"Vulgar," "uncultured," "ignorant" and "greedy" are some of the more common adjectives that Britons use when describing Americans, according to the findings of a new poll published today in the Daily Telegraph. Ironically, those same adjectives can be used to describe the Telegraph's editorial board that thought it necessary to conduct the poll — with the help of YouGov — just in time for the 4th of July. Perhaps the better story, which the Telegraph chose not to report, is that after 230 years, Britons continue to begrudge the United States for that pesky revolution.
The Telegraph reports (gleefully):
As Americans prepare to celebrate the 230th anniversary of their independence tomorrow, the poll found that only 12 per cent of Britons trust them to act wisely on the global stage. This is half the number who had faith in the Vietnam-scarred White House of 1975.(. . .)
More than two-thirds who offered an opinion said America is essentially an imperial power seeking world domination.
There are two messages that Britons are trying to send here: the explicit message — America's agenda conflicts dangerously with that of the international community; and the implicit message — the international community, minus America, seeks to promote the "greater good" while America seeks to obstruct it.
For Britons, and much of the European and international communities, America's meteoric rise to hegemony - or domination - on the world stage is an intolerable affront to their own hegemonic aspirations, as evidenced by this and similar polls. A brief look at America's rise to power, and its subsequent use of that power, demonstrates the utter asininity of these views.
As World War II came to a close, so too did the days of isolated governance. National agendas came to have global repercussions, which allowed the dominant nations to determine the paths and policies of weaker states. In other words, during the Cold War years, the US and USSR made history, literally.
On the world stage, the unmatched power of either nation gave rise to a bipolar world — where two dominant powers exist. The rest of the international community were forced to choose sides in the conflict in order to protect their own interests against the potentially aggressive policies of one or both powers.
The disintegration of the USSR — which nobody expected until after it happened, despite what many academicians would have you believe — propelled the US to global dominance, at which point the unipolar world that exists today was born.
Ironically, many experts believe that despite the shadowing threat of nuclear holocaust, the Cold War years marked a time of stability for the international community for the simple fact that there were two dominant powers that counterbalanced one another. And this is where the poll comes back into play.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Bryan McKay
And what does the evil United States ask in return for these generous gifts?
Well, in the case of many African countries (and other countries around the world), we've asked them to implement wide-reaching structural adjustment programs that have crushed local economies and enforced a sort of neo-colonialism. But that's not so bad, is it?
We do a lot of good, but it's silly to ignore the fact that we do a lot of fucked up shit too. We're not a perfect country. There's a lot that we do and a lot that we have here that I would never take for granted, but part of loving your country is recognizing its flaws, isn't it?
2 - zingzing
a little rosey-eyed, don't you think? it's possibly half-true until the last three paragraphs, which is where things get downright silly. what do we ask in return? business, baby. m-o-n-e-y. where do you see our money and time flowing? not into a financial black hole, that's for certain.
yes, yes, things have been much worse than they are under the u.s.' thumb. yet, europe's 19th century imperialists could argue similar points
we don't protect our interests for nothing, because the world just isn't that simple.
3 - Mr. Real Estate
Most of what we do overseas has to do with expanding free markets overseas, which benefits our business interests at some point. Most of our international relationships are based on potential monetary gain for US business interests. Of course, with the value of our currency, the dollar, waning, and inflation deflating its value daily, the world isn't as supportive as what we have to say, but they are buying our debt and our real estate.
4 - Bliffle
Yeah. Well, I waited in vain for the Superior Europeans to do something about the mess in Yugoslavia a few years ago. And Kuwait? They've relegated themselves to bystanders, to fans, standing on the sidelines watching others, cheering and booing.
5 - Dave Nalle
Bliff, don't forget Darfur which Europeans fucked up and which they absolutely refuse to do anything about.
As for m-o-n-e-y - we can't make it unless other countries have it, and part of what we do when we go looking for ways to make money internationally is find ways to improve economies in developing nations so they have something we can make money off of. That's usually not such a bad idea.
Dave
6 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
There is only one real problem with this article. It is written by an American from within the United States. There are too many misperceptions in it as a result.
If I were to write this article, or Howard Dratch (who lives in Mexico and who recently posted an article on the presidenial elections there) or perhaps Chris Rose, it would have a greater level of credibility to it. We all live outside of the United States and have some clear idea of how America affects the world outside of its borders.
I'll not get into an argument over a poll taken in Great Britain. I have experienced anti-American sentiment from Brits before (many years ago as a tourist), and have read of it expressed to Americans in Britain. It is no secret that America is not the most beloved of countries.
But to understand this at all, you need to spend time outside of the United States as a resident of a foreign nation.
7 - Christopher Rose
Dr Politoco's argument is based on a shallow surmise anyway. Never in all my years has anybody anywhere ever expressed that they "begrudge the United States for that pesky revolution". I don't hang out with the Queen, mind you, but everyday people, no way. That's just one of the many misconceptions prevalent in the USA.
Personally, I love the country but there's no denying the simple fact that, being a young nation, its world view is, by definition, somewhat juvenile. That's not even meant to be a criticism by the way, just a simple fact.
People who talk in such shallow terms as this article "aspires" to, just display the very juvenile perception to which I refer.
Final reality check: The Daily Telegraph is a staunch right of centre newspaper that nearly always supports the right against the left. It has no axe to grind with the USA and usually supports it.
8 - HelixFelix
And what does the evil United States ask in return for these generous gifts?
generous gifts? The ONLY reason the US does most of what it does if for their own gain. Nothing to do with gifts. When in history has the states done anything that doesn't directly benifit them?
and though the article does point out many things the states has done, I see it as the problem. These supposed "Gifts" could also be someone's curse. the states could very well crush a country without lifting a finger. ex..
"European states benefit directly from the $80 billion worth of yearly financing that America provides for NATO."
And when the states disagrees with a country on something, they threaton sanctions on that country if they dont' do what the states wants. The states is not some saviour coming to help the world. They are governing it, ruling it with force and making everyone fear them. I personally think they damage more then they've ever done any good. But what can you do? nothing becuase as soon as someone trys to stand up for it, they just silence them in some way. The people of the US really need to look at it from other countries positions rather then sitting there enjoying everything the states has to offer . They'd be singing another song if the table was turned. For once in your self-obsorbed/selfish lives think about someone else.
9 - JP
Dr. P,
What a bunch of malarky. Chris' word "juvenile" is appropriate here--America has indeed benefitted Europe, and parts of Asia, while decimating the Middle East. Not totally evil, not totally good--just like every other country in that respect.
"America has been a benevolent ruler"??? Gee, I wonder why the world perceives Americans as arrogant?
Of course, you'll probably ask why we should care what the world thinks. Maybe because we're part of the world community, whether you want us to be or not.
10 - Dr Politico
JP,
"Of course, you'll probably ask why we should care what the world thinks. Maybe because we're part of the world community, whether you want us to be or not."
Don't put words in my mouth.
11 - Thomas
Would you buy a used car from this country? I know I wouldn't.
The US - as a political entity - shows ignorance, aggression, ruthlessness and poorly veiled hidden agendas further decrease its credibility.
This time in history will be looked back upon as the darkest time ever in the history of the United States. You thought the Red Scare and Nixon was bad? Just wait and see this baby unfold.
The US have weapons of mass destruction, invade countries without valid reason or backing from its allies. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people die because of the US' war waging. How is that a benevolent ruler? And what gives it the right to be ruling anything in the first place?
There is nothing that can excuse the way the US is acting on the global scene. Apologists like the author of this article only serve to further degenerate the image of a once great nation.
12 - Deano
Bluntly the article itself (No offence Doc) is superficial in its reasoning and, I think, presents beautifully that particular Amero-centric view of the world, one relatively devoid of a strong sense of history or international politics and filled with a smug, self-satisfied air. In short, it provides a good example of why the US so often finds itself in the unenviable position of saying "What? What'd I do?" to the rest of the world in hurt, incredulous tones...
The United States is, without a doubt an exceptional nation that has brought a tremendous amount of good to nations around the world, both on purpose and as an accidental by-product of its existance. The converse is also true.
The US is an economic empire, not a geographic one. It's imperial strengths lie in its unfettered capitalist approach, and the democratic, transparent and legally supported systems that maintain these capabilities (financial, political and economic), from the grassroots to the heights of international finance.
It is not benevolent. Nor is it manifestly evil. Yes, the US has ruthlessly exploited markets for its own advantage, deliberately fostered and maintained repressive regimes in the interest of surpressing political and ideological competitors and to secure its own resources and economic way of life.
Also yes, the US has also exported its ideals, its knowledge, its progressive systems supporting individual rights and liberties, supported and established international and multilateral insititutions, opened up economies and worked to reduce oppression and abuse.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that any of this has happened because the US is any more altruistic then any other nation. It is not. It is an empire, pure and simple, as stupid, selfish, arrogant, unaware and blundering as any other empire in history. If you think you can claim a "moral" superiority due to some exceptional element inherent with being an "American", well think again. There is a long line of failed and dead empires behind you that thought exactly the same way. You are not new.
If you weigh it on the whole, the US has probably been collectively a force for good, improving the overall human condition and the lives, liberties and societies around the world. It has had a huge impact on the structure of the global economy and its successful economic model is now being adopted by its former ideological opponents.
But not because it is benevolent.
13 - gonzo marx
Deano makes some excellent points...
and leaves me without much to add, except perhaps an Historical comparison to be utilized and contemplated as a Metaphor...
Rome
nuff said...
Excelsior?
14 - Mark Edward Manning
Dr Politico, good and thought-provoking article. Being a "Yank" in England myself, I can never escape the national mood here and it stings sometimes, though I have gotten used to it. You're right, the Brits will never get over our independence. Funny - they decry our "imperialism," yet would have been perfectly happy to have asserted theirs on us!
It's funny that The Daily Telegraph chose to engage in that cheap shot journalism, considering they, along with The Express, are the most pro-American, conservative paper to be found here. But most Brits read the The Daily Mail (populist) or The Guardian or Mirror (left-wing), and get all their news and info from the BBC or other Leftie-controlled terrestrial TV channels, so this bias is not surprising. Most people are too lazy to recognize the political agenda behind the news they read and hear, they take it at face value.
15 - Christopher Rose
It's a popular misconception, particularly amongst Americans it seems, that the BBC is leftist but it isn't.
16 - Victor Plenty
The only Americans who think the BBC is leftist are the same ones who think the right-wing Fox News really is as "fair and balanced" as it claims to be.
17 - Clavos
Most who watch Fox News do so because it's a welcome antiphone to the constant whining from the leftist media.
The BBC is worse than leftist; it's smug and patronizing.
18 - Arch Conservative
Ummm the only Americans who don't thinkthe BBC is leftist are the ones that think Castro is to far to the right Victor.
It's funny watching lefties say leftist organizations aren't leftist because they believe they are centrists themselves.
19 - Amanda
"America has been a benevolent ruler"....this unconsciously-ironic label goes a long way to explain why mistrust of the United States (and sometimes outright contempt) is prevalent in western democracies from New Zealand to Britain to Canada and back again. The trouble with propaganda is that you wind up bel;ieving your own bullshit.
20 - Patrick
I have lived in the United States and Britain and other western democracies and I can confirm that "ignorant", "uncultured" and "greedy" are indeed common perceptions of us overseas, not just in the UK. You could also throw in "arrogant". In part, these assessments are the result of cultural differences but in part there in also a measure of truth. Americans can be overwhelmingly friendly and generous as a people but there is a level of cultural blindness, political naievete and world ignorance that is either laughable, embarrassing or incomprehensible to many educated people overseas. Instead of railing about ingratitude, it might be more useful to examine why the United States is perceived as ignorant, greedy, uncultured or arrogant. Let's face it, you might be grateful to the uncle who rescues your family from the burning building or puts up the cash to help the family business. That doesn't stop you cringing if he's a loudmouthed drunk telling rascist jokes at parties and groping females half his age. This is hyperbole, of course. But it's intended as an illustration that the right to criticize or cringe is unrelated to whatever supposed good deeds have gone before. Americans have many marvellous attributes. Unfortunately, the ability to look at ourselves analytically is rarely one of them.
21 - Dave Nalle
Like you, Patrick, I've lived in many countries around the world, not just in Europe and not just democracies. What I've noticed is that the resentment of Americans is generally a newer trend and mostly among younger people. People of my parents generation seem to have much more of an appreciation for what America has done for the world.
I've also noticed that resentment towards America as a nation doesn't always translate into resentment of Americans in specific. A lot of people are awfully friendly to Americans when they really don't have to be while still holding beliefs which are very negative about the nation itself.
Dave
22 - Mark Edward Manning
"It's a popular misconception, particularly amongst Americans it seems, that the BBC is leftist but it isn't."
Eh, Christopher? The BBC is very leftist, and I have seen no proof whatsoever that it's not. Of course, as Clavos stated, it is smug and patronizing, so how could it be anything else?
The BBC's news is so obviously tainted and biased against anything American, even a 10-year-old couldn't fail to notice it.
The Beeb's defenders might say they're just encouraging individual thought. Yeah, right. Pass me the lastest issue of Pravda while you're at it.
23 - Mark Edward Manning
"Americans have many marvellous attributes. Unfortunately, the ability to look at ourselves analytically is rarely one of them."
Patrick, we could also feel guilty about every single negative point in our history and be quick to dump on our own country, and only ever feel patriotic and wave the flag at sporting events like the World Cup (as if that's the only reason to ever feel proud) - which they do in Britain.
Maybe Americans do need a balance, but I'll take pride and forthrighteousness over soppy, liberal-guilt ridden mopiness any day. Maybe that's why, even though I'm not overly fond of them, I understand the French a lot more than I do the British.
24 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Mark,
Patrick's line below says it all in 18 words.
"Americans have many marvellous attributes. Unfortunately, the ability to look at ourselves analytically is rarely one of them."
He's not talking about dumping guilt, he's talking about looking at America's policies analytically - two very different things.
You know Clifford the Big Red Dog. He's helpful, he's friendly, he's playful... But the show never shows him taking a dump - the shit would be bigger than one of the houses on the island he lives on. And of course nobody ever smells his dump, epecially not Clifford....
Well America is like that. Americans are helpful, friendly, generous, etc, but America is like a big red-white-and-blue dog that takes huge dumps and cannot smell its own shit.
That's the problem with Dr. P's. article.
25 - Christopher Rose
As far as I'm aware, the resentment towards America began during WWII. I wasn't around at the time but there's a line from that time that says "What's wrong with Americans? They're over weight, over paid and over here!"
However, as Mr Nalle correctly pointed out, it's entirely possible to be peeved with America without being churlish to Americans.
I can't explain the thinking of people like Mr Clavis or Mr Manning but they're both simply wrong. What exactly "forthrighteousness" is I'll have to leave to others, it's a new one on me.