UK's Hatred of America?

I don't even know where to start. Maybe I'm taking what was said the wrong way, but I can't really think of how else it was meant and I'm really offended.

Basically, the way I discovered the comment was because I monitor incoming links for CornsnakeMorphGallery.com because if people post suggestions, things they'd like to see on other forums, I'd like to know to see if I can give them what they want. I followed a link to a UK forum where someone had made a post just sharing the link, and the second response to the OP was "Shame it's american." WTF? Why would someone say something like that? They don't know me. What does me being American have to do with the quality of information of the free site I provide. It's not an "american only" website, it is free for all to use across the world.

Now, before someone says it, this has nothing to do with my site being sort of bashed...Most of the thread turned into talking about how Ian's Vivarium was better...Don't care that they think that, they're entitled to their opinion.

I was just really shocked when I read that Racist? Countryist? Elitist? comment in regards to something I do for free for the Cornsnake community. I probably shouldn't take it to heart, it is the internet after all, but it is not the first time I've seen comments made such as this. What is the deep seated hatred the UK has for Americans? Why make such nasty comments to innocent individuals?

Ok...Feel a little better after my rant...

You obviously have not left the US much, Steph. It is not just the UK, but about 90% of the planet that, in general, dont have the best feelings towards the US as a whole.

It really had nothing to do with you, your site or the information..... just simply the fact it was American at its root.

No, I haven't. Been barely out of Pennsylvania (three states, whoo!).

I guess it just hurt my feelings because I didn't do anything to deserve a comment like that and I couldn't imagine saying something like that. Just because some people are jerks in the US doesn't mean what they say or do is all of our responsibility. I realize I shouldn't take it personally (especially from something on the internet), but I was just stunned.

Hatred is based in jealousy and fear.

It's too bad those that posted cannot look inside themselves and try to understand their own insecurities that cause them to act the way they do.

I agree with Sammy. Also, generally speaking, when I was in Europe (this was 98) I noticed a lot of "Countryist" as in, this country thought they were so much better than their neighboring one or comments like "those **** people are all so rude and loud". Even people in the same country disliking the 'northern half' and vise versa (I'm not talking about Ireland haha). Just seemed like the pride in ones own country was very deep in their culture.

People that found out I was from the U.S. always asked "New York or San Francisco"

Sadly, all that most people from other countries see first hand of the US is the actions of our government and tourists (generally the very wealthy) from our country. Which neither are true representatives of the average American. Only they dont know that. So I understand why they feel the way they do, in general, about the US. As misguided as it is.

Actually, what some people don't realize is that the REPRESENTATIVES we vote into office to represent us in legislative, judicial, and administrative USA affairs are representing US, as a people, to the entire world as well.. And, of course, even the relatives of those representatives we vote into office will paint a picture that other countries will judge us by....

I have a lot offriends in the UK, Africa, and many other areas in the world.

Some tell me just becuase i am an american I would be looked at different when I visit.

But I ask you this. Dont we do the same to other people from other countries here. Not saying you or I do I am saying in general.

I kept my first post short since I don't want to get into a long rant about jealousy, hatred, love, possessions, etc. But I do want to add something based off of what Sammy has said.

A lot of people in various countries do not agree with U.S. foreign policies. Hell, a lot of people in the U.S. don't agree with U.S. foreign policies. But to take it to a level of individual hatred is an unhealthy response to a persons own uncontrolled emotions. A lot of people need to learn to let go of the things they cannot control, and learn to enjoy the things they can a little more.

Hatred is bad, look what it did to Darth Vader....lol

Originally Posted by Gary O

But I ask you this. Dont we do the same to other people from other countries here. Not saying you or I do I am saying in general.

Yes....exactly. How many people in this country hate people from the middle east? Out of simple fear. Scared that a terrorist might somehow hurt them or their loved ones.

In reality the vast majority are people just like me. People that want to find their place in this world, want their children to grow up safe and have a meaningful life of their own.

Yes, I guess there is a chance that you and your loved ones could die in a terrorist attack. But why spend your whole life, living in fear, and hating individuals you will never meet? Why not let it go with the understanding that it is possible and there is most likely nothing you can do to stop it if it is to happen. Instead focus your energy enjoying the things you love in life, whether it be your kids, your reptiles, or for someone like me a little of both.