Too often in my life--especially in times of war or political turmoil--I've heard someone speak of another country as if it is one unified body of like-minded individuals. This can't possibly be true for any country on the face of the earth. Yet there's talk of Iraq hating America, America distrusting Iran, Iran hating Israel, America caused this, France caused that, Britain thinks this, Pakistan does that...
I realize that some of this is a short-hand form of speech, pervasive even in the news media. But I think it does some damage.
When you criticize a country and its world policies, are you able to distinguish those policies, and the governments which created them, from the good citizens of that country? Do you realize not everyone--in any country--thinks alike, or agrees with what their government does?
Can we stop the ridiculous assumptions, and the resulting fear and hatred?
I expect a few hateful or mindless comments, but hope for intelligent, rational ones, too.
2006-09-28 12:25:03 · 6 answers · asked by Question Mark 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I'm delighted to say I seem to have underestimated people -- or perhaps some were scared off by my words and moved to another question to make hateful or mindless comments. There were none here. Every one of you answered intelligently and rationally.
2006-10-06 11:44:05 · update #1
i totally agree with you.i live in Iran and i can tell you most people here hate the government.and i also see that so many people in other countries think that all Iranians support this regime and are terrorists.well this is not true,the majority in Iran really love to live free just like you who are living in a free world.we are not terrorists and we do not support terrorists.those who are speaking for us are manipulating everyone to think they are supported by their people.the only thing is supporting them is lots of money they have and a system which will not let people to talk and say what they really think.
2006-09-29 00:18:28 · answer #1 · answered by sunny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the people can't really control what someone does once in office can they. A shifty politician can talk a good game, but can completely fall once in office and naturally, since that person spoke for the group that voted for them, the voters would have to share some of the blame regardless of whether or not they agreed with the person once in office. Too bad, but if more research were to be done on the people running for office, some decent ones may have been elected and would not have shamed the voters. And of course in a dictatorship, it is difficult to blame the people, but the simple minded are easily brainwashed by these people to support them so, the people of those countries also have to share some of the blame for allowing themselves to be so easily manipulated.
2006-09-28 19:37:07 · answer #2 · answered by Yit 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very good point you make here. The government of any country does not speak for it's people. We must not fail to realize two things here. What we here on the news is largely deceptive propaganda, designed to influence our thought process. In addition to this, all world governments, and major world events are controlled by the ruling elite Illuminati, who have an agenda to establish a one world cashless society.
2006-09-28 19:38:35 · answer #3 · answered by oceansoflight777 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very valid and interesting point.
Two opposing facets:
General stereotyping is standard operation for most people too lazy to educate themselves. This then parallels race issues within our own country. In this aspect proper education is the key.
When we look at any government or its nation, part of its goal is to foster the ethnocentric/patriotic feelings, or making things more black and white to achieve support in their undertakings... It's one of the oldest tricks in the book of politics.
Can we stop it? No chance in hell. We can alleviate it though, through open discussions like this as well as better public cultural education programmes.
2006-09-28 19:34:15 · answer #4 · answered by phillytocalifornia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The governments are representations of the people.
Just because some disagree with the government, does not mean the people should not be held responsible for their governments actions. They should change the government if it puts them in danger.
2006-09-28 19:36:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can. Remember Che Guevara's or Castro's words that both leaders were warm towards Americans but despised its President and its leaders?
2006-09-28 19:37:02 · answer #6 · answered by zap 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋