I’ve been American for 39 years. Canadians who have never lived in the US before have been telling me this over the last few months… that we aren’t multicultural, that we hate gays, and are a bunch of racists. Suffice it to say that this “news” is coming from the Canadian Americanophobic Group ‘Think’ Tank. Of course, some Europeans believe the same thing – yes, Europeans who’ve never ventured to America. The BBC and the CBC is an Americanophobic’s best friend – not to mention their outdated fairy taled textbooks from 1934.
Canadians think that multiculturalism is one of the best things about their country. “America sucks because the white man oppresses the minorities” …so they say. My feelings? I am both shocked, confused, and angry when I hear this. Not because I’m in denial, but because we are no more or less multicultural than Canada!
When the topic of racism or intolerance of religion or lack of, or homosexuality is brought up, in the same breath/sentence, Americans are brought into this subject all the time. Canada is apparently “morally superior” as they accept “dual citizenship”. Here are some words from a proud Canadian that is not necessarily Americanophobic. But the very fact that the below is practically unknown in the US is what is troubling. She states…,
The result is a truly multicultural country with a rich ethnic diversity… and we’re proud of it! Multiculturalism was even adopted in Canada as a national policy. For example:
- Canada recognized dual citizenship
- It supports newspapers, TV programs (like OMNI2) in several languages (Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, Chinese…)
- It encourages minorities representation in the work force and in education
- It offers support and help for newcomers in Canada (translation services, immigration advices etc.)
Generally speaking, the Canadian society is an undivided whole although extremely diverse.Liberal immigration policies aren’t criticized much here unlike in some country and both the Conservative and the Liberals acknowledge Canada’s diversity and need for immigration. Of course, problems arise, generally revolving around the acceptance of traditional and religious dress in society… mixed with the fact any society is prone to the irrational fear that its identity might disappears overnight. Ignorance exists everywhere.
Canadian multiculturalism… a model to follow? I’d say yes!
My reply? Ya… we’ve got that too. 
I’m going to tackle Dual Citizenship first as we need to get our facts straight here.
Is it possible to be a dual citizen of the United States of America and another country? The answer is yes.
If you have been a dual citizen from birth or childhood, or else became a citizen of another country after already having US citizenship, and the other country in question does not have any laws or regulations requiring you to formally renounce your US citizenship before US consular officials, then current US law unambiguously assures your right to keep both citizenships for life.
But I thought US law didn’t permit one to be a dual citizen — that if you were (by birth or otherwise), you either had to give up the other citizenship when you came of age, or else you’d lose your US status. And that if you became a citizen of another country, you’d automatically lose your US citizenship. So what’s all this talk about dual citizenship?
It indeed used to be the case in the US that you couldn’t hold dual citizenship (except in certain cases if you had dual citizenship from birth or childhood, in which case some Supreme Court rulings — Perkins v. Elg (1939), Mandoli v. Acheson (1952), and Kawakita v. U.S. (1952) — permitted you to keep both). However, most of the laws forbidding dual citizenship were struck down by the US Supreme Court in two cases: a 1967 decision, Afroyim v. Rusk, as well as a second ruling in 1980, Vance v. Terrazas.
More information on dual citizenship can be found here.
Kudos to Canada if they hold a more flexible program than that of the US. But I wanted to set the record straight that we DO allow dual citizenship here.
Here’s what Europeans are saying about us:
Regarding America’s alleged “lack of concern” about the world around them and “not having passports”, read this and think again before you make ignorant blanketed statements about us.
According to this article, Americans appear to be secretly admired for their diversity.
Similarly, European politicians are seeking to learn from the United States about diversity. Faced with growing difficulties in integrating Turkish and North African immigrants, European governments that once scorned affirmative action are now looking to America for ideas to improve racial integration and encourage class mobility.
If we are THAT evil to other ethnic groups, then why does this happen?
Young Europeans are more eager than ever to work and study in the United States. A brain drain from France and Germany has sent some of their best and brightest to the United States. A top destination is Silicon Valley; an estimated 80,000 young French people, known for their math skills, have migrated there in pursuit of jobs with high-tech firms.
When I spoke last year with about 50 Germans studying at MIT and Harvard, not one of them expressed a desire to return home. They all wanted to live and work in the United States, where, they said, opportunities are far more abundant. Many complained that the sclerotic welfare states in Europe punish those who work and reward those who don’t. So they’re fleeing the crushing tax burden at home for more lucrative challenges in the United States.
This person said it best:
That’s why, in places like New York City, you have a Little Italy, Chinatown, Little Germany, etc, etc. Living with people of the same background helped new emigrants acclimate themselves but also keep part of their culture alive.
[snip]
It is hard to say what American culture really is. It has been described as a “melting pot” where cultures can come together and blend to create one American culture. I think it is patently obvious that that hasn’t really happened. What people are now calling American culture is more of a “tossed salad” where different cultures come together but keep their own ingredients to create one large salad of a culture.
And why does this happen in England? (Anti-Semitism)
And this?
But critics of Americans will say that it’s only America that’s prejudice and intolerant. Conveniently, the wrongs in other countries are excluded. All the time.
Let’s take Japan for example. Read this. If you’re Canadian, European, Chinese, Korean, American, Arab, from India, Australian, Brazilian, Portuguese, African, or any other nationality/race that isn’t Japanese, you WILL be discriminated in Japan as Japan has *NO* enforced Discrimination Laws! None. One of the BIGGEST problems I have with Americanophobia is that these bigots (not the Japanese) REFUSE to see the flaws in countries outside the United States. For example, Canadians claim to be “internationalized”, yet at the same time they’re ignorant regarding other countries, their governments, their religions, their customs, their multiculturalism or lack of. It’s either just plain ignorance or just the refusal to learn.
“Americans are racists“. Indeed we are. There are racists and bigots in EVERY country. And if you claim to not have any prejudices at all or that racism doesn’t exist or is “rare” in YOUR country, you’re a bold-faced LIAR and a hypocrite! And for the record, the KKK exists in Canada as well.
About the official language in the US versus Canada: America doesn’t have an official language. If that’s not a hint, I don’t know what is? In Canada, the official languages are French and English. Canadians shout this with PRIDE. But duh? Quebec is right THERE in your country. How on Earth would the second official language NOT be French?!?!?! In my opinion, I find it retarded to brag about that.
I honestly don’t know who wins this silly “war on multiculturalism“. But the “homogeneous” and “monolingual” label placed on the US is absurd …to say the least.
How many languages are spoken in the US?
Far from being monolingual, the U.S. is a highly multilingual country. The number of languages spoken in the United States is 311. Of these, 162 are indigenous, and 149 are immigrant languages. An indigenous or autochthonous language is a language that is native to a region and spoken by indigenous peoples.
According to the Census Bureau, in 14 million U.S. households people speak a language other than English. One in five people over age 5 speaks a language other than English. The large number of foreign language speakers in the United States is a consequence of recent immigration.
Here is a list of all the languages spoken in the US. How this is not considered multicultural is beyond me. And here is another comprehensive list.
When I shop for items at the store, I see instructions written on the packages typically in French, Chinese, English, and Spanish. Why? Why if we are so “intolerant to diversity“? Newspapers? Sure. When I purchase food at any Japanese market in town, I can easily buy both a telephone directory and newspapers written in Japanese! Some communities in the states are more diverse than others. The nasty bigoted French woman on that Youtube video spoke of how *only NY* is where to find diversity in America – that it’s a *separate* country. She implies that she’s an “expert” on America. More of an expert than I, I suppose? I grew up in Miami, FL. In my university, I saw people from literally ALL over the planet. I heard multiple languages being spoken around me. I had friends that were S. American, Caribbean, Cuban, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, German, and so on.
“But you don’t gently welcome foreigners, you promise them the American dream, and then you treat them very badly.” Canadians also say they love Canada because they were never involved in slavery. Those of African origin beg to differ, though.
Black people have lived in Canada since the beginnings of transatlantic settlement. A few came as explorers, more came as slaves in the 17th and 18th centuries, still more as former American slaves fleeing to Canada between 1783 and 1865, and since then as free immigrants from the United States, the West Indies, and Africa.
This article states that slaves were treated better in Canada and that Upper Canada was the first to abolish slavery. However, Americanophobic Canadians will insist that we’re the only country that had slaves, and when “slavery” is ever mentioned on the internet, quite naturally, “Evil America” will be boldly mentioned in the same breath. While the US was the last developed nation to end slavery, it is not true that we started it and that we patented the idea. Please check the Slavery Timeline. The facts speak for themselves. As far as segregation is concerned, shame on America. The full article on the Civil Rights Movement in the United States is here. And do people realize that Apartheid only ended just 10 years ago in South Africa?
Canada is not as shiny innocent as they’d like to think. Let’s explore… first with KOMAGATA MARU.
In the year 1900 the census reported 2050 people from India on the North American continent. The majority of these people were Punjabis who had settled in Canada. They had come with the
hope of finding work so that they could improve their economic situation from what it had been in the Punjab. Upon arrival in Canada they encountered numerous hardships and discrimination. Canadians wanted the “brown invasion” to stop. They felt that the growing number of Indians would take over their jobs in factories, mills and lumber yards.
Feel free to read the rest of the story here.
Next, we have the Anti-Asian Vancouver Riots of 1907.
In September 1907, there was a serious riot against Asian businesses in downtown Vancouver that was started by members of the racist Asiastic Exclusion League. Because Canada was in a slight recession that year and a fair amount of white people were out of work on the west coast, there was a great deal anger and hostility directed towards Oriental people. Generally, unemployed Whites in blue-collar labour jobs felt that Asians were taking job opportunities away from them.
A mob of about 9,000 white people riled up by the Asiastic Exclusion League descended upon Oriental businesses in downtown Vancouver, smashing windows and destroying signs.
And finally, A Lost Heritage: Canada’s Residential Schools:
In 1928, a government official predicted Canada would end its “Indian problem” within two generations. Church-run, government-funded residential schools for native children were supposed to prepare them for life in white society. But the aims of assimilation meant devastation for those who were subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Decades later, aboriginal people began to share their stories and demand acknowledgement of — and compensation for — their stolen childhoods.
Read the rest of the story, and watch the videos here.
Admittedly, Americans are at fault for the length of time it took to stop both slavery and segregation. I won’t deny that. I won’t deny that Canada is one of the most peaceful countries in North America. No doubt about that. Canadians have bragging rights. Here’s where I’m confused, however.
- Why are Americans called racists because of past slavery? I mean, after all, the Americans that Canadians are speaking to whether face to face or online are people of MODERN society that had NOTHING to do with slavery. So that means, I have to wear a “racist” badge on my sleeve for the rest of my life only because I’m American.
- Does it really make you a better person to smear this in the faces of Americans?
I distrust those Canadians that are Americanophobic. They have no credibility whatsoever. I would have more respect for them if they didn’t preach “peacefulness” and “Anti-death-penalty” (today’s generation) to then stand up and cheer when innocent civilians in the WTC died a horrific death on 9-11. They claim to be humble unlike their neighbors to the south that all too often wave their American flags, and that they like to accuse of being “too patriotic“. They’ve lost their creditability in that regard as well as just about every social website online where Canadians are frequenting, you will certainly hear the following chants:
- I’m proud to be a Canadian!!
- We’re the best country in the world!!
- I love Canada!!
- Canada rocks! We have the best, “…….”, “……” and “……” and “…….” oh yeah!!
- And we invented the “…….”, “……” and “……” and “…….” hahahaha!
However, when they say these things, 9 times out of 10, America is mentioned in comparison. Yes, the “humble” Canadians. 
Oh, and the “diversity-tolerant” Canadians. Credibility is lost here too as they hate all Americans proudly and with zest. I distrust them as much as they distrust us. “Them” as in the “mob mentality” Group Think Canadian Americanophobia Coalition. THOSE Canadians.
Here’s what some intelligent and truly diversified Canadians think about this in the Canadians against Anti-Americanism Group on Facebook. (sad that one has to exist, though). Simply put, bigoted Canadians *cannot* secure their patriotism and identity *without* any reference to Americans. We can’t be that bad after all, if we’re brought up in practically every conversation. 
Regarding Gay Tolerance
Next, I congratulate Canada on making same sex marriages legal. As a heterosexual, I support homosexuals and their rights and only wish we had the same federalized support here. But we don’t. And I find fault in that. But for Americanophobic Canadians to suggest that we collectively agree with our government’s decision is irresponsible, once again. We have, not large, but HUGE gay communities in the states. HUGE. Surprisingly enough, even in San Antonio, Texas! They are more tolerated in the states than you’d like to think. This is just one small example.
A member of a Canadian Forum called Vivelecanada, (smell some pride here?..oh no only Americans have to suppress themselves, right?) said the following which really hit me hard:
Collective guilt is a fundamentally flawed concept. Germans were not collectively guilty for Hitler’s crimes in any way that humanity in general wasn’t guilty for in producing such a monster.
Races, families, tribes, nations, bridge clubs or gangs do not commit crimes. Individuals commit crimes. Individuals can cooperate in the commission of crimes, but each are individually guilty only for their own specific role.
These evils arise when we classify people according to convenient labels and collectivize them. Lepine and Hitler both collectivized their respective enemies, and this is their first step in dehumanizing them.
It’s easier to hit or kill a stereotype, a label, a proxy for a group or a faceless mass of people than it is an individual human being. Collectivization is the first step in dehumanization. The next step is the atrocity.
I have to disagree with this gentleman because I actually think it’s easier to stereotype and hate, than it is to think and be nice. But I do appreciate the message he was trying to get across to all the disgruntled mud-slinging, fit-pitching Canadians.
There is lots of Americanophobic-speak all through that entire website, by the way — just in case you’re not yet convinced on how much we’re hated.
And finally, I’d like to tackle the myth on how “poorly” we treat immigrants in the US. First, with a note from one of our “tolerant” and “friendly” neighbors: (a message that I received on Facebook).
(sic) thats one thing i will always hate about what MOST of you say, that ur a race and that you think as soon as you enter the states and live there, that youre american. STOP BRAINWASHING YOUR IMMIGRANTS IN A UNEXISTING LIE THAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM. it kills more people than the ones that succeed.
As soon as you enter the states, you’re American? Is he talking about immigrants? Ha! That was funny. Or… hmm.. am I not American? Wait. Lemme check my passport again………….
Another “informed” Americanophobic Canadian on Yahoo Answers, said the following:
You are right–Nazism was socialist–but it was also extremely right-wing–and it’s repression of the individual for the sake of corporate interests made it the darling of the US right-wingers of the time. They were also vocal in their support of Hitler’s racism and attempts to maintain a “pure” society. Then afterward, made noises about how terrible the Holocaust was–despite the fact it was the logical conclusion of what they advocated.
And–nothing has changed. Take te right-wing attacks on ethnic/religious groups today (e.g. Hispanics and Muslims). If you strip away the excuses for this bigotry and follow the neocon logic to its conclusion–you get concentration camps.
Wow. I won’t talk about Muslims here to try to keep this post from getting too long. But can someone tell me how on earth we’re attacking Hispanics? 
First off, we don’t promise ANYBODY a “dream” of any sorts. These people CHOOSE to come here. It’s called “free will”. They come here, work here, get naturalized or amnesty here, have families here, and die here. If they were dissatisfied, the statistics would say something different, right? Let’s take a look at them.
- Current amount of Illegal Aliens: 21,485,301 (risking their lives crossing the borders coming here by CHOICE!)
- Non Mexican Illegal Aliens (OTM): 534,571
- Cost of Social Services for Illegal Immigrants since 1996: almost 400 BILLION
- Children of Illegals in Public Schools: 4,331,504
- Anchor Babies since 2002: 1,966,600
Apparently, Americans went to other countries to grab people, hypnotize them with American ideologies, damn near died carrying them on our backs across the borders, and held them at hostage-gun-point (oops, I mean “concentration camps”) until they died of old age. *rolls eyes*
Dearest Canada (You know if I’m talking to YOU), you may also want to take a peek at this post. Danger ahead: You might run into facts, so be careful.
If ANYONE is “being attacked”, if ANYONE at all, it’s law-abiding Americans with our lives. Roughly 12 Americans everyday are murdered by illegal aliens, and they’ve also committed 1 million sex crimes in the US. So, uh… who’s attacking who, here? Thanks.
Be enlightened:
Illegal Immigration
- $6 Billion a Year for Mexican “Anchor Babies?”
- American Citizens Against Illegal Immigration: Present day Mexicans have no ties to the Northwest
- An Immigrant complains about free services in US hospital
- Blogs for Borders | Illegal Immigration News
- Columbia’s Illegal Immigrants and Strain on US Resources
- Crime Victims of Illegal Aliens
- Examples of how illegal aliens get better treatment than law-abiding Americans
- Freedom Folks | Fighting Illegal Immigration
- Group: Terrorism not focus of Homeland Security
- Illegal Aliens: US-Facts and Myths
- Illegal Aliens: US-Vote Fraud
- Illegal immigrant rises from dead, wins $1.5M in suit
- Immigrants in the United States, 2007
- No Room to Learn: Immigration and School Overcrowding
- Real-time Illegal Immigration Statistics
- School Districts Catering To Illegals
- Study: 1 million sex crimes by illegals
- The Human Cost of Illegal Immigration | We Import Criminals
- The Illegal Immigration Blog
- THE MEXICAN ID CARD THAT COULD BE AN ASSAULT ON US IMMIGRATION LAW — AND AN AID TO TERRORISTS
- Twelve Americans are murdered every day by illegal aliens
When you’re done reading, come back and tell us Americans that we are “attacking” immigrants.
We also have reverse discrimination here as well via Affirmative Action. So, sometimes the “big fat white guy” (not talking to you, Michael Moore ’cause you’re a liberal) has to take a couple steps back to let a minority up to the plate. Read about it.
Of course the US will ALWAYS have more racism because we have MORE PEOPLE. Try 300 + million of which it’s population is almost half made up of people from other countries.
And while you elitist Americanophobes are marching the streets against racism, why don’t you add at THIS to your list of causes…. since you “care”.
This is not to say that Americans are never guilty in regards to Hate Crimes, racism, and generalized intolerance of diversity. We are guilty of it. This is also not to say that Corporate America doesn’t exploit undocumented “guest workers” to make more money. Our extended generosity (in regards to our government, mind you) DOES view the “self” as the best interest.. FIRST. But what government doesn’t? What PERSON doesn’t? However, I’d like to say that the majority of us yanks do *not* make PUBLIC our prejudices. More than often, innocent Americans have been verbally attacked in Canada and when traveling throughout Europe. Right in public. Mindlessly. (Isn’t it true that it’s mainly the educated and cultured liberals that travel and explore other countries outside America? If that’s the case, you guys are yelling at people that think just like YOU!) And the blind prejudice against Americans is exemplified and seen in print all throughout the social websites in cyberspace. Bigotry or the “hate by default” is nothing to be proud of. If you’re going to discuss xenophobia, start with yourselves.
Wow, that’s a lot of things…
Alright, just found your post cause you quoted me. When I wrote about multiculturalism in Canada, dual citizenship etc. I wasn’t comparing the USA and Canada. As a French-now-Canadian, if I was comparing something, it would be Europe and Canada… This post was mainly about Canada vs. nothing. Just Canada. But I’m sure you got that.
I personally see the USA as a multicultural country — I don’t see who can say otherwise… Granted, I know much more about Canada than I do about the USA. But I wouldn’t denied that it’s a diverse country… I mean, numbers show it.
Racism? exists everywhere. Now, considering the population density in Canada and general demographic, I guess it’s not too much of a problem here. Immigrants live in big cities. By big cities, I mean TO, Vancouver or Montreal. There are illegal immigrants but we don’t see them crossing the border. There are tensions between communities but once again, mostly in big cities which have always been cosmopolitan so…
Are American more racists, less racist… who knows. The society seem to be more violent (stats) but I guess each citizen has a take on immigration/ integration etc.
The reason why European know several languages is because it’s often compulsory in school curriculum. In France, we have to learn at least two foreign languages (from age 12 and age 14) and possibly a third one (age 17). It’s not so much because Europe is small blahblahblah. I mean, older generations don’t really speak foreign languages… it’s more something that started in the 1970.
For border… I disagree with the quote. They are no borders in Europe and we’re pretty cool about that. My generation grew up in the Schengen area and we kind of take it for granted. Places you can’t go? Er… never heard of it. First time I went to the USA, I got yelled at for absolutely no reason (other than not speaking great English… I was in transit, but anyway). As an experienced traveler, I found the US border crossing the most difficult and the most “painful” ones. It is NOT like that in Europe nor in most part of the world. I hate going through the US immigration and I’m not the only one. AND I have a French passport…
There are people interested in immigrating in the USA, of course. Most of Europeans aren’t anti-Americans, nor are most Canadian. We often make a clear distinction between American citizen/ their government/ what is shown in the media and doesn’t necessarily reflects the truth.
Anyway, I hate comparing places because you never get the whole picture. And it’s getting late…
I am no expert on borders as I’ve never … well, you know, visited my country as an outsider. I’ve heard before people have trouble crossing over. Is this for travel? Or is this to get into the country illegally? My only guess is that it depends on who’s trying to cross the borders. The US gives priority to those from non-developed countries who are trying to run from their government or come here to make extra money to send back to their families. Those from the developed nations that come here for opportunities have a tough time getting a green card. I know because of what my Japanese friends went through. But they succeeded through hard work.
I do know that Canadians frequently cross the border because it’s cheaper to buy products here – gas too. But I cannot say with certainty how every Canadian border-cross-over feels when they do so. I just know that security is tight on that end and to expect to have your trunk searched and to be asked some questions. When Americans cross the Canadian border, some of them are treated like shit just because they’re holding an American passport. But as far as the Mexican border is concerned, well… that’s a different bowl of cherries. Bush does *not* like it that “vigilantes” are guarding the border to prevent those illegally entering the country. Minutemen have been disciplined many a times. As far as the literature I’ve read is concerned, unlike you and your friend’s experiences, the Mexicans generally don’t have a hard time entering the US illegally… at all! Once they get here with their illegal ID cards, they are provided services that even Americans cannot get for free. They are able to get welfare here, work here, get free medical services here, have babies here, get specialized low cost rent here, and get to have illegal driver’s licenses here. They do quite well. Sometimes better than my husband and I do, and the services (even though they’re here illegally) are payed for by American tax-payers. Once they have a baby, amnesty is (for the most part) handed to them, and they remain here.
You can’t say that for any other country in the world – even though it’s really America exploiting them. It’s a kind of tit-for-tat thing. Of course, other countries welcome illegals – I saw it in Japan. Japan exploits Pakistanis and those coming from India for cheap labor. And I believe Germany does this too. I wouldn’t be surprised if Canada and other developed countries did this as well, but as far is a boatload of FREE services and special treatment is concerned, I’ve never heard of another country spoiling illegals in the way that our government does. You can see this from the links I posted. I know… lots of information, though. I do this type of research as a pastime.
Now, the US and France don’t get along very well, and for ages we’ve always hated each other (generalization here). I’m afraid because you were holding a French passport that you may have been treated poorly. I’m sorry you weren’t treated respectfully.
I stand by my beliefs that people should be treated as individuals and not the group they belong to.
Anyway, I didn’t quite think you were Anti-American but found your posting to suit the purpose of my post as what you’ve said is classic of Canadian pride. The only part that I was unsure of was if you were unaware of your neighbors down south as many Canadians DO find America to be a homogeneous monster. That is the truth. Just click through the links in my blog and read some of my other posts of this focus. There’s no exaggeration there. You, of course, will never feel the Canadian agenda because your French. If you were an American in Canada, you’d have a different tale to tell as most Americans do. Canadians even admit this themselves.
If you’re a member of Facebook, just take a peek at this group’s discussion area. The name of the group is Canadians against Anti-Americanism. Why, if it is just a small percentage of Canadians, would a group like that have to exist. Just read through the threads. You’d be quite the surprised. And there are enough good Canadians out there that see the prejudice and are trying their best to stop it and express their feelings about it.
Unfortunately the way YOU see the US and the way many Canadians see the US are entirely different. And yes, as I’ve mentioned, Americans are definitely more violent. There’s no doubt about that. Also, you’re right. Comparing places IS hard, and it’s always hard to see the full picture. And that’s basically the purpose of my blog. Americans are accused of this, that, and the other thing, and most of what we’re accused of is either false or somebody else is doing the same thing and it’s completely ignored. And this kick in the stomach has been going on long before Bush. I know. I’m American.
Excuse me to say — respectfully of course
— that I think you’re a little bit paranoid or overreacting. Sorry to hear you had bad experience with Canadians bashing the USA. Seen it, I know it does exist. I can imagine how frustrating it can be, especially when people don’t get the things right. I love Michael Moore for example, but his Sicko movie drove me crazy because being French and Canadian, I know for a fact that facts were distorted at best.
I’m not unaware of the USA. I immigrated to Canada and get to know the US little by little but hey, I’m not American nor I live there so… I basically don’t try to compare both countries. I like Canada. Which doesn’t mean I don’t like the US.
Borders… sorry to say but it’s not just me or just a bad experience. US borders suck. Never seen that anywhere in the world and I traveled quite a bit. Nowhere on earth do people get questioned, searched, profiled and verbally abused. Happened to me when I was in transit several times. Hello, I’m 20 yrs old, I have a valid French passport, return ticket to Canada, sufficient funds etc. — what else do you want from me? I don’t even want to go to the US — I’m in f&?%$ transit here waiting for my next plane!
My hubby always has trouble as well… how many times was he accused of having a fake passport… he was born in China, raised in Canada, speak perfect English (spent his whole life here). Yet when he cross the border, his passport is held on the side. Fake. Er… no.
Backpackers usually don’t like going through the US immigration border. Pain in the ass. Australian can be tough as well but not as much.
I mean, these are minor things. We don’t cross that often, just when we go visit (no shopping etc. for us, too far), catch a plane to somewhere else. But I hate the humiliation. And we’re not alone unfortunately. Some of my students (gov’ workers) don’t go to the US anymore for business trip because they are originally from Iran, Irak (most of time, second generation immigrants) and are just sick and tired of being held in custody for whatever “problem” that is bound to arise.
Now, the Mexican border is actually surprisingly easy to cross. I did it a few time (crossing the US via Greyhound). I quite don’t get it but… I can’t help thinking that border official are being total assholes with legals and legit people like us who come to visit but everyone knows that illegals get in quite easy. Not that I have anything against that… I saw the poverty in Latin America. Illegal immigration is another issue and I’m not sure I have a clear take on that.
Anyway, I know you mean well and I hate anti-Americanism, same as I hate when people bash Quebec, Western Canada, France etc. for that matters. That said, it’s very hard to get the whole picture and I found myself disagreeing with many of your post.
Maybe we should argue more
I’m not paranoid. I’m stating facts that are backed up. I have at least 20-30 sources mostly from Canadians themselves that prove my point. See, the problem is that you haven’t experienced this on a PERSONAL level, therefore, you cannot imagine and cannot relate to the arguments that I’ve presented. I’m actually not the only person working on this type of project. If you read my “about me” section, there are two German people and one British who’s also debunking common misconceptions made about Americans in the media and in schools. To suggest that I’m “overreacting” is also to suggest your failure to look at my sources. I write VERY carefully to make sure that I back up everything I say, and the fact that you cannot appreciate that is unfair. I’m not pulling this out of my bum, you know.
Yes. And that’s the purpose of my blog is to UN-DISTORT the facts. I still don’t see where I’m being paranoid and wondering if you can help me out here?
How do you get to know the states by living in Canada?
You’re putting words in my mouth. I didn’t question nor did I imply that you were the only one having a bad experiences crossing the border. I will say, though, that the US can be just as aggravating for US citizens. Did you know that? This all happened since 9-11. Ask any American. Most will tell a tale of a bad experiences in transit. It’s the same way in Japan since 9-11 too. All non-Japanese must be subjected to finger-printing. Same with the US now. Not saying that it’s right, though. But some countries are REALLY paranoid. Try flying on an Israeli airline. Again, I’m sorry you were treated badly, and can relate and so can MANY Americans, themselves! When you say, “crossing the border”, that’s different from changing planes in the airport. Anyway…
I don’t know why you thought that I was doubting you? But yes, like I said before, the Transportation Security Administration is ULTRA paranoid. It’s not an excuse to be an asshole (talking about those people who harassed you) though, so again, I’m sorry you had these problems. I only am trying to explain the possibilities of why those things could be happening. In any event, I don’t feel that anybody should be harassed.
Just as you feel uncomfortable about being doubted or “overreacting”, why not try giving ME the benefit of the doubt instead of accusing me of being paranoid. It’s not my fault that you aren’t interested to explore. I’ve have several links, stories from others, and posts all relating to Anti-Americanism. If you’re going to accuse me of making things up, at least challenge me on where I’m wrong. If you’re just talking about the border situation, then I think we have that cleared up as I’m agreeing with you!
Of course, you’ll disagree. Because you’re not going through it. My question is… did you even bother to pull up any of the links that I posted? I reckon not. And that’s why you disagree which I find to be irresponsible on your part. I mean, I don’t link my stuff to other sites as proof for my health or because I’m bored, yanno? My statements (at least where I’m backing myself up) are NOT my opinion, they are FACTUAL. Now, if I’m blockquoting someone, then that’s THEIR opinion and THEIR experience, so feel free to disagree with them. It’s not like I don’t like dissent, but if you’re going to disagree, at least tell me where, why, how, and back it up. Hey, I may even re-word some of my posts if there IS something that needs to be changed. If a source is proven to be a failure or invalid, I would happily remove it as well as I don’t want to put the wrong facts into people’s head. But how can I know this if you’re not challenging my sources? Right? Be a little fair with me, here.
If you can provide an argument,… then yes! I love to argue.
Zhu, One thing I forgot to mention… you are describing your experiences at the American border along with most or all that you have relations with that have had similar experiences to make the point that America’s borders are too strict and nasty to foreigners, right? So, what’s the difference of my pointing out that at least half of Canadians hate Americans. Because like you, I’ve not only experienced this myself with Canadians (the majority) but so have the majority of people that on the internet who have been in contact with them. With that said, I don’t find it fair that you dismiss my arguments and then expect me to believe yours with the border situation … which I DO believe and trust you with that.
And for the record, you weren’t one of those people I was accusing of hating Americans. I hope that I’ve cleared everything up.
Multiculturalist brainwash sucks. Anyone who has a mind of their own and has spent anytime around other races of people knows that they prefer their own kind. Its only healthy for a culture and a nation to be pro-nationalist and do everything in its power to preserve and promote the dominate culture.
Multiculturalism is suicide.
Canadians “get to know” America mostly through media. We, as part of our cable packages, ‘get’ ABC, CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, NBC, CBS and PBS. We also ‘get’ most of the daily newspapers and magazines published in the United States. This gives ‘us’ access to every news source you have except Fox. But that’s coming.
Just so you know one of the sources you seem to rely on for a ‘Canadian perspective’, “Canada Free Press” is not a mainstream media outlet, and is actually considered extremely fringe and amateur. Judy McLeod’s ‘reporting’ has been described as being from an “emotionally incontinent ninth grader,” she has been described as “eccentric” and the Toronto Star called the Canada Free Press a “whacko news site.” That’s all from wiki.
But if you take a look at some of Judy’s, for example, she has often reported on her belief in a conspiracy to both erase the Mexican and Canadian borders with America and introduce a continent-wide currency called “the Amero”.
You wrote this: “This is not to say that Americans are never guilty in regards to Hate Crimes, racism, and generalized intolerance of diversity. We are guilty of it. … More than often, innocent Americans have been verbally attacked in Canada and when traveling throughout Europe. Right in public. Mindlessly. (Isn’t it true that it’s mainly the educated and cultured liberals that travel and explore other countries outside America? If that’s the case, you guys are yelling at people that think just like YOU!) And the blind prejudice against Americans is exemplified and seen in print all throughout the social websites in cyberspace. Bigotry or the “hate by default” is nothing to be proud of. If you’re going to discuss xenophobia, start with yourselves.”
There is no “blind prejudice” against Americans in Canada. People are not “verbally attacked” “mindlessly” in Canada. A few tourists have been the victim of some prejudice, but you’re taking that tiny fraction of the millions of American tourists who visit here every year and creating a sweeping judgement of all Canadians.
“…then [Canadians] stand up and cheer when innocent civilians in the WTC died a horrific death on 9-11.”
This is just silly paranoid fantasy. Again, a tiny percentage of a group does something stupid and the entire country is at fault?
You want this blog to be about exposing anti-Americanists, “…I distrust those Canadians that are Anti-American.” But that anti-Americanism is mostly a fantasy. People in Europe and Canada, and even Australia and India and mostly everywhere else, are not in the throes of “blind prejudice” against America or Americans.
You quote a poll from 2004 in a story from the Canada Free Press which found “40% of youth feel America is ‘evil’”…
“In one telephone poll of teens between the ages of 14 and 18, over 40 per cent of the respondents described the United States as being “evil”. That number rose to 64 per cent for French Canadian youth.”
First, if you research the relationship between “French Canada” and America you’d understand why the number is higher in Quebec. Second, most “youth” are reactionary, they only know what’s in front of them. The Iraq War was going on, Global Warming was starting to pick up steam, the anti-G8 protests were going on. Even if you showed him all of the material proving America is not just the Iraq War, how could a 14-year old kid know any better?
Are there polls showing a high level of distrust and even dislike for American policy and government? Yes. But again, the number of “anti-American Canadians” is so small as to not count. There are, however, Canadians who are anti-NAFTA, and anti American policy on Iraq and Global Warming. But if you were to count the numbers of Canadians so far on the far-left as to be reactionaries when it comes to America or Americanisms and Americans, they are far outnumbered by anti-Americanist Americans.
And your understanding of the CBC and BBC seems limited to having read stories written by people who hold them in disdain. CBC News has produced a number of anti-American policy stories in its past, and will do so in the future, and a truly ignorant CBC “satire” program has made fun of Americans in a distasteful manner but that hardly makes the CBC, using your word, “evil”.
In another post you talk about a nationalistic-Canadian advertising campaign for “Molson Golden”, it was actually “Molson Canadian” and the ad played on stereotypes held by some Americans about Canadians, but mostly it was about how Canadians view the stereotypes of ourselves. Much as, recently, there was an American ad playing in America for a Canadian beer which had a Canadian unleashing an “attack beaver” on an American… American ad firm, Canadian beer, American audience, Canadian stereotype.
You also mention Carolyn Parrish, who made a few stupid remarks about the American government, specifically George Bush. But not that she was kicked out of the government and told she would never be welcome back. You also don’t mention the high level of public backlash against her. Then there’s the misconception about “free Canadian health care” when we actually pay for it through our taxes.
This, taking a single incident or a misconception held by a few people like ‘Canadians calling health care free instead of tax-based’ and using it to prove a theory of an overwhelming conspiracy of anti-American thought and action “So, DO please pray tell… why you think you have “free” health care and the “best” health care in the world? I await patiently for your response.” seems to be a common theme.
Which is great, it’s your blog.
But because of the tone you’re using you’re not educating the people you consider to be the problem, you’re just angrily denouncing what they’ve written. Just because someone says “Canada is great” doesn’t mean they’re attacking you, and someone screaming at the top of their lungs “America sucks” mostly means they don’t know what they’re talking about. Or they’re drunk.
So instead of getting so irate how about just maybe writing about the good things the country you live in offers using reasonable and excellent examples of how America doesn’t suck… and leaving the URL on their page?
Try these:
1) Canada: Offering A Safe-Sex Environment Where Humanity Can Fuck Itself Back Together Again
2) America May Be The Gun, But Europe’s The Trigger
Just for the record, my recent entries are devoted to dispelling the many myths about Americans. But how can I debunk a myth without supporting evidence? So, it’s only natural for me to show what I’ve read or seen in order to go about this.
Are you saying that she gets her information from Wiki? Or that you read about her bias on Wiki? Wiki, I know is the WORST place to get the news as anybody can change it… even me.
So, is the CBC not guilty of an Anti-American slant? There’s reporting the facts, and then there’s trying to persuade the people as does Fox News. I’m just curious where Anti-American Canadians get their facts as so many of them are distorted.
This happening in Canada and Europe is bad in and of itself. But it’s not so much the prejudice, but the motive behind it. Most of the attacks that I hear being reported are from Canadians themselves. If you check some of the testimonies in this post, are coming from the Canadians and that is where I got the bulk of my research. And that post links directly to the forum where Canadians say this. Also, if you look at the side bar under “Anti-Americanism (not just Bush’s fault)”, you’ll see tons of articles that speak of this very issue. I don’t feel that the majority of Canadians are like this, and I’d be stupid to pretend that I DO know. But from the research that I’ve done including online newspapers and personal testimonies from both Americans and Canadians that I’ve shown all over including this post, I’d take it easy to assume that, at the very least, half of Canadians are Anti-Americans and WILL show this attitude upon meeting up with an American whether it be online or in their own country. Check also my sidebar where it reads all the groups that Canadians have made attacking Americans on Facebook. And I’m not talking about politics. I’m talking about the attacks on the people.
It’s natural that some Canadians aren’t going to grasp this fully as 1) You’re a Canadian so it’s normal that you won’t be a target of AA, and 2) you haven’t been exposed to it.
There’s a French blogger who is currently defending his people against French bashing in the US media and dispelling myths. His blog is no different from mine in that respect. I, before having come across his blog, had no idea that it was THAT bad in the US. I turned a blind eye to because it wasn’t happening to me! So, I support SuperFrenchi in his mission. And part of the reason that I understand him is because Americans are going through the same thing.
Not just from the “free Canadian press”, but it has been established all over the place that this did actually occur in your country. If you find it fair in calling ME paranoid, that is also to say that your own people that have witnessed this are paranoid too. I have proof all over this blog, again, from Canadian citizens themselves saying that it did happen. Am I stating that all Canadians did this? No. You’re reading way too far into this post – way too far. I’m just reporting that it happened.
Have you even bothered to open up any links, watch any of my videos or research further than this post? It’s easy to call someone paranoid, but it’s much harder to read the supporting evidence attached to this with an open mind. I didn’t post all of those links on my sidebar, create several pages up at the top of this blog revolving around my mission – for my health. Look further. Read further. I am not making this stuff up. And why would I?
If I “fantasize”, it’s going to be about positive things – not bad.
Why — oh why would I fantasize something like this? But maybe it’s natural you’re getting so defensive as I’m pointing out some bad seeds in your country, right? You’d like to believe, perhaps, in your “fantasy” world that these kinds of things don’t happen. Again, Canadians are telling me this. Talk to them. Not me. I’m just the messenger. I hear these things, and I cringe. Read my about me, my political profile, my faq etc… you’re forming opinions about me that are incorrect and pulling your shirt off for no reason. I’m talking about Anti-American Canadians in this blog – NOT Canadians!
You are obviously, and I cannot put it another way, ignorant on this topic. Once again, look at my entire sidebar. I’m NOT making this stuff up!!
But where are these teens getting their information from? Adults. And it’s not just the teens as I’ve described earlier. Call them reactionary. Adults are just as reactionary. Your comment is reactionary. My blog is reactionary. This is happening in your country. It’s happening in mine too, but unlike you, I don’t turn a blind eye to it. I didn’t curse my French friend for his feelings or minimize them to the tune of “fantasized paranoia”. I admit to the racists and xenophobes in my country. I accept it. It’s life. I see the xenophobia in your country and through other parts of the world. And I have every right to discuss it, to challenge the myths that many hold about Americans, and to react to what I read… just as you’re right now reacting to what you’ve just read.
Bad things happening everywhere, and Canada isn’t immune to this, although I’m sure you realize that.
Can you show me some kind of evidence of this? Too small to count? Really? I surely HOPE that I’m wrong. Because, if you read my “about me” section, I said I would remove anything from my blog that PROVES to be wrong. I will definitely do this. Just supply me with some evidence.
Am I discussing “satire” here? Again, prove me otherwise. Challenge the statistics in the article. Read more of my blog. One of the few reasons that I joined Facebook is to be able to meet different people from other parts of the world. Before I had joined FB (which is about a year ago), I had NO IDEA there was such a word as “Anti-Americanism”. Seriously. Then I joined Facebook and wondered about there, and you basically cannot go beyond the borders of your own private page without constantly hearing insults being hurled about Americans… ad nauseam – and NO – these aren’t just teens. And NO – this isn’t just about the Iraqi War, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, and Bush – these insults that I speak of in my blog are about the American PEOPLE. Where are they getting, bible-thumping, inbred hick, fat, lazy, stupid, arrogant, obnoxious, ignorant, and racist from as a collective definition of the American people as a whole? Brainwashed teens are simply getting this from brainwashed and small minded adults. I see the info. I report it. I defend. I debunk. It’s very simple. And you’re making it out to be more complicated than it is.
What do you think happens in the US? The EXACT SAME THING!!!! We are no different from Canadians regarding people in most ways. That’s what I’m trying to show in my blog. But you are TOTALLY missing the point. Totally!
Again, am I saying that this doesn’t happen in the US too?
Thank you for giving me heads up about Carolyn Parrish. Once I find that post, I will edit it once I get the information that there was backlash against her. And I’ll do the research myself, and edit my story. Again, read my “about me”. I created it for reactionary and non-reactionary people. Did you even bother to read the disclaimer that was right under your eye beneath this post or was it too tempting to rush to comment? Trust me. As I’ve said before all over this blog, I do *not* have any interest in painting an incorrect picture of Canada. Why would I do this when that’s the very same thing I’m doing in my blog re: Americans. Think about it.
Oh dear….. I’ll admit. I have too much time on my hands and spend a great deal on the internet. But for the 1478982203698th time, I am getting this from CANADIANS themselves who feel they have to PROVE they are better than Americans. Not one Canadian, not two, not even three or four. MANY Canadians. I’ve heard, “haha we have free health-care” so many times that I’ve lost count. Just look at those Facebook groups and see for yourself. Read THIS about how Canadians see the health-care issue as linked with Anti-Americanism. Again, I saw it. It’s my experience. You don’t see this. It’s not your experience. And again, I’m not saying that ALL Canadians talk like this. I see things – I react. You see things – you react.
Ok. Further up above, you told me that I was fantasizing things. Now, I’m “angrily denouncing what other Canadians are thinking”.
Please make up your mind.
And yes, I am angry when I hear over and over and over again, how Americans are fat, lazy, stupid, ignorant, bible-thumping Bush clones that are poorly educated with no culture and are all brainwashed by Fox news, bla bla bla – —- and how the Canadians define themselves as “not being American” as opposed to being just simply being Canadian. And I continue to make the distinction in my blog that I’m exposing the ANTI-AMERICAN CANADIANS – not CANADIANS. Read. You are sounding like you’re paranoid. Not me.
Did I mention anything wrong with Canadians saying that their country is great? See, you’re reading into things too much. My point is that those Canadians boasting about how Canada is so great are the SAME people that knock Americans for saying how they are proud to be American. That’s the point. I encourage all groups to be patriotic. See how I describe patriotism here.
Um… yeah…. I’ve sorta been doing that. Listen, before you comment again, can you try to get to know my blog a little bit better to see where I’m coming from?
Several books have been written on AA (Anti-Americanism), several documentaries, several youtube videos, several websites, several forums, several topics all over the internet. Action has been taken FOR it – action has been taken AGAINST it. A lot of action is going on about in the world regarding AA. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
I’m afraid I’m not going to believe that it’s just me. And if you read any other of my posts (yes, I realize you’ve read a lot already), you’d also see that I represent those Canadians who are AGAINST AA – probably just as much as I do those are FOR AA. Have you ever tried searching google, yahoo, youtube, or Facebook on any of these topics? And just dismissing these people as “teens” is irresponsible. They shouldn’t be held fully responsible for being brainwashed, as I’ve been there myself. Again, who’s teaching them this stuff? And again, it’s not just the 14 year olds. American teens act stupid like this too. They run about the internet telling other groups how they suck and that if it weren’t for Americans, everyone would be speaking German bla bla bla…. American teens get this from their PARENTS. They are brainwashed. I call them out too.
About half of my blog is devoted to calling out the neo-cons, the Bush admin, the hypocritical Christians, and the corrupt capitalism that is happening in America. I have 270 posts written here. You can hardly get an idea of me from the few points I made exposing Canadian AA.
There’s crap happening all over the world, how come these “reactionary teens” aren’t whining about other things going on in the world that’s wrong? Why is it just the US? That’s my point.
Like I mentioned before, there are several Canadians standing up against Anti-Americanism. If it weren’t a big deal, there wouldn’t be an entire group devoted to it. Read this topic.
Edited to add… I just went and re-read the post that you were replying to as it’s been about a month or so since I’ve published it. And about half the questions/assumptions you brought up in your comment were already answered in this post!
What’s interesting is the last comment from you on a different post where you wrote the following:
It’s comments like yours that have inspired my last 25 entries. Some of us Americans wonder where you get your information…
To change the subject a wee bit, … I went and visited your blog last night, and you have huge ass copyright signs all over the place and on every single post, and right in the middle of your pictures to the point where it’s hard to see clearly, and…. you call ME “paranoid”? Don’t get me wrong. I’m fully aware that people steal intellectual property. I have a sign on my blog too – but to the extent that YOU go to?
Something tells me you’ve been burned before… possibly. Something tells me to trust my feelings on AA too. I think we have more in common than you’d like to think except for the “paranoia card” that you carry into this argument.
Greetings virgomonkey!
Greetings Gabriel!
Zontar, the all knowing, all seeing, impartial observer of mankind has studied both of the above posts closely. Zontar does admit both of you have points. Gabriel has bad ones, virgomonkey has good ones.
Zontar is very aware of Anti-Americanism in all its nefarious and evil forms. It is a cancer which is eating away at the very heart of the fair land of Canada. Zontar, having lived in Toronto can attest to the truth of Virgomonkey’s assertions. Just because my spaceship had American license plates, I was constantly harassed. My ship was keyed multiple times as well as egged. This angered Zontar mightily. Zontar was on the receiving end of Canadian’s anger towards America. Zontar does not say that all Canadians hate America, just all the ones that he met.
Virgomonkey is not being paranoid. She is just exercising her God-given right to point out the truth, while Mr. Gabriel is exercising his right to be arrogant and narrow minded.
Hail Ignorant Hoser!
Hail Wise and Brilliant Monkey!
Hail Zontar!!
The below is proof that AA exists more than just a handful of people or a “small minority”.
Anti-American Groups and Topics on Facebook
AMERICA SUCKS!
Americans Against the American Way of Life
Bitch please… i’m from Canada <3: for people who hate Bush and everything having to do with Americans
Canada Should Annex America
Canadians Rock! Americans Suck!
For everyone who is sick and tired of americanism and the arrogance of a hated government.
Fuck America I am Canadian Bitches
FUCK AMERICA!!!!Who is sick of all the american cunts!!
Fuck the USA, CANADA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
I don’t hate America, I only hate Americans
I Hate Americans! :] ♥Canda <3
i hate it when americans claim to speak english but spell everything wrong!
The “We hate stupid Americans club of America”
The British are infinitely superior to the Americans
The Real Canadains That Hate Americans
Turks who hate America
Why Canadians Hate Americans
Anti-Americanism (not just Bush’s fault)
‘Death to the US’: Anti-Americanism examined
A Canadian Forum primarily focused on Anti-Americanism
A Close Look at Anti-Americanism (an in-depth interview)
A cornucopia of anti-Americanism
American Unpopularity Abroad: What It Really Means
An American’s Experience Traveling throughout Europe
Anti-Americanism ‘feels like racism’
ANTI-AMERICANISM IN THE EUROPEAN MEDIA PART I (Video)
ANTI-AMERICANISM IN THE EUROPEAN MEDIA PART II (Video)
Anti-Americanism Sells in Canada
Anti-Americanism spoonfed to Canadian grade school kids
Anti-Anti-Americanism: Will the U.S. tell the world to take this job and shove it?
Before You Flee to Canada, Can We Talk?
British and French Staunch Anti-Americanism (our new and old enemies)
Canada’s Anti-Americanism (A Canadian Blogger’s Perspective)
Canadian Anti-Americanism according to the Vancouver Sun
Canadian Green Party candidate applauding 9-11
CBC fans flames of anti-Americanism
CBC television news guilty of anti-American bias says new study
Dissecting Chomsky and Anti-Americanism
Don’t Buy American
Hating America – by Bruce Bawer
Have Canadians taken anti-Americanism too far?
Islamic Terrorist Supporter and past Canadian Green Party Candidate shows his support for Osama bin Laden
More Canadian Anti-Americanism
Myth-busting and the hypocrisies of Anti-Americanism
Poll: over 40% of Canadian teens think America is “evil”
The Difference between Canada and the US (um… nothing… hardly)
The many stripes of anti-Americanism
The misconceptions Canadians have about America (a Canadian perspective)
The New Anti-Americanism – A British Perspective
The Sickness of Canadian Anti-Americanism
Top Pet Issues for German Media Coverage of the United States
Ugly sentiments sting American tourists
Un-Happy Birthday, Canada
Understanding Anti-Americanism (since 1867)
We (Canadians) share common cause with the Islamist terrorists
Why anti-Americanism is as Canadian as maple syrup
Anti-Anti-Americanism
A 12-step Guide for Americans Traveling to Europe!
A Closer Look at American Generosity
A German immigrant shares what makes America great (video)
A Singaporean Living in America
Anti-Americanism Rant
Anti-Anti-Americanism.com (the blog) by Karin Quade
Anti-Anti-Americanism.com (the website) by Karin Quade
BritainAndAmerica.com
Canadians Against Anti-Americanism (on Facebook)
Dave Hatton’s Blog: Exploration of Issues, Views and Reviews: The finer things in life!
David’s Medienkritik-Online
Giving America Credit where Credit is Due
How to hate America (A MUST SEE!)
How to Observe Memorial Day (A Canadian Tribute to America)
O Canada! Can We Stop the Hate?
On Hating America (An American living in Europe’s perspective)
Robin Hood im Schwarzwald (Trying to find sense in a world that has lost its way)
The Average American
The Black Kettle
To hate America is to hate mankind
What’s so Great about America
Why is Anti-Americanism Racism Too? (an Englishman’s perspective)
Thoughts by other people:
“There is a big difference between being anti-American and being critical of the United States….critiques are appropriate and necessary, provided that they rest on facts and address real abuses, real errors and real excesses–without deliberately losing sight of America’s wise decisions, beneficient interventions and salutary policies. But critiques of this kind–balanced, fair and well-rounded–are hard to find, except in America herself…” — Jean-Francois Revel
“The fundamental role of anti-Americanism in Europe in general, and particularly among those on the Left, is to absolve themselves of their own moral failings and intellectual errors by heaping them onto the monster scapegoat, the United States of America. The U.S. is charged with all the evils, real or imagined, that afflict humanity, from the falling price of beef in France to AIDS in Africa and global warming everywhere. The result is a widespread refusal to accept responsibility for one’s own actions.” — Jean-Francois Revel
“Anti-Americanism is hypocrisy at its finest, You can spend your evening catching the latest episode of “24″ and then complain about Guantanamo the next morning.” –the Berlin bureau chief of Der Spiegel
“Of course some Americans are stupid, but… “It all boils down to the fact that knowledge and intelligence are two different issues. Rote memorization of world capitals does not equate intelligence.
I do find it interesting that Canadians and Europeans have such strong opinions on this, considering that there are many more pressing issues to be concerned about. Perhaps the steady Canadian and European refrain of “Americans are stupid” is a reflection of their own deep-rooted insecurity. You know — an inferiority complex.” –Mohammed
“As an American, please allow me to begin by asserting that our nation has had its strengths and its weaknesses, its successes and its failures, and its justices and injustices throughout history and continuing into the present. Although I sense much patriotism for my homeland, I recognize our need for humility to understand that our country is not above questioning or reproach but is rather under the same standards as all other nations of the world. I would simply like to ask those who view our country from afar to maintain a balanced perspective and realize too that there exists good and bad in America, both in terms of its domestic society and politics as well as in its relations with other nations.
Whilst there may be growing anti-Americanism in the United Kingdom I do not believe such sentiment to be reciprocated on our side of the Atlantic. I viewed a recent survey that indicated most Americans view England positively, and never have I seen the flag of your country (or any other foreign land, for that matter) burned in the streets of our cities. Clearly we as American citizens have not meant to be your enemies.” –Seth
“As someone who takes human rights seriously, I’m appalled by the lack of sympathy the left feels toward the victims of any regime other than the Bush administration. Let’s shout it to prisoners everywhere: If you’re not harmed by an American, your suffering doesn’t count.” –Erik Svane
“Ambivalence, antipathy, and resentment toward and about the United States have comprised an important component of European culture since the American Revolutionat the latest, thus way before America became the world’s ‘Mr. Big’ — the proverbial eight-hundred-pound gorilla — and a credible rival to Europe’s main powers, particularly Britain and France . . . . While the politics, style, and discourse of the Bush administration — and of George W. Bush as a person — have undoubtedly exacerbated anti-American sentiment among Europeans and fostered a heretofore unmatched degree of unity between elite and mass opinion in Europe, they are not anti-Americanism’s cause. Indeed, a change to a center-left administration in Washington, led by a Democratic president, would not bring about its abatement, let alone disappearance.” –Andrei S. Markovits (author of Uncouth Nation – Why Europe Dislikes America)
“Is Euro Disney Land a threat to the French Culture? If French culture can be squashed by Mickey Mouse, or more exactly by simply moving Mickey geographically, it would have to be disturbingly fragile.” Moreover, Revel argued, culture always circulates and, in the case of Euro Disneyland, California was merely repackaging for Europeans such European stories as Cinderella and Pinocchio. According to Revel, French culture was not being colonized and if any culture was in crisis, he contended, it was that of America with its fad for political correctness and other forms of “neoprovincialism.” –Jean-François Revel
“Anti-Americanism is the only face of xenophobia still broadly accepted in Europe.” –Mary Fitzgerald (New Statesman)
“Americans find themselves damned either way. If they remain within their own borders, they are isolationist hicks who are shirking their responsibilities. If they intervene, they are rapacious imperialists.” –To hate America is to hate mankind
“The British find it very difficult to come to terms with the loss of their global dominance. We felt a deep sense of hurt and loss. We used to run the world, and we don’t anymore. So, in order to palliate that insecurity, we tend to run ourselves down too much. And we’re also snooty about the people who DO run the world.” — Boris Johnson (Member of Parliament)
“It is tragic that Anti-American ideas are so easily passed through rumour, while reconciliatory ideas and notions must be backed up with catalogues of evidence before they are even considered, purely because of the fact that it is so much easier to hate than to keep an objective open mind.” –David Hatton
“Other common anti-American objections are ignorance and stupidity. In dealing with these two, I have no reason to suspect that the average American is any less intelligent than the average person from anywhere else. One trait I have noticed is that other cultures are generally much more ashamed of any deficit in the intellect of the individual, especially ours (the British), and as such will make a much greater attempt to hide it. If all cultures bar one are scared of looking stupid and take action to prevent that happening, then that one remaining culture is inevitably going to be lumbered with that image.” –David Hatton
Info from Search Engines:
Anti-Americanism
Anti-Americanism on Youtube:
Click me.
Books written on Anti-Americanism:
Click me.
Okay fine… good luck with your crusade.
Thanks.