Poll: American sentiment

[CrazyCapnMorgan]

I was reading something in Yahoo! news about Egypt's transition and I read a comment from an egyptian when asked about America. As best as I can remember, the person said,

"We love the American people, we don't love the American system." (Sadly, I don't have a link to this and I could not find the article again, so if anyone else verifies this, it would be greatly appreciated.)

Which came as a shock, actually, to me. Strangely, because it was the exact same sentiment I have, and I live in America. It got me to wondering if this sentiment was wide-spread around the world, or if it was just some passing fad of a thought. More than likely, I feel, it is a growing trend, and so I made this thread to gauge said opinions of people.

(Captcha: thirty-two drypea......?)

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

You don't have a dislike both option on the poll...
Not that I'd choose it, I don't dislike the people or the system.
Neutral on both. But my boyfriend is American, albeit born in Britain. So I suppose that puts a better light on them.
Maybe. Still neutral on everyone until proven otherwise. They have to do something to get out of the neutral zone, in a good or bad way. And even then, I couldn't generalise it to all of the people of a nation >.>

 

[Eumersian]

I think the people are average, primarily because we have cool people, normal people, and crazy people, all at the same time.

The system is fine too. It's not perfect, but it's never been bad enough in recent years that people have attempted to overthrow it. It even says, in the constitution, that we can overthrow it if we're not happy with it. The important thing is, there's always room for change. Typically, you get a consistent waffling between what parties/policies are best at any given time. All of them have problems.

I mean, there's now a republican majority in the House. Obviously, somebody wanted them there, or they wouldn't have gotten elected. Soon enough, there will be a democratic majority, because people have changed their minds as to what they want.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Time will tell if relationships between new Egypt and United States will be anything similar to old Egypt and United States. One can only hope.

 

[LiudvikasT]

Like the founding idea, don't like where it's heading now.

 

[Jackpot524]

People: I judge all people as individuals, I can't base much on their nationality. However, in my own observation, most Americans I've met have either been embarassed by their nationality or so patriotic that it crosses the line of ultra-nationalism.

System: Well intentioned and great foundations, but poorly executed. The idea that "all men are equal" is a great and honourable sentiment, but it doesn't seem play out. Democracy, where one person equals one vote is in a clash with Capitalism, where one dollar equals one vote. Freedom of speach seems to have it's flaws as well, where hate speach doesn't seem to be as restricted as it is in other nations, but you still can't call out 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre. I see the potential for abuse in both circumstances, but only one is restricted.

I have other gripes, but I'll hold up, no nation is perfect.
I just think America strives for this idea of perfection with such zeal, that it shoots itself in the foot.

 

[Latinidiot]

I don't know the people, so neutral.
I like our country's system better, so I guess I kinda dislike their system?

 

[MrTub]

Hate the people, hate the system. The people because of their *cough* beliefs, wilful ignorance and sometimes outright stupidity, and the system, well, lobbyists, business interests and such are what's wrong.

Big words from a country that was occupied first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany.

Wow.. Nice trolling. How does the people of the country have anything do with being occupied by Soviet union and then Nazi german?

 

[Shakaar9267]

snip

What the hell...

First off, where did you pick up me representing my country from my post? I was stating my opinion on the US.

Second, where did you pick up I even like my country and support its leadership/whatever?

Third, what do I have to do with stuff that's happened before I was ever born?

"Hate the people, hate the system"
That is all I need.

Anyways,
Since 1992, the United States has committed more than $100 million in Lithuania to economic and political transformation and to humanitarian needs. Since you "Hate" us, can we stop paying you?

 

[Jackpot524]

"We love the American people, we don't love the American system." (Sadly, I don't have a link to this and I could not find the article again, so if anyone else verifies this, it would be greatly appreciated.)

I can't help but wonder what the person meant by that... When I visited Turkey and talked to a few people, their idea of 'Americans' was the sexy women that were on the sides of the Pepsi vending machines. So, of course they loved 'Americans.'

Just an thought...

 

[Johanthemonster666]

I feel like this is sort of pointless is some regards.

The people of the United States VOTED for their leaders, but a massive amount didn't vote at all. I think the problem with the US is the population is so cynical (and perhaps rightfully so) of most politicians and leaders. Hence why 70% of US citizens said they had lost faith in their government in last year's poll.

Cynicism, ignorance, popular over-generalization of most issues, misinformation, apathy, manipulation and misplaced good intentions are the hallmarks of the American political system. Always have been for most societies, but we're working on it my fellow humans...very...very slowly.

 

[Zack McSleuthburger]

I'm neutral towards the people and the American system is absolutely horrible in every way, which makes it slightly better than almost everywhere else.

 

[varulfic]

I love America, would love to visit, I'd even consider moving there. There are morons in every country and while the ones in America are particulary loud, there's too much good stuff to be found for that to be a dealbreaker for me.

 

[Jackpot524]

America is dipshit. The only reason they even came to help us in WWII was because a Nazi Submarine was stupid enough to attack one of their vessels. And they were pissed as hell about that.

But before that they didnt care at all. Sounds pretty egocentric to me.

I think you mean WWI, German Submarine, and a British ship with Americans onboard...
We're talking about the "Lusitania" right?

 

[supermariner]

I like the people
okay i grant you there are a whole bunch of ignorant idiots and religious bigots there which tend to get zoomed in on
but as a whole Americans are a decent bunch of people

It's the system i dislike
i don't see how it can benefit anyone other than the alreay wealthy
Capitalism to me signifies the poor staying poor and the rich staying rich

this may seem hypocritical being British
but at least the effort was made by our goverment to change this class war
it just didn't quite qork out that well is all

so Love Americans
Hate American politics

 

[Baradiel]

Hate the people, hate the system. The people[footnote]Read: most, not everyone.[/footnote] because of their *cough* beliefs, wilful ignorance and sometimes outright stupidity, and the system, well, lobbyists, business interests and such are what's wrong.

These are basically my reasons. Sure, it's likely the media portraying the American people in general as being, erm, like that , but there seem to be so many examples of it that I just can't ignore.

And the system... Well, I can't think of a single American system that I agree with. Political system? Money. If you have money you have influence. The cost to become President (you know, the position that *in theory* anyone can attain) is millions, sometimes BILLIONS. The Justice system? It is guaranteed to be someone else's fault, and as such you can sue them. Health System? Best example I can think of is someone being told they can have two fingers reattached or one thumb, because their insurance didn't cover the cost.

So, yeah... I agree with you.

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

I like the people and the system.

Honestly, I don't want to hear a single complaint about the U.S. unless that person has been there.

 

[DeeWiz]

America is dipshit. The only reason they even came to help us in WWII was because a Nazi Submarine was stupid enough to attack one of their vessels. And they were pissed as hell about that.

But before that they didnt care at all. Sounds pretty egocentric to me.

Actually the people refused to go to another countries war after WW1 devasted so many american lives. Once it was inevitable, and no longer just a European problem, we joined in. You might as well ask why america didn't help you out with your fights with the french, or other fights with the ottamans before WW1. Europe up until WW2 was pretty much in constant conflict over borders for the last 2,000+ years, read your own history. Why should America have even joined in? Since America, and the atom bomb and internet we invented, we have had the longest history of stable borders and the least amount of wars, something to think about.

- I answered other. I like the majority of people in america, as far as people are concerned. I like the system that was established, what I hate, and why I am no longer living there, is the current politicians inhabiting the system and corrupting its intents.