Theodore Roosevelt: The American grizzly is a symbol of the American character: strength, intelligence, ferocity. Maybe a little blind and reckless at times... but courageous beyond all doubt. And one other trait that goes with all previous.
2nd Reporter: And that, Mr. President?
Theodore Roosevelt: Loneliness. The American grizzly lives out his life alone. Indomitable, unconquered - but always alone. He has no real allies, only enemies, but none of them as great as he.
2nd Reporter: And you feel this might be an American trait?
Theodore Roosevelt: Certainly. The world will never love us. They respect us - they might even grow to fear us. But they will never love us, for we have too much audacity! And, we're a bit blind and reckless at times too.

agreed. it fits more nowadays, then it did then

We truly are our own worst enemy.

Whether that be wars, weapons, politics or humanity aide.

We are bound to destroy ourselfs (as a country)

I dont agree with this neccesarily. In india I grew up really liking the US. As I got more educated especially.
However in the 80's the US was supporting pakisthan and I used to hate it for that. That however was minor IMHO, I definetly liked the US. As did a lot of others in my generation. You have to remember guys, it was the US that ended WW2. Any country that didn't want to be occupied by nazi's has to recognize that.
Cool.
Buddha.

I guess what I'm trying to say by posting that, is that we, or rather the US (government), need to be aware of our perceived character.  Not that we should be a footstool, though.

Quote from: scratch on December 12, 2011, 09:47:13 AM
I guess what I'm trying to say by posting that, is that we, or rather the US (government), need to be aware of our perceived character.  Not that we should be a footstool, though.

I think the nature of democracy is such. In any case there are several countries around the world where american ideals are still accepted and liked.
Cool.
Buddha.

Buddha,

have you told France that America and it was the US that ended WW2 and any country that didn't want to be occupied by nazi's has to recognize that. If you are an American and go over to France, see how they treat you.

Sure, we saved their ass, 70 years ago. Doesn't mean we did it because we were the good guys. We did it because it was in our best interest to keep the Nazis from taking over. "We" didn't save France. Our grandparents did. It's a whole new world out there.

Quote from: ghostrider_23 on December 12, 2011, 02:45:13 PM
Buddha,

have you told France that America and it was the US that ended WW2 and any country that didn't want to be occupied by nazi's has to recognize that. If you are an American and go over to France, see how they treat you.

ehh theyre just ill because they had just learned to say heil hitler, and speak german, and we have to be so rude as to make them be themselves again.
an interesting article on france, and its military history
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/text/france.html

Quote from: ghostrider_23 on December 12, 2011, 02:45:13 PM
Buddha,

have you told France that America and it was the US that ended WW2 and any country that didn't want to be occupied by nazi's has to recognize that. If you are an American and go over to France, see how they treat you.

He he, I guess you have a point, we better get over there and beat em up ...
Cool.
Buddha.

A great many people all over the word form their opinions of the USA on a perceived image of the USA (and the English-speaking world in general) this image is not based on the actual facts, deeds and intentions of the US but rather on the "Hollywood" version of those things.

Everyone is free to agree, disagree or whatever with the deeds and intentions of the US - I make no comment or draw no conclusions - It does worry and concern me though that many peoples ideas are based on what they see on TV or in films or even in digital media. There are a lot of people out there doing "legit" USA a disservice.

I can't say I agree entirely with the observation about France, if you go to the Normandy region you can still see hand-written "Thanks" notes (in English) in windows. The French have a lot of differences with what they term Anglo-Saxon culture, business methods etc etc, they tend to lump as Brits and the US in together, however on a personal level I find people are people, most are OK, some are brilliant and a few are ****bags - all over the world.

In Britain we often see the Germans in a poor light but my experience riding the bike and traveling by other methods in Germany, staying in small roadside overnight B&Bs and large city hotels is that Germany is a great and friendly place. Old stereotypes do us no favours.