America, without doubt the most powerful nation on earth and the sole super-power of the 21st century evokes vastly conflicting feelings in people around the world, depending on their individual paradigm: the lens through which they look at the world. While to most people, America is a symbol of prosperity, freedom and equal opportunity it also is a source of equally negative feelings for others who resent its prosperity, and its economic, cultural and military power. This Jekyll & Hyde image of the country in the world, though surprising to many Americans, is not difficult to understand if one examines the issue in its historical, political, and cultural perspective. In this essay we will discuss what America looks like to an outsider, and what it means to people from different countries of the world as a state, as a people, and as a geographic region. Into what larger ideas and movement does the country fit, and whether it is really the land of opportunities? The essay will also look at the country through the eyes of philosophers such as Plato, Voltaire, Bismarck, and Marx.
Liberty, Equality & Democracy
Although the origins of the country has its roots in the European colonization of the Americas beginning in the 16th century, the ideals of the United States of America are wedded to the Declaration of Independence in which the founding fathers of the country have committed the nation to the concept of equality, democracy, and liberty. These are the principles from which all subsequent U.S. politics, forms of government, economic policies, and social trends have taken their lead. While incorporating these ideas in the declaration of independence and, later, the U.S. constitution the founding fathers of America were greatly influenced by the 17th century English philosopher, John Locke and his theories on politics. Locke's ideas of the supreme sovereignty of the people, their natural right of changing a government that does not work in their interest, separation of the church from the state, and rule of the majority are reflected in the American Declaration...
The reasons for this is the vast and varied geography of the country stretching from the tropics to the edge of the Arctic Circle, that has attracted (and still attracts) a wide variety of people. The relatively low population-density and high standard of living are its other major attractions for a would-be immigrant. But what has really proved to be the major magnet for aspiring immigrants is the freedom of expression and promise of equal opportunity in the U.S. This freedom is the greatest asset of the American society. Sadly, the paranoia and draconian laws being introduced in the wake of the 9/11 events now threaten it. So if I were a Muslim or of Middle Eastern origin I would think twice before deciding to immigrate to America in these times.
In any case, the country looks a lot more attractive from the outside (especially to people from the poor and third world countries) than it actually is for a new immigrant: the access to resources for a new immigrant and an established American not being the same.
How other Countries View America?
This depends on which country we are talking about. Generally, America is admired by the Europeans for its dynamism, and technological achievements. There is also a sense of pride in the admiration as most Americans are of European descent. Many countries and people in Asia and Africa have severe reservations about USA due to its ham-handed foreign policy record. Examples are the Vietnam War, its support for Islamic militants in Afghanistan and turning its back on the country following the defeat of the Russians, and its tacit support for Saddam Hussain during Iraq's war with Iran. Despite this, most governments do not have a choice in co-operating with the U.S. because of its enormous economic and political clout.
Whatever the reservations, given the choice most people in these countries would unhesitatingly choose to immigrate…
