Americans knowledge of Europe and respect for other cultures

Submitted by Debbie (United States), Feb 10, 2009 at 18:34

I am commenting on:

"I therefore conclude that what it boils down to is that most Europeans and European countries......dislike America because the average American has virtually no knowledge of any other country except that of his motherland; they lack respect for certain cultures and tend to resort to war when things don't go their way or they don't understand it."

While European nations may know a lot about other European nations (who are their neighbors), how much do they know about nations in South America or Africa? My guess is that they strive to know about their neighboring nations because they are influenced by them on a frequent basis. American children are taught about other nations in the world, but that doesn't mean they necessarily pursue that knowledge as adults (though they may). I am an American and I am very interested in Europe and the world and have always been. My husband and children are the same.

I don't think Americans lack respect for other cultures any more than any other nation. I think this trait occurs in all nations, though they may not always want to admit it. All cultures have a chance for freedom and a decent lifestyle in our country if they are willing to pursue it. I've seen it time and time again.

And with regard to the comment, "Americans tend to resort to war when things don't go their way or they don't understand it" - Iraq had been harboring terrorists. After what happened on September 11th, were we supposed to do nothing? While other nations also harbor or promote terrorism, we can't take on all nations of that sort. You have to take it one step at a time.

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