Is America a dirty word?

Not 50% of the POPULATION, 50% of registered voters. There's a huge difference. And many people that voted for Bush did not do so for his foreign policy. There are many platforms that politicians run on. And the connection to ethnicity is regarding generalizations in general. Generalizing an entire group of people is a bad thing and has been used to fuel racism and ethnic hate in the past.sonicare

The population cannot say, "Don't blame us! Blame the politicians!" when those politicians are elected by the population. Unless, of course, you're willing to go in the opposite direction as well. i.e. the President is a saint and revered around the world; people say I HEART AMERICA; and you counter with "No, you love the President, not America." You have to take the good with the bad.

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"]

people really like to dismiss all the great things america has done for this world, you can do that all you want but it will never change history.

Ninja-Hippo

Dont twist your own words. :| You said that most people who bash america. He said that the same goes for people who love it. You said "i dont think so".

So you're basically saying, loving america = good, smart, well informed person

Not liking america = ignorant person, "makes you seem like an idiot" to quote you.

oh you're talking about that. Theres nothing wrong with loving your country.

I didnt say not liking america makes you ignorant, I dont actually care what outsiders think because its honestly not even relevant.

But, I said AMERICA BASHING makes you seem like an idiot. Im talking about blatant anti-americanism. It was painfully obvious and im surprised I had to point that out.

Point out when anybody at all said that. I really cant stand that always been used as a counter-arguement on this topic. Nobody said that. I for one sure as heck didn't say that. Yet there it is.

"I didn't say not liking america makes you ignorant"

"when it comes to america bashing, people are more often than not ignorant."

:lol:

As for anyone outside of america commenting on anything american being irrelevant, i'd say that's simple xenophobia. You're honestly going to say that any view or comment made regarding america is irrelevant if you aren't american? :?

And as for the "painfully obvious", america-bashing and anti-americanism are one in the same. :|

'K.

using context clues, its pretty clear that when I said america bashing im talking about people who HATE america. Thats different than not liking america. HATE AND DISLIKE ARE SEPERATE THINGS

No it isnt xenophobia. There opinions dont matter when it comes to american culture because they arent american. Again, very simple concept. They dont understand america, because they dont live here. Theres absolutely no reason I should take someones opinion from europe seriously regarding domestic things such as culture.

Yeah, I know they are the same thing. thats been my point the entire time. Speaking out against america, and america bashing are still two different things.

You let your emotions get the best of your arguments.

Oh cool...

Look Mom a thread about Bigotry! Can I watch?

[QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"]

Im a not an American but i think its weird that so many people are so against America...lots say they hate or dislike America but yet they drink coco-cola buy and1 sneakers...listen to your music and watch your movies...not to mention follow your trends...

if you're a hater please give us a reason apart from the few people in power...

helium_flash

when it comes to america bashing, people are more often than not ignorant.

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

That's not what I said though...

Loving one's country does not make one ignorant, sorry :roll:helium_flash

Loving it the wrong way might, and then there are some people who love it in the most indecent way! :shock:

when you're own life feels inadequite it's easy to make something a target to take your mind off your own troubles.....America seems to fit the bill these days....CIoud_S

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]

If you're a poor person living in a less developed country you have an absolute boatload of reasons to despise america - and every western nation for that matter. The UK is just as bad.

A lot of people have very, very good reasons for disliking the west, however i find that a lot of "mindless" hate takes place; as in people having a pop at american topics simply for the sake of it being american.

Ninja-Hippo

Yup, and you know what? Screw 'em.

I work my ass off, and so do most of the other people in this country. You have no idea how many people work over 50 hours a week, every week.

In short, Americans earn their good life.

Now, if these poor people in less developed countries are poor as a result of Western politics, thats fine if they want to hate Western politics. I will even agree with many of their criticisms.

Its just frustrating when people badmouth my countrymen when we don't do anything to the rest of the world. In the end, a man is only responsible for himself and his family. Maybe if these poor countries would adopt that mentality, and quit casting blame, they could get somewhere. But no, they dont want to work hard...its easier to accept handouts from the UN and complain than it is to work to better yourself and your country.

I am taking a History of the American West class right now and it is shocking how young the US really is. Its a testament to how hard we have worked to bring this country so far in such a short amount of time.

I agree that it's completely wrong to show dislike towards the citizen. It's the government you should have beef with, but i think "screw 'em" is a very unhealthy attitude.

Think of the number of countries in the last 50 years who have had governments put in place by America. Look at Iran; they had a democratically elected government which was brought down and replaced by a more monarch-like ruler because America intervened for their own gains. I'm not america-bashing or anything like that so please dont get me wrong. Plenty of countries - if not all of them - do terrible things for personal gain. I'm just trying to point out that many many people have very good reasons to be critical of the US, especially if you're a poor family in a foreign country, and your life is affected on a daily basis by a very rich, afluent nation exploiting you for further wealth.

We let them go. If we really want Iraq to succede, we can't let it go yet, not for a good while. And we'd have to pretty much take over the country for a good bit. But that will never happen, because people will complain, and yes, a few people will die.

No it isnt xenophobia. There opinions dont matter when it comes to american culture because they arent american. Again, very simple concept. They dont understand america, because they dont live here. Theres absolutely no reason I should take someones opinion from europe seriously regarding domestic things such as culture.

Yeah, I know they are the same thing. thats been my point the entire time. Speaking out against america, and america bashing are still two different things.

You let your emotions get the best of your arguments.

H8sMikeMoore

What emotion? I've said all kinds of thing. I've said the american people are generalised unfairly. I've said people get a bum rap over bush. But i've also said that hatred towards America is very justified in many cases.

You on the other hand simply refuse to have a word said against your country, and yet accuse other people of ignorance. And i think your view that anyone who doesn't live in america doesn't understand the country or have an opinion of any relevance is an extremely unhealthy one.

The problem with that, is that we are trying to help the world, not hurt it. Unfortunately, we figure that the people are smart enough to handle themselves, and they aren't. It is actually quite simple, and the same mistakes we are making in Iraq have been made in the Philipines, Argentina, and elsewhere.

We let them go. If we really want Iraq to succede, we can't let it go yet, not for a good while. And we'd have to pretty much take over the country for a good bit. But that will never happen, because people will complain, and yes, a few people will die.

helium_flash

Do you seriously think that the likes of Vietnam, or Iraq were invaded by America to help people? Seriously? :|

[QUOTE="sonicare"]Not 50% of the POPULATION, 50% of registered voters. There's a huge difference. And many people that voted for Bush did not do so for his foreign policy. There are many platforms that politicians run on. And the connection to ethnicity is regarding generalizations in general. Generalizing an entire group of people is a bad thing and has been used to fuel racism and ethnic hate in the past.Oleg_Huzwog

The population cannot say, "Don't blame us! Blame the politicians!" when those politicians are elected by the population. Unless, of course, you're willing to go in the opposite direction as well. i.e. the President is a saint and revered around the world; people say I HEART AMERICA; and you counter with "No, you love the President, not America." You have to take the good with the bad.

Bush was elected because John Kerrey was a worse candidate. The democrats blundered that election. Any other decent candidate would have beaten Bush. He was extremely unpopular becuase of the war. But there are other issues as well that he ran on in his campaign.

My point is that you can't hate on a diverse group of people. You can't label and classify them as all the same. That's an extremely ignorant and frankly dangerous behavior to excercise. But that's what people often do when they hate on specific nations. It's easy to try to portray them as this faceless monster. It gives you a scapegoat or something to blindly hate on. It takes more energy and thought to focus on the real problems and issues. But when you are angry, you just want something easy to hate on. Makes things more simple.

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"]

No it isnt xenophobia. There opinions dont matter when it comes to american culture because they arent american. Again, very simple concept. They dont understand america, because they dont live here. Theres absolutely no reason I should take someones opinion from europe seriously regarding domestic things such as culture.

Yeah, I know they are the same thing. thats been my point the entire time. Speaking out against america, and america bashing are still two different things.

You let your emotions get the best of your arguments.

Ninja-Hippo

What emotion? I've said all kinds of thing. I've said the american people are generalised unfairly. I've said people get a bum rap over bush. But i've also said that hatred towards America is very justified in many cases.

You on the other hand simply refuse to have a word said against your country, and yet accuse other people of ignorance. And i think your view that anyone who doesn't live in america doesn't understand the country or have an opinion of any relevance is an extremely unhealthy one.

not only do I speak out against this country on a regular basis, within this thread ive already condoned foreigners to speak out. Im simply saying, america bashing makes you look stupid. And for your sake, im going to point out yet again that disliking america, and talking about it is different than hating america and saying things to make people feel bad about this place.

No it isnt an unhealthy one, infact if anything it IS healthy because i dont let someone who has a biased hate towards this country get me down about the place I live. Lets take Norwegians for example, do you think they would take my opinion on their culture seriously? I dont live there. I wouldnt expect them to. Unless you live here, you dont get the culture and the same will be said about any country.

If someone were to tell me something of a foreign affair, thats going on in there country that we are responsible for then I would take there opinion seriously. But thats why i said domestic before.

I hate the way Americans get so defensive about their country. Start an "I hate Britain" thread and an "I hate America" thread simultaneously and I believe you will get very different responses. We aren't so big on patriotism, there was mass outrage at the idea that we could adopt an Ameica-style pledge of allegience

Most of the hate in the western world probably stems from how right-wing America is compared to the majority of the western world in social and pollitical terms. It doesn't help that the media, at least in Britain, only reports on the far-right creationist gun-nuts. It creates a stereotype of America being rather backwards. Also, Britain is far more secular, so any mention of God does tend to make us feel uneasy, and you do get mocked for your fundamentalists and televangelists (of which we have none whatsoever, to my knowledge anyway).

Lastly, one cannot honestly say that America's foreign policy is unblemished. some absolutely shocking things have been done in the name of American interests. I agree that it is unfair to blame the whole country for these events, and that America is not the sole perpatrator of such activities, but that can still create resentment

Junkie_man

Bingo! I applaud you, sir. :)

The mere fact that so many right-wing Americans ask "why do you hate America?" is demonstrative of their extreme ethnocentricism and their assumption that the rest of the world somehow has to answer to them. I say "them", because even though I'm American, I'm not the "America" these neocons are talking about, i.e. the Republican Party.

I don't think American conservatives/fundamentalists/evangelists/creationists realize how incredibly alone they are in the world. Not saying it would make a difference if they did, though, as pride in everything unique about one's country, coupled with the belief that everything about one's country is unique, is the very nature of blind patriotism.

[QUOTE="helium_flash"]

The problem with that, is that we are trying to help the world, not hurt it. Unfortunately, we figure that the people are smart enough to handle themselves, and they aren't. It is actually quite simple, and the same mistakes we are making in Iraq have been made in the Philipines, Argentina, and elsewhere.

We let them go. If we really want Iraq to succede, we can't let it go yet, not for a good while. And we'd have to pretty much take over the country for a good bit. But that will never happen, because people will complain, and yes, a few people will die.

Ninja-Hippo

Do you seriously think that the likes of Vietnam, or Iraq were invaded by America to help people? Seriously? :|

Obviously, the government has its own agenda. Vietnam was more about showing the communistic world that the US would fight their spread any place, anytime. There are tons of theories on why the Iraq war happened - too many to list and debate. But I do honestly think that many americans think they were to help people. Many soliders - often naive - believe they helped to topple a tyrant and are working to bring democracy to Iraq. Now obviously, I'm sure that's not why the US went there, but people do believe that.

not only do I speak out against this country on a regular basis, within this thread ive already condoned foreigners to speak out. Im simply saying, america bashing makes you look stupid. And for your sake, im going to point out yet again that disliking america, and talking about it is different than hating america and saying things to make people feel bad about this place.

No it isnt an unhealthy one, infact if anything it IS healthy because i dont let someone who has a biased hate towards this country get me down about the place I live. Lets take Norwegians for example, do you think they would take my opinion on their culture seriously? I dont live there. I wouldnt expect them to. Unless you live here, you dont get the culture and the same will be said about any country.

If someone were to tell me something of a foreign affair, thats going on in there country that we are responsible for then I would take there opinion seriously. But thats why i said domestic before.

H8sMikeMoore

It's not healthy. Simple. Everyone's opinion is valid, especially when many people's reason for disliking america is due to foreign policy. You cant adopt such a close-minded view of "you dont live here, so who cares". Nobody here is talking about the american economy or your gun control laws. In that case sure, tell people that they're too detached to really understand the issue.

In regard to the broad discussion of simply America and the reasons for people disliking it, it is incredibly ignorant to a) assume all foreigners are biased and dislike the country and b) to say that a non-american's opinion has no relevance. That's just flat-out wrong.

"you dont get the culture" is such a flimsy, generic expression that i think it demonstrates this whole arguement as a whole.

And finally; you only said domestic after i pointed out how flawed your viewpoint was, which is in any case - irrelevant - as who said we were discussing just domestic issues? You're also the only person to consider this to be a thread about all-out, blind america hating.

Obviously, the government has its own agenda. Vietnam was more about showing the communistic world that the US would fight their spread any place, anytime. There are tons of theories on why the Iraq war happened - too many to list and debate. But I do honestly think that many americans think they were to help people. Many soliders - often naive - believe they helped to topple a tyrant and are working to bring democracy to Iraq. Now obviously, I'm sure that's not why the US went there, but people do believe that.

sonicare

Soldiers do, sure. Because on a daily basis they're dealing with civilians and trying to win the support of the nation they're fighting in. But i think it's really blind to think that America is trying to "help" the world, especially when the country has been so reluctant to do anything over Darfur. If it's such a heroic government trying to help everyone, why are we only interested in a nation with no army and a leader weaker than he's ever been? :?

Helping the people of Iraq did not factor into America's decision to invade Iraq at all. I'd say that's pretty much a fact. Western governments simply do not work that way. You dont invest billions into a war which is of no benefit to you at all.

[QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"]

Im a not an American but i think its weird that so many people are so against America...lots say they hate or dislike America but yet they drink coco-cola buy and1 sneakers...listen to your music and watch your movies...not to mention follow your trends...

if you're a hater please give us a reason apart from the few people in power...

jointed

when it comes to america bashing, people are more often than not ignorant.

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

That's not what I said though...

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

You dont understand. Where you come from is part of your identity, just as is your race, and gender. It is psychological: people become attached to what they are. So loving your country could actually be a natural event. Therefore, like I said, loving one's country does not make you ignorant.

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

helium_flash

He didn't say that loving your country is ignorant. :| He was contrasting what the other guy said about blind hate of america being born out of ignorance; so is blind love and support of it.

EDIT: there are inumerable reasons to dislike america.The fact that you think there aren't backs up his original point that love and defense of your country is often a result of ignorance that your country has done any wrong.

[QUOTE="helium_flash"]

The problem with that, is that we are trying to help the world, not hurt it. Unfortunately, we figure that the people are smart enough to handle themselves, and they aren't. It is actually quite simple, and the same mistakes we are making in Iraq have been made in the Philipines, Argentina, and elsewhere.

We let them go. If we really want Iraq to succede, we can't let it go yet, not for a good while. And we'd have to pretty much take over the country for a good bit. But that will never happen, because people will complain, and yes, a few people will die.

Ninja-Hippo

Do you seriously think that the likes of Vietnam, or Iraq were invaded by America to help people? Seriously? :|

When we invaded Vietnam, people were very afraid that if communism took over the place, it would spread. So I think we invaded to stop communism, which I would say is helping since Democracy and having a free market is much better than communism.

helium_flash

Vietnam already operated with a communist system. There primary source of income was rice farming, which was very difficult, and as such people worked together and pooled their crops. The government system had barely any effect on the average Vietnamese citizen, yet over a million of them died as a result of American intervention, including 400,000 civilians.

Vietnam was invaded because of something called the domino theory, which said that if Vietnam became communist, cambodia would too, as would what is now Thailand, as would etc etc etc and thus the whole indochina market would be more inclined to trade with the USSR than the USA, which was America's big economic and military rival. Vietnam was included to protect American trade interests, and it was only when Nixon took power and the domino theory turned out to be a bunch of crap, when it became apparent that Vietnam hated China, Japan and the USSR and had no interest in trading with them that the USA u-turned and got out as fast as they could. Because people were dying, money was being spent, and there was no gain at the end any more.

[QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"]

Im a not an American but i think its weird that so many people are so against America...lots say they hate or dislike America but yet they drink coco-cola buy and1 sneakers...listen to your music and watch your movies...not to mention follow your trends...

if you're a hater please give us a reason apart from the few people in power...

helium_flash

when it comes to america bashing, people are more often than not ignorant.

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

That's not what I said though...

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

Wait..what?

If what you say is true...then that just makes it even more ignorant. Growing up loving ones country without any reason is far more ignorant than bashing a country, based on information (no matter how screwed up it is).

And believe me, the nationalism portrayed by your politicians and users on this board is everything but natural...

America! Hmmm, nope; Gamespot didn't censor it as a dirty word.Oleg_Huzwog

hold on, let me try to report you for bad word.

[QUOTE="sonicare"]

Obviously, the government has its own agenda. Vietnam was more about showing the communistic world that the US would fight their spread any place, anytime. There are tons of theories on why the Iraq war happened - too many to list and debate. But I do honestly think that many americans think they were to help people. Many soliders - often naive - believe they helped to topple a tyrant and are working to bring democracy to Iraq. Now obviously, I'm sure that's not why the US went there, but people do believe that.

Ninja-Hippo

Soldiers do, sure. Because on a daily basis they're dealing with civilians and trying to win the support of the nation they're fighting in. But i think it's really blind to think that America is trying to "help" the world, especially when the country has been so reluctant to do anything over Darfur. If it's such a heroic government trying to help everyone, why are we only interested in a nation with no army and a leader weaker than he's ever been? :?

Helping the people of Iraq did not factor into America's decision to invade Iraq at all. I'd say that's pretty much a fact. Western governments simply do not work that way. You dont invest billions into a war which is of no benefit to you at all.

I agree with you there. Even humanitarian conflicts such as the Bosnian/Serbian war probably had less than noble goals by the government. While the populace may believe that western nations went to these areas to stop genocide and bloodshed, it may have had more to do with bringing stability to those regions.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"][QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]

If you're a poor person living in a less developed country you have an absolute boatload of reasons to despise america - and every western nation for that matter. The UK is just as bad.

A lot of people have very, very good reasons for disliking the west, however i find that a lot of "mindless" hate takes place; as in people having a pop at american topics simply for the sake of it being american.

Ninja-Hippo

Yup, and you know what? Screw 'em.

I work my ass off, and so do most of the other people in this country. You have no idea how many people work over 50 hours a week, every week.

In short, Americans earn their good life.

Now, if these poor people in less developed countries are poor as a result of Western politics, thats fine if they want to hate Western politics. I will even agree with many of their criticisms.

Its just frustrating when people badmouth my countrymen when we don't do anything to the rest of the world. In the end, a man is only responsible for himself and his family. Maybe if these poor countries would adopt that mentality, and quit casting blame, they could get somewhere. But no, they dont want to work hard...its easier to accept handouts from the UN and complain than it is to work to better yourself and your country.

I am taking a History of the American West class right now and it is shocking how young the US really is. Its a testament to how hard we have worked to bring this country so far in such a short amount of time.

I agree that it's completely wrong to show dislike towards the citizen. It's the government you should have beef with, but i think "screw 'em" is a very unhealthy attitude.

Think of the number of countries in the last 50 years who have had governments put in place by America. Look at Iran; they had a democratically elected government which was brought down and replaced by a more monarch-like ruler because America intervened for their own gains. I'm not america-bashing or anything like that so please dont get me wrong. Plenty of countries - if not all of them - do terrible things for personal gain. I'm just trying to point out that many many people have very good reasons to be critical of the US, especially if you're a poor family in a foreign country, and your life is affected on a daily basis by a very rich, afluent nation exploiting you for further wealth.

I know, but its just frustrating because every time an argument like this occurs, its generally kept civil (as you have been keeping it :) ) but sooner or later someone steps in and says "well, atleast we are not overweight gas guzzlers who support an unjust war".

I am tired of being associted with the War on Terror, I am tired of being stereotyped, and I am tired of being badmouthed behind my back when I travel to other countries. I went to England last summer, loved it, but there were at least five occasions where I was singled out for being American.

This is gonna sound stupid, but...its not easy being an American in the international world these days.

Idunno, I cant blame them I suppose...when I was in Paris and was checking out of a hotel I saw this American family from Texas, complete in Disneyland attire, saying "Marcy boocoo, I have an amy in Pahree". If I were French that would leave a bad taste in my mouth

*sigh*

sometimes its just easier to say "yup, thats who we are, so screw you all"

[QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"] jointed

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

That's not what I said though...

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

Wait..what?

If what you say is true...then that just makes it even more ignorant. Growing up loving ones country without any reason is far more ignorant than bashing a country, based on information (no matter how screwed up it is).

And believe me, the nationalism portrayed by your politicians and users on this board is everything but natural...

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"][QUOTE="helium_flash"]

You dont understand. Where you come from is part of your identity, just as is your race, and gender. It is psychological: people become attached to what they are. So loving your country could actually be a natural event. Therefore, like I said, loving one's country does not make you ignorant.

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

helium_flash

He didn't say that loving your country is ignorant. :| He was contrasting what the other guy said about blind hate of america being born out of ignorance; so is blind love and support of it.

EDIT: there are inumerable reasons to dislike america.The fact that you think there aren't backs up his original point that love and defense of your country is often a result of ignorance that your country has done any wrong.

And the fact that you had to insult me proves that you aren't worth "arguing" with. You and your fat hippo self can "debate" with someone else.

The US obviously has had less than noble foreign policy. I think that is certainly up for criticism and debate. I know plenty of people in the US that are upset with it. What I have issue with, is all the generalizations and blind hate directed to the american public. Plenty of it on this forum. "All americans are evil, gun toting, stupid, fat, fascists that want to kill everyone in the world." We're all summed up into one type of individual. We all apparently have the same opinions and behaviors - which are all wrong and inferior to the rest of the world - and are the worst civilization the world has known. That type of dehumanization can be dangerous and I don't like it.

Again, our policies have serious issue with them and deserve to be criticized. However, the criticism seems to be disproportionate. The US is often blamed for all the faults of western civilization whereas other western nations don't seem to be put under that same microscope. If you're going to criticize the US - fine. It's far from perfect. But don't just criticize it. Criticize the other nations that have similar behaviors and policies.

[QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"] helium_flash

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

That's not what I said though...

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

Wait..what?

If what you say is true...then that just makes it even more ignorant. Growing up loving ones country without any reason is far more ignorant than bashing a country, based on information (no matter how screwed up it is).

And believe me, the nationalism portrayed by your politicians and users on this board is everything but natural...

Wow, nice come-back.

How about actually arguing my point?

Please explain how bashing a country based on information is more ignorant than loving a country based on nothing more than your feelings.

And again, the fact that you don't see such widespread nationalism in Britain invalidates your attempt to collerate your psychological hypothesis with the subject we're discussing.

[QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="helium_flash"][QUOTE="jointed"][QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"] jointed

However, you aren't born hating America. Most America bashers can't justify their hate for the country, and many times will use screwed up information to support themselves, or false infomation altogether. I would say that there are more ignorant America Bashers and America lovers.

Wait..what?

If what you say is true...then that just makes it even more ignorant. Growing up loving ones country without any reason is far more ignorant than bashing a country, based on information (no matter how screwed up it is).

And believe me, the nationalism portrayed by your politicians and users on this board is everything but natural...

Wow, nice come-back.

How about actually arguing my point?

Please explain how bashing a country based on information is more ignorant than loving a country based on nothing more than your feelings.

And again, the fact that you don't see such widespread nationalism in Britain invalidates your attempt to collerate your psychological hypothesis with the subject we're discussing.

"The fact that you don't see such widespread nationalism in Britain...."

Most Americans like their country, but aren't patriotic to the extent you see on movies, tv, etc. Similar to what you say in that quote.

Patriotism and nationalism is some of the worse things out there.. Its just a tad above "school spirit" in being absolutely useless and stupid.sSubZerOo

yep, blindly following your government, or "proudly" claiming how great it is despite its flaws, is usually a bad thing.

Patriotism and nationalism is some of the worse things out there.. Its just a tad above "school spirit" in being absolutely useless and stupid.sSubZerOo

Unless you are that countries leader and can manipulate those feelings to your advantage. . . . .:o

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"]

not only do I speak out against this country on a regular basis, within this thread ive already condoned foreigners to speak out. Im simply saying, america bashing makes you look stupid. And for your sake, im going to point out yet again that disliking america, and talking about it is different than hating america and saying things to make people feel bad about this place.

No it isnt an unhealthy one, infact if anything it IS healthy because i dont let someone who has a biased hate towards this country get me down about the place I live. Lets take Norwegians for example, do you think they would take my opinion on their culture seriously? I dont live there. I wouldnt expect them to. Unless you live here, you dont get the culture and the same will be said about any country.



If someone were to tell me something of a foreign affair, thats going on in there country that we are responsible for then I would take there opinion seriously. But thats why i said domestic before.

Ninja-Hippo

No, but John McCain is....

The man is an animal....

Even utter the name John McCain is so dirty that even thinking it is worthy of calling yourself a lunatic.

Patriotism is not a bad thing. Being proud of where you came from, what it stands for, and the hard work it took to get to that point is a very good thing. The_Mac_Daddy

Where do YOU fit in this equation.. Having respect for a nation and its ideals is one thing, but being proud for somethign you had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH is stupid as hell.. I didn't realize I could be proud of a place that by chance I was born in.. Its just as useless as racial pride.

[QUOTE="Nemesis4747"]

OHHH NO! you said the 'A' word, well ill say goodbye now since you are gunna be band :P

eh, America is only hated because its the most powerful country in the world, people from other coutries are just jealous, so they pick on all thair bad points and refuse to see the good points, if another country takes over the rains as the most powerful, people will start hating that country aswell

BTW im an Aussie so you cant accuse me of being biased:)

Ninja-Hippo

I'd say that attitude is exactly why a lot of people dislike America however. :?

Patriotism is not a bad thing. Being proud of where you came from, what it stands for, and the hard work it took to get to that point is a very good thing. The_Mac_Daddy

I agree. I love my country and its people.

But excessive patriotism, especially that for the government, is wrong.

I have no qualms about supporting our military, improving our country, etc. but I am not going to stand outside, waving an American flag, while yelling "Our Country is perfect and we have never had a bad president!"

[QUOTE="The_Mac_Daddy"]Patriotism is not a bad thing. Being proud of where you came from, what it stands for, and the hard work it took to get to that point is a very good thing. sSubZerOo

Where do YOU fit in this equation.. Having respect for a nation and its ideals is one thing, but being proud for somethign you had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH is stupid as hell.. I didn't realize I could be proud of a place that by chance I was born in.. Its just as useless as racial pride.

as long as hes contributing to the country, why shouldnt he be able to be proud? If hes into the hard work ethic, then chances are hes gonna be proud to live in america.

Yes it's a dirty word, a continent name that some people in a country decided to take it for their country cuz they are stupid, selfish, and stupid

DrCoCoPiMp

Stupid, selfish AND stupid! Wow, they must be horrible, I bet they even spell out the whole word "because"... terrible.

[QUOTE="The_Mac_Daddy"]Patriotism is not a bad thing. Being proud of where you came from, what it stands for, and the hard work it took to get to that point is a very good thing. sSubZerOo

Where do YOU fit in this equation.. Having respect for a nation and its ideals is one thing, but being proud for somethign you had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH is stupid as hell.. I didn't realize I could be proud of a place that by chance I was born in.. Its just as useless as racial pride.

You are right, I did have no control of being born here. But, I've grown to love where I've been blessed to have been born. I like the people, the cities, and the history. America as a country has been through a LOT in a short amount of time. It's citizens have been through a lot in a short period of time.. from the depression and dust bowl to equal rights and world wars. This country has come a long way and was built from nothing into something great. And I would be happy to defend it proudly if I ever needed to. Just because I didn't choose to be born here, doesn't mean I can't be proud that I do.

[QUOTE="H8sMikeMoore"][QUOTE="West123"]

Im a not an American but i think its weird that so many people are so against America...lots say they hate or dislike America but yet they drink coco-cola buy and1 sneakers...listen to your music and watch your movies...not to mention follow your trends...

if you're a hater please give us a reason apart from the few people in power...

jointed

when it comes to america bashing, people are more often than not ignorant.

Well, same goes for America "loving"...

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="The_Mac_Daddy"]Patriotism is not a bad thing. Being proud of where you came from, what it stands for, and the hard work it took to get to that point is a very good thing. The_Mac_Daddy

Where do YOU fit in this equation.. Having respect for a nation and its ideals is one thing, but being proud for somethign you had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH is stupid as hell.. I didn't realize I could be proud of a place that by chance I was born in.. Its just as useless as racial pride.

You are right, I did have no control of being born here. But, I've grown to love where I've been blessed to have been born. I like the people, the cities, and the history. America as a country has been through a LOT in a short amount of time. It's citizens have been through a lot in a short period of time.. from the depression and dust bowl to equal rights and world wars. This country has come a long way and was built from nothing into something great. And I would be happy to defend it proudly if I ever needed to. Just because I didn't choose to be born here, doesn't mean I can't be proud that I do.

well said.

America! Hmmm, nope; Gamespot didn't censor it as a dirty word.Oleg_Huzwog

dammit...:evil: