would embrace a mature thoughtful discussion in an international setting. We could learn about ourselves with the exchange of a thoughtful dialogue. But sadly, it is never presented thoughtful, but more antognistic and accusatory.

Simoneaugie , I would be cringing right with you and proud to do so.

Ok Im sorry but I think that we have the right to speak about america and say what we want about it, reason being America basically have the ability to rule the world if needs be. It has the biggest army, access to nuclear weapons etc. Of course we can talk about Americans!

We watch the news every day and see all the horror that is happening in Afganistan and Iraq. We see that Americans have Invaded a country and have ended up killing so many innocent men, women and children, not just from those countries but America is sending their own children there too! We see this every single day, maybe The US news broadcasts aren't as detailed as ours.

America has the ability to start a world war, America has the ability to end the world if mistakes are made.

We can say whatever we want about America just as you can say whatever you want about another country.

G'day I see where you are coming from. I'm from Australia and I believe that the world leaders have effect on other countries opinions as well as the media. This is no disrespect to you or your country at all on my behalf but all we hear from the media is all the bad stuff that happens in america. We don't hear anything good. america I'm sure is a great place and nice things should be heard and not the bad things. There was an incident of a few americans he were ambushed in iraq and then 3 australians from the sas came in and saved them. And the americans thanked them and couldn't believe how the aussies took them out and they couldn't. The australians looked down on them for this but I can guarantee you change them around the australians would be thanking you n the americans wuld aprreciate the gesture. Please correct me if I'm rong but I believe youv put a good topic to talk about,

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

Ok Im sorry but I think that we have the right to speak about america and say what we want about it, reason being America basically have the ability to rule the world if needs be. It has the biggest army, access to nuclear weapons ect. Of course we can talk about Americans!!

We watch the news every day and see all the horror that is happening in Afganistan and Iraq. We see that Americans have Invaded a country and have ended up killing so many innocent men, women and children, not just from those countries but America is sending their own children there too! We see this every single day, maybe The US news broadcasts arent as detailed as ours.

America has the ability to start a world war, America has the ability to end the world if mistakes are made.

We can say whatever we want about America just as you can say whatever you want about another country.

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Yes, you have absolutely every right to say what you want about whom you want…100% agree with you there.

My point is, the manner and motivation behind what is said and when, where and who is present.

Again, if it is to learn, gain understanding, even expressing frustration, as long as it is done with respect, that is a healthy dialogue that could have positive results.
If it is done other then that, I am saying, that as an American it is disrespectful and the person communicating the negative comments with ill will behind them comes off as undignified and rude.

But yes, one has a right to say what one chooses as long as they know, they wear their words.

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Originally Posted by novak

G'day i see where you are coming from. im from Australia and i believe that the world leaders have effect on other countries opinions as well as the media. this is no disrespect to you or your country at all on my behalf but all we hear from the media is all the bad stuff that happens in america. we dont hear anything good., america im sure is a great place and nice things should be heard and not the bad things. There was an incident of a few americans he were ambushed in iraq and then 3 australians from the sas came in and saved them. and the americans thanked them and couldnt believe how the aussies took them out n they couldnt. the australians looked down on them for this but i can garantee u change them around the australians would be thanking u n the americans wuld aprreciate the gesture. please correct me if im rong but i believe youv put a good topic to talk about,

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Hi Novak,

Thank you so much for your thoughts and understanding. It is refreshing. I do agree with all that you have said. I have interacted with many Australians and every interaction was absolutely wonderful. I have the highest respect and admiration
For all of you.

I guess what I am saying that when people voice such a harsh negative impression of America and even our Government, to be mindful that Americans are people too and
Try to contribute to this world positively and if we could change those things that need changing we would.

Novak, thank you again.

I wouldn't take it too personally. People aren't directing it at you or the american people, Its more at the Government that anyone else.

I think that its out of Frustration more than anything else that things are said... People aren't being rude. It must be the cultural difference that makes you see it like that.

I think most understand the difference between the administration and the regular american guy. I'm quite certain people are frustrated with the administration and not all americans.

I do understand what you are saying NK. But even to speak poorly about our Government, at the frequency at which it is done, is at a minimum uncomfortable, at least for me. As Marydoll pointed out, Americans (okay not all) did elect those in the administration, so indirectly we, as Americans are being bashed as well.

If you were frustrated with your respective countries and your leaders, I surely wouldn't add to the negatively and make mock of your leaders, out of respect for you and your country . I would be immensely uncomfortable saying anything negative about your culture. I would just be intriqued and want to learn more about the simalarites and differences.

I guess I just don't think it is proper to contuially “undress” another's country and all that it entails.

So many have gone before and to try and make this country as well as the world free and a better place, and I guess out of respect for those incredible individuals, as well as the Americans today also trying to make this a better place, perhaps just a little sensitivity, respect and maybe even restraint, when we do experience difficult times and have issues that need fixing.

[QUOTE=Allheart]I would be immensely uncomfortable saying anything negative about your culture. I would just be intriqued and want to learn more about the simalarites and differences.

I guess I just don’t think it is proper to contuially “undress” another’s country and all that it entails.
QUOTE]


I think that once you find out about another countries and if you find faul, you have every right to speak about it in a bad way. I for one would not get personally insulted if you were to say something negative about Ireland once you knew what you were talking about!

Hello All:

There are some who think bashing your leaders is good. There are others who think bashing your leaders, or anyone else's for that matter, is bad.

You hear members of the second group all the time, even here. You might even be one of them. They challenge your patriotism if you don't support the government. They think you shouldn't open your mouth about the things you see that are wrong. They see that as “bashing”.

You can, Allheart my friend, count me as a member of the first group. I think bashing your leaders is good. In fact, I think dissent is one of the MOST patriotic activities a citizen can participate in – yes, even more patriotic than voting.

Indeed, going along and keeping your mouth shut is an anathema to liberty.

So, I will continue to "undress" my country and its leaders as loudly as I can and for as long as I can. And I'm proud to do so. I'm not going to stop my undressing at the borders either.

Please understand, I'm not talking about bashing people or their culture. That's racism. I'm talking about bashing their politics and their governments.

excon

Hell excon,

Allheart thinks that its wrong for others to speak badly of a country that there not from...

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Originally Posted by excon

Hello All:

There are some who think bashing your leaders is good. There are others who think bashing your leaders, or anyone else’s for that matter, is bad.

You hear members of the second group all the time, even here. You might even be one of them. They challenge your patriotism if you don't support the government. They think you shouldn't open your mouth about the things you see that are wrong. They see that as “bashing”.

You can, Allheart my friend, count me as a member of the first group. I think bashing your leaders is good. In fact, I think dissent is one of the MOST patriotic activities a citizen can participate in – yes, even more patriotic than voting.

To me, going along is an anathema to liberty.

So, I will continue to "undress" my country and its leaders as loudly as I can and as long as I can. And I'm proud to do so. I'm not gonna stop my undressing at the borders either.

Please understand, I'm not talking about bashing people or their culture. That's racism. I'm talking about bashing their politics and their governments.

excon

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Hi my good friend Excon ;)

I stand and applaud your voice. YES, you being an American it is one of your rights. To stand up and be counted and voice as loud as you can any and all areas that you like dislike, scream until your heard then scream again. Yes Yes and Yes.

Where I think we differ is when repeadedly those not from this country do the same, and with great joy at our pains, that is what I speak of. I just wish once in a while a little respect would be shown our way or let them discuss it amongst themselves.

You may undress other countries, but I can not imagine it is at the rate that we are hour after hour.

Now you scream and be heard... I'm listening as well as many others my good friend Excon.

To be honest allheart I find it quite rude and insulting that you find the audacity to tell others what they can and cannot post to a worldwide internet discussion board.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

To be honest allheart I find it quite rude and insulting that you find the audacity to tell others what they can and cannot post to a worldwide internet discussion board.

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Things are getting interesting!! :) :)

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

To be honest allheart I find it quite rude and insulting that you find the audacity to tell others what they can and cannot post to a worldwide internet discussion board.

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NK - I am not meaning to insult. And in no way am I telling others what they can or can not post.

What I am saying is that some of what is spoken, written, voiced, I find that it is done in a disrespectful manner.

I again, am not trying to deter anyone from posting anything.

I just think it is about high time that an American says... I am uncomfortable with some of what is written and I wish you would give some consideration when doing so.

That's all I am saying.

I guess I am standing up for my country. There should be nothing insulting about that.
I woud expect you to do the same for your country.

Probably for the same resons the US bashes other countries.
We do, do it but we're blinded by our own culture too much to really see it.
I'm not saying it's right and I agree with it, but that people can't hold others to the same standards that they don't hold themselves to. I mean how many times have you talked about another culture or country in a way though just joking could still be considered bashing? It's one in the same.
They talk about us publicly, we talk about them behind there backs --that's what makes us Americans-espionage, and playing two countries at once.

And we haven't really heard americans speak very nicely of Iran lately have we? And remember "Freedom Fries"?

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Originally Posted by Gernald

Probably for the same resons the US bashes other countries.
We do, do it but we're blinded by our own culture too much to really see it.
I'm not saying it's right and I agree with it, but that people can't hold others to the same standards that they don't hold themselves to. I mean how many times have you talked about another culture or country in a way though just joking could still be considered bashing? It's one in the same.
They talk about us publicly, we talk about them behind there backs --that's what makes us Americans-espionage, and playing two countries at once.

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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 occasion. So, I do have expectations that I guess are high, as they are the same standards that I apply. Hard to believe 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.

I'm just saying we should hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold others to. I don't like it, but they talk about us we talk about them. It's kind of a mutual thing, we talk about Middle Easterns (well not all of us but a bunch of people) in terms that they're all terroists (they're not, I know I lived in Turkey once). But if we treat them in that way they'll call us stuck up snobs.
You can't make every country happy. Trying to be better than other countries is a primary role of a country, bashing other countries helps achieve this.

Sorry your right I don't know you but I wasn't insinuating you bashed culutres. I was just answering your question with my opinion which is what you asked everyone for.

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Originally Posted by Gernald

I'm just saying we should hold ourselves to the same standards that we hold others to. I don't like it, but they talk about us we talk about them. It's kind of a mutual thing, we talk about Middle Easterns (well not all of us but a bunch of people) in terms that they're all terroists (they're not, I know I lived in Turkey once). But if we treat them in that way they'll call us stuck up snobs.
You can't make every country happy. Trying to be better than other countries is a primary role of a country, bashing other countries helps acheive this.

Sorry your right I don't know you but I wasn't insinuating you bashed culutres. I was just answering your question with my opinion which is what you asked everyone for.

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Gernald,

You don't have to be sorry. I know you weren't insinuating. I also started this thread
To gain some understanding as well. Why do I get upset at the constant negativity and how do others feel.

I really appreciate you explaining it. I truly do. As I said before, I have spent a great deal of time with many individuals from all over the world and each interaction was sheer delightful. It makes me now wonder how did they truly feel about being here and even me.

But anyway, I stand by my upset, I still will never be comfortable with it.

But I do wish the world well.

I'm first generation American. My parents came here from the Philippines, my father a recruited professional.

I have grown up or lived in 6 states. I have travelled to Europe, Canada, Philippines, Israel, Eygpt. My parents have been to former USSR and China.

This country has its faults, but compared to the rest of the world, it is the best.

The majority of the mainstream media, foreign press, numerous blogs are clearly anti - American. Fine, they are expressing their free speech. That is one of the things that makes this country great. Israel is probably the only other country in the world to have as much hatred directed at it from within and without.
Could the ordinary citizens speak out in USSR, China [ their Google is censored ] Sadamm's Iraq, Iran, Taliban controlled Afghanistan etc.

How many other countries in the world are there where religious differences lead to ar and or genocide like in Sudan, former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, the Middle EAst etc.



" Indeed, of the charter members of the first Forbes 400, only 32 remain today. Far from a country where only the rich get richer, the wealthy in the US are very much a moving target. While there are 74 Forbes 400 members who inherited their entire fortune, 270 members are entirely SELF-MADE."

In what other country is this possible?

Allheart - I would not worry. I remember growing up in the 70s and 80s. The MSM would denigrate Reagan all the time, then the economy got better, the wall came down and the Cold War was won.

The rest of the world and the liberal establishment hate the fact that the USA is great.
That American exceptionalism is what made this country. That W is a Christian, that Sadamm is no longer in power, that people are rich; that we are fighting against head chopping, homicidal bombing, tolitarian religious extremists; that capitalism and the corporations provide jobs and allows them to have the lifestyle they hypocritically detest.

I am grateful for this country, all its leaders, the men and women that defend it, and for the ordinary hardworking productive taxpaying citizens.

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Originally Posted by magprob

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

Allheart,
I for one am happy, that I live in the good old USA, if I wasn't there is air, ground, and water transportation. I would find a way out of here.

As for the people that don't live here and dislike this country, get involved with your country to come up with a way to kick our a$$ or change the way your country interacts with us.

If you hate your country then find a way to leave it and zip off to your ideal destination
Some people aren't happy with anything or anyone or any place and just like to bit@h. I for one don't really care.
My uneducated way of dealing with it is to let the eagle fly or as the English said to the French "Pluck Yew".

Hello again, All:

Well, let's get specific here. I love my country. I spilled my blood for my country. I'm a patriot. But, I'm not offended at all when I hear negative stuff about my country – not at all. I know what it's like here. I know how great it is. I know that I'd rather not live anywhere else. I know we're misunderstood in the world.

So, the criticism doesn't affect me personally.

Because, I KNOW what makes it great here is our democracy and our freedoms. By design, it's messy. It's not perfect. It's not understood by most of the world. Plus, I know, that even if they're misguided, our leaders want the same things for us that we do - pretty much.

And, what difference does it make WHO yells at us because they think we torture people?? I certainly do my share of yelling about it. Why shouldn't someone from somewhere else yell about it too?

However, in my experience, all these people from all over the world who yell at US, like us as individuals. So, it's not personal and I don't know why it makes you so uncomfortable.

excon

"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 doesn't. He is a money minded man who should not be in power.

A great country would have a great leader...

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

I think most understand the difference between the administration and the regular american guy. I'm quite certain people are frustrated with the administration and not all americans.

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Sure, but I wonder how many understand the difference between fantasy and reality?

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Originally Posted by Marydoll

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

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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