As an American, I always feel like I have to defend myself...?

Question

I'm really frustrated. The other day, I asked if people from other countries would be "disgusted" to date an American. I was surprised by some of the responses I got!

And I just answered someone's question: "are all Americans like this?" They claimed that Americans were acting unsportsman-like about the Olympics. I apologized on behalf of my countrymen (which I always find myself doing)... but then I went to read some of THEIR answers, and they were bashing Americans!

I keep reading all of this anti-American stuff, and it makes me very sad. I always feel like I'm having to convince people I am not an uncultured, uncouth idiot. Where did this bias come from?!

Answer 1

People who stereotype are never smart. About Americans, about anything.

Answer 2

Well, it comes from the fact that americans have a very bad image across the globe. Americans have f*cked up the lives of sooo many nations that i'm suprised the world hasnt revolted against us yet.  

Answer 3

Ask them why the American Olympic team got more cheers than any other country. (except for the host country of course)

Answer 4

Girl..there are ignorant people in all countries. Don't apologize for what other people do and don't feel guilty either. If someone is stupid and ignorant enough to judge an entire nationality based on the media and what a handful of others have done then s***w em! If they had a brain they would realize that you and I have no control over what other Americans do. I've met dumba**es from all over the world. If I was dumb enough to judge their entire country on the things they've done there would be nobody left for me to like.

Answer 5

You have to sometimes wonder if people are reacting to Americans based  not on meeting and spending time getting to actually know an American but, rather, based upon stereotypes.  (I would give more credence to someone bashing Americans if they've lived here for an extended period of time.)

Perhaps it's naive but I genuinely think that if people outside the U.S. actually sat down and talked at length with an average citizen, they'd find that they have more in common than not.  Perhaps it's more out of ignorance and mean spirited stereotypes than real life experience.

I am curious to know what exactly Americans were doing to seem "unsportsman-like" at the Olympics?  (It's not like the "Redeem Team" ran up 50 points against their opponents and ran around the courts screaming and chest bumping after their game.  Quite the contrary; I think that the athletes representing America have displayed good sportsmanship to other fellow athletes.)

Answer 6

The answer is fear and jealousy.

People of other countries envy us because we are filthy rich and don't really know it. Our poor people live better than middle class in most other countries. We waste more than most countries can use.

They fear us because we are the most powerful nation the world has ever seen.Yet most  Americans do not realize this. We could wipe  off the face of the earth any of the third world countries that have been thumbing their noses at us and sending us home with our tails between our legs(Korea and Viet Nam)

If you read history you would know that in the revolution and war of 1812 our nation of farmers, merchants and fishermen, without a standing army or navy beat and sent home the most powerful army and navy in the world at that time.

Instead of apologizing ask them if America is so bad, how come their people and others around the world risk their lives every day to get here.

By the way, if the athletes from other countries were winning they would ten to be a little unsportsmanlike wouldn't they?

Answer 7

Maybe there is no smoke without fire?

Answer 8

its not you its your government, don't take it personally. I feel embarrassed about what the Ozzie's do sometimes, some can be complete fools  

Answer 9

they're just jealous. and they know we can take their country anytime we want to.