Newsweek reports United States is the 2nd most hated country in the world

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smiley said:
I have watched plenty of docos on the second world war ; including interviews with the major heads of states involved : Churchill ; Roosevelt; and Stalin - certainly the Americans as long standing allies of Britain played a highly significant role in the success of winning and ending the war on foreign soils. This has been depicted many times both on documentaries and popular older series. Many share the view that the USA played a critical role in victory.
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Of course US played a critical role in victory but there was a lot of self interest going on. The Philippines had been taken by the Japanese and a safe base for American sailors and combat troops was needed. Townsville in Nth Queensland served the purpose. Singapore had also been taken by the Japanese not long after the attack on Pearl Harbour. About the same time Darwin was bombed mercilessly.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was critical for the Australian mainland. As a teen I remember Coral Sea celebrations/commemorations taking place in Sydney. Young US sailors were very visible in the city. We called them "gobbos", a reference to their head gear, and would follow them around giggling. I reckon they had never seen school girls dressed as we were - from toes to head - black lace up flat shoes, thick black stockings, below the knees pleated navy tunic, a white shirt with a maroon and white striped tie and on top a navy velour wide brimmed hat. Needless to say, they ignored our silliness.
 

MarkD said:
I agree with those who can appreciate why the US is hated but am not one to wish to leave. That isn’t because we have it so much better than other places. We don’t. But bring American like almost anything else one can be has things to love and others to be appalled by. But at my age I have desire to undergo the discomfort and nuisance involved.

I agree with Ann Patchett:

https://fb.watch/yYzKq5480G/?mibextid=0NULKw&fs=e&s=TIeQ9V
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I agree with Ann Pratchett on every point. :love:
 
smiley said:
I have worked in mental health services all my working life in various capacities both in UK ; Oz and even Hk - I guess we all have minor to greater degrees of mental unrest that affects our views of the world but all our leaders do need to care of theirs doubly so - they have great burdens and truths and goodwill to share in compassionate and caring ways? They should carry the souls of our nations with them
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Money or guns are what shut the mouths of caring humans.
 

To simplify the overview of this phenomenon I had one of our new fangled knowledge machines put together an essay. This is simply common knowledge that can easily be verified.

The Shift in Global Attitudes Toward the United States: From Admiration to Resentment​

Over the past 70 years, the perception of the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once hailed as the "best nation in the world" for its leadership in rebuilding global order after World War II, the U.S. is now ranked as the second most hated country internationally. This essay explores the factors behind this shift, tracing the trajectory from global admiration to widespread criticism.

The Post-War Era: Building Admiration​

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States emerged as a global leader, championing democracy, economic growth, and international cooperation. Through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, the establishment of multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, and its role in founding NATO, the U.S. positioned itself as a stabilizing force in a war-torn world25. Its liberal international order promoted free trade and conflict resolution, earning respect and admiration globally.


During this era, America's cultural exports—Hollywood films, jazz music, and consumer products—further solidified its image as a beacon of opportunity and innovation. The Cold War reinforced this perception as the U.S. stood against communism, symbolizing freedom and prosperity4.

The Decline Begins: Post-Cold War Shifts​

The end of the Cold War marked a turning point in global attitudes toward America. With no rival superpower to challenge its dominance, the U.S. began to assert its influence more aggressively, often through military interventions in regions like the Middle East. Actions such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were criticized for their devastating human costs and perceived ulterior motives tied to oil interests15. These interventions eroded trust in America's commitment to peace and democracy.


Economic disparities also began to tarnish America's image. The 2008 financial crisis exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S.-led global economic system, fueling resentment among nations that suffered collateral damage from economic instability2. Domestically, growing income inequality undermined America's claim to be a land of equal opportunity.

Recent Developments: Resentment Deepens​

In recent years, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency, America's global standing has deteriorated further. Trump's "America First" policies rejected multilateralism and embraced unilateral action, alienating allies and dismantling long-standing international agreements5. His administration's withdrawal from key accords like the Paris Climate Agreement and its confrontational trade policies signaled a retreat from global cooperation3.


Furthermore, Trump's rhetoric and policies amplified perceptions of American arrogance and hypocrisy. The shift toward isolationism—exemplified by Project 2025—has been interpreted as America prioritizing its own interests at the expense of global stability7. Long-standing allies have expressed shock at how rapidly America abandoned its role as a guarantor of international order5.

Cultural Criticism and Social Issues​

Beyond foreign policy, cultural factors have contributed to negative perceptions of America. Gun violence, political polarization, and racial inequality have highlighted systemic issues within American society. These domestic struggles contrast sharply with America's self-image as a model democracy1. Additionally, American tourists are often criticized for their perceived entitlement abroad, reinforcing stereotypes of arrogance.

The Rise of Competitors​

The rise of China as an economic powerhouse has further diminished America's appeal. Many nations now view China as an alternative leader on global issues like trade and infrastructure development4. This shift has undermined America's dominance and exposed weaknesses in its approach to maintaining influence.

Conclusion​

The transformation in attitudes toward America reflects a combination of strategic missteps, cultural contradictions, and changing global dynamics. While it remains a superpower economically and militarily8, its reputation has suffered due to perceived hypocrisy, unilateralism, and domestic challenges. To regain global trust and admiration, America must reconsider its approach to international engagement and address systemic issues at home. Without such efforts, resentment may continue to overshadow its legacy as a once-admired leader of the free world.
 
Eupher's post above nailed it! I too love this country, and I would fight to keep her free...as did my father and his father before him.

In a college literature class, I attended, we actually used Newsweek magazine to find and discuss the magazine's tendencies of gross misrepresentations and downright lies. I got an A on that paper, why I recall it so well...needless to say I have never purchased that magazine!
 
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I had National Geographic magazine and Mechanics Illustrated to do a lot of my Term papers with.
It seems like there has been one rule after another passed into laws in a lifetime. Not near the
freedom of the youth. It all started with turn signals and seat belts, no U turns, three lane streets with
Yellow paint both sides down both side of the middle lane. Then the GPS unit started saying you're
going the wrong way.

Not driving big V8's, 4 speeds, Posi traction. The addition of Cruise control ruined the pleasure of driving.

Kids / adults seem attached at the ear with a smart phone. They don't notice what's going on anymore.
One can actually hear a mouth 24 hours a day. Never alone with your thoughts. No freedoms left.
Mouth and Lip beat constantly now.

Ya want to tune into a good ball game and all ya hear for 3 hours is blab.
Dizzy Dean said it best.

https://medium.com/@bigcy7/dizzy-dean-dictionary-1818e60b8634
 
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yea a world full of fast speed technologies that a lot of us are jumping on and off all day and evening and in a way its become an addiction - an addiction of words /information/chats etc - we hardly get any quiet time no more - the technology detects the speed and increases the speed and leaves us bedazzled!!
 
remember the quietness of our youth - we started with one radio and no tv oh for those quiet days again!
 
I think the real issue is that people hate themselves, fed by an unhealthy diet of mainstream media that preys upon people who can't find more to do with themselves.
 
Everybody loves a sucker! Let's face the truth, It's all about profiteering.
You know why Alligators and Snakes like frogs?

Know why Lizards like chow?
The world travels on its belly.
Our pets love us, count on us. Do we let them down if we love them back.
I wonder if those who fired mortars in WW2 wore hearing protection, eye protection.
 
Paco Dennis said:
If we know why other nations hate us then we might work as a nation to correct the problem. We can't hide from the truth.
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I don't particularly give a damn which nations "hate" the U.S. Existentialism isn't a popularity contest. I'm concerned solely with the success of the USA.

The fact is, the Big Dog on the Hill will always be hated by somebody. I'm pretty sure that's written in some sort of anthropological tome somewhere. Ergo, to some, it doesn't matter what the USA does or doesn't do to that subset. Hate will emanate from them regardless.

IMHO, the USA has done more to "fix" issues than perhaps most nations. If that isn't good enough, well, there's the door.
 

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