Why does the rest of the world assume that ALL Americans are narrow-minded, ignorant, Bush-loving savages?

Question

Don't get me wrong. I know that there are some Americans who DO fit that description. However, there are also plenty of us who DON'T fit that description. I'm one of them, as a matter of fact. For one thing, I've ALWAYS hated Bush. (In fact, he didn't even win the majority of the popular vote in 2000.) I also enjoy learning about other cultures and other parts of the world. (I'm multilingual, as a matter of fact.) Although there may be some Americans out there who are ignorant brutes who think that their country is the center of the universe, please remember that not all of us are like that.

Answer 1

Actually, not all the rest of the world assume that all Americans are narrow minded and ignorant.
I don't deny that many many Americans are narrow minded and ignorant and that's not a result of anything but refusing to listen or to understand people's way of thinking, and I always say that there are many Americans who still think themselves living in the center of universe and refuse do dialog with other nations. That's a fact BUT>>>>>>>
I know many Americans here in Palestine, some of them are friends of mine, they are so nice and so open-minded because they saw they truth by their naked eyes and believed it. And even in USA itself I know there are millions of good Americans (such as you, and I really wish all people around this world have your ideology, we would never have problems!).
Even here, some people think all Americans are narrow-minded, and please don't blame them, because they're being killed by US arms used by Israelis, their homes are demolished by that Caterpillar. But believe me - in Palestine- a big majority sees many Americans as nice people.
Yazan, Palestine, 16 years old, school student.
Regards.

Answer 2

If it is any consolation, not all Americans are considered boorish and savage by non Americans! I'm in the position of being able to compare Americans and Brits, since my closest blood relatives are divided more-or-less half Yank, half Limey. I've also lived temporarily in the USA and travel there quite frequently. As far as I am concerned there are annoying and delightful people on both sides of the Atlantic.

I think the reason why Americans are currently viewed, en masse, as a little overbearing is due to the present Administration's attitude towards its friends in the western world over Iraq. Mr Bush and his cohorts deliberately exaggerated the threat of Iraq, then ignored the advice of those nations which had had extensive experience of the Middle East. In so doing Bush, Rumsfelt, et al, went on to make a disastrous mess of Iraq, the ramifications of which will affect all nations for several generations. It is this 'we always know best' attitude that irritates non Americans I think. However, most of the Americans I know are decent sensible, kind and generous people. (Of course, I have to say that because one of my American nieces looks at Y!A frequently and knows who I am from my Y!A 'name'!!)

But the American people did vote Bush into office _twice_ ... and it would be good if more of you travelled the world (80% of you have no passport).. .and it would be appreciated if you would, just occasionally, accept that American things are not necessarily the best in the world... oh, and it would also help if, in public, your voices could be kept just a tad lower! But, seriously, please do not assume that all (at least western) non-Americans are 'anti American' - they are not.

Answer 3

There's nothing wrong in being a narrow-minded, ignorant savage, why the oppressive language!? However, TOP marks for the keen way you've broadened your horizons.

You're right to worry that the rest of us think America is guilty narcissism, but hey, Red necks are people too and one finds their equal counterparts all over the world.

I'd urge you to see that Mr Bush isn't an isolated incident, he's a universal dynamic found in every culture. Why get worked up over Americanism when it's the human condition that sucks! We can only change ourselves first, the rest can catch up later...providing of course you find an alternative way to be human!

Answer 4

I don't think the that the rest of the world perceives us that way, not entirely anyway. I have talked to many people from other countries while playing yahoo games. Many of them feel bad that Bush won the elections(twice). They are aware that the first time he didn't really win. I think we are perceived more as a country that needs to rethink our voting process so it doesn't happen again. I do think many people from other countries perceive us as lazy and spoiled, because many of us are becoming that way.
Take advantage of being multilingual and ask people in their native tongues what they think of us.

Answer 5

this is termed stereotypes and purely approximately each and every person has one. I stay in united statesa. ( believe me i'm no longer bragging) and the British being well mannered is purely yet another stereotype. purely like the asians are the clever ones, the blacks are the criminals, the midsection Easterns are the terrorists, the gingers without soul, etc. those are some stereotypes that I surely have witnessed on television. via the seems of it, apparently such as you in basic terms stereotyped individuals via asserting that we are all ignorant and slender-minded. no longer all individuals help Wales or Scotland! To sum each and every thing up the British stereotype individuals and individuals stereotype the British human beings.

Answer 6

That's great that you are.(really) But you have to admit American media doesn't show people who aren't for bush or the war(unless it's the Dixie Chicks) so don't blame us for the fact that your media doesn't act responsibly and show both sides.But then again your media is more int rested in creating fear and keeping your minds occupied with what stars are doing.Ever want to chat with a Canadian girl IM me.

Answer 7

There is an excellent documentary called "Why We Fight," and I recommend it. It's extremely informative, and would, I think, address your question. I did NOT vote for W. I rememer when Bush was elected, Fidel Castro said, "a man of little promise now leads the free world."

Answer 8

For the same reason country after country fell to the Nazis during World War II.

It's getting ready to happen again.

Answer 9

of course you're not. the american people who dislike bush are not savages ... but those who re-elected bush and support the republicans are narrow-minded and often ignorant

Answer 10

because there are so many who are like that.

,this is the attitude or mentality that appears on the fore ground ,like here in answers at times


,people base their judgment on what they are exposed to,

i have said before that of all the Americans that i know personally ,not one of them falls into this catagory .