Anti-Americanism
Anti-Americanism is a term referring to hostility towards or disapproval for the government, culture, history, and/or people of the United States of America. It is often used by people who
suggest the U.S. is unfairly singled out for criticism.
The nature and effects of anti-Americanism are hotly debated. Some see it as based on prejudice, jingoism, and chauvinism and believe it at the root of such extremes as terrorism against Americans. Others denounce it as a propaganda
term that downplays legitimate criticism leveled towards the US, particularly in regards to its foreign policy.
Historical use of the term
Many see in anti-Americanism a form of chauvinism or racism, sometimes going as far
as calling it the "New Anti-Semitism" (e.g. [1] (http://www.ajc.org/InTheMedia/Publications.asp?did=902), [2] (http://chronicle.com/free/v48/i05/05b00502.htm), [3] (http://www.rightnation.us/forums/index.php?showtopic=46193)). These views became particularly
prominent in the context of the widespread opposition to the 2003 invasion and occupation of Iraq. [4] (http://www.time.com/time/columnist/krauthammer/article/0,9565,557638,00.html)
Others have argued that anti-American is a loaded term, used to
discredit dissent. They argue that the vagueness of the term makes it an effective
weapon of propaganda and often compare the usage of anti-Americanism to
the fervor aroused by the House Committee on Un-American Activities, calling this tendency the "New
McCarthyism" (e.g. [5] (http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4277990,00.html), [6] (http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1118-10.htm), [7] (http://www.medialens.org/articles/iraq/jlc_USA.html), [8] (http://secure.progressive.org/mcwatch03/mc042503.html)).
Many people view certain elements of their country, such as culture and people, as an entirely separate entity from the
government and power structures that rule it (in this context,
phrases like "love it or leave it" have little relevancy). It is this sentiment that led Thomas Paine to say, "It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government."
Noam Chomsky, a critic of American foreign policy, writes:
- The concept "anti-American" is an interesting one. The counterpart is used only in totalitarian states or military
dictatorships... Thus, in the old Soviet Union, dissidents were condemned as "anti-Soviet." That's a natural usage among people with deeply rooted totalitarian instincts, which identify state policy with the society, the people,
the culture. In contrast, people with even the slightest concept of democracy treat such notions with ridicule and contempt.
Suppose someone in Italy who criticizes Italian state policy were condemned as "anti-Italian." It would be regarded as too
ridiculous even to merit laughter. Maybe under Mussolini, but surely not otherwise.
However, critics of this view respond that certain people do express contempt for long-established institutions and beliefs
generally shared by the American public. In this way, they are accused of anti-Americanism.
Consequences of anti-Americanism
As with other generalizations of a particular group of people, based on national origin, race, sexuality, religion, etc., in
extreme forms anti-Americanism is held to blame for events such as the September 11, 2001 attacks. The groups behind such attacks typically espouse extreme
anti-American rhetoric in which the U.S. is portrayed as an absolute evil and 'barbaric.'
The perception of Anti-Americanism has practical implications not only for America but for the rest of the world. For example,
anti-American sentiment affects the ability of countries to trade with each other. The United States is often less willing to
come to trade agreements with countries which it perceives to be anti-American in some way. Criticism of the United States has
contributed to the fact that other countries made trade agreements with the U.S. fail. The perception of anti-American sentiment
is also a contributing factor towards the dislike of other nations and their peoples. Such perceptions tend to increase the
polarisation of political opinion within the U.S. on matters which relate to countries seen by Americans as being
anti-American.
See also
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