Why do Americans have to be so inward looking that they forget they are part of a global village?

Question

I noticed an earlier question about the rise in terrorist activity since the USA started its war on terror. It was interesting just how many answers declared that because none of it was happening in the USA, it didn't really matter. To me, this is extremely sad. The USA has a proud history in the global community having been instrumental in saving Europe in both world wars, along with Australia in the second world war. For many years, they very rightly wore the badge of being leaders of the free world and earned the globe's respect. McCarthyism became the beginning of the end of the dream. Vietnam gave the world its first glimpse of the dark side of the USA. The cold war allowed it to pursue ruthless objectives in the name of democracy. Now Bush has created a scenario where the USA is the most detested nation on Earth. Isn't it time for Americans to stop looking inward and once again view themselves, & behave as, global citizens? Trying to win hearts & minds?

Answer 1

Unfortunately we have become a society of caring for ourselves only. As long as we can continue to live and enjoy our excessive lifestyles we don't care what happens anywhere else. If we were part of the 'Global Community' we would not be having to worry about terrorism but our policies continue to piss off the rest of the world and the enemies have started to outnumber the friends.

Great Question!

Answer 2

Thank you for stating that. By some of these answers our fears and dissapointments are validated. Some citizens, and some politicians do realize America has an important responsibility to be a leader in the new age of a global community. Hopefully when this administration is gone we can put the pieces back together. Whether the next President is Republican or Democrat, all the candidates have a better understanding than this joker Bush of Global Community and America's role in World Affairs.

Answer 3

Although we have many disagreements on many global issues, does not make us want to be part of the world. We are sorry that we fight this fight against terrorism almost alone. We are sorry that we believe that all peoples lead by tryanny has the right to freedom. We are sorry that we cannot finance the entire U. N. by ourselves. We are sorry that the world ignores torture from any one but the United States of America. We are sorry that we continue to give more to poorer countries than any other country in the world. We are sorry that we can always be counted on to help in any world disastor that occurs anywhere in the world.
As you can see from my examples above, we are still part of the global community. The issue at hand is just because we cannot agree on everything , does not mean we don't care or don't want to be part of the global village. We do want to be America first though. What is good for our country does not always mean it is good for the world. Just like any free country we have our own constitution that comes first. As far as starting the war on terror, you forget we were attacked on 9/11. Ignoring this act would be a sign of weakness and ignorence of the challanges our world faces with the extremists. To ignore this threat only leaves the impression of acceptance, we will never accept this form of extremism. We love our country and if that offends our worlds neighbors, so be it.
God Bless us all.

Answer 4

Swings and roundabouts - everywhere is different and nowhere is better across the board than everywhere else. Like any other country, America has its good and bad points. It's not really very accurate to lump all Americans together either. I live in Texas, and for the most part we look out for each other here. If you think the social security system here is lousy, take a good look at Britain. The loudest voices get the benefits while the deserving often fall by the wayside.

Answer 5

I'm confused. I thought we were hated right now for interfering too much with the global world. Can't win, can we? And to be honest, I'm getting really tired of people lumping all "Americans" into stereotypical groups based upon their own gripes.

We do more for other countries than any other country out there. Look how much money America and Americans gave when the Tsunami hit India and other countries. Compare that to how much we recieved from others for Katrina. And I know some people are tired of us being the global police, but really, if the UN did their job, we wouldn't have to. Would you prefer for those crazy nations to have nuclear weaponry. See, we care, but we're in a no win situation. Either we do too much or not enough. We sacrifice our citizens and money to try to make the world a better, safer place. And we do it not only for ourselves, but for the world, because it's a small place, and we know that what affects the world, affects us all.

Answer 6

the people that answered that way on the previous question and answered in a similar moronic manner to this question are Bush loyalists and Conservatives. From these answers I think it is easy to see why people are abandoning the Conservative/Republican Party daily. They have NO values. They should feel some amount of guilt. It is because of the Bush war in Iraq that terrorism has increased. It has become a recruiting tool for the terrorist. It is a shame and it is sad.

Answer 7

It's a bit late for that, the damage is done.

I for one will never trust an American ever again, and I will make sure that all my children and their children's children will be aware of exactly what America stands for.

I hate to admit it because I pride myself on my tolerance and understanding of other cultures and I have many friends of different nationalities and religious beliefs but I am at the point where I would not speak to an American unless I had to and I avoid American businesses and services whenever possible. I have no respect for Americans because they allow their corrupt governments to behave as they do, and I do not agree with what your nation stands for.

America is a Fascist state that is being run by corporate interests for their own gain. This is an undisputable fact! The parallels between Hitler and his Nazis and Bush and corporate America are just too obvious to be ignored. The American people must regain control their governments and ensure justice and democracy are restored. It is your country, and your responsibility.

Answer 8

I agree one thousand percent!!! Our country was founded on respect for our fellow people. Our forefathers would be ashamed at what has become of the citizenry. Apathy is rampant, and selfish objectives has replaced the "common good". We have a duty to use our power responsibly and ethically in our global endeavors. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best:
"So much attention is paid to the aggressive sins, such as violence and cruelty and greed with all their tragic effects, that too little attention is paid to the passive sins, such as apathy and laziness, which in the long run can have a more devastating effect."

Unfortunately all of the above is true in our case....

Answer 9

That unfortunately is wishful thinking and is a product of the higher educational system in the US. Consensus – where we believe that we can get along will never work. What makes a man strive to better himself is the same thing you are trying to undermine with this question. There will always be leaders and followers and unfortunately some percentage of bystanders.

As my DI once said in OCS – Lead, Follow or get the h*** out of the way!

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less – Robert E Lee

Answer 10

Didn't you know that nothing exists outside Hannity's America?
The 'country' where everybody is armed to the teeth, the hymn book has only one page, and Fox News is watched 24/7.