Its pictures like this one that show just how beautiful people around the world think America is.
"Proud to be an American" is a famous quote that most people living in the United States would probably have no problem acknowledging proudly. But there are others who half much different opinions. Alot of people don't know the outlook in which foreigners have on the great country we live in. Also many people don't know the true identity America puts out when assuming its social status as a country. This post will hopefully open a few eyes to the mighty, righteous country we all know and love.
Say the country of the United States existed as a human being. What kind of person would this person be? What characteristics would he/she have? Most people might use words like tall, strong, courageous, polished, supportive, etc. This truly is the view most Americans have on their nation as a country among other countries. The quarterback, the CEO, the sheriff these are some identity's America might take on. But what about characteristics such as power hungry, arrogant, uneducated, and snobbish. How would these ideas on Americans sit with our own people? Below is a video documentary exploring ideas on America's identity through opinions of both U.S. citizens and people from other countries. You will quickly learn that we all don't have the same positive image of the United States and it doesn't at least look like we are gaining any popularity.
I look at videos like the one above and see how common this trend of antagonizing the American citizen and his or her values is becoming. It seems the stereotype of "stupid American" is becoming more and more popular. Why is this? Are Americans really as dimwitted as they are portrayed to be? Maybe some foreign assumptions are right. I bet most American citizens could discuss their favorite reality television show well before they could name the name of the British Prime Minister. In that sense do Americans pay more attention to entertainment than they do politics and important current events happening around the world? The answer to most average blue-collar citizens is sadly yes! I feel some Americans feel no reason to stay up to date on what is happening around the world because hell, we live in America the greatest country in the world, why is that important to me? We have a sense of security as Americans that is for obvious reasons good to have, but might be affecting our ethics negatively.
Maybe the reason why some Americans are so out of touch with whats going on in the world is because we feel actions and events taking place around the world have no or minor affect on us as people. While I guess some could dignify that idea I really don't think that is correct. Millions of people from the Middle East paid huge amounts of attention to the U.S. 2008 Election because the individual who next assumes office could majorly affect their life in several different ways. The fact is, is that the role the U.S. plays in worldwide dilemmas crucially affects the outcome of the situation to many different countries. Our actions as a country most having to due with government affect different countries in different ways, to some this can be highly beneficial or highly discouraging. This role we play in this "worldwide theatre" is very important and demanding, but reviews aren't always so supportive of our cause.
After reading this post I hope I have maybe opened your eyes to the realities on the American image. I'm not saying after reading this you should have a negative outlook on your country. Just always remember that everyone has their successes and flaws.
So what is America? What do we stand for? Are we a land of sinners, or saints?
Well, who knows? Definitely not us.
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