This is a question only for those who are NOT American.?

Question

This is a serious question.

Why does the rest of the world hate us?

I like to consider myself a patriot (in the FDR, Truman, Kennedy, Eisenhower tradition), and I want to know what it is we do so I could at least try to understand it.

Answer 1

Dear Kevin. Very inteligent question. I´m sure people in general don´t hate North Americans. Most of people hate the way some people handle internationals issues. For example, why Bush and Blair send troops to Iraq "to defend" democracy and don´t send troops to Haiti to defend democracy? Iraq has petroleum. Haiti has poverty. Many others countries in Africa needs USA to defend democracy, but why Mr. Bush don´t send troops to defend democracy in Africa? They don´t have petroleum? You understand the difference?

By the way, I´m brazilian (my grandfathers are germanies) and I love your country, but I have serious restrictions to some of USA leaders policies. I have many north americans friends.

Good luck.

Answer 2

i am american....but my parents were born in india...people dont hate americans but the government...because they think they can boss around everyone...and i personally think we have a really corrupt gov't

Answer 3

compared to europeans, americans are very ignorant.

Answer 4

I'm Dutch. Before Bush, most Dutch people didn't hate the US or Americans, but simply despised you. The US was seen as the source of all that is superficial and materialistic, even though that's not really true. But politically most Dutch people were pretty much in favor of some interventionist US foreign policy.

However, that all changed with Bush. The overwhelming majority of the Dutch see Bush as stupid, arrogant and, quite probably, evil. That opinion is starting to become acceptable in the US nowadays as well, but here it was that way from the start. The 'old Europe' remark of Rumsfeld has created a lot of bad blood, as well as the Iraq war of course. But the worst probably, which may be hard to understand, was the cancelling of the Kyoto protocol. People still bring that up all the time: it very much strengthens the idea that the US is a big bully that ruins every team effort to do something good. Iraq, and the The Hague invasion act (opposition to the International Criminal Court) just add insult to injury. Guantanamo, well that is something else alright. Most people here have some idea that there is a common set of values that Europeans and Americans share, but every day Guantanamo stays open that feeling gets weaker.

Oh, and in most countries most people hate the neighbor countries, as well as strangers from far away. It's normal unfortunately. You're the biggest, so you may get the impression that we collectively have something against you. But we don't. Sure the Dutch don't like the US, but that doesn't mean we like the Germans, French, English, Turks, Chinese... whenever I hear an American ask "why do they hate us?" my first instinct is: "because you're people!"

Answer 5

You got it wrong abinitio with the presumption that the rest of the world hate Americans. I can tell you that the statement is a fallacy. Check out American embassies all over the world and see how people are struggling to go to America. Having said that let me say that the U.S.A. is one of the most successful countries in modern times.Success breeds arrogance and the tendency to dominate your peers. The reaction of your peers of course will vary. Some will willingly accept your disposition towards them, some will avoid you and some will even hate you. The bottom line is how you manage your success.

Answer 6

The hate isn't their when America is sending billions of their tax payers money to help out a foreign country or when they come to someones aid that is being bullied by another country.  How soon we forget, huh!  France, for instance would have been wiped off the face of the map, had it not been for America.  Does anyone remember the Holocaust, God Bless America.

Sorry, I am a American and proud, and could not resist telling it like it is.

Answer 7

The Bible says that woe unto you if all men speak well of you.

I guess America is on a particular track that people just dont wanna be on, period. As for wanting to police the world, I think it's a question of wanting to help but doing it the wrong way ...

Answer 8

I'm not American and the rest of the world who don't like America don't hate you Americans. It's the government and it's foreign policies they hate for that matter.  At times they spew democracy on one hand and on the other vested self-interests.  

On a personal level, as an observer whose been in various parts of the globe, American emissaries aren't that squeaky clean at all. Since your embassies and its personnel are representatives of the USA, they should act properly and of course be mindful and respectful of other cultures. In my case however, I've seen that most of them don't care since they are the "USA" quote unquote. They mostly talk down on others which make liking Americans in general difficult. They have this "royalty" factor, which they feel warrants them privilege, priority and attention when abroad.  Unfortunately it's wrong for others to stereotype as one person is different from the rest but they represent the America you love and they aren't doing a good job at it. As they say, representation is everything.

Answer 9

Kevin as a European here we are not against the US people. Its the US government most people don't like. It the arrogant attitude they have. We get sick and tired hearing how the USA is the only true democracy country in the world. What most people hate is the way your government impose its way on other nations. Take for example Iraq. For years when Iran was the enemy who funded Saddam? The US government! They sold him arms for years. Pure hypocrites. Sadly the way we see it is you lot believe every word of your government. They have an attitude of we know what best for your country etc. The put people off them, and if you don't agree with them you are either a communist or fascist etc. They can give it the old saying but they can't take it.

Answer 10

I think it's because of our arrogance and abuse of our dominant position in the world (I got this from friends who are not American).

Answer 11

I am brazilian and what I can say is that in all the times, in all the humanity history, the imperialism is so much hated for that ones are under it (for economical our social reasons). That is the reazon you asked (sorry my english, so bad)

Answer 12

What the world really hates is Bush because of what he's done to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries. Most people hate Americans because of the fact that Bush is the presìdent of America. There are different reasons. For example my friend, who is Indian, hates Americans because every American she's met is rude, stuck-up, selfish, and racist. And she's met quite a lot of Americans. I don't agree with her completely because I know that there are Americans who are actually pretty nice.  So, it's not really your fault that Bush's your president, now is it?

Answer 13

I don´t heat you, but is not good idea kill muslim, I don´t heat muslim too, we watch every day the USA crimens in Irak, like funny program, this is not a good image for the world, I like travel and I have been in your country and I like your people, but too I like other people.

Answer 14

It is by no means a question of hating the individual American! Its the policies of the Govt U elected & the absolute arrogant, abusive, vindictive manner that President Bush portrays. He's out of touch, out of time, out of depth, out of patience and guilty of many other acts that are totaly out of Character with the American peoples and thie ideals!

Bush was not wanted by many other countries at the time he stood for re-election & in my opinion, and that of many,many, many others - he did not legally win his second term of office.

I'm an ex-serving UK Paratrooper Special Forces trooper who also served in Vietnan (2 tours) and during my later military service spent many periods in the USA on various military exchange visits. I came to know, enjoy, respect and admire many Americans, their culture, way of life and their many attributable assetts which are a hallmark to be pround of. Not forgetting that American hospitality is renown the world over!

"Good- Luck" to America!

Answer 15

All my family was born and raised in Germany. My uncle Till said "We hate you ******* american's because you think you can police the world."

I agree. Bush and several others before him are more or less trying to act the parent to the world. "No no no, Korea, put those bombs down or you'll get a spanking!"

Answer 16

The world hails US for its spectacular  achievements and a bit critical of its some policies and acts only.So there is no such general "hatred".

There is a universal devaluation of "higher values". The high offices once occupied by the best talents are now filled with mediocres. Majority of the   public wants their leaders to play to the galleries. Press which kept  a good vigil and acted independently  does not do so now.

Now, as never before, the people have to realize that things have to be changed and not seek scape goats.

Answer 17

i am from Africa be live me no body hate USA be case the people and the government ruled by the constitutionality obeyed for it.

Answer 18

I am American and darn proud of it, However my ancestors, like most everyones were not.

People tend to hate those they envy. American or not.

No, I don't think that it is our Government. Bush has not been President for 100's of years .. So for those that go there, I give no clout. Think about it .. 2 days after we were attacked on 9-11, John Kerry was on TV saying if we had any kind of a President, we would have already declared war. Without a plan?

Our Government has been very powerful for centuries. We WILL protect our country and country men, that is what makes our country great and NO OTHER country has gone to bat for the people like America. We were founded on Values and Principles that others didnt agree with. Shoot, we even have fought our own people in the beginning.

Not everyone hates Americans .. Just people at want what we have, yet dont want to follow the rules to get it like we did.

They are the ones that want Power .. if they didn't, why would they attack us?

I know it doesn't answer your question the way you wanted, but keep your spirit alive .. that is what will keep America Strong! VOTE and make a difference!

Answer 19

firstly it could be the power like since the Romans the super power has always been hated, everyone hated the romans, french the british, and there are more because of its power in todays world

and also its the media, the media is obviously anti- american because it shows how cocky some of ur people are, but thats only a small portion of your people

Answer 20

cuz of misconceptions about americans

Answer 21

What I've been hearing from people for the longest time is that they hate the US foreign policy and how it interferes with other Counties.  There are some very good answers here to your question.  Also, it makes sense that each Country should mind their own business and follow their own Government, traditions and cultures, this includes the US ofcourse.  Just have respect for everybody else as we expect others to respect us.

Answer 22

I do not think people hate USA citizens or the country itself. Personally I think that USA is a very beautiful country and I have friends from there, all of them are nice and lovely people.

What is criticized is the foreign policy that the different USA-Administrations practiced along the history beginning after World War II, during the cold war and also the current foreign policy.

It is hard to explain something like this to people who never had had the experience of living  in a country that suffers under this foreign policy. It is  not only unfair, it is also a dirty play that costs many innocent`s lives.

Just a couple of examples, that are well documented not only by oppositionary organisation but also by USA-governmental offices and institutions as the CIA:

- A very old story: Pinochet, everybody know who he was, and we all agree I think, that he was a monster (as every dictator).  It is well known, that he achieved becoming Chile's "president" in part thanks  the CIA and the USA administration's support. Not only that, they supported and helped him all the time until he resigned.

- The whole thing about the civil wars in Latin America: USA supported the corrupted military goverments Dictature alike and of course the ex Soviet Union supported the guerrillas. Without this support the wars could not last so long. I come from a country that suffered such a civil war. I said it once and I say it again. To be in cross fire is much worse than what you see on T.V.

The way the administration pocks the nose in other countries issues and business without consideration or respect for the soverany  and the feeling that no matter what is done, some actual war criminals with USA citizenship will be never judged by the international court assures a discomfort feeling among people from other countries.

It is this arrogant way to do the things, look what Bush said at the beginning of the Iraq war: "If they are not with us, they are against us". What about if a country did not want to be either for nor against this war? Will be those countries considered as terrorist countries?

As the former german counselor Gerhard Schroeder refused to support the  threats on Iraq because in his opinion there were other diplomatic ways to solve the Iraqi issue Bush "took revenge" by going against every diplomatic protocol when he refused to congratulate Schroeder for his reelection. If you ask me, it was just  childish behavior but at the end it was an insult for the german folk as Germany is a democratic country and the reelection Schroeder's was the expression of the german people.  We can discuss if Schroeder's point of view was right or wrong, but something at least imho should not be questioned: The right of a country to decide about supporting or not an other country in a war issue. Germany did not wanted to do it, so Bush had to accept it and respect it.

As you see, the issue is not if people hate americans, the problem has nothing to do with common people. The real problem is the way the administration plays in the foreign politic scenario. The problem is also that some people do not understand the difference: one thing is what the normal people are and other thing what an administration does. You can not blame people for all the crimes or mistakes made by a goverment.

Answer 23

Well, some Americans have responded on here and already added to why many foreign countries dislike America.  

Jealously is likely only a small part of the dislike.  The US and its citizens are considered arrogant by the industrialized  world.  Quality of life index does not rank the US as the top country to live in but this is contrary to what your government wants you to believe.  European countries, the UK, and Canada, are all great places to live for individual human beings.  

The possibility for wealth is great in the US, however, most of this wealth is held by a small group of people who want you believing in the American dream.  Unless you measure greatness by how quickly you can destroy the entire world, the US in not number one.  For that matter, even thinking that being number one is significant is irritating.  It's the equivalent of saying my dad is the best.  Who cares!  How are you measuring this in order to make such a claim.  Humility is a far greater virtue than what America puts on display.  

We all better hope that a coalition of anti-American countries who want to destroy the US as a superpower is far, far away.  Because with China's economy emerging and their enormous population, things could change.

Answer 24

The issue is, at the root, American policy.

The American form of government is NOT a democracy (which is defined as representation by population), but instead a republic (like ancient Rome).

Therefore, they are not 'bringing democracy' to the world ... they are destroying the roots of democracy in several cases.

The individual American, for the most part, is no different than the average citizen of any other country. However, the US is known for its sense of patriotism - regardless of whether that sense is correct or not. This apparently inherent need to 'prove' they are the best often brings out the worst in individuals ... usually by putting other people down (figuratively or literally).

Those who act as ambassadors for a country should be respectful of others in all cases ... and that means even within your own nation, because there are those who are from 'away' who are visiting, and taking in the grassroots attitudes shown by those around them.

Be the best that you can be, certainly ... but not at the expense of another individual, culture, or ethnicity.

Hatred is a strong term, and should be used sparingly. Most people of the world do not 'hate' ... anything or anyone. The discontent evidenced by non-Americans toward the American citizenry is aimed not at the individual, but instead at the image and methods of the country's ambassadors ... in all arenas of opportunity (both at home and abroad).

Answer 25

We Europeans, as well as most of the Thirld World, are highly critical of US foreign policy, not of the Ameircan people.

If you make it a habit of reading newspapers and other media from other countries (most have English language editions in the Internet), at least once in a while, you'll find intelligent, well informed and coherent articles that will help you understand how the US is perceived around the world.

Popular excuses given by some Americans, such as "envy" and the like, are mere simplifications of larger and deeper issues.

Answer 26

Most of the world hates Bush, not the US.

Answer 27

Right now it's a case of your damned if you do and your damned if you don't, there are way two many back peddling countries in this world when the going gets tough.

Truly and honestly America started losing her credibility when Clinton made a complete mockery of himself in front of the world's media, and from there on in, in my opinion it was the start of a slippery down slope.

Answer 28

We're all living in America

America is wonderful

We're all living in America

America, America

When there's dancing I want to lead

even if you're whirling around alone

Let yourselves be controlled a little

I'll show you how it really goes

We're making a nice round dance

Freedom is playing on all violins

Music is coming out of the White House

and Mickey Mouse is standing in front of Paris

We're all living in America

America is wonderful

We're all living in America

America, America

I know moves that are very useful

and I will protect you from missteps

And whoever doesn't want to dance at the end

doesn't know yet that they must

We're making a nice round dance

I will show you the way

Santa Claus is coming to Africa

and Mickey Mouse is standing in front of Paris

We're all living in America

America is wonderful

We're all living in America

America, America

We're all living in America

Coca-Cola, Wonderbra

We're all living in America

America, America

This is not a love song

This is not a love song

I don't sing my mother tongue

No, This is not a love song

We're all living in America

America is wonderful

We're all living in America

America, America

We're all living in America

Coca-Cola, sometimes war

We're all living in America

America, America