I am not an American, but I know exactly how you feel. Some Americans may think that us NON-Americans are always making judgements about them but we're not. I'm not afraid to say I HATE THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT DAMMIT! But now that Obama is here I expect change as so does everyone. I expect PEACE and HUMANITY but I doubt that we'd ever get that in this world. I blame Bush and his evil thoughts entirely. I hate him so much that words cannot describe. HE was the selfish one who went to war in poor Iraq. 'Oh we are going to destroy the weapons' pfft as if. We all know the truth why he sent American soldiers there. And it pisses me off because we have OUR British soldiers out there too they're fighting someone else's war.

Its actually not a war if you think about it, I mean they're just attacking...killing innocent people whenever they feel like it. I mean I remember that day really well when Bush said that this was a crucade I was like "excuse me?! but why are you getting religion involved in this?!" people are NOT prejudice against Americans but the plain truth is they're prejudice against Muslims for no reason at all. Yes the 9/11 and the 7/7 did happen, but please I want someone intelligent to explain to me in full detail that 'how did they find the passports of the 'so called' terrorists?' when everything was burnt?



Lastly, I would like to say to you that, you're the first American who I've come across who has spoken out about they're country. Weldone. I'm proud of you.

Haven’t you noticed more people are actually on your side?

I should be the one complaining here, and that’s just what I won’t do. The democratic population is ever expanding and much of America is Democratic. That’s why our )disgusting) president won the elections.


Yes, I agree Americans are extremely selfish, that’s absolutely right, and that’s why I am so very proud of our country. Unlike other countries we aren’t built to serve other countries and be the (slaves) of other nations. We are the one and only one nation built on the moral principles of Individualism and Laissez-Faire Capitalism. We were made to be selfish and live here to serve our lives and not everyone else’s lives. Unlike the USSR or China we don’t work for the good of the community, but for the good of ourselves. We get what we deserve, and no less unlike the other nations.
Rachel

Clearly people understand the need for change... which is why the first Black President is now in office. The old ways are dying out fast. People are more open minded than they were back in say, the 70s.

I don't know what Americans you're thinking of when you say:

"Americans are kidding themselves when they say that that is how the world views this country."

Everyone I've met understands that not everyone likes us.

Maybe you're thinking of people your age when you say Americans are more interested in reading about fashion than what is going on in the world.

The US economy had a net loss of almost 2.6 million jobs in all of 2008. Home foreclosures are up 225% since 2006, I'm sure that fashion is the very last thing on anyone's mind when we're just trying to get by.

you haven't really said anything new.

Im not an american, but I do think your being a little hard on your country.
Yes, some americans can be as afore mentioned, but so can people all around the world. I was also in grade three when 911 happened. Ive been around to see the horrors of wars and the devastaion and anger that comes along with it. I understand the frustration it can bring.
But Ive also been to places in the world so inhumane that you understand why sometimes war is nescesarry to put an end to corrupt leaders.
The fact is, were living in a dying world, and there isnt much we can do about it. You can change, but you cant force everyone else too as well. It sounds bleak, and it is, but there is still hope. I found it in church, I dont know where you might find it.
Anyways, s'ceuse me for preaching, I dont mean too.
And interesting point of view,
Good luck writing!
-massattraction.

First let me just say that your piece was thought-provoking for me. Er...perhaps a little too much? (As you can see by the ridiculously long review. Apologies, really.)

I understand where you are coming from, and (I hope this won't be seen as a flame!) I hope I'm correct in saying that you are upset because all Americans are seen as being lazy, intolerant, unintelligent, etc. But here you are, making the same assumptions the "rest of the world" makes. ALL Americans are like that? That's impossible. Some of us are different. Some of us know the difference between "being stubborn" and "holding our ground". Some of us try to treat everyone equally. Some of want to change the way this country is run and seen and lived.

We ARE selfish. We all are. Not just Americans, but everyone. If we weren't basically, humanly selfish, the human race would likely have died out long ago. We had to be selfish enough to want more than a hunter-gatherer life where we were barely surviving. But it is true that some of us are also greedy. I can only hope that it is the vast minority.

I think that maybe the reason people read fashion magazines instead of the news is BECAUSE they are unselfish. Because what else can they do, open up the newspaper and see more blood on American hands, more American blood on foreign soil? More human blood? They can feel guilty. Mortified for their country. It doesn't change the fact that they have to put the paper down and drive to work if they want their families to eat that night.

I say the Pledge of Allegience proudly. No, in this country there is hardly justice for all. I say the Pledge because it is my promise to try to bring some justice into our world.

I was also in third grade the day the Twin Towers fell, and I remember watching television and feeling not only scared, but sickened that I was just a kid all the way across the country and could do virtually nothing to help. No, as a single person you cannot fix this country. And neither can I. But as you said, the people are America. WE are America. And if we can't be proud of ourselves... who can be?


Oh geez...that was LONG. I'm really sorry about that. Anyway, I'm not exactly trying to argue with you, I just see our country a different way. I'd like to hear back from you.