Originally posted by pagemap:
I feel there is a lot of "bad blood" between the US and the rest of the world, and a lot of misinformation is being spread about americans. The point of this thread is to ask me (a US citizen) questions about something or another you may have heard about the US. I'll tell you whether what you heard was true, or I will expand on a topic you may have a question about.
Ask away!
I guess the preceived bad blood was also partially due to the massive americanization, exportation of all things america (from religion, to entertainment, to values and cultuire, everything!) over and replacing other cultures that is happening...
As per all countries, there are always bad blood. (eg: Malaysia and Singaproe are not exactly chummy and we are neighbours). Different colors and different strokes.
However, I think loads of asians and color folks happen to have a nasty encounter with some back water, prejudiced white trash in your country and other white countries (such as any place in Europe). (Yes, I am not pro white person either and I have white colleauges who constantly harass/bully colored colleagues. But in comparison, the american are more tolerant while the europeans can be really anal.) However, the white people who come to asia will assume a "superior than thou" stance in all things (yes, many clever white fibbers are working in high positions in Singapore because they know how to out talk and out present anyone but they are really useless when it comes to real competence. However, there is no convincing our local government they are morons for employing foreigners instead of local talents. I attribute it to the myopic views of the government for treating locals as second class to their elisist group and their foreigners "friends". ) which the asian, although asians do not agree with it. However, had choosen not to take it to task but instead treated white folks better than our own asian folks. There's a dilemma somewhere but its hard to describe.
The white folks would generally think they have better everything, although I beg to differ and there are many an asian thing that are far advanced, fair and better than white everything... but I shall not argue. What is lacking is the willingness to listen and to understand each other better and to set aside one's preconceived perceptions and adopt a open view. For that, I would said the asian are better than the whites folks but of course there are exceptions.
Somewhere out there, is a middle point, but I don't think anyone is going closer to it.
So there will always be this so call alignment issues and there will never be a day where there is agreement. Its never utopia.
As for the iraq issue, I think the americans missed the message of the whole muslim movement and over-estimated the American ability to "save" the world. Its going to be another vietnam or korean war. Obviously bush is too dumb to read history. But I must say, american are more patriotic although stupid lot to vote bush again knowing that it is exactly what the terrorist wanted. But seriously, of such a large country, isn't there a better person for the role of a president than morons? But its the same for Taiwan with Chen Sui Pian (Another moron!).