I don't think America's arrogance -- as exhibited by our government's foreign policy mistakes as well as by the many dumb things said about other countries by our media -- is part of our basic character. I think what has happened to America is that too many Americans are educated, see the world, through TELEVISION. Many popular movies, shows and series on television show us only stereotype-based fictional characterizations of other countries and other cultures. While showing Americans as always strong, right and winning -- frequently in battle with "foreigners" who are always portrayed as the "bad guy." It is not only highly unfortunate that too many Americans are not educated about the rest of the world, it is highly disastrous, as it causes Americans to support our foreign entanglements such as our invasion of Iraq, thinking that, like the movies, America will easily prevail over a backward people.

— Ga Jennings, Cape Cod, Massachusetts (1/11/2007)

Along with size, power and influence comes envy, jealousy, arrogance. We are our own best critics. All countries attempt to serve their own best interests. It is America's poor luck and, at the same time, good fortune to have such reach throughout the world. I am not surprised at the views from abroad in light of America's position and actions in the world, but I am surprised at the overwhelming negativity expressed by people in otherwise 'friendly' countries. The views appear to be overwhelmingly negative, which I can only imagine is the large result of Iraq (not Afghanistan) and other recent policy issues, post 9/11. That being said, there are some in the world who choose to blame America for all of their problems, ignoring the influence of their own country's leaders on their condition. America has had a great impact, both positive and negative, but it's wrong for America to be blamed for all problems in other countries.

— Mike, Burlington, VT (11/16/2006)

All of these comments are intriguing and very informative all are correct too. The interviews are unfortunately accurate in how some aboard including many within the U.S. view our actions aboard. Yet, U.S. foreign policy must change to a more equal and in touched with the rest of the world. Instead of a self absorbed and isolationist stance. I think when Americans are aboard or interact with people from other countries they should not be so overtly patriotic or use idealistic terms to describe their country as "the greatest in the world." No country in the world is better than everyone else. All because the United States is the world superpower it does not mean that the "American Way" is the correct way or only view that matters in public opinion and international relations. It would be better for Americans who travel to other nations to have a knowledge of the country's history, people and culture they visit rather than going into confused tourist mode. It would be nice to see Americans in the world not act as uninformed with little or no knowledge of how history has affected the present or how people around the world live. Overall I enjoy this website and hope that Americans can interact with the rest of the world and emphasize with people from other countries.

— Lisa B., California (11/16/2006)

"Respect" trumps "Like" in geopolitics.

— Mark Auman, Las Vegas (11/25/2006)

May be I am schizophrenic in my view of US. I have lived there for several years and I like it; it is part of my life; I liked the place, the people, and the way of life. When I came back to my Middle Eastern country, I tried to explain to everyone that Americans are kind, peaceful, open-minded, and free people. Yet, living here in the Middle East, seeing what the US is doing in OUR life, you cannot help but hate this selfish, greedy, destructive government. Peoples have to communicate far from their governments. Governments both in the middle east and in America do not really care about people; they care about business.

— Beta Ahmed, Egypt (11/29/2006)

We, as Americans, don't often realize the problems we cause. The way we run, the way we think, it's all fast paced. Get it done, ASAP! is the way we think. Of course the biggest problem that creates is we don't think things through, and I know, especially with my social life, that only ends up doing more harm then good.

— Outcast Valkyrie, Mass, US (9/8/2006)

I feel that America is a great country but also tries to police the world. It seems as though most problems other countries get into, we have to be a part of. Despite this, America has many freedoms other countries just don't offer. It is great to be a citizen in this country.

— Student, Massachusetts (9/8/2006)

America is the dominant superpower in the world. I realize many countries hate our country but I could care less. We may have our fair share of ignorant people, but also some of the smartest people in the world. I also beleive that a large reason for the Iraq war and other problems is over religion. The middle east may not like our ways but they have something against us just because were a mainly Christian/Jewish country.

— Jose, MA (9/8/2006)

Everyone makes mistakes. But America is trying to spread peace and happiness around the word. If we pull the troops out now it will make us seem weak and the attacks will continue amount our states. We are trying to save peoples lives.

— Michelle, MA (9/8/2006)

Just because we're American doesn't mean we think we're better than everyone else, we just like freedom.

— Allie Burke, Medfield, MA (9/8/2006)