The American people continue to be viewed more positively than their country, with majorities in 14 of 23 countries having a favorable opinion of Americans, including at least 70% of those surveyed by Pew in South Korea, Lebanon, Poland and Britain. By comparison, only eight countries have a favorable opinion of the United States. Significant gaps between favorability for Americans and the U.S. exist, especially in Western Europe. For example, while only 31% of Germans have a positive view of the U.S., 55% have a favorable opinion of Americans. Similarly, just 42% in France take a positive view of the U.S., but nearly two-thirds (64%) see the American people in a favorable light. In the Latin American and African countries in the survey, however, ratings for Americans and the U.S. tend to track each other very closely.
So we DO have something in common……
Don’t fool yourself, they hate us as much or more than we hate them.
It’s human nature.
Not American Govt., just Bush!
I would add it’s Bush and those that put him in office. That’s quite a few idiots.
During the 1980’s I had a friend in college from Honduras. He said people in Honduras love Americans, but hate the US government and added, “We understand your government doesn’t represent your people.” Whoa! Isn’t that the ideal the United States was founded on?”
Most of the world knows that there is no more generous people than the American people, that there is no better people to have on your side in a dispute, etc. All of the hatred seems to be aimed at the government of the American people, and the world stares in awe that such a great bunch of people can elect such horrible governments. What is the problem? I do not know, but I suspect that Americans’ tendancy to not learn from others in the world and to consider themselves superior to the rest of the world may have something to do with it. I also suspect that American’s uncritical acceptance of all things capitalistic is also at the root of the problem. Capitalism is good when used properly, but it must be used properly and with restraint. Until Americans learn to keep capitalism in its proper place it will always be like a loaded gun laying on the table, for anyone to use as they see fit.
I used to be an avid Ayn Rand objectivist; I have all of her works and I learned a lot from her that I am thankful for, but I have also learned other things since those heady days. I wish that my American neighbours could learn about the imperfections of our beloved capitalism so that they can better use it for good.
#2 & #3
Ever hear of Pelosi? Do you know what the meaning of “is” is? They are the same as Bush and not one bit better.
Who will you guys have to kick around when Bush is gone and all of the rest remain?
And, believe me, this is not meant to be a defense of Bush.
I vote for the american people…NOT the US government.
Does that count…?
government of the people, by the people, for the people
If that’s no longer true, we’re due another revolution.
Your run by the richest criminals, and the american public are to stupid to realise. I dont like the american government, I feel pity for the american people, but your own stupidity got you there. I cannot stand american stupid superiority, in their police and border security, plus most of you believe in creationism, what do you expect the rest of the world to think of you as a country.
#9 – Alangrey
>>I cannot stand american stupid superiorit
And where are YOU from, that the people are all so smart? I can’t wait to hear.
The survey is right. Believe me as I have been to many countries and met with many many people. Even Muslims who are hard core anti- Americans hate the US govt and not the people. Even me, my anger with the US is related to the stupid bully policies of the US govt. Their constant support for dictators, constant bullying for “forced freedom”, lecturing on how we have to be “Americas” friend or else and so on. Every single country is sick of that.
I have personally known American people and they are quite very friendly people with lots of sense of humor. At least the Americans are a little better than the boring Brits. (my apologies for the Brits as I had to say that. 🙂
#10 “And where are YOU from, that the people are all so smart? I can’t wait to hear.”
Don’t hold your breath…
This one’s better than the kitten one.
http://goats.com/store/images/rfv_preview.gif
Capitalism has run it’s course.
A nation founded on greed seems to ignore it’s social problems. Not much profit in that.
It seems to have ignored everything but getting it while the getting is good.
From each according to their potential, to each according to their need.
#14 “From each according to their potential, to each according to their need.”
Sounds like a recipe for slavery & forced labor.
#2 – loconavi Not American Govt., just Bush!
It became obvious under the Bush regime, but it’s been brewing for years due to American foreign policy, especially the unconditional support of Israel.
#13 – Angel
LOL
It’s like that we all hate the war but love
the troops.
And , just wondering.
I’ll refrain from the old “love it or leave it”
saying. But in all seriousness if they were
closing down the good old U S of A. And you
could get free transport anywhere and citizenship
where would YOU pick?
Does Government INCLUDE Congress and the Senate? Oh. Just wondering. Thanks for the leftist graphic.
You should see what GOD does when you vote Democratic!!!!
Ouch!
#19 – Bill – You should see what GOD does when you vote Democratic!!!!
He creates another Republican voter.
There is no god.
We are monkeys with advantages.
Ooo, Ooo, Eee Eee.
Look, I have an opposing thumb.
That means I can fullfill myself.
I’ll do that while the whole shithouse
goes down in flames.
If we elected a crown prince, that would satisfy the electorate.
As far as the center of power is concerned, like England, we could have a Prime Minister.
The Crown Prince could do the social thing.
The Prime Minister could do the political thing.
Subject to and appointed by the wishes of Congress. I’ve gone badly awry, and I apologise.
#17
Hey I’d like to recommend Spain. Been living here over 20 years now and it’s all been good getting better. Started out teaching english, until I learned spanish well enough to persue my IT profession. They love americans here – but they really dislike our government. Lifestyles much slower and enjoyable. They got more red days on the calendar than the US. They’re much more sociable and prioritize family. Oh and the socialized medicine is top notch. Of course you’d pay higher taxes, not income, sales. The european VAT is 16% on most things, imagine buying a car or a house… But the money’s been put to good use far as I can tell.
#1 Bill
Shame on you if you hate “other people” apparently with no good reason, just because its “human natural”!?! really? I wonder what era you are form because sounds like you are still living within a herd of Neanderthals or a primitive tribe who would perceive any stranger as enemy.
There is a good reason for the hatred of the US government, because US Govt. is the biggest bully in the world, look at your war record, I don’t think any other modern nation has had so many wars as US (police actions and etc also count), US supports corrupt dictators around the world as long as they work for you (Iran’s pre-revol. regime, Chile, Saddam pre-Kuwait war, Pakistan , Saudi Arabia, etc.), US looks the other way when some county’s atrocities does not harm any US “interest” (Indonesian massacre of east-Timur, Turkey’s massacre of Kurds, Colombia’s war on drugs, Israel’s violation of tens of UN resolutions regarding the occupied territories, etc.) … still wondering why is the hatred? Reading some books on the history of US foreign policy after the WWII will sure help.
#2 loconavi said, Not American Govt., just Bush!
No, we hate the American Government.
http://www.vsubhash.com/writeups/american_foreign_policy.asp
># 15 Mr Fusion’s Doctor said,
> #14 “From each according to their potential, to
> each according to their need.”
> Sounds like a recipe for slavery & forced labor.
From William Blum’s “Rogue State – A Guide to the World’s only Superpower”: Nearly half of adult Americans surveyed by the Hearst Corporation in 1987 believed Karl Marx’s aphorism: “From eah according to his ability to each according to his need” was to be found in US Constitution.
“Survey says: It’s not the American People the World Hates, it’s the American Gov’t.!”
Ten bucks says the Muslim world says both!
Been outside the country quite a bit. In my experience, many people outside the US hate both our government and us (how many times have you walked up to a stranger and told them to go back to their stinking country).
#27 Pedro
Give me a break, Latin America has been US’s play ground for so long and they have literally raped almost every country there, get your head of the-place-where-sun-doesn’t-shine and read a bit of history. Many of the these dictators which you are talking about were installed, armed and supported by the US, and if it wasn’t for US’s interventions in Latin A. dictators like Castro could not hold on to power for so long.
#29 raddad
They do that because some American tourists can be rude, loud and disrespectful to the host country’s norms, but i think that is also mostly venting anger about your false sens of superiority and your Govt.’s foreign policy.
The only time I really felt hated by another countries citizenry was when I visited Paris France, later I discovered that they treat every one that way!
Pedro,
You are full of sweeping generalizations that provide only reight-wing platitudes. Cuba happened because we supported Batista, and Castro went to the Russians because in a bipolar world it was us of them. We have supported coups, contributed to death squads, smuggled drugs, and compromised legitimate governments in Central America and wonder why the countries there are underdeveloped. I guess you forgot Pinochet, Iran-Contra, and the other examples of stewardship in the region.