Hating America, Hating Americans

A review of two books in The New York Times which describe the nature and extent of world animosity toward America, uncharacteristically annoyed me. As the global superpower, world police, pious evangelists of democracy, America can seem at times over-bearing. Jealousy, envy, and suspicions of empire are almost inevitable given the world situation. But hatred of America, and more specifically of American citizens is another matter. President Bush has certainly not helped matters with some unguarded rhetoric, the appearance of unilateral indifference, and the ongoing mess in Iraq. But Nixon's limo was stoned by the Venezuelans in the 50's, so this kind of anger at presidents is nothing new. In other words, it's not all Bush's fault. Much of the fault lies with our allies, who cravenly criticize our culture, policies, and actions, while secretly being thankful we have the courage to act.

One response to the world's hatred is to temporarily behave like other countries. Simply cut off all international aid, military protection, military intervention, etc. What would the world look like without our presence? If the world believes we are now a force for evil, then deal with your problems yourselves, and see how easy it is. Our own media has forgotten, or more accurately chosen, to ignore the fact that America is a force for good in the world - we wear the white hats. We don't conquer other nations, we don't seek empire, we don't oppress peoples, we care what happens to others not like ourselves. We have allowed the world's rhetoric to seep into our own self-consciousness. In contrast, look at the inertia of the European union, and the introversion and apathy of Japan. We foot the bill, we pay the price, while they sit in the peanut gallery and fuel the world's hatred.

We will not, of course, recede into isolationism. It isn't in our national security interests, or the interests of innocents all over the world. But it is a thought experiment that some in the world would benefit from, if they had the wit to imagine an America truly indifferent to the world and its suffering.