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Originally Posted by Katczinsky  "Americanism" isn't vested in a political context here but it is a term that is merely a sign of the narrow chauvinistic claim of American world superiority that grips the conscious of this nation. I'm wondering how many times you have heard (in the British political mainstream) that "so and so is anti-British". But undoubtedly you find such terminology prevalent in the political superstructures of previous fascist nations. For example it was common to accuse someone of being a "good German" or "anti-German" under Nazi Germany. That kind of ideology, including the narrow view of "Americanism", is rooted in nationalism and authoritarianism. | I may be wrong, and please don't be offended, but I think the portrayal of many Americans as being (for instance) Christian fundamentalists, Survivalists or even vaguely supportive of acts like the Patriot Act, seem to suggest there are many people inclined that way. Knowing many US citizens, I know this to be a caricature. Unfortunately I'm sure many US citizens still think we all drink tea and wear bowler hats. Quote: |
But in terms of from the outside-in, "anti-Americanism" has a more tangible meaning. Some people have been pushed to a certain extent that they don't merely disagree with the current prevalent politics in power in the United States but the United States itself. Osama Bin Laden for example would see the death of Clinton (from the left) and lets say Bush Sr. (from the right) as an equal victory in his eyes. Simply because of the fact that they are Americans.
| Not only that, I think increasingly, there's no distinction being made between the USA and the UK. Quote: |
But most opposition to the current American regime in the world doesn't hold that definition. Most people don't see the American people and the United States as an entity itself as the enemy but merely its government's policies.
| That's an interesting point. Perhaps it boils down to the most recently heard headline. I think most people judge the country and its inhabitants by the stance taken by its political leadership at any one time. That's one of the reason things take time to change. |