A Non-American's View Please?

Question

Do you think the world would be a better place without America, not just because of their activities in the middle east, but there role in the world as a whole? If you do, then state your reasons and also the country you are writing from? Try and keep it constructive and not turn it into an American bashing exercise....

Ah... the first writer... that's one stupid American... lets see how many we collect shall we?

Bex... I'm not American.

Daisychain... stop being a moron.. no one is bashing the US... I'm merely trying to provoke intelligent dialogue and understand opinions, so calm yourself.

Answer 1

I think that in a way, we are lucky to have america as the world super power- they have done a lot for the world, i mean, look at their contribtuions in the world wars. however, they do, with no offence meant, seem to rush headlong into things without looking at other options sometimes. Maybe us more reserved British (Im from England) are the only ones that think this, yet our PM seems to support your President. If America wasnt the the 'big one', then someone else would take their place, and it could be for the worse. so no, i dont think it would be a better place, but i believe that America sometimes needs to take more time to think things through.

Answer 2

What do you mean, a theoretical place with no America? the idea of figuring out what impact that would have had on the owrld past and present presents many problems.

You'd have to pretend that the last 150 years happend as they did without US influence.

So, Today America is the lynch pin for a world economy if it goes so does the OPEC groups strangle hold on the world, oil prices would plummet.

American AID also helps a lot of people in Africa so the world debt would have to be shouldered by Europe, so expect some tightening of belts here.

Also, From Samoa to Puerto Rico all those nations dependant on the USA for their lives would suffer unless Europe took over paying for them.

As a final thought, I really do think that the USA is doing some good policing the world, it is far from perfect and we should be vigilant, but the alternatives are China and Russia

I am from UK

Answer 3

America is just a geographical place in the world. The people of that place are just like any one of us. As a whole they do have a lot to offer the rest of the world, they just go off track now and then! That is the fault of the Administration, not the people.

Earplugz mentioned the "American Dream"? I think that is part of the problem. Too many try to aspire to it and screw up in the process.
Arthur Miller hit it right with "All My Sons" Frank Keller was a man driven by "The Dream" and in order to attain it he destroyed his family and eventually himself.
Americans should not be upset when allies point out, what they think they are doing wrong?
After all, does a mother dislike her child because she has to chastise and bring into line? No, she does it because the opposite is correct.

Answer 4

What a great question! I just wish I had more time to answer right now...

So in brief: I'm writing from Austria, and my stance is that the U.S. has a very ambiguous role in the world... often looked towards for help and much needed politically and economically, yet resented for trying to impose her own value system on other countries, and seen as a hypocrite when the official reasons for interventions are democracy or peace while the actual ones seem to be money or war.

And this leads me to my greatest personal resentment... the fact that so much value is being placed on money and power and outer things... and I'm not saying the U.S. is the only place this is being done, but the U.S. has such a great influence, and seems to me to have been trend-setting in what I view as a sad development of our planet... the marginalization of that which is truly important to our souls.
(Not always in an obvious way: A good way of marginalizing spirituality, for example, is by substituting it with bigotry or by selling a false version of it as the reason for pursuing power games.)

Before I go, I'd better add that I personally know wonderful Americans to whom none of the above applies; here I was focusing on the impression the U.S. in general evokes here in my country.

Answer 5

While the question is hypothetical the reality is we live in the world as it is complete with flaws. The advent of the Global economy is changing the ground-rules for everybody and America is no exception. No country can survive in isolation and few would want to try. The possible exceptions are North Korea, Zimbabwe and Iran but they do it simply to prevent outside influence threatening their power base. While America is blamed by many for much of the worlds' problems the reality is mankind should hold its head in shame we have all been complicit, and all should share the guilt. Thankfully I have hope for the future. World cooperation grows daily, political tensions are being resolved, and economic inter-dependence is being recognised. Our children and our grandchildren will live in a much safer, more civilised society. By the way I am Scottish.

Answer 6

I am British & while I think America has led us into several incredibly stupid things in the past, I have to say that the world would be the poorer if it did not exist.
Many of the worlds greatest inventions have been created in America by Americans. WW2 would have had a completely different result without American assistance.
However, I feel that US Governments have a tendency to jump first & ask questions later (if at all).

Answer 7

I am from India (the Great Nation)

In the current circumstances, the world would definitely be a better place. But, when you said the world, its inclusive of America. One cannot like to vanish America, since the country has been playing a vital role in the development of technology most importantly.

But what makes us feel bad about America is its 'arrogance'. Their behaviour and other activities send a wrong messages - they feel as if they are the rulers and others their slaves. America has always tried to dominate other countries.

Ex: 1. It has got nothing to do with the India-Kashmir-Pakistan conflict, but still it tries to interfere.

2. And it thinks that it only has the right to make nuclear bombs, etc. If others do that, it gets irritated. Why? Others shouldn't make them to defend themselves and live peacefully?

3. Influences UNO - Despite UNO asked it not to attack Iraq, it did.

4. Additionally, their opeations in Afghnistan & Iraq, their role in Palistine-Israel-Lebanon conflict have created more enemies for them. And there are umpteen examples.

But, one thing is sure, the future is very tough for the entire American nation. Because everyone (especially the muslim world) is so angry with it.

Lets pray to God to make this world a better place to live - Ameen.

Answer 8

I ain't saying America is all that great, but it was the Romans who slaughtered off the Mayans and the Aztecs because they wouldn't bow to the Roman Empire.
It was the Romans who slaughtered off my Indian Ancestors, because they didn't want to trade their freedom to be enslaved.
God is not Jealous, but the Romans are.
Russia, Austria, and Rome would all like us to smoke their poles, and step aside.
But I'm not going to step aside so the Real Bullies can conqure the world.
I don't agree with the U.S. Government, and a lot of us in America don't.
I was born here in America. They say it is free, I say not.
Just 'cuz I was born here doesn't mean I will claim to be American, only if there is some sneaky person trying to get me to sign and waive my rights as an American Citizen, and ship me off and exchange me with some other in the world.
I love to cuss, and because of Christian Prudes who want everything to be cleaner than the stain on their upper lip, and call the Kettle--- Black,
I end up getting in arguments over what they want me to say and not say verses my god given right to free speech.
Yeah, I have the right to remain silent too, but I don't have to remain silent. I can choose either way.
Yeah, without the Constitution, there would be more bullies in the world pushing everyone around.
The Egyptians and King Pharaoh took 900 years to build the Pyramids with the use of Slaves.
Ask yourself this, Are you your own Master, or is someone else pulling your strings?

This is some lyrics sung by the Band --Police.

Double on the deep blue see behind me,
Vanish in the air you'll never find me,
I will turn your face to Alabaster,
When you find your servent is your master..............

You'll be....rapped around my finger..............

Read a book called --The Celestine Prophecy --and another book called--The Tenth Insight--Both written By James Redfield.

Answer 9

You can't blame a country. There a lots of people who make the rotten decisions and lots of other people who go along with them. They're everywhere, not just in America. I'm from Holland which is "ruled" by a very rotten prime minister and his followers who make and follow rotten decisions. I do believe however there's a certain amount of American mentality that sometimes makes life a lot harder for Americans. For example The American Dream". It glorifies people who become rich and influential when they had nothing at first, but it bashes down people who weren't so lucky. And most people can not live "The American Dream".

Answer 10

1. If America didn't do what it did, what reason would the Islamic fundamentalists give for attacking the West?
2. We would find out whether aliens had actually landed.
3. We wouldn't have to put up with their overbearing self-righteous attitude.
4. UK and Europe would be under the Nazi jackboot.
5. Japan would rule Asia.

So, like every statement, there are pros and cons, this needs some serious discussion. Good question.