Why do Americans hate foreigners so much?

Question

This is not a race issue at all, even non white Americans like US born Chinese, Indians, etc. seem to exhibit a very arrogant and condescending attitude towards anyone with a slight accent. They assume we are dumb, while I beat them in almost every test score for not just math but even in their native english. I speak multiple languages, unlike most Americans. I try and apporoach them in a very friendly and optimisitic manner; but what I get in return is artificial friendliness at best or outright rudeness and nastiness at worst. I feel so much more comfortable interacting with people who have not grown up here.


It is so annoying. Its slowly turning a nice person like me into a jerk. It seems to me that the American culture is one of arrogance, bitterness and fakeness. I am not saying all; but many seem to be small minded, nasty and miserable people whi seem to hate their lives and need material things to keep them happy.. Its sad.

I am not being arrogant hete. I am just pointing out that ones accent has nothing to do with being smart. So do not assume that foreigners are uneducated or backward in any respect. The reason people come to the USA is NOT "freedom". There are a lot of natural resources in USA, and the free market system helps people reach a reasonable standard of living. Its not like we were slaves back home; other countries are very old and thus there weren't that many opportunities. That is changing and you will see more people say from India and CHian staying back.

Answer 1

We do not! Because Americans are from different cultures and countries, we are definately a blend, so even Americans are not always sure who is American and who is not!
However, we can often tell people who did not learn English as their native language as they have accents, and do not fully understand how to speak and write our language, so they are difficult to understand especially with the hard of hearing. Did you know there are 28 million hard of hearing in our country? That is about one in ten.
I suggest you:
1. Keep a good attitude, and remember not to judge 300 million Americans on the bad behavior of a select few.
2. Choose to associate with Americans with good behavior/attitude toward you.
3. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem by treating people with respect, even if they do not respect you.

Answer 2

This is always a touch an go subject so I will try my best to make is short and realistic. The problem is how we were brought up here in America with the old beliefs. The original flock of the masses to the US was about a new life to make this country their own and escape the socialism, communism and so on. When food, shelter and the basic needs in life cannot be had people look elsewhere no matter where you are from to have a better life. I would too. Well those old days gone and the new comers to America they only tend to exploit it for the handouts and freebies not to mention how true born Americans get denied small business loans because banks would rather give a loan to a new citizen and with the government laws it makes this even easier. Tax breaks for new comers, really how do Americans feel about this? Where is our break don't we deserve one too, I mean hell our families only died for everyone's freedom that seems to be taken for granted these days? You think true born Americans won't be mad, think again. These are our jobs, homes, life styles, culture that is in danger for many reasons. Remember that this country was founded hundreds of years ago (Remember 1776, well we were here long before that as well, not in 1950) and many of the people here are decedents of those original founders. Since we have been taught by our peers and elders we still see things the way they did. Nowadays we see many cultures coming to America and ruining our way of life and culture we are so proud of and use to. I am trying to say that we don't want it to change at all not even a little. This is where the anger comes from and why the hatred comes out in us. Wouldn't you be mad to see everything you grew up with be stripped away to the core and we are forced to accept the way it is now even if we don't want to. Sounds a little like communism or socialism now doesn't it? We are not communist Russia or China and we don't want to be. We are a free America and we do not want to stand still while people from other regions come here, get mad that they are being treated unfairly and they are not even citizens of the US, we don't want your green cards or Visa's we want real citizens that don't send money home to a foreign land. Money that comes from here needs to stay here, that's how we make it as a society. What do we possibly owe someone who's family did not die for our freedoms yet they want everything a true born America has earned either in blood, sweat, engineering and just the building of America to what it is today. Don't get me wrong I am not singling out a certain race color or creed this is just how it is. Americans our a proud nation of mixed cultures but keep in mind the old cultures had the same goal in mind as one, to be make this home and a great community. Our own government giving away checks to every illegal, offering sanctuary, medical and helping countries that hate us with food and money is beyond me. So again you ask why does America hate foreigners, well if you haven't witnessed it for yourself or this does not shed any light on what you have asked you may want to put yourself in the shoes of the ones who made this great place great and see what it has become today, a melting pot of take take take and give me give me give me. This only fuels the fire a lot of Americans hold inside and sometimes erupts with rage and outbursts. So again, you ask why does America not like foreigners, you decide.

Answer 3

why are you generalizing that most americans are like that, maybe if you stopped hating many of them for something not all of them did they wouldn't generalize all foreigners as dumb. now, i'm an american, but i have an accent because i was raised in a household of immigrants, i do not hate foreigners and i have never been treated differently because of my slight accent. and by the way boasting that you have higher test scores is arrogant, why would you accuse them of being arrogant when you're the one trying to act better

as for the multiple languages, as an american i speak mandarin, fujianese, tagalog, cantonese, a little bit of japanese, and some spanish

EDIT-response to your additional details
"I beat them in almost every test score for not just math but even in their native english. I speak multiple languages, unlike most Americans." now you look at the way you said that and tell me that's not arrogant. maybe if you stopped thinking you're so much smarter than everyone you wouldn't be treated the same way as much.

i'll know that you may hate this answer just because i dont agree with you but that's fine with me go ahead and believe what someone else says that agrees with you. and now since you're in america, you are free to be the hypocrite you are. such a shame... i guess people like you help cause some downsides to america by abusing your freedom... if you feel that your country is much better then go back there and stop complaining, your complaints are doing nothing good for you or us.

Answer 4

Maybe it's your approach.
I grew up in New Jersey.
I have lived in Seattle since 1989.
When I got old enough to go into the bars and into New York City
common wisdom was to NOT walk up to someone and start chatting it up.
Interpreted as aggressive.
Possibly shady.
There is a period that must pass for "ice" to be broken.
That has been my observation.

Depends on where you are.
Seattle is different than East Coast City.
East Coast people can be pretty abrupt.
The word "aggravated" was made to order for New Yorkers.

Boston kinda clannish.
And EVERYBODY from Marblehead, Massachusetts is a wiseass.

And do you know what New Jerseys most important contribution to civilization is???

PIZZA BY DA SLICE!!

Answer 5

I'm sorry you feel that way. I do think that there are people who have a prejudice against others because of an accent or whatever. They are just rude and ignorant.

But it may be that they have trouble understanding you and that makes them feel stupid and they react with annoyance.

But I also feel that there are just some rude nasty people out there who are that way...and there may be some other reason they don't want to be friendly and it might have nothing to do with your accent...but you're assuming it does.

The main thing is to not allow them to change who you are. If you are friendly and outgoing...continue to be so. I'm sure you have friends...enjoy their company and to heck with the others. It's their loss!

Answer 6

You get what you give. In nearly every country abroad we experience bitterness and hostility. While you accuse us of arrogance you go and boast that you have higher test scores and then proceed to exhibit the same condescending attitude that you claim to be a victim of. Maybe the problem doesn't lie with us...

Answer 7

I don't think that Americans necessarily hate foreigners. The ones who come here and can't assimilate into our culture or who demand special treatment and accomodations, though, are very annoying.

Your question comes across as very condescending and arrogant- exactly what you accuse us of. If you don't like it here, go back where you came from and quit whining. Not everyone is always going to like you- that's how life is, deal with it.

Answer 8

Why do foriegners hate Americans so much but yet cannot wait to come here. We have been deluged with foriegn people who have no desire to assimilate and insist that we bow to their needs like foriegn voting ballots and public assistance. When you call for important information and get a person on the phone you cannot understand because of their accent, they act like you must put up with them regardless. Foreigners you might heed their need before you pleed your deed.

Answer 9

Actually you're probably somewhat correct. Many Americans haven't traveled extensively (and Carnival cruises don't count). I fear the American culture is becoming one of celebrity worship and material madness. Sadly as a native (who has traveled and enjoyed other cultures) I think you're partially correct. P.S. I have learned two languages (albeit not fluently) German & Spanish.

Answer 10

Well, when they suggested singing tha national anthem in a forieign language I lost it. You don't see English translations plastered everywhere else. Not in Europe, Russia, Mexico, Africa, Middle East...... We are sick and tired of bending over backwards for and worried about offending "guests" in our country. This is the USA. We speak and write English. Learn it, speak it, write it, or leave! We are also tired of giving handouts to illegal "immigrants." My taxes should be paying for healthcare and services for AMERICANS, not stowaways!
Additionally, the majority of the world wants us to mind our own business and stay out of their countries. A lot of them hate us and wish were dead. Why not hate them back?