“Anti-Americanism” the symptoms and the cure!
Ian Brockwell
April 03, 2007
Unfortunately, it is human nature to sometimes “brand” certain people, races, religions and cultures because of the actions of a few “bad apples”. For example, there are many WWII veterans who still hold a grudge against Germans, even though most are too young to have been involved in the war and disagreed with it. Some may see a Black “looter” arrested on TV (for example) and suddenly get the idea that all Black people are responsible for looting. Just because a few priests are found guilty of molesting young boys, does not mean all priests are potential molesters.
I think this so called “hatred” for Americans is nothing more than an instinctive reaction, and a need to blame someone when we are faced with a certain situation. We saw this after the 9/11 “attack” when we were informed that Islamic terrorists were responsible. Following this statement the hatred for anything and anyone remotely “Islamic” rose dramatically.
Sadly, we have all been conditioned into believing that our leaders and media can be trusted. It was interesting to read an article by Andrei Markovits, who commented that a Democratic President will end this “nightmare”, but I’m not so sure of that. It really isn’t important what party is in power, what they do for the people and the country is. However, it is a well known tradition that most people vote for a party regardless of the quality of its leader, simply because “Well, I always vote for the Republicans/Democrats”. We are creatures of habit, but it is a habit we can change, if we really make the effort.
Many blame George Bush personally for this increase in “Anti-Americanism” and whilst he is the President, and the one whose speeches often add fuel to the fire, he is not the root of the cause. Let’s be honest, does this man really have what it takes to run a country like the United States on his own? No, the real power exists behind the scenes and will probably remain in control no matter what party is elected.
The only solution to this problem is to make governments (not just in the US) more accountable for their actions, and to ensure that the power they are given, by the people, is used for the benefit of all and not abused for personal gain.
Americans are very patriotic and love their country, they have much to be proud of. But don’t let a few “bad apples” manipulate your feelings and use you for their own profit (as they are now), you didn’t fight for independence just to be turned into slaves later. Victory is once more in the hands of the people, you did it once, and you can do it again!
I think this so called “hatred” for Americans is nothing more than an instinctive reaction, and a need to blame someone when we are faced with a certain situation. We saw this after the 9/11 “attack” when we were informed that Islamic terrorists were responsible. Following this statement the hatred for anything and anyone remotely “Islamic” rose dramatically.
Sadly, we have all been conditioned into believing that our leaders and media can be trusted. It was interesting to read an article by Andrei Markovits, who commented that a Democratic President will end this “nightmare”, but I’m not so sure of that. It really isn’t important what party is in power, what they do for the people and the country is. However, it is a well known tradition that most people vote for a party regardless of the quality of its leader, simply because “Well, I always vote for the Republicans/Democrats”. We are creatures of habit, but it is a habit we can change, if we really make the effort.
Many blame George Bush personally for this increase in “Anti-Americanism” and whilst he is the President, and the one whose speeches often add fuel to the fire, he is not the root of the cause. Let’s be honest, does this man really have what it takes to run a country like the United States on his own? No, the real power exists behind the scenes and will probably remain in control no matter what party is elected.
The only solution to this problem is to make governments (not just in the US) more accountable for their actions, and to ensure that the power they are given, by the people, is used for the benefit of all and not abused for personal gain.
Americans are very patriotic and love their country, they have much to be proud of. But don’t let a few “bad apples” manipulate your feelings and use you for their own profit (as they are now), you didn’t fight for independence just to be turned into slaves later. Victory is once more in the hands of the people, you did it once, and you can do it again!
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