(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As people are likely well aware if they've read many of my posts, I am British and while I'm proud of the social ideals of my country they're far from perfect. There are many issues with the UK and one of the worst is that it's constantly emulating USA, in all the worst ways. I feel national pride is stupid, being proud of your country for no reason other than you being born there is pathetic. Have pride in your country for things it does that you actively support, for it's growth and development, not for it's mere existence.

So... with that it would be fair to say I hate the United States of America, but I don't far from it. I both love and hate USA, it's a country that brings both the best and the worst out in humanity and depending on my mood I have two ways of considering USA

The first, fuelled by my anger is the most common view people see from me, and is the one I feel the strongest. It's far from a good view and any honest American should be able to accept what I'm going to say...

USA is a self-absorbed country filled with arrogant people convinced their country is "number 1" when it's anything but. They're generally uneducated, racist, extremely homophobic and the further south and further inland you go the more stupid, racist and homophobic they get. They seem to think communism is evil, even though most of them have no idea what it is. They seem to thing atheism is evil, even though most of them have no idea what it is. All the working class vote Republican even though that party clearly stabs the poor in the back whilst propping up the rich, saying they don't want to support "leeches" when in reality the social programs they oppose would benefit them and their families the most. They're ignorant of foreign cultures and customs, obsessed with an isolating USA only mentality and they're extremely xenophobic. They prop up sports like Basketball, Baseball and NFL which no-one outside USA gives a shit about whilst ignoring international sports like Football and Rugby which they simply don't understand, yet they make out that sports is one of the most important aspect of American culture. They disrespect other peoples media, expecting us to buy Hollywood blockbusters but remaking every foreign film and TV show because they're convinced they can do them better, which they never do. To top it all off, they're ridiculously, even offensively Christian saying things like "God bless America" as if they're the only people in the world who are worth considering. They're ridiculously ignorant, they deny evolution, refuse sex education and insist on inserting God into everything, then they act like God has always been there, such as on their money, in their pledge etc. and become deeply offended at the mere concept of removing this religiosity. They treat Atheists like they're cultists and treat other religions like they're delusional yet expect us to always respect Jesus. Lastly USA is filled with liars. They have universities devoted to "creation science", psychics, alternative medicine and endless superstitions and conspiracy theories. Everyone's opinion is expected to be treated as though it's "equal" and science if given no respect, unless your opinion is "liberal" at which point your ignored and labelled anti-American. Still this doesn't stop people posing as scientists to support something, for political or financial gain, especially Republicans and their mouth-piece Fox News. In general American scientists are unreliable, their politicians are always scapegoats and their news-media is purposefully dishonest to the point of propaganda. The people are wilfully ignorant and act with a sickening sense of entitlement while having little to no compassion for anyone else, often thinking only for themselves, with a culture based entirely on greed and the profit motive.

This is an accurate description of USA, and if you disagree, you're simply wrong... I'm sorry if that's upsetting but it's true. But it doesn't have to be like this, this is nothing more than a regurgitation of my frustrations. This is how I see USA in the back of my mind, and why I feel so strongly about it.

USA is a nation of innovators and is genuinely exceptional in ways that put it up their with the great empires of old. While it stands as the far unmatched military might of the world, it's military bloated and unnecessary in my opinion, it doesn't use this military to actively oppress or conquer. While misguided occasionally, the US military is deployed as a peacekeeping force in an attempt to secure freedom and liberty for the world, and it is, in principle an inspiration to us all. There is room for improvement, but in comparison to all other nations that have risen as a superpower militarily, USA is by far the fairest and most reserved. But it doesn't stop there, USA is exceptional in business and economics. When it was founded USA was the leader of the agricultural market, exporting sugar, cotton, tobacco and corn at greater amounts than any other country. It quickly became an industrial power in the 1900's and was the centre of innovation and invention. In recent times, it has housed some of the greatest minds of the 20th and 21st centuries, and is the centre of the information age. With only 5% of the worlds population, USA produces almost a quarter of the worlds GDP. USA produces 3 times as much in exports and GDP than China, the next most productive country in the world, with less than a quarter of Chinas population. Whilst I may not like the ideals of Capitalism, in practice, they work and USA has proved this. But while wealth is great, anyone can make money. Scientifically, I must hold my hands up to USA and say that, while I find their scientists deplorable as they lack a proper method of peer review and greatly damage the good name of the scientific method, science is one of the strongest cards USA has to play. The population on average may be stupid, but some of the most intelligent and capable people are Americans. USA produces more scientific research papers and journals than any other country by far, in fact they make more than Canada, Japan and most of Europe combined. UK the second most scientifically productive country in the world, produces on average 1.5 million scientific citations per year, USA produces on average 6.1 million per year. While I question the quality of many of these that's still an impressive devotion to science that I feel truly inspired for. More than 90% of medical research is done in USA, and inventions are far too numerous to mention. USA has been responsible for the invention of refrigeration, the digital computer, the aeroplane, the communications satellite, the liquid fuelled rocket, the transistor, lasers, carbon-dating, the credit-card, carbon-fibre, kevlar, the compact-disc, the integrated circuit-board and not forgetting... the video game (yes, they where an American, not Japanese invention). The Americans also landed a space shuttle on the moon, mapped the human genome, discovered the quark, and was the first nation to perfect animal cloning. To deny the genius of USA is to wilfully lie. It is such a shame the general population of USA cannot appreciate the brilliance of their country, but it is a real inspiration and one that other countries really should move to emulate. Culturally USA is a triumph with the best films, TV shows and music of recent times being all American productions, while the vast majority of American productions are awful, the very best of modern media is usually American, but media isn't what culture is all about, it's a measure of the ideals of a country. USA is a country founded of principals that even today would be considered revolutionary. Some of the most proudly held values of the United States are values I hold as the most valuable of society. Freedom of speech, separation of church and state, innocent until proven guilty, the demand for a free press, the right to vote, the right to protest, the equality of human kind, and the constant fight for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The constitution and the bill of rights are a testament to American idealism and what all should strive to. Do I agree with all of the ideals in those documents? No. But if I where an American I would feel a true sense of pride in such thing. As a British person I can say with absolute honesty, if I where alive in the times of George Washington, I'd have been on that boat with him. A true visionary and I hope every American at some point tries to live up to his idea of America, it's an incredible nation...

So there we have it. I think it's fair to say I respect and admire USA, while at the same time I hate and despise it. Why? Because in this world, if there's any nation that will be at the front, ready to take us to a new enlightenment, a second renaissance, it will be the United States of America, but for this to happen, the country needs to change. It's public needs to respect science and recognise the incredible feats of science it's country does while they still can, because if they don't Europe, China, India, Japan and Russia will... our national respect for science is growing, USAs is shrinking. USA needs to break away from religious dogma. In the early 1800's USA was one of the least religious countries, a haven for atheists and freethinkers, a true secular society and this is why it was so great. To see it become 'Jesusland' is depressing. With a little effort, some social reform, some liberal thinking and some more focus on the more important things USA could be great again. If USA could focus more on education, institute universal healthcare, cut military by a huge amount and a institute a more progressive tax system, it could become the envy of the world.

There's a reason I focus so much on USA. It's the most influential country of our time, everything that happens in USA effects my country and my life, but more than that. USA is a country with such potential, it could become a beacon for everything I hold dear and everything I respect, but at the moment it strangles my values and is reverting to ideals that I consider painfully barbaric. USA brings a tear to my eyes, it was so close to being my perfect country but every day it moves further away and becomes a corrupted and warped version of everything I hold dear.

I've heard people tell me "You have no right to an opinion. You're not an American, you have no idea what it's like here", and they couldn't be more wrong. They don't know what it's like outside of USA, they're self absorbed ignorant arrogant Americans and I HATE them. They are a symbol of all I hate in USA, and why? Because I likely know more about their nation than they do, and I appreciate it so much more. I hate Americans not because I hate America, I hate Americans because they're not good enough for America, and they're destroying my American dream.

Thank you for reading my post, I hope it's given you something to think about.

This is the problem. If you think America is "Number One" you're simply wrong.

How does the United States rank up:
- According to the CIA the United States ranks 46th in Infant Mortality rate. (Taiwan scored better).
- On the Human Development Index (a combined score of Life Expectancy, Literacy, Uni Enrollments and GDP), the USA ranks 13th.
- On the UN Happiness Index, tied with France, United States is again 13th.
- The International World Health Organisation ranks United States at 37th in the world for Healthcare.

OK. I'm being unfair here, there are a few things that USA is ranked first in.

United States has the highest military spending budget of any country in the world.
United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialised world.
United States has the highest prison population per capita of ANY country in the world.

So what does this mean. Well...
USA - "We're Number One, We're Number One, We're Number One at restricting freedom".

Now, do I have anything against you having pride in your countries achievements... no not really, but honestly, the only way a country can improve is if it's very much aware of it's flaws and USA has MANY MANY flaws. I hope you take this thread to be critique of the USA nationalism which is spreading and not just mindless hatred of America and reflect on it. Thank you for repkying.

Well I mean all the time playing ps3/xbox at night I always get flamed by Europeans and I know its the same the other way around. I'ts just those dumb ****s in both our societies who give there own society a bad name. No what I mean?

---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 AM ----------



I know America isn't the best county but is any country really the best? Every country will have its strengths and weaknesses.

Actually, yes.

Ranked 2nd in Infant Mortality rate, 1st in Human Development Index, 1st in UN Happiness Index, 4th for Healthcare by the World Health Organisation. Highest number of computers and internet connections per person in the world. Lowest prison population per capita in the world. Lowest murder rate in the world. Second lowest teen pregnancy in the world. Second lowest STD infection statistics in the world. 3rd lowest carbon footprint in the world, and 2nd highest atheist population by percentage in the world.

This country - Norway

That's probably the closest to the best country in the world right now both in terms of prosperity and happiness. Sure, they're not the very best at everything, but when they are beaten its by someone different in every catergory. In every way that matters Norway is always one of the best, and often the best.

It's actually quite annoying for me as my family would have been decended from Vikings, so naturally, my family are Norweigien but I'm stuck her in the UK where we have idiots like the EDL causing shit, the conservatives in power and a national debt that could beat Wales to death (and I don't mean the animal). But we need to make changes, see the things we feel need improving and set a good example. Where possible change the minds of friends and family, if you're able; campaign and make sure freedom, liberty and progress grow... after all, if we never try to improve our countries no wonder we're not number one, and we can't all run away to Norway, there's just not enough room (and they don't speak English; well most of them do actually because they learn it in school, but that's not the point).

I don't know if its media bullshit or what, but from your view is it true that 90% of people from 3rd countries want to come to America?

Actually, yes, there's a big media perception in most countries as far as I'm aware that makes USA seem like the "American dream". The idea that you can show up on an American costal city and so long as you work hard, you two can be rich and successful. That propaganda is still very much spread, especially in places like Philippines, Brazil, Cuba, India etc. but USA is far from the only country with that issue.

In Europe, both France and UK have MAJOR problems with immigration, far more than most. The thing is, every prosperous county has immigration problems.

The country that actually has the biggest immigration issues currently is Mexico. While Mexicans going illegally to USA is an issue as USA is generally more prosperous, Mexico is still a fairly rich country in the Americas (by the way outside of USA, "America" means the whole continent, so Mexico is part of America just in case thats confusing).

Some of the poorer countries in America such as Guatamala, Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Colombia often have people fleeing north, (or in the case of Colombia east to Brazil). Mexico is far easier to get into than USA and it's no where near as poor as some people think.

Ironically, another country with major immigration issues is Canada. A lot of Europeans suffering with this recession have family in Canada and are moving over there and it's one of the few countries with greater prosperity than USA so there are actually Americans illegally skipping the boarders into Canada.

I guess I don't hear about immigration in the UK because, well, I don't live there :p And I wasn't confused about the America thing. I always found it funny that Canada owns more America then America does.

****ing words of wisdom man.