Fear of America.

[Grey_Focks]

really nothing to fear. I'm a regular early 20's white guy though, so I have no reason to be afraid down south (they're actually very friendly down there, and the food is fantastic), though I admittedly don't travel often, and almost never through the airlines. I'd say just don't hide ANYTHING and you should be fine.

 

[paragon1]

snip

No no no... It is not fear that drives other nations throughout history, most of the time. They're pissed. The U.S. is wearing out its international welcome. Is there a single thing, a single place we have not stamped our little boots on? Can't think of any.

Africa.

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S.. Based on your posts, I can only conclude one of three things. 1) You've never been here for any real length of time and don't know what your talking about. 2) Your just joking. 3) Both 1 and 2.
I sincerely hope it's 2 or 3.

OT: I could understand your concern during the Bush years, but now? Not really no. Just remember that large media makes their money of scaring the shit out of you. It's like that South Park episode, "Maybe more people will watch if we make it sound like they'll die if they don't." Really, if you want to know more about what is really going on in America, then just talk to some Americans. Oh, and if your a U.K. citizen and are not on any watchlist, then you shouldn't have any more trouble at our airports than anyone else (not that that's saying much these days).

 

[TheEvilJester]

And plus, when you get to the point where a guy says(roughly): "We know exactly where Baghdad is, its in the North, South, East, and probably in the West." Something is wrong.

That was describing the likely positions of insurgent forces around Baghdad, I believe. Just another way of saying "We don't know where the hell they are."

Now I may not be an expert on this sort of thing, but I could have sworn he was talking about the city.

 

[Logic 0]

I'm scared of them because they have fighter jets constantly patroling the canadian and mexico borders and land mines scatered across the closest beach to cuba.

 

[bioshockedcriticjrr]

Before I start I just want it known I don't hate America at all, I absolutely loved it when I visited New Orleans the year before Katrina.

Unfortunately I've started to become somewhat fearful of the way America is going (as portrayed in the media) I'm not frightened of America attacking my country (England) but I do worry that if I ever went back again I would be in danger of being hurt, arrested or killed by Americas "security procedures" I admit it's completely irrational and I sincerely hope I'm the only one that feels this way.

It seems to me that America has become so scared of terrorists and anything "anti-American" that they've become like a cornered animal.

Do others fear America? not because they are dangerous in a premeditated way but because America will lash out in a sense of fear?

For all I know the real America isn't even vaguely like this but this seems to be the most predominant facet I personally see in the media.

I truly hope Americans can see I'm not attacking them, more that I want to know that the place is still cool.

you should have seen us during the red scare. we were bat-crap crazy back then.
but don't worry man, we're not that paranoid of british people. I mean, unless you go into the DEEP south, as in the kind place you'd expect to find cannibal hicks, you should be fine

 

[copperflyingace]

snip

No no no... It is not fear that drives other nations throughout history, most of the time. They're pissed. The U.S. is wearing out its international welcome. Is there a single thing, a single place we have not stamped our little boots on? Can't think of any.

Africa.

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S.. Based on your posts, I can only conclude one of three things. 1) You've never been here for any real length of time and don't know what your talking about. 2) Your just joking. 3) Both 1 and 2.
I sincerely hope it's 2 or 3.

OT: I could understand your concern during the Bush years, but now? Not really no. Just remember that large media makes their money of scaring the shit out of you. It's like that South Park episode, "Maybe more people will watch if we make it sound like they'll die if they don't." Really, if you want to know more about what is really going on in America, then just talk to some Americans. Oh, and if your a U.K. citizen and are not on any watchlist, then you shouldn't have any more trouble at our airports than anyone else (not that that's saying much these days).

we were in somolia

 

[Ocelot GT]

Media hype.

Scary scary travelling, oooohhhhhh. It sells better than a story about how procedures have been updated and joe average wont be inconvenienced too much.

 

[paragon1]

In reference to the airports, American security procedures are alomst offensively lax. We (the British) had to step up our security for American bound flights. They have not afforded us the same courtesy. It seems that they believe we are a danger to them, but obviously there are no dangerous people in America.

Actually I was having a conversation with a friend about this not long ago and we both came to the conclusion that we're surprised America hasn't started some form of sanctions against Britain as a lot of the bombers that have recently been caught are British citizens.

Hey, if we didn't sanction the Saudi's, then there's not a snowball's chance in Afghanistan that we'd sanction you guys. Especially since you guys tend to spend money when you visit (mmmm...pounds)

 

[paragon1]

snip

No no no... It is not fear that drives other nations throughout history, most of the time. They're pissed. The U.S. is wearing out its international welcome. Is there a single thing, a single place we have not stamped our little boots on? Can't think of any.

Africa.

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S.. Based on your posts, I can only conclude one of three things. 1) You've never been here for any real length of time and don't know what your talking about. 2) Your just joking. 3) Both 1 and 2.
I sincerely hope it's 2 or 3.

OT: I could understand your concern during the Bush years, but now? Not really no. Just remember that large media makes their money of scaring the shit out of you. It's like that South Park episode, "Maybe more people will watch if we make it sound like they'll die if they don't." Really, if you want to know more about what is really going on in America, then just talk to some Americans. Oh, and if your a U.K. citizen and are not on any watchlist, then you shouldn't have any more trouble at our airports than anyone else (not that that's saying much these days).

we were in somolia

West Africa?

 

[hem dazon 90]

I see the US as britan 100 years ago.

but honestly I go to the us (new york to be precise) over the summer every year and they are on a whole good people. Dont fear the US and remember that any media will exaggerate features greatly to sell airtime.

 

[SendMeNoodz84]

Before I start I just want it known I don't hate America at all, I absolutely loved it when I visited New Orleans the year before Katrina.

Unfortunately I've started to become somewhat fearful of the way America is going (as portrayed in the media) I'm not frightened of America attacking my country (England) but I do worry that if I ever went back again I would be in danger of being hurt, arrested or killed by Americas "security procedures" I admit it's completely irrational and I sincerely hope I'm the only one that feels this way.

It seems to me that America has become so scared of terrorists and anything "anti-American" that they've become like a cornered animal.

Do others fear America? not because they are dangerous in a premeditated way but because America will lash out in a sense of fear?

For all I know the real America isn't even vaguely like this but this seems to be the most predominant facet I personally see in the media.

I truly hope Americans can see I'm not attacking them, more that I want to know that the place is still cool.

This is hilarious if you were to live here in the San Francisco Bay Area. A bunch of liberals, and "New Age" pussies. Seriously though, I have no idea what media you're talking about where it makes you afraid to go to America. It really is one of the safest countries you're going to find.

 

[stone0042]

Man, people can be truly shortsighted and idiotic.

Meh i agree, id be afraid that if they didnt get me for security shit, then their general population, you know the religious ones who actualy believe that all the bad stuff in the world can be atributed to Satanists, that theyd get me and arrest me for some ridiculous shit simply coz im an atheist (please see the west memphis 3)

Case in point. Those religious nut jobs are the VAST minority of the population, in fact I've only ever personally met one, and yet people believe they are the "general population". Stuff like this disgusts me. Like the media can be trusted in it's portrayal of another country that is in most cases much more powerful.

 

[copperflyingace]

I'm scared of them because they have fighter jets constantly patroling the canadian and mexico borders and land mines scatered across the closest beach to cuba.

actually, we keep the jets parked in nice little hangars on standby, ready to intercept any perceived threat. we haven't done round the clock airborne operations since the cold war ended. its just too damn expensive.
you're going to have to explain the mined beach to me though. I never heard of it (and I keep up with stuff like this)

 

[Nerf Ninja]

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S..

Funny that really considering I stated how much I loved New Orleans.

I'm not arguing that it's not wrong to feel this way but I still feel that basically we're not welcome and if I was to go to America the first thought on "Americas" part is are you going to try and hurt us?

 

[Andaxay]

I'm more afraid of walking the streets here in England than being shot by police in America. I have to lock my car doors when I drive through certain towns, and I can't walk through the car park I use without being approached.

And god forbid you try and defend yourself. If you do, you get arrested, 'cause the criminal has human rights and must be protected, OBVIOUSLY. And if you don't get arrested? You get killed.

I've been to America a few times, and never, ever felt like they were going to arrest me for looking shady/wearing the wrong clothes/existing. Ever. They're not stupid, and only react if there's a reason to react. I feel safer there than I do here. Fuck this country. My boyfriend is American, and I would much rather relocate to where he is than stay in this backwards, politically correct "nanny state" country that I have to call home.

 

[copperflyingace]

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S..

Funny that really considering I stated how much I loved New Orleans.

I'm not arguing that it's not wrong to feel this way but I still feel that basically we're not welcome and if I was to go to America the first thought on "Americas" part is are you going to try and hurt us?

we only hurt the people we think are trying to kill us. if you come with money to spend, and a good attitude, you'll be fine. If you come with bombs with our names on them, we'll blow your f***ing brains out give you a nice civilian trial in New York City.

 

[copperflyingace]

I'm more afraid of walking the streets here in England than being shot by police in America. I have to lock my car doors when I drive through certain towns, and I can't walk through the car park I use without being approached.

And god forbid you try and defend yourself. If you do, you get arrested, 'cause the criminal has human rights and must be protected, OBVIOUSLY. And if you don't get arrested? You get killed.

I've been to America a few times, and never, ever felt like they were going to arrest me for looking shady/wearing the wrong clothes/existing. Ever. They're not stupid, and only react if there's a reason to react. I feel safer there than I do here. Fuck this country. My boyfriend is American, and I would much rather relocate to where he is than stay in this backwards, politically correct "nanny state" country that I have to call home.

come on over while houses are nice and cheap!

 

[Nerf Ninja]

I'm more afraid of walking the streets here in England than being shot by police in America. I have to lock my car doors when I drive through certain towns, and I can't walk through the car park I use without being approached.

And god forbid you try and defend yourself. If you do, you get arrested, 'cause the criminal has human rights and must be protected, OBVIOUSLY. And if you don't get arrested? You get killed.

I've been to America a few times, and never, ever felt like they were going to arrest me for looking shady/wearing the wrong clothes/existing. Ever. They're not stupid, and only react if there's a reason to react. I feel safer there than I do here. Fuck this country. My boyfriend is American, and I would much rather relocate to where he is than stay in this backwards, politically correct "nanny state" country that I have to call home.

You do have a point there actually, the last time I went to America my American friends thought I was going to start a fight because I was still giving the whole "fuck off vibes" you have to give off when walking around innercity British towns.

 

[paragon1]

So I've noticed a few posts on here bashing the Southeastern U.S..

Funny that really considering I stated how much I loved New Orleans.

I'm not arguing that it's not wrong to feel this way but I still feel that basically we're not welcome and if I was to go to America the first thought on "Americas" part is are you going to try and hurt us?

No, no it isn't. Not from most people. Just be polite, and most people will be quite pleased to see you (especially here in South Carolina, tourism is one of our biggest industries these days). While there's no accounting for the odd individual, the vast vast VAST majority of Americans will be more than happy to see you. We're still one of the less xenophobic places on Earth.

 

[FalloutJack]

Africa.

Question: Does slavery count?