Quoth Weedon Broon: "How many Americans does it take to screw in a light bulb? One. They hold the light bulb and the world revolves around them."

As an American pained by American foreign policy, I say, thanks for that amusing bit! At work, the entire office inclines toward the left -- my supervisor will enjoy that!

The best example of obliviousness I've seen was when the late Charlton Heston debated the old Christopher HItchens and proposed the U.S bomb Iran without being able to name Iran's neighboring countries. Imagine dropping a bomb on San Antonio without factoring in its proximity to Mexico! I've oten thought Americans should be required to pass a geography test before being allowed to vote in national elections, but that's just me and, no, I'm not serious.

Yes, if you try to discuss Marx, or quartets by Schoenberg, in a bar in Seattle, SF, Portland or NYC, you're likely to trigger a fistfight. Sadly, the rest of the country's worse -- we need fairer media to change.

Jeremy, New York,

I have yet to meet anyone who is afraid to visit the USA because of the proliferation of firearms or evangelical Christians or the widespread availability of fast-food outlets ! On the other hand not many people viewed a visit to the former USSR with anything other than trepidation - however much they professed to admire the "achievements of socialism". Not that many people seem keen to visit Saudi Arabia or Burma come to think of it.
The USA is king of the roost at present and the guy at the top always comes in for sustained criticism (at best) and adolescent hatred at worst. Goes with the territory. US citizens - be of good cheer ! Support the constitution and resist all attempts to water it down for whatever reason : its the best "shining light" on the world political scene so far.

David Thomas, High Wycombe, UK

I've been reading these comments and many of them seem to be grouping Americans into a large category of gun-toting, arrogant, hypocritical Christians. Well, I am an American and I do not own a gun, I believe in religious freedom for all, and I at least make the attempt to tolerate other cultures. The primary reason I am writing this is to remind people that America is a diverse place where different ideas and beliefs are allowed to flow freely from one individual to another. I did not vote for George W. Bush and I certainly do not support his disastrous foreign policy in the Middle East. A change is certainly needed in respect to our leadership and I am very hopeful that the next President of the United States will do a much better job.

Cameron Cline, Welch, WV

Elizabeth, Brit in NY: Those who live in stone houses should not throw, er...stones?? It is a fact of physics that wood has about 20 to 27 times the insulating value compared to stone, depending on the exact type wood or stone. Stone/masonry buildings have nice features (I prefer them), especially against leakage or air infiltration when well-constructed, but they are energy WASTERS unless they are well-insulated on the inside of the outside walls when they are compared to properly constructed wooden frame dwellings. Do Google searches on the thermal conductivity of wood/stone...When we Americans have strayed from the principles of the Revolution, the Constitution, and free-market capitalism, and instead followed what is "politically correct" that is when we have gotten into trouble. Our domestic policies should cease stealing from those who work and using the US Treasury as a charity. Our foreign policy should mirror the above principles and not worry one whit whether we are "liked".

Stationhunter, Cincinnati, OH

The concept of rugged individualism runs deep in the American psyche. Every man is responsible primarily to himself and for himself. We do not rely on others to watch out for our welfare. We do not rely on our government to take care of us. We are not responsible to others. We are not responsible for others.

This self-reliance is often misinterpreted as selfishness and arrogance.

Times have changed. Rugged individualism is no longer necessary for survival. It remains, however, a part of our psyche--a part of our ethos. We are a young country going through an uneasy and sometimes angry adolesence. Give us time and we'll mature. (That's not to say that individual Americans are immature, only that our collective psyche is going through a time of great change.)

If you want to genuinely understand America, for god's sake, don't go to the movies. Don't turn to the mainstream media. Instead, perhaps, you might start by reading Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America."

Pete Black, Idyllwild, California

America's biggest flaw, in my view, is a cavalier, juvenile attitude to wealth, which feeds into her treating of homes, land and our planet as a theme park. You see it in the "donut" effect that hollows out the inner cities while untold acres are destroyed to create a bland car-riddled suburbia. From New York-Boston, or LA-San Diego, there is literally no countryside left - 200 miles of suburbs. They build flimsy wood homes in the extremes of the New England climate, that need to be heated and cooled with brute force, unlike our English stone ones - working against nature not with. They see wealth that is earned as a right and not a privilege - land as a playground not a stewardship. It's the flipside of a gloriously can-do attitude to enterprise, that if you win the rat race, that grants you total license. Fortunately it is changing as this young country gains history, maturity and tradition. God willing the whole country (or planet) won't be destroyed before she grows up fully.

Elizabeth, Brit in New York,

Simple fact: everyone hates bullies.

JOHN CHUCKMAN, TORONTO, Canada

It's stupid hate the US, but they are not idealistic. The problem is they are very strong but lose wars since 1945 and this is a great problem for the West. If the Us bomb Iran, are you sure they win? This is the question now.

piero, rome,

I've no particular love or hate towards America, there are lots of countries in the world. Nevertheless some of the bile and rubbish being spouted here is incredible. From petty comments about American sports declaring themselves World Champs to downright lies blaming them for Rwanda. And the people who bang on about them being Christian yet ignore the fact that there is freedom of religion there. And I've never heard of a US priest declaring a fatwa or holy war like the peace loving religion. What's Islam's contribution towards peace on earth at the moment? As for China sort out Tibet and help the Burmese people before you have the neck to hand out criticism.

Mark, Liverpool, England

"Hate" is not the right word. "Despair" is a better word. The great nation where 80% of the entire population will never own a passport because 'everything we need is right here at home'. The rest of the world, meanwhile, laughs on YouTube when US citizens (taking part in a poll on who they should bomb next) contrive to confuse Tasmania with South Korea & Australia with North Korea. How many Americans does it take to screw in a light bulb? One. They hold the light bulb and the world revolves around them. Let me give you an example: the US considers their home sporting champions to be 'world champions' .They call their best basketball team 'world champs' and then are confused when their national team is regularly defeated at the real World Championships & Olympics. As mentioned above, we do, all of us, owe the USA our undying gratitude for their intervention in the Great World Wars - but never forget that they only did so once they themselves had been attacked directly.

weeden broon, Glasgow, Scotland

Omar, "resources management" aka, the overseer whipping the slave more like.. or is that not what you meant? While my nation isn't perfect, it managed to rise above the hatred and bigoted caste system that too many in the old world feel the need to rationalize. Now if only we can resist it, America will survive/

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI, US

As a citizen of the UK and infrequent visitor to America
I do not want to generalize about Americans. What I
will say is thank goodness for American military might
and for its willingness to use that might. In the 20th
century it was that might that saved Europe from Nazism
in the 1940's and from communism in the 3 decades after.
I thank America for not having to live under either Hitler or
Stalin - and I suspect one day we will thank America for
its tough stance on Islamic fundamentalism.

Mark, Loughton, Essex, UK

As someone who was born in Spain, moved to the States age 7, moved back to Spain age 17, then went to university in the UK (where I now reside, age 24), I feel I am in a good position to share my thoughts on this subject!

Every culture I've experienced, I have criticised certain cultural attitutes and certain political aspects. But I have also found a lot of commendable things. And I think Europe can learn a lot from the US in some fundamental ways

Sure, the US is a diverse place, but there is something very admirable about a lot of American values. Like the way merit is rewared. Education, creativity, skills and talent are valued. When you fail, you are given second, third, fourth chances to prove your worth. And yes, people are friendly and welcoming.

For the person who said 19% was a low statistic - it's actually HUGE. Next time you're in a crowded place, start counting every fifth person. Picture all of them agreeing to leave their home for the US - says a lot, doesn't it?

NH, London, UK

I don't think you can love or hate America (or even Americans!), as both the country and its people are too diverse.

Educated, responsible Americans are extremely educated and extremely responsible. When I was in business, my favourite customers to deal with were all Americans.

But at the same time, there are too many which would make the skin crawl whichever country they lived in. The kind who are proud never to have travelled or even owned a passport. The kind who mistake an accident of birth for talent, or worse still righteousness. The kind who support the IRA as a bunch of romantic freedom fighters but will tolerate any collateral damage in the fight against al-Qa'eda terrorists. The housewife (found my Louis Theroux) who wears an apron with two custom pockets, one for the Bible which forbids the taking of life, the other for her handgun.

When these people have the upper hand, America becomes a flaky, unpredictable partner. When they don't, It's a delight to deal with.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswae, UK

I can only speak of the people who I know, and we live - for the most part - on the west coast of Canada. We don't hate America or Americans. We have very serious issues with direction that the US Government is taking, and we can find Americans annoying. One of the common factors of the US Government and citizens that most annoys me is their hypocrisy. Chris from Brandon and Mar from San Diego both show it in their posts. Mar says "We have never proclaimed to perfect, nor will we ever, ...". But you, as a nation do. You take credit for things that others do, and as a nation you hold yourselves up as an example to the world - eg democracy. Do you really think that the rest of the world should emulate US presidential elections? And yet, US policy is to have US style democracy in Iraq & Afghanistan. Canada could show the US a thing or two here.

If the US worked as hard to improve itself as it did trying to impose itself on the world, the US might find itself better liked.

Harry, BC, Canada

I've been blessed by the experience of being able to live in, and visit countries from the far east to eastern europe. My basic opinion of people is that for the most part they are all wonderful. With a few real jerks tossed in. On the few occasions I encountered a real anti-american my reaction was to shrug and think; whatever. This always infuriated the grieved party who usually represented a country whose last brief shining moment was sometime in the bronze age. Usually, as an argument beyond question that america is evil, the challenge of; "what about the atomic bombing of Japan!" was used. The look of consternation when I would point out that, yes we dropped the bomb, but only to END a war that had been started against us, had to be seen to be believed. I would then get a blank look and a repeat of the accusation as if they hadn't heard a word I said. Ignorance trumps rationality every time. I don't want the world to hate us, but I am not going to loose any sleep over it either.

Joe Thornton, Warrenton VA, USA

Those who think they hate the US should reflect on why the US has been so successful. Fertile land, natural resources - yes, but other countries have those. The US could easily have ended up like Brazil. Ask yourselves, what does the US do that makes it successful? Free markets, capitalism, individualism, democracy, religion, hard work, the assumption that the state exists to serve the people? A willingness to fight for these ideals?

I think people dislike the US partly out of envy and partly because it is a living refutation of their prejudices.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Whether non Americans hate or love the USA, most of them do NOT , is ultimately immaterial !
The really important question is whether Americans LOVE or DO NOT LOVE it . for a great deal will depend on and result from that .

If I were an American I would fiercely HATE America not because of the many negatives that it does, but because of the HUGE positive it can do but fails to do .

BY any standard the USA could have been the proverbial God's paradise on earth;

With the huge human resources of science at its command, the practically bottomless material resources it owns and with Resources Management a brain child of American ingenuity the USA could have done wonders ,.

NOT in Armament and NOT in space, but in Medecine, Social Security, Education ,Labour relations,Environmental protection and overall nonmaterial human progress!
Since all of these being less cost effective than Armament the USA opted for Arms!
I would HATE the USA as a mega LOST OPPORTUNITY!

Omar I Nashashibi, Amman, Jordan

I totally concur with the comments made by L. Brehm from Spring, Texas. I grew up in the U.K then lived in Canada for 15 years before moving to the U.S. 20 years ago. There is so much more to the United States than fast food, obese people and criminals. When I read this type of column I wonder if the writer left his hotel room. I spend time in the U.K and Canada every year and each time I visit those countries I really miss the 'can do' attitude of the American people. Canadians complain about U.S. foreign policy, yet they never seem to notice that they have dropped off the world stage and that no one seems to care what Canada's foreign policy is. According to statistics there are more Canadians and Mexicans moving to the U.S. than Americans moving into those countries. What I don't understand is, if the U.S. is so hated, then why do so many people want to come here?

Emily, Seattle, Washington, USA

America is a landmass. Be angry with those Americans who support a governement that has damaged the international standing of their nation, particularly when about half re-elect the leader who was the cause. Of course, it only needed 30% of UK citizens to re-elect Blair, who is as guilty as Bush. At least Congress changed leadership. I was born and raised in the UK and became a US citizen (and, am white and middle-class!) after 25 years of working here. Yes, the death penalty is disgusting so is the lack of universal healthcare. But the level of political and press openness created by the unique powers of the three branches is wonderful. Growing up, I was proud of UK society and its values; how many are left? Until Bush/Blair, when the UK and US acted together, they usually had right on their side That joint credibility has been destroyed. People in glass houses should be wary about which stones they cast

Howard Miners, West Palm Beach, Florida

People DO hate America if they happen to be living in any of the areas where America's heavy hand brushed over them; as in the MIddle East, South America or Indochina
IN all of these areas America has been the ally and the mainstay and protector of the aggressor, the despotic and of the corrupt.
The natives' fight against external domination and exploitation is STILL a LIVE issue in these regions and the anti imperialism struggle always ends with the USA confronting public opinion.
An American quirk that has a lot to do with the general loathing of America is the US propensity to assume that people should support what America supports , fight what America fights and ,in general, reflect American attitudes ' likes and dislikes IRRESPECTIVE of what their own conditions demand.
For a long time the USA assumed that the anti Communism/USSR fight to be the major concern of all'.
BUT it was NOT.

Omar I Nashashibi, Amman, Jordan

The argument in this piece is utterly meaningless.
You could use the same argument to say that the British Empire was loved wherever it went.

Of that 19%, how many were in the lowest tax bracket?
How many were non-caucasian? How many were unemployed? How many were aspiring recently graduated prospective employees?
Most of the above have no reason to stay in England.

I wouldn't imagine that well-to-do Royalists would pick up and relocate to sunny California!

Sean, Nagoya,

I don't deny that many who hate America are out of envy, but America have to reflect on itself too! Obesity, gun-toting... Every country has its own social problems, but no other countries in the world are like America that pursues its own interest without concerning others. (Irap, Kyoto, Guantanamo and many more!)

Several years ago, just after the nighmare of 9-11, the world was in a mood of sympathy toward the Americans. But only six years later, the hatred, or at least dislike of America gets such a worldwide scale acrossing cultures and continents. Why are you losing your allies and friends one after another? Only when a superpower does not behave itself, will envy turn into hatred!

I'm not saying that the American people should bear the responsibility of their failed foreign policies, but you people have to reflect on yourselves instead of accusing the world of being jealous! Don't be self-deceiving!

Yan, Beijing, China

"Why do people hate America?"

1) Hiroshima and Nagasaki
2) Native Americans
3) African Slavery
4) Rwandan
5) Philippines
6) Arabs Middle East

Just to name a few.

stanzler, ny, usa

The US grass is still greener
People might hate America but that doesn't mean they wouldn't move there
Gerald, I think that the header needs a change. It is not America but few American people do not like. Let me cite some names that are loved. How about J. F. Kennedy, Abe Lincoln, etc. What happens is that the politicians now have become greedy. If Tony Blaire was a good politician, I would have put in the line with Churchill. However, can I? No. Therefore, I will not sat British are all liars. It is some, who make the error, that too a very lousy lies we are fed up of. Similarly, the case is valid for the USA. Mr. Bush is the one who has lost the popularity and we do nit tyink that he is neede by his own circle. The veto he uses like the magic wand is too much for many. Then he calls this democracy. How can you veto everything and tell the countries to go democratic way.


I thank you
Firozali A.Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa

Firozali A.Mulla MBA PHD, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

"Hate" is an awfully strong word. I certainly don't hate America, and I know no-one who does. However, I do include myself among the many who are not impressed by it. Move there? Not a chance. It offers far less than what I already have at home. It does offer more of certain things though. More crime, more militarism, more commercialism, more dogmatism....the type of "more" 's I would rather live without. Preoccupations are so obviously focused on making money and spending it. There is little about America that feels solid, in the social sense. The place gives me a strange feeling of hollowness.

So many problems fester away ...wildly high governmental and personal debt, terrible problems with illegal immigration, no national health program, a mind-boggling gap between rich and poor, skyrocketing education costs, aimless foreign policy...it goes on and on.

America has not learned how to share and distribute it's wealth among it's own citizens. In the end, that will be it's downfall.

Rick, Montreal, Canada

Yes there is a lot of bias against America, however, most people wish they live in America, I know I do. I have lived in the UK for years now and I am under the impression that my standard of living would be much higher if I lived in the US. Lots of Brits living in the US would say the same, after all most of the UK actors, entrepreneurs, models etc etc have relocated to the US. We mention Iraq as though the UK did not support the US in the alleged "War against terror". At the end of the day living in the US is far more desirable than living in the UK.

Funke, London, UK

You're thousands of mile away from Iraq. You can attack them because of terror. But you can stop Turkey to attack them because of terror. So how can't we hate US?

Y.Ziya G., Turkey,

Most people in the world disdain America out of envy. Europeans like to be taken care of by the State, not the Americans. The Americans like their money in their pockets. America is the only country in the world where production is rewarded with pay, not with "social benefits". Americans are the most ethical and generose people I have ever met, I never saw them drunk and vomiting or fighting in the street, I never saw anyone with a black eye or with bruses because of a street fight. America is not a country stuck in a glorious past, missing the present and afraid or unsure about the future but a country that is constantly looking to the future with a positive attitude. Are they religious people? So what? The muslims are full of "it" about their religion and nobody dares to say anything why should we bash America for their Christian faith? I love America and I'm not achamed or afraid to say so. I wish I could live there out of love not out of economic convenience.

Fabio C, London, UK

I don't hate America. It's their bull in a china shop approach to international diplomacy that makes my blood boil. Is the average American responsible for their government's antics? No. The USA isn't any more a democracy than Russia, China or even the UK!

Do I want to live in the USA? Never. I've seen a little of the USA. Nothing I saw made me hanker after living there. I'd rather live in Canada, where I found an awful lot of Americans. What a surprise?

Mike, Epworth, UK

When I read the old cliches about Americans as gun-toting neanderthals I just chuckle. I was born and raised in the USA and so were all of my relatives and most of my friends. No one I know fits this stereotype. We have our share of problems and we're not too thrilled with the current crop of leaders in our country, but I wouldn't live anywhere else and I think most Americans share that sentiment.

I really have to laugh about Kyoto as being a possible annoyance directed at America. The nations that signed on to this Treaty have failed to comply because it's impossible to comply. Of course, from the American perspective, it was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to punish Americans and make us pay because everyone knows we're responsible for global warming! Absurd!

Americans are sick of hearing about how the rest of the world hates us. Perhaps America should just take care of its own and let the rest of the world fend for itself. Now that would be a first!

L. Brehm, Spring, Texas/USA

I think 19% is actually a remarkably low number...what is the author's justification for the assertion that it's a high number?

Laurence Moore, London, UK

Can't you all find a better sport than American bashing?
It's so over used, so tired, and quite frankly so unimaginative.
We are all sick of your whining, moaning, etc about all things American. We have never proclaimed to perfect, nor will we ever, but when you English lot can, please let us know your secret.
Any country that mocks the fact that people say "have a nice day" as if it's a negative thing? You all have much bigger fish to fry, as the saying goes.
I'm out.
Signed:
Happy and positively optimistic,
One American who would NEVER move to England.

mar, San Diego, , CA, USA

I will say first off, this is a very interesting article. However I would like to say as an American that I feel many judge us as a people by what they perceive Americans to be from TV or movies. Number 1, I dont own a gun. Number 2, I work out 5 days a week and stay away from fast food. Number 3, I don't pound the bible every week. We may not have the best foreign policy, but I will tell you that this anti-Americanism hurts; especially from people who we think are our allies. At least in this country, women are respected, and can become CEO's or companies. (Let see that happen in Iran) You have the right to practice what religion you wish to pursue with out being jailed (China, or maybe Middle East). And like the article says, you can be rewarded for how hard you wish to work in this country and get paid for it; unlike the government taking your money as in Communist countries. I think the majority are jealous that they dont have these opportunities and justify it by insulting the US.

Chris, Brandon, USA