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Monday, September 03, 2007

Anti American people or their government?

Normally, I am tolerant of negative views about my country. I don't like that they exist (I believe most people have some nationalist sentiment toward their home nation, wanting it to be favorably perceived), but, knowing arrogance is an enemy of truth, I don't wish to engage in defenses of my nations where I might exaggerate its good deeds, and downplay its bad. I do, though, wonder if the negative views are fair in the relevant contexts to the given issues they come from. My way of dealing with it is usually self deprecating sarcasm.

What actually bothers me more than the negativity, which is prevailing, but more depressing than irritating, is what I consider two be the major offenses to intellectual honestly, and thus respectful criticism.

First, The United States is a constitutional republic: A government of public representatives, all of whom are constrained by constitutions, state and federal, as they are and may be amended. Although not loyal to the literal definition of the term, it is what many people have come to accept as a form of "democracy."

Understanding that, the distinction between the people of America and their government, so as to give some absolution to the former, is peculiar, but often not strongly believed anyway, apparently, by those trying to separate the two. Either American indifference, apathy, laziness, etc., is very much responsible for their government's actions, or they are pawns who can do nothing.

The second offense is an insincere compliment: While sincerity isn't always easy to ascertain, sweet words which apply broadly, and have little or nothing to do with the history, including any positive actions by America's government, do not come across as complimentary of America, but to friendly people in general.

Saying you "love America's mountain ranges," after making myriad condemnations of the nation, even praising its people's character, is not equitable.

If the intent is to not come across as anti American people, talking well of what they've done as a nation, not just their hospitality and their nations' geological make up, goes a long way. Otherwise, it would show more respect to not bother.

8 comments:

ononotagain said...

Real intellectual honesty would have you admitting that the criticism levelled at the actions of the US is WARRANTED.

WFG said...

In some, perhaps most, cases it is. The legitimacy of the complaints is hardly the issue here. My post has mostly to do with the balance of the criticisms. If one cannot make a good effort to be balanced, then he shouldn't try to.

Saying American people are nice is not equal to saying America is an evil imperialist nation which rapes the world's resources.

I am primarily asking that people either come up with a better compliment, or not compliment at all.

Q Jordon said...

The other consideration that is missing, is the fact there is another faction of Americans that do not believe in this Adminstration, nor the war it has started.

America, as a whole, is very diverse. And to lump the country into one mindless, brainwashed, neo-conic swazstika wearing group of thugs is a slap to those of us that realize what piles of crap we have in the White House.

I just realized, I do not have enough toilet paper to wipe my ass of these bungholes.

P.S. And I am not going to waste another tree to create more bungwipe. HOSE ME!!!

Q

Anonymous said...

Eff you are so full of bullshit. As a nation we have the power to change the direction of this country. So, as a nation, we have chose to let this administration do what it chose to do. We have a responsibility as citizens to criticize and to praise. You talk about balance, there is not balance. To ride the line between is simply cowardice. You choose to play both sides of many issues. Which in turn, creates much hypocracy. Sorry, but this is not a balanced nation. It is evident and criminal. Looking at the issues with rose colored glasses is lunacy.

WFG said...

Anonymous said...
"Eff you are so full of bullshit. As a nation we have the power to change the direction of this country. So, as a nation, we have chose to let this administration do what it chose to do. We have a responsibility as citizens to criticize and to praise. You talk about balance, there is not balance. To ride the line between is simply cowardice. You choose to play both sides of many issues. Which in turn, creates much hypocracy. Sorry, but this is not a balanced nation. It is evident and criminal. Looking at the issues with rose colored glasses is lunacy."

When you learn to read, let me know, because responding to your delusions about me is quite difficult. I play to intellectual honesty. I didn't absolve America, I gave a personal feeling about the criticisms, not a statement on their veracity. The request to not be given compliments of a forced nature, such as seeing we're friendly people, is well within fairness.

Oh, and I agree, we do hold much responsibility for who's in office and what that person does.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous AKA ArchieWanker get back into your cage!
Funny that you accuse others of cowardice when your greatest achievement in life has been to avoid military duty.

ononotagain said...

So far, thinking people are anti-american Govt. However, as each day passes, and we get closer to attacking Iran and WORLD WAR, the blame shifts closer and closer to the american PEOPLE!.

Why haven't you STOPPED THE FUCKING MADMAN YET?

You can claim "I didn't do it!" loud and long.

The world will ask "Why didn't you stop him?"

zombiemaster said...

This blog wouldn't stop a fight in a preschool playground!

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