Subscribe to Listverse
It is a very easy thing to hate the United States of America right now. But why? We stormed the beaches at Normandy, saved Europe from economic ruin with the Marshall plan (thanks for paying off the loan, Norway. Anybody else? Anybody? Bueller?), invented the Internet, uprooted tyrants, and give foreign aid away like it was candy. We want to be the good guys and thought we were. Yet we just can’t seem to get any love these days. How’d we get here? Well… [JFrater: as the representative of Listverse, I would like to say that we don't hate America - in fact, I had one of my greatest holidays there. This list will no doubt cause a storm - be calm and debate nicely!]
The first reason: we act like the world revolves around us. America presumes much for a country generously dated at 300 years old. China has latrines ten times older than that. A quick example: many countries play baseball, but only we have the “World Series”. We’re getting better about our egocentrism, but it’s been a loooong time coming. And don’t get me started about our tourists. Just smile and take the money- they’re loud, but they’ll be gone in a week.
Okay, I’ll concede Vietnam, tennis (but we don’t care) and Kenyan marathon runners. But we win damn near everything else, eventually. The Space Race. The Cold War. Tour de France. The list goes on and on. Even we hate the Olympics now that our professionals are allowed to participate straight up with the underaged/doping communist nations. It’s boring for us, but as a Red Sox/Bolton Wanderers fan, I know the angst that chronic losing against bigger and better funded opponents generates. And if we don’t have the best athletes/scientists/entertainers, we’ll make sure they get a chance to immigrate while others wait in line. That’s gotta sting. Oh, Yao Ming and Ichiro say “Hi”.
Why? Because we can. Americans are the second fattest industrialized nation per capita (sorry, Australia). But as always, we make up for it in volume. We can afford automobiles so we don’t ride bikes or walk anywhere except for fun, and thanks to abundant agricultural surpluses, ANYTHING we want to eat is readily available from takeaway restaurants and convenience stores. Some of our refrigerators could hide an entire human body. And we like the fatty stuff, because fat tastes good. This is NOT a good thing, and our global franchises (KFC, McDonald’s) are already infecting nations that traditionally had healthier diets (are you listening, Japan?)
The United States is the inventor and only wartime practitioner of nuclear weapons (never mind that using them prevented an invasion that would make the Iraqi insurgency look like a blowjob. “Operation Downfall”, the now-declassified US plan to invade Japan, estimated 1 Million American casualties alone). Lax security protocols (and clever spying) spread the secret to the USSR and after that the genie got out of the bottle. Many countries now have atomic weapons, and with no clear Cold War counterpart to US supremacy, the balance has shifted, and the peace dividend has not been kind post 9/11.
Though accounting for only 5 percent of the world’s population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world’s energy. (American Almanac), and we are the world’s largest single emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 23 percent of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide. (U.S. Department of Energy). This, while worldwide, some 2 billion people are currently without electricity. (U.S. Department of Energy). The good news is that among industrialized and developing countries, Canada consumes per capita the most energy in the world, and the United Sates is only second. Italy consumes the least among industrialized countries (that’s because they still drive Fiats, which “conserve” energy by breaking every other day).
The United States has the most advanced army in the world. We station our military in other countries at their “request”, which is a source of much seething and hurt national pride. From Banana Republics, to the Cold War, to the War on Terror, we routinely interfere in the business of other countries to make the world safe for our interests, whether anybody asked for it or not. Even if the intentions are both right and good, many countries resent our involvement in their affairs on sheer principle: they’d rather f*** it up themselves. Are you listening, North Korea?
A thriving market economy and near total freedom of expression liberate Americans to pursue almost every endeavor imaginable, resulting in some of the greatest discoveries and inventions in the history of man, from the first practical light bulb to powered flight, polio vaccines, radio and TV, space exploration, the Internet, and unfortunately, everything in between. So that means ubercrap like Jerry Springer and Britney Spears gets exported worldwide. No, I’m being too kind there– “force fed” worldwide. Other cultures despise this with a mix of dread, envy, and loathing. They can’t figure out how to cull the good from the bad out of this torrent (neither can we, btw)—but once it takes hold, it won’t let go. This what the Islamic world fears most. Tanks, they understand. An educated, employed woman horny and clubbing on Friday night they simply can’t fathom. And it scares the crap out of them.
Despite the hyperbole bandied online, strong political opinions won’t get your door kicked in at 3 AM like in the Gulag Archipelago. There are no Stalinist purges or killing fields here. And the FBI/CIA/ATF/DEA/PTA will not shoot you on sight simply because you speak against The Surge or march against the Economic Stimulus Plan. But it’s certainly fun to claim a fear of it! You become an instant radical and feel intellectually enlightened to boot– patriotism is an uncritical, reflexive act, right?– only a deep thinker would hate his country (yet stay on to enjoy its privileges). And don’t worry about proof, because all that matters is the accusation. Volume and conviction win the day, so toss that bibliography—grab half the story and make the rest up. If you get caught in a logic box, claim satire. Other countries see this lack of consequences and pile on.
From Vietnam to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski to “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq to finding Osama Bin Laden, we seem to do most of the work, but keep a lot of things hanging on, never quite finished. Eventually the answer makes itself known, but it usually takes time, and involves help from others after a lot of (necessary) heated discussions. Maybe we should try this as as a first course of action more often…
We are a nation of doers, and our errors (when they occur) will be from acts of commission, not omission (Hypocrisy Alert: Darfur). Sometimes that’s a great thing, like sending Kruschev’s missiles back home, breaking Gaddafi’s/Qaddafi’s/Kaddafi’s nuclear ambitions (his nukes are now safely tucked away in Oak Ridge, Tennessee), or winning the Cold War. Other times, it blows up in our (and often, YOUR) face. Our attempts to spread democracy worldwide, intended to let others enjoy the same freedoms and advantages that we have, sometimes result in innocent people dying. We must stop to remember the Somalia embassy, Madrid and Fiji and Lockerbie 101 bombings, along with the millions of nameless others who suffered and died in countries that are not free. The US is the biggest face opposing these things that actually does anything (not just talk, FRANCE. You railed about Guantanamo but when it came time to release prisoners you took ONE.), but our allies often bear the brunt of our “foreign” wars, because the enemy cannot reach us. That has changed recently, and while it has altered our perspective, it has not altered our resolve.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:07 am
forgot that you are ignorant… time to learn about other cultures other than yours, the language you speak is english not american, canada is not your hat and not all canadians speak french or are covered in snow, not all mexicans are poor border jumpers, i could go on and on but this was a funny list
May 14th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I think SOME (read that again, it says SOME not ALL) people hate America ’cause they’re jealous. I’m not trying to be a jerk, but it’s true.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:08 am
those loans were donated from the federal reserve to place countries in debt, giving the federal reserve the power to call in the loans at any time, therefore creating a depression and allowing them to buy up chunks of the world economy.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:13 am
There not excuses but i think more vaild reasons.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Destiny its arrogance and big headedness like that is just the reason why people dont like america. Full of idiots who believe themselves to be better than other people. Im not trying to be a jerk, but it’s true.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Okay… tick tick tick…. BOOM!
I just wanna say that okay, some of these things make me frown but America has soooo much more to be proud of than they do to be ashamed of. I have shoes older than America but the country kicks ass man, look at all they’ve achieved! And the people are the proudest in the world and for that I think you all rock. You are the good guys, you do get bad press but so what? I’d have a cold one with any of you at anytime! World would be a very boring place without ya’ll!
From an Irish girl who’’s never stepped foot in the Land of the Free!
)
May 14th, 2009 at 1:15 am
@4. Jamie_Mac
Agreed, I forgot to mention that, they are reasons, the argument of whether they’re valid or not will no doubt bog this page down to troll levels within hours though
May 14th, 2009 at 1:16 am
There’s no excuses to hate america there’s only facts and if you have doubts to the research.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:17 am
I don’t hate America. I’ve liked most Americans I’ve ever met. But this list can be summed up with the real reason America may be despised: you’re so insufferably sanctimonious. This site is fast going to hell with crap like this.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Jamie_Mac
It’s judgmenta attitudes like YOURS that makes Americans hate foreigners. I’m not trying to be a jerk but it’s true. Think before you speak…… or write in this instance. Lol.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Man, I can already feel the shit starting to hit the fan.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:22 am
The US didn’t invent the internet.. that’s why we in Europe don’t like the US.. being arrogant isn’t a good thing. In the name of ‘peace’ invading a country isn’t a good thing too..
May 14th, 2009 at 1:22 am
yeah you invented nuclear weapons and won the space race after taking german war criminals who were responsible for the deaths of thousands of people into american to create your rockets which were fired into my country, your country is all about the fast buck and wooo america f*ck yeah!!!! ignorant dumb people who create lists like this which incites more hatred at your pure arrogance even though your country is a bastard nation which created by us the europeans, you guys killed your own native peoples once you started breeding, yeah real nice, and to say sorry you give the few natives left land to build casinos on, typical americans, throw money at it, nothing but a country of bullies and die hard patriotic idiots for a bastard nation, you have nothing to be proud of at all, you only entered world war 2 because pearl harbour got bombed, you joined the last year after ACTUALLY brave men had been fighting tyranny for years unlike your present day presence in iraq which is all about oil, im going to write a list of reasons people hate americans and why they are right!!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:23 am
America didnt invent the net it was invented and concieved at C.E.R.N on the swiss border. got your facts wrong before you even started the list dude
May 14th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Biltz17
Like terrorists of the Muslim community a Tiny amount make the whole lot look bad.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:25 am
DaVega, How would you rather the U.S. invade a country? In the name of Aryan Supremacy perhaps, the way that Nazi Germany took over part of Europe?
May 14th, 2009 at 1:27 am
Woohoo!
I’m a Bolton Wanderers fan, i go watch them every week!
And yes, we do lose most games
May 14th, 2009 at 1:30 am
@ blitz17 ok so you have terrosit group in afghanistan and you invade iraq? yeah…………. war on terror, not war on a country which nothin, who did iraq invade? they were only guilty of killing there own people, if that is why american invade why arent they in somalia? or any of the other countries practising genocide? you have a gung ho culture which is brainwashed by your very calculating media, id say the majority of americans are clapping seals which go along with whatever company has the most money to spend on advertsing, you can win a u.s presidential election if you have 400 million dollars, anybody could do it, all about money.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:30 am
Correct me if I’m wrong, but most people hate Americans, just the Gov, ect.
Good list none the less
May 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am
it would be a good list if written by somebody objective, it was quite clealry written by an american with the type of attitude which everybody hates.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Americans are so self-centred, they think everyone hates them! (ha ha)
The thing I hate most about America; the fact that the default spell checker on most computers is American English means that I´m constantly having to inform my computer that it´s centre not center, organise not organize, labour not labor etc etc etc.
And even if I change the settings to English English, it reverts. How´s that for cultural imperialism.
Here´s a funny link for all the USA bashers – http://www.cracked.com/article_17310_i-blame-england-everything-defense-america.html
May 14th, 2009 at 1:33 am
I can say as an Italian that hypocrisy is the 1st reason to hate america. US create the prolems that they pretend then to fix: look at how US have fucked up things in Iran, as an example. Same wemnt for Saddam Hussein or for Talibans.
US feed terrorists, train them, give them weapons and THEN pretend to save the world from their menace.
US have their best friend in dictatorships but still pretend to act in the name of freedom.
President Bush even swore US were acting in the name of god. This is frankly too much.
(and, yes, thanks, you “saved Italy from the nazis”. to bad you did it using the connections Mafia had in your country, giving our nation to them ever since)
May 14th, 2009 at 1:34 am
@ blitz17
Your first sentance is why we don’t like the US either.. why should the US invade a country in the first place? In the name of trying to spread the ‘all-american’ culture? Anyway.. Europe is way more advanced in science than the USA..
And whilst the USA has the biggest and most technically advanced army in the world.. their bridges are collapsing due to poor maintenance in the past 30 years..
May 14th, 2009 at 1:35 am
You forgot the most important one. They have very shitty beer. Oh yeah and the illegal war they started that ended up killing millions of Iraqis…..
May 14th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Jamie_Mac, and even knowing how a small ammount of the population makes the rest look bad, you continue to judge us and call us a country with people with “arrogance and big headedness.”
Just to make things clear, I’m not one of those hardcore patriotic Americans who tend to take things too far. I am a first generation Mexican-American born from parents who were illegal immigrants, and even having Mexican roots I still identify myself as an American first and Mexican second. I do admit however that America has its flaws, as does any country, and I also recognize that it is my duty as an American citizen to question my government and its desicions and speak up if I do not like where things are going.
Davross, you are right, the U.S. had no business being in Iraq, that was a fuck up on behalf of our leaders and I disagreed with it from day one. Like I said, America isn’t perfect but its up to its citizens to speak up and try and change America and it’s policy for the better.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Don’t hate americans i meant.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:37 am
sure you stormed the beaches at normandy but did you forget so did multiple other nations, just because american movies don’t show other nations fighting on dday doesn’t mean it to be true, hell americans didn’t even get close to coming to their objective on d-day…doughboy
May 14th, 2009 at 1:39 am
gaius: you are wrong – the Internet was “invented” so to speak by Americans. You are confusing the Internet with the World Wide Web which WAS invented at CERN by an Englishman Tim Berners-Lee.
The fathers of the Internet are: Vinton Cerf, and Lawrence Roberts – both from Connecticut, Leonard Kleinrock (from New York), and Robert Kahn (also from the US).
May 14th, 2009 at 1:40 am
I do not hate America. I’ve got few friends who are American. NOT ! !
May 14th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Oh – and let’s not turn this into an American bashing comment session
Discuss the merits of the items listed!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:41 am
@jfrater
And what excactly is the difference between the Internet and the WWW in your opinion..?
May 14th, 2009 at 1:42 am
@ blitz17 but do you not see that what keeps this going is absolutely idiotic americans who continue the above opinions which makes other countries believe that you are all like the guy who wrote this list?
May 14th, 2009 at 1:43 am
cmon on jfrater that is why you posted this list, to get debates and discussions, every comment thus far has been on the merits of the list, perhaps a few points missed or could have been adds but i think you knew exactly what would happen the minute this list was posted
May 14th, 2009 at 1:44 am
I still say the shitty beer is the reason most people hate americans.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Da Vega: WWW is what made Internet usable by common people. Gopher, FTP, Telnet, MIRC… The old Internet is now unknown to 99% of its users.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:44 am
THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH AMERICA IS ITS FULL OF AMERICANS
May 14th, 2009 at 1:44 am
DaVega, your third sentence is why a lot of Americans tend to dislike Europeans, or get the wrong impression about Europeans at least. Its because people like you are always trying to one-up America by saying “Well Europe is WAY more advanced in science than the USA” like if its some kind of contest, or who knows, maybe you just have a superiority complex.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:46 am
it has no merits, hence the american bashing, you have a responsiblity to post culturaly diverse topics, you have a multitude of visitiors from every country, then you go an stick a why america is better than everyone else list in and dont expect people to be unhappy?
i agree the internet was invented by americans but it was invented to keep communications going if there ever was cold war between underground bunkers, another war invention. all american achievments are made at times of war of near war, its the only thing that enthuses them to take any action, bullets!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:47 am
i think Team AMerica:world police nailed american attitudes perfectly, come in blow shit up bring a city to ruins and then wonder why people aren’t thanking you, crazy puppet sex movie got it right
May 14th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Davross, I fully see that problem and I recognize that the only way that I can fix it as an individual is by obtaining a good education and not acting like the other complete asses that make America look bad. I’m sorry, but try as hard as I can, I can’t change others, only myself. But next time I’m abroad, I’ll continue being nice so that you can see that not all Americans are self-centered trash.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Americans really are not that bad, its just the stereotype thats seen bad, but what race isn’t seen as bad from a stereotype?
May 14th, 2009 at 1:52 am
canadian
May 14th, 2009 at 1:53 am
auastralian
May 14th, 2009 at 1:53 am
davega – it isn’t a matter if opinion – the www came 20 years later and is a method of sharing documents with markup on the Internet. The Internet includes all the underlying technologies. Without the net you have no web, but without the web you still have the net.
Things on the net that have nothing to do with the web: email, bittorrents, FTP, newsgroups, telnet, etc. Furthermore, most of those existed before the web as well.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:53 am
porteguese
May 14th, 2009 at 1:54 am
i have never heard a bad thing about porteguese
May 14th, 2009 at 1:54 am
i love americans in general, hot women, good junk food, muscle cars, hot, loads of merits but what ruins it is arrogance, do you see me bragging that we invented the TV? the phone? disc brakes? fax machines, electric motors, depth charges, jet engines, car engines, penicillin, steam engine, toilet paper, submarine etc etc, cos i know already, i dont feel the need to push the fact somebody i have no relation to did something? americans go ON and ON and ON about stuff there forefathers did.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:57 am
go canada!!!!!!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:57 am
oh – and everyday I use telnet, email, FTP, and IRC just to manage this website. Without them it would be nearly impossible. This is probably true for the majority of people who work with websites
May 14th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I think the real reason people hate Americans is because we genuinely do not give a shit that you hate us.
Seriously.
I smile every time someone bashes America, which just infuriates them more. It isn’t because they don’t make valid points. This list proves that there are valid reasons to hate the country.
It’s because YOU care so much. It just comes off as an inferiority complex. Are you actually inferior? Not necessarily. But damn, you sure act like it, and until you stop, we’ll always be able to dangle that “best country in the world” claim over your heads.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:59 am
lol Canadians are hated in america, australians are seen as surfy dumbarse and porteguese are apprently sketcky
May 14th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Davross, my point exactly, why brag about anything at all? Is it going to accomplish anything? No. I haven’t bragged, you haven’t outright bragged, although you sort of did, but I forgive you, DaVega on the other hand is over there bragging about how Europe is better at Science than the US like if its really going to affect my life. People need to stop being arrogant in general, no matter where they’re from.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:00 am
@ jfrater
AND
whats your point? americans invented the internet…. agreed.
Shall we go on about it 40 years after its inception?
american also invaded vietnam, why do you not go on about that? bragging just incites the anger which people ave towards American, again see a list of british inventions above.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:01 am
no Corey its because of people like you who have achived nothing, america is a great nation that we europeans started.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:03 am
I love the really trashy shows like Jerry Springer. What a hilarious show! It is the less trashy stuff like Oprah and Doctor Phil that really get on my tits.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:05 am
Davross, Europe is also a great place, that WE AMERICANS saved from the clutches of Nazism.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:08 am
yeah i agree bltz but why did you join the war?
cos millions of jew were being slaughtered? russians? polish? french? any of those?
becuase a country invaded another country and it wasnt right?
any other reason that wasnt selfish?
NOPE
you joined becuase japan premptively attacked you in a move which threatned YOUR trading shipping lanes.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:08 am
OIL yet again
May 14th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Davross, answer truthfully, who benefitted most from America entering the war? Hmm….?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:09 am
We Americans, If i recall correctly Germany had already started to lose the war by the time Pearl Harbour happened. They may have spread up the process but they are in no way the nation that saved Europe from Nazism. I believ that was good ole communist Russia
May 14th, 2009 at 2:10 am
davross – I am not bragging – I am not American or European – I was just clearing up the misconception that the web is the net
May 14th, 2009 at 2:11 am
sped up the process sorry.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:12 am
The tone and wording used in this give off that arrogance that people dislike Americans for. Even when talking about why people hate us, we can’t seem to do it with humiliation or modesty.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Oh davross, how could I possibly argue with the all-powerful ad hominem attack?
I’m sure America is full of people who “achieve nothing” while every single citizen of every single other country goes on to do extraordinary things. That’s logical.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:13 am
60. jeremy – Actually, no, your facts are way off. Not that the U.S. deserves sole credit for winning WWII, but Russia would not have done it without us. Nor would England. Or any of Europe.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:13 am
yes Russia was the country which lost the most 12 million or something, the nazis tried to make a push to take over russis in the winter, not a good move if you have ever seen a russian winter, russia slowly drew back and let the nazis in but stood there ground and the german grew weak and forces too spread out, the americans i will not deny helped but they joined in 1942 after 2 years of heavy war with the biggest of nazi forces.
jeremy if your american my hat is off to you sir, well said.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:14 am
ha ha ha corey do you know what you are talking about? clearly not by that sentence,
May 14th, 2009 at 2:15 am
@ Trigun472 nail……..on……….. head
May 14th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Jeremy, I highly doubt that you are a genuine American. “Pearl HARBOUR” gave it away. Haha. Nice try though.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:19 am
@ corey
After Hitler realized he could not invade England without control of the air (which he could not obtain), he turned his attention towards the East. He invaded Russia in June of 1941. By December of that same year, he was on the outskirts of Moscow; tough Russian defense (combined with one of the coldest winters in history) allowed Russia to hold German forces, and counterattack in some places. In 1942, Hitler decided to turn his army south, towards Stalingrad. The German army was almost successful, but could not quite capture city; indeed, the Russian army turned the tables and trapped nearly 250,000 German’s in the city. Unable to supply the troops by air, eventually the surrounded troops were killed or surrended (the last of them in February, 1943). In the Summer of 1943, the largest tank battle in history took place at Kursk; Germany was defeated by a numerically superior force. From then on, Germany was on the defense, and Russian continually pushed them back until the final capture of Berlin in 1945. Despite what you might read in the history books, at the cost of million of lives, Russian was the country that stopped the German jaugernaut and turned the tables on Germany. I’m not saying they did it alone, or were doing it for the Allies, but there is no disputing that Russian blood was spilled taking Berlin.
no americans involved, see you even like to think that no matter what people cant do anything without you, 20 million russians died to fight tyranny, how many maericans have died in iraq? 100 or something ?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:20 am
@ dbrownl : You’ve never heard bad things about portuguese? you should read a history book… they started worldwide slavery trade, they were the last europeans to let go of their overseas colonies reigning them for over 500 years, they ruled the world for years by killing innocent people! And now they’re coming back with a very sneecky European Union ordeal!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:21 am
I cant remember specifically but by the time America had entered the ETO Russia had already sent Nazi Germany back past their initial lines and were gaining territory of their own, thus meaning that they were retreating. If you want to give praise to any one nation over another it would most certainly be Russia, I do agree that the war couldnt have been won without the involvment of all nations but that seems to be another reason why people are not too fond of America. They think that they are the reason WW2 was won by the allies and do not acknowledge any other nation in that war.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
I’m a native american and I can’t stand a lot of americans. Well the stupid ones who hold grudges against any other country or race for sh*t that happened a long ass time ago. I hate racist people. I’ve had to deal with rascist people all my life. There are dumb americans and they’re are the not so dumb ones but I think as a whole, Americans are so full of themselves. I’m Yakama Indian. I live in Wapato, WA and this is my opinion…
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
@ Blitz
I never claimed to be American, i am a Canadian and it is a pesky little habit to write ou rather then just o.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
70. davross
erm.. he couldnt gain control england because he did not control the sea. Not the air, althought the raf did amazing Germany pretty much did control the air.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
What I do not like about the government in the U.S. is its policy of hypocrisy. At least in countries like China the government admits (for the most part) the wrongs they are doing (censorship etc.) where as in the U.S. they say one thing but do the opposite. I am not saying China is a better place to live by any means. It just really boils my blood to see such a big country to be so sneaky. In America you have a “democracy”. But all the applicants represent the same politicians with essentially have the same policies. So is it really a democracy? The fact they see themselves as “good guys” yet have been involved in more wars than any other nation in the last hundred years, is currently the world largest arms exporter, is the only country to use nuclear weapons in war and has the nerve to tell other nations they are not responsible enough to build them.
These traits are not exclusive to the United States. It’s the fact that it is such a powerful nation that people highlight this so much. I do not dislike Americans but I do dislike their government. In fact I dislike almost all governments.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
LOL I love the remarks you made for each point. Entertaining list! I have yet to visit America. Bit far away from my lovely New Zealand
May 14th, 2009 at 2:24 am
jamie that is a direct quote from a site about ww2 lol, argue with it if you want
May 14th, 2009 at 2:25 am
Amen Davross – Blitz 17 – you’re an idiot. Your forces won the war IN THE PACIFIC – but AFTER the japs had already been stopped cold in New Guinea by Australian (and Kiwi) soldiers – and we were fighting far superior numbers with less resources.
However – as for Europe, y June 1944, Germany was already on the back foot – they’d been driven out of Africa (without American help) and Frence and Italy were already shaky thanks to the Resistance fighters in each country. Germany itself was already falling apart – thanks to bombing by the BRITISH – RAF:
America, as usual, came in late, threw a few bucks toward the cause and then claimed THEY had won the war – just like they did in 1918 when their soldiers arrived in France for the last few months of the war – again AFTER the tide had already turned!!!
YOU are a classic case of why most of the rest of the world can’t stand you: that and the fact that you know shit about countries outside your own borders” I have lost count of the number of friends, famiy and acquaintances who have been to the US and been asked “Where are you from?” When they answer “Australia” the reply is usually (about 90% of the time) “What State is that in?”
Americans are nice: at least all the ones I know are – as individuals they’re great people – pity you can’t repeat the attitude as a nation and a people!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:26 am
I like Jerry Springer – it makes me realise I’m not a stupid redneck whose f*cking my cousin. Seriously though, the Americans I have met are nothing like the ones on TV. And not nearly as fat either.
Funny story – my friend used to work in a shop in Dublin city centre that sells Irish products and this elderly American couple came in looking for kilts and the cashier said we don’t sell kilts but could buy tartan material. The man said something along the lines of ‘this is disgraceful, we’re in Scotland and we can’t even buy a kilt’. They were amazed to find out they were actually in Ireland.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:27 am
We must admit despite the arrogance, Americans are very smart! Just take a look: a new country who was populated by unwanted europeans, who in 300 years controled and dominated the world faster than any other superpower in history, who make up wars so their citizens can pay less for fuel, they brainwash the world with their culture… and guess what? we all love it!! I bet 7 out of 10 of your favourite movies or music is american, the clothes you wear, the styles, everything… America just put it out there… its not their fault that the whole world swollows their crap with no replies!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:27 am
ALSO
battle of britain, you may have heard of it.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:27 am
“We stormed the beaches at Normandy”
Now, history would suggest that the American landings at Normandy were just a little bit disastrous. For you to not acknowledge the 83,115 non-American soldiers that landed at Normandy is bad enough, but to try and take credit for the whole thing is a travesty. It’s things like this that make everyone hate Amercia(ns).
This list is just valid reasons to dislike America rather than ‘excuses’ people use.
All that said though I had a great time when I went to America, and most American chaps I’ve met have been very nice, but people like you ‘Jay K’ make my blood boil.
ARGGHHH
May 14th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Apologies for the dreadful spelling and grammar.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:29 am
So much disgusting generalization in here.
Anyone who thinks “All Americans are _____” or “All Europeans are _____” is a goddamn fucking moron.
Oh, and the reason why “Portugal” and “Canada” aren’t globally criticized is because THEY’RE NOT WORLD SUPERPOWERS. Why do you think the world doesn’t hate Hawaii? Wisconsin? Massachusetts? Because it’s the United States’ face as a global superpower that’s so easy and trendy to hate. The world doesn’t hate New Yorkers or Californians, but it hates Americans. If the United States consisted of 50 different countries (and thus no powerful federal government to meddle in international affairs), the individual states wouldn’t be any more hated than your typical European country.
Oh, and davross, you’re fucking annoying.
To sum up, people need to realize the difference between:
1. PART of a population and the ENTIRE population
-and-
2. A government and the civilian population.
These things are not one in the same. Learn to distinguish among them, and the world will be a far better place.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Oh and they stole Budweiser from the Czechs and turned it into p*ss. I still drink it but its not nearly as nice as the proper stuff.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Geesh, way to be considerate of people who would desperately love to be entertained by the shitstorm this list has already created but can’t because they have damned exams to revise for! Any chance you could unpost it ’til the weekend? No? Bugger.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Davross, did you really just try to compare WWII and the Iraq War? As for the whole “Russia defeated Germany” argument, Did Russia help defeat Germany? Yes, but it was at the cost of over TEN MILLION of their soldiers and ELEVEN MILLION civilians, their whole tactic was to just keep sending soldiers to their deaths until the German Forces were out of ammuntion, not very smart European thinking if you ask me. Russia just played the numbers game, they had more, but they sure as hell lost a lot more than any other nation that was involved in WWII.
Like I said, not very smart thinking by you Europeans.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:31 am
@Cheeseface
They were the ones who took quite a beating that day though. I give props and respect to all those men regardless of their nations
May 14th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Gotta say, I think this list is hilarious! Maybe that’s coz I’m British and apparently people hate us coz we have bad teeth and drink nothing but tea and warm beer. (I am drinking tea right now though…. delicious English breakfast tea. Aaaah.)
Gotta say though…. Corey – ‘It’s because YOU care so much. It just comes off as an inferiority complex.’ No.
Whilst I don’t want to sound like an ass here, this is entirely not the way it is. The reason people care SO much is because America is one of (if not the) most prominent global power and in the last 8 years or so America has f*cked sh*t up.
I care so much because I understand that America is a vast and powerful nation and thus want to see it run well. I also understand though that America is a relatively ‘young’ country and, well hey, we all makes mistakes when we’re teenagers.
PS – Other commonly cited reasons for disliking America
- Piss poor beer.
- The Bush’s. All of them.
- The fact that your politicians are celebrities and your celebrities politicians.
- Rednecks.
-Republicans.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:32 am
I think its funny americans can brag about being “american” however the usa is almost completely made up of immigrants (apart from nativve americans) that have populated the country in the last 300 years.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:32 am
No one’s mentioned the picture of Bert (from Sesame st.) on the Taliban sign?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:33 am
I think this list is created with an intention of getting responses. Guy…u know exactly what would get more responses. If what u have written is agreeable, the responses wont look like this…. and my two cents….. As u said ur the largest consumers and u only know consuming a lot than to produce. Just compare the Real field production what you do with other countries. Having monet wont haelp all the time. A country should have some intrinsic value and skill than financial transactions and policing. Or just compare the reason why people live & which country lives a meaningful life…if at all you consider living a meaningful life as meaningful.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:34 am
This is my first time commenting on Listverse (though I’ve been an avid reader for about a year now) and I won’t go into reasons for disliking the US (that’s the “country” not its people – I’ve met some likeable Americans though they tend to be a little less than well educated and a bit too much into their appearance). But I was wondering about two things:
Do you seriously consider the Cold War to have had a “WINNER”?
And if you do (as it came up more than once in the list), you believe it to be the US???
I’d have a hard time finding a lot of people to agree to this rather special idea.
Oh, and you forgot one of the reasons most often mentioned when… ehm… not loving the US so much. A nation built on the dead bodies of the people who already were living on the land? Millions of Americans (and yep, that’s them) slaughtered, infected or exiled? Wouldn’t want to have that in my resume…
May 14th, 2009 at 2:34 am
#9 we win everything: NO THEY DONT!
Americans just give importance to what they are good at! The king of sports: Football (soccer)? they only qualify for world cups cos they play against contries that are semi professional, cos their team is crap!! for a nation of 300 million there should be at least 11 excellent players!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:36 am
FindMe: don’t miss our almost as controversial list 10 Common Misconceptions About Britain. It got 500 comments in total – I think this one might beat that though
May 14th, 2009 at 2:37 am
@ Blitz
I hope you are not grouping me as someone who said Russia won the whole war. I said that if you are going to single out any nation of the allies as the reason for winning it should be the Ruskies as they were the ones who really took it on the chin so to speak.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Please don t start about the world war again – we had a very, very elaborate discussion about that some weeks ago !
Anyhow – do read up on the history of nearly ALL latin american nations though. Some nasty things there each time involving the US, protecting their own interest and not caring about the people.
On the other hand – I am from Belgium and one of our first kings is considered the 3rd top mass-murderer in the world (congo). So I am not having any argument around that.
Also, I would really like to point out that as the thread lists correctly, it’s somehow fashionable among young people to start bashing the US. They think they seem moral and intellectual. Really irritates the hell out of me, as usual they are completely ignorant about US history, economy and politics.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:38 am
yeah i would agree if all your opinions weren’t clearly based on trying to defend your country regardles of plain facts, im aware of my countries mistakes, the reason i feel justified is i havent created a list of why my country is better than anyone elses, im merely defending the fact that i have yet to see a why america sucks and why its correct.
its always oooooh everyone hates us so fck them! how about caring people hate you and for what reason? nah? just blow them up?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Anenkova: I didn’t write the list, but I want to comment on your cold war question: in hindsight don’t you think the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communism (albeit technical) in Russia would indicate that the Western allies did win the cold war? It took a long time to happen – but it did happen. I am just curious btw, I haven’t really studied the issue at all.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:40 am
wow. this seems to incite a lot of anger doesnt it. every contry has its issues. im english. and i hate our political correctness and lots of other things. i dislike the stereotypical americans of course. god if all texans are like they are stereotyped then theysd all be gun totting mad men who are completely biggotist. none of us won world war 2. you dont win a war, how can we call it so black and white. if winning is a cease fire after the murders of millions of people then whats a loss? the points in this list do incite the masses with anger. america arent great at everything. football. i think thats probably brazil. cricket. the aussies. rugby. maybe new zealand. ice hockey. i prefer cananada. as for inventions all countries have there own. and each has its own place in history. my personal view of the americans is an extreme dislike for the republican party. ok so god. maybe the creator maybe not. but you cant use him as an excuse in a modern lifestyle. doesnt work. now as a european im probably more inclined to dislike the french than the americans. doesnt mean i have to force my opinions on people. so in all fairness. americans…maybe you did start from the people we didnt want anymore. but youve built an amazingly strong culture. you just lose your way with the fact that as a stereotype you do take in too much of the hype about how great you are. when in all fairness. noones better than anyone else. everyones just different. and im proud to be english. and im sure your all proud of youre countries. so dont put it down. but dont kick people in the teeth for feeling the same way respectively.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Its been said that in 2030 65% of Americas population will be hispanic! So brush up on your spanish, hombres!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:41 am
And the 6th point was too good….. There is no relation between the heading & content. Title says Green but what all you do is to pollute & the funny part is you say that as an achievement. First sign Kyoto treaty man… Then talk about pollution. Unless, there is no moral right to pollute the world, whatsoever…..
May 14th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Anenkova, do you honestly believe Europe was created peacefully and without any sort of bloodshed? If you do you are seriously deluded. Has America done terrible things? Yes. Is it the only country in the face of the earth to do terrible things? No, I can think of a few that have dont MUCH worse.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:42 am
What country is davross from? The TV and phone were invented by Americans, the submarine was technically invented by the British (in theory) or the Dutch (in practice). Jet Engines were invented by the Germans. Is davross so fat that he spreads across three countries and two continents?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:44 am
@cas1989
The Loss of this war would have meant the eradication of every living Jew in the world and Global dominance by Nazi Germany. I would consider it a win
May 14th, 2009 at 2:46 am
see thank you jordon g. you are making a valid point. every country invents things. and weapons. we british made quite a few guns ourselves i believe. so lets not go overboard with our anger here. surely we have better things to say. for example. disney land. OMG THATS AWESOME. i may be 19 but who doesnt love pluto. seriously
May 14th, 2009 at 2:46 am
is alexander graham bell american? could have sworn he was scottish jordan?
http://sln.fi.edu/franklin/inventor/bell.html
tv was invented by john logie baird another scottish man
Scottish inventor, John Logie Baird, the father of this pervasive technology, first publicly demonstrated television on 26 January 1926, in his small laboratory in the Soho district of London.
god you are dumb!!!!!
Frank Whittle, a British pilot, who designed the first turbo jet engine in 1930. The first Whittle engine successfully flew in April, 1937.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:46 am
@Travis
Have you seen the South Park episode goobacks? If you havent then you should.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:46 am
88. that because Russia had an enormous border with Nazi Germany… i can’t imagine any other way to protect yourself. In fact, their 3 line tactical defense protected Russia quite effectively, and was military genius, even if it did lose lives.
Also, America didn’t enter the war until much much later, so their casualties were obviously a lot lower. It’s pretty easy to poke fun at European suffering when America was an ocean away.
No. 1 – America does seem to act unilaterally these days, but not forgetting that it was great American leaders (i.e. Wilson) who started up the world’s most prominent
international multilateral organisations.
You know, I don’t think people really hate America as such, and the majority of people probably aren’t JEALOUS of the United States… why would I be jealous of a superpower country with a failed health system and is self-righteously pursuing its flawed moral authority? This is of course somewhat of a generalisation because it depends on the kind of administration running the country.
However, I have a feeling people who intellectually hate America do so because the American administrations have self-righteously pursued FLAWED objectives. For example, the Bush administration thought they could lie to us about Iraq. Or, the United States acts to stop some things, yes, acts… but not talks… and this action is based on ‘American’ judgement rather than global consensus… it would be great if American judgement was always right, but, unfortunately, no one is perfect, and it is probably this fact that American governments have always acted based on self-righteousness rather than intellectually logical ‘righteousness’ that causes others to hate the country.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:47 am
ha ha ha ha jordan
im stunned by your total ignorance, did you go to school?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:47 am
Travis, dude, I’m hispanic, and I know that right now the Hispanic population in the US is only at 15%, so unless we ALL get REAAALLLY busy, I somehow don’t see it exploding to 65% in only 20 years.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:48 am
If other countrymen from all over the world hate America so damn much, why are most of our large corporations owned by foreigners? Why haven’t you gone out and built up your own mega-franchises and skyscraping office buildings to benefit your own people? Why do you come here to America to spend all your money?
I spent 18 months in the middle-east country of Oman about four years ago. All I saw were Brits working the middle-eastern owned oil companies. All I saw were women treated like dirt. All I saw were Indian and Pakistani immigrants working as slaves (yes, slaves). And the whole time I was there I saw one public church in the city of Muscat. It was all denominational, because that is all the Muslim Sultan would allow… and I might add here … that’s all the homosexual sultan would allow. It was well known that he was gay, but because he was the sultan, he was never ridiculed.
From what I read up there in the list, it’s basically just a big joke as to why you might hate America, although most are valid points. But after visiting just one foreign country, I was desparate to get back to American soil. Where as a woman, I can drive my car myself wearing a two piece thong bikini if I want to, listening to Christian music or hell-bent rock-n-roll and most people won’t even look my way.
Go on wich’yo bad self, Lady Liberty!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Lucky Jamie, neither European, nor American. (So am I)
Anyways, i think the majority amongst us believe that America is just a great nation (concerning science, tech, sports, entertainment, money etc. etc.), but your pesky Govt. ruines the image (of liberty, freedom, enfranchisement etc. etc.). Lets see, G. Bush admitted that invading Iraq was a (massive) mistake, Dick Cheney … well, everyone knows, & Donald Rumsfeld (probably equal to Dr. Josef Mengele) threw a typical ‘American’ apology to the world. They admitted that they were mistaken in believing Irq had WMD’s. So, the hundreds of thousands of people killed in Iraq are compensated by a weany shit sorry ? I dont think so. Also there is Vietnam, then there is Korea ( where American forces made over 80% of the U.N forcs), then there is Afghanistan, where America is trying (in other words, pretending) to destroy some religious fundamentalist & extremist groups which it has itself created to fight the so called monster of communist Russia? (Rusiian invasion of Afghanistan). And now, they have started bombing Pakistani Tribal Areas which, despite numerous govt. protests, have had no effect on the American administration whatsoever. No offence intended, but you see, you own political leadership is destroying your image, not that we have any grudge against Americans.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Sigh… This isn’t exactly what I hoping to read when I first woke up this morning. Guess I’ll just have to keep on rocking in the free world.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 am
is alexander graham bell american? could have sworn he was scottish jordan?
http://sln.fi.edu/franklin/inventor/bell.html
tv was invented by john logie baird another scottish man
Scottish inventor, John Logie Baird, the father of this pervasive technology, first publicly demonstrated television on 26 January 1926, in his small laboratory in the Soho district of London.
god you are dumb!!!!!
Frank Whittle, a British pilot, who designed the first turbo jet engine in 1930. The first Whittle engine successfully flew in April, 1937.
ha ha i cant get over your dumbness
bet he doesnt comment again
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 am
ahhh jeremy. thats a really good point there. mean of course in theoretical terms yes. but in the same instance. it was a horrendous loss of life really. for all the merits of winning. we have to look at the fact that those poor people in those mass graves. looking down from heaven are still saying. ” you could have done it a lot faster if youd have stopped hitler when you saw him amassing an army to take poland…you bastards” you see what i mean
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Yes, davross, please *do* tell us what marvelously flawless country *you’re* from.
Oh, and it sounds like a lot of you guys don’t have problems with AMERICANS, but rather, American CONSERVATIVES. Politically/culturally/socially, the US is essentially two different countries geographically interspersed. Blaming American liberals for George W. Bush is like blaming France for the Third Reich.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Sigh… This wasn’t exactly what I was hoping to read when I first woke up this morning. Guess I’ll just keep on rocking in the free world.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
@Blitz
You dont necesarilly need to procreate for the Hispanic population to go up. It justdepends if it is legal or illegal population
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
America did not win the space race! Not even close! Russia won. Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin.. Ok you can have the moon, but not without controversies.
And for the record, I hate america
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
91. “I think its funny americans can brag about being “american” however the usa is almost completely made up of immigrants (apart from nativve americans) that have populated the country in the last 300 years.”
Err… if you haven’t realised… being American is not an ethnicity, its a nationalism.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
People hate Americans in our Era just like they hated English in the 19th Century, France in the 18th, Spain in the 17th, Portugal in the 16th, Romans before Christ, Persians (whenever)! every century has a bully just like every school year. The diference is that because the media is so advanced nowadays we know about more at a real time frame!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 am
dbrownl said: “forgot that you are ignorant… time to learn about other cultures other than yours,…”
Yeah, right. America bows to other cultures more than any other country in the world. Go to south Florida or any large city and see where the “American Way” has been overrun by the “cuban way”, “peurto rican” way, “indian” way, etc…We accept all values and go out of our way to accept them AND celebrate them. YET Another reason our country is the BEST.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:51 am
@ Archangel .110
I am Canadian so most definetaly not jeleous of americans and their shitty beer
May 14th, 2009 at 2:51 am
JFrater: Oh but I know
I thought that list was hilarious! There were some additions I could think of:
- We don’t all live in castles
- We aren’t all alcoholics
- Some of our teenage girls aren’t actually pregnant (yet).
I have to say though, I still get a kick out of the fact that nearly every house I’ve ever lived in is older than America…. widdle ol’ USA :p
I must concede however that a lot of the negative feelings about America stem from a certain ‘coolness’. That certainly rings true amongst the student population (and all the goddamn first year Political science kids. UGH!)
I still don’t understand the logic of being able to drive at 15, buy a gun at 16/18 (verification anyone) but not being able to drink till you’re 21!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:52 am
calm-incense
do i have to repeat it a million times?
British people do lots of bad things, we ruiled the world at the point of a sword while your ntavive people were running around in loin clothes but we dont go on and on and on about why everyone hates us and why?
we know, so we are shamed by it, not bragging why you are wrong to hate us in a list.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:53 am
people hate america because they write rubbish like this
May 14th, 2009 at 2:53 am
Also, you could combine 5 & 6.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:54 am
I don’t know much about the Cold War but I’d be inclined to say that Soviet economic problems and numerous revolutions across Eastern Europe, which led to the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, were the main catalyst, of the end of the Cold War.
Although I’m probably wrong here and pressing submit will make me look foolish.
For you history buffs it’s the 54th anniversary of when the Pact was signed.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Okay, the opening paragraph just shows the person who wrote this is completely blind/oblivious to things they don’t want to accept;
First of all, D-day serves as a small tale of heroics in comparison to what Russia was involved in during their time in World War II. they lost well over 20 million lives, half of which were soldiers. While America lost under half a million. American are usually praised for their menial contribution in allied victory.
On top of that, America helps countries only when their interests are being attacked. the marshall plan was used to stop the spread of communism, to stop a ridiculous theory that governments would collapse to communism across europe *domino theory* Coming from the person who wrote that opening paragraph, i suppose you think the americans are really helping the middle east aren’t they, completely in ignorance of their presence in the middle east as an action to obtain oil.
Much like how americans take credit for everything, in addition to being the largest factor in gaining victory in World War II, americans believe they invented the internet. The internet was created by Tim Berners Lee, an englishman. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Berners_Lee
I could say so much more but I doubt the stubborn brain of yours would comprehend furtehr than this paragraph.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:55 am
.128 ari —
what rubish??
Oh .. you mean the truth… ok.. just clearing that up.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:55 am
@cas1989
Dont even get me started with the heaven thing lol. And yeah they could have stopped him earlierm but 20 years earlier they lost countless millions of lives and were looking to do things a little more peaceful. EVen if it meant conceding some countries to Germany.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:56 am
113. CatChick1964
Isn’t that such a bad generalisation? Firstly, you were in an Islamic country (not saying all Islamic countries are like this)… secondly, the business world is owned by American and Western corporations in majority because of how the West exploited (perhaps innocently) the economy from way back then to perhaps until now.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:56 am
@ blitz7 :
hispanics are the ethnic group in the USA that have more children and they’re the biggest immigration wave in the world! but the study could be wrong!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Archangel, even with the huge border it is still a really high ammount of deaths, close to TWENTY-FIVE MILLION, over 4 times the number of deaths that the Jews suffered at the hands of Germany, on the other hand, France only lost half a million people, and the same goes for the UK, only about half a million people. Russia failed to properly protect its citizens and paid the price. You can’t deny that France and the UK were just as involved in the war as Russia and yet they didn’t suffer such heavy casualties.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:56 am
This article is absolutely pathetic, possibly the worst garbage i have ever read. I honestly fear for your sanity. The reason why people hate America is because we protect our economic interests around the world directly through bull shit wars, overthrowing democratically elected leaders, supplying guns and training to terrorist groups around the world. We basically started the extremist Islamic movement, most of our citizens believe that a 2000 year old zombie is going to forgive them of our sins making most of us literally insane. I would go on but this is a waste of time. Seriously when I think of America its like a bunch of retards with a nuke doing what ever the hell they want.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:56 am
As of myself, i like Americans as free, loving, caring And intellectually (somewhat) superior to others, but just face it, you’ve got a shitty govt. system & setup.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:58 am
@dadf
Dont be pulling out wikipedia references here haha
May 14th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Er, Cathchick is it?
‘But after visiting just one foreign country, I was desparate to get back to American soil.’
Perhaps this IS the problem…. you went to one, borderline theocratic, most certainly orthodox country and made a bunch of quantitative judgments by simply comparing it to your perception of America. I’m pretty sure there are some places in America where listening to hell-bent rock and roll and being gay would get you in a whole heap of trouble. (I know this is true of most countries but your comment reads as though all other nationalities are essentially savages).
Perhaps this is another reason people don’t like America, they are a desperately insular country….? Just a thought.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:59 am
@ davross
Uh, the difference is that the British Empire is no more. So of course no one is going to hate its modern-day UK incarnation.
More importantly, you seem not to grasp the concept that what one American does, or even what 5 million Americans do, does not give you the moral authority to then cast judgment on all 300 million Americans.
The creator of this list is not “America”. He is “an American”. There are roughly 299,999,999 other Americans out there, and I can assure you, they don’t all either brag about America or whine amount being hated for their nationality.
Oh, and to the idiot who acts as if Hispanics aren’t THEMSELVES genuine Americans, get a clue.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:00 am
davross: I seem to have touched a nerve.
The Scotsman invented a useless type of television that was obsolete by the time it came out. You see, mechanical televisions are USELESS, we use Farnsworth’s invention.
Alexander Graham Bell taught and worked and invented in America.
So: suck it, you whiny little bitch.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:00 am
err…. I just hate rednecks and bush.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:01 am
the world wide web is a large chunk of the internet. just to clarify. they’re not entirely synonymous but tim berners lee usually is not credited with his influence towards the internet.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:01 am
@ Blitz
France was taken over in 3 weeks and spent a great majority of their war experience retreating or surrender, Not meaning to offend anyone here but you cant compare a country that spent 3 weeks at war before turning to underground fighting to a country that stood toe to toe with Nazi Germany for 4 years.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:01 am
136.
Definitely won’t forget that! However, you must give credit to Russia… firstly, the UK was not land-bordered with Germany, secondly, France surrendered. Thirdly, if you consider geographics… the large open grasslands between Nazi Germany and Russia meant that Russia obviously had to stretch its armies more (meaning that it had a much much larger front line to defend)… as opposed to France and England which could easily have a front line and a lot of backup soldiers.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Can anyone really deny that the US is the most tyrannical nation in the world today?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:03 am
matt j
right on point. completely agree.
jeremy- thank you
May 14th, 2009 at 3:03 am
I like America and I like Americans, but I take issue with this list. Being aware that half of the world despises you but not knowing the reasons why is sheer ignorance.
“from the first practical light bulb to… radio and TV”
None of which were invented in America or by Americans.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:04 am
I noe I’m just a random chinese guy but Davross, wherever you came from, with all due respects, plz, CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:04 am
alexander graham bell is scottish ergo a scottish invention not american not to mention it was an italian who first patented the idea, you driblling is based on facts which your grasping at.
The fact remains, until arrogant americans stop making lists and forcing reasons why their country is amazing despite their mistakes, people will continue to hate them, also you perpetuate the problem by sticking up for them and not seeing that the reason why are angry is beacuse of this list, all americans go into patriot mode, even if 3 minutes previous they were hating america, its actually comical.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:04 am
#138 .. 7raul7 …
Your absolutely right. Our leaders lie, cheat, steal, are alcoholics and drug users, Christians and athiests, they cheat on their spouses and rob the poor to feed the rich. But… as Americans, we all admit that we voted these people into office… and … we can admit that we did not vote for said political official without worry that some nazi/commie/dictator is gonna have his lackies knock down our door in the middle of the night, drag our family out to a big hole in a field and shoot each one of us in the head for not agreeing.
We can say what we want, do what we want, eat what we want, dress how we want, worship how we want, elect who we want, read what we want, print what we want, have as many babies as we want, be whoever the hell we want to be and … nobody cares. So why should you?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:05 am
147.
Yes, there are way more tyrannical nations out there. The US is still a bastion of liberalism, freedom, etc. (even if it has dipped from this every now and then – nothing is perfect!).
May 14th, 2009 at 3:05 am
“but you cant compare a country that spent 3 weeks at war before turning to underground fighting…”
They spent three weeks fighting because after three weeks Germany had invaded half the country and crippled them.
“to a country that stood toe to toe with Nazi Germany for 4 years.”
Toe to toe across the Atlantic.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:05 am
Ah, yes, the brave and noble Russians, fending off the Nazi invaders. The same brave and noble Russians who stabbed Poland in the back, purged millions of their own people and then forcefully imposed communism on eastern Europe.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:06 am
@ 141. calm_incense :
When I refered to the hispanic comunity I was just pointing out that America has a very low native population… its based on immigration! I never said they werent american, although with the latest illegal immigration stats a lot of them arent!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Oh no, Clarkee, plz, dont say that. It is those kind of words and quotes that starts arguements.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:07 am
152.
Because the US (as a state) thinks it can say what it wants, do what it wants, elect who it wants on the global stage (i.e. to other countries)… so that’s why people DO care.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Why does everybody bitch that America is only looking out for its own interests? Isn’t that what a good government is supposed to do? Secure it’s people and their well-being first and the peoples of the world second? Just a thought.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:08 am
@Baxter
I was referring to Russia standing toe to toe with them for 4 years, not Britain.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:08 am
I think America is ready to become a place of hope again. I know that sounds idealistic and perhaps even a little soppy, but Obama is beloved by almost every non-American who doesn’t hate America. That can only be a good thing. Bush on the other hand? We hated him. And Sarah fucking Palin?? What were you people thinking? -shudder-
May 14th, 2009 at 3:09 am
151. davross
Im not american, but if anyone was to single out or insult my country directly or indirectly in a public social orum such as this, I will argue for it as national pride is what makes us what we are and where we came from.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:09 am
jeremy – shit, sorry! I withdraw my comment.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:09 am
154. Baxter In Action…. baxter you are misreading! this was referring to the Russians.
155. Earl – Yes Russia is flawed, but so is the United States who has been forcing democracy (which isn’t the best way to do so) down the throats of other countries for a while now… with mixed results.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:09 am
i agree with clarkee, they are the worlds biggest bullies, to quote a brilliant british comedian:
There’s this one celebrity, Rosie O’Donnell, a talk show host, and she said this: “I don’t know anything about Afghanistan, but I know it’s full of terrorists, speaking as a mother.” So what is this “speaking as a mother” then? Is that a euphemism for “talking out of my arse”? “Suspending rational thought for a moment”? As a rational human being, Al-Qaeda are a loose association of psychopathic zealots who could be rounded up with a sustained police investigation. But speaking as a parent, they’re all eight foot tall, they’ve got lasers under their moustaches, a huge eye in their foreheads and the only way to kill them is to NUKE every country that hasn’t sent us a Christmas card in the the last 20 years!! Speaking as a mother.
ha ha typical american attitude
speaking as a mother
May 14th, 2009 at 3:10 am
161… heeheehee Touche!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:11 am
Davross: considering that Bell was a naturalized citizen of the US and considered himself to be completely American: “I am not one of those hyphenated Americans who claim allegiance to two countries,” I’d say that yes, the telephone is an American invention.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:12 am
140. FindMe
You’re damn right I compared it America. I compared it to freedoms that I grew up with. It made me decide that, no, I don’t want to visit another country and see what other atrocities other governements heap upon their people.
Hate me for the generalization? I don’t care. I can sit here all day and rant and cuss and debate the issue. The fact remains that I am an AMERICAN and I’m damn proud of it.
As my red-neck, beer guzzling, WWII hero father-in-law might say, put that in your pipe and smoke it.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:12 am
165. Agreed, but be careful not to generalise… like in every nation, and like people… there are intelligent Americans and dumb Americans and everything in between. Because the nation is the ‘top’ nation of the world… their flaws (and intellect) are more pronounced and highlighted.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:12 am
America should be once more a prosperous nation under Obama. Americans and Non-Americans such as myself adore him worldwide so now Im starting to speculate that the USA should have some support thatn it didnt when Bush was president
May 14th, 2009 at 3:12 am
@ Baxter
No Worries haha, I am sure the Ruskies would have prefered the toe to toe that Britain was doing.
Blitz just seems to be way off base with his assumptions that Russia was doing nothing but throwing people into a wood chipper. If i recall correctly Germany was doing the same thing on that front. It had nothing to do with tactics or “fighting fair”. it was a war based on complete eradication as compared to the Western Front
May 14th, 2009 at 3:12 am
Davross: Every American is Rosie O’Donnell and Rosie O’Donnell is every American, amirite?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:16 am
168.
CatChick1964… its that very display of the fake notion that you have the right to absolute freedom of speech that makes the rest of the world ‘hate’ Americans, and that you want to meddle with the rest of the world’s affairs without even knowing about it.
If America were a person, it probably wouldn’t be too proud of you.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:16 am
“considering that Bell was a naturalized citizen of the US and considered himself to be completely American”
That’s bullshit. He was living in Ontario at the time adn dividing his time between there and Boston. He did not consider himself to be American.
And regardless, he was born in Scotland to Scottish parents, was taught in Edinburgh and did most of his sound experiments in Edinburgh. All America did was give him money.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:17 am
ANNOUNCEMENT:
read comment 123. and all discussions will be avoided!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Jeremy, Russia was, for all intents and purposes, throwing their soldiers into the proverbial wood chipper. Have you ever wondered why there were more dead Russian soldiers than German soldiers? Because Russia didn’t bother to train them properly before sending them to the front lines, they just gave them a rifle, showed them the trigger and told them to aim at the Nazis. I’m just saying, if Russia had properly trained their soldiers instead of just carting them off from their homes, they would have lost a lot less men. And yes, Germany was using the same tactics, except they trained their soldiers better, except for at the end.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Lol @ Travis, perhaps… but there is a difference because America stands for values completely different to those espoused by the old empires.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 am
see jeremy. this is a debate i like. you know. no spite or malice. just a nice debate. i love your point. giving them some countries. haha. its like a universal poker match with land development
. seriusly though. the way i saw it. it wasnt a peaceful approach to be honest. the prime minister before churchill was just a bit of a soft touch. and the french? well theyre a liability in wars arent they.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 am
There you go again davross… -_-’
Many people also protested against my country for what we did in Tibet which I have to say is truly unjust and tyrannical. But davross, you have to be aware that in an MEDC nation like America where media access is certainly a big advantage can also have its disadvantages. It is the wronged and flawed people in the government itself such as Blagojevich, Bush, and in the past, Lyndon B Johnson that have affected the perspective in the eyes of common americans in the states about all the ‘enemies’ of the country and furthermore exegerated by idiots like Rosie o donell, South Park, and all sorts of media in the country which alter the perseption towards these nations
May 14th, 2009 at 3:19 am
no jordan but its representative of your nations mass mind, i would agree the majority of americans are dumb as shit but there is a minority which always looks like the ones who dont voice their opinion cos the know everyone is right,
here here to teh obama comment
May 14th, 2009 at 3:20 am
@ Travis:
A very low “native population”? First off, no one “originated” from the US, and Native Americans (who immigrated via Russia) make up only 1.37% of the population. I know you mean “whites”, and I say to you, *they* ARE immigrants – and not only that, but THAT’S the WHOLE POINT! Many people from outside the US seem to suffer from the misconception that Americans are all white folks, maybe with some culturally-distinct blacks and unwelcome Hispanics thrown in. Sorry, but that’s not what the US is about. I have friends who are ethnically Persian, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Pakistani, Italian, Jewish, and much more, and yet they are ALL American. No hyphenation necessary!
To those of you guys criticizing George W. Bush, maybe you ought to consider that he was the least popular president in American history. So stop acting like Americans 100% backed him. It makes no more sense than to blame Jews for the atrocities of Nazism.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:20 am
176. blitz17
Good point Blitz, this was a flaw on the Russian side… but given the circumstances, Russia’s deeds were quite rational… otherwise, if it hadn’t deployed its troops on time… they would’ve lost completely.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:20 am
I am a one legged Nigerian Jew. I like frisbee, soda-pop and the Smashing Pumpkins. America super happy times yeah!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:21 am
“Blitz just seems to be way off base with his assumptions that Russia was doing nothing but throwing people into a wood chipper. If i recall correctly Germany was doing the same thing on that front. It had nothing to do with tactics or “fighting fair”. it was a war based on complete eradication as compared to the Western Front”
That’s absolutely true, Hitler’s biggest mistake was in the difference in the way he viewed Britain and Russia. He thought that Britain was made up of intelligent people who would eventually join his side, and he wanted to maintain most of Britain’s infrastructure. He also underestimated the RAF. Then when it came to Russia, he thought them weak, backwards savages. The result of this was that he didn’t hit Britain hard enough, and when he hit Russia they hit back, all the way to Berlin.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:21 am
@ CatChick1964
1964? i assume it is the year when you were born? well you sounded not more than 12 years old to me..
May 14th, 2009 at 3:22 am
I just want to say that I think its really shitty that some people are making fun of the soldiers who have died (Blitz – #88 “not very smart thinkin by you Europeans”). It doesn’t matter how many years ago World War II happened, those millions were men with families who I doubt went willingly and the fact that so many of them died is a tragedy, not some oopsie made by dumb Europeans…and trying to undermine their deaths by comparing them to how little Americans died in comparison is just wrong. It wasn’t a competition to see how few people died it was a war
May 14th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Yup, I agree with Travis in no. 123. A long time ago, dere was hateful feelings towards the ‘Oppressor’ nations in the past which seem to be what travis call the Bullies. And this time its America and because of the media coverage, we all can see whats happening in Iraq, Afghanistan and Wherever it is. But we have to all also know that Spain, Britain, Portugal, even China and Germany were also bullies but due to lack of media and exposeé, we cant see whats going on
May 14th, 2009 at 3:26 am
My girlfriends dad side of her family is an african american who came over with the navy which he then left to settle here, i would say that in front of him because i dnt think its offensive, tell me why im wrong and we will discuss.
DO NOT put a list up on a popular website saying why you are the best!
it incites anger……….. simple
May 14th, 2009 at 3:26 am
173. archangel
Fake notion? bzzztt!!! Wrong again. I do have the freedom of speech to say anything I want and still sleep peacefully at night. If you can’t, then overthrow your facist leaders and give your people the same freedoms that we enjoy and they you hate us for.
I don’t want to meddle in world affairs. Personally, it would be alright with me if we left other countries to themselves and let them commit their genocidal crimes against their own people. Maybe eventually they’d kill enough of themselves that whoever was left would stand up and say “uh, guys… no one is left alive… you can stop shooting now”.
What you might not realize is that, we don’t go barging into another country without someone in power saying “our children are dying in their beds, please come help us”. It is because we have the resources to provide foreign aid that we are there. But we don’t come in and shoot the bad guys and leave because obviously, we want to make sure the bad guys don’t recoup and punish those who fought against them after we are gone. We try to help by showing those countries we assist that a democracy IS better than a dictatorship. The problem is, once the bad guy is down, said country wants to say “thank you, now get the hell out”. Although I don’t agree one bit with the war in the middle-east… THAT is why we are still there.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:27 am
That’s one thing that bothers me about Americans… this whole “we won the Second World War” thing. My great-grandfather was a Captain in the British Army, he “stormed the beaches” at Normandy, and he stuck it out to the end. I sometimes get the impression that the USA thinks that it was the only nation involved in D-Day.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:27 am
187. But it’s exactly that hipocrisy that America stands for liberalism and freedom when it sometimes acts as an oppressor… this is the key difference between the US and those Ancient empires.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Abs, I acknowledge that those soldiers were people with families and loved ones, who loved and were loved, but the fact of the matter is that WAR IS A VIOLENT COMPETITION TO SEE HOW FAST YOU CAN DEFEAT/REPEL OTHER NATIONS WHILST SUFFERING A MINIMAL AMMOUNT OF CASUALTIES ON YOUR SIDE, whichever side that may be. And yes, the fuck up was on behalf of their leaders, not the soldiers themselves.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 am
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DAVROSS
DAVROSS, IN EVERY COUNTRY THERE IS ALWAYS SMART PEOPLE, DUMBSHITS, MEDIA EXPOSERS AND REVOLUTIONARIES. YOU CANNOT, REPEAT, CANNOT GENERALISE ONE COUNTRY JUST FOR ONE CLASSIFICATION OF THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE. I’M PRETTY SURE FROM WHEREVER U AND ME CAME FROM, WE ALSO HAVE VERY STUPID PEOPLE
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 am
@blitz
Its not like Russia had been preparing for war for the previous 6 years like Germany had. They were still working on building their country up to the levels of other countries with no thought of building up an armed forces, not to mention Stalin purging the military whenever he seemed fit.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 am
185. ari
I sound like I’m 12 years old? Ah… if only I could witness that innocence again.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:29 am
aaah ok catchick1964 going back to my earlier point
why have you done nothing about the genocide in
somali
rwanda
poland
germany
cos they have no oil?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:30 am
@ cas
It was peacful as in there was very little loss of life if any and no wars broke out…. for awhile atleast
May 14th, 2009 at 3:30 am
@ 181.calm_incense
Dude, everyone knows that the “whites” in america have european backgrounds! In fact you’re just agreeing with my statement that america is built on immigration! And just because the natives represent 1,37% of the population doesnt mean you can sh*t on them!
“I know you mean “whites”,”? Mate when I mean to say something I’ll say it… doent misinterpret my words!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:31 am
191 Archangel
Yes i know, but those nations also have the hipocritical promises to the kingdoms they are oppressing too. Such as the promise of great riches and glory to the people of Germany but instead, killing more than 20 million innocent lives in the process or the promise of ‘El Dorado’ which in turn killed several million Incans, Aztecs and Mayans
May 14th, 2009 at 3:32 am
agrees with baxter
May 14th, 2009 at 3:32 am
@ A random Asian
That is the greatest username ever
May 14th, 2009 at 3:34 am
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DAVROSS
DAVROSS, I AM REPEATING THIS BECAUSE YOU SEEM TO FALL INT THE CATEGORY OF TOTAL DUMBSHIT
AMERICA ALSO DID GOOD THINGS TO DAVROSS, WITHOUT THEM, YOU WOULDNT HAVE YOUR COMPUTER WHICH YOU ARE CURRENTLY USING TO PISS THE SHIT OUTTA 3 AMERICANS AND 1 CHINESE
May 14th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Jeremy, once again, that was a fuck up on the leaders, if he saw shit was going down with Germany and Poland and it never occurred to them that they may be next, then thats just plain stupidity, and it ended up costing them lives. At the same time, why is everyone acting like Russia was a saint during the war, they had in fact entered into a pact with Germany and was allied with the Nazis in the beginning. Somehow everyone seems to be ignoring that little fact, how curious.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:35 am
196. davross
We went to Somali and they took our dead soldiers bodies, castrated them, wrapped them in an American flag and drugged them through the mud.
Great Britain and the UN never asked for help in Rwanda.
In Poland and in Germany, we were there with Russia when they were liberated at the end of WWII. Albeit, a day late and a dollar short.
Where were you?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:35 am
thank you Jeremy LOL. I am proud of my ethnicity. xD
May 14th, 2009 at 3:35 am
i work for ibm random asian, i find your caps boring.
IBM aerican company, what was their contribution to ww2?
they made teh machines that counted the jews…. yay.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:36 am
202. A random Asian
Whooo Hoooo !!!
You go random!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Travis: your comment 123 was very insightful
May 14th, 2009 at 3:38 am
then if you despise what the IBM did to contribute for damn Nazis then quit from the company. Im pretty sure in economic times like this, IBM could use sum1 more pro-nationalist more than u.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Hi all. I thought I’d get in early today seeing as this topic is going to blow the servers with comments. Hey, I had to smile – after all those complaining about American bashing in other innocent lists – to be faced with this one. And it’s not even Friday!
There has already been much said that I can comment about – not that I want to add more fuel to a fire which is already well ablaze.
First of all, I believe that the U.S. wanted to take a neutral stance in WWII (and perhaps WW1 as well), and only joined after pressure from all sides to do so. They helped the war in many ways; not least by shipping over tanks which could at least match their German opposites. Their forces were also split on two fronts. However, I have to conclude that Russia may well have beaten the Germans eventually – though perhaps over a longer period of time.
As far as invading other countries goes; I don’t quite understand how they can do that. In these civilised times, it is almost unheard of for first world countries to invade each other over land and property; I honestly thought we, as a global population, had moved past that. Originally, the defence agenda was created to prevent countries such as Iraq and Iran, Pakistan and Tehran, from developing weapons (of mass destruction) which could threaten to destroy whole countries. In response, the U.S. sent over their latest weapons of mass destruction, and destroyed their whole countries. Seriously…? This belies (presents an appearance not in agreement with) common sensibilities.
However, to balance my own thoughts, Nukes? I’m not affraid of a country who knows a couple of these would destroy us all – but I am disquieted by the thought that other countries may not be so.. considerate.
As far as America Bashing goes, have no problem with American citizens or the American culture – shadow politics is another matter. Yes, there are burger chains just as there are Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Greek – and every other style of restaurant in most cities around the globe. Also, the American nation has had it’s share of sporting successes, but no more so than any other country. For example, Formula One was once dominated by the Brazillians and the British, cricket by the Australians and Kiwi’s, soccer by Italy, Germany, and Argentina, weight-lifting by the Scandanavians – the list goes on and on.
Finally, ‘brash’ Americanism. From what I have seen of the American culture, a get-up-and-go (gung-ho) attitude makes them formidable characters. While the English reserve may hold Brits back, Americans are much less afraid to stand up and make a difference. I admire and respect that. Just as I repect the French for being like that, and the Russians. If shadow politics does indeed threaten the free world, it is to these peoples that I must place my faith to actually do something about it.
Ok, see you guys again in comment 254375.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Davross, it might also interest you to know that the U.S. wasn’t the only one to take their sweet-ass time to attack Germany, the UK and France saw Germany invade Poland and besides a half-assed attack on Saarland, did nothing to provide help, it wasn’t until THEY were in immediate danger that they decided to enter the war.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:39 am
no random asian i just thought i’d make a random nonsense comment towards this farce.
simple, everyone hates america.
Deal with it.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:40 am
@ Travis:
You completely missed my whole point. In fact, you perfectly embody it when you say this:
“And just because the natives represent 1,37% of the population doesnt mean you can sh*t on them! ”
You simply can’t get it through your thick skull that white Americans and Native Americans are BOTH *EQUALLY* AMERICAN. Why do you say “you” as if this “you” doesn’t include Native Americans? Why do you say “them” as if I myself am not one of them? You just don’t *get* it. Being American is a matter of nationality, and if you want to blame my mom, who is a Filipino-born Chinese-American immigrant, or my dad, who is an American-born Russian Jew, for the slaughter of Native Americans or whatever else, then you seriously have issues.
More broadly, once again, may I remind people to recognize the difference between a country’s government and its civilians, and between its current population and the population that has long left the world of the living.
And, between parties of differing political ideologies. The fact that America fought a civil war ought to testify to the notion that you ought not to assume that the American population is one of homogeneity.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:40 am
@jeremy
yeah good point. and ill concede it was a very peaceful…start to mass slaughter. at least itcan be said that we dont go out of our way to. kill people without mercy. we leave that to some of the bigger countries
. and hey. quick question. this davross guy. do you think he actually realises that hes causing more upsetthan anyone else. and the name? davross? creator of daleks. do you think he picked that cos hes fuck ugly and hates all human beings. just a guess. so dont go quoting e on that lol
May 14th, 2009 at 3:40 am
210. Lifeschool
Lifeschool .. you’re late. Catch up!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:41 am
and oh, just to let you know Davross, you are a working man who is currently arguing with me, a 15 year old High Schooler from west Cheng Du whose only job currently is a deliveryboy for a restaurant on sundays
May 14th, 2009 at 3:41 am
im aware of the Blitzkrieg blitz, also in defence of the french they had no chance of repelling such a massive attacke, hitler travlled straight from germany to the french coast down the middle, nobody was ready for him, what happened was he then moved to the edges.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:41 am
189.
You don’t have the freedom of speech to say anything you want, otherwise laws against defamation, and laws that force companies to be truthful about their products wouldn’t exist.
“If you can’t, then overthrow your facist leaders and give your people the same freedoms that we enjoy and they you hate us for.”
Funny, because my leaders are Australian… one of the more succesful democracies in the world, and never been subject to Fascism. Clearly, you have generalised me already without knowing anyhing about me… which proves my point earlier.
“Personally, it would be alright with me if we left other countries to themselves and let them commit their genocidal crimes against their own people. Maybe eventually they’d kill enough of themselves that whoever was left would stand up and say “uh, guys… no one is left alive… you can stop shooting now”.”
Again, generalisation. America isn’t always the rational hero who stops wars. America has started wars itself. Secondly, the United States isn’t the only nation out there who is willing to stop genocide (in fact, it is quite unwilling – i.e. Rwanda). In fact, strictly playing the game of generalisation… I am compelled to think that it would be more appropriate to apply that “uh, guys… no one is left alive… you can stop shooting now” phrase to the gun-ho Americans who think everything in the world can be won by the barrel of a gun.
“What you might not realize is that, we don’t go barging into another country without someone in power saying “our children are dying in their beds, please come help us”.
Yes, America has helped sometimes, but it has also worsened scenarios at other times. I’m not saying the United States is absolutely bad… that’s a misgeneralisation of myself on your part… the United States has helped at times… BUT, there are times when the United States has ignored, worsened, or even initiated these things. Furthermore, there are times when they disrespect the intellect of the rest of the world thinking they can lie to us about what the American’s are really trying to do.
“It is because we have the resources to provide foreign aid that we are there.”
Great.
“But we don’t come in and shoot the bad guys and leave because obviously, we want to make sure the bad guys don’t recoup and punish those who fought against them after we are gone. ”
What makes you think other countries don’t want and do this as well? America isn’t the only country that does this. You have again misgeneralised the rest of the world which is not unusual given that you don’t even want to know about the rest of the world. Furthermore, even if the US has done this at times, there are times when the US simply left… do you know? This is the very reason why Al Qaeda was able to take root in Afghanistan/Pakistan?
“We try to help by showing those countries we assist that a democracy IS better than a dictatorship. The problem is, once the bad guy is down, said country wants to say “thank you, now get the hell out”. Although I don’t agree one bit with the war in the middle-east… THAT is why we are still there.”
I don’t agree with the war in the Mid-East either, why? Because forcing democracy down a population through occupation and gunfire is definitely not the way to go… I personally would prefer if America stayed there to help stabilise the country and would like the Iraqis to appreciate the stability brought about by US troops… BUT one must recognise that the reasons for this war, and the methods used to spread democracy are flawed, irrational, and completely not the smartest way to do it.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Oh, I almost forget, I did hear that Britain has paid off it’s dept to the U.S. under Tony Blair – thus ending their ’special relationship’ under the Marshall plan.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:42 am
@ blitz 203
I thought i had mentioned something about the pact with Germany, basically Russia thinking they had all the time in the world, but i read through my posts and had not. I am not disagreeing that it was the fault of their leaders which led to the massive loss of life, nor am i acting like they were saints because we all know that not to be true. I think we are basically in agreement, although i cant remember what we are arguing about but we both seem to be very stubborn
May 14th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I am a very proud Canadian who has many,many American friends.I for one love and respect the USA and the role it plays in the world.The U.S. is a very young country and has made mistakes,just as every other country represented by posters here has.I visit the states about once a week,I live 22 kms from the border,and it’s funny that I don’t meet the brash,vulgar,violent,gun toting American citizens all you people from other parts of world are talking about.I am sure they are there,as I am sure any country with 300,000,000 citizens will have some lunatics.To judge the American population on the basis of Fox News,the government,is well a form of arrogance and elitism,and yes my fellow Canadians this country is every bit as guilty for American bashing as anywhere else in the world if not more.
In closing,has your country had a natural disaster?If so,I am willing to beat the American people offered and gave help before anyone else did..yes Katrina happened but that was Bush and FEMA,not the American people.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:42 am
THIS BEARS REPEATING!!!!
123. Travis -
People hate Americans in our Era just like they hated English in the 19th Century, France in the 18th, Spain in the 17th, Portugal in the 16th, Romans before Christ, Persians (whenever)! every century has a bully just like every school year. The diference is that because the media is so advanced nowadays we know about more at a real time frame!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:43 am
212 Davross
No they dont. Not every1 hates America. Im Chinese-Muslim and I dont hate America so does my family. Once again davross, you are generalising everyoe into one category
May 14th, 2009 at 3:44 am
#215 CatChick – “Lifeschool .. you’re late. Catch up!!!”
There is no way I could have pondered my way through a sensible line of thought and yet still follow the debates. When I began my comment, there were only 56 comments – by the time I’d finished, there were 210!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Good list. As a Canadian I can state that we are exposed to U.S. culture on a daily basis our entire lives and are more like Americans than any of us would care to admit. I personally don’t have any problem with the U.S., they do great things for other nations and the entire world with regard to technology and they’re usually the first country offering aid to nations stricken by natural (or otherwise) disasters. I did notice however that you simply couldn’t resist taking a few potshots (while Fiats are pieces of shit, that isn’t the fault of the entire nation…and they may be running Chrysler soon if they aren’t already). So at the same time you’re listing reasons why some people hate the USA, you’re coming close to showing a sense of superiority that I would have to say would be one of the biggest reasons that people dislike Americans in general. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read in American magazines some reference to Canada being backward or some reference to the people lacking intelligence, it would seem to me they were written by people who have never crossed the border to see for themselves what it’s like here. In fact there is a late night news program that recently saw fit to rather ignorantly point out that our military will need some down time after our mission in Afghanistan comes to an end in two years. The host even went so far as to say “when are we going to invade that ridiculous country.” Maybe he thought we needed a little democracy whipped onto us since he’s obviously got his head up his ass about everything that goes on up here. Yes, Canada has a small military, we don’t have the population to have the necessary tax income to fund anything larger than we currently have in “peacetime” and since the end of the Cold War successive governments have steadily cut funding to the defence budget so that our military has become a shadow of what it once was. But, at least we’re in Afghanistan and to date 118 of our soldiers have given their lives in a war that we joined to support our American allies. But I digress, my original point was to say that sometimes by words and actions the feelings of ill will are a little bit justified.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Davross, dont generalise people, you could start a fray and no, I am not making random comments, I am just telling you that generalisation of a whole lot of people could make very unpleasant aftermaths
May 14th, 2009 at 3:46 am
THIS BEARS REPEATING
222. CatChick1964
aaah ok catchick1964 going back to my earlier point
why have you done nothing about the genocide in
somalia
rwanda
poland
germany
cos they have no oil?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:47 am
yes so do you not agree random asian that this list is the catalyst to all this? not my defensive comments?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:48 am
@cas
maybe some Americans think that the US is the reason WW2 was won since the US is the only country that Germany actually declared war on???
I think thats true anyways, it is 4am here so i am kind of tired
May 14th, 2009 at 3:49 am
Whats the difference between a yogurt and america?
A yogurt develops a culture after 200 years.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:49 am
wow jFraters right this list is controversial
May 14th, 2009 at 3:49 am
218. archangel
Bravo (insert applause here please)…. you picked apart my generalization with an even better one.
I wasn’t putting down Australia, “mate” … I didn’t know where you were from. All I saw / see is you bashing me for my personal beliefs and my pride in my country. Enjoy yourself. As I said before, I don’t care what you think.
And yes, in my own little part of the world, I can say WHAT I want. Someone wants to sue me for defamation of character, I’d say go ahead. I had to reasons to say what I did in the first place and would defend my right to say them to the end.
Now.. I call a truce between you and me, buddy. You don’t like America and I don’t like you. We’re even.
So shut up. LOL
May 14th, 2009 at 3:49 am
200 comments in 2 and a half hours… new LV Record? part of me’s glad I’ll be out all day. This’ll be a long, Jerry-Springer-like read to come home to, lol.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:50 am
DCI, how long exactly has YOUR contry been around and when did it develop its culture? Just wondering.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:51 am
I haven’t been in the US before but I have a chat mate and she seems nice and she said that the city Chicago (where he lives) is nice too…
May 14th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Davross, all I can say is, we’re just debating and all the facts about the USA is the catalyst. But then again we all just doing whatever it takes to defend ourselves from public humiliation. Especially from 15 year old Chinese Students
May 14th, 2009 at 3:52 am
224. Lifeschool
I know!!! Wicked, isn’t it? I wouldn’t be on the bandwagon right now except that I’m having too much fun!!!
As I write this, the post before me is one of my own… #232. I wonder where this one will wind up.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:52 am
recently i went on a holiday from Australia to America.. i was dumfounded that i met quite a few people that actually had to ask me where Australia was.. WTF i dont really give a damn if you dont know where it is but how the f**ck can people be that self centred and uneducated… sory that those few ppl might have let you down but seriousely they were the stupidest ppl i have ever spoken too….
May 14th, 2009 at 3:54 am
@ 213.calm_incense :
I was refering to the way europeans colonized the country by implementing an immigration state of mind “give me your poor and weak”, and by not giving the natives a chance to join in! Natives were considered barbarians and people from other countries were considered Americans. Natives should have been given the same chances as immigrants!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:55 am
If you can’t beat em, can’t join em, hate em..
May 14th, 2009 at 3:55 am
239. Travis
Well said Travis.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:55 am
ha ha im not humiliated 15 year old student, i would be if you had any valid counter arguements.
catchick, you not going to answer that one? are you selective about what you answer?
you stated your in couuntries becuase of genocide, what about those other countries in which genocide still takes place?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:55 am
The way world people understand/hate/love/knows American is the same way American understand/hate/love/knows Middle East people.
We don’t know each other. We just assume. Hail the internet!
most of the list bring terrible effect to the world exactly. Not the thing u should be proud of.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:56 am
CatChick1964 : you thin´k you live in the land of freedom? Can I marry mu same-sex partner? Adopt a child with him/her? get an aborting if I become pregnant? Or flash my boobs at the NFL? Cause I can do all of those where I come from.
Another thing that I think annoys a lot of non-americans ot the extreme degree of religion that you find in the US. I even influence your government (law against abortion and same aex marriage) and is used as reason for going into war!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:56 am
megsieb agreed, they dont know wales, scotland and ireland and england are seperate, there was a study which said more people from other countries can geographically name points in any other country………. except?
america!1
May 14th, 2009 at 3:57 am
242. davross
Davross .. you dweeb.. I did answer you. Look it up, blow.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:57 am
@arandomasian
you can win this argument mannn.:) just stick some facts in there…and maybe your foot up his ass. i really dont hate people. lifes too short. and hates such a harsh word. everyone could have done different when you look at the past. so theres no argument there is there? at least your standing up for other peoples opinios rather than forcing yours down someones throat. keep it up. im enjoin the banter. but if you wipe the smile of a certin persons face. it may be even better
May 14th, 2009 at 3:58 am
It is not a worry to be bested by a 15 year old Asian Kind. Arent they all geniuses anyways?
Haha start the hatred on me, its not fair to give it to only one guy
May 14th, 2009 at 3:59 am
well what I can say now is that as I did say before, media exposeé can cause all sorts of controversy and arguments such as what we’re doing now. And it is this media thing which made people hate America in the first place
May 14th, 2009 at 3:59 am
lol yes i wasnt born yet but id imagine my ancestors were still trying to fend off those pesky german from our doorsteps, not showing up after every german was dead and sticking a flag in.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:59 am
Regarding reason 9: You win at all the sports that only you in the world play. Your “football” is a sport barely anyone plays for real. The entire rest of the world plays soccer in which America can’t win anything ever.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:00 am
222.
Personally, I don’t hate America completely, I only disagree with things it has done. Nor do I hate America because it is the most powerful nation at current in the world… that’s just dumb jealousy.
I respect and recognise the contributions that many great Americans have given to the world, and indeed, there are many.
What I do disagree with is the fact that many Americans seem to ride-on to this superpower status and think individually that they can just sit back, relax, and make generalised comments about the rest of the world without even knowing about the rest of the world… i.e. ignorance. And what I scares me even more is the popularity some of these people gain in the most powerful nation in the world… i.e. Sarah Palin. Scary why? Because America does meddle in global affairs.
I don’t hate the superpower because it is a superpower, I hate the people who tarnish the reputation of the superpower by being ignorant, and making brash, uneducated choices about how to deal issues in the international community – say, like when Bush (and not forgetting Blair and our own John Howard) lied to the world about their motives in Iraq (wanting to stop terrorism in a place that isn’t even central to the terrorist threat, and disarming a state that clearly had no WMD or chemical/biological weapons) then forced their armies down Iraq trumpeting this reason. I appreciate the fact that Saddam was taken out of power, but clearly, the Coalition of the Willing disreputed itself and their nations by being brash and lying to the world.
And no, it’s not because America is a superpower. I equally dislike the Zimbabwean dictator because he is oppressing his people, the Chinese government for being so authoritarian, the Japanese for hunting whales, the Saudi Arabian monarchy for not giving enough freedom to women, Hugo Chavez for his laws… it’s not because America is a superpower… it’s because sometimes America is ignorant. Of course, all those people/institutions/countries I mentioned, like America, had great contributions to international politics too. Sometimes, Americans just seem to think that they are the only ones who are right, triumphant, and contributing greatly to the world – equally, some seem to think they are the only ones the world hates out of jealousy because they are the global superpower.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:01 am
Alright Jeremy, you and me, once again, lets go! Right Here! Right NOW!!! Haha. By the way, are you somewhere in America???? I figured you might be since you said it’s 4a.m. where you’re at and I’m in the same timezone and I live in Los Angeles.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:02 am
244. signe
Don’t know where you’re from, signe, you failed to elaborate.
I don’t believe in killing babies. So I’m proud of being PRO-LIFE. If it isn’t a baby…then you’re not pregnant.
I’m sorry you can’t marry your same-sex partner. My sister is a lesbian and our entire family love her and her partner.
And please elaborate on when we’ve gone to war over abortion and gay rights?
And I didn’t say that other countries don’t enjoy the same freedoms I do. I wish everyone could. I said that I am proud that I have those rights.
Don’t bash me for saying things I didn’t say. That kind of generalization is why so many in these comments are attacking me… all to no avail.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:02 am
My country of uzbekistan has much culture. We have swimming pools and ice rinks. Are cinemas show many new films like king kong.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:04 am
As a person living in America…I can acknowledge that there are idiots living here. But take it easy guys, the list is meant to be satirical and self deprecating.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:04 am
248. jeremy
once again thats generalisation of asian people. And no fuck that hatred shit Im not doin
May 14th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Blitz17
I live in Northern BC. A little city called Prince George. Once again hey, sorry but i am a once a night kind of guy haha. Plus i dont talk about this stuff all that much so i am out of practice with my whole world war 2 debating facts and what not. Hope i held my own
May 14th, 2009 at 4:05 am
Archangel, wasn’t Australia founded largely by British convicts?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:05 am
NO A RANDOM ASIAN
they dont hate america becuase of the media, they hate america because of what they do.
is there really a war in iraq?
is there really a war in afghanistan?
did the american provide the taliban all the weapons to fight the russians that are now being used back on them?
did americans drop a nuclear bomb on a non strategic town in japan to test a bomb?
did americans take war criminals from germany and let them off cos they knew stuff?
did americans win the space race because the used the rocket tech from said guys?
did the media make all that up?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:06 am
@catchick
dont bring up abortion and being pro life or pro choice, this thread may never end haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:07 am
@ A random Asian
That was supposed to come off as sarcasm, i thought it was kind of funny
May 14th, 2009 at 4:07 am
256. ReVeNg3
Your right. This list should be of neutral. I dont hate or love America but I just like arguing
May 14th, 2009 at 4:07 am
256. ReVeNg3
As a person living in America…I can acknowledge that there are idiots living here. But take it easy guys, the list is meant to be satirical and self deprecating.
They can’t see that. They are seeing America through slitted eyes of hatred wearing glasses the color of blood.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Jeremy, you did pretty okay against me, an 18 year old high school student from Los Angeles.
DCI, how long has your country been around and what can you tell me that is special about its culture?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:08 am
in every circle. in every country you get an asshole. someone who uses facts and figures to prove a point. on something that is completely subjective. generalisations cause issues. without a doubt. and its the people who back others up. and stand up for other peoples beliefs (whether justified or not) that are the poeple who really understand. arandom asian..jeremy..catchick1964. theyre not judging the american people as you are davross. they are being objective. speculating on known truths but not making them into a seething argument which shows nothing but contempt. the whole issue is complex as a whole country cant be banded under one name. the same goes for race sex age. if your happy to turn on one countries people. does that make you any more dignified than the people your abusing. do you realise that it puts you on par with the bigots of this world. just relax a bit. look at what youre writing. and think before you write spiteful things. its a lot nicer that way.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:09 am
@ davross:
CatChick1964 is not in charge of America’s foreign affairs. Neither am I. I’d imagine you don’t want me to blame you for Tony Blair’s decision to send British troops to Iraq.
@ cocky Australian (aka, archangel):
Does the word “Aborigine” mean anything to you?
@ DCI:
I realize it’s a joke, so perhaps you only mean it in jest. But if you *do* take it seriously, I’d suggest you go listen to some Ives and Copland, or some Elvis and Cash, or some Mingus and Parker. Or perhaps read some Hemingway and Eliot, or some Dickinson and Angelou. Or maybe just watch some Tarantino or Spielberg. Get it? Good.
@ Travis:
So what do you want *me* to do about it? Donate all my possessions to the first Native American I can find?
@ signe:
I’d encourage you to learn the difference between American conservatives and American liberals. Your “religion” beef is with the former, not the latter.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:09 am
232. CatChick1964
I only generalised once for the sake of poking fun and countering your generalisation… if you didn’t read that clearly.
“I wasn’t putting down Australia, “mate” … I didn’t know where you were from.”
Well obviously, this is why you should ask before you start making jdugements about people… clearly something you have said you don’t want to do.
“I saw / see is you bashing me for my personal beliefs and my pride in my country. Enjoy yourself. As I said before, I don’t care what you think.”
I wasn’t against you having pride in your country, nothing wrong with that. It’s simply that you have misconceptions about the world… and those misconceptions show in your beliefs.
“And yes, in my own little part of the world, I can say WHAT I want. Someone wants to sue me for defamation of character, I’d say go ahead. I had to reasons to say what I did in the first place and would defend my right to say them to the end.”
Just because you think you have a right doesn’t mean you do. That’s the same kind of self-righteousness that tarnishes the American image. Truth and the right thing triumphs freedom of expression… perhaps you should look up the difference between negative and positive freedoms.
“Now.. I call a truce between you and me, buddy. You don’t like America and I don’t like you. We’re even.”
I am concerned about your ‘black and white’ view of the world… I don’t hate America. This was again, one of your misconceptions.
Step out of your comfort zone and perhaps see the world from a different vantage point. It just might educate you better about the rest of the world.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:10 am
I agree but davross you have to also remember. Yes indeed the media dont make things outta thin air but the exposure it gives is not a reactant but a strong catalyst which was not available for most of us to hate Germany, Spain, Qing Dynasty or the Romans
May 14th, 2009 at 4:10 am
Its people like you Jay K that make me dislike America!!
Your attitude and arrogance!!!
Seriously I never here people from odder country’s brag about what the accomplished in history!
I bed you only made this list so you can brag!!
About stuff that is incorrect where did you get this shit?
about the best scientists are Americans?? and you win every thing?
Your proud that you have nuclear weapons and just them??
Are you insane!!!
Your crying about us basing you and hating you and even if that’s true You give us a good reason for it. And you do the same ting to us!!!
Your proud that you have nuclear weapons and just them??
Are you insane!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:10 am
@ blitz
thats not fair, you are just fresh off social studies and history classes lol. I am like 6 years past that
. Guess it would have been more effective if we were actually debating opposing views and not just elaborating more on what we both agreed on haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:12 am
and no jeremy Im not angry. I usd to live in Minnesotta for 4 years before so Im kinda used to all that ‘asians are geeks’ sorta thing
May 14th, 2009 at 4:12 am
I agree that americans win everything, even the growth rate of homeless people! HahaHaha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:12 am
261. jeremy
Ooops.. mea culpa.
J should be happy he got another awesome thread today. Loads of debate and, unfortunately, not a little hate-mongering going on.
You guys have fun. Time for me to bow out of the ring.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:13 am
if you dislike these things then why defend them then?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:13 am
@ A random Asian
Maybe it is just me but i find stereo types to be oddly ammusing and wont hesitate to make a joke based on them.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:14 am
@ Yana:
You seem to have completely misinterpreted Jay K’s whole “nuclear weapons” thing.
And stop with the excessive exclamation marks. It’s annoying!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:14 am
273.
273. rsks – May 14th, 2009 at 4:12 am [Report Abuse]
I agree that americans win everything, even the growth rate of homeless people! HahaHaha
and you take pleasure in families losing their homes?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:14 am
americans like ive said before will go on about how much they hate an aspect of america but as soon as an outisder does, even though they hate it…….. they will defend it.
case in point iraq, nobody wanted to be in iraq, yet catchick said oooh we wanted to help their babies screaming for help? she only said that because we are iraq bashing.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:15 am
@rsks
My little city is willing to give any city in the world a run at the growth rate of homeless people.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:15 am
HEY YANA
dont take it all out on Jay K. Speaking of which, where the fuck is this Jay K guy in all this mayhem?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:15 am
237: Catchick – “I know!!! Wicked, isn’t it?”
Yeah, it’s great – but as usual is getting bogged down with egos (see 253). Pfff.
“Yes sports fans, stay tooned to this channel; where we’ll be bringing your LIVE coverage of events as they happen. Still to come on todays show; blitz17 and Jeremy go head-to-head over 18 rounds, Bucslim and Oouchan take on MarkL, and Randall starts a nuclear war! [Cuts to Randall with a red bull-like face - Grrr!]. That’s all to come on the Listverse Show – your very own Online Interactive Magazine… Don’t touch THAT DIAL! [applause, fade out]“
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am
@ 267. calm_incense :
Oh come on you can come up with a better answer than that!! Where are your statistics and percentages? So you accept I was right!!
You could start off by donating your computer to a native american since your usage of it is only for nonsense…
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am
259. blitz17
Yes. It is… ???
267. @ cocky Australian (aka, archangel):
Does the word “Aborigine” mean anything to you?”
Please explain your point… I have no idea what your criticising about.
As for the word Aborigine. Yes it means something to me, the peoples who lived in the land called Sahul, was then ‘invaded/settled’ by the British… and then colonised… and then federated to become Australia. The aborigines were oppressed throughout this time, and are still living the aftermaths of those years of oppression right now. Australia, as a nation/government has a lot to reconcile with the Aborigines. Of course, Australia is a very ‘flimsy’ term to encompass the nation when there are Aborigines who don’t really feel ‘Australian’ or want to self-determine themselves, and I do not mean to disrespect the traditional owners of the land I am living in.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am
so nobody hated the germans cos there was no newspaper or tv articles?
no you hate people who do bad things, simple.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am
Blitz im just joking im from the UK really, to be honest my first comment wasnt meant to offend just to show the kind of banter that goes on about america over here. As for the culture, well the language everyone speaks on this site for one. Our music is exported worldwide, we brits are known for a good sense of humour. As mentioned in previous posts we have invented many useful items. Just off the top of my head.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am
I find it funny to see a list of reasons people hate America but Bill O’Reilly is not on there. I mean i figured he would be number one.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:18 am
@lifeschool
This is really my first listverse debate, usually i am a casual observer. I dont know if i have it in me to go for 18 rounds, especially after seeing my comment about being a once a night guy haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:18 am
@ davross:
Perhaps it’s because you (and others) perpetually act as if all Americans support the war in Iraq. You might dislike Gordon Brown, but if I start spewing things like, “The UK sucks; Gordon Brown is a total hypocrite”, I can imagine you’d resent that.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:18 am
279. davross
Im not american, but if anyone was to single out or insult my country directly or indirectly in a public social orum such as this, I will argue for it as national pride is what makes us what we are and where we came from
May 14th, 2009 at 4:19 am
@jeremy
im upset now. heres me thinking the resident tramp in my village was a one off…and your telling me theres MORE?!?!?! why wasnt i told this earlier
May 14th, 2009 at 4:19 am
268. archangel
I’ve stepped down from my podium… now is your turn.
Oh .. and …”… I don’t hate America. This was again, one of your misconceptions.”
It was your words that formed that opinion with me. Don’t blame me for not reading what’s in your mind and heart.
Truce.
Peace. Love. Hope. And God’s Blessings to all.
I’m gonna go watch a ballgame and eat a hotdog and a piece of apple pie for dessert.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:20 am
no because gordon brown is an idiot, i dont defend idots, id also let you say the uk sucks all you want as its your opinion based on facts, as an american though id imagine those facts were gleened from the back of a macdonalds menu.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:20 am
282. Lifeschool
OMGosh … that was sooo funny!!
Thank you for lightening the mood.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:21 am
292.
Sounds yummm to me! Peace… hope you enjoy the food and the ball game. And sorry for not being so clear about my position!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:21 am
yeah thats fine random asian but you’d be arguing just for the sake of it instead of something you have a strong opinion on.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:22 am
#
287. jeremy – May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 am [Report Abuse]
I find it funny to see a list of reasons people hate America but Bill O’Reilly is not on there. I mean i figured he would be number one.
lol..i mentioned Fox news in passing but not old Bill directly in 221..add Anne Coultre to the list..hey there’s an idea for a top 10 conservative windbags on Fox News
May 14th, 2009 at 4:22 am
oh davross yur such a tart.you dont need to tell people gordon browns an idiot. everyone knows that. and as for the macdonalds menu thing. i must agree. we british people are so much more civilised. we have pizza hut. HAHAHAHA
May 14th, 2009 at 4:22 am
285. davross
yes u do hate ppl for wat dey did. but as I said before media exposure is the catalyst which not only speeds up and strengthen this hatred but it also gives the information of what they did. I mean c’mon as an example, do u think that sum 70 year-old russian farmer at that time have the will to hate Hitler if he doesnt even have access to the media that informs all the things the nazis did in the first place
May 14th, 2009 at 4:22 am
279. davross
davross … shut up.
You’re such a blow!!!
If you can’t quote me right, then don’t quote me at all.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:22 am
@278. DMcI – May 14th, 2009 at 4:14 am
I take pleasure in people paying for their OWN errors!
And I’m just agreeing with a list item! HA
May 14th, 2009 at 4:23 am
@cas 291
I dont even know what you are talking about, i am having a hard time following this. At least on facebook if you are debating things and reply to a certain post it tells you haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:24 am
290. A random Asian
I love you Random … you rock with me kiddo!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:24 am
yes a random asian i agree but im not a sheep that goes along with the forced media opinion, i read books and im certain in my facts.
dont assume cos the media tells people its so that they believe it, i heavliy believe the vast majority of americans do though IMO
May 14th, 2009 at 4:24 am
297 DMCI
yeah i am having a hard enough time following my own conversations. I hate him so much but he entertains me so haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:25 am
295. archangel
Have an awesome day….
Until, of course, the next heated debate!!! LOL
May 14th, 2009 at 4:26 am
i would imagine the russian farmer would be aware 25 MILLION of his countrymen died, i dont know what gives me that idea though.
11 million civilians and over 10 millions soldier dies, and thats just russians,
May 14th, 2009 at 4:26 am
u noe wat? Im tired of this arguement thing and its nowtime for dinner so see y’all
May 14th, 2009 at 4:27 am
cas1989 i hate most british stuff, im british, i just wish people would realise why peopl dislike things about them and not defend against facts?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:27 am
306. CatChick1964
Haha! Sounds good… I am fearing that day already… you are a formidable opponent indeed!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:28 am
aaah dinner time eh, run along laddy.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:28 am
@ Travis:
“You could start off by donating your computer to a native american since your usage of it is only for nonsense…”
…what exactly do I “owe” Native Americans? None of my ancestors were even on this CONTINENT when the European colonization took place. How about the several hundred thousand Americans who became naturalized citizens last year? Should they all feel guilty on behalf of Native Americans as well?
@ archangel:
My point is, your country does not have a clean history, and neither I nor many others hold you accountable for it, because we realize that it’s not YOUR fault.
@ davross:
How about if I call you an idiot on the basis that your prime minister is an idiot? If Gordon Brown is an idiot, and the country he leads is idiotic, then that must make you an idiot as well, no? This is the chain of thought you’re perpetuating, and frankly, it’s completely wrong.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:30 am
yeah id llet you say it calm incense cos it doesnt hurt me and id be aware that your opinion is based on the way your countrymen act.
if i came from america id take it on the chin and accept it, not just defend it cos thats where i was born, certainly not agree with this offensive list
May 14th, 2009 at 4:30 am
@jeremy.
HAHAHA. look i dont have a pretence to make sense and be boring. if i did id be catholic. lol. and lets be fair about this. this whole string is amusing. so mayn people seem to care. about a list. and davross? he cant be english. im english and were all about the love and compassion
well maybe not so much. but still. what a complete asshole. im just worried hes gonna find me. 
HAHAHAHA…..well maybe not so much worried. as hoping lol
May 14th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Wow.
Seriously. Wow.
I get the sneaking suspicion that CatChicks brother is in fact her father. I genuinely can’t think of any other reason for someone to be so blithely defensive. My previous comment was in no way attacking you, as I said it was just a theory… so I won’t be putting anything in my pipe, nor smoking it.
There is a greater problem here though; you have become impossible to take seriously…… ‘no, I don’t want to visit another country and see what other atrocities other governements heap upon their people.’ If you can presume to say something like this about ‘other countries’ because of your experience in one country then you have essentially provided empirical evidence for my assumption that Americans such as yourself relish in being such an insular nation.
Ignorance may be bliss but it is still ignorance. That makes you an ignoramus.
Question to the American’s on here (and anyone else with an opinion… I’m sure there are some of you out there :p):
What would YOU do to rectify what some perceive as the damage done to America’s international reputation?
Do you think a powerful nation such as America has the ‘right’ to depose/invade/provide aid if not specifically requested?
Why the inherent defensiveness of your country? (This is genuinely NOT meant to be a loaded question, I just can’t think of a better phraseology atm!)
May 14th, 2009 at 4:33 am
314 Cas
And to think i liked you until you said you were British, Run along and drink some tea and warm beer and dont forget to brush your teeth after
Ugh now i am getting into ignorance, too bad i have to go to bed soon
May 14th, 2009 at 4:33 am
@ davross:
Well that’s just absolutely idiotic. If you’re to be considered an idiot, it ought to be by your OWN accord. You have to EARN your idiocy; you can’t just LEACH off your fellow countrymen!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Very interesting list, though I would like to know what the members of this board who live in other countries think of America. I just feel that sometimes we don’t get a fair shake. We are judged by what we are portrayed as. Only about 25% of our actual population is like this list describes. Most Americans tend to themselves. I hold no grudges against other countries, but find it amazing the kind of grudges are held against us.
It also seems that the rest of the world puts impossible situations on us. We are asked (almost begged) to do something with Darfur and many other places, but, when we decide to go after a bloody regime in Iraq (Saddam Hussein – responsible for countless deaths in Kuwait and Iraq) we are chastised for it. We are expected to cure all of the world’s problems yet not allowed to celebrate in our glory?
America has been through a lot in its short life, a lot in which many thought we would parish. Instead, we succeeded. We made our way, we held our heads high in adversity, we fought back against our oppressors (both foreign and domestic) and we still fight to this day. America was essentially built on the foundation of war. We fought for our freedom, now we find it our duty to fight for the freedom of others
May 14th, 2009 at 4:34 am
Not sure about “near total freedom of expression”. When it comes to sex and nudity, the US is one of the most censorious nations in the western world.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:34 am
agreed find me, you CANNOT dislike anything about america without an american sticking up for it, even if they hate it themself.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:34 am
AMERICA
FUCK YEAH!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:35 am
you don’t win everything! Canada, Russia and occasionally Sweden routinely destroy you in hockey so get out yank XD
May 14th, 2009 at 4:35 am
315. FindMe
Geez.. how funny… it took you long enough to get back to that. But I understand if it took you sooo long to think of ways of putting me down and generalizing everything I’ve said. You should get together with davroos, you two have a lot in common.
Stop being so defensive. From my ignorant arrogant apparent asshole to another… I was joking. It’s called humor… you should get some… it’s nice.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:36 am
but calm-incense why get heated over the actions of others? actions which affect the opinion of your nation? its gonna happen, americans are predominantly assholes and patriotic gung ho assholes, everyone thinks that, what is you arguing with me gonna change?
my opinion? no
anyone elses? no
you merely perpetuate the opinion that all americans would stick up for a fencepost if it has an american flagpainted on it.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:36 am
312. calm_incense
“My point is, your country does not have a clean history, and neither I nor many others hold you accountable for it, because we realize that it’s not YOUR fault.”
Ah thanks for that, I completely agree. If my comments did seem like that, then I apologise. I wasn’t arguing against people for their country’s faults… that is out of their control unless they hold public office… I was arguing against people defending their “countries” (strictly countries) in a misconceived way.
Definitely, Australia and America and all countries are imperfect, but likewise, all countries have contributed greatly to the world.
The difficulty with these kinds of debates is that people aren’t often clear (and indeed, am guilty of this sometimes) about who they are actually arguing against or defending… is it the country? the government? groups or individuals within the country? the entire population?
Every country is made up of individuals which are likewise a part of groups or communities within and outside the country… generalisations are harmful to global peace.
You can’t hate America absolutely just because of some of the bad things its done, and likewise, you can’t absolutely defend America as if its a perfect nation. America, like any other country… has goods and bads about it… generalising would just be a naive thing to do.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:37 am
my last statement:
307.davross
Of course he will be aware of the deaths but what in the name of jesus christ can inform a 70 year old peasant living in the permafrosts of siberia or Ural mountains of who is responsible. furthermore, the media, as I have said, is the catalysts of all the hatred. Provided this kind of media, the russian farmer will of course hate hitler as much as we all hate Bush now.
304. davross
Todays media is not only a catalyst to all this problem but also a trend. people follow trends, old or young. And this plaguing trend we see right now is definitely taking its toll on you. I mean think of it like this; Imagine you were an Amish who lives somewhere in the Scottish highlands with no running water OR electricity, with simple beliefs and knowledge. Now; will you hate america? of course you will be made unaware of the whola iraq ting but in anyway possible, the media, will then plague on you and start to tell you things. Things like news, propaganda and even subliminal messages which will then convince you to hate USA.
Thats all
May 14th, 2009 at 4:37 am
well cas 1989 to burst your bubble im from way up north, a big hairy scotsman!!! whats your address lol.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:38 am
i would imagine the hatred would come from the 3 or 4 generations of males being wiped out from his bloddline asian.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:39 am
MATT DAMON
May 14th, 2009 at 4:39 am
How is it that only one person has mentioned that America did NOT win the space race?
You had the first man on the moon but the Russians got to space first.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:39 am
311. davross
run along to your mom bitch!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:41 am
324. davross
You are a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
Pick a side, mate, and stay there.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:41 am
yes yes true to form the child comes out
May 14th, 2009 at 4:41 am
by the way comment 225 Don (Y) your my idol well said
May 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
catchick where have i deviated?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
FindMe, I can only answer your question like this.
Our love for our country is invaluable. We find it amazing how the world sits in judgement of us, but good forbid we to judge them. It seems as if the world has made its mind up the America is full of witless drones who seek only to take control of the world. If we ultimately wanted to control the world, wouldnt it be easier to just go ahead and take Canada, Mexico and South America First instead of starting overseas?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Answering FindMe’s questions:
“What would YOU do to rectify what some perceive as the damage done to America’s international reputation?”
1. Pull out of Iraq immediately.
2. Pull out of Afghanistan immediately (I know it has UN approval; I don’t care).
3. Stop sending military and monetary aid to Pakistan. Take back all weapons and let the Taliban take Islamabad.
“Do you think a powerful nation such as America has the ‘right’ to depose/invade/provide aid if not specifically requested?”
I think any nation has the right to provide aid. No, I do not think a powerful nation has a right to depose or invade if not requested. Europe was clearly wrong to meddle with the Third Reich’s domestic affairs. The world was clearly right to ignore the Rwandan genocide.
“Why the inherent defensiveness of your country? (This is genuinely NOT meant to be a loaded question, I just can’t think of a better phraseology atm!)”
It’s natural for anyone to defend his or herself when his or her demographic is being attacked. Attack the female gender, and women will defend their sex. Attack Islam, and Muslims will defend their religion. Attack America, and Americans will defend their country. The reason you see more people defending America is because America obviously gets criticized much, *much* more.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
330 Helly Well Bootz
You cant define who won based on who got to space first, i think the objective was to go as far as possible. which the Americans got the furthest. Of course i am not basing this off of any information and i really know nothing of the space race.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:43 am
324.
“You are a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”
Bahaha… that is such a great statement… if there was any such thing… I would dare the world’s best decoder to even try decoding something like that.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:43 am
335. davross
Oh .. my bad …I thought you were actually being nice in 324. mea culpa. I guess I forgot who the author was.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:44 am
calm-incense
simple answer….. you cant
only thing you can do now is deal with the aftermath.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I’d say ‘reasons’ not excuses.
I’ve found that I like American’s as individuals, but as a group, Americans annoy the hell of me.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Hooooo boy, this is gonna take awhile….let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in.
I am a very proud Canadian currently living in South Korea. The way it works in Canada is that we bitch about the USA at every turn, then import their goods, drive down there to shop, export everything we own and everyone with any talent to them, listen to their music and watch their TV shows. Exaggeration? Probably, but that’s more or less the environment I come from.
That said, davross: take some freakin Prozac. You’re being as bigoted as anyone saying ALL Americans are a certain way, and EVERYONE should hate ALL of them…and I don’t give a rat’s ass who invented what geniuses can be born in any country. I frequently hope to heaven that Rosie O’Donnell and George Bush are not representative of the whole nation. Now Oprah, on the other hand…THAT’S the one you should be watching out for.
CatChick1964 (sp?): You love your country. You’re allowed to love your country. You’re allowed to never get on another airplane as long as you live if that’s what you want, because you’re from a free country. But if I read your last comment right, you said you went to ONE foreign country (a theocratic monarchy at that- the Middle East is not known for progressive governments), didn’t like it, so have decided to NEVER go ANYWHERE else ever again?
“I don’t want to visit another country and see what other atrocities other governements heap upon their people.”
So you honestly think America is the only country in the world possibly worth living in? Don’t get me wrong, you’re entitled to your opinion (I’m from a free country myself, you see, and now living in an entirely different free country), but DAMN, that’s close-minded! Believe it or not, there might be some things outside your borders worth seeing :p.
And the whole WWII thing goin’ on now: I love talking about Hitler as much as anyone, but are we really getting anywhere debating over which country “won” the war? I thought the idea of the “Allies” was that one nation couldn’t do it alone. Russia, Canada, Britain and the USA all had important battles, and if you took any of them away, who knows how things might’ve turned out? It’s pointless to try to hypothesize history. That said, I’ve definitely noticed the “WWII started when America got involved, and they kicked ass all over the place and guaranteed an Allied victory” attitude before, and it bugs me.
The Cold War: I’m not an expert on the subject, but used to work in a Cold War Museum (and currently live next door to one of its last hangers-on). Long story short, Russia collapsed all by itself due to corrupt governance, poverty, economic crisis, and infighting. So you could say America won that “war”, if you could also hypothetically believe a certain wrestler has won a match because his opponent had an epileptic seizure mid-fight.
Oh, and Vive la Canada!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am
339. archangel
“You are a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.”
A partial quote from the awesome Mr. Winston Churchill. Who, by the way, I wish had been an American and my dad or my grandpa… he rocked. May he RIP.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:46 am
Avoid the insults and make your points. Davross has stated his opinions if you are cynical of them then change his perspective with constructive criticism and logical arguement.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:47 am
If it’s in quotation marks that generally means it’s a ‘quote’. I didn’t generalise anything. (And my apologies for the late response, I was actually working on an essay).
Oh, and you’re not funny. Genocide = not funny. Just for future stand-up routines.
DCI – Would you mind at all if I fashioned you some kind of internet star? I think Matt Damon would approve.
JFrater : You see what you do?! Do you see how your website distracts me from my work?! I shall credit my failure to your genius should it come to that :p
May 14th, 2009 at 4:47 am
343. Jessy
Quite well said Jessy!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:48 am
america sucks you blow up british soldiers when your fighting alongside them and you’re inbred hillbillies! i was in america and a bloke said that england is small, you must know that john smith guy right-JOHN SMITH!! theres hundreds of blokes here named john smith freakin hillbillies!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:48 am
343. Jessy
“Hooooo boy, this is gonna take awhile….let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in.”
You’re late Jessy … be careful diving. Lots of pool pissers in here. LOL.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:48 am
@ FindMe:
What makes you think I was joking?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:49 am
you know what really makes the U.S. great? the fact that ppl can hate on us, and rip us apart, but we take it, and push forward. we do whatever is necessary to get the job done–even if this means stepping on some ppl’s (and other countries) toes. Its a dirty job, but somebody has to do it, and time and time again the U.S. is the one who steps up. So go ahead and keep bashing us all you haters–we’ll take it with a smile on our face, and keep doing what we have to do to try and make this world a better place…USA! USA! USA!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:49 am
344. CatChick1964
Oh awesome! That would have to be one of my favourite quotes from Churchill… thanks for that little bit of trivia =]
May 14th, 2009 at 4:49 am
davross-
have you ever even visited the USA? if so, which parts and for how long?
how can you have so many opinions about a geographically huge nation of 300 million different people if you have no first-hand experience of it?
to do so would be like me deciding britain in totality is a horrid waste of a place just because you’re both british and an idiot. but guess what- i’m capable of understanding that one fool does not a nation make, so i won’t blame britain as a whole for your existence.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:49 am
I think this is a great example of why I hate American nationalism.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Jesus Christ in the time it took me to read the comments and post on the comment thread more than doubled in length…sorry if my post is outdated…
May 14th, 2009 at 4:51 am
351. random guy
I would have no problem with that if the United States government/nation can ensure that it will always take the right path.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:51 am
335: Jessy, I’m just sitting here hitting refresh…
May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am
@ Welfhard:
Do you not realize that Lewis Black is himself American? That everyone in the audience is American? That most of the people who watched and rated this video five stars are American?
Why not just hate nationalism in and of itself? It is *always* ugly, regardless of its incarnation.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am
346. FindMe
At least you give credit where credit is due. Jfrater rocks, as does LU.
Sorry you can’t live with a little sarcastic humor. You shouldn’t debate with me then. I love it. I thrive on it. I laugh at the insincerity with which you attack me just because you don’t like what I say and take it all out of context.
I’m gonna send you a gift box full of humor for Christmas.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am
ok Lo i can see your another patriot who would disagree regardless of opinion, im not commenting until someone actually comes out with a valid response.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Yeah Jessy come on, the WW2 thing ended long ago. And both me and Blitz were in agreement but we are stubborn and were both debating the same argument with different facts so it wasnt a debate at all lol. I only brought it up because i really do not like people who claim that ww2 was won by the Americans and the Americans alone as there is evidence contradictory to that fact.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Thx CanuckCanuck667
Peace.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am
^
1. Who are you talking to?
2. A valid response to *what*?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:54 am
And…that was to davross.
Goddamn, too many comments!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:55 am
im talking to LO
its getting boring and reafirming my point that any american will stick up fr any american act as long as someone american dislikes it.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:56 am
I said before in an above post that I do indeed like the USA and go there about once a week,i live 20 minutes from a northern frontier crossing..but as a sports guy..i need to comment on # 9..I always wondered how the NBA or Major League baseball can claim a world champion..there is one team from either league from outside the USA,both here in Canada..so this annoying tidbit does bother me..on the world stage it seems that the USA did not win the world cup of baseball 2 months ago..and lost in the bronze medal game at world hockey championships to Sweden..we lost there also 2-1 in the gold medal game..shakes fist at Russia..lol..
May 14th, 2009 at 4:56 am
360. davross23-
you don’t think it’s valid to say whether or not your opinions of the USA come from first-hand experience?
interesting.
have you traveled abroad at all? did you make it outside of the EU? you know the world is a very big place filled with very different people and visiting it expands one’s mind accordingly. and that’s a good thing.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Debating with you is like debating with Sarah Palin, frustrating and, ultimately, a bit of a joke.
That’s another thing that irks me slightly about ‘American English’… why remove perfectly functional letters?!
HumoUr. ColoUr. Neighbour. Doughnut.
And please, please acknowledge the H at the beginning of the word herb!
Pet peeve yes. Reason to dislike America? No
May 14th, 2009 at 4:57 am
343. Jessy
Some good points. Credit given.
I’m sure there are many beautiful things to see in any given country in the world. I just didn’t like what I saw and prefer not to take the chance of seeing that or something worse but crossing other borders.
Rock on neighbor!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:58 am
364. calm_incense-
he was responding to me at 353. or rather “not commenting” to me.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:59 am
yes lo i have travlled the world but i have never been to iraq etc, so that is the reason i will not be drawn in to your arguement, your obvious defensivness stems from the fact that you dislike the fact most people hate americans.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:59 am
@findme 368
Thank you for the ou thing. I got called out earlier for spelling Pearl Harbor with an ou since you know i have been spelling that way for 24 years.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:00 am
Wow, these comments sure are heated….
First i just want to point out that I am an American living in Germany for a year, so I’ve a lot of time to think about this topic.
It seems like lots of people want to make some sort of blame game list of reasons why some countries are better than others. I would like to point out that in humanities’ long history, countries rise and fall and many countries have their share of shame and pride.
I’ve always had a problem when people say they hate Americans. I wonder what type of person someone thinks of when they say that. Is it a middle class, middle age white guy with his big car and house and perfect white family of large excess? What about all the other immigrants that make up this country? One of the best parts of America is that anyone, from any country can come here and make a life. There is so much diversity, that I find it difficult to label us all as “you people.” Surely other countries can agree they themselves are not all filled with the same clone stereotypes.
We do care about other cultures. We live with them every day. Indian, Mexican, Brazilian, Chinese…it’s all there. I completely agree that we lack in world views. I wish foreign language was important our public schools. I wish we didn’t have a bloated military government. I live in a huge country where I can drive in one direction for a thousand miles and it’s still English-speaking, Wal-mart, Mcdonalds, flag-waving America. I am so lucky to leave it and get some outside view.
This list is at best humorous, and perpetuates Americans fascination with ourselves. Oh well.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:00 am
and davross-
why do you think you know where i’m from? just because i know the USA is big and has a lot of citizens that makes me an “american patriot”? weird.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:00 am
368. FindMe
oooh… I love spelling words with the long forgotten extra “U” in there. I homeschool my girls and teach them as many alternate spellings that I can find of words.
I’m thinking the only reason we take the “H” out of herb is because it’s a common first name here as well and as a name is prounouce “h-erb”
May 14th, 2009 at 5:01 am
yeah….i’m confused as to where whoever wrote this list stands…they didn’t defend America against the excuses all the time….was it sarcasm? Are they confused? Are they making fun of people who hate America? Who knows. Pretty average list. America win at everything? I never noticed.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:01 am
well why are you interjecting? for the sake of an arguement? or in defense of american acts?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:02 am
Having extra letters in words is simply inefficient.
Screw tradition. If there’s no logical reason for superfluous components of a language, it ought to be naturally reformed.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:02 am
davross-
you’re right, “have you ever even visited the USA? if so, which parts and for how long?
how can you have so many opinions about a geographically huge nation of 300 million different people if you have no first-hand experience of it?”
is a totally defensive posture.
oh wait, it’s a totally legitimate question you have yet to answer.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:03 am
368. FindMe
“Debating with you is like debating with Sarah Palin, frustrating and, ultimately, a bit of a joke.”
So, is that compliment, a derogatory comment on my character, or both. :p
I, for one, kinda like Sarah. She’s a tough ol’ broad.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Whats sarah palin up to nowadays???
May 14th, 2009 at 5:05 am
376. kk
“yeah….i’m confused as to where whoever wrote this list stands…they didn’t defend America against the excuses all the time…was it sarcasm?”
Bingo!! And kk gets the prize!!!:)
May 14th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Some questions are best left unanswered.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:07 am
I have been counting the states I have visited..and the answer is 34..from all regions expect Alaska and Hawaii..and like anything,you take the good with the bad,and I myself happen to love the country
May 14th, 2009 at 5:07 am
373. melbell
Bravo!! Well said!!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:07 am
i’m interjecting because i am curious. i’m observing why people hold the opinons they are stating here.
it’s possible to have a nuanced view of all international relations. there are options between: “i totally hate america and all americans” and “america is the best, screw the rest of the world.” you know.
or did you know that?
and did you know that every time someone uses “americans” only to refer to the USA the other citizens of the 2 “american” continents get pissed off? try doing it in south america and see where it gets you. like i said, it’s a BIG world.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:08 am
#
381. DCI – May 14th, 2009 at 5:04 am [Report Abuse]
Whats sarah palin up to nowadays???
I think moose hunting in Alaska
May 14th, 2009 at 5:09 am
By the way, call me crazy, but I just took another look through the list, and it seems an awful lot more anti-American than pro-American. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 are all fundamentally bad. 7 and 9 are debatable. 3 is the only one that doesn’t blame America.
Seems like you guys are seeing what you want to see. Jay K doesn’t seem to be quite the jingoist you guys make him out to be.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:10 am
because Lo i dont feel that if i have visited every state in america i could make an opinion, i will go with the entire worlds COMMON concensus which is they are bullies and arrogant patriots, the world is not theirs, who cares how many states ive visited?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:10 am
387. DMcI
“(#381. DCI Whats sarah palin up to nowadays???)
I think moose hunting in Alaska”
Nope… moose hunting season is Sept 5th – 15th. Now pike and salmon fishing, maybe?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
389. Davross basing your opinion on what other people are saying is just as ignorant as other nationalities consider america to be
May 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
oh, and for the record, i’m a US citizen.
and the list is a satirical critique of america!
i guess that’s just something that people who aren’t mentally sophisticated or mature enough to see the complicated, nuanced real world can’t grasp, sigh.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Catchick – finally we agree on something! And Jeremy is in on the game too! The U should stay…. it’s not inefficient! How can taking the time to add an extra stroke to a letter possibly be inefficient!
If you’re going to speak English speak it correctly :p
(Had to stop myself using the word ‘gonna’ there…. oh sweet irony!)
May 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
390. CatChick1964
i stand corrected..either fishing or bear wrestling while looking at Russia from her kitchen window
May 14th, 2009 at 5:13 am
“thanks for paying off the loan, Norway”
your welcome, no problem.
however, america doesnt win everything, at all.
the spacerace was initially about getting the first man into space, and after russia did that; usa pulled a “best out of three!!!11″ and changed the race.
secondly, what you DO win in, say, sporting events are won by people who was only let into the country for their athletic skill and dont speak a lick of english. XD
besides, i think you should diferentiate between hating america, and americans. personally i have great dislike for america, but not its people. those i feel sorry for.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:15 am
393. FindMe
Oh.. now come on. You ain’t gonna get nowhere’s if you don’t take delite in mispeling a word or too now and then.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:16 am
‘America can be trusted to do the right thing….. After they’ve exhausted all other possibilities’
– Winston Churchill.
Really sums up my feelings about America.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:16 am
the list is the epitome of american arrogance, now i am outnumbered by americans i shall take my leave and let you all suck each other off to how great america is.
America fuck yeah!!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:17 am
“389. davross23 – May 14th, 2009 at 5:10 am [Report Abuse]
because Lo i dont feel that if i have visited every state in america i could make an opinion, i will go with the entire worlds COMMON concensus which is they are bullies and arrogant patriots, the world is not theirs, who cares how many states ive visited?”
WHAT??? -you just admitted that even if you’d spent time in every state in the USA you’d be mentally incapable of forming your own first-hand opinions of your experiences of america, so instead you choose to just go with whatever you assume the majority of other people say!
why on earth should we listen to someone who admits they can’t think critically on their own and chooses to parrot others instead?
your above quoted statement may be the most pathetic admission i’ve ever seen here.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:18 am
394. DMcI
I think bears are afraid of her. They’ve been witnessed bringing her fresh caught salmon and whild honey in worship. skeeeery…
May 14th, 2009 at 5:20 am
398. davross23
You’re anger and immature comments show that you have trouble admitting that you just might be wrong.
So be it.
k. thnx. buh-bi.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:21 am
davross is the epitome of what makes this world an ugly place.
Basically, seeing inappropriate reactionaryism, and combating it with more inappropriate reactionaryism.
Way to solve the problem!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:23 am
Damn, it’s 5:22am.
THIS is why I don’t complain about ListVerse lists that don’t interest me. They’re blessings in disguise!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:31 am
well this will all stop soon enough anyway,the North American Union is coming soon..so you can all bash the NAU instead of the USA..(satirical comment only)
May 14th, 2009 at 5:33 am
@davross
scotsman?!?!?! fucking hell. well that change it completely. as long as you dont tie me to a caper or force feed me haggis i really aint got no problem
and lets be fair we british are a superior breed after all. hahaha. look i dont do hate. but it doesnt mean that in sense i dont agree with wha everyone here has said. the americans. bless there little cotton socks. can be complete tarts. but hey everyone can. i aint generalising. just the attitudes of some people there stinks. out right. am i right?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:35 am
I was about to troll this thread, but people are already fighting over retarded stuff. Kinda lost my motivation.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:35 am
402. calm_incense – Basically, seeing inappropriate reactionaryism, and combating it with more inappropriate reactionaryism. Way to solve the problem!
I agree with you. We’re not going to make it are we? I mean soon man will continue to take arguments further into violence and self destruct are own species.
It seems mankinds hatred is its own manner of extinction.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:35 am
I work off-shore with a lot of Europeans and it’s the in thing to do. But guess what we/the people not our Government just don’t care that you do. Ask any American we just don’t care about your crap we have enough going on at home without having to worry about your whining.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:36 am
@catchick1964
i hav eone question its a biggy. and in no way is it making fun. just want your opinion. you do live in america right? well here it is. how can you have mustard AND tomato sauce on a hotdog. it just doesnt work. i cant understand it at all
May 14th, 2009 at 5:37 am
I don’t hate America but i don’t like it either
May 14th, 2009 at 5:37 am
@ DMCI 404
Oh dear God no. Canada has already been half-absorbed into USA. Let’s not make it official, shall we?
Has Davross gone to bed? Good, let’s get some real debatin’ going on. We haven’t cracked 500 comments yet and this is actually slowing down enough that I can keep up with it.
(If the thread has grown to 500 comments by the time this is posted I guess I’ll have egg on my face).
I forgot to mention Rush Limbaugh 30 minutes and 100 posts ago. I don’t hate America, but I sure as hell wanna meet that guy someday and hit him in the face with some poutine (fries/cheese/gravy for the non-Canadians). Everything he says pisses me off.
And yeah, I just wanted to say that this list isn’t “Rah rah, America’s great!” He’s talking about why America isn’t so great. He’s admitting the faults.
And apparently he’s now hiding under his bed till the storm passes.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:41 am
America is a great country and I will always be happy living here. I am just concerned that the way we have continued to act over the course of time. We have made many attempts to leave God out of our system of Government in that which it was founded as recorded in the archived documents of congress. We will be our own downfall. As we subject ourselves to athesetic groups that fight for the removal of GOD from everything that we use to follow as our code of morality we can only expect to lose our blessings of a country with all we have been endowwed with. GOD help us!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:41 am
411. Jessy
Agreed..I’m in Fredericton,NB..and add Sean Hannity or whatever his name is to list andof course sweet sweet Anne Coultre..
May 14th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Im not a big America fan and this list just made it worse.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:41 am
409. cas1989
You’re absolutely right!!! I only put mustard on my hotdogs. Sometimes with some sweet relish. Yum!!
Great.. thnx.. now I’m realy hungry.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:42 am
3. We can afford automobiles
I finally know where the CO2 come from
May 14th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Holy hell! This is what happens when I sleep in. Over 400 comments. Wow!
Ok..I am from America but if I wasn’t, I would probably feel the same way as this list. It’s sometimes hard to dredge up patriotism when your country isn’t making you so proud. I am sticking around to see what is going to happen next. Hopefully….we will get better.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:44 am
@Cybogen
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
From the American constitution. That there ensures God never makes it into your system of government.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:44 am
I really dislike most Americans attitudes. Just relax people, smoke some chonch. Can’t we all just get along?
- Canadian
May 14th, 2009 at 5:45 am
You say that it’s about time you americans lose the ego, and then state you lead the world and win at everything. You write about America as if it’s a utopia and all of us foreigners need to be converted. THAT is why people hate the US, becuase on the whole, it’s citizens think they’re better than everyone else. Having said that, not all americans are prats but this list just screams ignorant yank!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Way way way off topic here… but does anyone know what’s up with the forums? Haven’t been able to get in for two days now.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:47 am
@CatChick1964
HAHAHA wow now thatdes sound nice. although being british and all. i much prefer a lovely bacon sandwich. YUMMMMMMM. now you see not all debating has to be heated. although a hotdog would be crap cold wouldnt it.
now that sir davross lord of clear thinking and rationalisation (not) is out of the way.:)
we can finally get down to the more important debates this list brings forward. such as whod win in a fight ronald mcdonald…orr hitler…ill take bets and we SHAll find an answer. HAHAH oh i make me laugh. (someone has to)
where are you actually from cat chick ?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:49 am
@erin OMG that word….CHONCH. thats aawwweeesssooommmeee
but wha doesit mean. enlighten me my lovely canadian buddy. i love canada. and maple leaves. i think i should have been born there lol. OHHHH AND MAPLE SYRUP
May 14th, 2009 at 5:50 am
421. CatChick1964: Email jaime….I was able to get in last night.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Ronald McDonald, easily. He’d just feel Hitler fries (rumour has it the man was a vegetarian- so I guess Big Macs are out) until he dropped of a heart attack and he’d keep that crazy clown grin all the while….
May 14th, 2009 at 5:51 am
whoops, *feed Hitler French fries….
May 14th, 2009 at 5:52 am
@cas1989
It means weed, marijuana, hubbly bubbly
Come on and move over here it’s legal as long as you’re not carrying over 5 grams!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am
i love the USA! im not american but i bet you that a lot of people want to immigrate there.i wonder why?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am
425. Jessy: It was funnier with the “feel”.
I will take Ronald on that one…scary dude.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Cheeseface
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
From the American constitution. That there ensures God never makes it into your system of government.
********************************************************
People have the mistaken opinion that this means God should be left out of government but they are wrong. It means that Congress will not favor one religion over another. It says nothing about leaving God out of governement and it definitely doesn’t say “seperation of church and state”. It ACTUALLY means that ALL religions are FREE to practise in America. It has NOTHING to do whether or not God is allowed or worshiped in government instituions, schools, etc…
May 14th, 2009 at 5:54 am
According to 90% of these comments, agreeing with others that our country is bad will make us a better country.
What?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:54 am
422. cas1989
How funny you should mention a bacon sandwich. After I typed in my comment, I went and made myself a bacon sandwich. Want a bite? It’s yummy… *insert me holding my sandwich in cas’s face… lol
Right now, I am in Sumter, South Carolina on Shaw Air Force Base. Never heard of it? No worries. I wish I hadn’t either. It’s in the south. I don’t like the south. It’s hot all the time. They have big bugs. And they eat turnip greens.
I was raised in Kentucky in a sweet little country town called “Grand Rivers”. We have one post office, one grocery store, a volunteer fire department and a
four-star restaurant… go figure.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:58 am
@jessy
hahaha yes i was wodering what feeling his fries insinuated. lets not have any innuendo on here. fast food or otherwise
May 14th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Catchick: Oakland has to be better than Myrtle Beach though.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:00 am
433. Sherman
LOL.. any place is better than Myrtle Beach .. oh .. except of course, Sumter.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:02 am
@CatChick1964
wow that sounds really lovely. and yes i want your bacon sandwich. PLEASE. and before any heads look at this and say. he said what now. i did ACTUALLY mean a bacon sandwich.
im from stratford upon avon lol. its in england. being not that big i cant give you a state. basically its the birth place of william shakespeare. and its absolutely gorgeous. buuuttt. not so much sun. or heat. well lets just say its rain lots and lots of rain lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:04 am
431. CatChick1964: How close was that to Henderson? I lived there for almost 2 years. One of my favorite states, btw. I live in Arizona now…you want hot? It’s already 80 out….and its around 6am.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:04 am
@erin
OMG I WILL
can you order me and ill come first class postal
beats being at work pretending to work rather than writing this post lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:04 am
I love the hundreds of stripper clubs that line the streets of Myrtle Beach, and let us not forget the ever successful Hard Rock Park.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:07 am
This thread has rapidly degenerated into nicities, I for one am disgusted;)
May 14th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Just wanted to put my two cents in:
To the people of the US: criticism isn’t always hate – constructive critique of a country and the desire for improvement on failed or ineffective policies is NOT a lack of patriotism. Pointing out what is wrong allows broken things to be fixed, making the country better.
The US government has intervened in many places for reasons that were both good and bad. We have allowed ourselves to be blinded by ideology and false dichotomies (Cold War and interventions in Latin America). We have invaded countries, sometimes with support (Persian Gulf) and sometimes without (Iraq.) On the other end, the US has also done some good things, and while it’s embarrassing that it took so long for us to get involved in WWII, denying that American men and women served their country and assisted in the liberation of Europe alongside their allies means you are blind or stupid. We were not the only participants, but we brought fresh blood and a country full of natural resources to a Europe that was under constant threat of bombing and/or invasion from Germany.
The US is not perfect nor is it all evil. The list has some valid points, particularly the “center of the universe” mentality and our meddling in international affairs. As a US citizen living in Australia while Bush was still in power I was grateful the vast majority of the Australian people were willing to judge all people (not just Americans) based on their individual merits instead of what their country was doing. I got some comments about what an idiot we had in power, but
I never got blind hate.
Calm down, remember that no country is perfect and that painting a broad brush of stereotypes doesn’t promote understanding between cultures no matter where you’re from.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:08 am
435. cas1989
–I’ve heard and read lots of Stratford Upon Avon!! I used to say I was a displaced Englishwoman. I’ve always been homesick for that country and never been there. And I love, love, love rainy days!!!
436. oouchan
YES!!! Henderson is only a few hours away from my family home. Been there many times. Regarding Arizona … we were terrified once that hubby might get orders there. There were only two assignments open; Arizona and Georgia; we got Georgia. So does the joke really apply in Arizona ??? It’s a “dry heat”??? That’s what they always say in Texas, too. LOL.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:09 am
You should write a list why people hate Germany
May 14th, 2009 at 6:10 am
@cheeseface
Niceities…HOW DARE YOU…i for one am hurt by that remark. i thought this was a fast paced debate. with some incredible arguments. loo at the last one thats a bitch of a message. im like wow. how long did that take….yeah you see. the debates not dead.
well not buried at least
May 14th, 2009 at 6:10 am
When you are on top, there will always be someone trying to bring you down. America will not always maintain this position (see Roman Empire), however, while we are we will make the best of it for this world we live in. Stop pandering to the thoughts and opinions of whiny Europeans. Continue to roll your sleeves up and get the dirty jobs done. Let little sisters cry, we’re not here to put pacifiers in mouths, we’re here because we do what needs to be done.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:11 am
439. Cheeseface
“This thread has rapidly degenerated into nicities, I for one am disgusted;)”
Cheese, sorry.. but you missed the big heated fist-fights from earlier this morning. You’ve got to get up early if you want a black eye from this thread.
I’m still tending to my bruises and having stitches put in the many cuts and abrasions that I received. (Ouch!!! — hey doc.. that hurt!!!)
May 14th, 2009 at 6:13 am
@catchick1964
HAHAHA well you wouldnt love them if you were here and your car was sloooowly meandering down a river in flood water lol. but even then you get to see the ducks or go to the theatre. soooo i suppose your right. i should stop complaining. cos tbh I HATE BUGS. and if theyre big i get SCARED…so ill stay put… you lot should all come over. well have a picnic. have some tea;) we could even go on a rowing boat. now tell me that not cool. lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:15 am
First and foremost, America is NOT and I repeat NOT a Democracy. America is a Republic.
Now onto the more important matters. Don’t care that there hasn’t been a comment in a few hours.
There are good things about the country and a hell of a lot of bad things about the country.
Yes, there are self-righteous, in your face, egotistical bastards whose sole duty in life seems to be to piss people off and wave their dicks around.
It’s not like everyone here is like that. I hate the egotism just as much as anyone else. But it’s one part of a whole.
There are people like that in every country. Who CARES? Really? Why do you care so much about people like that. It’s annoying yes, but honestly.. why let it color your view.
The stereotype of American’s is the pompous in your face religious zealot who only wants to beat shit up and take everyone’s resources. It’s a stereotype.. so why insist that it’s the whole?
Take off everything after the pompous part and you’ve got the stereotype for the French. Do I think all French people are like that? Do I hate the France because of it? No.
For fuck’s sake, chill the fuck out. Breathe, think, and do something more constructive than bash on a country based on the lowest dregs of it’s society.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:16 am
@Davross – You need to stop getting your information from bad movies.
@Cas1989 – You are correct on the mustard & tomato sauce on a hotdog. That is just wrong. MUSTARD ONLY!
May 14th, 2009 at 6:17 am
445. Catchick
I’ve been here all day, I commented once near the top, but then my enthusiasm for unfounded hatred waned. So I’ve just been watching and seething about numerous issues that have been brought up.
Cas1989: I live near Stratford-upon-Avon. Hooray for us Warwickshire folk.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:19 am
441. CatChick1964: Dry heat….yup…so it fire! By the end of today, it’s supposed to be 103. It’s not too bad…I will take it over humidity any day.
btw…I am going to be traveling to Japan next year. I am studing the culture and language with my kid. I don’t want to go as a tourist. I plan on going outside of that “box” and getting somewhere rural to go. I hate tourists…I get them here in Pheonix! Most of the time, I want to run them over with my car! (jk…but you get my point.
)
May 14th, 2009 at 6:19 am
http://pakalert.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/737-us-military-bases-global-empire/
Read the headline, u’ll know y many ppl hate America
May 14th, 2009 at 6:20 am
446. cas1989
Oh the irony of it all. Or at least, I’m hoping for some irony.
Hubby is, even as we speak, trying to get an assignment to Mildenhall in Suffolk. We should find out in a few weeks. I’m so hoping we get it. We’ve been stationed here for six years. Can you say BOR-RING!!.
And since he retires in two years, it would be our last assignment. Some people are gonna fuss at me because I’ve said previously that I didn’t want to visit another country. In a way, it’s true. But, oh, so much to see.
At least I can say that we’ve lived right smack in the middle of Civil War history being here in South Carolina. I’ve even had the pleasure to be on an archeological dig and found an old iron rail road sign. It’s amazing what can make a woman squeal with glee. LOL. Or … maybe it isn’t???
May 14th, 2009 at 6:21 am
@cheeseface
where abouts??? high five to that my fellow british country bumpkin
oh and can you help me to explain to the above people. we dont JUST drink tea and beer. dont forget VODKA. TEQUILLA. WINE. and any other alcohol we use fr our binge drinking excercises
cos weve got something were better at than everyone else lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:22 am
450. oouchan
Japan?? That is so cool. I know you’ll have a blast. So much culture there. Enjoy and, yet, be careful, too.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:23 am
A partial quote from the awesome Mr. Winston Churchill. Who, by the way, I wish had been an American
CatChick1964 – well, you’ll be happy to learn that he was half American, as his mother’s family was from New York (she was born in Brooklyn).
May 14th, 2009 at 6:24 am
Well – it’s now sun up in the USA and there are 400+ posts.
Looks like the Socialists were very busy while we slept.
THE THREAD STARTS NOW
The next few hours will be VERY interesting.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:24 am
generally i love the site, but i think this is a poor list. it feels sanctimonious and patronising on the whole. I certainly dont hate americans or america but this list might have pushed me a bit closer lol
Steve, Cheltenham England
May 14th, 2009 at 6:25 am
@ Cas1989
It’s not actually that close to Stratford it just happens to be in Warwickshire, I live in Water Orton, I dunno if you know it?
In all fairness, the majority of what I drink is either tea or beer, but I understand alcopops are popular these days.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:26 am
hmm. The fact that the majority of these comments are from names I don’t recognize tells me we either have a ton of frist time commentors or people that signed up just to comment, just to bash America. Really? Someone admitted up there that a large part of their hatred WAS because it was “cool.” Well, if we all did what was “cool” I would have voted Obama. Why don’t people who ae jumping on the hate the USA bandwagon take some time, do some research, and formulate their own opinion. If it happens to be the same one, fine, but at least you can back it up.
Also, we seem to get hated upon the most for being ethnocentric. I’m sorry, but in my opinion, that’s a good thing. Yes of course I’m aware of other cultures. Does that mean I’m a self absorbed bitch because I don’t throw down a cushion and eat with chopsticks? No, we do what we’re taught and brought up to do- WE have culture to. Is it the best? I don’t know. Am I proud of it? Hell yes. Also, I think everyone is self absorbed, no matter how good you are. I have a wonderful life- great family, great friends, a decent job, I do volunteer work, I have a rescued dog, and you know what? My world revolves around me. Not me as “I live in America, I’m better than you,” but me as in “I’m Caitlin, this is my life, it sucks sometimes but it’s pretty great” I don’t care if you live in America, Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany or New Zealand, your world revolves around you.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:27 am
@steeveebee
yeah i know what you mean mate. but lets be fair. we often do the same thing about the liverpudlans and mancs etc. so i just take it in my stride. after all not all liverpudlians thieve wheels for a living. or the transport system would involve a lot of walking
May 14th, 2009 at 6:28 am
“And you join us in the interval now as we enter the second round of action this afternoon. Already we have seen many contestants fall; as blood and guts fly to the walls. Taking an early lead Davross, Jessy, calm_incense(?) with lo coming in on the outside, and a late entry by Valkyrie. It’s still all to play for as we go into round 2, here on the Listverse Channel. Stay with us as this promisses to be an unbeatable stage for the semi finals later on tonight.
WE’LL be BACK after THEEESE messages.”
May 14th, 2009 at 6:28 am
453. cas1989 – “dont forget VODKA. TEQUILLA. WINE. and any other alcohol we use fr our binge drinking excercises cos weve got something were better at than everyone else lol”
I’ll agree to Brits being able to hold their liquor…and snaps for doing it, too. When we were stationed in Alaska, I worked at the base enlisted club. We had a team of English fighters come in for an exercise. Wow. They could put away the beer. When we’d give last call for alcohol, each and every one would order one, sometimes two, pictures of beer. EACH. And then they’d walk back to their barracks in a straighter line than they arrived. LOL.
I also had a wonderful relationship with a British couple when we were stationed in Georgia. When some of their family came for a visit from England, they brought their own booze. I can’t remember the name of it, but it was the finest apple brandy I’ve ever tasted.. and it wasn’t sold over here… durn it. They also brought me some real… real … Cadbury’s milk chocolate. It was awesome.
Wonderful peeps like these are the reason I’d come to England any day!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 6:29 am
@ callie
well said, but how could you not vote obama?? lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:30 am
GET’EM callie
May 14th, 2009 at 6:32 am
455. kiwiboi
Thank you for that tidbit of info on Churchill. I just think he was about one of the finest human beings to grace the planet earth. Shame there’s not more of his ilk around.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:34 am
461. Lifeschool
You keep on with those updates and NBC is gonna be knocking on your door with a job offer… lol…
May 14th, 2009 at 6:35 am
@callie_
hey im a first time poster. just thought it would be interesting to do so, a lot of people do that sort of thing. find something to hate and all join in together. i dont hate anyone or anything. whats the point. peoplemake mistakes andthats life. if you dont make em, who can learn from them. but please dont put us all in the same boat. cos we arent all being offensive
May 14th, 2009 at 6:36 am
May 14th, 2009 at 6:38 am
wow.. I’ve been reading and commenting for seven hours now.
Me thinks I should go see if I still have a life.
If I don’t… then I’ll be back.
If I do, then I’ll see you all for whatever wonderful heated debate we have tomorrow.
Love, hugs and wellwishes!!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 6:39 am
@CatChick1964
we can at that. they call it binge drinking. we call it a test of strength;) if you dont throw up you aint had enough. but i think the friendliness. depends on where you go. the citys arent so fun. i mch prefer the old english countryside
and your so right. cadburys chocolate. has to be the best chocolate ever createdin the world. but what makes that taste. probably something weird like dog meat lol
May 14th, 2009 at 6:42 am
The fact that somebody went to the trouble to make this list is a testament to American exceptionalism. This raises the obvious question: Did anybody see Hank Blalock’s extra inning walk off double last night to beat the Mariners?
May 14th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I read somewhere that one day all american states will fight eachother for independence!
May 14th, 2009 at 6:46 am
America will only rule the world until the machines take over!! We all know that day is coming! Then all human race will join together and fight as one! Or die… depends.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:53 am
@travis
fight as one, or just make sure we put the “off” switches in easy to reach places
May 14th, 2009 at 6:54 am
461. Lifeschool-
i loved that little race-style recap
(and not just because i was mentioned) i’m curious what will happen now that most of the US is awake.
angry fools like davross got themselves all sorts of riled up without anyone even making genuine “america is the best, (it can put a boot in your ass if you disagree)” arguments back at them.
so, let’s wait and see: 10…9..8…7…6…5…4……..
May 14th, 2009 at 6:57 am
wow!! i check this first thing in the morning and this “new list” already has almost 500 comments. i think someone just threw a beehive into a colony of ants and lit the whole thing on fire.
back to the top to see what all the commotion is.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:57 am
I believe the biggest reason, and most valid, is the FACT that you never had a George Washington, or an Alexander Hamilton. A Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, or James Madison. You also never had an Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, or even an FDR for that matter. These men took some of your ideas (early on), but their brilliance created the best possible government ever on the face of the earth. Did I say it was perfect? NOPE! but our Constitutional Republic is miles above on all your silly Socialistic experiments.
Tell the French that America didn’t help in WW-II. Tell England that the supplies we gave them from the onset of the Germans attack didn’t help their resistance and resilience. Or the 3000 Americans that died in one day on the beaches of Normandy helping Monty fight the Germans in France… I guess the English have forgotten that during WW-I they cut off all supplies to Germany forcing starvation on millions of German civilians.. I could go on and on about how wonderful all the other nations are but the USA is soooooo evil and full of itself.. Excuse me Europe, but 2 questions… 1. Hmm what was the model for the EU? and 2. How do your own farts smell?
May 14th, 2009 at 6:59 am
CatChick1964
YOU ROCK!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:02 am
I don’t hate America, because I’m from America… the american CONTINENT.
As for the United States of AMERICA, I don’t hate it either. I’ve been there many times on vacation and always had a blast. I met a lot of wonderful people and everyone was so welcoming to tourists.
BUT, as all nationalities there are reasons to love “America” less than desirable ;D
I “hate” that many americans have absolutely no idea about geography. I’m in the tourism industry here in Spain, and too many americans have no idea where they’re at when they visit us. Many have told me that before their travel agent suggested Spain as a destination they thought Spain was actually in Mexico (wow).
Can’t blame them for not knowing the exact location of european countries in an european map but… thinking that Spain is in America (again, the continent!) is way too much.
I also “hate” that tourists arrive and speak to others in English without learning a single word of the local language prior to the start of their trip. They come to you and don’t even say “hello” in English, they just demand things “where’s this museum?” “where can I find..” …
come on, not everyone understands English! And where are your manners? Not all of american tourists are so self-centered but there are too many who expect you to speak perfect English. I blame the travel agents though, they usually sell destinations assuring their clients that “europeans understand and speak English” and that they’ll feel right at home.
Me I work in tourism services and I’m glad to be able to practise English with americans and other foreigners but the rest of the locals shouldn’t be expected to speak English as if it was their mother tongue.
Many american tourists are very kind and respectful of the local culture though.
Always learn a few words in the local language, if you show respect locals will be thrilled to help you in whatever you may need.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:03 am
I used to think I ‘hated’ my sister; then I grew up and realized I was just jealous. Have a great day from Toledo, Ohio USA
May 14th, 2009 at 7:04 am
i think JB-NYC is a perfect example of why some people hate america so much…
May 14th, 2009 at 7:05 am
471. cas1989
those familiar with this site refer to the flavor enhancer as “beaver ass juice”
May 14th, 2009 at 7:06 am
We don’t hate you, we just don’t like you. And the reason for that is your arrogance which is ,after all, proven by this article.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:08 am
You guys are all talking about WW2 and how America saved europe… but listen to this: America was in a recession since 1929 and if it wasnt for the war they would still be, think about it… they let Europe get destroyed and then they come in late win the war and say :”hey guys now you buy our over priced materials to reconstruct your countries!”. Hence they developed so rapidly their economy! Europe helped the USA as they helped Europe!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:09 am
well, i sure didn’t have to wait very long …3…2…1…478. JB-NYC!
it’ll just get more interesting as we go, that one stopped well short of where to put a boot.
i thought the beaver-ass juice only enhanced the flavors of raspberries. am i misremembering?
May 14th, 2009 at 7:12 am
470. CatChick1964 – Its sound lie a plan? See you tomorrow CatChick!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:14 am
I think this is going to wind up as the most commented list on Listverse! Or at the very least, in the Top 10.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:16 am
I think my head just exploded.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:19 am
@lo and TREX
OMG please dont tell me cadburys chocolate is beaver ass juice. now youve put me right off it. i mean seriously. its brown. now im gonna get nasty images. and raspberrys too. how cruel are you. ill never look at those foods the same. ever again lol
May 14th, 2009 at 7:19 am
478. JB-NYC: Wow…glad you don’t speak for all of us.
480. Tina: I agree…tourists are horrible! What? No one can be nice? What I hate is that some people demand that you speak their language. Like english or where I am from…spanish. In AZ, people get pissed if you can’t speak spanish. Our language is english…I wouldn’t force anyone to speak that if I visited your country.
486. lo: I was already sick this morning…now I have to remember beaver ass! yummy!
will have to pick this up later when I get to work.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:20 am
sorry stuck an r in there.dont it make it more interesting
May 14th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Adding so I can follow…
May 14th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Hi.
I LOOOOOOVE many things about the American culture. As with anything, there are good and bad things. I would say more of the former, if you know where to look.
But thinking that America (or rather, the American government) is “the good guys” at this moment in history is not being very smart. It’s funny how the list mentions the Marshall Plan (from almost 60 years ago), but says nothing about the current global economic recession. Guess whose fault that is…? (And that’s just the tip of the “Whoops, we messed up!” iceberg, FYI). I could go on and on and on about the subject, but I’ll simply let the previous 500 comments and the following 500 to continue for me.
kthxbye! 
May 14th, 2009 at 7:23 am
480. Tina
I know geography quite well. I would never go abroad without knowing the local terrain, customs, cuisine, climate, etc.
Unfortunately you are quite right about a lot of younger Americans not knowing basic geography and other disciplines that used to be mandatory in our school systems. Nowadays it’s only required that a student show up a percentage of time and they are graduated– ignorance rewarded. It’s up to the student to peruse an education – all compliments of the inner-city conveyor schools adopted by the government (hey, if it’s good enough for Chicago, it’s bad enough for us all) .
sad
May 14th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Outstanding bit of ignorance from a lot of people; to lump all Americans into one group of violent war criminals. Might want to narrow down any judgement specifically to citizens of the United States of America. Regardless, what right do any of you have to judge US citizens? Last time I checked, neither I nor my neighbor invaded Iraq. We are to suffer from the whims of world leaders all the same any person in any country could, the United States just has an outstanding military that is used as a tool of global destruction.
No one has the right to judge an entire nation. No one has the right to judge a citizen for the actions of the government.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:33 am
@ 496.travisthechimp :
Kudos to your comment!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:39 am
for anyone who needs to take a break from this list and learn more about the beaver ass juice that may be in your dessert, just go here:
http://listverse.com/bizarre/top-10-bizarre-food-ingredients/
May 14th, 2009 at 7:40 am
281
Trying to catch up with the all the comments!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:40 am
I just wanted to note that I am not blitz17 and not American, so please don’t get us confused.
The list itself is fine, but I have to question its purpose. Those of us in the rest of the world already know the reasons why America is hated, and the 90% of Americans who don’t know them don’t really care (as someone pointed out way upthread). Most of the Americans I have met have been good people, but truly, the level of ignorance they have about the rest of the world is shocking. For a world superpower, America is really very insular.
And then they have this great ideal of brining democracy to the rest of the world, without realizing that if you impose democracy on a country….it’s not democracy anymore.
May 14th, 2009 at 7:44 am
tldr
What’s the record for most comments on a list btw?
May 14th, 2009 at 7:48 am
There are two sides of America I would like to focus on ladies and gentlemen, the first being television – I don’t know where I’d be without it. If America wasn’t so rich and bursting with self-absorbed actors and actresses we would never have enjoyed the delights of “Arrested Development”, “LOST”(now THAT was a finale, am I right?) and “House”. I’ll leave it at that.
The other side I’d like to focus on – Sports. The words, “American Football” echo agonisingly in my ears every time they are uttered. It’s about advertising and tackling. That’s it. The fans support their team for the sake of supporting them. Now compare any American football rivalry to an Old firm match in Glasgow, el classico in Spain or the Milan derby. There is no question which sport brings out the most passion from their fans.
Apart from the hollow shell of a sport that is American football, the rest of American sport does just fine in my book; baseball, basketball and hockey are great. They do not deserve to be slagged off.
I know I left out politics, social issues, obesity and a whole range of flaws but I intended to sound all cynical and what-not in order to be controversial. I don’t have strong feelings about any of the subject I talked about. I’m just another ignorant douche trying to start an argument on a comments page. How did I do?
May 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Patriotism is the scourge of mankind….
May 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
~America the Beautiful~ Land of the Free and Home of the Brave!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Haha just saw Bert beside Bin Laden!!
May 14th, 2009 at 7:56 am
“And then they have this great ideal of brining democracy to the rest of the world, without realizing that if you impose democracy on a country….it’s not democracy anymore.”
That’s a ridiculous statement.
Long ago, I was doing some temp work at an office. I’d never worked in an office before. Someone asked me to make a photocopy of a 50 page report. Cue to me, putting each page on the xerox machine, one by one. A woman came along and looked at me doing this for about 5 pages. Amused, she asked what I was doing. I told her, and even more amused, she grabbed the stack of papers from me, put it in the top of the machine and lo and behold, I had 50 copies in under a minute. Now, this woman did “force” this one me- she took the papers from me and made the copies herself. I would have made all the copies eventually my way, but her solution was a hell of a lot better than mine. Copies are copies no matter how I learned to copy. Democracy is still democracy no matter how it’s introduced to your country. Is it the best solution for them? Maybe not. I wouldn’t put one piece of paper into the top of the machine if I only had one copy to make, but its nice to have options, isn’t it?
May 14th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I have to admit you have a lot of Yankee-Guts to wave your Red, White and Blue at the world’s faces – but you know: You’re right!
The rest of the world is pretty mediocre compared to the US of A. I lived there during my teens and moved back to home country (Brazil) and realized how malfunctioning Brazilian culture is.
The US got it going pretty good for its people and that’s something you guys ought to be pretty proud of. But do try to not screw up the environment anymore (though, my country’s negligence is the biggest responsible for the major destruction of the Amazon…).
Oh – and present day Rap / Hip-Hop and EMO rock suck! Big-Time!
I miss it when rap was politically incorrect and rock was about rockin’ (whatever the hell that was… early day Israelis Rockin’ of heathens, perhaps?)
May 14th, 2009 at 7:58 am
# 7 Nazi scientists were already working towards the Bomb. See operation ‘paperclip’. Werner Von Braun the father of rocketry later with NASA. Many inventions claimed by America actually Scottish inventors. America’s Imperialistic aims seen with trepidation by rest of world. See http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13614 for a look at increasing Global tensions.
The subprime fiasco a great Bush Cheney legacy! The Iraq war and its million casualties. CIA drug running ala Ollie North! The attack on the USS Liberty in the 60s. Gulf of Tomkin. Bay of Pigs fiasco. Lack of support for Kurdish rebels after promising support as in Bay of Pigs.
I could go on but I think you get the drift! Not damning Americans just your govt!!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:01 am
498. lo: sick again….yummy!
501. phat_stack: http://listverse.com/your-view/your-view-should-creationism-be-taught-in-schools/
It has 2872 comments so far.
507. johnjohn77: I agree with the music now…not too much out there that is good. I have been listening to other countries music and finding better!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:04 am
oooooooooooooooh shit.
Awkward……….
I’t s like someone dropping the N word in a room full of Detroit rappers.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:06 am
First!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I don’t hate America.
America is a continent, not a country.
But if you ask me abuot USA: It´s been said before in this list…arrogance.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Freest nation ever or current. Freedom came from here. You’re welcome!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:08 am
callie, if you believe that democracy is related to people being able to make their own choices without coercion, well forcing a political system -any political system- onto a people against their choosing seems to contradict that.
i don’t really think being shown a new way to use a photocopier for one single copy job and then leaving you to choose which way you want to use that copier in the future is really the same as forcibly installing a form of government in a country not your own. the comparison also seems to trivialize the imposed upon countries just little too, don’t you think?
May 14th, 2009 at 8:13 am
If you HATE us so much why don’t you do something about. BECAUSE YOU CAN’T. Stop whining, cause frankly we don’t like you either!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Haven’t read all the comments cos I’ve just seen the list while I’m having a quick shirk at work but I think the Great Xander Harris summed it up best “I don’t need an excuse. I think (insert almost any of the reasons above) actually constitutes a reason” But the main one is the way that the IMF (mostly run/funded by America) makes big noise about how much it lends to other countries, but keeps strangely quiet about the conditions of loans (such as ‘you must spend 80-90% of this loan with US companies) and the repayment terms. That and all those military coups that the US govt has helped facilitate over the last 50 years – in order to protect US business interests.
Also, there seems to be no mention in the main top 10 list of the vast number of adherents to some ridiculous religious doctrine or other. We have religious nutters here in the UK (some have even managed to make it into government) but none seem to have quite the fervour for their religion or hatred for non-religious people that SOME American religious nutters display.
There are things I love about the US though – these mainly relate to Sci-fi, science, geekiness, and the landscape of the country.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:14 am
501: phat_stack: 1341 comments on the Biblical Stories list
May 14th, 2009 at 8:15 am
This list was awesome. I am an American and even though whenever I travel I always make sure I am very respectful, I still feel like everyone hates me. now i know why
May 14th, 2009 at 8:15 am
time to update “Latest Top 10 Most Commented on Lists”
http://listverse.com/administration/latest-top-10-most-commented-on-lists/
May 14th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I just think it’s still democracy no matter how it comes to fruition. Maybe it doesn’t work for your country, maybe this, maybe that, but don’t hate on the system or say it’s not democracy anymore just because of the way it was introduced.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:18 am
To lo, Steeveebee, and oouchan…
Sorry, Truth Hurts.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Oh Christ! Another useless list from Jay K. What this rightwing douchebag fails to understand is that the world doesn’t hate America, it hates lying, war mongering, corporatists. ListVerse has turned into a site for these rightwing losers to bitch and moan. With all of the comments Jamie will continue to publish them, driving away the good citizens, replacing them with creepy Obama hating Americans.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:18 am
IF COUNTRIES WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL:
America is that big fat kid in school that beats everyone up steals their lunch money and still call them their friends!
Britain is the kid that follows the bully and wants to be like him but just doesnt have the size for it.
France is like the Poshy girl that calls everyone names and looks down on them but when it comes down to it runs away!
Italy and Spain are the jocks (athletes) they’re loud and violent but no one really pays attention to them!
Russia is that foreign exchange student who’s 9 feet tall never understands whats going on, isnt hip, but everyone is affraid of confronting alone.
Poland is the geek that takes shit from everyone.
Germany is that kid that over the school years changes constantly… one year he’ll be a punk, another he’ll be zen, or a nerd, or a hooligan… often bipolar!
Africa are the rich kids that act like they’re poor just to look legit and cool! street cred!
China is the fat girl no one likes and that one day just might snap and kill us all.
South America are the kids that no one invites to the parties but they always show up and f*ck everything up!
South Asia are the kids that no one even remembers… they’re that click that makes no difference and often dont appear in the year book!
Australia and New Zealand are the anti social kids with criminal backgrounds. (sorry jfrater)
Middle East countries are the popular click of kids, just because they have money they think they are the best and everyone else is wrong!
Scandinavian coutries are the group of good looking kids that combine looks with brain. very rare.
Japan is the kid that sits in front of class, is always organized and polite but deep down everyone hates.
North Korea is the class clown!!
India is the nerd everyone thinks is sick (fisically).
Jamaica… lol… need I say more?
Switzerland is the kid that has no friends!
All other European countries are the slackers that just wait around for others to do stuff for them!
the end.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:21 am
513: Your freedoms are slowly being stripped from you!!
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/619.html . Democracy came from ancient Greece, unfortunately history and geography seems to be poorly taught in America’s school system!!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Another thing Jay K. YOU DIDN’T STORM THE BEACHES AT NORMANDY! There is nothing worse than a cowardly rightwing babyboomer, using WWII as an excuse to commit acts of evil in this century. Boo-hoo, everybody hates Americans. Oh STFU Jay K, they just hate you because of your incessant whining.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:23 am
The Number 1 reason has to be that even when attempting a hilariously self deprecating list you still manage to sound pig-headed and arrogant.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I’m just going to go a head and jump in here to say a few things. First of all, I’m American and proud of it. I have no problem voicing my OPINION to say that America is the greatest country in the world. The main thing I want to say, is that MOST of the people posting here are ignorant, whether they be American or not. What the fuck are you douche nozzles arguing over anyway? Do you think that this is an argument that can be won? Why don’t you let the Euros talk their heads off. They aren’t doing anything but proving their ignorance. And Euros, why don’t you let the stupid Americans talk? They just make themselves sound stupid. And Canada, FUCK YOU!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:25 am
So it’s either Americans came to help too late or they are just butting into everyone’s business. The U.S. could start doing everything right from now on and we’d still be hated.
It also seems that the Europeans and the Americans are equal in their arrogance. Just my opinion from reading the comments.
And yes Sara, my head has exploded too.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:25 am
callie-
it just seems hypocritical to me to say democracy should be adopted without a democratic consensus of the people that they want it. of course, this logic is somewhat circular, as it could be argued that people not already in a democracy don’t have the means to choose their form of government to begin with.
except they do. see the velvet revolution:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velvet_Revolution
your copier analogy is also flawed because you didn’t know that the other way to make copies existed before your coworker “forced” it upon you. you’d be hard pressed to argue that any nation as a whole is currently ignorant of the existence of democratic forms of government.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:25 am
See? We live in a country where mr. bongoshaftsbury can freely freak out over an obviously satirical list and behave like an asshat and I can freely call him out on it.
Oh beautifullll for spaaaaacious skies, for amber waves of graaaaaain…..
May 14th, 2009 at 8:25 am
520. JB-NYC: I’m from the USA. That is why I posted that I am glad *you* don’t speak for the rest of us. Your attitude is why other countries don’t like us and why some Americans agree with them. Me being one. American has lost a lost of it’s veneer. That’s the truth.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Jay K: That was Freakin’ Funny. Damn glad that you know how to take the heat. I’d hand you a beer to cool of but virtual beverages aren’t very refreshing.
“I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death you’re right to say it.”
May 14th, 2009 at 8:27 am
What I love about the USA is our cultural diversity. The stereotype “American,” the fat, loud people, are just one small slice of our american pie. There are many other sorts of us who live peacefully with each other. Lots of Arabs, lots of Jews who get along just fine over here. Blacks and whites still have their problems but are moving in the right direction faster than ever. I want to say that there is no “American.” There’s lots of different ones. Yes, we’re young and stupid, but look at what Europe was up to when a mere 300 years old. So, please, gives us just a little more time. There’s lots of us that are serious about growing up.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:29 am
It would have made more sense to have this list created by someone who knows the genuine, complete, in-context, reasons why other nations/populations have a problem with America. Rather than a list of what Americans believe other nations take issue with.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Arrogance and Ignorance
The two things that define America
Also they hate Intelligent people and non-believers >.>
May 14th, 2009 at 8:33 am
lo, I like and respect you as a commenter and a debater, but I don’t think you see what I’m saying. It’s no matter, I don’t make a ton of sense to myself sometimes
I’ll consider this subject now closed, but I didn’t want to make it seem like I wasn’t responding.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:34 am
JibbberJabbber – I think you may be on to something there. A list of reasons people hate America rather than a list of reasons an American dumbass thinks people hate America.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:36 am
533. JibbberJabbber-
but then it wouldn’t have any elements of satire would it?
you can always make the list you want. make one for every country while your at it: why the world hates japan, nigeria, chile, germany, ireland, the philippines etc. etc. etc. -we wouldn’t want to legitimize the USA feeling “special” or “exceptional” now would we?
May 14th, 2009 at 8:37 am
522. Travis:
That. Was. Great.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:39 am
It seems to me that the author of the list has a few good points, put they got lost amid his hyperbole and misunderstanding of the situations under which the particular point (or points) of each individual list item were made.
It reminded me of a saying I once heard, or read, a long time ago, “Every lie is threaded with truth, and every good truth leaks lies”.
I’m assuming he was going for the laugh, but it went over like a plumbum zeppelin.
Sure, the rest of the world hates America. The rest of the world has always hated America. I believe it was 1958 when the novel, The Ugly American was published, and Americans have always been known as terrible tourists.
The thing is, that right now, we are the egocentric nation; the nation with our nose in everyone else’s business. Before us, it was the the British. “The sun never set on the British nation”. They survived; now they’ve taken a different place, but still powerful. This is what I hope for America, that if we have to take a second chair, we will do so with the dignity of the British…unfortunately I don’t see the ego’s of our political leaders, financial leaders, and the leaders of the armed forces doing so.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:39 am
callie, i’m flattered you like me
okay, i’ll drop this one. of course if someone else makes the same argument i may take it up with them. sorry if i missed your point. and i like you back.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:39 am
a new ‘most controversial list on listverse’ for you, Jamie.
On that note, why was this list published? I mean, seriously, what’s the point? There’s nothing particularly objective about it; it’s just some guy’s opinion concerning a pretty terrible list topic that’s just made a lot of people bitter.
I don’t get it.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:40 am
@526: That’s funny. You almost had me going there.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Just came back to check in before bed; yay, we broke 500! By the time I check again tomorrow I imagine this’ll be somewhere around 2000….
Too bad there weren’t more Americans on earlier.
Travis: You didn’t mention Canadians! Typical…Canadians are that polite kid in the corner who just keeps his head down, does his work, and no one gives a damn about cause he just ain’t that controversial alot of the time.
And Lifeschool: I’m honoured I was mentioned
. I feel like part of the club now…
May 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am
The sole purpose of this list is to create an endless shitstorm. Many of the comments above prove why the American’s are hated elsewhere becouse of their attitudes and international policies. This could’ve been a good list, but it’s extremely biased and whoever wrote it is incredibly ignorant.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am
After reading some of these ridiculous posts – I would say America should go back to an isolationist stance. They should stop sending the tax dollars taken out of Americans paychecks for foreign aid. They should pull their membership and boot that joke of a United Nations out of America – 192 nations and USA and Japan pay 40% of their budget – out with the biased bastards, let them relocate to peaceful Sudan to carry on their “good work”.
Lets pull our young men back from harms way and let the locals handle it (hardy har har).
And how long could that last? About a year or two before some unrestrained anal pore like Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Bin Laden, Chavez, Ahmajinadad, Jong-il starts to take ground. How long before a truly evil group of men gets a nuke?
I’m sure nobody’s going to call the hate-able Americans for help.
(America – EFFYEAH – cumin to save the mother effin day yeah – America EFFYEAH! …………screw the world)
May 14th, 2009 at 8:46 am
JB-NYC its always interesting to hear an american take on the truth, so often its different from what the rest of the world sees as the truth. Let me thank you again for backing up many of the points made by both the yank haters and those of us who are slightly more rational
May 14th, 2009 at 8:49 am
“From Vietnam to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski”
WTF does this mean? We didn’t finish the job with Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski? This guy is a mental nurf ball, reading his lists makes you stupider.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:49 am
530. oouchan.. thanks for a normal response. After reading about 400 posts, I guess my arrogant Americanism came out.. We are not perfect but our IDEA of government is.. Well, maybe less shitty than all the other attempts, would be more accurate.
PS to all others. The USA is not a Democracy, we are a Constitutional Republic.. There I go again.. Boy, I sure am rude.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I’m glad we’ve advanced so far as a world that the best we can do when interacting with each other is spout reasons why we hate each other, and then actually try to JUSTIFY it with reasons.
In my personal opinion, there are no reasons to HATE anyone. However, the idea of hating an entire nation for missteps or generalizations is completely ridiculous. This isn’t a defense of America. Governmentally, as a nation, the United States makes more mistakes than anyone else, and the annoying part is that no one with any authority has ever apoligized. As an American, I see our government use every little thing as an excuse to make grandiose and unpopular decisions. It IS foolish.
But to hate America in general is painfully misguided. I’m technically part of America, and I’ve never had a negative thought about anyone because of their nationality or race. There’s simply no point. Nor am I a Republican, a redneck, or a pompous douchebag (at least I don’t think I am, haha). Which is why it makes me sad that everyone, American or otherwise, uses this list as a venue to spew hate speech and then actually attempt to logically back it up.
Isn’t it a pity that after all we’ve been through, we’re just looking for reasons to be malevolent and angry?
May 14th, 2009 at 8:51 am
um…
The United States created the internet as we know it today, but not originally. The world wide network would not be as prevalent as it was today. To those of you who keep saying that CERN created the internet, you read too many trash novels. They did create a network, but they did not take the initiative to connect the world with it. Of course, the United States could not have done it without the rest of the world spreading it worldwide.
Also…
If the United States is so arrogant and self-centered, it’s strange that we fund so many relief efforts and are so fond of charity. I can only think of a handful of people that I know that are not involved in at least one charitable organization or more. I am constantly going to events to raise money for one or the other.When we’re not worried about giving money to your developed, thriving nation, you shouldn’t complain, but join us in helping people in third world countries.
Americans hate arrogance as much as anyone else, but we do appreciate self confidence…
And the US was built on hard work, and most of us remember this and are not lazy. We just don’t want to work for little pay doing difficult and dangerous jobs. I bet very few of the people calling americans lazy have ever done manual labor in their lives.
The stereotypes you have for Americans describe the same kind of people I’m sure you have at home, too.
We’re not bad people, you’ve just gotten a bad impression of us.
and Travis…
wtf, man!?!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:52 am
didnt more people vote for the person standing against george bush in the first election? yet he still got into power? seems like a strange system me
May 14th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Maybe our cultures are just too different…
What’s rude or arrogant to you is normal for us, and vice versa.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am
“Governmentally, as a nation, the United States makes more mistakes than anyone else”
No. Just no.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am
546. steeveebee.
Thank you for being slightly less ignorant than most.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:56 am
548. JB-NYC: I understand perfectly. It’s kinda like if you own your own home. It’s got some missing paint or shingles missing from the roof. Not too pretty but still your home. You defend it.
I see America that way. Tarnished around the edges. Not so pretty anymore. Still my home but not so proud of it anymore. We need a kick in the butt.
545. TEX: I like where you were going with that. If we did pull out of everything didn’t get involved…it might be a different attitude that we see in a year or two than what is going on now. I would approve of that!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:57 am
hehe no worries just enjoying all these comments, such a huge range of passionate views on this topic.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:57 am
526: That’s the thanks we get for our troops fighting and dying in Kandahar, Afghanistan??? BTW. While travelling in Europe saw many Americans with Canadian Flags and pins, afraid of anti American backlash?? So you denigrate Real Canadians?? we’ve been Afganistan since the beginning something your media seems reluctant to point out.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:58 am
551. steeveebee
oof! It’s called the Electoral college. You should read the US Constitution one day. You might learn something, I doubt it, but anything is possible.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Congratulations to all who have argued, bullied, and cajoled their way to a 500+ thread.
I rarely post. I rarely am bothered enough to post.
But, really, beaver ass juice?
May 14th, 2009 at 9:00 am
513. Bob-somebody-stole-my-name: The American concept of freedom is indeed something to drool at – but you guys tend to overuse it a bit too much while completely neglecting what your forefathers has abundantly – talent.
Not that my country doesn’t do the same (Google Brazilian ‘Funk’ music for instance) – only without Abe Lincolns or FDRs…
May 14th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I dislike people that are over nationalistic, no matter where they live. People who are too proud of their strengths gladly ignore their weakness. Most of the time those that preach arn’t doing any of the hard work that makes their country what it is either.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I dont think it was good idea to write this in first person/ second person. I am as American as the author of the list, but even I felt it was a little antagonistic in tone.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:08 am
561. Gauldar: Amém to you Gauldar!
Whatever happended to Cosmopolitanism?
Note: this has nothing to do with the Magazine ^~
May 14th, 2009 at 9:08 am
i don’t like to call myself “american” (unless i say it with the stereotypical stupid southern accent) but rather that i’m from the united states. i AM american in the sense that i live on the north american continent. the same silly accent also goes for when i say i speak “american”… yes, i know i speak english.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Good List! P.S. My first post!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I got to about comment 350 and had to take a break to comment. Several things,
First the whole WW2 argument, it is in my humble opinion that Hitler could have won the war if he had not attacked Russia. If he hadn’t then he would have been able to save a lot of his troops and station them along the atlantic wall and thusly would have been able to defeat the invasion of D-Day. That being said it is obvious that Russia probably won the war for us.(us meaning the Allies). No one won that war alone we all helped.
Second. This is why I hate nationalism and even patriotism. HOW THE FUCK does it matter what country you were born in. Last time I checked you can’t decide where you are born. I was born an American. Did I choose to be born here? Yes I could leave but because I was born here I always have citizenship here. It just blows my mind that people can get so up in arms about something they have no control over. Jeez people. Be proud of something you have control over. It is like if I got up and claimed that this or that school was the greatest because my parents went there.
okay now back to reading the copious amount of comments.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:15 am
This is America, fuck-head, learn the rules!!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:15 am
@ JB-NYC I am aware of the electoral college system and roughly how it works, but it doesnt change the fact that more people voted for the other guy? its not me not understanding the system, its me saying that the system seems a little flawed surely?
May 14th, 2009 at 9:16 am
The title of this article alone is rather insulting.
First the author suggests people have excuses rather than logical reasons, because no one could truly have a reason to dislike the US!
Secondly he/she suggests that people hate “America”,obviously for to create emotion, hates a strong world, dislike, don’t respect, etc etc seem much a more reasonable word to use.
Finally he calls talks of America (2 continents as far as I’m aware) in his title, and then talks only of the US!
I don’t hate the US, some of their policies, exports, and aspects of their culture seem marred or plain wrong to me. Then again so do some of my own countries views.
But come on, be honest; “Home of freedom”
No one really believes that do they?
May 14th, 2009 at 9:22 am
568: It’s called electronic voting and the inherent risks with that system, (open to hacking or fraudulent votes) paper ballots that can be double checked if necessary would rule out allegations of vote rigging.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:24 am
The list is meant to be a joke, but like everyone else here I can’t really get past some of the things said. First, America wasn’t the only one to storm Normandy. The soldiers of the United Kingdom and Canada gave their lives there, too. (I know you probably know that, though)
America also used the help of the U.K. and Canada in the Manhattan Project, so while they technically did create the nuclear weapon, remember that they did not do it alone.
Also, plenty of historians will tell you that the U.S.S.R. won the Allies WWII in Europe. After all, they are the ones who took Berlin after fighting in the bloodiest theatre of war in history and losing over ten million soldiers. Also, the U.S.S.R. declaring war on Japan was a key event that caused the Japanese to surrender; it wasn’t only the atomic bombings. That is also my opinion (Sorry, I find myself wondering what would have happened if the U.S.S.R. won the Cold War), but I also believe that America helped turn WWI in our favour.
And I just have to ask, what is with all the “Are you listening, North Korea?” comments in the list. That doesn’t really help your case, you know, it just makes you sound like a dick.
I also think I have to say that I don’t hate America. I like America, but I just like other countries a bit more…
May 14th, 2009 at 9:24 am
537. lo
I dont really sense satire here. It comes off as more of an emotional rant. So it’s odd that JFrater asks us to calmly debate when the list is so angry.
And sure we can always make lists of reasons to hate most countries (namely the most well known, otherwise the reasons would become inside jokes for smaller regions and no one would understand). That’s not a problem. It’s not the point though, I’m just talking about this particular list.
Thing is America is definitely special in one way: currently, the majority of the world takes issue with America.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:26 am
The United States was a great idea that spread too far, too fast and took on too much and too many people. The US established itself as a world power. It’s easy to dislike or hate the loudest person in the room, even if they’re making good points. I can see how the US can come across as shoving its abilities and powers in the face of other countries, and bigoted patriots make this all that much worse. I respect the few people who either say that the Allies won the war or that the US is faulted, but still home. That’s the truth of the United States.
No country is perfect, how could it be when comprised of the least perfect creature on earth: humans? We are a faulted species and even our best ideas will always have a backlash. The US has caused a lot of issues and problems, but the US also tries to fix a lot of problems; even against the wishes of those that are being helped. I believe half of the idea is: “we have the resources, strength, and power to help, so we’re going to help,” the downfall of that is the equally annoying: “we have the resources, strength, and power to help, so we’re going to help.”
May 14th, 2009 at 9:28 am
This is what I just love about the US : americans are way more able than, say, us in ye olde Europe of mocking and criticizing themselves.
I wish I could see my own fellow countrymen have this kind of attitude.
*note to self* : write a list about why everyone hates French people
May 14th, 2009 at 9:28 am
573. travisthechimp: Nicely put!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:29 am
why make this list? people who hate american will hate it more. people who don’t won’t like the antagonist way it is written. people who love america will brag about it to make peopke who hate america hate it more. there’s gonna be an argumment on every comment. and as i’m writting probably 3 other mean comments have been written
May 14th, 2009 at 9:30 am
im not even going to get caught up in an argument… but yea, America sucks.. i can say that because i have lived in America and out of it. the people here are rude and stupid.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:33 am
572. JibbberJabbber-
well, the list author’s intentions (other than provoking comments) aren’t crystal clear to me, and as many have noted, people seem to be finding what they want in this list. i found elements of self-satire, elements of hubris, and elements of WTF all mixed together.
and i must ask, when you say “takes issue with america” do you mean with the current government of the USA? with the bush headed government? with all 300 million citizens individually? with all the 2 american continents (canadians, mexicans, peruvians, etc. are all also “americans” just as both germans and italians are “europeans” it sucks that there’s not a pretty name for US citizens, “statesians” just doesn’t work at all.) with specific US foreign policy? with ill-behaved tourists and people who can’t appreciate real football (and changed it’s name to soccer)?
how should a US citizen react to the unspecified “the world takes issue with america?”
i’m a US citizen, do you “take issue” with me personally?
May 14th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I think we ought to keep our hands out of other countries business unless they ask for help and take care of the problems in our own country. We know we have plenty of issues here that need addressing.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I see a lot of comments refering to “most Americans…or a majority of Americans”. Talk about arrogance. Do you people really know most Americans so you can make these comments???
May 14th, 2009 at 9:36 am
@ Jules, your post made me remember an article in an English newspaper, The Sun, a few years ago. It was titled reasons to hate the French (which I most certainly do not by the way). The last reason was “they put their road signs in kilometers to make their country seem bigger than ours” made me chuckle
May 14th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Pedro90, I’ve only read the last 100 comments, yours makes the most sense. The list itself isn’t that bad, what’s dubious, is the motivation for writing and posting it. JFra is dividing his readers, and despite what he wrote in the intro, he seems to love it when we’re at each others throats.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:40 am
There are actually 2 and a half reasons for me “disliking” America.
1. America “made” nukes.(I know, maybe Iran and Korea are making nukes, but they didn’t invent them; so, they are “less guilty” than America.
2. America is a meddling kid. And as you can see, in recent years, America’s meddling has brought nothing but harm to other nations as well as America itself.
2 1/2. America treats “Porn” as an industry ! ( And you know why this is only a half reason
)
PS: There is one reason for me liking America: Invention of The Internet.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:42 am
569. Mojo Pin
“But come on, be honest; “Home of freedom” No one really believes that do they?”
Your goddamned right we do!
There are no more sacred words than “land of the free and home of the brave” to a true American (USA)
May 14th, 2009 at 9:43 am
“and i must ask, when you say “takes issue with america” do you mean with the current government of the USA? with the bush headed government? with all 300 million citizens individually?…with specific US foreign policy? with ill-behaved tourists and people who can’t appreciate real football (and changed it’s name to soccer)?”
lo – I imagine it’s any selection of the above. Some disagree with your government or your foriegn policy. Others just don’t like Americans. The fact is, however that a very sizable chunk of the world’s population do not like America in one respect or another.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:44 am
578. lo
Well I cant say how a US citizen “should” react. Everyone reacts differently because of their circumstances, upbringing, economic status, racial composition, age and perceptions (as well as their neurological/biological structure which can affect understanding their environment).
May 14th, 2009 at 9:45 am
TEX – In that respect you are no more different from the rest of the civilised world.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:46 am
578. lo
–double post it cut me off
That last bit was a lil joke. What I am trying to say is that when I say “takes issue with America” I am knowingly (of course not everyone does this with any self awareness) generalizing, rather than going off on a long list of explanations as I just did here.
However, if there was a genuine list not based on satire, a US citizen would see just what aspects of America is being targetting (in other words, what are the issues, are they with the government, with stereotypical Americans, all Americans, all of American history, policies, leaders/figure heads and etc).
So I generalize, because I personally do not have the most extensive/knowledgeable top ten list to provide others with the background information.
I do have personal (limited) “issues with America”, not with individual American citizens or even the majority of them. So no I do not take issue with you.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:47 am
582. BongoShaftsbury
business is business
May 14th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Also, I liked the comment about someone having boots older than the United States. It reminded me of when I said, “Our farmhouse was built in 1880″ with that unmistakable American pride, and my Irish uncle snorted into his beard.
As individuals, people from the United States need to look beyond their backyards and experience other countries and cultures. As a government, the United States needs to help those who ask for it rather than push itself upon everyone.
But other countries need to forgive individual Americans for the crap TV (I hate it and do not watch), shite music (old rock and roll, please, and British is preferred) and celebrity antics (I do not know these people, nor do I care to).
I’m surprised no one has brought up the United States equal rights movement (for women and for blacks). I would think that would be a hot topic.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:49 am
-Tex
Land of the free – Because we set up our torture camps outside of the country.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Wow wow I have just got home from work its 6-35 pm here and their is noways that I can read all the comments tonight, the way its going now it could end up near the 1000 mark.
If Im not mistaken there was a list with 500 + comments in the past I could be wrong.
Jamie – a good roller coaster ride this list.
oouchan 555 your comment to 548 JB – NYC (548) was out of the top draw, I liked it very much – Thanks.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:51 am
573.travis the chimmp: Agree with your post and like any country has their own problems, however fundamentalist beliefs seem to be shaping your govt.s policies. Personally I don’t dislike Americans just your govt.s policies and blatant hypocrisy. Your foundation built on the Constitution is admirable but seems to be under attack from your politicians. Ron Paul and Dennis Kuchenik (sp?) seems to be among the lone voices in upholding these values.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Having now read all the comments, to correct the perceptions some Americans obviously have:
@ CatChick1964
What you might not realize is that, we don’t go barging into another country without someone in power saying “our children are dying in their beds, please come help us”
– And yet the CIA went into Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Malaysia, etc and helped effect all those military coups in countries that were thriving under a more socialist government, because they weren’t allowing US business interests to buy up their national resources.
“Great Britain and the UN never asked for help in Rwanda.” What about the Rwandans? – Did your administration think to ask THEM if they needed help?
“I homeschool my girls” “I, for one, kinda like Sarah. She’s a tough ol’ broad.” – Say no more. I think I understand why your comments are so moronic.
“I used to say I was a displaced Englishwoman. I’ve always been homesick for that country and never been there. Believe me, you’re not. Unless you were misplaced when the Mayflower set sail! You can’t be homesick for somewhere you’ve never been, and don’t forget, you might have to see the oppression that goes on outside your borders!
315. FindMe – Great Comment
318. Steven “It also seems that the rest of the world puts impossible situations on us. We are asked (almost begged) to do something with Darfur and many other places, but, when we decide to go after a bloody regime in Iraq (Saddam Hussein – responsible for countless deaths in Kuwait and Iraq) we are chastised for it. We are expected to cure all of the world’s problems yet not allowed to celebrate in our glory? “
Er…glory? What the deaths of thousands of Iraqi civilians? Er…yeah, well done there.
#336 Steven “If we ultimately wanted to control the world, wouldn’t it be easier to just go ahead and take Canada, Mexico and South America First instead of starting overseas?” – See comments to CatChick above.
I have read most of the comments that follow the ones I’ve commented on, but CatChick is such a moron, and Steven’s comments were so inane I just couldn’t help myself.
Oh, and FYI USA – the debt that you saddled the UK with following WWII was paid off about 8 years ago – so yeah THANKS for that! And don’t give me that “If it weren’t for us you’d all be speaking German” rubbish – as has been said many times, every country played their part but only you act like you were the only ones that turned up!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
TEX #584 “But come on, be honest; “Home of freedom” No one really believes that do they?”
Your goddamned right we do!
There are no more sacred words than “land of the free and home of the brave” to a true American (USA)”
>
Of course my simple-minded fellow citizen doesn’t grasp the irony of having the world’s largest prison population. At least there’s some good news here regarding that shameful statistic, Obama is going to reform our drug laws, mitigating some of the damage caused by America’s “other, other failed war”.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:55 am
How about, I don’t give a rats ass if people don’t like america or americans. If you don’t like america than I don’t like you, and I really could care less.
I drive an SUV, water my yard everday, make fun of French people, eat fast food twice a week and love it! If they had the same resources that our awesome country has they would be doing the same damn thing. And don’t blame us we are the nice country that let’s anyone from around the world come here and we share with them the same oppurtunities that we have (even if you are illegal). Now tell me what other country does that? They can’t because they don’t know how to support them, and we can. WE ARE THE BEST!
May 14th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Great List,
BTW without America Europe would either be speaking Russian or German and Asia would be speaking Japanese.
May 14th, 2009 at 9:58 am
593. lostatsea: Perhaps the greatest US blunder is allowing our politicians the freedoms we do without any control. I think US citizens tend to feel powerless against our government and its decisions; while very few might agree with the actions taken, we lack a voice in what happens. The Constitution was written when it was much easier to be a part of the political happenings in one’s area; now being so busy with our individual lives, we cannot maintain proper reigns over our politicians.
You’re absolutely right: too many of our policies are based on a signle person’s beliefs or desires and those in control take us on a blundering course to inevitable judgement from other countries.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Freshies – “I drive an SUV, water my yard everday, make fun of French people, eat fast food twice a week and love it! If they had the same resources that our awesome country has they would be doing the same damn thing. And don’t blame us we are the nice country that let’s anyone from around the world come here and we share with them the same oppurtunities that we have (even if you are illegal). Now tell me what other country does that? They can’t because they don’t know how to support them, and we can. WE ARE THE BEST!”
Is that the US dream!!! Lol!
Hate to tell you that but a lot of countries have the capability of selling fast food, and letting you water your garden each day, and even drive 4×4’s, how can you know so little about the rest of the world! Was this satire, if so i apologise.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:04 am
600th!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I will not check any comments to my post so you may all rant when I’m finished but I will hardly care. I think this list was actually very interesting because it shows how Americans believe the rest of the world dislikes them. America is of course an easy country to dislike; it is large, powerful, and wealthy despite the masses of people who have poor education. However, America is a wonderful country because it has the unique status of being an amalgamation of hundreds of other cultures. Most other countries have cultures that are centuries old and extremely homogenized. I will not purport that America is blameless for the world’s problems, nor will I try to defend my country’s mistakes. Unfortunately, all countries that were superpowers at one time or another made massive mistakes. It is a fact that comes with the amount of power that country wields. Yet, it is evident that America must have done something correct. Our democracy is the basis for most developing nations, we threw a pretty successful revolution and then continued to tweak our government model until we solidified its legitimacy. I just do not understand why this is such an issue. Yes, Americans are headstrong and arrogant. Yes, America is not the only country to have helped the world. But aren’t all countries like that? France puts a cap on the amount of American movies that can be shown in the country, Britain does not economically tie itself to the EU, most countries have a national language. Must I continue? Do I have to list every bad thing that every country has done in the history of the world? Having pride in your country is not a bad thing, and disliking a person for specific reasons is not bad either. But making a generalization about an entire nation and then having an absolutely ridiculous argument that lacks class and eloquence but abounds in an exchange of ad hominem insults is just sad.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:05 am
SamBam51
“BTW without America Europe would either be speaking Russian or German and Asia would be speaking Japanese.”
>
Yeah, so what? If it weren’t for Lafayette and the French, Americans would be speaking English today.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Wait wait wait wait….HOLD ON! Look at the author of the list. “Jay K”? jk? He was “just kidding”, guys!! Now can’t we all just get along?
May 14th, 2009 at 10:06 am
LOL @ SamBam51, nearly 600 comments and u felt that that was worthwhile adding now? as many others have said every country played their part in the war and it is not down to one country that the allies were victorious.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:08 am
592. smurff: Why thank you!
598. travisthechimp: So true! We are supposed to have the power of the vote, but we don’t use like we should! These bozos keep getting elected and make the US look even worse!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:13 am
594. geekygirluk: You sum it up succinctly. The more than a million deaths and injuries in Iraq make Saddam a piker in comparison. Prison population in US highest in world, not something to be proud of, and what about the FEMA camps? The increasing default of homeowners by usurious mortage brokers! The crippling debt load being forced on American taxpayers??
May 14th, 2009 at 10:16 am
605.oouchan: My point exactly…I think it was the Diebolt company that handled your voting system that led to the Bush fiasco!!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:17 am
i think the real cause of the US problems in international relations, yes we do have some and yes directly because of our actions, is that we truly are still a young country.
combine that with wealth and a strong military and what do you get? something akin to a junior-high (think 13 year old if you don’t have “jr. high” in your country) kid driving a monster truck and buying fast food with an unlimited credit card.
now this kid might have a really good heart, he might have really good intentions, but being a kid and thus lacking the wisdom you only get from experience, he’s going screw up sometimes. this wouldn’t be a big deal if he was riding a bicycle and spending the pocket change he made moving lawns, but behind the wheel of the monster truck he could cause deadly accidents with ease, and only because he’s not had that much practice driving, not because he’s a hardened killer. and it means he’ll still have growing pains and is still trying to “find himself” by figuring out his social values and all that. the USA is still that 13 year old.
who ever said we should remember the what the european countries were each doing when they were less than 300 years old reminded me of this truth about the states. thanks.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:19 am
If my country is so damn bad why are so many deadbeats trying to get in here? Yes,we have faults but if it had not been for the USA all of Europe (Including England and France) would be clicking their heels and scarfing down sauerkraut.I agree that we should pull out all our troops from everywhere.Envoke the Monroe Doctrine.If Europe is so far ahead of us in science that’s great.Maybe when Russia comes marching into Eastern Europe again (and they will) you can defeat them through osmosis.And as far as caring what the rest of the world thinks about my country I imagine I won’t get over 10 hours sleep tonight-And for all Americans on here who agree America is so damn bad,don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Freshies: “I drive an SUV, water my yard everday, make fun of French people, eat fast food twice a week and love it! If they had the same resources that our awesome country has they would be doing the same damn thing.”
Wrong! That’s wrong! Most of the Western world DOES have those opportunities, we just don’t because we give a shit about what effect our actions have on the planet. I’m no eco-warrior but if what you said is true then you’re just plain stupid.
“And don’t blame us we are the nice country that let’s anyone from around the world come here and we share with them the same oppurtunities that we have (even if you are illegal). Now tell me what other country does that? They can’t because they don’t know how to support them, and we can. WE ARE THE BEST!”
That’s pretty much exactly the same as much of Europe. The only difference is that the UK (I can’t speak for the rest) takes better care of our illegal immigrants and asylum seekers because of the welfare state.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:24 am
609: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdLxMKuxyr4 A scary look at freedom to go organic in US. Must also point out Canada is no better as we have an ongoing legal battle over a cooperatives right to unpasturized milk.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Why are you all so prejudiced? Americans don’t generally hate foreigners. Why do you hate them?
May 14th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Will arrogant and ignorant Americans stop saying things like europeans would be speaking german/ eating sauerkraut if it werent for you. Every country played a part in defeating the axis and its incredibly stupid to sum it up in that way.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I take issue with the notion that a country can become more “mature” by becoming older. A country is only as wise as its current population. I can go to a new country like Bangladesh or an old country like India, and the people won’t be “wiser” or “more mature” – or less so – simply for living in a country that has politically existed longer.
Sorry, but that’s just a myth. I’ve met brilliant people from the newest of countries and absolute morons from the oldest of countries. Countries are not to be personified; history is a cycle that repeats with each new generation, not a collective cup of wisdom from which each new generation will have sipped completely from birth.
This is especially true now that the Internet has globalized knowledge. There’s no reason why an Internet-user must be advantaged or disadvantaged by his or her country’s “level of wisdom” when the wisdom of the entire *world* is at his or her fingertips.
In short, don’t fancy yourself wiser just because you were born in a country that’s existed longer. That’s just delusional, wishful thinking.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:28 am
612: Dont remember your hissy fit over french fries because France didn’t agree with US claims of WMDs in Iraq??
May 14th, 2009 at 10:29 am
smithstar: “If my country is so damn bad why are so many deadbeats trying to get in here? Yes,we have faults but if it had not been for the USA all of Europe (Including England and France) would be clicking their heels and scarfing down sauerkraut.”
Idiosyncratic jingoist-nationalist redneck. Read a history book.
“If Europe is so far ahead of us in science that’s great.Maybe when Russia comes marching into Eastern Europe again (and they will) you can defeat them through osmosis.”
That’s great. That’s real great. Maybe you’d rather we throw some Bibles at them?
“And as far as caring what the rest of the world thinks about my country I imagine I won’t get over 10 hours sleep tonight-”
And yet you still felt the need to post on this list. Bravo.
Enjoy your FOX news.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am
No one likes us-I don’t know why
We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try
But all around, even our old friends put us down
Let’s drop the big one and see what happens
We give them money-but are they grateful?
No, they’re spiteful and they’re hateful
They don’t respect us-so let’s surprise them
We’ll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia’s crowded and Europe’s too old
Africa is far too hot
And Canada’s too cold
And South America stole our name
Let’s drop the big one
There’ll be no one left to blame us
We’ll save Australia
Don’t wanna hurt no kangaroo
We’ll build an All American amusement park there
They got surfin’, too
Boom goes London and boom Paris
More room for you and more room for me
And every city the whole world round
Will just be another American town
Oh, how peaceful it will be
We’ll set everybody free
You’ll wear a Japanese kimono
And there’ll be Italian shoes for me
They all hate us anyhow
So let’s drop the big one now
Let’s drop the big one now
May 14th, 2009 at 10:32 am
@ lostassea:
I hope by “your”, you’re referring to Princess Consuela Bananahammock on a personal level. Because if by “your”, you’re referring to all 300,000,000 Americans, you really have absolutely *no* clue.
My guess is that 97% of Americans have never even cared about France’s involvement in the Iraq War.
For people who condemn American ignorance, you folks sure do know little about America.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Where I live, we most carbon emmissions come from the fact that most people must commute about an hour to work every day or work in a family-run business. We don’t have public transportation like they do in other places (like Europe) because of the size of our nation and the resulting great expanses of rural land. How can you pretend to know so much about a country you’ve never been to before? Your arguments are weak. It seems to me that you are judging a group of people you don’t know that well on very little.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:32 am
616. Baxter In Action-
he’s always like that. one of the “boot in yer ass” bible-belt americans if there ever was one. fox is like mother’s milk to them.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:37 am
@ Baxter In Action:
And yet…you’re an American. Do you realize that no matter how much you criticize and condemn jingoistic American conservatives, people who hate America are STILL going to hate you?
The people in this thread go on singling out people like JB-NYC, completely ignoring you and everything you say, because you represent a self-critical American that these people just can’t fathom to exist.
You’ve got some Americans yelling “FUCK AMERICA!”, and yet it’s the ones who say, “God bless America!” that get the world’s attention. While you criticize Americans for being jingoistic, these people will criticize you simply for being American.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:37 am
As a neighbor from the North, i can definitely say that this is just the tip of the iceberg as to why we all hate Americans. I think the term “ignorant racist rednecks” sums it up best. the scum of the Earth. terrorist pieces of sh** to be honest hahah and the whole world would agree with me.
oh and thanks for all that “foreign aid candy” you pumped out. It really helped to cause the African debt crisis. and We all love what your doing in the “war”.
thank god you have a new president. now if only you could gain a couple more IQ points collectively and stop being such douche bags hahah
May 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Baxter In Action: Isn’t it time for your medication? I never watch FOX–But you and some others are obviously obsessed with it–Got a crush on Ann Coulter,do you? Or maybe it’s Hannity that gets you sweating?-
May 14th, 2009 at 10:39 am
@ Kattt:
Tell me, do you consider Barack Obama to be a “ignorant racist redneck”?
May 14th, 2009 at 10:41 am
It’s funny that so many comments on this list talk about not generalizing Americans and yet that is all Americans do to other countries. If you can’t take it don’t dish it out!
America is only the greatest country in the world to Americans. Yes, it is great to be proud of your home country but recognize the fact that there are many, MANY nations around the world who’s citizens can claim the same thing (I’m Canadian and without a doubt I think that Canada is the greatest country in the world to call home. I am so damn proud of my country…and I do not judge others for feeling the same about theirs).
May 14th, 2009 at 10:42 am
wow… I see the hate hasn’t let up since I was here earlier.
You know, if most of you people would realize that this list was mostly a satirical joke… lighten up and see the funniness of it… it would be much more pleasant coming in here and commenting.
But then, of course, there would probably only be about six comments instead of 624.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:42 am
satire fail. Randy Newman could do soooo much better..
May 14th, 2009 at 10:42 am
@ calm_incense
I see your point about Baxter, but i believe people like JB-NYC are coming out with points that are far more likely to incite responses. Many of which seem arrogant or assanine. Baxter is conveying logical points and arguements which are making people think rather than become angered and immediately post back. It has nothing to do with being American but a lot more to do with the image of yourself you put across on here.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:42 am
@ steeveebee, 604
I know I came in late and wanted to add my two cents, also im not saying America was the only factor just a major one, I’m not trying to downplay other countries roles.
Oh and heres a WWII joke,
Q: Why is the Champs-Élysées lined with trees?
A: So the Germans can march in the shade.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:43 am
618: Actually as it was reported in the US media it seemed as if most Americans were behind it, as the dumping of French wines down sewers etc. Have spent a lot of time in America on both coasts and in many States, seen the best and the worst including the racism still found in some southern ones, or the need for an armed guard in a fast food joint in Detroit!!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:44 am
@ Hyla
“It’s funny that so many comments on this list talk about not generalizing Americans and yet that is all Americans do to other countries. If you can’t take it don’t dish it out!”
Goddamn, do you NOT realize just how fucking hypocritical that is? It’s insane that you think you can impose ANY blanket label upon 300 MILLION individuals. If you don’t see the absolute ridiculousness of your idiotically presumptuous statement, you are unbelievably naive and need to grow up.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:44 am
calm_incense: “And yet…you’re an American. Do you realize that no matter how much you criticize and condemn jingoistic American conservatives, people who hate America are STILL going to hate you?”
I’m not an American.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:46 am
@ SamBam51, lol nice joke
May 14th, 2009 at 10:46 am
@ steeveebee:
So tell me, *why* do act as if JB-NYC represents ALL Americans, while simultaneously completely IGNORING Baxter? Is it because he’s not *obnoxious* enough to fit your template of the “typical American”? Because he’s not overly patriotic, it means he “doesn’t count”, right?
Give me a break.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
calm_incense – as an adjoinder to that, I don’t hate Americans. On the contrary, some of the nicest people I’ve ever met are American, and I have American friends. I just think self-and-country-obsessed people everywhere are morons. We have them here in Britain too, in a small minority.
smithstar, you’re a douchebag. I’m done talking to you now.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
@ Baxter In Action:
Well, what you’re saying is no different from the beliefs held by MILLIONS of Americans – particularly, liberals and libertarians.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
“As a neighbor from the North, i can definitely say that this is just the tip of the iceberg as to why we all hate Americans. I think the term “ignorant racist rednecks” sums it up best. the scum of the Earth. terrorist pieces of sh** to be honest hahah and the whole world would agree with me.”
wow. really? This list is actually hard for me to comment on because the people actually saying something are so few and far between.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Baxter In Action “I’m not an American”
No shit–You’re probably not much of anything.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:50 am
@ calm_incense
I have never acted as though JB-NYC represents all Americans, please quote me to show where I have done that? and I would say Baxter doesnt fit the template as HE ISN’T AMERICAN.
“give me a break” lol
May 14th, 2009 at 10:50 am
steeveebee, calm_incense – Thanks for the compliment!
May 14th, 2009 at 10:52 am
“i think JB-NYC is a perfect example of why some people hate america so much…”
That makes about as much sense as this:
“i think the Dalai Lama is a perfect example of why some people hate china so much”
May 14th, 2009 at 10:54 am
While I discourage the ignorance of anyone judging or hating the United States of American for the actions of our government or the demeanor of a portion of our population, people like smithstar15 and Freshies certainly make a case for anyone who dislikes the United States or a citizen thereof; however, I assure you, these are people equally hated and found to be obnoxious in the States, as well, and do not represent who we all really are.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:55 am
524 – bongo – there are plenty of things worse than a right wing baby boomer. For instance, a left wing hippie peacenik who bitches and moans 24 hours a day about how the ‘man’ is ignoring them but never actually do anything about it except hold up a sign or put flowers in gun barrels. They smoke pot all day long but can’t handle a little tear gas.
Any member of PETA is worse than a right wing baby boomers.
Liberals who constantly blame Bush for every single solitary thing that has ever gone wrong since the dawn of time despite voting to support his policies and approving the Iraq war several times are worse than right wing baby boomers.
The empty headed, vapid, fat assed, crybaby, uniformed, busy body and freakishly moronic women on ‘The View’ are worse than right wing baby boomers. I’ve heard more intelligent commentary about issues of the day from homeless paranoid schitzos who tell me the FBI and CIA are tuning up the chip in their head and they need money for de-bugging. The only thing worse than the ladies on the View are the ass clowns in the audience applauding every time the other three gang up on Elizabeth Hasselbeck, which is about every 15 seconds.
People who’ve been suckling off the welfare teat for three generations on the backs of working folks like you and me, yet still squirt out bastard kids every year who will eventually belly up to the giant nipple themselves are worse than right wing baby boomers.
Douchebag, Hollywood high school drop out actors, actresses, rock stars and celebrities who think that just because they say something about politics, we’re supposed to pay attention and actually follow their line of psychotic stream of steaming dung as if it has any meaning are worse than right wing baby boomers.
OK? We clear here?
May 14th, 2009 at 10:56 am
thats taken out of context. I do not believe that his views are the same as the vast majority. However some people react very strongly to the type of comments JB-NYC made and as a result of statements like his many people feel that his views are the same as the rest of his counries population. I have said nothing that indicated I take his comments to reflect the feelings of every other American.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am
@ calm_incense
First of all calm down
no need for childish name calling. Second of all, you completely missed the point. Before you go throwing around how it’s not ok to make a blanket statement about 300 million Americans stop and read some of the comments of your contemporaries and see the blanket statements they are throwing around about the millions of Europeans, or billions of Chinese, etc (I think that might be slightly larger than the 300 million you are so eager to throw around…I don’t know 
). All I am saying is that other comments (maybe your included, maybe not) cannot throw a fit about people generalizing Americans and then do the same thing to the individuals of other nations.
May 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am
KATT:As a neighbor from the North, i can definitely say that this is just the tip of the iceberg as to why we all hate Americans. I think the term “ignorant racist rednecks” sums it up best. the scum of the Earth. terrorist pieces of sh** to be honest hahah and the whole world would agree with me.
That’s odd:There are 2 Canadian women and one woman From Germany who married American men living right here in my neighborhood–They all say they’re so glad to now be Americans: I guess they are exceptions..right? Just oddballs who love us old American redneck men.And of course we all know there are no women in Europe who are dying to marry American men and get over here. That’s a myth.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:00 am
buc, run away with me. We’ll live in a land of pink floppy hats and dial scales. Dare to dream.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:00 am
RIGHT ON bucslim
RIGHT ON
RIGHT ON
RIGHT ON
May 14th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I think this list overlooked a few points. As a non-American I don’t have a problem with the ex-pats I’ve met. It’s the government, the policy and the country when taken as a whole, in it’s feverish pro-American fervor.
We have a problem with you funding terrorists to suit your own purposes (Osama Bin Laden, Hussein, Castro, much of South America).
We have a problem with your war policy. From the invasion of Canada in 1812, to your belated entry in WW1 and WW2 (and prior war profiteering before commiting to the fight), your illegal wars in the Middle East, and the lies you told to justify going into sovereign nations, the treatment you give your vets(or lack of same), the fact you are the only people to drop nuclear weapons in wartime, the torture of civilians, your refusal to sign treaties banning the use of landmines, the “friendly fire accidents” that kill your allies, and so on.
Non Americans take issue with the stereotypes you seem content to perpetuate about other cultures-if you even have an idea of that culture to begin with. Your ignorance of other countries would be a little more excusable if you didn’t invade, occupy, “liberate” and otherwise interfer in countries most of your citizens couldn’t find on a map.
You are the richest country in the world, yet have the lowest amounts of money (by percentage of GDP) donated to deveolping countries, the greatest disparity between your own citizens. People starve on the streets, and single moms cant get basic health care for their kids, but people arepulling in millions a year.
Your anti-socialism crusade means a lot of countries, who otherwise would be caring for their own people, are pursuing a more purely capitalist/American style of government.
IMF and the World Banks restructuring and repayment programs have also meant less money for things like education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. Both groups are largely American run. When the States needed to borrow money they didn’t need to follow the same rules.
These are all off the top of my head. I’m sure I could come up with more.
On an individual basis, the Americans I’ve met are nice, decent, people, if not a little loud and opinionated. But the actions of the country as a whole are both frightening annd angering.
A very provoking list.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:02 am
travisthemonkey–On the contrary –I far more represent America than an ignorant asshole like you.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Smithstar, I know I said I was done talking to you, but I feel I should point this out:
“And of course we all know there are no women in Europe who are dying to marry American men and get over here. That’s a myth”
You should see what it’s like when American girls go to Europe. They go absolutely nuts.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am
628. steeveebee: That was a good comment and I agree.
bucslim: like your comment…especially about The View…they are horrible! My mother loves them and I can’t stand hearing them bitch and moan! And then she tells me about what they talked about today and who was on the show. Not interested.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am
smithstar if you are resorting to insults and name calling you have lost the arguement. maybe its time to stop
May 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am
“Welcome back! Well it’s been a tough old day so far for everyone here on the Listverse – and things are still hotting up! After several submissions, and a knock out, round three has decended into a free-for-all scramble. [Slow motion replay as phat_stack steps in with a poem, only to be gunned down in mid air... camera pans to the subs bench]. It’s a meltdown for the home team so far with many of their best players held in reserve [Cuts to Randall being restrained with chains and a gag]. But it’s anybody’s guess how things will play in the next half hour.
We’ll be broadcasting the latest, LIVE! to your living room – only on LVC. [jingle plays, applause]
And NOW, a brief word from our sponsers…. [fade out]
May 14th, 2009 at 11:05 am
America should be praised it has given us some truly world changing things:
Coca Cola
John Wayne
KFC
AA
How would we have survived without these things?
If you want a nation to hate go for the English we scots have been doing it for years
May 14th, 2009 at 11:06 am
smithstar15, please not the irony in what you said and have a great day.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:06 am
buc you dispoint me. stooping to watching the view…i didn’t think you had it in you.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Sorry, smithstar15, please *note* the irony in what you said and have a great day.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am
650. smithstar15: Please don’t speak for all of us. There are more of us who are not so proud of this nation than you know.
654. Lifeschool: Perfect! I needed some laughter!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am
As a bi-national (I’m French and American by nationality, but I was born and have always lived in France) I think I’m well placed to know for which reasons some people in Europe hate Americans the most.
The number 10 (Center of the Universe) is a very common explanation. Something related to American egocentrism is that most Europeans believe many Americans know nothing of the world around them which is sometimes true. I have a few examples… last time I went to the US, I was with some American dudes and they saw that I had some shitty CD player and were seriously astonished that we actually had some pieces of technology in France. Another time, I met some Americans in Spain, and they asked me if France was a democracy… Also, what annoys the hell out of Europeans is when Americans think they’re the only “free” country in the world, and say Europeans hate America “because they are jealous” (which is totally untrue). Some Americans also seem to think Eastern Europe is poor which is quite an exageration (sure, things are cheap there for an American or Western European, but those are not “poor” countries…).
Its mostly a hatred for Americans’ supposed arrogance.
I know some french guys who fought in the military during the war for Kuwait, and apparently, the french soldiers were totally shocked by the way American marines acted with Iraqi civilians… with utmost disrespect. We can see today with amateur videos of the war in Iraq how some American soldiers act (I believe its one of the main reasons why the population there is hostile after a brief moment of joy for being liberated from Saddam). We can see videos of marines kicking a kid’s goat and laughing around, or throwing a kid in a river, making fun of an old man..etc..
May 14th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Baxter In Action: Well,you’ve really hurt me that you’re not going to talk to me–I’ll go talk to my toilet lid instead-Be about the same thing,actually–
Yeah,the girls may go nuts but they always come home.Very few stay and marry fish-head eaters.In the end they want a man so they come home to America.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:08 am
“you completely missed the point. Before you go throwing around how it’s not ok to make a blanket statement about 300 million Americans stop and read some of the comments of your contemporaries and see the blanket statements they are throwing around about the millions of Europeans, or billions of Chinese, etc (I think that might be slightly larger than the 300 million you are so eager to throw around…I don’t know
). All I am saying is that other comments (maybe your included, maybe not) cannot throw a fit about people generalizing Americans and then do the same thing to the individuals of other nations.”
…no, YOU missed the point. These “contemporaries” are no more “contemporaries” of mine as an American as they are “contemporaries” of YOURS as an earthling.
No one should be held accountable for OTHER PEOPLE’S words. My whole POINT is that just because *some* Americans generalize doesn’t mean *all* do.
I really don’t understand what’s so unfathomable about this.
Judge me by my own words, not by others’. Where does the demographic stereotyping end? I am a Southern Californian to Californians. I am a Californian to other Americans. I am an American to other Westerners. I am a Westerner to Asians. I am a human to animals. I’d be an earthling to extra-terrestrial beings.
PLEASE tell me you *get* it.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Lifeschool – I was just wondering where Randall was in all of this!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:11 am
To: 652. Baxter In Action – May 14th, 2009 at 11:02 am
You can have those girls…
May 14th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Ooh! I got another one;
You pay more attention at what Looney Tunes says about other countries than change the channel and watch the actual news about them.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:12 am
the reason why i hate america is not in this list ! why ! maybe because this list was written from americas point of view! this list is biast
May 14th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Metalwrath –There’s no such thing as being French and American–And “French Fighting” is an oxymoron if I ever heard one. By the way,I saw a video of a French soldier with a goat..but he wasn’t kicking it.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
To smithstar15:
I think I have a crush on you…(she said, hoping he’s a guy).
May 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
@ Reyairia:
“You pay more attention at what Looney Tunes says about other countries than change the channel and watch the actual news about them.”
*sigh*
It’s incredible how ignorant some people can be. Woe is the human race.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Nicey said Crevan Fox
May 14th, 2009 at 11:18 am
What’s funny is all the ones that hate America are just angry about it, hahaha. And they cry for “objectivity,” as long as it is from their point of view and not America’s, lmfao. Sound like whiny, jealous, angry babies. If you had all the things America had, you’d be proud of it. It’s not arrogance. We’ve done more in 250 years than you countries have done since the dawn of civilization.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:19 am
thuss: care to share?
reyairia: yes. And I learned how dumb coyotes were and how busy the ACME customer service line must be from Looney Tunes as well. Also that ducks wear shirts without pants. A veritible pool of knowledge, Looney Tunes.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:19 am
callie – and your little dog too!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:21 am
now that smithstar’s joined the party this will just get more obvious:
why would any US citizen be at all shocked if citizens of other nations hate us, we hate each other.
really, it’s no secret that americans of different political and social bents loathe each other. if we can feel this kind of intense dislike for each other why should it make us raise our eyebrows in shock to hear that people in other places see these same traits in us and don’t like it either?
it’s not fair to hate a country as a whole, to stereotype all of its inhabitants as one mass of anything. “americans” of the US aren’t all alike, if this keeps going down the liberal vs. conservative path that will be made abundantly clear. and so being hated by someone simply for the country of my birth stings a bit, but it’s not going to make me over-compensate and claim my country is spotless and without flaws either. if more people could be more honest and use fewer generalizations this comment list would be a paltry few hundred, tops.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:21 am
@ calm_incense
Why so much anger? I am honestly not attacking you, just stating my opinion. No hatred ok?
Honestly if you feel that you should not be defined and generalized as American, because demographic stereotyping is wrong then fine. I *get* that. However, I see myself as a Canadian. I believe many of the posters here see themselves as Americans and are defending their country by attacking others. So I am responding to them. If you are the exception to the rule, then I apologize. But then you should really start attacking the other posters for all their comments about England, France etc,. Just to be fair and all…
Can we get along now? After all I am Canadian, we do not like to fight.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:24 am
“If you had all the things America had, you’d be proud of it. It’s not arrogance.”
That’s the point – we do have all the things you have!
“We’ve done more in 250 years than you countries have done since the dawn of civilization.”
Oh please! I’ll see your race riots and raise you the Renaissance.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:24 am
668. smithstar15 – May 14th, 2009 at 11:13 am [Report Abuse]
Metalwrath –There’s no such thing as being French and American
-you’ve never, ever heard of duel citizenship? why am i not surprised.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:24 am
smithstar15 : your comment 668 illustrates very well what I was saying (comment 660) about American arrogance, and American ignorance on the rest of the world (saying France sucks militarily, and the fact that you don’t know an enormous amount of Americans are of french descent), thank you for helping out. But don’t worry, although I inherited the nationality from my mother, I don’t consider myself American… first of all because being American isn’t an ethnicity or anything, and also because of people like you, who could make any American ashamed of sharing the same nationality.
If you want to talk about french military history, let me tell you that I will defend the fact that France has one of the most glorious military histories in the world, topped perhaps only by England. I will argument for that if you want to debate on it, and I know in advance that I will win, simply because its true.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:26 am
@ Hyla:
It’s not “anger” so much as “annoyance” that people *still* have archaic, 19th-century mentalities that *nationality* REALLY makes any difference.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:26 am
hyla-
“I believe many of the posters here see themselves as Americans and are defending their country by attacking others”
I disagree. Oh yes, there are people doing that, but I think mostly the commenters are defending our country by defending it on it’s merits. We’re listing reasons we’re good and reasons we’re proud, not reasons we’re better that your country. At least, the smart ones are
May 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Oh well, humans are immature. I don’t know why I get surprised every time I see evidence confirming this.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Looney Tunes is about as factual as the news these days. It’s unfair to attack them
May 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am
ames: Yes Sweetie(He says, hoping she’s a woman)–I’m a man (a vanishing breed as you can tell from these other posts)
May 14th, 2009 at 11:30 am
All in all, isn’t it kind of nice to see how much everyone loves their own countries. It seems everyone has reasons to debate the merits of their homeland. I don’t hate Americans, but I don’t love them either. I often try to think about what it would be like to be American though. I like being the underdog, but to be the big bad bully would be…interesting. I do not envy the fact that the whole world is watching America. But you do have Obama now, so kudos!!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:30 am
@ metalwrath – 679
well said
May 14th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Kinda feel like this list doesn’t belong here. It’s not really a ‘list’ of anything. Does Listverse have a ‘joke lists’ section? This could fit there I think. It seems more like this was just an attempt at stirring the pot and getting people to pay atention/comment.
Cmon, listverse, I rarely criticize, and if this is meant to be a ‘joke list’ I can get it, but it really doesn’t belong without a disclaimer that it isn’t anything more than an attention grab.
Next up:
10 ten reasons why Abortion vs Gay Marriage vs Iraq War vs Creationism vs Racial Intolerance vs Sexism?
C’mon.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Crevan fox -I think this list overlooked a few points. As a non-American I don’t have a problem with the ex-pats I’ve met. It’s the government, the policy and the country when taken as a whole, in it’s feverish pro-American fervor.
We have a problem with you funding terrorists to suit your own purposes (Osama Bin Laden, Hussein, Castro, much of South America).
We have a problem with your war policy. From the invasion of Canada in 1812, to your belated entry in WW1 and WW2 (and prior war profiteering before commiting to the fight), your illegal wars in the Middle East, and the lies you told to justify going into sovereign nations, the treatment you give your vets(or lack of same), the fact you are the only people to drop nuclear weapons in wartime, the torture of civilians, your refusal to sign treaties banning the use of landmines, the “friendly fire accidents” that kill your allies, and so on.
Non Americans take issue with the stereotypes you seem content to perpetuate about other cultures-if you even have an idea of that culture to begin with. Your ignorance of other countries would be a little more excusable if you didn’t invade, occupy, “liberate” and otherwise interfer in countries most of your citizens couldn’t find on a map.
You are the richest country in the world, yet have the lowest amounts of money (by percentage of GDP) donated to deveolping countries, the greatest disparity between your own citizens. People starve on the streets, and single moms cant get basic health care for their kids, but people arepulling in millions a year.
Your anti-socialism crusade means a lot of countries, who otherwise would be caring for their own people, are pursuing a more purely capitalist/American style of government.
IMF and the World Banks restructuring and repayment programs have also meant less money for things like education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. Both groups are largely American run. When the States needed to borrow money they didn’t need to follow the same rules.
These are all off the top of my head. I’m sure I could come up with more.
On an individual basis, the Americans I’ve met are nice, decent, people, if not a little loud and opinionated. But the actions of the country as a whole are both frightening and angering.
No one has made a constructive comment against this guys post, does that mean people are in agreement over it?
May 14th, 2009 at 11:37 am
@ Hydra:
“I often try to think about what it would be like to be American though. I like being the underdog, but to be the big bad bully would be…interesting.”
You need to get it through your thick skull that the average day of an American is fundamentally no different than that of a Canadian.
“All in all, isn’t it kind of nice to see how much everyone loves their own countries. It seems everyone has reasons to debate the merits of their homeland.”
No, it’s not. It’s ugly.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:38 am
This list is too American-focused!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Also, you missed the NUMBER ONE reason: America thinks it is better than it is.
I’m not saying America is ‘bad’, just that it’s own media and society promotes an overblown sense that it is the greatest nation on Earth, and ignores some very simple facts accepted by the international community for several years showing it is far from that. So much so that I will get attacked for simply implying that America isn’t the greatest nation on Earth- because if you don’t agree America is ‘THE BEST’- then you MUST be ‘Anti-American’. And jealous. Or something stupid like that.
My point isn’t: ‘America sucks’. It’s simply: ‘America is great, but it isn’t #1, no matter how much you keep telling yourself that.’
So how do we determine they aren’t #1? Look at the international rankings by several independant organizations of happiest populace, best education, health care, citizen rights, so on and so forth, and you will find that in most of these generally accepted rankings- including the infamous ‘Best countries on Earth to live in’ ratings- Amrica doesn’t even qualify as in the top ten.
This is the main reason people get annoyed by the constant bravado- it’s not that they hate America, it’s that they get tired of being told they are second place to a country that doesn’t rank in the top ten for any of the previous rankings I’ve noted. It gets annoying and comes off as ignorant and arrogant.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Another FOX News talking point turned into a list. This is what the rightwing nuttia is all about, writing cranky blogs and producing “news” that actually make the consumers less informed. Even the ones who disagree with Jay K’s politics are rendered too stupid to offer any resistance.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am
There are MILLIONS of Americans who believe America isn’t “the best”. Do their opinions not count?
May 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am
wtf?!?
600++ comments in less than 24 hrs??
but then for a list with THAT title, this shouldn’t be surprising
personally i think most people hate america simply because everyone else does – the rest are either just irresponsible people who like blaming all their life’s problems on anything or anyone else or on other factors “beyond their control” (like leftist politicians attributing “american imperialism” etc. for their country’s ills) or people who focus too much on the negatives to make something look bad and make themselves look good in comparison (e.g. corrupt politicians using anti-american BS to cover their misdeeds) i mean, c’mon every country in the world has its ups and downs
while each of us may be either asian, european or african, christian, muslim, or jew, let us not forget that we really are one big family.
i say this because i am not filipino, chinese, french nor american; i am human.
Homo sapiens FTW!
May 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am
calm_incense what is your problem?? stop being so angry. I am talking about perceptions not the average everyday of individuals. Please stop being mean and ignorant.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Mentalwrath: French Military History–HaHa…Right…
You are so stupid I’m sorry I ever commented to you in the first place. Do you think I didn’t know all the shit I would catch when I went on the offensive for my country on this site. Hell,I knew very few would back me up–Too unpolitically correct–If you back him you will not look intellectual. Just call him a dumb redneck because he loves his country and doesn’t care what a bunch of figgy-pudding eaters and fish-head lickers think of his country.I can tolerate you non-American’s stupidity and take it with a grain of salt–But it’s Americans that side with you to look good who are the ones that need their asses kicked–That’s shameful.Yes this country has made a lot of mistakes (fighting Germany in WW2 was one of them) and I believe we should have went after bin Laden instead of Hussein. But this is still the best country on earth and you all know it.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:47 am
689. calm_incense – It’s ok to like America but you are going overboard here. I am American and am cringing at what you are writing. So hostile over a simple list.
Hyla: Canada is the only country I have visited.
I will be heading to Japan next year and can’t wait. I know how other countries see us and I don’t want to give them a bad impression. “When in Rome…”
May 14th, 2009 at 11:48 am
@ Hyla:
Sorry, but it absolutely bugs me to see people saying stupid things. It’s nothing “personal”, and I have no doubt that you’re a very friendly person, but good intentions don’t make wrong ideas correct.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Hell, I start to hate America and I’m born and raised here. No, not because of this list.
One only has to read the papers to understand how my Patriotism could be wearing thin. I am tired of being part of America. I am sick of saying “WE are torturing people in Guatanamo Bay” and “WE are still in Iraq” and “OUR government is using 9/11 to manipulate the public.” I’m sick of America as a culture. The ideals and the way we started out are good, but its all been twisted now. I guesse I’m just waiting to turn 18 so I can get the hell out of here, at this point. 
May 14th, 2009 at 11:51 am
@ oouchan:
Uh…none of my posts have been the least bit “pro-American” at the expense of other countries. I’m defending it such that it should be considered an equal. If that’s jingoism, go ahead and shoot me.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
One thing I do like about america is what a mongrel culture it is. We have culteral and ethnical trates from all over the world, and I really do like that about the country. SOrry for the double comment.
Had a second thought.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
One thing I do like about america is what a mongrel culture it is. We have culteral and ethnical trates from all over the world, and I really do like that about the country. SOrry for the double comment.
Had a second thought.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Thanks oouchan your post made me smile
May 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
To: 699. I4gotmyMANTRA – May 14th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I wanted to comment on your post…then read the last sentence: “I guesse I’m just waiting to turn 18 so I can get the hell out of here…”
Have a good trip, little boy. Depending on where you go you are in for a rude awakening.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Mojo Pin #688 “…People starve on the streets, and single moms can’t get basic health care for their kids, but people are pulling in millions a year.”
>
Mojo, those “people” worked hard for that money; managing hedge funds, working for banks, selling insurance and refinancing mortgages. They deserved every penny of the money they made before the government bailout, and all of the tax dollars they receive now. Screw the single moms and their hungry brats, they don’t even play golf.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:57 am
700. calm_incense: I didn’t say that. You are just getting so worked up for nothing. So hostile for nothing.
However, I agree with some of the countries opinions of us. We are not nice and we should be looking to fix that image. That is what we should be angry about. Ourselves for putting us in this situation…or the politicians that did this to us.
699. I4gotmyMANTRA: Exactly my point. Well said.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:58 am
692: You’re so focused on turning this into a conservative vs. liberal arguement that all you’re doing is helping out people who hate the USA. I suggest you go take a look at the liberal hypocrisy list again- look at how Lo and I take on the issue there- opposite sides of the political spectrum coming together on some things. Better still, look at how buc and I take on that same issue- members of the SAME side who agree on much everything else disagreeing RESPECTFULLY on an issue. Your behavior is so unamerican, or so unhuman now that I sincerely hope you’re using the computer screen as a buffer between your real world self and your listverse self. With me, what you see here is what you get IRL, but if you’re this intolerant towards people everyday you’ve got much bigger problems than left versus right.
May 14th, 2009 at 11:58 am
@ oouchan:
Do you consider yourself to be a nice person?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=2208523152
Think this says it all
May 14th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
ames 704 – what’s your problem exactly?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
To: 705. BongoShaftsbury – May 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Hey, buddy. We share the same views…except I’m a single mom that pays for medical coverage for myself and my child…*GASP*…and works full time…*GASP*…and still managed to raise a polite, well behaved and intelligent little person…all by my lonesome. Not looking for a pat on the back-just letting you know that some of the single moms out there are working hard and making a good living (not so much when I’m on this website but that’s besides the point).
May 14th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
708. calm_incense: No…actually I don’t…not all the time. I used to be. But I am too jaded now.
I like other cultures. I was talking with a friend earlier today about this list. We both agreed that 30 years ago, America was a proud place to live in. I was. Not so much anymore.
So I guess that doesn’t make me nice anymore.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
ames 711 – Never mind, I think I worked out what your problem is. Hint – BongoShaftsbury was clearly being sarcastic.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Baxter 710-what problem? I’m just making comments like all the others…and, quite frankly, I think mine are pretty boring in comparison.
What exactly do you mean by ‘problem’?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
ames – the problem I referred to:
“Have a good trip, little boy.”
Why so patronising and hostile? Because the person said they were going travelling?
“Depending on where you go you are in for a rude awakening.”
Rude awakening from what exactly?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
@ oouchan:
You claim to like other cultures. But you’re an American, so that’s impossible. The two just don’t add up. Clearly you’re a xenophobe who hates the rest of the world.
…right?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Baxter 713-obviously he was being sarcastic (I realized after I posted-the hint was the brats comment). Color me red.
Anyways, I think I’m getting all caught up in the back and forth. I better do some real work.
Have a good day everyone
May 14th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
bongo – single moms have already been screwed, now they want someone else to pay for their mistakes. (except ames of course)
May 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
716. calm_incense: What? How did you come up with that? That makes no sense…I’m laughing at that statement! I can be American and like other cultures. Who says I have to just like one?
The way you are talking clearly shows *you* are the xenophobe. I embrace other cultures very well…you don’t seem able to do that.
I practice the Shinto religion and I am installing a shrine in my backyard. I am a gypsy from the Ukraine. I have family from France, Germany, Russia and England.
Not sure what you were driving at with that statement. It just doesn’t make any sense.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
@ oouchan:
Your sarcasm detector seems to be broken.
My point was that this is exactly the type of mentality OTHERS have. They think that just because you’re an American means you must be arrogant/ignorant/xenophobic/etc.
Considering you completely missed the point of my last post, I’ll give them one out of three.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Another thing that bothers me are Americans like to go on and on about how their country is the best and then complain when people don’t like them. Hellooo? If someone went on and on about how their country was better than yours you’d be pretty pissed off too.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
@ Reyairia:
“Another thing”? You don’t honestly think you’re bringing something NEW to the discussion, do you?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
If that’s not what we’ve been talking about for the past 722 posts, I must be blind.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Baxter 715-you’re right. I was patronizing Bongo. For that I apologize (to Bongo). The point I was trying to make (rather rudely-again, I’m sorry, Bongo) was that this person is rather young. His “I can’t wait till I’m 18 to move out” tantrum just reminded me of a spoiled kid threatening his parents to move out.
I really thought the ‘rude awakening’ comment spoke for itself: depending on where bongo goes he may just realize the grass isn’t always greener…
I’ll try to be less bitchy-sorry.
Also, Baxter, will you be pointing out the fact that bucslim is patronizing me now and kindly ask ‘why’? Or was it just me that you were targeting?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
720. calm_incense: Just an FYI…sarcasm is hard to do over the internet. Take a look at what happened to ames above. I didn’t understand so I took it at face value….but I asked questions so I could clarify. Now that I understand it makes sense. Also…your not helping by insulting others. Seems I’m nicer than I thought.
As for your second comment….that mentality is what we need to address and fix. Our image is tarnished and we are to blame. How sad that someone above posted that he can’t wait to get out of here. He isn’t the only one. I work with my daughter’s school…she is in grade school. I have talked with a bunch of the kids she attends school with during a project on Japan I was assisting on with my daughter.
They have the same thought process and these are young kids! How sad.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
* ‘your not’…damn no edit button…should be ‘you’re’!
May 14th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
691. Mr. Graves: If you truly feel that way, why don’t you go back to Chile?
Or, maybe not Chile, because a good friend of mine, and someone who is more than leery of you, lives there…somewhere else where the political climate suits you better.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
We, as americans, have so much to be proud AND ashamed of. Our arrogance is our biggest strength and our most crippling weakness. We’re a country founded on contradictions and that, unfortunately, very often makes us insufferable. And occasionally absurd.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
@ oouchan:
“Our image is tarnished and we are to blame.”
What, exactly, did you do to tarnish this country’s image? My guess is, “Nothing.” Why do others have the right to criticize you for things being done against your will? Would you feel comfortable criticizing Aung San Suu Kyi for the practices of the Junta? My guess is, no, you wouldn’t. So why not expect this simple human decency to be reciprocated?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
ames- traveling to other countries is probably the most mind-expanding activity a young american can undertake. if that kid really wants an eye opener s/he should look for some kind of program where they can do volunteer work with a home-stay with a local family, there are many programs around the world where if you can scrap together the airfare and work at some community service once you’re there it’s affordable to almost anyone. airfare can be a lot but, can be saved up for. and if the kid goes to college s/he should study abroad. again i know these things aren’t free, but there are loans, grants, and scholarships.
have you visited/lived in any other countries? i think it’s a huge problem in how americans understand the rest of the world and vice verse that we’re so far away from other countries geographically. if you’re in the midwest it can literally be 1000’s of miles to even canada or mexico. people in the EU can visit another country as a day-trip in some instances, having that opportunity shapes people’s world-views.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
LOL@Segue
‘Love it or leave it’? That’s sophomoric and insecure at best. Besides, I’m not even in the USA. See what I mean? I can’t say the USA isn’t the absolute BEST EVER without someone crying about how I hate America… lol.
Newsflash: it’s that exact mentality that tres the rest of the world and comes off, once again, as arrogant and insecure.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
688. Mojo Pin
I will take a stab at part of post.
First and foremost, I reside in the great state where both President Bush’s call home. They are revered here, along with many others in the GOP. Now, personal political differences aside, I would have to say that general statements and accusations of an entire nation’s history due to the actions of certain administrations cannot be founded as a clear and defined argument.
Some of the negative views in this group are perpetuated from the Bush Administration Era. To quote Crevan fox: ” Non Americans take issue with the stereotypes you seem content to perpetuate about other cultures-if you even have an idea of that culture to begin with. Your ignorance of other countries would be a little more excusable if you didn’t invade, occupy, “liberate” and otherwise interfer in countries most of your citizens couldn’t find on a map.”
First: The United States of America is a mixture of various cultures. As for a defined culture, I will be hard pressed to find one definitive one. However, to think that we, as Americans, cannot or do not want to indulge in other cultures and rather stereotype, is a bit stereotypical.
Second: The claim that we are the only nation to “invade, occupy, ‘liberate’, and other interfere” in countries means we must forget the colonization of the world in earlier history.
Third: There are handfuls of people across our nation who lack in geographic education (amongst other things), but I can think of many more in other countries as well.
Just a favor to ask of everybody: remember that The United States is made up of many different cultures and people of varying racial backgrounds. One cannot generalize a country in it’s efforts under one presidential administration as a collective nation’s identity or voice. There are many people with many different views, ideas, thoughts and outlooks in the United States. Some might be stereotypical, others might be sympathetic, and even many who are apathetic: whatever it is, we have the freedoms which warrants us a plethora of liberties not found in many countries. I feel privileged to reside in this country (as I have lived in another which did not offer such freedoms). The point of the rant is that government action and a country’s identity cannot be generalized as a relative categorical assessment of the citizens residing within it.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Hi lo. You make (all) very good points. I was mostly commenting on the “i’m outta here…” mentality-maybe I read it wrong.
When I graduated (high school) I moved all over the US-which I highly recommend to anyone that can. After I settled on my career I traveled less and less. The 2 places outside of my country that I’ve been to were Toronto (Canada) and Manila (Philippines). So, no, I’m not well traveled but the traveling I did was enough for me to know that this is where I want to be.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
727. segue: I was wondering if you were going to join us!
729. calm_incense: You’re not making sense again. We did tarnish our own reputation and we are to blame for it. Those wonderful leaders of ours (sarcasm) did it for us…so what I did personally…I haven’t because I don’t act that way.
I don’t criticize other countries or their cultures. If they want to criticize us then it’s on them. Not everyone is going to play nice. But I think we should be looking in our own backyard before we start going after other cultures.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
And, just to prove what I was saying earlier- the real reason people get sick and tired of hearing how America is #1 when it isn’t:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index
That’s the HDI. It ranks the best places in the world to live, every year. This was last years rankings of the top 20:
1. Iceland 0.968 (▬)
2. Norway 0.968 (▬)
3. Canada 0.967 (▲ 1)
4. Australia 0.965 (▼ 1)
5. Ireland 0.960 (▬)
6. Netherlands 0.958 (▲ 3)
7. Sweden 0.958 (▼ 1)
8. Japan 0.956 (▬)
9. Luxembourg 0.956 (▲ 9)
10. Switzerland 0.955 (▼ 3)
11. France 0.955 (▼ 1)
12. Finland 0.954 (▼ 1)
13. Denmark 0.952 (▲ 1)
14. Austria 0.951 (▲ 1)
15. United States 0.950 (▼ 3)
16. Spain 0.949 (▼ 3)
17. Belgium 0.948 (▼ 1)
18. Greece 0.947 (▲ 6)
19. Italy 0.945 (▲ 1)
20. New Zealand 0.944 (▼ 1)
But, you know, if I say the USA is #15 and not even in the top ten IAMCRAZYANTIAMERICAGETOUTOFMYCOUNTRYCOMMIE!!
And Segue, my country is in the top five. I don’t see any reason to leave and go somewhere the political climate suits me better- I wouldn’t want to go slumming it and end up somewhere outside the top ten, say. We have real freedom here, not just people screeching about how great they are and everyone who disagrees is jealous.
Sigh.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
interesting list…
from a sociological/psicological point of view, I mean.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
America, Fuck Yeah!
oh…gotta love Team America.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
“We have real freedom here”
Have I been living under a fake freedom rock? You’ve said in previous posts that the reason people don’t like America is our “screeching” that it’s better, and you’re going make a post saying we don’t have real freedom and going outside your country is slumming? Are you number one on that list? Because according to you, only people from Iceland can truely brag abot being awesome. Also, there are 195 (give or take) countries in the world. I don’t know which one of those top 5 you’re from, but I’m guessing it’s not Iceland so your country must be number 2-5. In the grand scheme of 195, there’s not much difference between 15 and 2, is there?
May 14th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
731. Mr.Graves: Ah, Graves, you know me better than that. You know, as you know from where your next breath comes, that my comment applied to you and you alone.
You try to make it a big joke, to make me …what was the word?…sophomoric!…and ignorant, to make me out the “Ugly American”.
These people don’t know our history, so, perhaps you could fool a few of them.
ta! Mr. Graves.
ta.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Firstly no one is using excuses to hate America they just do, and generally speaking hate is a very strong word probably the better word to use is dislike. The major reason why other nations dislike the states is because of their ego. So no we don’t hate you, you are just that one neighbor that feels they are better than everyone else and everyone should love them for it, and be just like them regardless. We just all kind of feel your annoying, hypocritical, and slightly ignorant but other than that your not all bad.. I think.
thank you chi
May 14th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I’m an American, but I’ve been living in Rome for sometime now. There are a lot of things I love about the US, but there are more things that drive me insane. To remember why I am often ashamed by just being associated with the US, all I have to do is take a walk to Campo dei Fiori around 11:00pm- all it is is drunk American college students making fools of themselves.
But there are things I do love about the US, so in an attempt to lighten these comments up, here they are (I know that most of these are not just restricted to the US… they are just not Italian/Roman):
1. Bread plates… I have to beg for a plate for my bread in most Roman restaurants. What am I supposed to do with the balsamic and olive oil without a bread plate? I’ll go with the Italians and assimilate as best I can on just about everything else, but I refuse to give up my “right” (okay, not really a right) to a bread plate.
2. Ethnic food… it exists in Rome, but I have to hunt for it. It was so easy to find in the US! God knows I love pasta and pizza, but I would kill for a burrito or some pad thai right now.
3. American football. So… yeah… stereotypically American here. I love American football, but just can’t get into the other kind of football, no matter how much I try. American football is just more entertaining.
4. Subtitles… they dub everything (movies, TV shows) here instead of doing subtitles. In the US, no dubbing, which I find to be really, really, annoying. Only subtitles when it comes to foreign-language stuff
5. Half-decent street paving… Italian cobblestone streets are cute and have character, but the novelty wears off about the tenth time you trip and nearly die while running errands. Shoes have to be replaced much more frequently here than in the US because of the damage incurred while attempting to walk.
6. No earthquakes… all right, I guess this only applies to some of the US. The earthquake was kind of cool until I discovered it had killed a few hundred people 60 miles away… and then the aftershocks just got irritating. I’m trying to eat, here! I don’t need the kitchen table swaying under me!
I don’t really do the whole redneck ultra-nationalism thing. I just appreciate the US for what makes it seem like home to me.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Hooke,horns… quote:
“we have the freedoms which warrants us a plethora of liberties not found in many countries”
we like to say that in the UK as well – but lets admit it together “IT IS BULL SH*T”
Maybe the fanatics we take into our countries (ain’t mentioning anyone in particular) can demonstratec with placards saying they hate XY and Z then burn the flags of the countries that gave them refuge (us). But you try having a little peaceful demonstartion and saying how unhappy you are with said groups and see how many freedoms you have.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
650.Cravenfox: Nicely done…very clear and concise. It is not Americans but the government that seems to be run by lobbyists and special interest groups that worry us. The first strike (nuclear) policy under Bush is extremely troubling and as far as I know still exists under Obama. The 2nd amendment being infringed upon is a step towards a police state.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
sorry about the spelling above….. maybe a spell checker would help jfrater
May 14th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Top 5 as well!!
I will grab at anything I can. But honestly I think everything is arbitrary. What’s the best to one is the worst to another.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
745. Hyla: To get off topic (not like that hasn’t happened before) But I am a fan of interesting facts. I came across this one today from my snapple bottle: Canada has more donut shops per capita than any other country.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
742 tripsyman
Growing up in Communist China then relocating to the United States, I can pretty much say for certain that the United States offers many more freedoms than my country of origin. I have witnessed first hand many radical groups demonstrating in the Midwest and can guarantee you that they did have the right to gather and protest. They might have been ostracized by societal norm, but they did indeed have the right and is protected from mainstream society at the time of their demonstration. It is never easy being a social pariah, I suppose, and they do walk on very thin ice, but I have bear witness to these unalienable rights (as it were) of these groups. (Believe me, sometimes I wish they did not possess that right to assemble, but alas, they have their right as much as I have mine.)
May 14th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Putting America down became a huge fad, which is kind of sad. I’m not a super-fan of the States (I’m Canadian), but I still really like going there. Your highways are way nicer than ours, pretty much everyone I’ve met there is really friendly…the people that constantly whine about how evil America is are the people that have either never been there or had one bad experience with some hick. -_-
Not saying it’s perfect either, but there are worse things in life than the States.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Oh and believe me, there were demonstrators protesting the protesters, they are usually situated on the other side of the street or block or where ever. It’s quite a sight sometimes!
Good ol’ First Amendment! :S
May 14th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I’m not sure why anybody should get all worked up over something they had nothing to do with. It wasn’t like Pat Sajak handed me a ‘Destination USA’ card when I spun the wheel, then Vanna dropped me down an Uncle Sam chute into my mother’s womb.
When I see some of the stuff that goes on for normal behavior in different countries, yeah, I guess I am happy I’m here. OK sometimes the guy in the White House acts like a ADHD kid with an IV drip of SweeTarts – but folks it’s always been that way. Even at the start we were giving King George the finger. What’s that? You want to make us pay a few more pence for Tea? – ok, why don’t you come over here and make us, assface! Really? We can’t own slaves, well why don’t you come down here and make us assface! No, we’re not getting involved with a European war, and you can’t make us, assface! So you think you can take over South Vietnam, well I’d like to see you try it assface! Hey Qadaffi, here’s a little present assface!
See what I mean? There’s a little John Wayne/Wild Bunch/Butch Cassidy/Rambo gene ingrained in our DNA. Saddam found out the hard way that you don’t piss on Superman’s cape. Sometimes that goes a little too far, sometimes not far enough. But we have been there a few times in history to help feed the poor, right some wrongs and kick some misbehavin ass. Not always, sometimes.
I suspect a lot of countries are that way.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
lighten up people, i thought the list was pretty funny, anyways America has given a lot to the world in terms of ideals and technology and culture.
Living in America is like a high stakes poker game you can can make it big and win the whole pot, or you lose and are left with very little. If you don’t like it stick to the slot machines.
Iceland maybe number 1 on HDI but they have pretty high rates of suicide, depression and alcoholism. And taxes on a new car are more than the cost of the car itself.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
747 hook em horns
I hear what you say but here in the UK a few months ago a homecoming parade for british soldiers was disrupted by some fanatics. They called them baby killers amongst other things. A few people got annoyed by this and told the protesters to basically F*ck off. Guess who got arrested?
This list is called
“Top 10 Excuses People Use To Hate America”
Could just as easilybe called “Top ten excuses people use to hate the west”
IN MY HONEST OPINION…….
May 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Not to mention, Iceland has fallen tremendously since the financial crisis began.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
oouchan I don’t mind getting off topic
It doesn’t surprise me. If you ever come to visit try to find a Tim Horton’s donuts shop. We have about 30 or so million people here and I think about 100 million Tim Horton’s. Shouldn’t be too hard!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
@415 Catchick
Hell yeah to just mustard, and not that fancy crap either
May 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
24. jeremy – May 14th, 2009 at 1:35 am
You forgot the most important one. They have very shitty beer. Oh yeah and the illegal war they started that ended up killing millions of Iraqis…..
I have been able to rean most of these comments with good humor, but I can’t let this one slide. Americans make some of the best beer on the planet. Budweiser, miller, and such do suck, but that is the exception and not the rule. Stone, Dogfish head, Left Hand, Midnight Sun, and about 5 million others are great breweries. Europe has a buch of shitty beer too. I’m looking at you, England.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
24. jeremy – May 14th, 2009 at 1:35 am
You forgot the most important one. They have very shitty beer. Oh yeah and the illegal war they started that ended up killing millions of Iraqis…..
I have been able to rean most of these comments with good humor, but I can’t let this one slide. Americans make some of the best beer on the planet. Budweiser, miller, and such do suck, but that is the exception and not the rule. Stone, Dogfish head, Left Hand, Midnight Sun, and about 5 million others are great breweries. Europe has a buch of shitty beer too. I’m looking at you, England.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
I like most of the American folks that I know. It’s funny to me that as a country the United States doesn’t reflect the individuals at all. Maybe it’s because most of the Americans I know are above average. I’m assuming this to be true of all of our Listverse family.
I can tell you in a couple sentences why I have little respect for the American system of government. I don’t even have to touch on the Latin American fiasco, or the their policy of rendition, or the war in Iraq, or even their condoning and practice of torture. I have little respect for the American system of government and their country because they don’t even look after their own people. Trillions of dollars for a war that needn’t been fought and not enough money to fix their deplorable education system, or to create a health system that guarantees equal treatment for all. Shameful. I am hopeful that the current administration will see to it that the United States catches up to the rest of the industrialized world. They have a ways to go.
btw – a Canadian discovered radio, real radio, the kind that transmitted voice. Reginald Fessenden was his name.
Tex – The United States of America has the lowest amount of foreign aid in the industrialized world. Just .15 percent of your GDP. So though you may give more, it hurts you least.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
worst list ever…
besides, the name of your country is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
America is the continent, but some people consider the US to be so good that they rule the continent…..
May 14th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
752. Tripsyman
Yeah, that is not something that should happen. I have been witness to a Fundamentalist Church in Kansas who protests at fallen soldiers funerals (they say things like “hooray for 9/11, burn in hell and etc.) Believe me, that is something I personally detest. No matter what your beliefs are, protesting should have their place and time, and family bereavement is not the right time. Alas, there were people on the other side of the street protesting them. And thank goodness they have all but stopped. But sometimes, the authorities overreact and then are not too rational in their judgment. (I have seen that too.) All in all, I’m still pretty happy with what I have been given by my country.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
752.tripsyman: Same thing happened to Vietnam vets many of whom suffered from Agent Orange poisoning. Many Iraq vets have medical problems relating to munitions used and post traumatic stress. Britain has also sacrificed freedoms with all the cameras tracking peoples movements. We in Canada are also losing freedoms in this so called war on terror with the introduction of RFID chips that will be implanted in our drivers licenses.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
760 hook em horns
Glad we both live in countries where we can agree to disagree
May 14th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
754. Hyla: I like donuts so when I read that I had to share!
758. Mom424: Well said! It’s the government that keeps giving us a bad name. And what’s worse is we don’t use our votes like we should to fix it! We keep these idiotic politicians in place.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Everyone is jealous of America because we are the STRONGEST, RICHEST, most POWERFUL nation in the world. It’s like if you were on a crappy team and you got beat every time by a good team, you would hate them as well.
I was in the Marines and I have been to 12 different countries in 5 continents and I can attest the fact that America is one the BEST places to live. Most countries are sh*t holes.
Most rulers (Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings) all secretly love America. They can count on us for financial support as well as providing military defense if they need it. And when things go bad they can blame America to their people, who eat it up like idiots, which gives them more support from their citizens.
America gives millions in support to “evil” countries after we invade/ liberate them. We try and help after. How many countries do that?
Think about it, if America packed up our bags, went home, isolated ourselves and did not “interfere” with other countries, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD HAPPEN TO THE WORLD?? Iran, Syria, North Korea would have a complete arsenal of Nukes. It would be free game for the Terrorists. Israel would be gone. I wish we would just pack up and leave for awhile. Then all the unappreciative idiots would stop talking trash about America and see how important we are to world peace!!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
“Stone, Dogfish head, Left Hand, Midnight Sun, and about 5 million others are great breweries. Europe has a buch of shitty beer too. I’m looking at you, England.”
dogfish head is brewed in Gaithersburg, MD. Yaaaaay MD. Also, we have National Bohemian, which is no longer brewed in Baltimore, but I live in the Brewers Hill neighborhood of the city right down the street from the Boh building with the big Mr. Boh head so I had to give it a shoutout
May 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
jay poe I like America …I really do.. but your arguement has 1 or 2 little flaws.
1st. Most of the problem countries ( Iran, Syria, North Korea )you mention owe much of their issues to the good old USA.
2nd. America has a history of invading/liberating countries when they will benefit from the forgon conclusion.
OIL is a word that springs to mind.
Don’t get me wrong I agree with most of what you said but you got to get those blinkers off my marine friend.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Wow, It has actually taken me nearly two hours to read the comments and even then I skipped the last few. Heated indeed!
Just wanted to give my opinion.
As it has already been said in many previous comments, arrogance is the main reason people dont like Americans.
Its ok to be patriotic, I myself am very proud of being English, I just think dont be an arse about it shoving it in peoples faces all the time. Also Claiming your country is better than others because you win this and have invented that is completely pointless. Fair enough there are americans who have made massive science breakthroughs, have invented some of the things we rely on in modern life and you have amazing athletes. The same can be said of pretty much any country in the world so any point made using these as an example is moot.
Also to those who have commented on here about the difference between America the continent and the USA, stop been so bloody pedantic. In the context of this debate the term america or american pertains to the USA.
Anyway loving this debate. This is only my second ever comment, I am glad I didnt discover Listverse while I was still at uni, It would have ended bye bye degree, hello dole queue.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
762. Tripsyman
From a simple Southern girl, I can agree with that.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I hate everyone (Americans, Europeans, Canadians, New Zealanders, Austrailians, Indians, Mexicans, Asian) equally.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Just to say if it isn’t clear, I actually quite like americans.
I actually found myself being drawn into a chant of “USA USA USA” at Seaworld during the shamu show. “Hangs head in shame”
May 14th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Bucslim wrote: “I’m not sure why anybody should get all worked up over something they had nothing to do with.
I was thinking that same thing. We have as much to do with where we are born as we do our sex and race. We all just try and make the best of it and if we are lucky we will have some pride in the country we were born in. If we don’t feel lucky where we were born we try and find somewhere that hopefully will along with our children and grandchildren. When you get down to it we are really all alike and we all like to read Listverse to boot.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
you win at everything, um sure what about hockey? hell the only reason an american NHL team wins is because its made up of 23 canadians and 4 russians, or how about winter olympics…whens the last time an american hockey team took gold???
May 14th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
765: Canadian beers are best haha!
and don’t forget Timbits, yay! Tim Hortons and Hockey, cant forget that!!
May 14th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Who likes Hockey in the U.S. anyway?
May 14th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Canadians vacationing in the US, I would guess.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
774. jay poe: ummm…me? I like hockey. Brutal sport. I also like arena football and rencently, cricket.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
It’s just hearsay that Oil was the reason for war. No proof of that although I agree that it had a big part. Oil is important all over the world and unfortunately the Middle East has plenty of it. It has to be someone’s job to make sure that oil is flowing around and not destroyed or harbored by terrorists.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Jay p;oe u r talking out of your ar5e my friend
May 14th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
@756 Tragik
I was just generalizing. I honestly do not know the whole selection of beer that the US produces, however the only American beer i see at my liquor stores are shitty 3.5-4% beer that taste like piss.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Oouchan: I know you care about equal rights and many US military personnel are being dismissed due to being gay.
http://www.couragecampaign.org/DontFireDan I’m not gay… happy yes!! haha! but think it is hypocritical to ask them to serve in Iraq and risk their lives then kick them out.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
tripsyman: I do respect your comments but it is hard to explain in detail and give facts for what I’m trying to say in a little comment. I’m a Poly Sci major and learned extensively on foreign affairs and the Oil theory just gets on my nerves.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
“Damn, it feels good to be a gangsta.”
May 14th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
So, well…er…I’m American. And despite the implications made with the periods of elipses, I am very proud of my country. Given, I don’t agree with all that we’ve done…but does anyone agree with every action made by their country? By themselves, even? No, of course not. No one is perfect. C.S. Lewis wrote that the best we can do as human being is to strive to be saintly; to keep our standards. I do believe that America has done this–has attempted to be all that it could. However, being a representative democracy, we are bound by statistics to make an error. Even the masses cannot always choose the right leader, and even the right leader cannot always make the right choice.
People have got to accept that. America has made just as many, if not less, mistakes than every other country. We had slavery, we practically imprisoned Japanese citizens in WWII, we had the Vietnam war, we made the nuke. We eat a lot, we consume a lot.
But I think it’s important to look not only at the results, but at the catalysts for them. We eat and consume a lot…why? Because America has (had) a booming economy and one that was ripe with buyers, sellers and investors–our economy, when not infested with big government guys, is often prosperous. And it’s our freedom and our governments trust in the people that makes it so.
And regardless, from every mistake one grows. Horace said something along the lines of, without adversity talent cannot prosper. I’ve forgotten the direct quotation. But the statement is true. I doubt America would be as successful, as giving as it is now without its mistakes.
As for this person (I grabbed the first blatantly ignorant quote I could):
“Destiny its arrogance and big headedness like that is just the reason why people dont like america. Full of idiots who believe themselves to be better than other people. Im not trying to be a jerk, but it’s true.”
For you I have this to say: to judge an entire nation on the words of one person (a person who qualified their statement by taking care to eradicate generalizations)is a clear sign of prejudice. I don’t believe I’m an idiot, and I don’t believe anyone I know who lives here, in the U.S., is one.
And you can call me biased or whatever you like, but I am the daughter of immigrants who came to this country without a clue as to how they would be treated–and they’ve liked this country just fine. Oh, I’m not saying that everyone who comes here is gonna be treated respectfully. Just as Jews are viewed with negative connotations in Iran, Mexicans and others are held with the same regard here. Again, something I am not proud of as an American. But what I am saying is, that my parents, born in different lands, have adjusted fine, love this country, and love its people.
But, to qualify my own belief that America is an amazing country, I do admit that overly-patriotic United-statesmen irk me a little. Or a lot. It’s all too cheesy for me to handle sometimes. Not only that, but I do love the scenery and cultures of many different places, and I swear I’m not trying to sound cultured or pompous. But when someone exclaims loudly that I can see something better within the United States, simply because..you know, it’s in the United States, I get a little peeved. Some Americans, and some foreigners even (don’t think you’re out of this either; I met a kid once who was so obsessed with England you couldn’t run a conversation for a minute with him without having heard the country’s name a dozen times over), contain a false logic that defies the bonds of humanity. It’s the idea of nationalism, and it’s stupid.
Regardless, I reiterate that America is by far my favorite country, and that I disagree with the bigheadedness and other misconceptions that are commonly thrown at us. It’s a good country.
I feel like this is ridiculously long. I’ll stop.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I would first like to state that I am an American, I am a soldier, and I love my country.
Everybody hates us because we interfere with people all over the world. We stick our nose where it doesn’t belong, strong arm people, take what we want, and we are the worlds biggest a$$holes about it. Maybe. Then again, we spend billions each year giving out aid, we welcome and take in people from all over the world, we have charities that donate to any and all causes in the world, and we are the one of the first places countries come to when they are about to get stomped into the dirt.
When we are trying to help a country, people from all over love to point out that there are needier places out there and that we are only doing it for our own good. Maybe your right, but that is the nature of things. Say you could heal someone of all there ailments, restoring them to the picture of health, but you could only do this so often. So you try to find the person you want to cure, but each story is in more need and sadder than the last. So you start looking for someone that needs help, and that has something you need to be able to do this more often. Of course, when you find that person and try to help, there will plenty of people crying out. That isn’t fair, that isn’t right, your selfish, your greedy, ext. All you can do is smile becouse they just don’t get it. At least your helping someone.
People say Americans are horrible people, but I have been around the world and to some truly horrible places. Take Iraq for example. I have met Iraqis that would give there life to help people they don’t even know, and I have seen Iraqis that would sacrifice their own children just to harm someone they don’t like. In my opinion it is like that all around. Every place on earth has its truly good and great men and woman, as well as its truly insidious and evil men and woman (America included). Do not use that to judge a country.
All in all, America is a great country, full of great people, and a contributor to the world. It is not perfect (even I have some things I dislike about it) but where is? We may do things that not everybody likes, but we do what good we can while keeping ourselves from collapsing. There are other nations that can claim the same thing, but not many. That is what makes me love and proud to be from America.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I’m an American. I dislike all sorts of patriotism because that’s when the whole “your country is arrogant and mine is better!” thing gets flung around and nothing is really put together well; plus, it wraps around itself. I have no problem with people from other countries so long as we are looking for ways to get along. You know: like peace. I have no problem if no trouble is being made. I like friends, doesn’t anyone else think the same way?
If anything, I have to say that I do disagree with our government. Not everything, however–perhaps just the executive branch of it. They make strange decisions up there.
I’m not going to turn my comment around on myself by saying that I love America or that I hate it, or saying that I’ve never been to any other countries (because I have been, and I love traveling/revisiting places outside of me own) but I like it enough here that I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Isn’t that enough?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
780. lostatsea: I agree. It’s sad that we ask them to serve but if they are gay…we say “we don’t want you”. I’m not gay either, but a total yaoi and yuri fan!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
there are way too many comments hear that are just moronic on both parts. when i read jealousy i didnt know whether to think of the person as a kid who eats up what ever bit of info or just some hillbilly. America had its time and it peaked too early. not all americans are hillbillies and not all are ignorant. but i;m sorry, its not that its fashionable are too easy to hate america. There isnt hate at all, its kind of like that annoying kid in class who talks out of his ass too much you know. just by some of those facts stated not all of them true and thats the problem with america. They talk way too much out of their ass. Nuclear bombs were not invented by an american and no, america didn’t give the internet to the world. america is manifested by immigrants, there is no authentic american bloodline, its all immigrants. People of america can take credit and pride for some things but america as a nation has to hold silent lips. people dont hate america and too think that of yourselves is way too egotistical. the idea of you is just not very well respected
May 14th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Pallmallmer: I have been to Iraq (Marines) and it’s true, most of them want us there. Look how they lived their lives during Saddam’s regime. If anyone thinks they were better off back then, then now…. you don’t know what you’re talking about. People around the world are unappreciative of the U.S. and what we do for the weak nations. The world would be worse off if we chose to do nothing.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
“america is manifested by immigrants, there is no authentic american bloodline, its all immigrants.”
That’s the whole POINT.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
edgar – the executive branch enforces the law, the legislative makes it.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
If you want to get really technical everyone who lives outside of Africa is an immigrant since that is where the human species evolved.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
“america is manifested by immigrants, there is no authentic american bloodline, its all immigrants.” Okay, HITLER, you’re a damn genious. The U.S. is the most culturally diverse nation. We have everyone living here from every country. That’s why we are unique.
The “American Dream” is believed by millions all over the world. Why do you think all these immigrants want to come here??
May 14th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I think America has a lot to be proud of, but it could be a little less cocky too. We’ve been bombed. At least twice. We’re not invulnerable and we ain’t always all that.
Other cultures/countries/peoples have a lot to offer and I’m sick of hearing Americans trash them. Let’s grow up a little bit and maybe our worldwide image will improve.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
well, at least i’m not the average american…
May 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
786.oouchan: Canada has long had equal rights and many Americans came here to marry however the US does not recognize the marriage. Rosa Parks was a brave woman who helped obtain the freedom to sit anywhere on a bus. Such a simple thing yet blacks were persecuted not that long ago times change! People like Cybogen might take a while though!!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
and to say you dont like patriotism is pathetic, weak minded, and insecure. Saying you dont want to be proud of your country because of what other people might say or think is ridiculous. That would be like saying I am a cubs fan but because people may think i am arrogant and obnoxious I wont say anything about my fanhood. If this is the case then just dont be a fan. if you say you dont like patriotism then you arent a patriot and you dont love your country which is embarrassing.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
This list made me hate US citizens even more. They shouldn’t take the name of an entire continent. America is Canada and Mexico too.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
“there are way too many comments hear that are just moronic on both parts. when i read jealousy i didnt know whether to think of the person as a kid who eats up what ever bit of info or just some hillbilly. America had its time and it peaked too early. not all americans are hillbillies and not all are ignorant. but i;m sorry, its not that its fashionable are too easy to hate america. There isnt hate at all, its kind of like that annoying kid in class who talks out of his ass too much you know. just by some of those facts stated not all of them true and thats the problem with america. They talk way too much out of their ass. Nuclear bombs were not invented by an american and no, america didn’t give the internet to the world. america is manifested by immigrants, there is no authentic american bloodline, its all immigrants. People of america can take credit and pride for some things but america as a nation has to hold silent lips. people dont hate america and too think that of yourselves is way too egotistical. the idea of you is just not very well respected”
Salvatore,
If you’re going to call someone moronic, make sure that you use the right sort of “here”. I’m not that picky with grammar, or spelling. Hell, I hardly ever comment on someone use of language at all–we all make mistakes, you know? But I feel that if someone is going to call me and people who share my opinions moronic, they better do it properly.
And as for the content of your comment, I am very offended first, that you stereotyped everyone who holds a particular opinion into a label (hillbillies, or kids who eat up every bit of info, apparently). You do realize that in so doing you have alienated everyone you ever wish to inspire into changing their opinions? Your impact has been belittled by your ignorance.
As for your facts–yes, America did make the Nuke. Sure, several scientists from different countries did work on the project. Albert Einstein wrote the letter to the President. But it all happened in America. The United States gave them the opportunity to make it happen. But regardless, I’m not very sure this is a thing to envy.
Also, if you were implying that we have nothing to be proud of because we are not a race–because there is no “authentic American bloodline”, you are severely and truly wrong. As an American, I believe that it’s of incredible importance to remember the people who were here first, the Native Americans. And no, they did not place allegiance under the stars and stripes willingly, but they are as authentic of a bloodline as it gets. They owned the land first. But apart from that, I believe that in not having an authentic bloodline, we’ve found a bond (or are in the process of discovering) far greater than just blood or ethnic similarities. I do not promote nationalism, but if a variety of people can come together and work with one another despite differences and disputes, I believe that is a far greater triumph than the bond between blood.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Eva,
Your comment makes sense, and I agree with it for the most part. But America is used world-wide as the name for the United States. It just is. You can be irked about it all you want, but you cannot stop people from using a common term.
I do think though that it’s a bit trivial to bring up. Who really gives a darn? It’s a name.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
795. lostatsea: Agreed. Check this out!
http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE54B4NU20090512
They are coming to Canada!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Mabel: you are sick of Americans trashing other people but the majority of comments here are ANTI-American.
Eva: You are mad the United States took the name of the continent? Are you serious?? We are the United States OF America. OF the continent called America. Who is saying we try to take the name and acknowledge that we are the only ones in North America?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
What are you talking about? We won Vietnam!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
797. Eva: I think Mexico and Canada wouldn’t want you calling them America. They are apart of North America as is the USA. We took the shorter part of our name…like a nickname.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
800.oouchan: Thanks for the link. I live in downtown Toronto and our annual Gay Pride parade is a real hoot…attended by about 200,000 people with zero violence or public disturbance…unlike the Tamil Tiger demos we’ve suffered through this past month where they even shut down an expressway!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
“and to say you dont like patriotism is pathetic, weak minded, and insecure. Saying you dont want to be proud of your country because of what other people might say or think is ridiculous. That would be like saying I am a cubs fan but because people may think i am arrogant and obnoxious I wont say anything about my fanhood. If this is the case then just dont be a fan. if you say you dont like patriotism then you arent a patriot and you dont love your country which is embarrassing.”
This is utter bullshit. Being “proud” of yourself for being arbitrarily born within some geopolitical borders is naive and sheepish.
@ Eva:
Suck it. The rest of the world *also* refers to the US as “America”. Deal with it. China’s name in Chinese means “the Middle Kingdom”. Is that really any less pretentious?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Segue, I can barely remember three or four comments exchanged between us. Honestly. I didn’t know we had any history, or at least it meant so little to me I don’t remember it. I doubted you would even recognize me.
Sadly, as ignored and exactly as I tried to explain, people don’t get it that it’s insulting to everyone else that we are not permitted to say America isn’t number one at everything, without being labelled anti-American or jealous or some stupid garbage. Or just attacked outright.
It gets conveniently ignored everytime I say a lot of great stuff comes from America, or America has a lot of great things about it, and only hyperfocused on wailing about how America is being attacked because I follow with ‘But that still doesn’t make it the greatest place on earth’. That’s inane and unbalanced.
It’s sad and sophomoric. It’s insulting to the rest of the planet for everyone to constantly have to listen to the ‘America is best’ crowd patting itself on the back and proclaiming how they are better than everyone else, and then have to listen to the crying and whining when someone speaks up and says ‘uh, you’re not exactly based in reality right now.’
And that isn’t directed at just you, Segue, it’s directed at anyone who is acting or thinking in that way- that I cannot disagree with USA being #1 without being an anti-American, without being jealous, without having an agenda.
Face it, America has some great things about it. But it isn’t the greatest nation on the planet. It’s very easy to understand when you stop being paranoid, that it isn’t an attack to say so, it’s a simple expanation that calling yourself the best doesn’t make you the best. And the international community by and large does not even put America as one of the top 10 places on the planet to live in.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Eva: you hate American Citizens because of what our government had done? You hate 300,000,000 million people because of what you believe are “mistakes” of what our federal government has done?
You are a moron. Did you even go to school? What country are you from? I can guarantee I can make a TOP 10 lists of why people hate your country.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
AMERICA RULES! That is all.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
804. lostatsea: Our gay parade is usually a joke. I can’t stand that we hold it in the college part of town. Because of this, you get all the students making fun of gays. It used to be nice, but now…I wanted to take my daughter, but I can’t. I don’t want her to get hurt.
Even my friends who are gay, don’t go anymore. They hold a party at their house instead. Love the margaritas they make.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
lostatsea I got stuck in that!! Chaos. and the GPP should not be missed. It honestly makes me so proud…such acceptance.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
There’s nothing wrong in being Patriotic and being proud of who you are, where you are from, and what your country has accomplished. So the haters out there who complain about Americans doing just that suck it up!
I would hate to live in the countries where you guys are from. Just walk around all day with your head down and not be proud of yourselves or anything your country has done. Must be terrible. Now I see why you guys hate pride.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
809.oouchan: Pride Week Toronto. June 19-28 Bring your daughter and friends they will have a blast on Church street watching the Queens strut their stuff. The parade goes up Yonge St. The longest street in the world and the main street in Toronto. We have the most diverse mix of cultures in the world and we all get along in peace(except for those pesky Tamils!!) Canada Rocks!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Here are some well known facts:
1.England:If you are holding a cup of coffee (or hot tea) with both hands and there is a map or book shelf or computer,etc. behind you and you speak with a British accent you must be an intellectual with a high IQ–This is really not debatable as it is a scientific fact.
2. England is very historic with a lot of historic things to see such as Sir Elton John’s bronzed knee pads.There is also Westminster Abbey where they buried historic people in the floor as they didn’t have time for a proper burial because there was always the chance the Germans were coming. England’s Official Food is the “Cock-a-leekie soup”.The Official motto of England is “Where in hell is Winston”?
The favorite saying of British women is: “When in hell are the American men coming back”.
2. France:The women in France are extremely hygiene conscious–I have spoken with Veterans who were in France during WW2 and they have all raved about the cleanliness of French women. The French are also highly intellectual. And brave. The very highest example of bravery in the world would be Charles Degaulle who was bold enough(and intellectual enough)to get his boney ass out of France before the Germans got there. Many people don’t know that the French army captured dozens of German soldiers when the Germans fell down laughing upon seeing the famous French awesome “Maginot Line”–
The official French Motto is “We Surrender”–The official flag color is white.
The official National Dish is “Escargot” which is french for “fat crawling bag of vermin”
3.Canada was discovered by a guy named Cabot who thought he was in China. He wanted to find gold and jewels and spices for Henry VII but found cod instead. This is an actual quote from the “World Book Encyclopedia”: “Cabot saw no luxuries such as jewels or spices but he saw an enormous amount of cod.”
Canada is an extremely cultured country mainly because of 3 facts.
1. They get American Movies
2. They get American TV
3. They have something called “The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump” (This is an actual fact)
More facts:
4. They are so intellectual in Canada that even Alex Trebek refuses to move back. (And was actually quoted as saying–”No way I’m moving back to that shithole”)–
5.The official numbers as we speak:
A.Illegal Canadians in New york (est) 32,000
B.Illegal Americans in Toronto (est) 0
Back to Canadian History:
And then (after Cabot was hanged for the cod fiasco) The British kicked French ass and took Canada away from them but they did leave them one providence called Quahog (also known to intellectuals as Quebec)–
Actually Americans don’t really ever think much about Canada(unless there’s a cold front coming down)–The weatherman will say “there’s a cold front coming down from Canada” and Americans will look at each other and say “where did he say it’s coming from-Where’s that at”. And then you explain that Canada is one of Alaska’s southern counties. Canada has a prime minister who’s official job it is to come to the president of the USA once a year and whine and complain about us dumping acid rain on them which is bad for the cod. Then he apologizes (cause he knows we got the nukes) and sneaks back into Canada.
The official Canadian food is boiled dogmeat–
The official motto of young Canadian men is “Hey,let’s join the US Navy so we can meet some good-looking girls for a change”
May 14th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Haha did I see somebody actually suggest that people who hate america are jealous!? I’d rather be just about anything than American, I don’t think I could live with myself if I came from that misserable country. I hate America for their numerous human rights violations, disgusting lack of cultural understanding and their overblown self-confidence. Screw America and no, I do not and never will be jealous of them.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Papavitch: What great country are you from??
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
DaVega– “Europe is more advanced that the US scientifically”. You’re in denial. My brother is a doctor who specializes in researching and engineering drugs. There have been countless medications that have been deemed safe by European standards only to fail miserablly under rigid testing criteria. Europe is a very charming place, maybe the most beautiful continent on earth, but to say that its a science and industrial juggernaut is rather far off. You do make far better wine than the US, and that is something to be very proud of. Just don’t listen to people like Davross, he seems to have forgotten that the big bad United States bailed Europe out of two world-wide conflicts during the 20th century. George Bush made a fucking mess of the middle east, no doubt, which is why Obama was voted in. Give him some time, things are going to get worked out.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Papavitch–
America wrote me a message. In response to your post, it says that it couldn’t very well live with itself if you set your “misserable” self within it’s borders either. So it’s glad that you two have a mutual dislike for one another, and that both of you couldn’t care less.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
813.smithstar15: You personify the ugly American!! Cock a leekie soup is Scottish not bloody English and we have Provinces not providences and we burned down your White House HAHA !! so take that!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
well you sure talk about us alot
May 14th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
812. lostatsea: Oh wow! I was planning on taking vacation around then…I just might go! I went with my friends to a gay bar here to see a drag queen show…have to say that I had so much fun and one of them gave me a kiss! He was gorgeous btw! Name was Barbara Seville and he starred in a recent movie, too.
(btw…I said my peace to cybogen. I’m done. He has turned into a troll and I can’t talk with him anymore)
May 14th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
lol man, all this stuff is soooo trivial. People getting upset because some guy used the wrote hear instead of here. And then there is some sort of talk about being belittled by your own ignorance. the guy was making a point that you are perceived in that way but your not like that.I agree with salvatore in saying americans are all immigrants and hold no true accomplishments with culture. I’m from canada and although i love this country but i don’t think i can claim pride in the accomplishments the people in it have made because we are all of a different “bloodline”. We are a phenomenal nation because we are so diverse (more so than the states, no offense)and the “american dream” applies to canada as much if not more so than in the united states. I feel that the people here are taking things too seriously. Those americans who keep on boasting how great their country is and how everyone is just jealous are giving a bad name to the decent ones. I’ve been to the states and have fallen in love with some cities and not so much for others. The people for the most part are warming just like every nation but they ARE highly ignorant, not in saying that they don’t know what is going on but in the fact that they are too pretentious.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Papavitch has obviously not received adequate education coming from his 3rd world nation.
Jealous doesn’t fit here? You’re right, who doesn’t want to be the richest and most powerful nation. That’s not something I want. If you us so much, what would you call it?
Human rights violations? Are you serious. We are the only nation that ensured the advancement of Human Rights in our Constitution. The oldest working document in history. We are one of the major founders of the U.N., NATO, European Union (EU), and one of the few countries that had a Supreme Court that can rule against the government in Civil Rights issues.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
America,
hi!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
jay poe…………please just stop you’re typing, you’re not doing justice for the “american” people
May 14th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
lostatsea -Yeah that was right befote Jackson ran your fat asses into the Gulf at New Orleans. But as far as you yourself saying “WE burned down your White House” Yeah I’m sure jokes like your ancestors had a lot to do with it–
Go suck on a bloody cock-a-leekie–
May 14th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
hahaha ahhh America can still kick any countries ass
May 14th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
yaokaytherebro,
I agree with your statement. But don’t put the word “american” in quotations. Out of everything being said on this topic, this has got to be the only incredibly annoying thing (aside from Jay Poe….sorry, but dude, you’re totally defeating every argument I’m trying to make!) that’s really starting to get me pissed.
It’s a name! Why focus on it? Why make it into anything? If its got you miffed, just refer to the United States as the United States. You can’t change how the world works.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Yaokay: I’m just stating facts. A lot of people are just writing uneducated comments about the “american” people.
All using the stereotype that all Americans are hot headed and “pretentious”
People don’t realized how important the Supreme Court is and not only to civil liberties. A non-partisan court can rule against it’s own country if they violate the Constitution. “Brown v. Board of Education”
What should I expect from a Canadien?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
The Kid: Explain how am I defeating your arguments?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Was this list supposed to make us like America?
May 14th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
There are pros and cons to every nation and culture. America does have a big mouth and screws with a lot of things, but that is no reason to condem the people.
Trust me there is a wide variety of people in America and many of them are worth meeting, just like everywhere else in the world.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
well im an American and i absolutely love it!!!
to all the people who hate us all i gotta say is keep on hatin, we love the attention and its all of you guys that keep putting us in the spotlight! we just wave a haters and smile
so dont worry all you anti-americans, we here appreciate how much you like to talk/gossip.
in the words of the band “Fall Out BOy”, “I dont care what you think as long as its about me!”
so in closing, i just wanna say hi to all the haters, just letting you know that we see you and we love you!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
820.oouchan: Yeah too bad about Cy I guess it’s people like him that give America a bad name. Bonus! your dollars worth more than ours so you can stretch it a bit further. We also have a plethora of Sushi bars and a large Japanese population also two China towns, well actually more but they are not in downtown area. I know you will love Toronto as much as I do and I have lived in many places and find our cosmopolitan city a vibrant and interesting place to live.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Lol, nice quote.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
(to AnAwfulOtt)
May 14th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
“Jealous doesn’t fit here? You’re right, who doesn’t want to be the richest and most powerful nation. That’s not something I want.”
My argument was that not all Americans believe they’re the best country.
But in retrospect, I think I want to retract my statement about you ruining my arguments.
So what if you think America is the best nation?
New Argument: Does the world really have any right to judge on an opinion? Being annoyed with an American’s pride is parallel to being annoyed with a person’s right to freedom of speech. If this is what you believe, it’s what you believe. And you can wave it around and do whatever the hell you like with it really.
And although I don’t really like it myself, I don’t think anyone’s pride should be downgraded just because society says it should be so. Individuality composes a nation, sure. But a nation should not be judged on its individuals.
So I think instead, Jay Poe, that your arguments are reinforcing a concept that many countries should learn to accept–freedom of speech, and tolerance.
If, like so many people have today exhibited, people have the right to outright hate the states, then I do believe that a little retaliation is necessary.
Because after reading more of these gosh-darned posts I’ve gotten a little angry myself.
If anything, at least you have pride in your country, rather than hate for others, like so many other people have proven to have.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
first Let me take back the american in quotations. the kid, didn’t mean any offense. But joe blow man, i mean lets get serious, stating the facts? those aren’t facts at all. those are what you think are facts.and thats why you’re giving your nation a bad rep and don’t even think of mentioning the supreme court. I mean do you know how many things are wrong with you’re judicial system, no one country has a perfect system but yours is just way over flawed…..affirmative action ring a bell there bro?, supreme court? did you guys start civil liberties? i mean c’mon man, get serious……………………………and can you at least spell Canadian right. maybe it was just a typo.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
@ lostatsea:
Huh? Please don’t tell me you don’t think the US doesn’t have Japanese people and Chinatowns.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
*Erase that second “don’t”.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
“and can you at least spell Canadian right. maybe it was just a typo.”
…says the guy who misspelled “your”.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
838.calm_incense: That was in reply to oouchan, had nothing to do with you or America. Don’t be so thin skinned!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
anybody know if we can post videos on here? like with the codes and stuff, is that at all possible???
May 14th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
833. lostatsea: I have been to Toronto, but that was about 15 years ago. It was one of the cleanest cities I had ever been to. It was very nice and I would love to go back. We only went to a science exhibit for school so I only got to see that but not any the culture. Wish I could have stayed longer.
838. calm_incense: lostatsea knows me and knows I like anything Asian. He was letting me know what to expect when I get there. I am glad for his advice.
842. AnAwfulOtt: You can post links to videos, but make sure to keep it clean.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
alright, well all you american haters should go and check this video out. i think this is the attitude that all americans should have when it comes to the people that hate us so enjoy!
http://www.slack-time.com/music-video-3518-Maino-Hi-Hater
May 14th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
The Kid:
That is my point. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your country and talk about it. People do it all the time about there favorite teams.
Maybe the term jealousy was a poor choice of words but I feel that almost 90% of comments here are how America is such a bad country. I felt that I had to defend us.
Everone judges the whole nation on what our leaders do. Our leaders do things and make decisions on the interests of all humans who will be affected by their actions. They don’t take that lightly. I believe they have the best intentions in mind when they aid other countries.
I don’t hate all french people because their government choose not to help us in the war in Iraq. I don’t hate all afghan’s because of what a small number of terrorists do. I don’t hate all North Koreans because they have a communist country that wants to make nukes.
Oh well, to each his own.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
calm incense……………get serious
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
@ AnAwfulOtt:
Now that’s the spirit.
@ yaokaytherebro:
Why so serious…?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I’m American and I will gladly conceed with all of these points. After all, they’re based on facts. However, it should be noted that even the slightest flaws in a powerful country will be magnified, due to the rest of the world looking up to it. You never see anyone criticizing countries like Canada or Sweden, though they share their problems also.
Another thing you have to look at is what caused US supremacy: the World Wars. Though the Second Industrial Revolution and our Imperial Age of the late 19th/early 20th century brought us to the forefront of affairs, it would ironically be the major European and Asian powers that would transform us into the superpower we are today. Had it not been for the wars, Britain could very well still be holding an international empire on which “the sun never sets”, one which would remain unrivaled. World War II especially plundered the continent and had it not been for the Marshall Plan, it very well could’ve suffered economic collapse and the “Iron Curtain” would’ve been drawn miles more to the west. However, the dependency that was drawn in the post-war era gave us a thriving economy of unprecedented proportions, a new burst of confidence (ie Korean War, Vietnam War, War in the Persian Gulf, etc), and an antithesis rival to keep us at the top of our game.
Sure we don’t live in a Utopian society, but I feel truly fortunate to live in the United States today and would choose no other place to live. The freedoms, though at times like these are flawed, continue to progress liberally in the long run and set an example of the epitome of democracy.
I can understand some of the hatred that’s been directed toward us, but I cannot even stomach this typical generalization: “Americans are arrogant pigs who think they’re better than everyone else.” For one, there are over 300 million people in the United States. Clearly, to make that leap would be vastly false unless you’ve personally met each one. Sure, there are some nationalists who go a little too far sometimes (ahem, Republicans), but any educated person is far more level-headed.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
yaokaytherebro: You are absolutely right. No government is the best and I never said U.S. does. But it definitely does not have the worst.
I also did not say that I hate any country or its citizens like you did. That’s just an ignorant remark. I’m just trying to say that our government was the FIRST to put human rights down on paper in a government constitution. Look it up. I know it derived from the Magna Carta and all that but I’m talking about a legal document.
Also Affirmative Action is for minorities, so they are ensured the same rights, if not more rights, when it comes to getting jobs and getting into schools. That advances more rights like I say. How is that a bad thing?
Sorry about spelling Canadian wrong. :0)
May 14th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
845. jay poe: I agree with a lot of what you say. There should be nothing wrong with being proud of your country. I on the other hand don’t feel that way about USA…not as much as I used to.
However, our leaders right now, more than ever, are not making the *right* decisions for us or for others. They are leaving a bad taste in others mouths. Unless we as a nation get our act together, this could turn ugly. Doesn’t matter what kind of good we might have done or could do…right now is what we need to concentrate on. But as you said…to each his(her) own.
Here is a quote that sums it up: “It is always with the best intentions that the worst work is done.” – Oscar Wilde.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Jay Poe,
Point proven. Sorry for disagreeing in the first place.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
HEY OOUCHAN!!! HI HATER, HI HATER! WE SEE YOU! HI HATER!!!
haha let them all hate us cause we really dont care, we’re still sittin pretty so its all good everyone, we appreciate the hate so keep it coming. (as long as it doesnt come in the form of blowing up buildings haha)
May 14th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
in all honesty, i think the problem is with all of you and i do mean all of you referring to yourselves as “a powerful nation like ours” saying that whatever you do wrong will be noticed and magnified because you are ever so powerful. i’m sure you dont mean it like you states it but your comments are belittling to other nations. and i think that is the problem. you can’t say the american people are bad people, there are bad people everywhere just as there are good people everywhere. I think the problem resides in you as a nation enforcing that you are ever so powerful belittling all other nations. Don’t get offended by my saying this; but america is a powerful nation to america. think what you want but america is no more powerful than other nations (not all but most) and if you took the time you’d realize that. if there’s a typo anywhere, save some space don’t go and prove to the world how flawless your grammar is.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Jay Poe,
P.S. Is this your real name? Because it’s sorta badass.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
852. AnAwfulOtt: What? When did I hate? I am from the USA…did you not read my posts? I don’t hate my country…I’m just not as proud it as I used to be. Where’s the hate coming from? It’s is coming from you based on that…
May 14th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
843.oouchan: Glad to hear you had a good time here, your daughter would love the Science Centre. Too bad the Body Worlds exibit has gone (where the plastinated strutures of the body are displayed). Casa Loma is also of interest and one can take a Hippo tour on an amphibious bus or visit the Museum and Art Gallery so many things to see and do!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
@ yaokaytherebro:
thats like saying that a high school football team is belittling other schools in the area by saying they can beat them in a game. nations not liking each other is just like a cross-town rivalry among sports teams just on a massive scale ya know? and if you have a response, try and keep it under a couple of sentences cause i hate reading haha.
HI HATERS!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
@ oouchan:
well whatever you are, im just sayin hi! haha and if im hating then y’all should just wave right back at me.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
anawfulott………………….get serious bro, get serious, high school football teams….cross-town rivalries………get serious bro, get serious
May 14th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
oouchan- Love the Oscar Wilde quote. You are right we have to concentrate on the present. The intentions of our government back in 2003 (when we invaded Iraq) probably had good intentions but the effects and outcome has diminished that. Now we can only be based on what we do today and how our new government take action to fix our current dilemmas.
Yaokaytherebro- when I use the term most powerful I’m talking from a military point of view. I was in the Marines and I fought in Iraq for this country and the citizens of Iraq. Sorry, but our military is the strongest and most advanced. That is a fact. Another fact is that I’m spell checking now.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
856. lostatsea: Sounds like I have a vacation coming in Canada this year! I will stay away from the falls though. Nice tourist trap. I used to live in Erie, PA so I went to the falls (Canada side only) about 5 times a year. Lovely place but overrated. Thank the love of little apples the kid isn’t interested in seeing them. (btw…my sister was proposed to in the Needle!)
858. AnAwfulOtt: Why should I wave hi? You attacked without prior knowledge. Please take a moment and read the posts before jumping in. That way you don’t come off as a hater. Your comments were ok until that point.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
The Kid- It’s actually an abbreviation of my first and last name.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
toronto has amphibious buses?
that’s pretty sweet.
also, this list has inspired a phenomenal amount of brand new idiots to register here, if their words alone don’t out them their use of all caps just might.
and i’ve seen some new names with interesting things to say, so don’t accuse me of negatively stereotyping all new commenters, please.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
@ yaokaytherebro:
first off, im not your bro ok buddy???? hahaha
and second, I AM SERIOUS! the whole high school sports thing was just a simile. you know, comparing the rivaling nations to something on a lower scale? it really all makes sense
god i hate people that say bro hahaha, and thats not directed at you directly. (does that even make any sense?)
May 14th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
@ oouchan:
please dont try and get all intellectual with me ok? i dont feel like getting into a battle of witts for one because they are pointless and two because i am unarmed.
@ lo:
I WILL USE CAPS LOCK TO MY LITTLE HEART’S CONTENT haha
May 14th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
860.jay poe: That is why we worry about your govt., and the first strike policy (nuclear) as we in Toronto would suffer the effects of even a limited nuclear war as New York is definately a target or a possible battleground if US and Russian tensions increase.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13614 I recommend adding them to your lists of sites for a more informed view of what is really going on in the world of geopoliticts. http://www.brasschecktv.com is good too!! Democracynow also!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
@ lo:
and one more thing, im not a, “Brand new idiot” like you said earlier. im an original idiot, i am actually the co-founder of the UIC (United Idiot Coalition)
May 14th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
you know what place is awesome……..Montreal……..
May 14th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
860. jay poe: Well said!
With as much good that we do accomplish we do just as much bad. However, if we learn from our mistakes…just think of what we can do!
I have to say instead of rushing in like we have, maybe we should ask. Some countries don’t want our help…Zimbabwe comes to mind. If they don’t…oh, well. If they do, then let’s go in. I think we just need to be more modest. It goes a long way.
863. lo: Very nicely put! This list was doomed to bring out the worst (best?) in all of us.
865. AnAwfulOtt: Check out the commenting FAQ about posting etiquette and using all caps. I am just not sure why you are after me when you didn’t read any of the posts before you posted an attack. I even answered your question about posting videos. You are very quick to judge.
As for your last post…I would agree with you. Can’t have an intelligent conversation at this point, now can we? Not when you post without thought or research.
lostatsea….will pick this up later. I gotta pick up the kid now.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
@ oouchan:
cant you guys recognize an internet troll when you see one? come now im obviously doing this just to get a rise out of you and apparently every is doing the smart thing and ignoring me! congrats to you all!
the only one that doesnt get the message is little oouchy up there. apparently he feels the need to prove how much better he is than me, just like us americans do to the rest of the world right????
May 14th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Are you referring to me, or were you literally saying you have to pick up one of your kids?
May 14th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Oh, I meant that to oouchan.
But ugh…also, don’t “pick up” with me. Lol. I’m leaving.
My name is literal–I have homework to attend to.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I got to about comment 300 when I caught the jist of the list. Well, I had caught it well before then, but I was hoping there was going to be a surprise ending. Then, I did a CTRL + F to find Randall’s comment on the page. Guess what? He never commented. I believe he’s the smartest one here…
Really, really disappointing page in total. A cheeky list, sent right to publishing because Jay K is Jfrater’s golden boy of the moment. Don’t worry, you’ll settle into oblivion. Anyone seen Rushfan around recently? Hmmm? Jamie, this is a cheap ploy. I know comments = hype = traffic = keeping the website going, but the above-mentioned Jerry Springer also generates a lot of hype. There are classier lists and ways to pay the bills.
And then the idiots came out to play. In this corner, f*cktards sh!tting on Americans, America, and their way of life, even though they love it. In the other corner, more stupid Americans foaming at the mouth because someone DARED to attack what they love, thus perpetuating their arguments. If only one side were actually making some headway, I might be impressed.
The thing that really pisses me off about this list is the blatant discrimination that people seem pretty okay with. You automatically get to hate me, having never known me, because I was born and live in a certain country? Really, has America become the middle-aged white male of comedy? If you said these comments in any workplace in this country, you would be fired.
Here’s the part of my comment where I call out certain people. Not this time, though. No, because I can mention names and in a few days, weeks they’ll be replaced by some other d-bag. So what’s the point?
I’m done. Like segue said, the website has been going down the sh!tter lately. I can’t come here anymore and wade through all this sh!t. See ya later to all those I’ve befriended.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
lostatsea: I don’t really understand where you are coming from? I didn’t really say anything about geopolitics but I’m a political science major. I just can’t write a term paper here for everyone so I try to summarize my opinions(again, my opinions) in little comments but it doesn’t seem to be working out I guess.
I said that we have to fix the problems we made in the past. About a first strike. I don’t think U.S. and Russia tensions are going to increase, at least not anytime soon. Most developed nations won’t use nukes because of the threat of a second or retaliation attack. I’m sure you heard of Mutually Assurance Destruction (MAD). These countries know about our Triad deterrence with ICBM’s (land), SLBM (Sea), and Air nukes which would be impossible for any country to destroy our whole inventory before we can attack back.
We do have to worry about the terrorist nations with nukes. I will check out your websites though.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
the kid-
oouchan often refers to her daughter as “the kid.” so turn to your homework in peace without fear of internet “pick-ups”.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
@ cedestra:
hi hater!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
The arrogance that goes with writing a list like this should be number 11. Top ten excuses? Like none of those points are valid reasons…
May 14th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
@ H3000:
hi hater!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I would only agree with 4 5 6 and to a lesser degree, 7.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Here are some more amazing facts:
France has an annual holiday coming up on June 10th–It’s called “National Underwear Changing Day”–
Poland’s currency is the Grabassk.
And the National Hobby is “Light Bulb Changing”
On April Fools Day in Poland you will hear the shout,”THERE’S A GERMAN BEHIND YOU”!!!!! many times during the day and then you will hear “APRIL FOOL”!!! and everyone will laugh HAHAHAHA–Well,the one who had the joke played on him of course will not laugh because he will be dead from a heart attack–But everyone else will–HAHAHAHAHA….(This game has been outlawed in England as they are running out of cemetery space)
Canada: The Anthem Of Quebec is “Nous mangeons des têtes de poissons”–
Celine Dion usually sings this before a “Curling” event according to my guide book.
It also says here that the official state bird of Canada is the “Diefenbaker Lake Goose”–
Canada’s one dollar coin is called a “loonie” and has an engraving of a “trudeau” on it which is a small fur bearing rodent who loves Mick Jagger’s throw-aways.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
874.jay poe: Didn’t say you did!! Just trying to educate others to things not covered by main stream media. Georgia attacked South Ossetia and Russia retaliated after its peacekeepers were killed. The western media kept that from us claiming Russia was the instigator. Of course Georgia would not have made that move without the ok from Bush!!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
The fact that JFrater allowed this list in the first place is unbelievable. They put “excuses” but we know they meant why everyone does hate America. A poor choice for a list.
Maybe we should have a new top 10 “excuses” we hate Canada and point out their flaws. Then we can do Mexico the next day and just go down the list of countries.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Notice the people that bitch and complain are insecure and probably hate their own countries… otherwise, why would they care enough to complain?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Cedestra, hope you reconsider. I have always enjoyed your comments.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
lostatsea: okay cool. One thing that everyone does need who commented on this list is MORE education (including me).
Thank god Bush is gone then.
Also people…everyone… Do not make your opinions solely on what you see on CNN, Fox news, and “mainstream media”. Most western media are left-wing liberals (not that liberals are bad). Read, use different sources.
And definitely do not say you hate America and Americans because the news talks bad about Bush and the U.S. or because its the cool thing to do. Most TV news are biased. Make up your own opinions.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I think this list just set a record for the number of posts in twenty four hours. And I’m thinking three more will be added before I finish typing this.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Well, I’m an American ( or a guy from the US, whichever you all would prefer) and all I have to say is thanks Jamie for clearing this up for me. Happy to be a member of this great site!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
well Amercia didn’t really win the space race.. they won the race to the moon, The russians got the space race first
May 14th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
You all are forgetting the most important part – the vast majority of us don’t care what the rest of the world thinks. Other than a small group of liberal apologists we really don’t. Pretty soon it’s gonna be us, Australia, and yes the 51st state of Canada (you folks are living in denial, eh). The rest of the west is being overun by Islam, France won’t even be French in a generation, and England is right behind. BTW, we may not finish the job, but the fact remains some nuts knocked down two buildings and we took over two countries in just about the same amount of time.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Cedestra, I agree with Blogball, please reconsider. Jamie worried over whether to post this list – the tone was not condemning; the reason it was published. No worry, many of those posting so vehemently won’t be back and the comments by our core of regulars seem to me to be very considered and well thought out. I actually believe this list to be timely – America bashing is a sport over most of the world, rightly or wrongly – but it’s losing its impetus. Go Obama!
May 14th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
885.jay poe: Glad to help. Mass media is controlled by a few powerfull families who try to keep us ignorant and pacified. Canada has been in Afghanistan since 2001 but many Americans don’t realize this. We are your allies but we do worry about the loss of freedoms that seem to be a result of 9/11. Pakistan is destabilizing and Israel’s hard line right wing party is creating more instability in Gaza, Iraq is a shambles and Afganistan has resisted all occupations for 2,000 years..Yup the world is f###ed up and we in the west only see what they want us to see. I even watch Al Jazeera to see their side. BTW none of the 9/11 bunch came from Canada.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I completely understand Cedestra’s point. This was an awful list, meant only to garner as much traffic as possible, regardless of how many hurt feelings and half-truths were flung about. Jamie may have worried (as he should have) over publishing this list, but unfortunately he came down on the wrong side of the answer.
Things aren’t good in the U.S. right now, and everyone is affected negatively. The pressure is on us all, and a list like this, even if it was meant light-heartedly (which I don’t believe) was bound to make us all feel worse.
I don’t give a flying fig what any of you think of America, we all live where we live, and we all have to make the best of the circumstances we find ourselves in, but I’d never, ever, not for a second consider bashing another country, another nation, for the foibles of the government or the celebrities.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Cedestra: I agree with Blogball and Mom424…please stay. There are still enough regulars like them, Randall, Rushfan, gabi, Maggot (sorry if I left any out) who still make it worthwhile. segue pops in when she can as well. I’m still new (kinda) and always liked your comments.
870. AnAwfulOtt-I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt because you started out ok. Glad you know your place.
871. The Kid: Sorry…didn’t mean to confuse you. I call my daughter ‘the kid’ all the time. She calls me ‘momdude’.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Here’s MY problem with ‘Americans.’ There are about 35 different countries in the Americas and yet only citizens of the United States of American get to call themselves Americans. It goes along with that whole ‘thinking they’re the centre of the universe’ thing.
Though I’ll admit, the alternatives sound pretty lame: United Statesian? USAer? Buddy?
I will say us Canadians have more right to hate USAians than most though. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been mistaken for a United Stateser while traveling and thus being immediately looked down on until I set the record straight.
Sorry guys, you may think you’re the best country on earth, but in my definition the best country would also be the most liked.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
@ lostatsea:
“I even watch Al Jazeera to see their side.”
If you’re watching Al Jazeera English, you’re not seeing “their” side.
Just to clarify, I, too, watch Al Jazeera English, and it is absolutely fantastic. But it is far, *far* more moderate than the Arabic incarnation that most Arabs watch.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Im an Aussie who hates all things bad about America. But one thing that sums up American ineptitude – Katrina!
May 14th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
“Here’s MY problem with ‘Americans.’ There are about 35 different countries in the Americas and yet only citizens of the United States of American get to call themselves Americans. It goes along with that whole ‘thinking they’re the centre of the universe’ thing.”
Uh…Americans aren’t the only ones referring to themselves as American. Do you also hate the rest of the world for apparently thinking the US is the “center of the universe”?
“I will say us Canadians have more right to hate USAians than most though. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been mistaken for a United Stateser while traveling and thus being immediately looked down on until I set the record straight.”
Hopefully you realize how utterly stupid that sounds. People sometimes confuse me for a Hispanic. Guess that must mean I have to hate Hispanics, eh?
May 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I understand the comments, I don’t consider myself arrogant because I’m American. My ancestors were from so many places, I’m virtually a mutt. Am I proud of my country? Sometimes I am and others I am not. I think when you generalize a whole country then you have deep seated issues that go beyond rationalization. That’s why I can’t argue with anyone about your country versus mine. There are good and bad in all of them, including America. It irks me when people generalize. I have had friends from Pakistan, Japan, England, Norway, and many other countries and I find that the things we all have in common are we love our families, we want to be successful, and we are all glad we come from where we do because we wouldn’t be who we are if that was not true. So take that for arrogance if you want, I really only take it as a pride in who I am and where I come from as I’m sure the rest of the world does.
May 14th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
yaokaytherebro:
Your post was obviously directed at me, so allow me to address it. I’m not belittling any nation. To say that the US is powerful is not arrogance, it’s a fact. Economically, politically, and socially, it is among the most influential nations in the world. Just as the UK or China are also powerful. You can look back at history and accurately call various countries powerful without any bias, and that’s what I’m trying to do. It’s undeniable that the United States has become a major influence on the rest of the world. Though you may call that our “problem”, maybe your problem is that you’re expecting a mistake on our part before it even happens.