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Debate Battle! America in the world, good or bad?

December 11th 2007 18:32

As an American I am wanting a debate as to whether American influence in the world right now is a good thing or a bad thing. Of course, there are nuances that would say both, and it is impossible to say that American influence is either all good or all bad. What I want to draw out is the following:

What is good about American influence? Culture, films, food, political influence, perceptions, etc...and what is bad along the same points. I am certain had this question been posed prior to the "Bush years" it would have drawn a much more American-friendly repsonse then I expect it to now. There are many, many things I love about my country. And many things I do not. Lately, the "do not's" seem to be growing much faster.

So join in, and tell me....is American influence worldwide good or bad?

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Posted By: Jeff Musall - Category: No Category

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29 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Harry

December 11th 2007 21:44

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Zoo Parent

I think on the whole they are a good influence. Who else would police the world if they do not. Although they have made many mistakes over the years, some would argue most of them in the last 5 years, can you imagine a world without them?

Comment by Dexter

December 11th 2007 21:46

How would WWII or the Cold War have ended without America? They are a great example of what a thriving democracy can achieve. We all complain about American Culture but even those who complain still consume it.

Comment by Arnold

December 11th 2007 21:49

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Celluloid Notes

They have certainly been responsible for the mono-culture that passes for world culture. It's a shame that so much diversity has been lost.

Comment by Jeff Musall

December 11th 2007 22:50

Good points so far...I think there is very much positve that America has represented, and I think it is important for those of us who live here to strive to keep it that way....we need to stop allowing our country to be a front for mult-nationals and big corporate interests, and we must stop being so easily manipulated by the fear-mongering of the neo-conservatives. As for culture, one can only hope that some cultures are able to hold on to enclaves of their heritage, pieces of their past.

Comment by katyzzz

December 11th 2007 23:11

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MS Paint Art

America is good, America is bad. Greed is not Good. Praise the Lord.

Comment by Damo

December 12th 2007 00:24

Three things make America visible.
Film and Television.
Money and Wealth
Foreign Policy

All three have been areas of friction since the end of WW2.

The world does not look upon America the same way as American look up itself.

America has the same problem thatevery large visible nation or empire has. What is good domestically does not always translate into what is good for the rest of the world.

Comment by Norm

December 12th 2007 00:50

Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power

This is one of my pet topics too.

They've all been neutered.

Comment by Harry

December 12th 2007 00:50

Sydney Diary
Personals
Brisbane Diarystar
Zoo Parent

In terms of your average guy on the street one of the main good things that America has done is come up with a huge proportion of the science and technology that drives modern life in every country. Imagine life without computers, microwaves, the internet, mobile phones, and so much more. The world would be a very different place.

Comment by Lilla

December 12th 2007 01:16

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Jeff,

I am going to be brave enough to be the first to say that I do not find the American influence on the world a positive influence at all ... and have to agree with Arnold, that so much diversity and true culture continues to be lost in trying to attain the American dream, which ultimately harbours little virtue, only empty consumerist promises.

To me, it is just another greedy colonial outpost that got lucky and I believe it did so, because of the one thing I do find positive about America; and that is that as a nation it honours the earth once a year in Thanksgiving. Mighty powerful stuff ... too bad you guys can't elect a government who'll come clean and temper that with real pollution control.

Lilla ...

Comment by Mal

December 12th 2007 03:03

Mal

The great thing about America is they killed the native American Indians so that Al Gore's ancestors could live a peaceful Little House on the Prairie American life, give birth to him, and he could live a life of luxury, travelling the world, talking about caring for the environment and get a Nobel Prize for it. And watch John Wayne movies on Foxtel in Paris. If only McDonald's had been created earlier. The native American Indians wouldn't have had to spend so much time hunting for and preparing their food. They could have had Foxtel and computers in their teepees and ordered takeaway online. Hell they could have got their children to work for McDonalds. A white talent scout could have discovered them working there and put them in a Hollywood movie with Bruce Willis. Die Hard 29. Where Chief Sitting Bull comes back to life paranormally of course. And he's angry that his children are on welfare and all the beef cattle are being used for Big Macs and he has to shoot humans at US Colleges because there's no animals left to hunt. And he gets arrested but OJ Simpson defends him, and he gets off on a technicality and goes to shack up with Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Only after having a sex change so they can indulge in a lesbian romp. And it's put on U-Tube at the Superbowl. And David Beckham and Posh and Tom Cruise and Brangelina are there cheering everyone on. And the half time entertainment is Jack Nicholson v Hilary Clinton in a jelly wrestling competition, sponsored by America's Next Model. Hilary wins and gets paid $58M for a shot of her with Monica Lewinsky sharing a hot dog.

Is that enough?

One McWashington, hold the apples.

Comment by Cibbuano

December 12th 2007 03:33

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I think there's a lot of underrated, underexposed American culture that doesn't make it out into the world. Personally, I find America full of beautiful landscapes, interesting people and great food.

Comment by postmoderncritic

December 12th 2007 03:41

Postmodern Critic
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Padsoc

I think America has had a very positive influence in world affairs and will continue to do so. The language on human rights, democracy and fairness that Americans have introduced into the world is something that I value very much, even though I don't agree with many of George W. Bush's black and white views on the world. That said, I support the Iraqi war and am glad America decided to sacrifice the lives of its soldiers as to give another nation the power to elect its own government.
I don't mind the advent of McDonalds and similar franchises everywhere, as I think there is still room for plenty of local culture. I am, however, concerned that America is setting a bad example by not signing the Kyoto Protocol and being reluctant to support the slowing of climate change.

Comment by Norm

December 12th 2007 04:48

Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power

That really puts the critic in post mortem.

Comment by Lester Caudill

December 12th 2007 21:25

Round Politics

I think America is the greatest Nation on earth, and the world would not exist today as it does, if it was not for America. Who does the world look to lead in the time of trouble to? It's America

She has come to the rescue of other nation to save them, and their heritage, now without any thanks. Seems to me America should be appreciate, and her kindness remember.

Where do most of the people in the world want to live? America. So I think America is a very good influence. Other wise why would or friends love us so much?And our enemies desire so greatly to destroy us?

Comment by Damo

December 13th 2007 03:29

I think America is on the verge of being past its used by date as a world power and influence.
Jingoists may disagree but the history of every empire has been to rise up, appear to be invincible and then implode.

There was a time when the British Empire claimed to rule the world but it imploded.

China and India will take up new positions as the dominant world powers and financial capitals. Even Russia has the potential to regain much of its former glory.

Now we can be very nostalgical and weepy about the end of the USA super power, super economy status but like the collapse of the British Empire, The Roman Empire and the Mongolian Empire its end is inevitavble.

I see nothing more special about the USA than any other nation on the planet.

Comment by Jeff Musall

December 13th 2007 05:25

I agree, Damo....the future holds a much different place for America then the post WWII time proved to be. I see two powerful blocs emerging....Europe/Russia and China/India. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out...

Comment by Lester Caudill

December 13th 2007 12:29

Round Politics

If America slips out of Super Power status it will be because of the Liberal Democrats, atheist, and ACLU.

They are cancers in America eating away at here foundations.

Like it or not America is still the best thing this earth has to offer.

Comment by postmoderncritic

December 13th 2007 12:57

Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc

Funny, Lester Caudill, I see those elements as amongst the most productive in US society... just goes to show how different two people can be.

Comment by Jeff Musall

December 13th 2007 18:17

Wow, Lester...
As a liberal Democrat, an Atheist, and a card-carrying member of the ACLU, I must represent evil incarnate to you...just don't forget, I'm an American too, and I want an America I can be proud of...where science is honored over dogma, where it isn't a de facto requirement to be a "chrisitan" to get elected to high office, where children aren't taught that dinosaurs and people lived together, where the high promise of stem cell research can be realized, where dominionists don't thrust American foriegn policy down the throat of the rest of the world, where I could actually travel the world and feel proud of my country. I want an America that joins the rest of the developed world and provides universal health care to all its citizens. An America that doesn't spy on it's own people and spread fear and hate. An America that under no circumstances condones torture.
I might agree with you that America has a "cancer." But I would say that it is the dogmatic right, personified by the most universally disliked president in American history, and in those who without question or reservation blindly follow him.

Comment by Damo

December 14th 2007 02:38

Lester
Like it or not your view of the USA is not shared by the rest of the world.
That is because you are not on the recieving end of America's greatness.

Let me see:
Torture, War in Iraq, support for dictators, deposing democratically elected parties. No respect for the Geneva convention, creation of black site. Guantonemo Bay, no right to a fair trail.
Black Sites
Aid used as nothing more than career moves for highly paid NGO's.
World Bank used a career reward for NeoCons.
Aid distribution in Africa linked to birth rates(Clinton's time)
Corporate sweatshops in Asia in freetrade zones.
Cruise Missiles that hit the wrong targets and kill civilians.

Yet perhaps the most gauling is food aid stamped with 'Gift from USA'. Let us keep humiating the poor and making them feel poorer.

Yes we can all see these thing are what make America great.

Comment by Cibbuano

February 4th 2008 02:11

Hunt Famous
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Fat Cult
Techbreak

hmmm, I don't think that America is the best thing the world has to offer.

Comment by Anonymous

January 5th 2010 01:30

i think that american overall is and has been a good influence on the world stage. its easy to pick out the bad as it is in mostly everything but if you draw back and look at history.. the main theme is positive. it was able to set up a fantastic form of government and started everything from the ground up. such documents as the truman doctrine outline and describe alot of reasons behind helping other states.

Comment by Better Safe then Sorry

June 22nd 2010 07:42

Let me just say wow... i'm a true blood American and i think the biggest problem in this country is the lack of understanding on the political stand point. As for politics im split down the middle and see that both sides have valid arguments. But as Damo(if citizen), Jeff and Lester have so kindly shown us the real one and only problem in the US is the quick criticism and lack of understanding dealing with politics and views. Each side has its place and need we need Science just as much as we need Religion. Religion gives the US the moral heart that drives the US to be the largest distributer off foreign aid in the world. Science gives the US great innovations to lead the way in the global market as well as health care. As for the wars i support them 110% with out science we would not have cutting edge weapons to defend the rights of people across the globe and what gives us this drive to do this is our moral base which is greatly influenced by religion. America is great for two reasons the people who reside within her from all different nationality's and beliefs, and the drive that powers us to defend our beliefs and all those who cant defend theirs.

The world turns and we all stare up at the same star the light that powers all human kindness and evil our future resides there in the havens. With vessels or wings the future for man is up.

Comment by Senpai

August 7th 2010 18:24

From an objective perspective, USA has been instrumental in shaping the world as it is today and that is a fact which i personally believe is irrefutable.
USA has strived for peace, fighting terrorism, drug-trafficking and through the U.N., USA has contributed immensely towards sustaining peace throughout the world.

However, there is also a dark side. USA, through its CIA, in a bid of bringing down communism, had resort to many unscrupulous acts, like installing dictators n then assassinating them when they are obstacles in USA's path. So that is not decent from a country supposedly promoting democracy.
USA also did not sign the Kyoto Protocol which highlighted an attitude unworthy of the world's biggest polluter.

Overall, I feel that though USA's past is not untainted, it is the country which has strived more towards the welfare of the worldwide community.

N.B. : I am not an American and I tried to make an unbiased expose as far as possible.
Feel free to argue with any of my points, I welcome your opinions and arguments.

Comment by Anonymous

August 10th 2010 20:04

As an American I think that its all about balance. Why can't any one else see that? Too much or too little is bad. That's the bad. And for the first comment, the world doesn't need to be policed. The world has been just fine for millions of years. Policing is not the answer, its just a band aid over the real problem, which is an inability to accept people that are different.

If we could all just ACCEPT that we are all different and its not a bad thing, we would be much better. I didn't say you had to LIKE people that are different. You don't have to be around them you don't have to kiss them you don't even have to know them. Just accept that they are there, they aren't going away, and its not your place to make them.
That and corruption in the world. There should be a system in place that allows the people to decide what is the best for them. Not those bred for the position. Think about them apples.

Comment by Anonymous

November 29th 2010 14:56

jo vic

Comment by Anonymous

March 30th 2011 02:56

America is like a paradoxical woman. She is free, yet she is blind. She is just as long as she rules all. She loves diversity, but she shuns oddities that are unfashionable. She's nice to you and feeds you, but her mood swings to a radical "I'll blow you up if you piss me off." She loves that I am free to be me, but she would rather me be a clone of you.

Comment by Anonymous

March 30th 2011 02:56

Comment by Anonymous

April 14th 2011 04:07

US is nothin right now especially with china helpin them big time. The US owes everyone money and think its fine to make their grandchildren pay for it

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