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I ask this because I have seen a lot of negative post on different blogs, and I would just like the opinion of users on this one.
Opinion of the U.S. varies widely in Europe. Many Europeans are heavily influenced by American culture and use American produts (iPods, etc). The U.S. government certainly isn't seen very positively, nor are U.S. corporations. Generally, Europeans are cynical toward and suspicious of these American institutions. America's environmental track record, the religious zealoutry of some of its people, and its violent crime rate are all cause for concern among Europeans as well.
As for Americans themselves, they are seen in Europe as having little international experience, including travel, speaking of foreign languages, and awareness of customs. However, in my opinion, Americans get a bad rap and are singled out for this reputation. I have seen people from many countries throughout Europe who are culturally ignorant, and Europeans sometimes have a callous indifference to the customs of foreigners especially when they are visiting Europe itself. Brits, Germans, French, Italians...I have personally seen all behave poorly and give their countries a bad name abroad. Probably the most well behaved travelers in the world are the Dutch.
I lived in Niagara Falls for about 5 years and was amazed at how little many Americans knew about Canada. They would come over in July with snow mobiles and ask where the snow was! Ummm, we get 4 seasons, just like many of the Northern States. Heck, we got light snow comparably to Buffalo! July is hot and humid here, time to go the beach and swim, not snow mobiles.
From what I have heard many Canadians think Americans are arrogant and don't take the time to learn about other countries and are aggressive.
After working in the Falls for 5 years and now living outside Sarnia (another border town). I meant a lot of Americans. I think that the majority are great, no different than us Canadians.
Its the political agendas of your governments that exasperate the negative view people have of americans. The world is sick of the US trying to dictate to other countries. Your government is extremely unpopular around the world, and this unfortunately reflects on its citizens. The text book description of the american people themselves, is ignorant, country proud and selfish, over the top, extremely materialistic, loud and annoying. I dont think these things personally, im just answering your question.
Well, i've met a lot of kind people from the U.S. But i've also met a lot of ignorant, uneducated and small minded people. Overall i've found that Americans are so proud of their country, they don't feel the need to learn about others which makes them look like they don't give a crap about the rest of the world. I don't mind Americans, but sometimes the ego gets really irritating :)
Well, a lot of Canadians do make fun of Americans for being "dumb" mostly because not many know much about Canada while Canadians study American courses. Also, I know a lot of Canadians who do not like/are annoyed with the patriotism. Well not really the patriotism, more that they are too "proud" and should tone it down. I don't think this way but some people here do feel that way.
Yes, and some of the laws you have in your country are unjust and simply unfair. Your government is seen as bullies, who not only manipulates its own citizens but tries to manipulate other countries as well. I live in Australia and some of us laugh about how americans are always sue-ing people, but its mainly your government that makes americans unpopular.
I don't think a lot of us understand what you're asking. What does the world think of The States? They think we're a bunch of fat, greedy, selfish, obese, pigs and guess what, a lot of us are, but at the same time a lot of us aren't. There's fat greedy slobs every where, The States isn't the only place you'll find them.
Here in Central America they are seen as a necessary evil- good to have as friends but too meddlesome in political matters.
As for the world at large I would guess that it depends on whether they are invading your country or providing funds for humanitarian projects.
Tough (and dynamic) question!
To be honest arrogant and ignorant are the first things that come to mind. I cant judge everybody by this though - I know many Americans who are lovely, well-educated people, like my PGDipSci supervisor. I do get a bit sick of the Americans who think my country is part of Australia, etc.
Probably. There's lot of humble americans, there's certainly a lot of idiot americans, there's a lot of intelligent americans, ect. there's different types of people all over the world. You cant really say that everyone from one place is a certain way.
over some pretty stupid stuff throwing things at one another, than I saw this one where the guy was yelling at the door of a closed mall, saying why aren't you open. I guess yall are getting some time in the spot light now.
Bahahaha, this cracked me up. "I would guess that it depends on whether they are invading your country or providing funds for humanitarian projects." That made my night. :)
I've never left the states, i've only been to three different states within the states, all of them little meaningless northern states. New Hampshire, Mass,and Maine. :D
Very true, when I lived in Honduras I was always well received. I thought there was a lot of good people down there, in fact I miss living there. It was very tranquilo.
Yes this always goes both ways, I have never been to Canada, but I meet a lot of Canadians when I lived in WA state. I always thought they where cool to hang around.
As a Canadian, I think that americans are pretty cool! But there are some that are just plain ignorant, but that is true with any country...
No one should ever have to tone down being proud of their country, that's a bunch of trash, maybe Canadians should be a bit more proud.
You are in the USA, how many countries have you been to? I was wanting more of a outside opinion, not someone raised here.
Well I don't know about the humble Canadians I just was watching some clips of them, and their where some bikers fighting
Ha, well, that makes sense, it's always nice to know what someone feels about their own country too. ;)
This is just my point of view, I think our government is unpopular here.
This is very true, there are stupid people everywhere.
Hola SHBTM,
Glad I could provide a chuckle...
M.
Canadians view themselves as more "humble" I think.
It's not part of the island of Australia...LOL
