Dreadsox said:
As a member of the voting public, I am impressed with the way the President has worked through the interantional community to get the resolutions passed. I am impressed with the fact that the President has the inspectors back inside Iraq.
I think this "working with the international community" stuff is just a formality for the sake of appearances. Everyone knows that if Bush wants to invade Iraq, he will do so regardless of what the international community has to say. The US made it abundantly clear that if the resolutions weren't passed, they would go it alone. And what country would be foolish enough to vote against the US anyway, risking repercussions down the line? Remember, "you're either for us or against us" there are no shades of grey...
Whats most puzzling is this assertion that because America has saved many people over the past century that we think we are superior to anyone?!?! Since when did anyone here say that Americans were personaly superior to anyone?
We have certainly had many people come out with, chip on the shoulder attitude, to the USA. Whats really astonishing is the unobjective nature of the criticism and this false assumption of superiority that Americans have. It might be better to talk of the unwarrented insecurity of foreigners outside the USA.
Sting2, up to now this entire conversation has focussed on the military, but I think the reason that people believe that Americans think they are superior to everyone, is because we are bombarded 24/7 with movies and TV images of Americans singing "God Bless America" and chanting USA! USA! USA! and saying that they are the greatest country in the whole world, and threatening to kick people's asses etc.....
The point is, if Americans think their country is #1 in the world, then by default, they must also be the #1 people of the world. We are given the impresson that there is this sense of entitlement in being an American, like they are God's chosen people.
It's like when your team wins, or your country wins a Gold Medal there is this wonderful feeling because you associate yourself with your team and you feel like YOU are winning. Well, there's no doubt that Americans are on a winning team, and this sense of being #1 is part of their national psyche! Therefore it certainly seems that Americans feel very superior. "Humility" and "America" are not two words you find together that often.
I know I am generalizing here, but this is basically a thread about generalizations. I am not trying to insult anyone, but this is what I really percieve to be what a lot of people think. I know there are millions of Americans out there who believe they are priviledged to be part of such a wonderful country and don't feel superior....but that is not the overwhelming image Americans project through their media. I think the rest of the world is pretty sick and tired of having the US agenda be front and centre all the time.
Just on a side note, have you ever seen that show "Talking to Americans" where Rick Mercer, this Canadian comedian runs around pretending to be a news reporter and telling Americans on the streets all kinds of outrageous things about Canada that they all believe....well when Americans look in the camera and proclaim "Congratulations, Canada on legalizing the stapler!" and "Congratulations Canada on joining North America!" and "Congratulations Canada on getting 24 hour time!" you can't help but have a soft spot for their friendly enthusiasm while also being totally horrified.....Americans are certainly a demonstrative and enthusiastic bunch.....