I am at peace

[Lucky]

I have learned a lot from peoples' opinions on this board.  It has been a great experience for me ... most of the people here have intelligent, original ideas and it has broadened my horizons.

But as an American who has always been proud of her country, partially because she is young and doesn't know much of the "dirty stuff" but partially because there IS much to be proud of, I have to say that it was really an eye opener to read the posts on this board.  I have come to the realization, however, that ALL countries have wronged other countries or groups of people in some way.  No country would stand up and shine under the kind of scrutiny America gets ... and the US is in a unique position to have every move analyzed by virtue of its position in the world.  People of the world are quick to judge and stereotype Americans because we are in the headlines and your media every day of the year.  It is sad, because my experience here has been that  most people don't want to know me because they assume I am proud, loud, or uncaring ... even though I am actually a nice, friendly, and open minded American who is only trying to learn more about the world.  

This is just my statement ... I pose no question and need no response.  But I feel enlightened by all of your opinions and I wanted you all to know.  I am at peace with this.

I had to edit this because I forgot an 'n.'

[This message has been edited by Lucky (edited 25-03-2002).]

Sorry ... I found another misspelling so I had to edit again.  

[This message has been edited by Lucky (edited 25-03-2002).]

[richardrrr]

Lucky

Good for you

America is now experiencing what the Brits went through a few decades ago.

You are the only world power and thus all the worlds problems are your problems and you are given the blame.

An interesting corollary (spelling?) - the Uk built its empire on trade and in its early days had no interest in building an empire but - due to competition etc (with the French, Dutch, Potuguese and Spanish in particular - interestingly enough not with Germany until the latter end of the 19th century or with the Italians) - the Brits moved into securing their trading links (witness Singapore) to defend their trade. This turned into an empire and hey presto! we were the bad guys!

The US is quite possibly going to have to go down the same route over the next few years - and one can well see increased American presence in key strategic areas around the world - oil. political stability etc etc. You will not be thanked for it but if you were not around then the West would be in a hell of a state!

Changing century, changing times!

[T2K]

Lucky,

Funny I just put up a similar post on one of the other *** here (Living in Singapore, I think).

I agree with much of what you say (I'm an American also).  However, I haven't experienced any real problems on a personal level based on being an American.  Some superficial ones, yes, but nothing serious.  

To the contrary, I've found most people are interested in and friendly to individual Americans although they may disagree with out government policies.  

Obviously, it depends on the person.  Americans that live up to the "ugly american" steretype will not make friends easily with anyone anyhwere.  A person that would not want to associate with you solely based on the origin of your passport would probably not be someone worth knowing anyway.

[Lucky]

Thanks for your feedback.  I have been able to make international friends here, but it is not as easy as I had hoped.  Once people do accept me into their circles, they insist that I am "an exception" compared to most Americans and I find this so disheartening. On the whole, people have been nice to me, but it is tiring to constantly deal with nitpicking regarding every aspect of American culture or politics.  I have gotten good at spotting people who like to try to push my buttons and I do not react to it.

I do love being in Singapore, though.  After I leave, I know that I will come back someday.