We used call the Americans as the most illiterate people on earth.. Yet, they are the most active in confronting worldly injustice, pollution, poverty and illiteracy..
Americans pay a lot for International agencies, NGOs and Charities.. Yes the US system encourages, but also their own simple openness and search for personal complacency.. As USA was never a Colonial power, we probably can't understand them, nor take them seriously.. On the other hand, almost no one lived their for a while, came back fleeing their way of life..!!
We hate them on newspapers, while addicted to their TV shows and movies..!! We blame them for all evils, while dreaming of their green Doollars would fill the tine box below the bed..!!
Maybe it is time to step down from our 3rd world ivory..!!!!
Hey Adil, I think illiterates calling American illiterates is a hyprocisy isn't it? :) Under the Bush Administration, there was a growing perception held by foreign nationals of Americans upholding socio-political arrogant attitudes. Although the Obama adminstration is doing much to diminish and counter these perceptions, it cannot over shadow the strength of our core value system: freedom, democracy,and openness. So in short, I do agree with the latter part of your comment ;)
ReplyDeleteChristopher Wentzel
Thanks Chris.. I think the whole issue has nothing to do with the Americans as Americans, but with the non-Americans, who are driven by long history of power fights, colonial fights, and their own social unrest and cultural confusion.. Americans represent to them the dominating powers; which they traditionally have to fight.. not the people to share living with..
ReplyDeleteHello and if I may offer my opinion:
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to digest how anyone can question the international community's perception, and, in many cases, the American nationals’ perception of George W Bush and his administration, especially given the strength of their core value system. I am glad America, under the Obama administration, is back on track. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to follow.
Ghaith Ghantous