Reply to Why are Americans so defensive about America?

Forum Index » Political Discussion

Reply to "Why are Americans so defensive about America?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm from the UK and growing up, when people criticized the UK, it was not a big deal. WE criticized ourselves. Of course there are some stereotypes I disagree with like that ALL the food is terrible. But a lot of them have merit. I feel like we constantly spoke in my family and other families about ways in which other countries were better. France had better access to good quality food and a better attitude to cooking. Japan was healthier. Most places had better weather. Having a royal family was possibly very dumb. English people are often pale and excessively embarrassing in a football abroad context. I could go on. It BAFFLES me that any time you say anything about America is sub par, Americans FREAK OUT. And immediately tell you to 'go back where you came from'. Like - WTF? Americans cannot possibly think that everything about America (obesity, drug prices, health insurance, severe weather + trailer parks, trump etc etc) is amazing. It's just not feasible - that would be lying. So what gives? Doesn't positive change happen when you are able to look inwards, see other possibilities and dream of a better way? Do ppl think they will burst into flames if they admit that Twinkies are... sub optimal?[/quote]

I agree with most of the prior answers, but I'd add two factors that deserve more attention:

1. America gets held to a far higher standard than most other countries. I get it, but the constant criticism, double standards and hypocrisy get awfully tiresome.

2. I believe in America, and think many others feel the same way. Despite all the mistakes (some horrific) and current problems, I think that this is a remarkable and unique place. I think that this gets neglected/overlooked far too often, and I'm sensitive to foreign criticism as a result.

PS--Just to forestall the inevitable response, yes I am white. However, a significant portion of my family (including my partner and kids) are members of a severely disadvantaged & historically abused minority.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics