I ran an international, intranational company for over 20 years. I spent easily 70% of my life outside the USA, including Russia and East Germany before the wall came down, every country in Europe and did not miss very many in Asia Pacific. A multi million mile frequent flier.

Political agendas were never very far from most business dinner tables. And it always came up some where sometime when socializing with the non corporate types in those countries.

No doubt about political stances....both so called friends and adversaries, however, I can honestly say I never...EVER... got the sense of hatred for Americans as it it is often generalized about today. The average citizen anywhere, just like here in the good old USA are good people who don't hate anybody (except the fanatics of countries I don't have to list).

We are all entitled to our opinions and mine is,

the so called hatred for America is political agenda fodder (not just ours). It is media magnified to support and caress their polarized agendas...rarely real.....always isolated incident reporting extrapolated to pandemic proportions....i.e. a purported ham sandwich sighting becomes a multi table banquet!!!

There are very few countries I would feel unsafe in....they are on that same list I didn't have to list above).
The real problem is the politicians and the military (+ or -)

What do y'all think and it really does help if you have first hand experience (+ or -).

BTK

From my personal experience in living in many countries and continents as a child and revisiting them as an adult, I'd say, yes, America and Americans are hated or at least very poorly thought of.

Americans as a whole are seen as arrogant and frequently naive. Many American tourists go to a foreign country and expect the people there to speak English. They don't bother learning the exchange rate (which was wonderful for some since it made it easier to short-change the Yanks plus, at one time, the American dollar was coveted because of its value). To overcome the shortcomings of not speaking the native language, many frequently raised their voices as if shouting made them more understandable.

Politically, most Americans are seen as naive and their government as a bully. Americans seem to expect gratitude for bailing out countries either through entering the wars or with the financial aid that is so freely given. Sadly, that is not how most Europeans feel. While the Yanks did go to Europe and die there, WWII was fought on their home ground. To them, America entered the war not to help them but rather to keep the war off their soil. They did not ask for the troops but rather the weapons and the funding.

On the Asian front, it was felt that America entered for two reasons -- Pearl Harbor forced them to and it was a way to keep land already "owned" by them and to gain new territories. VietNam and Korea were both civil wars. We entered VietNam because of a promise made to the French that we would help out if they had to leave. Doesn't make for loving feelings to a country when one oppressor is finally driven out and another comes in claiming to "help." At least in Korea, the South Korean government truly asked us to come in and help.

The Middle East is entirely another story. We've backed Israel, which has not made us popular to the Arab world. We insist that Judaism and Christianity are the only religions to be considered. We've stuck our noses into the politics of almost every, if not every, Middle Eastern nation by backing those who we felt would best aid the USA, not what was best for that nation. The Shah of Iran is the prime example of that policy.

Africa is not even worth mentioning considering how many despots we have put into power there over the decades. We have frequently sent aid in the form of medicines that we would not use at home and second-rate equipment and expected some pretty big thanks for that. When we lived in Africa, it was where I was the most ashamed to be American. People would go there for visits, usually safaris. They would treat their guides and the local vendors like dirt. Imagine if, being a child and understanding this was wrong, how would it have been to be an adult and be treated so badly? I have not been back to Africa as an adult, so I don't really have personal experience of how they feel today. However, I do have a very close friend who works for Chevron and has worked and lived in several north and western African nations. I found it telling that on days off the workers did not go to local towns or villages, did not visit major tourist areas but rather spent their spare time in corporate-made vacation areas, usually islands away from the natives.

I truly can't say anything about South and Central America. We weren't there long enough to be more than over-extended touristas and have not been back as an adult.

I seriously doubt if you will get honest feelings at a business dinner or speaking to those who have to do business with you. It isn't productive to insult those buying from or selling to you, whether at a local store or at a large corporation. It takes living there, being able to speak the language at least well enough to understand what is being said as you leave, having friends who will honestly translate for you to get the flavor of these people.

I do agree that the majority all over the world like Americans and consider them to be friendly and outgoing (at least in European countries, Asian countries have a much different viewpoint and one that is truly difficult to understand if not Asian yourself), sometimes to a fault, but likable nonetheless. However, it is not a handful but a large enough minority to make it apparent that the Yanks can go home, just leave the money, please. I agree it is not a banquet, but it is not just a sandwich, maybe a well-stocked lunch.

My sister-n-law was actually spit on in France. We've encountered anti-American feelings abroad in Europe. Most times people are suprised to find out we're Americans - we don't fit the arrogant profile. A Canadian friend of mine says when people assume she's American because she speaks English, she's quick to point out she's Canadian, because of the anti-American sentiment. It seems to have picked up the last few years.

Yes, Lil Dancer. We go every few years and I have seen firsthand the progression of disdain and/or hatred for Americans. Last year it was palpable. And when your guides or couriers tell you not to announce or dress too much like an American, you know that it's getting bad. They despise George W. Bush and of course since we (well not me) but the majority of American people voted him in, their dislike for us is just the expected byproduct. If you talk one on one with the Europeans, they will start to melt and be as warm as they have ever been. But, in general, when a guide instructs you not to announce you're American and you see more armed guards then you've ever seen before, you know we're not winning any popularity contest.

Red, very well said....

I worked for a Swiss firm for several years and spent a LOT of time in Europe as the only American in the company. A lot of how folk deal with you matches with how you deal with them. Arrogance begets arrogance - tolerance the same.

Steve I couldn't agree more with you analysis of Europe. I spent almost 10 years in Germany and found that the vast majority of European with whom I dealt were warm and welcoming. Most folks are indeed open when you're open with them. Many, many Germans were quite curious about the US and often I had trouble practicing my Deutsch because they wanted to practice English.

A favorite spot of mine was an English pub in Heidelberg. The clientele was about 25% German, 25% British Isles, 25% American, and 25% random other countries. I remember one evening having a remarkable conversation about bilingual education in America with a German national. His knowledge of the situation with all its problems was staggering. A Brit car salesman would grab me whenever I came in because he wanted to discuss American history. I know my history, but this guy always brought up interesting topics. Three women biochemists (PHDs) working at Max Planck Institute, a Brit, an American, and a German, just wanted to drink pils, throw darts, and have fun in the mixed crowd. While most people in this place were expats, they all loved their native lands. And most non-Americans expressed interest in the US and many had a great desire to at least visit if not emigrate.

Ever wonder why, if Americans are hated around the world, does so much of that world want to become Americans? Not all, of course, but a lot. And many who do no desire citizenship want to come to the US to reap some of the benefits of this society.

Earlier someone mentioned a friend being spit upon in Europe. I'm happy to say that no one spit on me in Europe. Unfortunately, someone did in Albuquerque in 1971, because I was wearing a USAF uniform.

Steve Z and Muncle, when was the last time you were in Europe? It's nice to reminisce, but you'd be shocked if you were there recently.

Have traveled much of the world on Business and pleasure over the last 20 years - from Turkey to Europe to South Africa. Some of it was pretty extended, but never lived there. Many times I was on my own and also have done a lot with my wife.

I am sure that it helps that I speak Spanish pretty well, but I have to admit, I must not have travelled anywhere Redwitch has been. I have never really experienced any more hatred of America there than I do from Lefties in this country. This is what I have learned from my travels:

1. There are people everywhere that hate America - usually they have a liberal viewpoint - I see that here as well as there. So what, I am not real fond of Iran or China either.

2. What the news media does NOT tell you is there are Conservatives everywhere (well, almost, maybe not in Palestine) and for the most part, they want their governments to be more like ours - this is especially prevalent in Eastern Europe (the polish and Czechs love us) and in Britain and Germany, as well as in Japan and South Africa. There are both sides of the political spectrum everywhere you know.

3. A lot of the anti american sentiment is there for the same reason that everyone hates the Yankees - people love the underdog and want to root for them, and hate the people who always win.

4. If you learn to say please, thank you, good morning, hello, and goodbye in the native language, everyone will love you no matter what. I make a habit of doing this when going to a new place - "Donde esta el bano" is also very helpful ;D

5. If you are nice to people, they are going to be nice to you.

6. As a general statement, I don't usually see the "stereotypical" american overseas - I see them here. Most who have money to travel overseas are more sophisticated - I normally just have not seen much of that anywhere overseas. I see a lot more of the overdone loud people being Europeans everywhere (especially Germans) - it was especially bad in Capetown. Europeans and Canadians are especially rude smokers.

7. I especially disagree about WW2 - I have had many discussions overseas with Europeans who are VERY thankful we helped them in the war, especially many of my good friends in England (I used to work for an English company, great people, horrid dressers).

Everybody realizes that America is always going to act in its best interests. The reality is that our best interest is also usually in the best interests of many of the other countries we encounter, but not all. Remember that America is the ONLY country in history that ever invaded a country for any other reason than for conquest - think about it (not an original - my college history teacher pointed this out).


Just my 2 cents - I personally think there are a lot more important things than worrying if we are liked.. Just as a note - I was in Europe late last year, so these are not "old" views

Originally Posted by chelsea24

Steve Z and Muncle, when was the last time you were in Europe? It's nice to reminisce, but you'd be shocked if you were there recently.

Well, Europe last year, Asia a couple years before that.

Again, if you act with manners, you find folk treat you the way you act.

Packer Fan - Yep, if you take on a little of the language, it's accepted and appreciated. When I worked with the Swiss I kept trying to practice my German there and found that most folk were more interested in practicing their English with me, instead. It was fun mixing the languages to comunicate, and it was the same when I lived in Japan as well.

I do agree that if you treat people with respect, you get respect in return. A lot of the conversations I had, especially with Europeans, were with people who didn't know I was American. (I usually travel on a German passport -- can go more places.) As such, the conversations were not the ones most Americans would have there.

I also agree that the hatred is not universal, but it is enough that it is obvious. I also have many friends in Europe who truly like Americans -- they chuckle over our idiocyncrocies. I don't think I've ever met anyone in Denmark who dislikes Americans. Ditto the Netherlands. I've not been in the Eastern Bloc nations since communism failed, so have no clue what their feelings are.

As to my comments on WWII, they come from dual sources -- talking to people and taking history in Germany, France and England as a child. Some are very grateful we actually came and fought, they just don't want to hear that we Yanks "saved them." The books in the 50s were pretty specific that Britain and France, et al., could have defeated Germany without outside aid had they had the equipment (guns, ammo, tanks, planes) -- they did not need the extra men. I also remember getting into huge trouble when I made this statement when I came to the States and went to school here.

And, Muncle, going to a pub or bistro where Yanks hang out is bound to get those who like Americans as patrons. It is much more interesting to go to a pub that is 99% German or British or whatever and just sit back and listen. You might be surprised about some of the comments made. (My spoken German is atrocious, but I understand it quite well.)

Originally Posted by redwitch

And, Muncle, going to a pub or bistro where Yanks hang out is bound to get those who like Americans as patrons. It is much more interesting to go to a pub that is 99% German or British or whatever and just sit back and listen. You might be surprised about some of the comments made. (My spoken German is atrocious, but I understand it quite well.)

Red, the pub in Heidelberg of which I spoke was not a Yank hang out. As I said, American expats made up a substantial percentage but it was definitely cosmopolitan in nature. One of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was the chance to meet and talk with Swedes, South Africans, Kiwis & Aussies, Italians and the occasional Eastern Bloc type in addition to Germans, Brits, Scots, and Irish. Regardless, I spent a lot of time in 99% German bars, struggling with my very weak Deutsch. My attempts were appreciated but often the conversations switched to English, either because of their desire to practice or my inability to sprechen.

I've got to throw in an observation about the ability of folks to see eye-to-eye on whatever subject might be on the table wherever it might be on the table!

My older brother, now in his mid-80s, spent the better part of a summer biking and backpacking around Europe in the mid 1950s. Certainly not something unusual as it was the inexpensive way to "do the Grand Tour" thing in those days.

EXCEPT that my brother was born deaf. He had problems with his English and certainly never learned a foreign language. But, he was forever sending letters home telling our parents about how he'd biked down a small road, met a farmer in his field, asked the farmer if he could bunk down in his barn. Upon doing so, being asked by the farmer and his wife to eat with them.

In the course of an evening, these diverse individuals (an American kid incapable of hearing his hosts, a European couple with severely limited ability to speak English) "solved the problems of the world," over supper and wine or beer!

It has always been one of the most extraordinary stories in my life, how my brother and half of Europe got on together despite their inability to communicate in a mutual way!

Would that we could all do the same, today! :bigthumbsup:

My view is that we Americans are much less likely to be welcomed with open arms virtually anywhere we travel, these days. I'm in the Caribbean a lot, and I'm (for which read: my money) certainly welcome. Elsewhere, I don't think I can ever be quite as comfortable as I once was.

Sad! :'(

SWR

SWFLA, that's exactly what I was saying. It used to be wonderful. And on a one to one basis, when you get into a conversation, it's still great. I never even felt it when I traveled through France, when many Americans were saying the French are just rude to Americans, I never saw it that way. Because I was and am ALWAYS polite in other countries and realize I am a guest. I'm clearly trying to say, in general, like it or not, this attitude towards Americans has changed. Just having guides and cruise ships issue statements about not appearing to be American, can tell you something has changed.

TO THE OTHERS: I'm not talking about manners, language, or respect for other countries. I'm talking about a bigger picture. And if you've been there recently, and didn't see signs of this, you're living in a dream world. In Barcelona, F*ck Bush was painted or scratched on every lampost. Now, we had a wonderful time in Barcelona, again, and I can't seem to make this clear enough, on a ONE TO ONE basis. Do they like Americans in general, I DON'T THINK SO!

Think that the current disdain some people in other countries have for the United States is based more on the ongoing war in Iraq, the weapons of mass destruction not turning up, the inability to locate Bin Laden, and various other aspects of current events.

On a very positive note, Al Gore, Jr. though has certainly become the opposite of the ugly American with his work on getting the issue of global warming out in the open and many other countries.

Our movies seem to go all over the world. Check the release dates in the Internet Movie Database. Movies like Gone, Baby, Gone; The Brave One; The Departed; Chicago; Traffic; Crash; etc. are shown in a very large number of countries.

It does not look like Gone, Baby, Gone has even opened yet in movie theaters in Australia nor in the UK. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452623/releaseinfo

Some of the problem also might be with the picture Hollywood presents of our society/culture with movies like some of these.

On the other, hand similar movies to these also might draw more and more people to the idea of coming to the US.

When the day comes that LEGAL immigration drops below the 2+ million mark each year,

and the ILLEGAL immigration numbers of visa overstays from Europe and Asia start to decrease by any amount,

and the world doesn't come seeking US Foreign Aid at no matter what the dollar exchange rate is,

and the European Union stops fighting to have the Visa Waiver Program apply across-the-board,

and the Eastern European countries stops bypassing the EU to cut better business/travel deals with the US,

and the European (notice a "Europe" trend here???) and other national airlines stop trying to add flights into American airports,

and all of the cruise ships (which are all foreign-flag registered and have NO US crew/staff) stop filling up with passengers at US ports,

and another country ponies up to take the United Nations and all of the real costs (dues notwithstanding) associated with keeping that abomination within one of its cities,

then and then alone will I really care what "they" think of Americans.

You can bet that whenever "they" run into trouble, the expectation that those "ugly Americans" will be there to bail them out of hot water shall arise aloud and strong.

Bottom line - those in Europe especially who post **** Bush or any other such slop only have the capability to do so because Americans bled for them. Absent American sacrifice, those hypocritical ingrates would be living (if you could call it that!) under either the swastika or hammer-and-cycle.

Talk about disdain - mine toward those snobs is pretty high.

The last time I looked there were no cemeteries in the US filled with Europeans who died here, but I can go around this planet - in Europe and Asia - and find several containing a humbling number of tombstones (thousands!) marking some American's son, brother or father's sacrifice because Europeans and Asians couldn't make peace as neighbors.

I have several European and Asian friends and colleagues, good people who follow the Golden Rule, and I treasure them and our friendship. But as far as those around the world who burn our flag, mock our citizenry and snub our leaders and diplomats - yet are all too quick to be there with their hand out for a free buck or to have their butts protected, to &$@@ with them....