Why do some Americans believe that they are somehow immune to criticism?

Question

Constructive criticism and sometimes baseless slander of those in foreign countries is certainly plentiful amongst certain segments of American society as well as within our own government. However, some Americans foolishly believe that foreigners should have absolutely no say-so in manners regarding US gov't policy or the American way of life in general even though pushing such a consumerist lifestyle and overreaching US foreign policy can (and does) have a significant impact upon others around the world.

Is this not an obvious double-standard? Are there those that are so insecure about themselves that they cannot stand an opposing point-of-view that could potentially cast doubt upon their own deeply-held beliefs?

It's apparent I did not phrase my question clearly enough. I did not actually mean direct influence in gov't policy, but rather foreign criticism of such policy and its effect on the rest of the world. Sorry for the confusion.

Answer 1

Yes, because of the belief in this country that we are entitled do as we wish to others as long as they don't do unto us. When the US gets involved in another countries politics, causes regime changes that are more American friendly, such as was done in Iran in the 50's it came back to haunt the American people. The CIA helped fund a coup in Iran that placed the Shah back in power. No matter how brutal of a leader he was, as long as he went along with our wishes not to nationalize the Iranian oilfields. Then in the late 70's Iranians retaliated by taking Americans hostage and booting the Shah's *** out of Iran. The US then turned around and backed Iraq with weapons to use against Iran in the Iraq-Iran war, including the WMD's that Saddam Husseins military used against Iran. I wonder why they have a negative view of the US. The way the media portrays it, we were sitting in our own country minding our business and they just want to kill us. BULLSHIT!

Answer 2

Okay, here's economic policy in the 8th century.
The Vikings living in their cold icy homeland have an expanding population that needs to be supported. To do that they need to acquire more wealth. A bunch of them pile into their boats, row across to the British Isle where they plunder and loot the countryside. They drag all the new wealth home, which they use to feed the family. This type of wealth building was used for centuries. The Spanish looted the wealth of the Inca.
No longer is it acceptable for a country to load up their boats, cross the ocean, and take the wealth of another nation by force in order for their economy to expand. Today international trade has taken the place of armies and navies in grabbing wealth from other countries.
The USA is a powerful manufacturing giant. When the USA starts trading in foreign markets it has the same effect as a Lowes store opening up in a small community. Soon after the Lowes store opens, all the mom and pop hardware stores close down because their customers went to Lowes.
It's hard for countries to complete with the USA in the free global market that is forming. They don't have the capital the USA has. They only have cheap labor. In places like the middle east, there is an entire culture of people who have no imagination. They have government that are supporting themselves by revenues that they pump out of the ground.
When a government need not depend on taxing its population to get its money to operate, there is a disconnect between the people and the government. The government doesn't need a thriving economy to flourish. It doesn't need to educate its people. It doesn't need to build infrastructure to encourage business growth.
As a result, the living standard of the people in those countries declines. The masses become unhappy. They direct their anger at the country they see as the cause of their problems. The country that buys all the oil that support the government that does not support its people.
Now the USA is supposed to be responsible? All we are doing is buying energy. All we are doing is competing in the international market.

I am really straying from the issue raised in your question.

My point is, a lot of criticism is coming from other countries who either just can't compete with our industrial base or whose people are being ignored by their government. In most instances, I think it's a case of sour grapes.

Answer 3

Here's the thing. It's exactly that: constructive criticism and baseless slander. It's not policy, nor I have heard it pretending to be. No double-standard with me.

For example, I have every right to say that perhaps Germany and its citizens might be better off if the Reichstag chose NOT to pass a recently-proposed bill that all marriages expire after 7 years. But I have no right to translate that wish into policy, as I cannot vote in Germany.

Likewise with foreign criticisms of the United States. I welcome absolutely everybody who has ideas about what might improve America, no matter who it comes from or what nationality. But if I disagree and choose not to vote that way, foreigners cannot do anything about it.

And, on a larger perspective, it's sometimes easier to see flaws and recommend improvements from an outsider's point of view. That's why we review papers by our peers before submittal. That's why we review plans by our colleagues before approval. It's about getting a look in the mirror through the eyes of another.

Answer 4

Oh no, not at all. They're completely free to speak, but that doesn't mandate we listen!

Hugo Chavez is a perfect example of our foreign critics- he hasn't pointed out any flaws in our society, he's just making noise for the spectacle. This week he attempted (and failed) to move every clock in his country 1/2 an hour back, so that he wouldn't be bound to the "U.S. Imperialistic" standard of hours. You know, the United States of Greenwich?

Answer 5

Foreigners don't have a say in United States governmental policies because they aren't United States citizens. Hello?!

People in other countries are free to say or think what they wish of the American lifestyle...and we are free to ignore them.

edit:
thumbing-down the truth doesn't make what I say any less true

Answer 6

The first step to making something beter is to recognize flaws. To recognize flaws, we must acknowledge that they exist. And that's hard to do on a subconscience level. Not that it's an excuse.

Answer 7

It's easier to stick your fingers in your ears, and scream "I'm an american, this is america, we're number one!!!!