Yes and it is on the US citizens to correct the narrative. Being angry at international opinions that are gaining traction is (and I use this word seriously) stupid. I also wonder what chinese citizens have to say about western generalization of their social identity, or afghan social identity for that matter.
Except when it’s used to shutdown any and all discussion or criticisms. Generalizations don’t bring understanding, just division and outright hypocrisy.
I agree that the perception of Americans lacking the agency to reform their own systems is a valid critique. However, I would respectfully add that this perceived inertia is not just a failure of internal will, but also a symptom of a profound lack of substantive, critical input from within the dominant cultural narrative.
The issue is self-perpetuating: a system that prioritizes defensive certainty over rigorous self-examination actively stifles the critical discourse necessary for its own health. When negative or challenging feedback is dismissed as unpatriotic or illegitimate, it creates an intellectual vacuum. There is no reason to remain self-critical if the only acceptable dialogue is celebratory or accusatory without nuance.
This is the core flaw of a one-sided, regressive, and restrictive Western narrative (particularly the American engagement in it). It often confuses loyalty with unanimity of thought. The historical pattern is clear and alarming when one has the brillance to read historical records: when a powerful system prioritizes being right over understanding why it might be wrong, it enters a state of dangerous decadence and insularity. We see this time and again, from the hubris of empires to the downfall of leaders like Nero, whose tyranny was enabled by a court that echoed rather than examined.
True agency isn’t just the power to act, but the wisdom to course-correct. And that wisdom cannot exist without the uncomfortable, essential gift of critical perspective—whether it comes from within or from outside looking in.
Dude, the “they’re murderers and rapists” guy is president again. Begging for other countries to take a nuanced view of American politics when we elected such a generalizing, stereotyping blockhead multiple times to the highest office in the land – while simultaneously making that office more powerful – is a bit ridiculous.
No, it’s not. The reason is the same one we have such issues with conservatives and similar who generalize. It’s not constructive to have highly generalized views and try to change something. It’s a crutch to just ignore something which again, leads to the predicament we’re in. If a person shows a trend for doing that then they’re also going to be misinformed. Asking people to be better and understand others is NOT a huge ask.
Asking people to be better and understand others is NOT a huge ask.
Apparently it is, because we can’t get people to do this in our own country, and those who aren’t trying to “be best” and don’t “understand others” are elected to office over and over again.
Your take is like “not all men” but for Americans, and look man, I’m an American and I’m not offended by the characterization that we haven’t really done shit about this administration. We haven’t.
Except this is used over and over again to generalize all USA citizens unironically.
Yes and it is on the US citizens to correct the narrative. Being angry at international opinions that are gaining traction is (and I use this word seriously) stupid. I also wonder what chinese citizens have to say about western generalization of their social identity, or afghan social identity for that matter.
Except when it’s used to shutdown any and all discussion or criticisms. Generalizations don’t bring understanding, just division and outright hypocrisy.
I agree that the perception of Americans lacking the agency to reform their own systems is a valid critique. However, I would respectfully add that this perceived inertia is not just a failure of internal will, but also a symptom of a profound lack of substantive, critical input from within the dominant cultural narrative.
The issue is self-perpetuating: a system that prioritizes defensive certainty over rigorous self-examination actively stifles the critical discourse necessary for its own health. When negative or challenging feedback is dismissed as unpatriotic or illegitimate, it creates an intellectual vacuum. There is no reason to remain self-critical if the only acceptable dialogue is celebratory or accusatory without nuance.
This is the core flaw of a one-sided, regressive, and restrictive Western narrative (particularly the American engagement in it). It often confuses loyalty with unanimity of thought. The historical pattern is clear and alarming when one has the brillance to read historical records: when a powerful system prioritizes being right over understanding why it might be wrong, it enters a state of dangerous decadence and insularity. We see this time and again, from the hubris of empires to the downfall of leaders like Nero, whose tyranny was enabled by a court that echoed rather than examined.
True agency isn’t just the power to act, but the wisdom to course-correct. And that wisdom cannot exist without the uncomfortable, essential gift of critical perspective—whether it comes from within or from outside looking in.
Dude, the “they’re murderers and rapists” guy is president again. Begging for other countries to take a nuanced view of American politics when we elected such a generalizing, stereotyping blockhead multiple times to the highest office in the land – while simultaneously making that office more powerful – is a bit ridiculous.
No, it’s not. The reason is the same one we have such issues with conservatives and similar who generalize. It’s not constructive to have highly generalized views and try to change something. It’s a crutch to just ignore something which again, leads to the predicament we’re in. If a person shows a trend for doing that then they’re also going to be misinformed. Asking people to be better and understand others is NOT a huge ask.
Apparently it is, because we can’t get people to do this in our own country, and those who aren’t trying to “be best” and don’t “understand others” are elected to office over and over again.
Your take is like “not all men” but for Americans, and look man, I’m an American and I’m not offended by the characterization that we haven’t really done shit about this administration. We haven’t.