Genocide, forced sterilization, human medical experiments, repression of free speech, repression of freedom of religion, repression of the press, racism, forced labor, invasion of neutrals, imperialism, concentration camps, military atrocities...a list evils from the Nazi regime? In fact, the United States has been guilty of or accused of being guilty of all of the aforementioned acts. So how can we pledge allegiance to a flag that represents such a poor record in the world? Isn't that much like saying our bedtime prayers to Darth Vader?
Is the United States no better than any other country? Is the United States actually a force for great evil in the world? If so, how can we change from our wicked ways?
--Cicerone
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This is a difficult question and a difficult topic for most Americans. I think that at the end of the day, we aren't much better than many other countries. Being a world power doesn't somehow make us an authority on morality or on what is considered evil and what is not. I think that as Americans we need to acknowledge and recognize our faults and flaws and work to be better, instead of pretending like we're somehow better than everyone. I think that's why many other countries dislike us. We come off as arrogant and snobbish. No, I don't think the United States is evil, but I do think that, like many other countries, we do certain things for our own personal interest but try to say that we're doing it for the greater good of the world. So basically, I think we should acknowledge our wrongdoing and be upfront about our motives.
I agree with Mahssa. Although I think we, as a country, have good intentions, sometimes we just end up making things worse and making ourselves look bad. And in return, most countries don't really care too much for us and the country we live in. Like Mahssa said, we don't have evil intentions and I don't think we do things with the intent to harm/do bad, but sometimes we do act selfishly and that ends up getting us in a lot of trouble.
We need to come to the realization (as a country) that we are no better than anyone else and I think it would probably be in our best interest to work harder to improve ourselves and learn from our mistakes and past.
While I don't think that the US is necessarily a force for evil in the world, there are a lot of things about our country that bother me. One of the main things that bothers me is that the US constantly plays a world police of sorts. What gives us the right to do this? To add to that, the US acts like its doing this for the "greater good" as Mahssa says, while it really has selfish intentions.
The US needs to accept that it may not have all of the answers to all of the problems in the world, all of the time, and that it is not the world's police.
Almost every country in the world has a track record such as the one cicerone used to describe the United States. Yes, our "great" nation has made many mistakes in its young history and yes, we have been misguided in several of our endeavors. But, at the expense of sounding too idealistic, our nation is also one with many opportunities and benefits that can't be found anywhere else in the world. It is up to the citizens in a government system like ours to lead the change and reform that we wish to see.
On the other side of the coin, our military leaders and politicians may act in ways that we do not agree with and commit many of the acts that stain the reputation of our nation. But, we have the right to protest (among many other personal freedoms) which does set us apart from Nazi Germany or "Darth Vader" and his empire.
Our nation is still very flawed and because the government system is so large and relies on so many people mistakes are bound to happen and actions may be taken that are not popular (or smart).
I do not think the United States is a great force of evil. Like all countries, we have made mistakes, but I do not think that America should be condemned because of this.
I agree with Ali that the United States is a nation full of opportunities. As a woman, I am greatful to live in the United States because I have more opportunities than women in other parts of the world.
Yes, the United States is the root of all evil.
JUST KIDDING! HAHAHAHA
okay...that wasn't funny.
ANYWAYS - I agree with everyone else. Every country is guilty of some sort of nazi-like 'evil' doing and it isn't fair to point fingers at the US just because it happens to be the world power at the moment. I'm sure that once another country 'takes over' (like China...) we'll all be pointing fingers and laying blame on EVERYTHING to it instead of the US.
And as Ali said, the US is still 'the land of opportunity.' Although many people hate it, there are just as many who love it and see it as a place to improve their lives. There's really nothing to change...i think...
Sure America has had its stains, what nation hasnt? We could play the "Well they did THIS" game with other nations poiting out even worse aggression, but it still doesnt excuse our own nations faults.
But lets look at the flip side of the coin, the GOOD america has done in the world and compare that with the lists of the other evil regimes. I think ours is quite a bit longer.
And the motive behind the majority of our wrong doings, is typically found at a root that desires a better good for the U.S at the lowest possible casualty/collateral rate.
America is not the only one that has things wrong with it. Why is it our responsibility to take care of all the worlds problems?
As one of the world powers and one of the greatest countries in the world, we do have a right to have pride in our country. yes, there are many people who are arrogant and refuse to see any bad in the united states, but you will find that everywhere.
if the world was not so dependent upon us, then we wouldnt have to half the things we do and then get all the blame if we make a mistake. maybe if the other countries started to do things for themselves, they wouldnt be able to blame us
I agree with Mahssa and Lawren. America has made mistakes, but so have many other countries. Also, America is made up of human beings, all of whom are not perfect. So the world cannot expect America to be perfect -- we are going to mess up sometimes. I also agree with Janey in that America does not always know the right solution, and they shouldn’t act as the world police. But i do think that people should appreciate all the good they've done and not always focus on the bad.
I agree with everyone else, the United doesn't have evil motives and doesn't intend to inflict harm on other countries. I think the U.S has good intentions but at the same time I think the United States as a whole can be too idealistic. It is not realistic for the entire world to have democratic governments and it is not up to the Unites States to see too it that all governments are fair. I think this is the problem with our country which makes other countries around the world not like the United States so much. The U.S makes mistakes however I think that other countries dwell on the mistakes because of America's role as a super power.
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