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Mr. BlackCat
Joined: 30 Nov 2005
Location: Insert witty remark HERE
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 Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 9:36 am Post subject: |
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| rabidcake wrote: |
| Mr. BlackCat wrote: |
| Seoulio wrote: |
| bucheon bum wrote: |
| Seoulio wrote: |
| nukeday wrote: |
Your use of terms like "good and bad" and "negative impact on the world" are completely subjective. You knew that, though, right?
It's basically impossible to be objective on America for you and a lot of other people. It's one of those love-or-hate issues.
Like I said, you can pretend to be objective when you speak about Belgium. |
Good and bad is subjective now is it?
So If an American policy all but bankrupts a foreign government, that's would be subjective eh?
You can give me there are two side of every story ( a bad outcome for a foreign country, but great for Americans could make a good and bad argument subjective. in that context) but bad things happening to "others" is a BAd outcome |
You are proof about the whole axe to grind thing plus the stereotypical know-it-all Canadian that gives your country a bad name.
And yes, it is subjective. |
never heard the "know it all" Canadian stereotype
I have no axe to grind,
NOt really subjective |
Unfortunately anytime anyone outside the US dares to have an opinion, especially one backed up by fact, they are called know-it-alls, smug and/or anti-American. The fact is, the US is a really great country with some flaws but because it's the world's only superpower the great part is assumed and the flaws are investigated. However, inside the US people are constantly told that they are number one at everything so many Americans tend to think it's heresy for anyone else to suggest otherwise, even if they claim they're open minded. For example, a recent poll found that the majority of Americans believe they give more than 5% of GDP in foreign aid when in reality it's less than 1% (sorry, I can't find it right now, I'm between classes). The real number is not that different from other industrialized nations so it's not like they should be ashamed or anything. But at least a dozen times I have corrected American friends who have stated the exaggerated number only to be told that I am wrong and anti-American. And these are left-leaning liberal college educated travellers. Another example is the American belief that immigrants only want to go to the US and no other country ("Only in America") and that they want to go there for their 'freedoms' instead of simply for money (which isn't a bad thing, it's an indication of how good the country is, just in a different more complex way).
I'm not saying that all Canadians know more about the US than all Americans, I'm saying that it is very possible for a Canadian to be much more aware of the context than an American. I've had discussions with Americans about their elections and in the end I've been told to mind my own business. Ok, I'll do that as soon as your elected presidents stop invading other countries and destablizing the global economy. If you want to be the most powerful country in the world then you're going to have to deal with the impact you have on others. You can't have your cake (ie cheapest gas prices outside the Gulf states) and eat it too (be exempt from foreign criticism for how you get those low prices). The fact remains Americans can be just as critical of other countries if they choose to learn about them, as some do. The thing is, when many of my American friends try to flip it on me and criticize Canada they simply just don't know enough to do it. There are many problems in Canada and I wouldn't mind hearing different (educated) perspectives on them. Really, though, it just boils down to the age old, "Yeah, well, no one cares about your country!!" Well, fine. How does that prevent me from understanding yours?
We're all citizens of the world and we all have a right to hold opinions. I don't see how being born and raised in one country makes you naturally understand it better than studying it from afar. I have read dozens of books about American history, foreign policy, economics and society. I might not know my way around town or why Two and Half Men is the #1 TV show, but I sure do know more about the country than many of the Americans (and Canadians, and Euros, and Koreans, etc.) I've met. I think the US is a great country and has the power to do real good things in the world, that's why I care. |
You must have either not spoken to many Americans or have just had bad luck with the type of people you are communicating with.
The truth is, Americans are thought of as not knowing what's going on. This is sometimes the case, and sometimes isn't. It really just depends on the person.
The United States is crucial to the world in both positive and negative ways. It's obvious why people learn English and learn about American customs and history.
Canada is not as important in terms of economics and global influence.
I too admit that I don't know much about Canada, but I do know tons and tons about Taiwan, a place most people confuse with Thailand. Reading books about Taiwan and actually living there is very very different.
But alas, we Americans always look bad no matter where we are on the world stage (or in our own country). |
I think you misunderstood me. I wasn't trying to say that all Americans are uneducated about their own country. Many of them are, however I just meant that many people outside the US are as well, so their opinon is worthwhile. Conversely, many Americans know lots about other countries. My basic point is that many people around the world know alot about the US because it's the superpower, yet some Americans get offended if these people dare to express an opinion about the country.
I don't care that you think Canada doesn't have much affect on the rest of the world. It's true, compared to the US. My point was that you can't be angry that Canadians have an opinion of American policy by retorting that Canada has none. Either accept the influence your country has or accept the power of others. Or just not say anything.
I think the issue really lies in the political culture. In most of the world, including Canada, we view our politicians as seperate from our general national image. For the US they're inseperable. To criticize the Iraq war, for example, is to insult your family even if you didn't vote for Bush. I feel this really comes from the simple bi-party system of the US. Americans, due to their political system, tend to see the world in black and white. With us or against us. Red or blue.
Like I said, I think the US can do great things. Like I said, you can't accept the benefits of being American without the occasional criticism. |
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