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Are Americans historically less able to empathize with other cultures in
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:28 pm
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:28 pm
comparison to other world powers? We have, in my opinion, felt compelled to deliver a democratic republic in each if the major conflicts we have entered since Korea. We generally seem unable to consider that other cultures do not always share our values and many do not want what we define as freedom. Did other empires suffer from this "syndrome" as well? I am not criticizing our nation in any way I am simply stating something I believe to be true. Did the British and the Romans believe that they could install the governmental systems they operated under in other nations? I know they Romans allowed many conquered nations to enter the republic and assimilate but the Romans also incorporated many of those nations cultures into their own. The British kept Territories separate and installed governors to rule. I know I am all over the place in this post but I believe you understand the point I am trying to make. Are we too disconnected in our foreign policy to successfully defeat and occupy another nation?
6
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:29 pm to DanTiger
quote:
We generally seem unable to consider that other cultures do not always share our values and many do not want what we define as freedom
Kill all the ISIS bastards. Every last one of them.
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:31 pm to DanTiger
quote:
many do not want what we define as freedom
I think you'd be hard pressed to find many on here who want what our government defines as freedom as well.
This post was edited on 2/5/15 at 4:48 pm
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:49 pm to DanTiger
We're probably more empathetic in that regards compared to others.
American imperialism exists, but we're more sneaky about it by backing leaders we want in power in those areas rather than directly throwing ourselves into the conflict (not always the case).
Once we have said leader in power we use them to push, but not force, our ideals onto that group IMO.
American imperialism exists, but we're more sneaky about it by backing leaders we want in power in those areas rather than directly throwing ourselves into the conflict (not always the case).
Once we have said leader in power we use them to push, but not force, our ideals onto that group IMO.
Posted on 2/5/15 at 3:51 pm to DanTiger
I don't know that "less able to empathize" is how I'd frame it.
I, for one, believe in the objective superiority of certain western values. I'm not a fan of cultural relativism, thus to the extent some non-western nation doesn't want the high points of our culture, freedom of speech, for example, I tend to think that position is the product of an inherently inferior culture.
I don't think that means I'm not able to empathize. I understand the basis for why someone may not want freedom of speech. I understand how it might suck to feel like my world view is being affronted by some outsider. But, I still think they're wrong.
All that said, it doesn't mean I support crusades in the name of American exceptionalism. Just because I think we're right and you're wrong doesn't mean I feel called to exert our correctness upon you by force.
I, for one, believe in the objective superiority of certain western values. I'm not a fan of cultural relativism, thus to the extent some non-western nation doesn't want the high points of our culture, freedom of speech, for example, I tend to think that position is the product of an inherently inferior culture.
I don't think that means I'm not able to empathize. I understand the basis for why someone may not want freedom of speech. I understand how it might suck to feel like my world view is being affronted by some outsider. But, I still think they're wrong.
All that said, it doesn't mean I support crusades in the name of American exceptionalism. Just because I think we're right and you're wrong doesn't mean I feel called to exert our correctness upon you by force.
This post was edited on 2/5/15 at 3:52 pm
Posted on 2/5/15 at 4:27 pm to DanTiger
We're pretty fricken young as a culture. And with youth sometimes comes brashness.
That said, it worked out well with countries like Japan, South Korea and Germany. Heck, even with some former Eastern block countries like Poland.
I am not at all sure that other countries don't want freedom. They may not ready for it in some cases but I think it's a pretty basic human longing. Even with things like the "Arab Spring" you could see people that were exposed to knowledge and ideas had a desire for it.
So while yeah, there tends to be a strain of jingoism and cultural immaturity that surfaces from time to time, I think that overall, a desire to see freedom grow has been a good thing.
That said, it worked out well with countries like Japan, South Korea and Germany. Heck, even with some former Eastern block countries like Poland.
I am not at all sure that other countries don't want freedom. They may not ready for it in some cases but I think it's a pretty basic human longing. Even with things like the "Arab Spring" you could see people that were exposed to knowledge and ideas had a desire for it.
So while yeah, there tends to be a strain of jingoism and cultural immaturity that surfaces from time to time, I think that overall, a desire to see freedom grow has been a good thing.
Posted on 2/5/15 at 5:18 pm to DanTiger
Americans are abhor their own Imperialism. The people of the United States cannot rationalize the concept of subjugating a people with the principals of their nation's founding. The principles of self-determination, individual liberty, and economic freedom are simply incongruous with ruling far-flung indigenous peoples by decree. The principles of manifest destiny embolden us to be the great spreaders of democracy and freedom in the world (often whether those people want it or not).
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