Is it racist to be anti-American?
415193
Depends... if you're talking about America the country and it's foreign policy... If that is what you hate.. no. I despise all of the nation states between Turkey and the Japan, but I'm not racist because I have friends from many of those counries and like them.  But, if it means to hate Americans themselves, then you hate ALL races. Everyone has the potential to be an American. But, you can't move to Italy and be Italian. Or France to be French. And you certainly can't Indian or Arabic unless you were born that way. Americans are bound by ethnicity. \n\nYou're stupid to be Anti-American. The world without America would be rubble. We KEEP the peace.
535771
I don't really like racism.\nProbably coz i really don't understand authorities color classification system.\nWhite?\nI'm more like mixed pink, yellow, brown, with bits of black and green, not seen any white in me. Possibly the closest would be eyeballs, however I'm still dubious, and maybe in the future I'll have some white hair.\n\nAnyway back to your question, perhaps we're supposed to be nice to our guests, so being patriotic is fine so long as your not insulting.  \n\nAnyway, it seems to me your not being patriotic if your own countries appointed authority tells you, you are breaking the rules of your own country.  \nYeah ya right; I'm nuts, and so are they.\n\nWhat annoys me is that sometimes a particular symbol can be hi-jacked by some sub-section and hence lose it's original and/or true meaning.\n\nAnd finally No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. . . . .\nBeing patriotic does not make anyone racist, unless you live in a (openly) racist country. (so the possibilities of a few yeses there then!)\n\nCommon reason I've heard is;\n"Political Correctness gone mad"  \nI guess this means;\n###Too much "polictial correctness" is more "polictially uncorrect" than non at all.###\nNow I wonder if we can all agree on an optimum level.
1159308
You've stumbled upon a dirty little secret.  Traditionally people like to say the states is racist and Canada welcoming (Canada never held slaves they say etc)  but Canada has a core of people who see themselves as the descendents of Empire Loyalists--some (not all I hope!) dont like any "new people" in the country --they think British is the real root of Canada (whereas in America the original settlers fought britain to become a country --canada was always the obedient child of Britain)--this leads some people to say you are more Canadian if you are of british (therefore Empire Loyalist) extraction.  Whereas in America --its like: you cannot say that (logically) because they fought to free themselves from the British --so how are you more american if you are from there?  you are more american because your granddaddy was one of the original rebels in the US war of independence? see.... in Canada you can say that. Of course its wrong.  Stay in Canada marry have children until ALL racists die out --thats how you do it my friend. Oh and there are people of british/empire loyalist group who are NOT racist--and they hate those who are.
659357
dUDE IT DEPENDS WHAT YOU MEAN.iM WHIT iRISH /GERMAN AMARICAN american.i HOPE YOUR NOT A RACIST.BECAUSE LOOK AT YOUR BLOOD LINE WHAT COUNTRY DID YOUR FAMILY DID YOU COME FROM.UNLESS YOUR AMERICAN INDIAN /YOUR A GUEST LIKE THE REST OF US./
329430
Because no matter what country, what race, or what situation, there will always be racists. Please remember that most Americans are not racist. I think the problem is that all of us who accept people for whomever they are don't walk up and tell you how much we accept it, because it doesn't occur to us that it would stand out as a problem to someone else. The racists are very vocal and will try to make you feel bad. I'm sorry you get treated this way.
543471
I am an American citizen but I was not born here.  Americans are people, just like people from Palestine, from France, from China, from Africa, and from other places all over the world.  Some are good, some are bad.  Some I love, some I hate.  It doesn't matter where somebody is from, but what's in their heart.  About the government, yes it is a bad government.  But nobody has a right to judge Americans because of the government.  The same goes for people of other parts of the world.
528408
Well it not required to have to like anything to be an American.\nWe like Immigrants just not illegal immigrants\nNot sure where your looking or if it just to hard for you to look but there are a lot of hard working Americans other wise we would not be the world strongest most powerful Nation.\nAs for other Countries we like Canada but As for Countries like France that we liberated and have bailed out have time after time betrayed America Place's like Russia we Bailed out and they never back the US Then there is China We let them sell everything we send jobs there knowing they are sweat shops but big business is making so much off them we do not stop it but the rest of America can see it.\n\nThe American people do not like being taken advantage of\nor countries asking for help from the Big nice generous USA\nBut when the USA ask for their help they turn their Backs.\n\nBut let the U.S. try to secure the Borders we're Racist.\nTell a Country to treat their people humanly we are told to keep out.Now there is a Country that all out hate the U.S.A and wants a nuclear bomb what would happen if they ever were able to get a hold of one god help the World.
425907
Not at all. We all have periods of self doubt. It doesn't matter if you're American or not. It doesn't make you any less American.
568618
I agree that it sounds kind of racist...as does the census.  I think that we should break down racial barriers and stop identifying people on the basis of their skin color.  Granted, having a heritage is important, but when it comes right down to it, would you not rather simply say that you are an American, instead of trying to separate yourself from the country that you inhabit?  I also believe that calling people [or yourself] "African-American" is designed as a racist term, as about half of the people that I know who came to the U.S. directly from Africa are white and from South Africa.  Yet, this term is generally used to refer to skin color and a history of slavery [which ended about 140 years ago].  In short, multiculturalism is not bad, as long as people remember where it is that they live, and the freedoms granted to them by the government where they live.  Although heritage is important, you should always remember that you define who you are, not whether your ancestors were refugees from Russia, or slaves from Sierra Leon, or immigrants from Italy.  So, perhaps the next time someone asks you what you are, if you have dual citizenship, then say both country names.  But, if you are American, then answer with "I am American."  If they want more details, then say "I am of ____ heritage."
414556
Absolutely not! Has nothing to do with race. Canadians (white) have plenty of people living illegally in the states, though they don't flood the US. I am against ALL ILLEGAL immigration or any law breaking:\nI got this in the email today, and I wanted to share. This was a bit racist to me but had alot of truth in it:\n----------------------------------\nDear President Bush: \nI'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this. \n\nI plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way? \n\nPlease let him know that I will be expecting the following: \n1. Free medical care for my entire family. \n\n2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not. \n\n3. All government forms need to be printed in English. \n\n4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers. \n\n5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history. \n\n6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down. \n\n7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch. \n\n8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services. \n\n9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws. \n\n10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English. \n\n11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals. \n\n12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws. \n\n13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy. I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P. \n\nThank you so much for your kind help. \n\nSincerely, David M. Bresnahan
873612
I would guess from many factors in your post, that you are a foreigner.\n\nIf you lived here, and knew the history of this country, you would know that while the legacy of racism is not entirely gone, it is nothing like what you describe.\n\nMany nations have had a violent or biased past and have done things they are not proud of.\n\nThe USA at least admits most of our mistakes and attempts to correct them through the democratic process.  If you don't understand that, then you have my pity.
25885
good lord, i hope so. if you werent born in africa, then moved to america, then you are not african american. i am just american. that should be good enough if you are black, white, latin, asian, or of any decent. until 'African American' becomes politialy incorrect, i will refer to myself as 'German-Norwegian-French-American'.
185502
I agree. And NO, you are not a racist. What you are is intelligent, observant and very cognitive of your surroundings.\nMost people, sadly don't have the open minded gift of seeing what others can't.\nCount your blessings that you're not in the mass majority of the population that can't even see their own hand in front of their face.\n\nDon't let other people dictate your emotions sweet pea.  YOU ARE RIGHT ON TRACK!
478387
I understand the immigrants side of view, but they have to understand ours too. It's a matter of what is legal and what isn't. There is nothing to question. All countries have immigration laws. Even Americans have to go through immigration if they want to reside, work, invest,etc in another country, so what is so "racists" about applying the law?
996938
YES!!! People are used to his way but are scared to say anything because they don't want to be "racist" because he is of Spanish decent. He has lived in the US, even became a US citizen so its OK to have an opinion but when your in front of millions of people you need to have some type of respect towards other people. No matter what!!
733934
I have to admit, I was angry when I read the first few sentences.  Then, I realized what you were trying to say and how your concept has some truth, to a degree, but the incorrect approach.  Most Americans stand behind the Constitution and feel strongly about freedom.  We MAY practice our freedoms and enjoy being open about how we feel -- and here's the kicker -- AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T INFRINGE ON OTHERS.  Freedom to express racism is not something for which a culture should strive.  The freedom to accept one another, to practice our different cultures, for acceptance of all races is the goal for which Americans should strive.  The practice of racism, to me, is the practice of the ignorant.  A person's attitude, responsibilities, self-accountability is taught and develops as they mature.  If a person is taught to be racist -- no matter their own race -- then it spreads generation by generation.  I believe that who a person truly is inside has little to do with the color of their skin.  Do they care about other people?  Are they unselfish and accomodating?  Do they stand behind what they claim to believe?  Are they responsible and accountable?  These things have nothing to do with race itself, rather what they truly believe, whether it is learned at home or elsewhere.\n\nYour idea that since many people are racist we should be more open about it is counterproductive to our society.  Negativity, finger-pointing, and not being accountable for oneself breed feelings of hatred and add to chaos and rioting.  Instead of dwelling on the differences in our inherited or imigrated cultures, we should embrace each other as members of the HUMAN race.  This is what America is supposed to be about.  We should be teaching our children that the negative aspects of human behavior do not derive from race -- they derive from a person's individual character.  Instead of focusing on our differences, we should note our commonalities as people -- as animals of higher intellect striving toward peace.
1180238
Absolutely! The Unites States of America has the right and sacred obligation to control her own borders. \n\nRecognizing that right and seeking to enforce it does not make us racists. Our Federal government has turned a blind eye to the drastic, daily influx of hundreds of illegals flooding across our southern borders, terrorists included. Our northern borders need fortification as well! Hats off to the non-racist Minute Men/Women for drawing the attention of all Americans to this high priority issue that we've tried for years to get our elected officials to pay attention to! \n\nAmerica has been built upon the value that the "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free" have brought to our shores. Many of those immigrants were processed through Ellis Island and entered LEGALLY into our country. No doubt about it, we value LEGAL immigrants from all around the world and want LEGAL immigration to continue. \n\nUnfortunately, the "huddled masses yearning to breathe free" (sentiment inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty) have turned into huddled millions yearning to take advantage of the free!