Not a week passes that I do not ponder on this one burning question: why do people hate the USA with passion? Is this just a phase? Could it be that the world community is just envious of USA’s economic, technological and political success? Could the real explanation be the USA foreign policy that emphasises a cowboy-and-Indian approach to solving political differences and winning ideological war? Do the Americans realise that there is a clear divide between might and right?

Americans, men and women are great, friendly, lively and easygoing but relatively they talk very loud. They all seemed very pleasant and receptive to alternative views on issues. They seem to know when to cut an argument short to avoid it getting out of control, which sometimes create the impression to you that they agree with you when in fact the opposite is the case.

What fascinates me most about the Americans is their inordinate desire to carry on talking as if they only have few hours to live and would rather spend the remaining hours saying all they would have said if they have more years to live. I have heard many people say (or complain?) that the Americans love the sound of own their voice.

It is quite easy to forget that USA stands for more than George Bush Jr. and his swaggering, war-mongering, arrogant, religious extremist view of everything. George Bush is not alone. Other presidents before him equally fell victim to the rightwing elements in the White House who appeared to have a very narrow and negative view of the world and the threat the world poses to the American way of life. They continue to make the same mistakes time and again. The magnified perceived threat is non-existent.

Contrary to popular belief, anti-Americanism did not start with the Arabs disaffection with the Americans over the Israeli - Palestine crisis nor was it started by the Latin American nations. It was started in Europe, particularly by the French academics of the 18^th century, when they viewed USA as a ghastly, stank and too humid for life to prosper. It was also believed by one acclaimed European biologist that everything found in America was degenerate or monstrous.

What amazed me most was what Hubert Beuve-Mery (the founder of Le Monde newspaper) reported during the Second World War as American soldiers were landing at Normandy beaches, fighting to recapture France from the Germans for the French in May 1944. He wrote this:

"The Americans represent a real danger for France, different from the one posed by Germany or the one with which the Russians may - in time - threaten us. The Americans may have preserved a cult of Liberty but they do not feel the need to liberate themselves from the servitude, which their capitalism has created."

An average European (including the British) still harbour some of these feelings about USA. They are quick to tell you that the problem they have with the Americans is not just their stupid policies, but just that they have an intense dislike of what America is. These feelings have been there for centuries and it’s likely to continue to the foreseeable future.

The American governments since 1960’s have not done much to endear the Americans to the world, even when its motives are noble. The American government have a tendency to fall on the wrong side of any political debates or crises. One sometimes wonders if they have sufficient knowledge of the world around them.

In Latin America, much closer home, the Americans that profess human rights and democratic principles, backed a dictator, Pinochet, to power in 1973. In the 1960s and 1970s the whole of Latin America were more like war zones for the American governments as they backed rightwing dictators with equipment, training on warfare and torture techniques to persecute anyone with leftist views.

The story is no different in the Middle East. American government backed dictators who are profoundly anti-democratic and have been proven to be abusers of human rights. The overriding criterion for supporting these dictators is that they protect America oil supply. The Iraq war provides further evidence to support this view and re-awakened the anti-America sentiments of the cold war era.

In Africa, the Liberian civil war provided an example of how USA is less concerned about peace than national interest. At the onset of Liberia civil war, America simply went in and evaluated all its citizens and walked away. It became reluctantly and lightly involved much later due to pressure and it did so through support for West Africa Economic Community initiative. One would have expected a lot more because of the historical relationship between Liberia and the USA.

The American government continue to wine and dine with ruthless dictators. In numerous cases, all over the world, USA government participated in the overthrow of elected governments. It is difficult to reconcile that with a policy of promoting democracy and fundamental human rights.

However, we should not forget that USA has also done a lot to bring peace to the world and still remain the only country the world community looks to for leadership. USA has found itself the reluctant (or eager?) world police force. Today, there is a crisis in Sudan that has its origin in the colonial adventure of the Europeans but the world community believes its USA problem to solve.

The Europeans with tongue-in-cheek looked to the Americans to solve the problems in the Balkans. A problem the Europeans should have solved by themselves. At the end of it all, the Americans will be the villains.

Perhaps, the historical reason why people hate USA so much can be explained by how USA pursue its policies. You can liken USA to a teenager who is energetic, self-centred, and deaf to all well reasoned sisterly advice, desperate to be at the centre of attention, wanting everything within her sight with deadly weapons to hand.

As if that was not enough, USA dared to stand up against leftist political and economic ideologies at a time when the leftist ideologies were spreading round the world. The extremists hate and fear USA mainly because it represents the ugly face of freedom and democracy. Many cannot reconcile the USA ownership claim to freedom and democracy with the racial segregation policies it operated till 1960’s and the effects of that policy thereafter.

It is hard for one to foresee anti-Americanism subsiding in the immediate future because there are too many “John Waynes” still finding their way into the White House desperately seeking to relive the Cowboy-and-Indian experiences of the past.

Personally, I think it is time the world community, including all extremist groups, separate the Americans from those cowboys in the White House. The Americans are just as much victims as anyone else.

Nosa Olotu, England

Robot  Villager

# 1 Perhaps, the historical reason why people hate USA so much can be explained by how USA pursue its...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 20.08.2007 08:50

Sapele Man  Villager

# 2 =Robot;201071>In Africa, the Liberian civil war provided an example of how USA is less concerned about peace than national interest. At the onset of Liberia civil war, America simply went in and evaluated all its citizens and walked away. It became reluctantly and lightly involved much later due to pressure and it did so through support for West Africa Economic Community initiative. One would have expected a lot more because of the historical relationship between Liberia and the USA. The American government continue to wine and dine with ruthless dictators. In numerous cases, all over the world, USA government participated in the overthrow of elected governments. It is difficult to reconcile that with a policy of promoting democracy and fundamental human rights. Actually I was close to tears watching on BBC television USA evacuating its citizens and leaving the Liberians to their fate. Well, we can only thank God that their support for the Biafras during the Nigerian civil war didn't last long. Heaven knows what would have become of our brothers and sister on the Biafran side if petroleum were as highly rated as it is today Posted by Sapele Man| 20.08.2007 16:20

I Love Nigeria  Villager

# 3 I enjoyed your article and I thank you sir. Double standards, hypocritical postulations, about freedom, liberty with democracy etc is the bane of the foreign of American domestic as well as, foreign policy. Who can forget unpardonable treatment and complete neglect of victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans? Who can forget, the invasion and occupation of a politically independent country, with sovereignty and all, in the name of "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to get oil? And how about those hapless and harried Palestinians, who were promised their own independent country in the Road Map to peace? How about a complete disregard for the leaders of chosen freely by the citizens of Palestine? Foreign Policy short-term benefits in Afghanistan in 1979, and then, howitzers and shoulder fired missiles for every Mujaheedeen/Taliban then. The desire for revenge against Ayatollah Khomeni's revolution, and the taking of American hostages for 444 days, made Saddam America's best friend for a time. Again, short-term benefits If America were to truly fight just wars, I would gladly enlist with the United States Armed Forces (fighting Apartheid as it then was for instance) Going to Darfur now, or to Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Congo earlier. Policies informed by only short-term benefits or such exigencies and marriage of convenience, tend to always backfire or blow-up in your face Americans call it, chickens coming home to roost. Posted by I Love Nigeria| 20.08.2007 21:30

Sapele Man  Villager

# 4 =I Love Nigeria;201271>I enjoyed your article and I thank you sir. Double standards, hypocritical postulations, about freedom, liberty with democracy etc is the bane of the foreign of American domestic as well as, foreign policy. Who can forget unpardonable treatment and complete neglect of victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans? Who can forget, the invasion and occupation of a politically independent country, with sovereignty and all, in the name of "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to get oil? And how about those hapless and harried Palestinians, who were promised their own independent country in the Road Map to peace? How about a complete disregard for the leaders of chosen freely by the citizens of Palestine? Foreign Policy short-term benefits in Afghanistan in 1979, and then, howitzers and shoulder fired missiles for every Mujaheedeen/Taliban then. The desire for revenge against Ayatollah Khomeni's revolution, and the taking of American hostages for 444 days, made Saddam America's best friend for a time. Again, short-term benefits If America were to truly fight just wars, I would gladly enlist with the United States Armed Forces (fighting Apartheid as it then was for instance) Going to Darfur now, or to Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Congo earlier. Policies informed by only short-term benefits or such exigencies and marriage of convenience, tend to always backfire or blow-up in your face Americans call it, chickens coming home to roost. I Love Nigeria, The question that remains is whether the USA government will learn anything from their Iraq experience. After Vietnam no one would have thought they would make the same mistake again. What exactly is the problem with the USA government and why can't them see the errors of their ways? Posted by Sapele Man| 21.08.2007 12:56

Enforcer  Villager

# 5 =I Love Nigeria;201271>I enjoyed your article and I thank you sir. Double standards, hypocritical postulations, about freedom, liberty with democracy etc is the bane of the foreign of American domestic as well as, foreign policy. Who can forget unpardonable treatment and complete neglect of victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans? Who can forget, the invasion and occupation of a politically independent country, with sovereignty and all, in the name of "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to get oil? And how about those hapless and harried Palestinians, who were promised their own independent country in the Road Map to peace? How about a complete disregard for the leaders of chosen freely by the citizens of Palestine? I Love Nigeria, I watched the Hurricane Katrina on BBC news as the drama unfolds. Words failed me. I would never have thought USA was still as racist to a point of not caring what they world saw. The pictures tell its own story: a nation without heart. I do not dream anymore that a black African American will rise to the position of a vice president of the USA in my lifetime. God help America. Posted by Enforcer| 21.08.2007 17:44

Auspicious  Villager

# 6 Oh Puh-leeeeeze! Show me ONE powerful country, who is NOT guilty of the same sins as America.. Is it France, is it Britain, it Russia - all former bullies and bastions of various shades of Hegemony? America just happens to be the most prosperous of them all, hence the 'Hateration'. There is always very little Honor amongst a Band of Thieves - which they all are. At the Height of the Power of the British Empire, it strided the Earth from Mongolia to America. And I bet you she was hated for these 'successes' as America is hated for hers today. So why focus on America, like she was the first nation ever to protect her interest at all costs? At least she knew what she wanted - unlike our follow-follow nations back home in Africa. America has left her mark across the world wether we all like it or not. She has done just as much good as bad, with the former appearing to beat the latter. America never deliberately embarked on sowing the seeds of evil in other lands as posited by Nosa.. Paranoia and Fear of a Socialist Takeover - the Fear of Communism - influenced most of America's worst policies. It also didn't help that some of our Leaders chose to liase with the then Fascists and Communist Ideologues in the East. I speak of those Animal Farm Napoleons who are "Equal but more Equal" than the Subjects in their Empires. Liasing with such people was bad for those who did, as it left them exposed to being casualties while the elephants raged. But that was then - that was back in the days when the Fear of Communism dictated all to America. America has mostly been a positive force in the world today - there's no more express support for Baastard Leaders. Okay, so America has people like Pakistan's Musharraf et al on her side but heaven knows it is not like the bad old days.. Like the Bad old days of Dinning with the Devil in Mobutu, Mugabe and Pinochet et al. It is just unforunate that George Walker Bush et al came along and found a Raison D'etre in 9|11. Yes, America's gotta stop the John Wayne's amongst them from coming to power. And maybe, just maybe, that is why they need a man like Barak Obama to bring that change that America so desperately needs. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 21.08.2007 18:49

Auspicious  Villager

# 7 On Katrina and Racism: Had Katrina happened in, say, Boston.. The ineffienciency of the Bush Admin would just have been apparent. Fine, Racism still exists in various shades across America.. But is it any less in Russia, France or Britain? Probably Worse! So why are you all mouthing-off jibberish about America? Racism was not as potent a factor in Katrina as was Inefficiency! That is a FACT! ILN knows that in America, he can go as far as he wants if he wants. Very unlike he would be chanced to do in, say, France or the UK. Not to talk of Russia and the rest of them. A Nigerian recently became a Mayor in Ireland and we all clapped. Has anyone heard of Mayor Kwame Fitzpatrick in America? He's been a Mayor in America forever. Along with many other black achievers like him. One of the HIghest Taxpayers in the State of Georgia is a Nigerian. And it was in this same old "Racist America" that he made his Money. So why are people sitting in Europe and looking down on America, Like it is better their than it is in America.. Give it a break people and get on with it. America is not where it should be with regards race relations.. But it sure has progressed and is progressing. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 21.08.2007 19:02

ozoodoo  Villager

# 8 Auspicious, Thank you very much for a very wonderful contribution. America is such a paragon of beauty that they steal from millions of your people in Nigeria through proxies so that you could enjoy from the crumbs via back breaking shxt jobs in America. People should stop calling someone that stole a thief afterall other people steal. Soooooo pathetic. Posted by ozoodoo| 21.08.2007 23:11

Auspicious  Villager

# 9 Thank you for your pathetic submission, Ozoodoo! America is NOT a "Paragon of Beauty". Indeed, she has a problems - similar problems like some other Third World country have. It includes crimes like Murder, Rape, Abductions, Extortion, Corruption et al. As for America stealing millions from "your people in Nigeria", the last time I checked, we had what we call Brains in our heads - very much like the one Whitey carry's in his Skull. Last time I checked, it was your former President, Governors et al who were in charge of your assets who were doing most of the stealing, while your Uncles and Cousins in the Village beg for the little droppings of sh^t out of their fat arses. People need to look inwards before they point fingers at the fault of others who are doing way better than they are. Such an Olodo..ahem, Ozoodoo! Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 21.08.2007 23:43

nero africanus  Villager

# 10 auspicious i tend to flip when i read posts such as the last 2 you posted, today in hope that all will be wiser and more educated i call upon you to explain your philosophy and world view especially as regards our position as africans and our relations with the west you seem to think that socialism /communism is in all a bad thing you seem to make excuses for americans and their policies nobody on these board defends them as vigorously as you do i hope it is possible to look at this defence i think it is good if we start with a sense of right and wrong we can for instance look at the american policies of strangulating cuba over the last 50 years without involving the ideologies behind we can look at the iran contras , the sandinistas and the american support of he communists in latin america against democratically elected governments with a capitalist basis we can look at how the cia taught osama and his crew to make bombs in their war against soviet union today something as dangerous as bomb making is street knowledge in the middle east we can look at the cia overthrow of nkrumah , death of lumumba , we can look at the bay of pigs invasion we can look at the country of diego garcia in the indian ocean whose soveriegn citizens were expelled so the place can be turned into an american military base it will help if you imagined that country to be your village we can look at the the use of the atomic bomb in hiroshima which the Japanese still insist is an act of racism as the bomb was ready before the collapse of Germany why wasnt it used against the germans we can look at the frame work of free trade and subsidies to cotton, the worth of the subsidy is worth more than the the crop produced in africa as a whole maybe we shall look at the american support for isreal and how it enables atrocities to be committed. let us look at the relationship between the so called global terrorism , and the freedom fight of the palestinians maybe we should look at the invasdion of grenada let us forget about ideologies in this instance some of the cases here are full capitalist countries let us look at the american support of rebels in angola let us look at the inherent nature of the war in iraq and ofcourse the question of oil let us talk about the new american sponspored hydro carbon law let us talk about guantanamo bay as a concentration camp that violated geneva conventions personally , i believe it is one thing to know what i am suffering from but not know the solution then it is another not to know the problem at all mind you it is not enough to say look at france, spain, and uk this is a call to debate if you will devoid of emotion Posted by nero africanus| 22.08.2007 04:08

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