(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 by far the best post I've ever read on any forum anywhere in my whole life. I live in the U.S.A., I'm atheist, and I hate how this country is going. I plan to move out of this country as soon as I'm finished college. Nearly every single thing about this country bothers me, especially the views of our politicians. They're all selfish arrogant pricks who only see things from the "right" standpoint. I hate both political parties, I disagree with half the views of both of them. Every time I hand someone a 1 dollar bill, 5 dollar bill, 10 dollar bill, 20 dollar bill, or any kind of currency and see "In God We Trust" on it, it makes me sick. This country was founded by atheists, and it should have stayed that way. Where the hell does the constitution draw the line? Where is "Separation of church and state?". It's so blatantly obvious how much Christianity is favored throughout the government of this country.

I could talk about how many things I hate about this country all day. Just wanted to post and let you know, people living in this "great country" also agree with your views. There's just not a thing we can really do about it.

I'm glad you found the post worthwhile and feel so strongly about this issue, but have you considered trying to improve the country. USA is quickly heading towards a brain drain if everyone graduates then immediately moves out to more progressive countries, leaving only the unintelligent and ignorant to run the most powerful nation in the world. USA needs the intelligent, the educated and the godless, you're an important aspect of the checks and balances of the country. Remember if every person who holds your view was to leave, USA would revert to the image of the drunk red-neck in a wife-beater top and trucker hat, living in a trailer park drinking beer and shooting tin cans with his gun to pass the time... do you want that future for your country? Change it. Only after you're sure you can't improve it should you flee... after all, like I said, if any country was to pioneer a new enlightenment, it would be USA.

pspgamer77 - Consider yourself fortunate to have the oportunity to choose if you stay or leave the USA. I too have this freedom - but at a much higher personal price.

I was born in Zimbabwe - Africa, and came to California to study Electronics becoming an engineer and in time a US citizen too. I now live in Australia having married an Ausie I met while studying in Texas.

My early life was founded on Colonial British ideals (and there's much to like about this foundation), the next 14-years in America slowley changed my primary focus from what TornadoCreator seed as bad about the USA to all that is good. The primary catalyst of this change was the people I met and the frendships I now have across the USA. Sure they and I don't always see eye to eye on issues of global significance - but it's often because they (or I) hav'nt taken the time to develop and informed an opinion. There is a lot to like about the collective good in people in America - and this plays out in how generous they are as a nation - most notibly the restraint in exploiting their overwhelming military advantage.

Australia is a and blessed country too which struggles between three major influences - Its British roots; It's American influence and alliances and more recently its geographic connection to Asia. My new country is carving out it's own destiny somewhat European somewhat American but increasingly with a hint of Asia. This is not bad - actually quite refreshing.

Armed with this life-experience - I'd like to echo Tornado's advice to stay home and change what you can from within. You will probably only make a small dent and maybe only in the lives of some 20-200 people you interact with but it's worth doing.

Good luck in deciding where your destiny lies.

I don't agree with the Patriot part. I don't like what England has and is becoming. It's ****ed up and is far from repair. However, I still want to join the military and serve the country. Not because of how it is, but because of what it is. At one time we were a great nation. Having colonies and the history we have had. Don't really want to lose it. I agree with the American part though. They are not really clues up on anything outside of USA. They are number one this, best this and that. They won't budge from their opinions because they are brainwashed. However, I like the look of USA. I think it would be a great place to live, but the fact that 90% of the people are brainwashed and seem arrogant, doesn't really make me want to move there any time soon.

I've never understood patriotism. I have absolutely no desire to fight for imaginary borders and what my country's politicians believe in, for example, I think it's barbaric and stupid. Tbh.

This is a massive over-generalization. As someone who lives in the United States, I can tell you with complete confidence that this is not true for all Americans. For some? Absolutely.

America is far from perfect, but this over-generalization, be it in the positive or negative view you have, is not entirely correct.

Some people in America are ignorant, as are some people in every nation. Some people in America are exceptional, as are some people in other nations.

I agree. Besides, our politicians don't live the way that the average American lives, they are rich and many of whom may have not started out rich but are rich have forgotten the reason why they are in politics.

This idea that America believes it is so great needs to end. We are powerful but as technology becomes even better and the division between each country weakens we are slowly being drawn in and becoming more alike or similar in power to one another. It is our customs and culture that is different.

To be honest, I find a lot of things wrong with this country and a lot of things great about, end result though. When I have the chance, I am leaving it.

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I am not brainwashed from the ideas of America. I actually reject many of the ideas that are put out.

What I hate more than anything is we have a thing called separation of church and state. In school we are forced to say the pledge of allegiance, who says we have to be loyal? Ohh, our politicians who force us to go to school or else our parents go to jail, the people who force us to learn this and that when instead people could be learning industrial or laborious skills.

I swear, as I am a non-believer in religion, although I don't reject the possibility of it being true, the fact that we must say "Under God indivisible" just shows that church and state are not separate like it should be. Either go by the damn book or don't go by it at all. There are too many exceptions given in this country.

I'm not saying we are entirely bad but there are things that needs to be fixed. All countries have issues just like us, but all countries have some sort of good or good reasoning behind it. (not counting those under dictatorship).

The descriptions are meant to be generalisations, one is the negative view I have of USA based on all the frustrations I have building up, the other is an idealised view of USA that is slowly breaking down. To get my true opinion of the country, you have to blend both together. Really, the "as someone who lives in the United States" statement is unnecessary, as I've said, I likely know more about US history, politics and law than most people who live there so it's a pointless statement. Granted you'll be privy to information I'm not but honestly now, you know my descriptions are painfully close to reality, so are you perhaps trying to defend your country from a perceived attack?

I'm not trying to be facetious here, nor do I want to start "America-bashing", but I feel there's major changes that need to be made and the American people don't seem to see that. At the very least I hope the post made you think. Remember, your vote gives you a say in how the most powerful country in the world is run... despite the endless effects it has on me, I get no say at all.

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You could stand in defiance, refuse to take the pledge. They cannot force anyone to take the pledge of allegiance, and I know people who have refused. I know one guy who at 14 refused moved to a new school and refused to take the pledge of allegiance, he even refused to stand for the flag. When asked why he responded;

"I will not stand and salute our flag while it's being desecrated. The United States stands for freedom and liberty but we're not doing that. I refuse to pledge allegiance to the United States until gay people can marry, the government repeals the patriot act and 'under God' is removed from our pledge. The founding fathers would be ashamed of you for ignoring everything this country is founded on, and so am I"

When the school tried to punish him, he called newspapers, sued the school and won. He got $3,000 in compensation for undue emotional distress and victimisation due to a political opinion and the school had to allow students the option to opt out of the pledge.

Normally I don't agree with suing people/entities, however that made a smile beam across my face