Why is it anti-american to be critical of your government?

Question

doesn't it seem rather moronic to continue to support practices you don't agree with? the term anti-american for people who disagree with their government ideology seems trite.

Answer 1

It is not.  Unfortunately, too many carry these ideas to criticize their country and not just their government.

Criticism goes both ways.  Bill Clinton whined about it in the mid-1990's when he gave the commencement speech at Michigan State, claiming that it was somehow unpatriotic to love your country yet hate your government.

It all depends on who is in power as to whether what you say is falsely considered "un-American."  Of course, those on the Left will never claim that they have ever called those on the Right "un-American."

Answer 2

A person could joke but I have nothing against your Auntie.

All joking aside a question of why those who accuse people of bein Anti-American and also say The UN is useless do not ask citizens of the world to join U.S. citizens in an attempt to restrain the wars U.S. citizens are opposed to.  The decision was made at Nuremberg that Wars Of Agression were crimes The n***s were guilty of hence anynation which does thar can be restrained by The rule and The UN. U.S. citizens can use this law and do a UN mission in their own country as their country has been guilty of numerous wars of agression. There is a phrase Evil Prevails when good men do nothing. Well there have been numerous times U.S. citizens have not taken this option to put an end to this. Anti-War Protests are good but this would be better. To sign The Human Right To Peace The Human Right To own the planet and conserve natural resources into constitutions as rights for citizens could also help.

Answer 3

It's not anti-american to speak out against your government. Without criticizing and evaluating situations or the government, bills would never become laws. We would'nt be democracy, we would be dictatorship that is why there is freedom of speech. Remember the civil rights demonstrations. Was that anti american? If it was that would mean that it is anti american not to be racist and oppressive. (This is not a racial rant by the way. I am a caucasian male. I am just using this as one example.) Ultimately good criticism turns heads, raises questions and may bring about change.

Answer 4

The fundamentals of our government are based on the right of free speech. We are entitled to disagree with immoral practices  of the government.

The Constitution even has certain sentences and/or clauses referring to the protection of the People from a (blank) government.

Answer 5

Depends. Constructive criticism is patriotic and highly desirable. Bitching just for the sake of bitching is very undesirable. Being hypocritical in a attempt to overthrow the government is definitely anti-american.

Answer 6

It is not anti american

It is the duty of the people to take control of their government when it  *u*ks  up..

Answer 7

It's not anti-American.  Why have freedom of speech if you can't exercise it?

Answer 8

In fact there is nothing more American than being critical of your government.  Those who attack the critics are themselves more guilty of being anti-American than those who criticize.   However they too have the right to have their say.  Freedom includes having the liberty to make a horse's patootie out of yourself.

Answer 9

It's not, those in power just want you to think that.

Answer 10

Hey J, I guess the respondents here don't represent America. The rest of America seems quick to label Obama as unpatriotic for just being associated with someone criticizing America. They also did the same thing to MLK, Malcolm X and Bill Maher. There was even a list of traitors posted on many websites (celebrities who didn't agree with the war) and the Dixie Chicks got royally roasted.

To answer your question, it is moronic. Americans are quick to pull out the "free speech" defense whenever it is convenient. However, notice how the tone changes rapidly usually when there is a racial or cultural undertone (or overtone). For instance, MLK and Malcolm X were criticizing white America for its treatment of blacks, and the Dixie Chicks were condemning a war against Iraq, a predominantly Muslim nation.

If there is no real cultural or racial factor in the issue you're criticizing the government on, such as the environment, health care, or the housing crisis, then somehow, that OK, that's not anti-American or unpatriotic. If there is a cultural or racial factor, better start wearing your flag pin and sporting your "God Bless America" bumper sticker!

Answer 11

so what if you're called anti-american...at least you have that right and if you dont like it then get out...go to a country where they lock you up for speaking against the govt.

you let words offend you but you hide behind the very govt. that established your freedom of speech and protects your well being...be thankful...viva america

Answer 12

Not at all.

But it is anti-American to demean you country.

You can say the government was wrong to go to Iraq and we should get out now.  But if you say The neocons are corrupt as the government is and the government did 9/11.  And the only reason the government is in Iraq is oil.....Then that is anti-USA. adn IMHO is treason

Answer 13

It is not! It is anti American to not follow the constitution!

Answer 14

Well that's kinda how america started. 1st amendment?

Remember john zenger?

Answer 15

It's not.  It's actually very american.  If we don't like something we can use the political process to change it... it's just slow sometimes.

Answer 16

Everything can be labelled anti-american. They've pretty much made it that if you're not with them, you're against them. Funny thing is, a lot of people seem to have believed them, particularly southerners.

I mean just look at the french/freedom fries debacle. Oh dear oh dear...

Answer 17

It is not anti American to disagree with the government ... It is a fundamental; right of all Americans to let it be known when they do disagree .. If more people spoke up we might straighten out a few politicians and some government policies .  This is America , speak up for yourself and against the things you believe are wrong in our government ...That is why we have the first amendment . Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are basic to what America is all about.

Answer 18

It isn't anti American who told you that