Why People Hate America and Americans

Posted: November 11, 2002
An analysis by
Dr. Kwame Nantambu

One of the most significant questions to emerge after the very tragic terrorist attacks on September 11 is : Why do people hate America and Americans?

In a nationally televised address to a joint session of Congress, President George Bush answered as follows:

"They hate what they see right here in this chamber: A democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms: our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other."

At the outset, it must be stated quite categorically that contrary to President Bush's assertion, one of the reasons that people hate America and Americans is not because they are jealous of America's freedoms and/or way of life.

The fact of the matter is that people do not hate America and Americans because "The Donald divorced Marla": people do not hate America because "Kim Basinger was beaten up by Alec" or because Pink in not coming out this season to get her NBA party started with a brand new beat.

People do not hate America and Americans because Cindy Crawford caught her hubby cheating with a college co-ed or because "Britney cracks up ..as playboy Justin parties" or because "Julie Roberts kicks out her lover."

People do not hate America and Americans because Angelina Jobe and Billy Bob filed for divorce or because "JLO filed divorce papers against her husband Cris Judd."

People do not hate America and Americans because "Soprano" star Jamie Lynn-Sigler "is battling anorexia" or because on 6 November 2002, a Beverly Hills, CA., jury found actress Winona Ryder guilty of "stealing more than $5,500 worth of merchandize during a shoplifting spree at a Saks Fifth Avenue last year."

The fact of the matter is that people hate America and Americans because of the nature and modus operandi of America's foreign policy.

In the words of one Canadian:

"It is definitely not jealousy. At least not in my case. We hate how America tends to be extremely arrogant, ignorant to much of the world, and seem to only consider violence the best way."

People hate America and Americans because America has:

¤ "Supported repressive monarchies and dictatorships.

¤ Ignored torture and other human rights abuses by (their) allies.

¤ Suppressed and helped attack democratic movements."

People hate America and Americans because "the world community has been sadly disappointed" that the "U.S. turns (a) blind eye to developing nations' needs" and arrogantly walked out on the U.N. - sponsored international conference on racism in South Africa. The U.S. position was: either my way or the highway.

More specifically, people hate America and Americans because of America's policy when it comes to the liberation, interests and well-being of non-European people. People hate America because its policy does not reflect real democracy, equality and respect for all human life and dignity.

People hate America and Americans because America's foreign policy is totally devoid of the notion that ALL people have "the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and that no nation, however, big or small, has the God-given right to determine who should be eligible for those rights or freedoms.

America seems to be "out of step" with global reality and the aspirations of oppressed peoples in this new millennium.

The only way to eliminate international terrorism is to put U.S. foreign policy and the equality of non-European-American life and peoples on the same page and footing.

The outside perception is that life, liberty and pursuit of happiness only apply to Europeans, namely Americans. The outside perception is that the life of an Israeli is more precious, valuable and worthwhile than that of a non-European, Palestinian or Arab.

Human equality seems to be non-existent and a non-starter in the overt implementation of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. U.S. policy does not act when Israel "kills" 12 Palestinians, but reacts forcibly when Palestinians "murder" two Israelis. It is as if different, non-equal human beings are involved. This policy generates hatred toward America and Americans.

The Bush administration does not react when Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon bombs Palestinian official buildings, offices and compounds, builds illegal Israeli homes and occupies Palestinian lands.

U.S. policy - makers must realize that "only Palestinian people can decide who should lead them."

People hate America and Americans because of the Arrogance of Superiority that is exhibited in U.S. foreign policy toward non-Euro-Americans and/or people of color. This policy angers people worldwide.

The fact of the matter is that being an American only makes you better off, it does not make you better, albeit superior.

The fact of the matter is that God created man equal, but man in his ultimate wisdom, has recreated his fellow man unequal - one superior and on inferior.

It is this Arrogance of Superiority in America's foreign policy that cajoles and propels people to hate America and Americans.

The fact of the matter is that the tragic events of September 11 are not targeted to change America's freedoms and way of life but to address America's racist foreign policy. Global terrorism can not be eliminated through a policy of unholy, collusive alliances.

People do not hate America and Americans. They hate America's policy toward them.

Shem Hotep ("I go in peace").

Dr. Nantambu is an Associate Professor, Dept. of Pan-African Studies, Kent State University, U.S.A.

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