Why are Americans respected around the world?

Question

as an Englishman it always amazes me, that wherever you go in the world people DO NOT give Americans the upmost respect.Please be aware these chaps are saving us.
I say lets make it out duty not to laugh at Americans

Answer 1

Sorry but you must be an Alien !!!

What do you mean "be aware these chaps are saving us" ????

Are we talking about the same Americans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE

PLEASE HAVE A GOOD LOOK !!!!!

2 hours after answering this question:
Sidney, I've just had a quick look at your other questions.You are either obsessed or a provocateur !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I thought that everybody hated them, certainly all the Arab countries do and I know that the French and Germans think they are stupid, I'm not sure about the rest of Europe though. The Israelis like them but probably laugh at their naivety. I like them in general and I have only ever met one that I didn't like he's called Harry and I no him from school I've never met anybody more arrogant in all my life, but I think that is because he is an American outside of America and thinks he's better than everybody else because of that fact. Hang on what is your question I did't read the underneath bit but now I have it's clear that you have contradicted yourself. I would give an American soldier respect ( Unless it was those two pilots who killed the British soldier) as I would give to anybody fighting in a war that they don't want to be in but an average American does not deserve instant respect because they are American, they have to earn it like every other person.

Answer 3

You've made a valid point, however:-

I do not necessarily think that Americans are not respected but I do think that in most instances Amercians are see as the all conquering (not necessarily heroes) and this is treated with resentment in a great many parts of the world. This resentment is not directly aimed at the ordinary American but at the Administration that runs that powerful nation.

I think that it is wrong to ridicule the Americans as most are trying to live a decent life as are the rest of us it's just that many leave themselves open. You only have to listen to some of the silly remarks uttered by their fellow countrymen IE. GWB and his cohorts.

Yes we know that the Amercan Servicemen are fighting the so called tyranny but then so are many other troops from other nations including our own brave lads from all the armed forces..

Answer 4

Because it is easy for people to focus on the negative and ignore the positives. Anything the United States does which is altruistic in nature is rarely mentioned and soon forgotten. Anything the United States does which is considered negative is remembered forever and constantly cited. The United States has made foreign policy mistakes to be sure, but we also provide billions in aid and are often the first to respond to any crisis. There is definitely a negative opinion out there and much of it is due to negative portrayals in the mass media. The truth about the average American is vastly different from the perception, but people will hold what opinions they choose and that will not change no matter what America does short of total appeasement.

Answer 5

Some very serious answers here. Perhaps some people should take a look at Mr. Vicious's previous questions to ascertain his previously-stated views and his seriousness in asking questions.

Now Sidney, old bean, run along and get me a nice hot steaming cup of coffee, there's a good chap. Proper respect and all that.

Answer 6

cutting away all the rubbish about political leaders at present the reason why the world looks to America is the constitution its a set of rules that appeal to every human on the planet.
The vision may get distorted once in a while but at the end of the day America always trys to do the right thing.

Answer 7

I think you should rephrase your question to say why are americans disrespected around the world?

Do you think the majority the world respects the United States?
I beg to differ with you

Answer 8

As a Bostonian it always amazes me that Englishmen can walk the streets of London without falling to their knees and singing the Star Spangled Banner! By George no more V2's landing on the Eastend! You must be so proud! And How exactly did grandma get Preggers with your daddy with Grandpa in Algiers? So mAny Americans wandering about perhaps?

Answer 9

It's the young ones with self lack of knowledge on what the Liberation of Freedom from world war two was all about is not giving them those respect for the Freedom of their Elders back in the past in planet of apes.
With self lack of knowledge they blindly kick them on their butts until they expose with an old saying "The Elders were rude! Children misbehave with self lack of knowledge" in making a monkey out of themselves in planet of apes.
When the Elders came up with ghostly stories on non-existence rights of indepenednce day in planet of apes.
Ever wonder how the mess was created after independence in planet of apes.

Answer 10

Thank you sidney but I think you give us alittle too much credit.

We don't want to be heralded as the saviors of the world. We just want to live our lives without a threat of terror and we have always felt obligated to help defend and protect those who can't protect themselves. That is changing though. Americans are starting to take on the views of isolationism andto be honest with you, who could blame us.

Look at the responses you have received. You would think it is Americans that are exploding bombs in London, Madrid and everywhere else in the world that has been victimized by terrorists. You would think that it is Hugo Chavez, Castro, Ahmadinejad and even Saddam Hussein who has come to the aid of the worlds oppressed and downtrodden. From what people say about Americans here you would think that we are the worst of the worst.

We live with that sentiment on a daily basis. Is it fair? I don't think so, but such is life. We are getting the message loud and clear.

There is an old saying that comes to mind. Be carfeul what you ask for, you might just get it. I see a change coming over Americans. I hope the rest of the world is ready.

We don't want your praise and as each day passes we are regretting what we have tried to do to help.

Thank you though sidney.. it was nice of you to remember us for who we tried to be.

Answer 11

Everyone generalises us so much, and treats us all as a whole, like idiots.

I'm an American (Oklahoman, thank you) who moved here a little over a year ago, and you wouldn't believe how rude people can be (on the other hand there are people who are absolutely positively wonderful.)

I guess I get annoyed when people try to argue with me about my own country as if they've been there... I get lectured on guns, as if everyone in my country owns a gun.. But that's how the media portrays it...

Everyone believes everything they read in the papers, but these are the same papers calling Kate Winslet fat and promoting eating disorders...