Quote:
Originally posted by Diogenes Of Pumpkintown:
Yorick is of course right that the terrorists CHOSE to take their action. Nobody made them do it and of course they did not have to do it.
However, AboveTheRimYo is quite correct in his essential point that the historical reality behind the hatred which motivated the attacks cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, America has done great injustice and evil in the world, and provoked viscious hatred of the sort which would motivate men to perform such terrorist acts. It would be foolish to deny this truth. It must be faced openly and honestly, or we will only doom ourselves to more such hatred and such incidents in the future.
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Dio, anti-americanism is an ideology. I recently read an article in the New York times, that was reprinted from the London times about this modern phenomena.
The criticisms leveled at America are not altogether fair, and often not presented with the balance of positive action and motivation.
Take Somalia. The US went in for a noble cause. Osama and his ilk saw it as another invasion of an Islamic nation. There is no justification in his Wahabist eyes for American troops on Saudi soil - even if Saudi Arabia were to fall!
Anti-Americanism is actually quite prevalent within America itself, the article points out. The "elites" on the coast deride the midwesters and southerners, who in turn claim moral decay in coasters. But it's further than that I think. The Amsterdam News is one of the most racist pieces of writing I've ever read. Such material would be banned in Australia, yet it is published and sold as the voice of Black America.
I am at this moment in the apartment of a very good Af Am friend of mine in the Bronx, and am of the opinion that African Americans have shown incredible grace in the situation, but Press like the Am Nws only furthers division, prejudice and ignorance.
There are deep social divisions too. Money seperates many.
These anti-american ideas are taken to the world through film, television, comedy, and music. Obviously the internet is a recent addition.
These ideas take root in the minds of other cultures. Cultures that happily drink Coca Cola, wear American clothing fashion, listen to American music, and live as a result of American positive actions as much as negative.
There is the quote from a British? Prime minister that America, usually picks the right course of action, after attempting all the wrong ones. Or words to that effect.
The Church is an unifying equaliser here though. A leveler, a melting pot of races, classes and backgrounds. Thus I have Pakistani, South African, Dominican, African American, Anglo-American, Australian, Argentinian, English, Chinese, Arabic, and Jewish Christian friends from within the one church here.
Basically I'm stating that the accusations are a bit harsh, and not balanced. That unity and focus on that which unites rather than divides is important, and that honest self appraisal needs the balance of praise as much as criticism if it is to be heard, absorbed and acted upon.
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I am the walrus!.... er, no hang on....
A fair dinkum laughing Hyena!