Newsweek: America the Ignorant

[Particle Man]

When the top news stories are about Cylee Virus and Paris Hilton or whatever, it's no wonder others hate us.

[t-homo]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

When the top news stories are about Cylee Virus and Paris Hilton or whatever, it's no wonder others hate us.

truth.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

When the top news stories are about Cylee Virus and Paris Hilton or whatever, it's no wonder others hate us.

I've heard this sentiment a number of times, but seriously, is the somewhat loosely established preference of our population toward entertainment rather than a poorly defined something else really any kind of valid reason for those "others" to hate us? Even if that premise does hold up as valid, what is that "something else" Americans need to focus on instead that would magically temper the rage of those "others"?

[Papa_Complex]

When has anyone actually needed a 'valid' reason in order to hate?

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by goof2

I've heard this sentiment a number of times, but seriously, is the somewhat loosely established preference of our population toward entertainment rather than a poorly defined something else really any kind of valid reason for those "others" to hate us? Even if that premise does hold up as valid, what is that "something else" Americans need to focus on instead that would magically temper the rage of those "others"?

Something that isn't as materialistic/superficial?

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

When has anyone actually needed a 'valid' reason in order to hate?

I'm not picking on Particle Man because as I said I have heard the sentiment elsewhere, but the phrase "it's no wonder others hate us" is to me a validation of the assertion.

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Something that isn't as materialistic/superficial?

By whose definition? It seems those who are most vehement about their hate of the "West" would put anything that isn't studying the Koran and plotting the deaths of infidels in the materialistic/superficial category.

[Avatard]

Originally Posted by goof2

I've heard this sentiment a number of times, but seriously, is the somewhat loosely established preference of our population toward entertainment rather than a poorly defined something else really any kind of valid reason for those "others" to hate us?

Everyone hates a privileged dumb blonde, with a shallow personality (see: "White Chicks").

Originally Posted by goof2

Even if that premise does hold up as valid, what is that "something else" Americans need to focus on instead that would magically temper the rage of those "others"?

Empathy, concern for others, compassion, charity, acceptance, kindness, and friendship (guessing here).

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Avatard

Everyone hates a privileged dumb blonde, with a shallow personality (see: "White Chicks").

I have a passive apathy about them, not the active hatred I see from some toward this country.

Originally Posted by Avatard

Empathy, concern for others, compassion, charity, acceptance, kindness, and friendship (guessing here).

Which nation displays these qualities better than America, especially when compared to those nations who hate America the most? I also don't see these qualities mentioned by or embodied in Muslim extremists as they actively seek to attack America. I think your guess is wrong.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by goof2

I have a passive apathy about them, not the active hatred I see from some toward this country.



Which nation displays these qualities better than America, especially when compared to those nations who hate America the most? I also don't see these qualities mentioned by or embodied in Muslim extremists as they actively seek to attack America. I think your guess is wrong.

Agreement

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by goof2

I've heard this sentiment a number of times, but seriously, is the somewhat loosely established preference of our population toward entertainment rather than a poorly defined something else really any kind of valid reason for those "others" to hate us? Even if that premise does hold up as valid, what is that "something else" Americans need to focus on instead that would magically temper the rage of those "others"?

Maybe it's the fact, in and of itself, that the "something else" IS poorly defined...