Unfortunate State of Things

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btw, SAGE778, how can PCTAIA be a job? I looked it up on the web and found it was the initials of this medical condition -

proctocolectomy and ileo-anal anastomosis (PCTAIA). Sounds nasty!

Can't imagine anyone 'settling' for Canada instead of USA. Wouldn't it have been their first choice anyway? ;o)

What percentage of Americans actually _own_ a passport? And so much for free press ...

Thanks Majnoon for bringing up another reason why I dislike Americans. :P

It sounds like a couple of people got turned down for emigration to the US and had to settle for Canada.

Jealousy sure brings out the evil in people.

Guns?? I just hope that we (US) will put up the same fight as the Iraqis should the situation ever arise and that is one reason for guns.

The guns I saw for sale were in a gas station in Michigan Sage. I know plenty about the US. Probably more than you yourself do, especially since you grew up in the American education system, which is obvious from your posts.

"I don't know where you are from but I can guarantee you most people would rather live in the US then your country and for MANY DIFFERENT reasons. Go check the facts."

Ummm, I'm from Canada, and most people want to live there, so go check your facts.

There is a gun law in the US, thats why there are many incidents of males at young ages storm a high school and wreak havoc........ The shops are burgled near LA and esp california..

I really mean it!

[sorry double post …]

Hijack attempt failed miserably … crap!

"Living in the US"? This is an oxymoron. It is either living or in the US.

There is some facts finally.. There was a research on the lives of children brought up around the globe and the results were that the youth in the US & UK are the most ill-bred....

And more importantly why did the US support Israel in the war against lebanon? Was it a bias on skin color....

There was another research on the quality of work discrimination and the result was that light skinned immigrants from Asia will be paid higher relative to the dark-skinned immigrants.... Why is the citizenship test made more difficult? To screen out individuals based on the knowledge of American VALUES and what are they? That which is reflected in the tube world and close to moral degeneration...

Life in the US doesnt mean a plush and rosy life There are hundred lunatics in the US as is in any other part of the world....

Ok, let me drop my 0,02 dirhams as well. There is a big difference between Americans and US as a country. I have lived there for 5 years, I didn't like the lifestyle, I left (despite having greencard, house, excellent job). Being white, christian and speaking reasonable English I have never suffered any prejudice in the US at all.

One day I woke up and I asked myself "Do you want your kids to be americans?" and the answer was obvious. So I quit the job, sold my bits and pieces, surrendered GC and left.

Which doesn't mean I want to judge them and say their lifestyle is bad. No way. I am equally sure I wouldn't have liked the lifestyle in Kingdom of Tonga, however the warriors of Kingdom of Tonga don't make raids on nearby and far away islands because it pleases their king. So the image of USA as a country is probably damaged beyond repair.

I prefer to judge people on a personal level. There are good and bad Americans, there are good and bad Saudi etc. As in any country, there is an educated layer, there is a "white collar - clean brains" layer etc.

However there is one thing the americans are unable to grasp. When someone (including yours truly) says I don't like United States (btw. America is much bigger than just USA), it doesn't mean that we say "I hate Americans".

Not at all - we find your president a lunatic, we find what you call "democracy" a hypocritic joke, we find your war crimes unexcusable but by all means we don't hate Americans.

They are same as iranians - most of them (iranians and Americans) I know are nice intelligent educated people. They all simply can't do anything about their lunatic governments and their fanatic countrymen.

Why is there so much racial profiling of asians at the US Airports? Why is there so much terror & Violence? Although all cant be attributable to USA as a whole but a major stake of responsibility lies on such uncouth characters ....Who thrive on money and have not experienced real difficulties in life like constraints on resources.... Why are the victims of Gutnamo bay prisons so horrible while The same is the atmosphere for convicts of Tihar Jail in India...

Why is there so much outsourcing fear amongst the citizens of the US ? At the same time engineers from IIT are recruited by top notch companies(Barring their competencies) .... Why is there so much racism in Russia where Indian medical students are beaten , in the UK where Doctors are kicked out of valid practice?

-----AVOID DIVIDE & RULE AND DOUBLE STANDARDS-------

The world will definitely have a lopsided view of americans ..........

Thats ur opinion mate....

Money & Patience for desires rule-----

Dear friend everything is very situational.. Opinions will vary from situation and judgement, the same applies to varying opinions about the culture..... There is no yardstick or thumb rule that americans are gentle in one place...

Face difficulties in life...And then realise the fruits of success..

You can't make assumption on isolated examples. Really they might be naive in general, but they're people with a good heart!! I don't know which US you went to ?!

The only thing I regret since I left living there is actually leaving from there...

H. Bennis

I've been to the US loads of times. It only made my impression of them worse. Who sells guns at a gas station??

BTW, the only flag I have in my bedroom is a US flag on my desk.

Check it out -> http://picasaweb.google.com/bennis/DohaFeb07/photo#5040630188267948658

H. Bennis

I am from a Moroccan and Muslim background. I have lived 4 years in Orlando, FL. Then moved to France for two years and now Qatar.

I have to say that the best period of my life was in the US. People who hate Americans have never been to the US.

In fact, I got so depressed when I moved from Orlando to France, I regretted so much my decision mainly because of the American people. So kind, generous, well behaved, fun, loving, caring, etc... Some experiences that happened to me in Florida I will not forget my whole life.

Don't ever take other people's bias, it's not their fault if they did not have the chance to know the true American and the true American values. For sure I hate Bush, but again I love Clinton. We should not be blinded by political men and women to put a judgment on the people behind them.

Actually, I'd love to hang out. Drop me a line if you which so.

Cheers,

H. Bennis

"People who hate americans have never been to the US."

except for the criminals that drove four planes to their doom on 9/11.

but hey........ i know what you mean

A pack of fools who fight amongst one another for money and waste an intellectuals time on superflous debate...

Judgement about the Americans is purely from the culture. There are many acts of racist violence targeted at the indians and asians in the UK... & australia but such thngs are limited in the US.The brits and aussies are really snobbish At the same time the US is well known for its so called tall claims of freedom and equality.......

Judging the white race per se is as foolish as comparing an orange to an apple.. whether they are canadians or americans or brits or aussies all are some normal human beings who think no end about themselves and dominate the world....

I agree with u on this Aussies and brits racist pack of snobbish idiots

As a Canadian, we need Americans in the world. So when we act obnoxious and get out of hand, people just assume we're American and we keep our good reputation intact.

i agree with what you said...

Actually I think that lots of people stereotype about lots of things. At any rate, enjoy the people.

People I feel the urge to bring this thread back on the nasty track it was meant for so I'll drop the bomb … what do you think is going to happen with Iran?

Give me their names. Must be a bunch of commie traitors.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

cjpdad27, you have fallen into your own trap!

You are stereotyping expats in Qatar by people who post on this forum!

Just as Americans don't all want to nuke North Korea (or insert country XXXX), not all Qatar expats hate Americans. Just go out there and meet people. Avoid the turkeys and hang out with those you get along with. It is the way of the world!

Internet forums tend to eventually become dominated by a few vocal individuals whose ideas do not reflect the opinions of the majority. For every loudmouth there are probably 10 lurkers who quietly disagree. (Just thought I'd add my own bit of stereotyping there).

I like Gypsy's spins to the posts too … it makes it fun!

Everyone should join the no PC dark side. It's like being a troll with important things to say. :) God Bless anonymity.

I love the gypsy's polemic comments. Most of the fun on this site is from the banter. PC sensitivities are so boring. Keep up the bad work.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

Just that fact that you are a strong supporter of animal rights make you a nice person. :) It's okay to be opinionated, but as I know from experience (as I am too) you gotta be able to take the backlash. :)

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Ghandi

Never said the US is all bad. Why do people keep thinking I say that?

Also I've very relaxed Moonbeam, it's one of the reasons I feel comfortable being so opinionated.

LOL!

Gypsy.....relax will you, you'll burst a blood vessel. I have seen your comments on several occassions on other subjects, and you a truly a person that speaks her mind. I respect that. You may have had bad experiences, but that doesn't mean the US is all bad.

Satan..... LOL! So true!

And as for SAGE778, well he speaks for himself. Dude, you seriously need to vent. But behaving that way will just spread dissent. Grow up please.

CPJDAD, I'm glad you have realised that not all of us 'haters'. Discrimination that you face will never be as bad as what some other nationalities face. Two men that work for my husband, ended up in hospital in Moscow, Russia because they are Asian; when they were beaten up by some skin heads. Another in Bahrain, got run over (he survived thank goodness) by 3 bahraini's who thought it might be fun... they never got the guys who did it.

So at least be thankful that you may not be 'openly' attacked. Most criticism will be directed at your country not you.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Ghandi

LOL Richard. Ok, I'll give you that. :D

They have eagles and nice swirling script on them.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

Why the hell would I want American citzenship? I get into more countries on cheaper visas and am treated better than most other nationalities, especially the US, with the one I have.

"America is where all your gadgets come from".. wooo..think again mister..i think u r still living in 60's.

It is time for me to weigh back in here. I have read many comments and for the most part I have really enjoyed reading the responses. Some of the responses were critical but that's a good thing. Some even proved my point, but it was good to at least hear some peoples views.

I do feel that maybe I didn't say a few things right. Maybe what I should have said was "I am new to Qatar and hope that you will judge me for the kind of person I am, rather than what country flag I represent." My intention was not to say that I am "offended" or that it even bothered me. I certainly do not feel that I "stereotyped" you all. I think Don was reaching with that comment. Also, I am not so sheltered. I realize the hatred out there. I never said I didn't know it was out there. I was merely making the point that it is unfortunate.

Anyway, all, it really has been an interesting read. I am glad I made the post. Has anything been gained by it? No, I am sure nothing has but people will feel the way they feel and there is no changing that. A tiger doesn't change it's stripes. I just wanted to put something out there to think about. I did that. You all gave me plenty to think about. Thank you for that.

Unfortunately I think SAGE778 is getting ready to start an all out riot. LOL I wanted to get my post in before that happens. You can feel free to email me at my contact email. I would ask that you have enough respect not to flood my email with hate. Thank you.

i liked your reply pointedly to my posting... and i cudnt help blush when you mentioned the "controversial" al jazeera channel.Im pleasantly surprised you still remember my objections to Al Jazeeras coverage of war on terror....

the good thing about QL is how people like us with diametrically opposite views can have a civilised debate over important issues plaguing our society.

At the end of all this tittle tattle, what matters most is how we as an individual treat each other... inspite of US invasion of Iraq, I still feel Americans ( for that matter any citizen of any country) as an entire race need not be hated.

"...But yeah im more than happy to bash the british - im british and despise the way my country is!..."

I agree with you, Charmed. I think that's the difference between the Brits and a lot of other nationalities. Brits tend to be very self-deprecating and self-critical.

That's why it's okay for a Brit to say that they despise the way Britain is, but if an American says that, then they are un-American, as in my experience, patriotism is much more of a big deal with Americans -- the whole, you're either with us or you're against us mentality.

With Brits who don't like or approve of the way the country is run, there's a laissez faire attitude amongst other Brits, a shrug of the shoulders and an 'okay, so that's your opinion.

With Americans I've encountered, some who don't like the way their country is being run, who disapprove of their country's foreign policy, it seems that the reaction amongst their compatriots for voicing such dissent is that their compatriots take it as a personal affront. I get the impression that if an American espouses their dislike of certain aspects of their country's government, other Americans will take it as a personal criticism.

By way of contrast, for Brits, yeah, it's possible to be against Tony Blair/the government/any of a number of bugbears and still to have a residual pride in being British (as oneself defines it, not as defined by Blair et al).

In some ways, being British isn't to be overly patriotic; to complain and disapprove of the running of the country is part of the national psyche, it's partly what makes us British. We are whinging poms after all. We're British, it's what we do!

Hey guys!

I'm new here and actually just surving around, trying to see a

"picture" of qatari living since my family is considering job offers in qatar. I gather the people in qatar are of different nationalities and of course each has his own opinion.

Without sounding prudish or something to that affect, let me say that eash one has his own opinion, and no opinion is wrong or right. Opinions are based not just from personal experiences but from hearsay as well.

I guess all of you are in Qatar because you were given an opportunity to do so and you opted for it.

But to say that one country is better than the other is just a matter of opinion and we shouldn't take it personally. The same thing with "hating" a country, it should not come to a personal level since we have little or nothing to do with the policies that our own leaders make.

Being away from home makes us emotional and it is but normal that we take pride in our own country. More especially so when one is in a foreign country, you are identified by your nationality first, and as a person second. Perhaps it is because of this that we tend to generalize and sterio-type people.

If only we look at the person first, we would realize that we are all the same.

I certainly agree with you.

I am not American, but lets say that I have a vested interest... :) I grew up around them, and even went to an American School in an Arab country, so I've seen discrimination from both sides.... TO BOTH SIDES for as long as I can remember.

CJP, don't get bogged down by what you hear. It's mainly aimed at your current administration, not you. And just as Momo said, the US is so vast that how can someone be so ignorant to judge an entire population based on hearsay and very limited experiences.

Go to some small town off the beaten path in ANY country and you wil find small minded people and bigots. It's not America, it's everywhere, irrespective of where you come from.

Yes, you do hear some americans arrogantly say that their nation is the best on earth, but hey, I think ITALY is! I'm not being arrogant, I'm just being patriotic. I hate the Italian political system, hate the beaurocracy and hate how expensive it is tho survive there, but it's still a country that has the best food, best wine and family values. At least that's my opinion; even though I would live in the US, and in fact I make no distinction between nationalities. If I like a person, I like a person! Be they from Qatar, from the US, Italy, Korea or Timbactu! :)

Welcome to Qatar CJP. Relax, there are decent people out here who think with their hearts and believe all nationalities are fundamentally equal if a little misunderstood by cultural issues.

The first person I met here is an American; and has turned out to be a friend I will keep for life. That is saying alot, considering I can count my closest friends on my two hands. They are.... Australian, Lebanese, Dutch, and Italian. But hey, if I meet someone I like from any country I say great, more diversity!

Be well.

or so my Canadian friends tell me.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

As a Canadian I've dealt a lot with Americans (both in the workplace and socially). Some are really good, some are really bad, most are just normal. They are of course the "big boy" on the street and so everyone seems to have an opinion of them (mostly based on stereotypes). I guess I wonder cpjdad27 how sheltered you've been if you haven't heard any of these things before. I'm also suprised that you sterotyped every one here because of some stereotypes.

Sexy,

I find it difficult to otherwise NOT bash Bush for the turmoil he has festered domestically and abroad. His administration epitomizes chicanery and hawkishness, feeding on the vunerabilities of an entire nation.

Sexy, things would BE MUCH BETTER had Iraq NOT been invaded. Bush undermined the fragility of Iraq's ethnic makeup, and the outcome is as clear as the images you see on Al Jazeera (our beloved 'controversial' channel to quote you)

And why in the world should Israel be supported militarily anyways!?? I do not object to other forms of support, but giving Israel a free reign on weapon imports and remaining tight lipped over the abuses it has committed is not what I call sound diplomacy in any way shape or form.

Most Israelis have become wary of the US anyways. They see American foreign policy as omnipresent in their political spheres.

I would agree that unmitigated support of Israel is perhaps one of my biggest 'pet peeves' about American foreign policy. It is sad to be honest.

Don't let one man's dream become another's nightmare

Im amazed at how easy it is for everyone to criticise Bush as being the root cause of all evil. I am not gonna get into personal wars here but if Bush hadnt taken drastic measures world history would have taken maybe a more dangerous and sinister turn. American hatred is attributed to its foreign policy.... and Isreali support... sadly anyone who supports Isreal becomes an enemy in the eyes of some people....

Hence the American hatred... Americans were hated even before Bush came to power... he only worsened it with his foreign policy....

i love the idea! I could so get started on this subject but then i would end upsetting everyone who is britsh! Ricahrd you are right about Blair, and the british being just as bad, but then there really wasnt anyone else in the running for the election! I just hope that Hilary wins and runs for the next election in the USA shes great!

Its all harmles bashing thou isnt it! I mean no one hollers abuse at me for being enlgish or shouts you impreialist conquering female! I guess they could as thats in my countrys history! but every country has a stigma which is citerzens have to live with! I mean the thread about the lebanese men and women proves my point! But yeah im more than happy to bash the british - im british and despise the way my country is!

Helloqatar, when did I say I judged any nationality based on who I've met in Doha?

Well,

as an Arab who has lived in the US for 7 years I can tell you that Americans are as varied as the color shades of the spectrum, so much so that I have come to the conclusion that having an American citizenship says nothing of person's political and socio cultural perception.

Americans are certainly not homogeneous. From Tampa to Cleveland, to Boston, I have met religious nuts to anarchists. So I would think twice before slapping labels around.

Judge a person by his personal outlook, and not by the passport s/he holds.

Don't let one man's dream become another's nightmare

I don't understand why people feel the need to bash, or put down other nationalities. The different countries represented in Qatar could cause a lot of stereotyping. When Gypsy decides that Americans are bad because of the current situation, maybe she needs a course in people skills. I can't believe that anyone would think that all people from any country are all the same, just because of the people they have met in Doha.

I have met some real losers from many different countries, but I would not think that all people from those countries are the same. People are individuals, they may have local customs, but they will be different. Many Americans have been killed by Muslim extremist, that does not make anyone I have met in Qatar an extremist. Many people are being killed in many countries by extremist that don't agree with their current government, where do you draw a line and start hating certain people.

A little of the live and let live would go along way in this world. Just leave me the H*** alone and I will get along with anyone that wants to get along with me.

Don't know why I like the French - just do.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

Damn it Richard, I used to like you … :D

They are great. Yes they think they are the best and they don't give a damn what anyone thinks of them. I like that.

Also, great food, beautiful stylish women and an amazingly beautiful country. No wonder it is so hard to like them. We're jealous.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

What about the French? They think France is the best country in the world too …

I've lived for some years in the US and I've found good Americans, bad Americans, Americans obtuse as a sheep, brilliant Americans, open minded Americans, close minded Americans, boring and show off Americans, extremely interesting Americans etc etc … like anywhere else in this world!

But please stop hating Americans everybody so that I can start making fun of them again without feeling guilty!

Define common.

U certainly have met a lot of interesting people Gypsy !!! U lived in a lot of different countries ?? or u keep moving around ... Hence Gypsy ??! :)

I liked living there, especially in London. But its fun to have a go at the Brits anyway.

Are you saying you are not common Gypsy? Are you special?

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

I don't find that the British think their country is the best, however I find that many of them are horrible classest snobs. Brits are the only ones I've met who have called me "common".

On that basis the British should also be hated. You voted for Blair twice (Bush's lapdog who brought British forces into war). As far as fat is concerned, after living in the UK,I can tell you there are plenty of revolting obese people there. The British are the fattest in Europe and fast approaching American levels of grossness. And thinking their country is the best? Again, way up there on the list.

Personally, I don't like nationalism at all. People who wrap themselves in their country's flags and say "My country right or wrong" piss me off. None of us have any control over where we were born.

I am not sensitive over nationality because it doesn't matter much to me but it seems that national pride and nation bashing is just part of human nature. Whoever is top dog becomes a bully and throws their weight around and everyone else hates them. C'est la vie!

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

TO be honest, out of all the nationalities I've met, I've only met three who say that their country is the best on Earth (actually using those words), and that's Americans, Lebanese and Qataris.

Everyone else will say they love their home country but never say it's the best on Earth.

But that's just my experience.

I think the main problem is why did the amercians vote bush in for a second time? Maybe if that hadnt then they wouldnt be hated so much? Americans have always been hated - thou im really not sure why! I guess its the stigma they have of being " Loud, fat and brash and thinking there country in the best!" But couldnt you say that about all people in the world. Racism is so rife out here its unreal people judge you by your skin colour and what country you are from - dont take it personally at all! People generalize thats what they do! At the end of the day were all human, we all bleed red blood and we all are made of the same componets. yes you will experience racism out here and people will hate you for being american, but its the same for bangledesh, india, pakistan, phillipines were all in the same boat! All we need to learn is that we are all sisters and brothers of the human race and to dtop hating each other

Why do people keep saying that bad impressions of Americans come from TV? Have none of you met Americans in real life? Well I've met a couple of very nice, down to earth, non-arrogant types, for every one of those I've met I've met 10 who are so brainwashed by their government and education system that I can hardly speak to them. Not only that but I've lived in two places with large US military bases and experienced first hand what GI's are like when let loose on the civilian population (and have had the black eyes to prove it). Well I hate to say it, because there are some good Americans out there who don't deserve to be treated like this, I can honestly say in my opinion and from my experience that hatred of Americans is not all the result of TV and rather the way they behave overseas.

I can't speak on immigration laws in the UK cutesrk since I don't live there. However, in Canada we have the same laws however that a doctor from India cannot just come into Canada and start practicing medicine. He must pass tests and be reevaluated first. Unfortunatly a lot of doctors can't afford to go through this process.

I don't disagree with retesting doctors, I think that's just good common sense, but something has to be done about the cost of retesting.

You just joined and already want to leave us Cpjdad?? Attacking Americans right now is like shooting on the Red Cross, too easy! I know it’s hard on you but try not to take it personal and show us some good “americanism” instead ;)

Dont be worried with the unfortunate state of affairs.

Just mind ur business....

Change that egocentric attitude and ur perception about the east..

It all depends on how each individual reacts to the knowledge created by the media world....

The image people have of the US is a very distorted one.. Things shown in the Tube world need not be stereotypically applied to the common masses.. Everywhere there is poverty ...

Its only the Attitude the foreign policies and the incompatibility in terms of culture and immoral behavior that sparks anger against the west and its vested interests.. Like how the US Soldiers get convicted of raping iraqi females despite having had an endless list of females or for that matter of having illicit relationships with Japanese & Filipinos ....... While on the contrary asians and arabs are taken to courts or sometimes sued on grounds of verbally abusing or getting into some sort of trouble with an american female.....

De_Mar

yes not all amerecans are like that but abad tomato could make the whole box smell bad...some of the americans are doing thing here they don`t dare to thing about doing it back home because.????

even when they drive thier cars they do it in the ofensive way....

Precisely they are not the rulers of the world.... They dont have the right to dictate terms to the world....

They are laid with a thousand excuses and just meant for commercial exploitation...

Like how many US Soldiers go abt screwing females from the Philipines and rape Iraqi women.......

------Cost of Freedom-----

There is no attribute of culture in the westernized nations....

Religion lays down the principles of life and such principles can very easily be transgressed in day to day life...Everything cant be recognized as creative else there is no sense of order in the society particularly reflected by todays reality TV series... People in the west have very skewed observations about the east but the same thing is never made a big issue ....ON the contrary the vice-versa is always working against the interests of the Downtrodden and poor.....

Western culture thrives on the sub-conscious mind with no self moral control and thats also a major factor contributing to a wide sense of hatred against the west... particularly the US...

Classless Vagabond fools....

I can support ur statements too.... I respect it....

Its the overbearing attitude and dominance in every aspect of life that gives or generates a sense of hatred against the US and its policies.. aint it? they kick out all the mexicans from borders, term them as illegal aliens and the list is endless..

And what abt the UK , includes a clause in the immigration policies where Indian doctors are kicked out.... who hold valid license to practice and that sort of an overbearing attitude is equally to be tolerated.......

-----Is any country giving Freedom-----

All that's happening in today's world is majorly based on false assumptions, Arabs "think" all Americans hate them so as a consequence Arabs start hating Americans, Americans "think" all Arabs hate them so as a consequence Americans also start hating Arabs and we end up hating eachother. It's not only an arab-american issue. Let's face it, there is no tolerance in today's world, everyone is racist one way or the other. It's sad but it's happening. Yes there's alot of chaos and hatred but that's not all that's there. Look at how many people do get along. I mean in QL community alone, think of all the different nationalities and backgrounds here who do get along. I, personally, deal with all kinds of different nationalities everyday, especially Americans.

Come on, I think it's time for all of us to grow up and start taking people for who they are and not where they come from. Instead of wasting our time in hating and judging, let's invest it in learning and laughing. American government is hated, that's true, I mean most Americans hate their own government so we're kinda on the same side, so why all this isolation and false assumptions ? Anyways I think I blabbered enough, I guess it's an endless topic.

cjp welcome to Qatar, and trust me there are open minded people just like me and u and the rest of QL community.

P.S. can u really live without meeting a single person ? I would go crazy ! probably end up talking to myself haha...cheers xxx

Helloooooooo......Welcome to Qatar...

Cheers,

hmmmm....cjpdad you sound very depressed......

take care.....oh hello to you too:-D

happy heart

drive safe because someone is waiting for you at home

cpjdad27 - "It's pretty pathetic to stereotype. The problem with people anymore is the inability to think for one's self.they read a newspaper and assume it to be true. "

Well, that's exactly what the rest of the world thinks about Americans. And "rest of the world" is a term that most Americans do not understand.

I was surprised about how little my American friends and colleagues knew about Canada. LOL!

THink I might have to b nice to Qatari to give me a job soon workn with QL, the amount of time i spend on QL while im at work now is scary !! :P

and they can't all hate the United States since one of the largest groups of illegal aliens in the US after Mexicans are Canadian citizens.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

I live to please richard. Don't like beating around the Bush. LOL. ;)

Why r we getting so many of these sensitive posts lately .. About Countries n Religions and Americans and Lebanese and whoever else.. I think these things just trigger off ppl and it turns ugly real quick.. and people who are putting up these posts know this ... Somethings are best left alone.. Rather than discussing it with everyone out there and then take things so personally... when a person expresses their view out here is'nt that the whole purpose of the post????

This is making an otherwise boring Tuesday morning a lot more interesting. Good to have you aboard Gypsy. Where is Terramax? He can usually be relied upon to provide some bile and controversy.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

Read it again Charlene, I didn't speak for all Canadians. ;)

There are good and bad people in all nationalities, we stereotype without trying to know the individual. I know it's hard to take it in the beginning. But as we are living in a multicultural society such things happen. Its not fair to be treated like this just because your stupid Govt is acting weird....that makes no sense. Its not the fault of the Americans…..only minority of Americans feels that their President is right.

Cpjdad…no worries…after sometime you will see the change…their attitude will change… they will treat to as an individual and not as an American.

I did read your post, in fact I read it again just now. I'm not getting in a debate with you over this. I was simply saying that thank God we don't all think as you do, and that you should speak only for yourself and not all Canadaians.

No Charlene, you're right, I was also bashing the really arrogant, ignorant Americans that go overseas and make a bad name for the rest of the country. But if you would like to read my post you will see that I don't assume all Americans are like that. I was simply trying to make cjp see why it is Americans are disliked abroad.

Of course you had to jump on the PC bandwagon, good for you.

Sharaddy, when I was referring to your neighbours hating you I meant politically, not in individual cases, sorry should have cleared that up.

It's not that Americans in general are hated. Consecutive US governments seem to have the knack of adopting the wrong policy at almost every opportunity, coupled with a blind supporting f Israel policy. Even some of my American friends in the region acknowledged that.

You weren't only bashing the goverment Gypsy.

i guess the problem is not with americans but wid the ruling administration (elected by americans). I am from India and i dont like the way the ruling american govt performs. The problem is that they cannot keep their nose to themselves. We dont need other guys to tell us how to run our country. Uninvited help not appreciated. Stop interfering n all shud be fine

Hmmm,

well thats not very nice to say Gypsy, Sorry that you feel that way, I'm your neighbor (literally, takes me 2 hours by boat to get to nova scotia!) I've always liked canadians and never felt any hostility from you guys, I loved arcadia, nova scotia and i even took a road trip to Quebec (gotta love the drinking age there!).

Although i will say that sometimes just one individual can leave a sour taste in your mouth, its even worse when they arrogantly display their nationality as if they were gods gift to mankind, Just remember that not all americans are like that. I'm proud to be american but i never boast about it or rub it in someone's face.

So you like the government and foreign policies of the US do you Charlene?

Thank God not all us Canadians feel as you do. I suggest you only speak for yourself!

Who says I don't. :D

Girl u really are a Philosopher Extraordinare.. Every time I think of posting my thoughts on a forum I just get lost once i'm done reading ur comments... U should write for the papers or magazines here ..

I am over it now. It used to bother me but not anymore.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

Yup Americans are hated worldwide. Hell your closest neighbours can't even stand you.

Why? Cause you've got a murdering bastard for a president, A bunch of red neck yokels for a government, a good chunk of you that go abroad act like arrogant, condescending assholes, or are too ignorant of their surroundings to even talk to people.

I'm not going to assume that every American is like that, however I don't really talk to many Americans because no matter how smart they are, or how liberal for some reason you always end up saying the America is the best country on Earth. I like anyone till they claim that their country is the best on Earth.

If you don't do that, and accept that people are not going to like your country and have no reason to and realize that people not liking your country is not a personal insult, you should be fine.

a lot of this america bashing is created by the media... i dont think americans are as detested as its made out to be...

certain vested interests are always looking for trouble becos it feeds them and they thrive on it.

just ignore it... if a person evaluates you based on your nationality and skin color.... he deserves to be given the royale ignore. such people dont matter.

I do emphatize with what you feel...cjpdad27. It's not easy when people tend to generalize people because of their nationality. Filipinos/Filipinas here in Doha are treated (but not all) quite differently and sometimes horribly (I can cite some incidents). But, hey...don't let it affect you. Your friendship is most welcome here.(am I right, guys?)

Just give a shout out.... ;-) (Smile!!! You're on CANDID CAMERA!!!)

"RESPECT BEGETS RESPECT"

We are the most detested nation on earth. It is not just Arabs either, we are pretty much pariahs everywhere in Asia.

However, I have been in the Middle East for some time and although most of my Arab friends do not like America, they do not blame me personally and I can honestly say that my closest friends here are Arabs.

You just have to develop a thick skin. It amuses me how over sensitive some of the people are who post on this site and yet these same people have no problem viciously attacking us, our political leadership, our culture (or lack of it) and our supposed lack of intelligence.

I do for the most part understand why Arabs do not like us or the British and I have a lot of sympathy for their position.

The Middle East and Africa (and Malaysia, etc..) have gone through too much humiliation by the West for too lomg, and it's probably galling for the Middle East because their oil, and gas, has powered the West (and Africa supplied the critical metals for high-technology...). But gall alone will get them nowhere; it's probably easier for the West to give up oil and gas than for the Middle East and Africa to establish a knowledge-based economy.

Some people I know are selling their services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, taking on consultancy jobs, one is helping to build up Dubai as art centre, another as theatre centre. But do tourists to Dubai (perhaps Asian tourists?) want to experience Western culture in Dubai? Why not visit the real Louvre in Paris? Why are we selling them our culture? Perhaps they do want it..selectively.

There are many contradictions here and history has been hard on this region. It has been used as a battleground for western interests and continues to be so.

At least you are here and can make a contribution to better relations. First, do some homework on the history of the region, learn about Islam and a little Arabic. You will be amazed by the warmth you will receive from the people. They will soon see you as a person first and the fact that you have an American passport will become irrelevant.

We had better live as we think, otherwise we shall end up by thinking as we lived. - Paul Bourget

i do find it unfortunate... your post makes me wonder why we, as citizens of different countries feel so divided by religion and culture....

you dont have to explain yourself to anyone... people who like you for what you are will continue to like you whether you are from the US or from Somalia... inspite of all the hate and pessimism there are quite a lot of warm genuine people here... you just have to open ur eyes and look around.

it all boils down to what we are inside....

since we are together let us talk.

it is good of you to go the way up in explaining this state of affairs. Sometimes you find yourself defending something you did not commit or even you do not really believe in. It seems that you have the ability to overcome the situation of hatred and come clean out of it. When I find some time I will write you on your email. I am really interested in your person and beliefs.

stay well and hatred free.