Proud to be an American?

Question

What can Americans do to improve our reputation with the rest of the world? Some of my coworkers are from South Africa and, according to them, the perception of Americans is that we're all fast-food eating, corrupted, lazy, stupid people. I don't want to be seen that way, and I know plenty of other respectful, intelligent Americans that don't deserve that kind of a reputation. What do we do?

Just a detail I forgot to mention; my coworkers weren't criticizing at all. They were just informing me. And my question isn't meant to be offensive to anyone...

Answer 1

its not only the coworkers from south africa that has that opinion, the answer is stop being self centred and arrogant and remember there are other countries in the world apart from america.(butch is a perfect example)

Answer 2

I wish I could Say that's not True!!! The Problem is that For A-lot of Americans it is True!!! That's Why the Rest of the World Looks at Us that Way!!! LOOK at the Government and the Corruption that Happens!!! Most deserve The Reputation Given to us I've Travel all over The World!!! Take some of these and so called Americans and Drop them in the Desert/Jungle/Woods etc... And See How many Could Make it!!!
Remember I said MOST not ALL!!!
Think About it and You Will Understand!!!

Do You Understand!!! We have everything and most forgotten how to Work/Survive/or live with the Environment!
Making Money is the Only thing a-lot Most People Understand!!!
Or Trying to Get More of It!!!







Hokahe!!!

Answer 3

Explain to them that every major invention and creative idea came from the USA from Henery Ford to the assembly line.
From the Wright Bros airplane to the cotton gin.
To the computer he is using to tell you how stupid we are.
Right now we are in a unpopular war. But Africa has some serious problems of their own right now in durfur there is a lot more horrendous things going on than ever went on it the USA.
Other countries copy what we did but we made them first.
We are a variety of people of all races, nationalities and countries. When they come here then they are Americans.
Why don't you ask him what has South Africa done so great?
Why aren't they helping the starving or the ones with AIDS or build orphanages to save the children. Who is doing that for them? Americans. From Madonna to Opray winfrey to bonjovi
To Bill Gates. We have build hospitals, schools, medical centers and orphanages. Bill Gates has helped many women become owners of companys so they can make a living.
Why didn't the people of their own country do that for their country. Why do they receive aid from the USA or they would die out. Millions are sent there every day to help those people.
They better be careful what they say about the USA it is their largest contributor. Yes i am proud to be an American.

Answer 4

Well, according to Americans, most people in South America are quaint natives that grow cocaine leaves for a living, and live in countries with are ruled by either generals or drug lords.

Given that ignorance of other people is pretty common all around the world, do we really need to concern ourselves with people whose opinions display either complete ignorance, or the opinions that have been spoon-fed to them by a biased press?

Personally, I'd love to set the record straight with the 25% of Americans who think that 9-11 was caused by the Bush White House. I'd love to talk to the 40% of Americans who believe that Saddam never ever had WMDs (what did he use on the Iranians and Kurds again?). In other words, I'd love to get Americans set straight first....

Answer 5

Your partners are absolutely right. But the key thing they are missing is that Americans have the FREEDOM to do it, or be that way.

But when it comes right down to it, America has liberated millions of people, saved millions of people and given a home to millions of people. Then gave all the opportunity in the world to those people. No matter how much crap people make this country to be its the best.

I wouldn't try to convince them of anything, just laugh at there ignorant, jealous remarks and go about your business.

Answer 6

hello sixteen......
First at all....stop saying Americans to urselves
I'm American too, but not from USA.
Anyways....I have excellent good friends from USA, but sorry.....I have to tell you that I share what your coworkers say.
USA is becoming a NON WANTED country around the world.

May be it's cause of Bush's politic, but....be sincere......Isnt he (in name of the freedom) killing innocent pple in other countries.
Isn't that bcoz of the petroleum reserves that those countries have?
Why USA wants always to be the owner of the truth?

I dont generalize about the pple in USA. As everywhere there are good pple and bad pple also. but........our perception about that pple is the same that ur friends have.
Sorry for that

To Butch.......Dear, it is not about if USA has made something great or not, Sixteen asked for our opinion and we are giving her that.
If you dont like our opinion, i'm so sorry, but you are showing me just now, why i dont like pple like you.
Dont despice other pple, there are millions of smart pple around the world that arent from USA.
And another thing..........all of us are proud to be from the country that we are. You are not the only one.

Answer 7

I am proud to be an American. Some of the opinions about us come from people who have never been to this country.

Answer 8

I am from Russia. I am proud to be Russian.