The New Anti-Americanism
On Point recently did a show on the new Anti-Americanism. While Anti-Americanism has existed since the country emerged as the world’s only superpower, the program stresses the differences and dangers of the current situation.
Anti-Americanism could be brushed off in the past because it was a small, if vocal, group espousing the idea. The problem is now that Anti-American sentiment abroad is no longer countered by a general population with positive feelings toward the US. Positive thoughts, even in America’s allies, are now difficult to find.
Take, for example, Turkey. Ten years ago it was one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with Turkish support of the US at over 90%. Currently, support for the US is less than 9%.
From the show’s summary: You want to know about anti-Americanism in the world? Here’s the unhappy conclusion of a big-time panel of Republican and Democratic heavyweights, out yesterday: “America’s reputation, standing, and influence are at all-time lows, and possibly sinking further.”
Never in our history, says the report, have we, as a nation, been so poorly regarded in the world. And that has consequences. When America tries to lead, who follows? And if America stands too much alone, can it possibly prosper? Can it ever be safe?
As an American who moved abroad in 2003, this show was particularly interesting, as I’ve seen and experienced first hand how dark foreigners thoughts have become about the United States.
[click here to listen to On Point: The New Anti-Americanism]
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Original photograph from the Wikimedia commons.
November 24th, 2007 at 3:53 am
This post was thought provoking. It led me to e-mail a friend in Turkey which has sparked a wonderful and positive discussion on the topic. Thanks for the great post.