Why are Americans insulted when you aren't entirely convinced by America?

Question

It's a strange thing. Whenever Americans ask me what I think of something American, and I happen to have to answer truthfully that the object in question (sometimes their own country) does have its flaws, they just blow their lids. What's the reason for this attitude? Isn't it much more interesting and helpful to hear about weaknesses, so that they can be fixed, to help make America better still? Oh, and do trust me - I am being most diplomatic when I make these remarks.

Answer 1

I'm Native American ... I hear ya.

Answer 2

Not all Americans share this trait!

It is more the nature of insecurity, if one asks such questions, anticipating a hearty approval. It is most unfortunate to hear boasting of the superior merits of one's country from those possessing no great knowledge of other lands and cultures. Anyway, "best" is a point of view. Many great empires of history were perhaps "best" in their day ... a few, like the Romans, owned greatness for several centuries. The important question is exactly what legacy is left for future generations? In the fullness of time only is there a meaningful perspective on greatness.

Americans did not invent democracy, liberty, or prosperity, but in fairness deserve high marks for developing the principle of federalism.
Unfortunately, that principle is one that has been placed in increasing jeopardy by the centralization of power built on economic and military successes. A truthful and fair assessment is that every nation has some excellent points to its credit, and none seems to be without a few flaws. No doubt, when any state achieves enduring perfection, all others would speedily copy it. ... hasn't happened yet, for sure. :)

Answer 3

Perhaps the particular people you are talking about weren't asking the question to find your honest opinion. Perhaps they were asking because they wanted you to agree with them. Or maybe they didn't expect a long answer.

Also, it occurs to me that if you are providing suggestions for the entire United States to an individual, it might seem irrelevant. For example, if you say something like, "I think that the American justice system should be reorganized. It isn't good for such-and-such reason," the person might not want to hear it, because he/she as an individual can't do much about it. It might seem like, no matter how diplomatic you are, you're just using that person as a captive listener to tell them what you think is bad about the U.S., when that person can't do anything about it. So actually, your suggestion might not help to "make America better".

Answer 4

Your question is incorrect. You cannot use 'Americans' in such a sentence to sum up all of America and then make a stereotypical sum-up statement about all Americans. Perhaps the Americans you know are insulted. Putting this into a broad generalization of all Americans is completely incorrect, it is like stating that you are so shallow to judge one man by another. Otherwise, those who were insulted may be too out of their heads, or they could not be insulted at all and you're picking it up all wrong, or they could be something else.. bla bla. I could stereotype them for you, but that would be as wrong as your question. You should ask the Americans who were offended themselves why they were offended, for we are not all one-minded.

Answer 5

And you can tell by some of these answers that things ain't changed.
As an American, I have learned that Americans-not the country, but the people-tend to be full of themselves and uppity by nature. A lot of them seem to think America is the greatest country in the world-which, sometimes it can be. We have a lot of freedoms other countries don't have, a lot of advantages-but like I said, it's not the country itself, but the people running it and some of the people inhabiting it.

Answer 6

The best way that I know how to answer your question is by using this analogy:

It's kind of like the big sibling/little sibling syndrome.

It's ok for the individual to make fun of younger sibling, but if anyone else makes fun of the younger sibling then the older sibling wants to kick the butt of that person.

In short, it's ok for Americans to say something negative about America (or Americans), but when someone else does, we take offense to it.

I hope this helps.

Answer 7

Oh I know just what your saying...look at it like this...how would you react if it was your country they were talking about?...We are all proud (well most of us) of our countries, think ours is the best. Americans just tend to go over board with it. After all they are the super power or so I keep hearing..lol...Really though, I do like the States, I travel there about 6 times a year.

Answer 8

Who Knows?
Why did Americans vote George Bush as president, twice.

Answer 9

If you say flaws of anyone's native country they will feel insulted. People know their country isnt perfect but its where they come from and they dont want other people to say what the flaws are.

Answer 10

Ignorance is a strong force that can distort ones logic. For instance, if you read the bible, you see that god killed millions by flooding them. Then a few minutes after reading that you hear that people love him because he is peaceful. How can a peaceful god suffocate his own children? How???

Answer 11

Some so-called americans are thin-skinned and don't have a sense of humor and some can't understand anything that is different.