That’s the question. Is America special?[/quote]
It utterly and completely rules you. Whatever you do, wherever you live, they completely and totally govern how you shall live. How special is THAT? Is it WORTHY? Now that’s an entirely different question.[/quote]
Special as compared to previous top-dogs or hegemons?[/quote]
Don’t matter none. They’re the top dogs NOW. They don’t need to concern themselves with whether they’re “topper” than their predecessors. They own the ground you walk on, the air you breathe. Got a problem with that? Take it up with your MP. 
[/quote]
I mean, is anti-Americanism special, or just a natural consequence of being top dog?
There are different varieties of Anti-Americanism.
The British, French, Germans etc don’t like Americans just because … well, because they’re American. They’re just not like us, don’t you know. I don’t think there’s any malice in it. You’ll notice it got a lot worse when you had a collective brainstorm and elected King George the Gormless as president, and it subsided considerably since you elected someone halfway normal. It’s much the same as the British poking fun at the French just for being French (and vice versa, of course).
Political criticism isn’t anti-Americanism though. It’s perfectly valid for states to flag up each other’s mistakes and shortcomings. That’s the way societies evolve. If it weren’t for our ability to listen to positive criticism (oh … possibly that’s one reason people get upset about Americans 
) we’d still be picking bugs out of each others’ fur and bashing our females with big sticks. America, for example, uses way more energy than it needs to and makes a lot more mess in general than it needs to. That hurts Americans as well as the rest of the planet. Unfortunately, we copied a lot of that stuff from you guys, which makes our criticisms on that front a bit weaker.
China is a bit unique: they copy the stuff you do, and then simultaneously criticise you for doing it while promoting it domestically, which is quite amusing. In their case, their anti-Americanism stems from some fundamental misunderstandings about capitalism, technology, and the world outside of the middle kingdom. They’re like a kid playing with dad’s chainsaw - it’s an awful lot of fun, and they’re getting all grumpy because dad’s telling them to put it down before someone gets hurt.
Then there’s that huge assortment of countries who have spent the last 50 years digging the biggest, murkiest hole they possibly can, filling it with raw sewage, and jumping in. They then have to explain to their populace why this seemed like a good idea at the time, and “it was all America’s fault” is as good a reason as any when said populace don’t have much education and probably aren’t quite sure where or what America is.
No, not at all. For one thing, you’re not top dog because China could probably reduce you to radioactive slag if they wanted to (which they probably do, but won’t, because then their dollar reserves will be worthless). Every country pretty much hates every other country. It’s just that certain countries - America, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea - are a lot more thin-skinned about being criticised. Listening and making a measured response usually works well for individuals, and I suspect it works well for countries, too.
Actually, we human beings don’t like ANYBODY that’s different. We’re all tribal at heart.
And then, the average American doesn’t really care what you think, which makes it all so much more annoying.
(At the risk of opening myself to endless Palin jokes) I was raised in Alaska and I remember there was absolutely nothing to do (in and urban sense of doing something) but we would ride snow mobiles (machines) and go hunting and fishing worked from a very young age in the summertime (12 years old commercial fishing)ride dirt bikes, three wheelers, four wheelers etc etc. One thing we would do (about 17-18 years old) is throw a keg of beer in the back of our vehicle (usually my truck) and drive around campgrounds where all the “pukers” were (people from Alaska call tourists pukers because most of the time they were puking from sea sickness, air sickness or blatant public drunkenness from meeting us) just to meet people from all over the world. Personally, I have had day long conversations with people from all over the world (Sweden, Japan, Germany, France, Ireland, England, Canada, China, Korea, etc etc) sitting on the banks of the Kenai River or Kasilof River pondering on this subject more often than not. I would always ask them how they felt about America and Americans. Their answers always excluded Alaska and focused on mainstream media, (probably because I was always initiating this conversation) but it was so interesting what their responses were. Most of what that has been said here I have heard from many people. I have even heard people say we absolutely hate Americans. “You guys are so arrogant!” I see how we are portrayed in the media and have witnessed some American Ignorance (some from myself) first hand so I can understand how this is acertained.
However, I was literally raised in the woods but had much more of an opportunity for an international upbringing than most in say Kansas City, Missouri. I was pretty naive about alot of things but I was very interested in the world and different cultures from a young age. Being here (Taiwan) I have been called out on being American before. The way I work and manage is clearly from western philosophy (helped by NCCU IMBA Confucianism and Leadership Classes) but I have learned to adapt to it and have had the opportunity to manage some of the best teams I have ever worked with. My staff would tell you I am more and more Taiwanese as time goes by, my doc thinks I am reincarnated Chinese. I really love and embrace different cultures. I will be the first to study and learn as much as I possible can and many times I have (unfortunately) learned by mistake. I can agree that most of the general population in the USA is not very international and I see that much more clearly that ever before living here. I am humbled often and I greatly appreciate it. As an Alaskan. We are pretty small town people. A state that is 2/3the size of the contiguous 48 states with only 700,000 people which is very small potatoes. 66 people from the town I lived in and 25 from the town my dad homesteaded 40 acres in 1955 prior to it being a state. I know alot of this is blah blah blah but it is a subject I have been interested in for most of my life and have found it insightful. Thanks!
Very well said, tDD. 
[quote=“finley”]No, not at all. For one thing, [color=#0000BF]you’re[/color] not top dog because China could probably reduce [color=#0000BF]you[/color] to radioactive slag if they wanted to. . . .[/quote] (emphasis added)
[quote=“fruitloop”][color=#0000BF]I’m[/color] British.[/quote] (emphasis added) Political philosophy argument: On Burqa bans - #189 by fruitloop
[quote=“finley”]As a Brit . . . I. . . .[/quote] (emphasis added) Dearest Taiwan, please learn to queue! - #18 by finley
No offense, finley, I just thought I ought to introduce you to your countryman.
people don’t like americans?
Could be. Might go back a ways, too:
[quote]“You–a disgusting American?”
In English Dick called up to Nicole: “Get the children away from the house till I settle this.”
“–disgusting Americans who come here and drink up our finest wines,” screamed Augustine with the voice of the commune.[/quote]F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender Is the Night (1934)
fruitloop, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with this comment . . . but possibly not in the way that you think.
I promise I’m not being facetious, but can you give even one example of how the United States is top dog in anything that others may envy?
I never bought that either. It’s complete bullshit, really. Sure, you may find some pontificating foreign know-nothing or the occasional self-effacing American liberal pantywaist, but most Americans aren’t ashamed of being Americans and most foreigners don’t give a shit where we’re from. I don’t have the international experience that most posters do, but from my limited travels in Asia and Europe, I have never experienced “anti-Americanism”. I don’t doubt there’s a subtle level of jealously regarding our top dog status, but people judge each other on an individual basis. I think that a smile and an open mind are about all you need to get by anywhere.
Again, in what way do you think people perceive Americans as top dog? You do realise that most folk believe their own country holds that position, right?
I think the mistake Americans make is that they like to pigeonhole any opposition to being ‘anti-Americanism’, when what it most likely boils down to is anti-war, or anti-meddling, or anti-violence, or anti-ignorance. I don’t know anyone who is anti-American, but I do know lots of people who don’t like some of the things that the United States and other countries engage in.
Given that fear plays a large part in American politics (social control?), isn’t it more likely that the anti-American that Americans perceive is actually nothing more than paranoia?
[quote=“Stray Dog”]Again, in what way do you think people perceive Americans as top dog? You do realise that most folk believe their own country holds that position, right?
I think the mistake Americans make is that they like to pigeonhole any opposition to being ‘anti-Americanism’, when what it most likely boils down to is anti-war, or anti-meddling, or anti-violence, or anti-ignorance. I don’t know anyone who is anti-American, but I do know lots of people who don’t like some of the things that the United States and other countries engage in.
Given that fear plays a large part in American politics (social control?), isn’t it more likely that the anti-American that Americans perceive is actually nothing more than paranoia?[/quote]
It probably just has a lot to do with America being an ‘easy target.’ There are a lot of qualities that make America extremely strong… (Military, GDP, etc.)
Everyone has the right to criticize American actions, but I caution people to be critical only about our government. Many Americans were against the war in Iraq, which brought a lot of Anti-American sentiment. There really wasn’t much Anti-China sentiment, when China invaded Tibet. This was years ago, but newspapers existed… We are an easy target, because we are so big. Every country isn’t perfect, there are problems with every country. Don’t pick on the big guy!
I totally agree. It’s a policy thing, not an individual thing.
Top Dog, makes me almost feel a little uncomfortable to say even as an American. The arrogance (for me) maybe a little much to call ourselves that. Myself as an American, feel proud to be American, I am only 3rd generation born on grandfather but 8 generation from grandmother side. I have alot of family pride in America. My question is: Is it the perception of this due to the fact our country seems to be in alot of other countries business. (some good and some bad I know) If there is help needed our Country sends aid, tries to help, looks for political angles or moral reasons to capitalize on, to make it worth it perhaps it is to make us look good but it is all started with good intentions at some point. ex. 7 ships with 40k military personel sent to Japan for relief effort (in news) Russia helped with reactor problems and China and India even sent scientists to help. (not in news) Top Doggedness perhaps plays a huge role in the Olympics with attitude perhaps. Not sure. 
I agree. Certainly Anti-American in the way America is filtered through the perception of the Media on some instances. I have never had anyone say (even if solicited) I am anti You - American Boy! Nope, not once. Always directed toward what our leaders of our country are doing.
[quote=“Stray Dog”]Given that fear plays a large part in American politics (social control?), isn’t it more likely that the anti-American that Americans perceive is actually nothing more than paranoia?[/quote] I agree with you. Especially Fox Network! Michael Moore has made some documetaries seperating the reality and news covered instances in many big American soap operas I personally found interesting. Scared into control.
Is Americanism spoken about here mainly American policy? I would say so. Is Anti-Americanism Anti-me? Nope. Anti-American-policy perhaps. I think we are all saying the same thing. :bravo:
I’m so glad you guys didn’t take offence at my questions.
I never bought that either. It’s complete bullshit, really. Sure, you may find some pontificating foreign know-nothing or the occasional self-effacing American liberal pantywaist, but most Americans aren’t ashamed of being Americans and most foreigners don’t give a shit where we’re from. I don’t have the international experience that most posters do, but from my limited travels in Asia and Europe, I have never experienced “anti-Americanism”. I don’t doubt there’s a subtle level of jealously regarding our top dog status, but people judge each other on an individual basis. I think that a smile and an open mind are about all you need to get by anywhere.[/quote]
You’re right. It doesn’t apply to individuals. That would be inconvenient. Just as it would be inconvenient for many westerners to go to muslim countries and meet all the nice, reasonable people. You close your eyes, take out a tar brush and paint the entity one uniform colour. It’s easier that way.
There is a distinction between being anti-America and anti-Americans. I haven’t met many who are anti-Americans. And there is also a distinction between believing your country is special, and believing you’re special because you come from there.
A lot of it isn’t something people would rationally argue, it’s something they feel. It’s often quite irrational. How can you argue that American words or American spellings are “bad”? Polluting our language. But people do object to words on the grounds that they’re the ones Americans use. Our rubbish is superior to your trash. Writing the date mm/dd/yyyy is not just slightly illogical but somehow “bad” - you won’t meet anyone who argues it is “bad”, but some feel stronger than is strictly rational. Unless specifically instructed to use a different format, I’ll write dd/mm/yy, particularly if the day is larger than 12 (unambiguous). An act of defiance against cultural imperialism? A statement of non-American identity? Trying to educate the Americans that a. most of the world goes small to large and b. med/small/large is illogical.
When something positive comes out of America, its American nature is quietly ignored. They’re willing to ignore all the great art, culture and learning that comes out of America and say (or think) America is uncultured. America made The Sopranos, the Simpsons etc, yet American TV is “lowbrow, the lowest common denominator, commercial rubbish”. They may even have American heroes (Carl Sagan or Richard Feynman for me) and yet somehow de-americanise them in their mind. Sam Adams beer is to be ignored - pissy Budweiser is all that matters. People think and talk about the Budweiser (or equivalent), while quite enjoying the Sam Adams.
However, to take the example of two of my intellectual heroes above, or any number of internationalist Americans, excluding them from the American meme is not entirely without reason. Anti-intellectualism and isolationism are real phenomena in the history of American thought.
Much of this is based on fear, insecurity about maintaining identity. Quite reasonable really, in the face of the most powerful cultural meme ever. And of course most people who have some anti-American feelings, have a degree of internal self conflict, since they quite like hamburgers.
I think it is the very real belief that America (and by implication, though less overtly expressed, Americans) are special that winds people up, and hence causes unreasonable reactions, fear and prejudice. You don’t have to go far to hear a reference to “the world’s first democracy”, which at best sound naive, at worst ignorant and arrogant.
[quote=“Stray Dog”]Again, in what way do you think people perceive Americans as top dog? You do realise that most folk believe their own country holds that position, right?[/quote]Absolutely not, unless they’re deranged. America has the largest GDP, the largest military, the most influential foreign policy and the most influential culture.
I could have said hegemonic power, which from a “Realist” view of International Relations, at least, is undeniable. It’s not arrogant to call yourselves top dog, though more academic language might avoid confrontation. Britain was top dog 100 years ago. Germany challenged, look where that got us all in Europe.
For now, America is top dog.
This is an amazing thread. It reminds me of something TainanCowboy wrote a few years back:
No offense, but man, oh, man, do I ever disagree with the sentiments expressed by GaoBohan and Stray Dog.
I don’t care whether we’re “top dog” or not. My country doesn’t have to be the greatest country on earth in order for me to love it, any more than my family has to be the greatest family on earth in order for me to love it.
Anti-Americanism goes 'way back. Earlier, I quoted a source that cites a 1769 statement by an eminent Briton. And back then, we were pretty close to being bottom dog.
By and large, I think people–most people, in one way or another–are jerks. I include myself in that assessment. Of course, people have other qualities, but their jerkish qualities are important, sometimes very important. They can, to paraphrase Hamlet, smile, smile, and be a jerk. They can couch their jerkishness in reasonable-seeming words, using soft tones. But by some time in their adolescent phase, most people (or a large proportion of them) start seeing through the various forms of camouflage and concealment (at least when it involves others’ behavior) and adjusting their thoughts, feelings, and behavior accordingly. World without end, Amen.
America just happens to be one of the main targets of choice for people’s jerkishness. Why? I could come up with some reasons, I suppose, but I really don’t fully understand it. I could analyze it till the cows come home, but I think it highly unlikely that it would do any good. And as the years roll by, I care less and less.
I’m not a “Love me, love my dog” type, but if someone indicates over a long period of time that they pretty much despise my dog, and especially if they can’t seem to get enough of despising my dog, why, I’ll probably decide to limit my dealings with that person. I’m just not that far along spiritually.
But I don’t think it’s a real issue to most Americans. That provincialism we’ve been accused of has an upside: I’m pretty sure that most Americans don’t care very much what the rest of the world thinks about them.
Now, y’all all have a nice day.
Soccer fans the world over detested the introduction of the vuvuzela at the last world cup. Didn’t mean everyone hated Africans individually for it, and many in South Africa seemed shocked the rest of the world didnt embrace this part of their culture with open arms. USA’s culture permeates around the world, and what seems natural for the Americans is for many an unwelcome influence on an existing culture that people resent.
The larger the difference it could be argued the larger the resentment, which would go along way to explaining many of the feelings in the middle east towards not just Americans, but the west in general.
You’ve taken those in isolation. GDP is similar to that of Europe, but look at the state of the US’s economy. It’s like saying that Lehman Brothers was top dog because of the money that passed through its doors. It means nothing without the rest of the picture. The US economy is terrible–not top dog in any way. Debt is massive. You’re living way beyond your means, Lehman Brothers style, no?
I’m really not sure how the US’s military compares to others’ in terms of size, but if its military is so good, why such a poor success rate unless supported with alliances?
Foreign policy is definitely strong but weakening rapidly. I’m not so sure about culture though–that would be a philosophical debate.
I am interested, though. In what way is American culture dominant? Is it just that many people eat at McDonald’s and drink Coca-Cola? What else is there? (I admit I’m ignorant in this regard.)