Is the U.S. a largely xenophobic nation?

[Comics N' Toons]

I personally go back and forth on this idea that the U.S. is largely xenophobic. I don't want to believe it as I think people are generally good and want to give people the benefit of the doubt. But ultimately, I personally think the U.S. is largely insecure in its sexuality, foreign relations and race relations, among many other things.

Now, is it the government that makes us so prudish or is it something else?

I travel a lot and I see people everywhere I go who are homophobic, racist or suspicious of foreigners, or insecure about any religion or political belief that is not state sponsored (and don't say Christianity is not state sponsored, please!)

But, is it just me?

 

[SV Fan]

I think Eurotrip said it the best

You know America was founded by prudes. Prudes who left Europe because they hated all the kinky, steamy European sex that was going on. And now I, Cooper Harris, will return to the land of my perverted forefathers and claim my birthright... which is a series of erotic and sexually challenging adventures.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Well it depends how you define it. Like most people, Americans are a lot more liberal / hospitable when times are good. When times are bad, they get a less liberal / hospitable. That's how demagogues make their living. Crisis bring out the worst in people.

I'd say about a third or fourth of America is fundamentally xenophobic. 9/11 really traumatized Americans, and they haven't gotten over it. Though the xenophobia in relation to illegal immigration is mostly old fashioned racism.

America was a fundamentally racist nation up until about the 60's, so, that considered, it's come a long way.

Not sure what that has to do with sexuality though.

 

[Thundercrack85]

I think Eurotrip said it the best

That's an amusing quote, but the irony is that Britain was much, much more conservative than America in the 17th century (Cromwell took it so far that the Puritans were complaining).

Most of Europe was pretty damn conservative until the 20th century. Except France. But France is France.

 

[SV Fan]

I think the problem is people constantly hear how wonderful and great America is and they form a sense of blind patroitism. People then go out of their way to exploit that blind patriotism using fear tactics to push a political agenda. I think more then a xenophobic nation they a naive collection of followers who are easy to manipulate and in a country where greed rules the day any means necessary is used to push your goals(even if it means lowest common denominator).

One problem when you have a country that pats itself alot on the back how great they are is it creates alot of nationalists who buy into it and don't want things to change because it will take them away from that greatness.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Americans haven't had to do much introspection as a country, compared to some European nations. Though a lot of progress has been made.

As usual I think a fourth of America is in favor of bad policies, a fourth in favor of good policies, and half has no idea what the hell is going on.

 

[Comics N' Toons]

Americans who can't get over 9/11 or blame government or religion for one of the nation's tragic events need to let it go. Islam is not to blame (though like ALL religions, it can fairly be seen as evil).

The problem is largely that after 9/11, America has become divisive, more introverted and quite paranoid. It's not just Republicans that cling to god, guns and Patriotism (stupid nationalism).

 

[Thundercrack85]

Well, I don't want to go into (another) religious debate, so I won't comment on that.

But I think the terrible economy has done way more to stoke xenophobia than 9/11. After all, no one is upset with the Latinos because of the "War on Terror".

I see the flux of xenophobia wavering already. Obviously you're gonna have racists, but you can't get a crowd quite as riled up anymore. Even the far-right politicians have started backing off somewhat.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

What country isn't xenophobic?

 

[Just_Human]

This thread has potential ....

..... unlimited potential ....

 

[Dark Raven]

Well American border patrol guards at the airport seem particularly unwelcoming, xenophobic and overly suspicious. You come in to land at the airport and you get these videos playing on the plane or on overhead screens saying "welcome" and how they hope you'll have a good stay, and yet for many people these border patrol guards are the first contact they'll have with Americans. They seem to almost treat any foreigners as potential terrorists or illegal immigrants even if you are just a holiday maker.

And if you visit frequently and for relatively longish periods (I think you are allowed to stay a maximum of 3 months on a normal travel visa) they will again become overly suspicious and trying to immigrate when you could be just visiting family. But of course, they won't accept that explanation and always seem to assume the worst.

 

[Pink Ranger]

What country isn't xenophobic?

 

[Thundercrack85]

To be fair, the TSA are nasty to everyone, American, Canadian, European, it doesn't matter.

They treat everyone like human garbage.

 

[Pink Ranger]

To be fair, the TSA are nasty to everyone, American, Canadian, European, it doesn't matter.

They treat everyone like human garbage.

... and isn't that what Dr. King wanted all along?

*wipes tear from eye*

 

[Thundercrack85]

Close enough I guess.

I don't know why Americans put up with it. I mean, foreigners have to, they have no choice.

But the TSA regularly gropes all-American grandmas. Just shows you how shellshocked 9/11 has left Americans.

Security trumps liberty. Unfortunately given the TSA's record of letting every would-be terrorist through (heckuva job), it's not even real security. Thanks, President Bush. Take the people who screwed up, give them more power, less oversight, and a raise.

But I'll shut up now before I get added to that blacklis- I mean, no fly list.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Well American border patrol guards at the airport seem particularly unwelcoming, xenophobic and overly suspicious. You come in to land at the airport and you get these videos playing on the plane or on overhead screens saying "welcome" and how they hope you'll have a good stay, and yet for many people these border patrol guards are the first contact they'll have with Americans. They seem to almost treat any foreigners as potential terrorists or illegal immigrants even if you are just a holiday maker.

And if you visit frequently and for relatively longish periods (I think you are allowed to stay a maximum of 3 months on a normal travel visa) they will again become overly suspicious and trying to immigrate when you could be just visiting family. But of course, they won't accept that explanation and always seem to assume the worst.

The TSA sucks even for Americans. It's largely because of the attitudes of the type of people who work there.

Being suspected of wrong-doing while traveling isn't exclusive to American. When I landed in London, I was questioned why I was there, how long I was staying, where I was staying. When I left, I didn't check any luggage, I carried on a duffel bag, backpack, and shopping back. I was pulled aside, frisked, questioned and my bags opened. Another time my parents and I landed in Amsterdam for a flight transfer and were extensively questioned before getting on the plane.

This is how airport security is now.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Yes worst airport experience I ever had (not counting crash landings) was Heathrow.

But then England is a police state (a very nice police state, don't get me wrong), so you get what you pay for.

The most unpleasant experience I have had with border personnel was in Canada. Doubt I'll ever go back there. Ever since, I've had it out for Canadians.

 

[johndoe123]

Yeah sorry, but if you're saying Canada isn't xenophobic you've obviously never been to Quebec.

 

[zeroapoc]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_content

Seems a little xenophobic to me.

 

[Pink Ranger]

The most unpleasant experience I have had with border personnel was in Canada. Doubt I'll ever go back there. Ever since, I've had it out for Canadians.

Well, I got an e-mail from Elisha Cuthbert asking me to name a Hype member for her to have random, crazy sex with. I was going to recommend you, but I don't know now.

 

[Pink Ranger]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_content

Seems a little xenophobic to me.

You've got it wrong; it's meant to punish Canadians more than anything. Barenaked Ladies loses its charm quickly when you listen to it at the top of every hour.

 

[Dark Raven]

The TSA sucks even for Americans. It's largely because of the attitudes of the type of people who work there.

Being suspected of wrong-doing while traveling isn't exclusive to American. When I landed in London, I was questioned why I was there, how long I was staying, where I was staying. When I left, I didn't check any luggage, I carried on a duffel bag, backpack, and shopping back. I was pulled aside, frisked, questioned and my bags opened. Another time my parents and I landed in Amsterdam for a flight transfer and were extensively questioned before getting on the plane.

This is how airport security is now.

When interviewing for the job, are they asked the question whether they're xenophobic? It almost seems like they are.

And it seems that unless you are a citizen of that country with the corresponding passport, you'll be treated like a criminal/ illegal immigrant. I understand the need for security, but these airport employees sometimes go too far and won't even accept your completely legitimate and true explanations and try to give you BS that the burden is on you to prove that you are not guilty (in other words, it's a guilty until proven innocent mentality). That is not legally correct though. The burden is on them.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

When interviewing for the job, are they asked the question whether they're xenophobic? It almost seems like they are.

If they were, most of them would ask what that word meant.

And it seems that unless you are a citizen of that country with the corresponding passport, you'll be treated like a criminal/ illegal immigrant.

No, in the US, the TSA even gives people who are citizens a hard time.

I understand the need for security, but these airport employees sometimes go too far and won't even accept your completely legitimate and true explanations and try to give you BS that the burden is on you to prove that you are not guilty (in other words, it's a guilty until proven innocent mentality). That is not legally correct though. The burden is on them.

If you legitimately haven't done anything, then it's excessive. But when there are people who forgot their passports or refuse to cooperate, they shouldn't expect security to be helpful or accommodating to them.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Yeah sorry, but if you're saying Canada isn't xenophobic you've obviously never been to Quebec.

You've obviously never been to Quebec if you think Quebec is part of Canada.

 

[KevanG]

You've obviously never been to Quebec if you think Quebec is part of Canada.

Legally they are even if they've been trying to split the country in half since it was a country.

I'd hate to see what someone would think if they only got information about the US from Fox news.