January 28, 2008
by Olberblogger
My niece was a foreign exchange student in Morocco when the news broke that Barack Obama had been elected the next President of the United States. She said that people in that mostly Arab, Muslim country filled the streets shouting his name. They cheered not because a man named Barack Hussein Obama would become leader for the world’s most powerful nation, not because of his African roots, not because they wrongly assumed he was Muslim, and definitely not because they thought America had become more vulnerable to attack. Rather, she said the revelers felt joyful that saber-rattling of the Bush regime soon would end and that a future of hope and peace would fill both the USA and the world.
Obama has become a symbol that the USA perhaps has matured, cast off its frontier chauvinism and finally affirmed (not simply mouthed) the inspired words in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Earth’s people cross their collective fingers that the United States stops its Big Brother act and becomes once again mentor to the world.
I wondered what folks in other countries really thought about the election, the presidency of George W. Bush and America’s image. I asked six international friends several questions on a variety of subjects — their thoughts about Americans, the election, the media, their country — and if they ever heard of Keith Olbermann or Countdown. Four of the six friends responded to the survey. The others were from Czech Republic and Egypt.
First, a very brief look at the respondents whose identities will be kept anonymous.. Their answers will be color coded and reprinted exactly as written (please note English is a second language to some and that English spelling/grammar may differ in other countries).
N is from Norway. She is a twenty-something self-proclaimed techno “nerd.”
H is from Hungary. He is a researcher and science/technology journalist
GB-A is an Australian native now living in Great Britain. She is a professional trainer, writer and lecturer.
C is from Canada. He is a religious educator
The following is their comments (OlberBlogging’s questions in bold):
How do people in YOUR country view the United States today?
Well.. The last few years has kinda destroyed the common perception of the USA. With the double election of GW Bush and the Iraq war and your govermant to fail at shifting your focus back to afganistan after S.Hussein was captured and that. while we have not lost total faith in her it was tarnished over the last few years. And if you combine the stupidity of the lewinsky case (which got blown WAY out of proporstion) and the total lack of focus on the rest that went on and your twice election of Bush we were kinda looking over here with like “What the hell is going on there?” While we did give you sort of a free pass when 911 happend we in the later years questioned why your efforst in afaganistan was less of a focus (Norway has troops there and we area people of 4,6milion total).
But now we look at your country with a better eye and mindset. Cuz for the rest of us another republican term scared us. (especially cariboo barbie). And we have a more positive outlook.
To be honest I don’t think that most people have a distinct opinion about US in Hungary. They simply doen’t care. Who interested in international politics, has an opinion about America in concordance with his own political views. I mean if someone anti-globalist or nationalist he will not like America as a ‘conqueror’ of the world. The moderated people on the other hand likes Us as the land of free and opportunities.
Most people distrust them, but like watching their TV shows
Canadians have always been a bit intiminated by the US. It’s a love-hate relationship. 80% of their exports go to US, including oil and gas. The US economy impacts the Canadian economy a great deal. Their view of the US is improving with Obama taking office next month.
Has your citizen’s views of the US changed by the election of Barack Obama to be the next President of the US?
Yes it has. It gave us back hope and faith in you. To a point. We’re still looking to see if Obama can deliver.
And we have a more positive outlook on the collective america. Like “Phew! They finally got it”
Me personally cheered like we’d won the worldcup or something while watching in the night/morning the MSNBC live election online.
It occured so recently that I don’t noticed any change. I think who already liked US will like it more, who didn’t like it will not fall in love with it.
Many people feel more hopeful and encouraged that a more moderate, less extreme, more compassionate attitude will be shown by Obama and the US government.
Yes, Canadians find Obama a very positive thing for the US and the world.
How did you/your fellow citizens view current US President George W. Bush?
We thought he was kinda dumb. A bit hillbilly redneck. More or less the stereotype texan/farmland/arkansas inbreed type thing (no offence meant) While this is most my opinion it’s not to far from what I’ve heard form others.
They view him as a stupid idiot. Sorry.
Most of them think he is a fool and a warmonger, a puppet of the powerful people in his party and in big business.
They hate him. He’s an idiot. They view the US as a bullying cousin. Canada was very much against the Iraq War; though split feelings on Afganistan since many Canadians were killed in 9/11 too. Canada’s been sending troops to Afganistan, and have been a major combat ally of the US since retaliation began.
Do you think US elected leaders care about people in the rest of the world? How about the average US citizen?
Some do. I think the current inbound goverment does more than the last one. Republicans seems too focused on themselves rather than others but that’s how the right wing is everywhere. While you view the democrats as lefties your lefties are more centric here. Avarage somewhat educated US citizen seems to care abit. But for the most part no.. don’t think so. And for me that is why I felt that the reaction around the world thing KO did was so important.
I think it is needed that US uses its military potential to fight with dangerous dictators all over the world. So I am among the fews who back the ‘war on terror’. On the other hand Bush did actually nothing about the climate change. Hope it will change.
Most people think that US elected leaders care about oil and getting control of resources. The average US citizen doesn’t have to care about people in the rest of the world. More of them are thinking about the world now.
US elected leaders-certainly the Bush administration don’t give a crap about anyone. There policies and actions have isolated the US and inflamed every ally they have.
I think the average American are too ignorant of world politics and geography to have any kind of educated opinion. The US education has gone down the toilet since the 1970′s with each sucessive generation more ignorant and illiterate than the previous one. Our daughter has friends in the States and most of them didn’t even know that New York was closer to Toronto than it was to Edmonton.
Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” policy was an abismal failure. Public schools in the US are a disgrace to education these days. Many schools are hiring teachers that aren’t even qualified or who have B.Ed. degrees. Until this trend is reversed, the US cannot hope to compete in the world.
How do you get your news about the United States? (for example, Internet, newspapers, your national or local TV, BBC, CNN, magazines, other?)
Mostly from Countdown and Rachel Maddow, sprinkled with reading online newspapers (national and a few international) and also discussions online. I choose C/RM cus they make all the news understandable and accesible without the bullshit.
Basicly via net, CNN, BBC etc
TV news, newspapers, BBC, US magazines
Canadian cable carries US channels. Canadian TV shows a lot of US programming. We tend to watch CNN, BBC, and even Canadian National news carries a fair bit of US content.
Do you watch any US television programs such as news, comedies, reality shows, dramas, others? If so, do you watch them on your nation’s TV, the Internet, DVDs or other ways? What is YOUR favorite American TV program?
I watch – Heroes, House MD, Stargate, Sanctuary, Countdown With Keith Olbermann, The Rachel Maddow Show(all via internet and then for the TV series DVD/blu-ray later) and on occation The daily Show(on tv) Reality can go hang itself. Only thing I follow which is a talent show is So You Think You Can Dance. And then the stuff on GameTrailers.com (for my videogame info)
Yes I do, but I won’t tell you how till I speak to my lawyer 
My favourite one is Big Bang Theory.
I watch Jon Stewart Global Edition on TV, Favourite US TV programmes: Duckman,and Monk
Here’s the list: House, Supernatural, LOST, Fringe, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica, (btw, Supernatural, Smallville, Battlestar are all filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia)
Have you every seen the US news program “Countdown with Keith Olbermann”? If so, where and what did you think about it?
Yup on my Itunes at home with my PC
Awesome, funny and intelligent. I learn alot and is learning some impressive ways to express oneself in english (way better than I do already)
English is not my native tongue, Norwegian is.
And the show is informative with proper talking and no bullshit. and you can verify the claims made and more importantly KO applogises when wrong.
And he always give people time to respond before he does a Special Comment. (normally 24 hours before he does it and with warning of content)
His ego is abit big at times but to me that’s just irresistable.
No, never
No
Haven’t caught it yet.
Which American (current or historical) do you admire most? Why. Which American (current or historical) do you least admire?
Keith Olbermann(the prop8 comment did that) and Martin Luther King. Least? Bush, Cheney and that bastard who gave the orders to nuke Hiroshima and that other japanese place during WW2.
Martin Luther King. I do not have an American whom I hate.
(Admire) The black woman who sat up the front of the bus. [Rosa Parks]
(Least admire) [Senator Joe] McCarthy
Admire: FDR or Harry Truman. They were pretty straight shooters, who governed the US during very difficult times and showed a great deal of wisdom.
Least Admire: George Bush–the man’s an idiot.
If you could meet one American (living or dead) who would that be?
Just one? too hard to answer.
Martin Luther King
Frank Zappa
Thomas Jefferson
Do you study American history or politics in school?
Not really. We had some general stuff but most of what I learned in school was based off the Europe side of things. mostly WW1 and 2. Most of what I know today has been selftaugh or self discovered.
Yes, as part of world history
Yes – recent American – post civil war history.
I did when I was growing up in the US :-)
What do you think will be the top 3 issues facing the world in 2009? Do you think the US will have a positive or negative influence on these issues?
The economy, employment are the two main ones. can’t think of a third right now. The US.. abit of both I’d say.
financial crisis, global warming, hope the influence will pos.
- The environment and the urgent necessity for alternative fuels and eco-friendly energy sources .
- Cooperation and acceptance between all religions and spiritual practices.
- Development of alternative ways for people to pay for goods and services.
The US has the power to influence these issues positively, but may not have the will or desire to.
Economy, What to do about Iran. Afganistan and Iraq.
What are the top 3 issues facing YOUR country in 2009? Can the US help or hurt with these issues?
- housing market
- employment
- the economy
Both. If you get your nation back on track it’ll help everywhere.
Financial crisis, don’t think US has any impact on this
- Immigration and the European community.
- Environment and energy sources.
- Cooperation and acceptance between all the religions and spiritual practices.
The US can take the lead so that other countries can follow, or they can continue to chase profits over people.
Economy, Afganistan, Environment. I think Obama’s administration will certainly help.
Which leader in YOUR own country do you admire most? Why?
I don’t admire anyone
We had a president in the 90s called Árpád Göncz. He is a wise man, I admired him.
My own country is originally Australia and I admire Gough Whitlam for changing the emphasis to articulate thoughtful politics, and a compassionate attitude to the Australian Kooris and their rights, and positive attitude to women’s rights.
None. Why? They haven’t really done anything to gain admiration.
Which leader in YOUR country do you admire least? Why?
Right now? anyone in the SV party. Cuz they have some truly stupid things going on right now. To complicated to explain right now..
The rest of them
The UK leader I do not admire is David Cameron – he is only interested in scoring points against the Government and has little interest in Europe, global politics, or the economics of the environment.
Jack Layton. Why? As head of the NDP, he’s an idealistic idiot who is trying to gain power.
Do you think young people have a voice in the affairs of YOUR country?
If they want to and rises up to demand it and vote yes. If they just hang around on the street corner in the evening or act tabloid and like the “twitter girl” no
To be honest I found most young people simply not intelligent enoughtto judge wisely the political questions. Above 18 yrs they have the right to elect and elected.
Yes if they choose to use it, but they may not be attended to by the people in Government
Yes
What should Americans know about YOUR country? Do you think Americans have an unrealistic view of YOUR country?
That socialism does work (to a degree) We have socialised medicare and welfare and our schools are free(well it’s payed for over the taxes) almost all the way til end of education. (yes we do the schoolarships and student loans in the later stages) Only thing not covered after turning 18 is dental care which is insanely pricy.
That we don’t have polarbears roaming the streets (unless you go to Svalbard)
That we are not just a strange ski going people that just loves going out in nature and all have Huts/cabins and such
What I can think of right now.
I don’t know what they know about Hungary.
They should know that the UK is in Europe and has an influential role in global economics. They often don’t know where the UK is or they think it is the Queen, and fashion celebrities.
That we’re their major supplier of gas and oil and that we’ve been doing a lions share of fighting terrorism in Afghanistan. They think it’s all ice and snow and that Canadians live in Igloos..most Americans today don’t even know we’re their northern neighbor.
What about American tourists to YOUR country bug you the most?
Well tourists in general that complain about how expencive it is.. WE KNOW! We live here.
There are ways to cut back on spending though, Buy some of the food and drinks in grocey stores like : Euro Spar, Prix, Rema and ICA. Dont’ eat out or drink out every day of your holiday. and for backpackers, save the empty drink containers you buy in the country. 90-95% of them are worth money if returned to a Tombra machine in a grocery store. And take the bus around instead of taxi. Taxi is NOT cheap.
Actually I had only a little contact with American tourists here. They were nice.
Loudness and demanding American food.
They’re loud and rude and ignorant.
What is the most popular TV, movie, musical group, performer in YOUR country?
If you mean norwegian shows and such.Max Manus (currently. a norwegian movie about a group of heroes from WW2), Madcon (hiphop duo), Vamp (sort of folk rock type thing) (all just taken of the top listings.)
We whach the same tv-shows as you just the previous season House, Desperate Housewives, CSI are popular.
X Factor, Mamma Mia, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue
Celion Dion, Anne Murray, Nickleback.
What is the most popular food in YOUR country?
Well the most sold food item is Stabburets Grandiosa (which is a low quality frozzen pizza IMO), but other that that, continetal food like you find almost everywhere(You know pizza, pasta, burgers) and then there are the fish dishes and stuff more local to spesific aeras of Norway. varies.
We likes the Gulyás soup.
Fish and Chips
Beer. LOL
Have you ever visited the US? If not, do you want to? If so, where would you like to visit? Why?
No. But I want to. New york City Cuz I’ve always wanted to. San Diego (to go to Comic Con) LA. cuz I’m curious. But I also would like to do a road trip kinda thing where I just stay in the US for a while a drive around.
No I haven’t. Its a bit expensive but I’d like to.
Many times. The Arizona Desert and Kentucky, to see two of the legendary places that are very different from each other.
Born and raised. But have lived in Canada 35 years…lot longer than I ever intended. We visit US at least once a year; me maybe 2x a year to see family and to work.
Do you and your fellow citizens feel optimistic or pessimistic about the coming new year 2009?
We try to be optimistic but I think on some things we are and other we are pessimisitc about. but in general we do hope for a good ’09.
Pessimistic about the economy
Feeling more optimistic
There is a degree of Pessimism over the economy.
How can YOUR country and America work together to make our world better?
Well work to get the economy boat back on top of the water and such and keep cooperating to rid the world of bad seeds. but my little country can’t really do much on our own.
Hungary is a little country I don’t think we would play a significant role in making a better place.
Share resources, information, and reduce, recycle, re-use and repair.
Set an example for others to follow in terms of how to treat others, environment and social services.
What else should Americans know about your country and its people that we don’t?
Dunno.. That we are probably not the most religoius country in the world? I don’t know what you don’t know.
I don’t kno wat you do know.
The UK is a tiny country, but many different nations and cultures live together and work together and try to help and accept each other, supporting each other’s spiritual and cultural practises.
It’s very much like US; High standard of living; modern country but with better healthcare and social services.
If you could speak directly to American leaders or American news reporters, what would you tell them?
Remember … There is a world OUTSIDE your country borders, and that world is taking hits and damages for the bad economic/political management of your nation and we’re getting sick of being stuck with the bill every time your leaders fuck up. If you want to claim yourselves are great americans and a great nation sort yourselves out.
And be prepared to help us if WE need your help. We are helping YOU right now. (ref. wars, economy etc,)
Legalize the gay marriage and stem cell research and invest in solar energy
Money is a means, not an end. It is essential to take care of each other and the environment now or we all go down the gurgler. Cheerio
Come and visit. Learn about similarities and differences and show the rest of the Americans this. Interview medical professionals and learn about how to deliver better healthcare.
In summary:
People around the world feel very much as we do about politics and the major issues impacting our nations (economy and environment especially). Citizens worldwide view George W. Bush as an idiot and they suffer their own Dubya-style politicos as well. People everywhere seem to enjoy the same TV programs and musical groups as globalization, the media and the Internet “shrink” our planet.
Unfortunately, they agree that we Americans tend to be narcissistic. We know little of other countries, their concerns and their cultures. In some places we remain “the ugly, pampered American.” The US can exert a positive influence by cooperating on issues of mutual concern. Most of all Americans need to learn more about our fellows in other nations.
And, sorry, Keith. Looks like you may be a hit with at least one Norwegian, but the MSNBC promotion department has some work to do to get Countdown better known worldwide. The Internet and cable TV holds some promise, though.
Thanks to my friends in Norway, Hungary, Great Britain and Canada for your thoughtful responses!! Keep in touch!
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