The link I have posted leads to a website
where a French blogger is discussing the idea of anti-Americanism, analysing an
article from the highly regarded The
Economist and re-evaluating common theories on others views of America. I am
in agreement with author when they expressed their sense of shock at the
approval rating of America actually increasing after the re-election of former
President George W. Bush. I will admit I was under the impression that given
the numerous negative statements made by the French about America, that the
idea of a man being re-elected that was not what I would assume the French
would approve of would almost guarantee the immediate increase of negative
attitudes toward America. It was pointed out by the blogger that possibly the
communication and translation barrier could have affected the collection of
data, however, that to me does not seem a valid or problematic enough excuse
and should not alter the results. I was most surprised by the bloggers
comparison between the two countries and how one cause of anti-Americanism
having been so high in France is because they are too alike and therefore feelings
of threat or jealous may have risen. I appreciate that this article does not
single out a certain class and it is actually challenged by the blogger, who
reveals that not only “ordinary French people” are guilty of judgement, as are
the elitist and each are further guilty of consuming products from the country they
have such negative feelings for, America. It appears that the French view of America
is subject to constant change and it should not be preconceived or stereotyped
by outsiders.
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