Let me offer you a non-american perspective on this year's US election race between Barack Obama and John McCain. In this short article I want to explain to you especially you, dear readers and friends from the US why many Europeans such as me (and many other non-americans too) feel that Barack Obama would be a much better option for the US president than John McCain.
As I offer this perspective, I want you to have in mind that I have never lived in the US, I do not feel the economic problems of US personally (however interdependent the world has become, this has not influenced my life in any significant way yet), I am enjoying a universal health care (currently, in England) and I am not writing this particular piece out of my sympathy for many Americans who suffer problems because of bad US economy or the high costs of health care.
What I want to talk about is the image of US in the world and how electing Barack Obama would help to correct that image. It is very clear that, during the last decade, this image eroded to its lowest point (probably in the whole history of US!) all over the world. America has never before been perceived in such an unfavorable light. I have several American friends and many of them have a hard time to even grasp how unloved their beloved country has become. Majority of the world has a grim picture of the US, said Steven Kull, director of the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) when he was commenting the large international poll for BBC. "Negative feelings about Bush are high and are generalizing to the American people who re-elected him", worries Kull.
Of course, this perception is much worse in the Muslim world than in Europe , and it produces a deep motivation to fight against US and its allies. But I am not the only European who feels that the behavior of US leadership in last decade has been disastrous and has made the world more dangerous place. Unwise moves and oil-hunger-driven wars, a great lack of understanding of the mindset of the people whom US operations are supposed to help (like Iraqis or Afgans etc.) and turning a blind eye towards the regimes like Saudi Arabian or Pakistani, who happen to suit America's interests all this has undermined the fair amount of trust US have once enjoyed, also in Europe.
All this has left the world hoping for a significant change in the White House. Those who speculate and make theories out of Barack Obama's middle name never seem to get it that this very Muslim-sounding name could actually reduce the number of the terrorist threats to USA , although all the "Muslim theories" about this name are complete nonsense. And another seemingly superficial thing is also significant: If Barack Obama will become president, the color of the president's skin will speak loudly and greatly about the victory over racism in USA !
Remember: public perception of the president (at home but very much so also around the world) is hugely important factor for the success of his country on many fronts, even if he makes mistakes. Kennedy was very popular in Europe and around the World also because of his youth and charm. And there can be no serious discussion about public perceptions of Barack Obama vs. John McCain in the world: Barack is doing much better. Even in Israel , he "leads" the republican candidate by a big margin. This alone is hugely important even if Barack Obama's political program would be up for grabs. But it isn't.
Gorazd Andrejc is currently a postgraduate student at University of Cambridge, UK, reading for MSt in Jewish-Christian Relations. His writing interests are inter-religious relationships, Christianity, religion and society, environmental ethics, epistemology, travel. His blog http://ecofriendlylifestyle.co.uk is intended for "ordinary people" (not necessarily activists) who nevertheless want to change their lifestyle to be increasingly more eco-friendly.
I agree Gorazd, the US has lost its image as a world leader. WE need someone who will talk to our foe, not threaten them. I'm hoping Obama takes on the reins
Thank you for your insightful article. As an American, I have watched our standing in the world decline under the Bush administration. I have watched with embarrassment for our country as those aboad showed dismay over our "bully" foreign policy. Please forgive us for our corruption, insensitivity and lack of civility. If I have anything to do with, and my vote will count, this country will be on a different course with Barack Obama at the helm in November. Thanks.
» left by Dane Tyner from Tulsa, OK (95 days 2 hours ago.)
Gorazd, Thank you for your apparent interest in our American image in the world. I strongly disagree with your premise, that we are hated because of George Bush and that the hatred of us will cease with the election of Obama. I’m sure there are many in the middle east who pray for his victory, given his stance on the war we are engaged in. If he had had his way, we would have left Iraq in defeat and left a middle eastern country in a state of chaos. Let me remind you that the first attack on our World Trade Center was in 1993, not 2001. That was under the watch of Bill Clinton. Let me remind you also of some other notable anti-American things that went on during Clinton’s eight years. In 1995, a plot to blow up 11 US airliners in the Philippines was thwarted. In 1998, our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya were blown up by al-Qaida. In December of ’99, Ahmed Rassem was arrested at the Canadian border before he could carry out his Y2K celebration at our Los Angeles Int Airport by blowing the place up. Now, all of these took place before George Bush was in office. It may be easy for you to think, as it is for many Americans today, that he and his policies are the problem. Actually, we Americans have no more control over who chooses to hate us BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICANS than a black person has over who chooses to hate him because he is black. We will continue to be hated in much of the world regardless of who we elect. I just hope we elect someone with stuff to protect us and take on the evildoers.
The very thing you think will solve racism - electing Barack Obama president BECAUSE he is black - IS racism. In other words, choosing Barack Obama BECAUSE of his skin color IS racist.
Dear Dane, I can understand your point. Of course, terrorism against US was present long before G.W.Bush and his policies. I do not think that democratic presidents are not committed to fighting terrorism and that Obama's presidency would end all problems on this front. Clinton definitely fought terrorism too and he had good reason to do so. And Obama, if elected, will have to do so as well.
But the points of my article is: Look at the polls in the world, from, say, the beginning of nineties till the present, how people percieve US. This is telling.
The War in Iraq had nothing to do with terrorism. Saddam was problematic of course, but so are many other national leaders in the world. Do you think that his "evilness" or supposed weapons of mass distruction were the reason for this war? Iraq became a breeding ground for terrorists only after American attack and remains a great wound in the minds of millions of muslims.
The rhetoric - and I believe also understanding of the world affairs - of the Whitehouse after 9/11 became extremely black & white, simplistic, "we good" vs "them evil" etc. Bush administration exploited the terrorism threat (which is real by itself, no doubt) for its own purposes and hungers, plunging USA into war in Iraq because of oil etc.
Majority of people in the world are simple. They see and hear some words from US president, and they partially form their attitude towards US based on how they percieve and emotionally experience the president. Its is funny, but this factor is stronger than many think. Bush's unsophisticated and shallow way of speaking, his laughter and ways of behaviour had its great impact. And Barack's will have one too, but a quite different one, believe me.
Gorazd: Good article. I agree with the person who said electing Obama solely on the colour of his skin by itself it 'racist". But I also see where you are coming from because as someone who travels across continents, I've found myself defending Americans because I have friends and clients who do not fit the American stereotype held by most people abroad - that of "low-informed, unaware of the rest of the world, close-minded, insensitive, impulsive, racist, arrogant and think they own the world, and have been chosen to rule it".
Will the election of Obama, change that stereotype? May be, some. But just one man alone can't change the stereotypes (right or wrong). I have to confess, I have been helped by Obama's African roots. I have been in situations where previously I would have to work twice or even five times harder to be accepted as "intelligent, articulate and civilized." But now I get "Obama's father is from Africa too?" And I chip in, "Yes, Kenya. That is neighbouring country from where I come from" . Now, I am a very proud Ugandan and think my country is of course better than Kenya (wink) but... I don't have to add that in to spoil the warm feelings of "Obama by proxy".
But that is only for the initial warm-up. I have to prove myself worth of their respect, affection and be seen as someone who is a professional in my own right. That is not up to Obama. That is up to me.
Improving America's image abroad is up to the American people!!! Denying that it's not ALL THAT BAD is blind optimism at best and "don't care" attitude at worst which in itself isn't a bad thing if one does not ever hope to get outside of the USA and explore the rest of the world.
Gorazd, that is what the world is all about "perception" not right, wrong, fair, works and deeds just that alone "perception". Yes the Easter Bunny image, the book by its cover, reality in todays world. Thanks for the perspective but in my opinion birds of a feather, if one checks their records. As for the Muslim world, in my opinion they see Obama as the weaker of the two. Lets be up front about it, strength is feared in that part of the world.
Yes! Strength is feared, but you'll be suprised just how wrong you are, Sir. Americans define strength very differently from the Muslim world. QUITE STRENGTH NOT BULLYING IS FEARED/RESPECTED in the muslim world because you never know what someone with that silent stealthy strength can/will do. And quite strength is also admired and desired because someone with that kind of strength is most unlikely to abuse it.
» left by robert melaccio sr (93 days 1 hour ago.)
Ahmed, you raised an interesting perspective. perhaps you can write to us Americans as to why we are the bullies? It seem to me that every time we step down our enemies step it up. I don't agree with your analysis. It just doesn't wring true. The fact is you are talking about imposing our way of life. Yet, when the shoe fits some do not see it that way. Now what will make the killing stop between Sunni and Shiite? What will make Jihad stop and do all agree that they do not want us in their nation? PS: I agree we should allow all nations to choose their own path. In reality that is not so because others, the minority, wish to impose their will on all. Yes, different perspective but not so far apart. If we do what we profess then peace and love shall be. Best wishes.
I am not talking about imposing American way of life. That is what you are talking about. I am talking about "As for the Muslim world, in my opinion they see Obama as the weaker of the two. Lets be up front about it, strength is feared in that part of the world."
You are not from the "muslim world" and that's why you don't know about the Muslim world. Let me tell you. In the muslim world Obama is the stronger one. He is the LION who roars only when it' is necessary. That is strength. We don't think Mccain is strong. We think Mccain is a small man with small people's syndrom. He likes to talk tough, not very smart, is trigger happy and is after Middle East oil just like Bush. That's what we are afraid of. Not his the strenght he doesn't have but the weaknesses that he has. Obama is thoughful, measured and very wise beyond his years. And the whole world sees that strength and wonder why some American's can't? I am telling you, if you want peace and love with the muslim world, Elect Obama. You want more war, even worse, elect Mccain.
Hey, I don't like McCain at all and agree with some of what you may say about him and oil. I However I sense the deep anger in your reply so there is really no need for continued dialogue sicnce no offense was ever intended yet it seems to have been taken that way.
No, I am not offended. I did not mean to sound that way. I am just saying when you all Americans vote remember one thing. You vote for all of us in the rest of the world and most of us like to follow the United States. Many people in muslim world love United States that is why we want Obama to be president so we can be start to build good relationship with America. Obama is the only one who can do it. Good luck all Americans.
Hi Robert. I appreciate your input but I do not think that taking seriously "public perception" need be in contrast with taking seriously right and wrong. Every preacher, teacher or politician, actually every public person needs to care about his public image, if he or she wants to influence people to the better. There this is great strength in this: in influencing, inspiring people.
I think Obama has great potential in achieving this and the fact that he is appreciated around the world will help him to have positive influence and could actually do something with diplomacy. As a Christian I am a great believer in the power of moral integrity and of human spirit and conversation. Your current president is incapable of intelligent and real conversation. McCain can do better than that, but Obama can do much better than both of them.
Of course there are more important things than perception, but it must not be underestimated, it can be a great vehicle for good and in Obama's case this would be so I believe.
Gorazd, I too have thought that Obama could possibly give a better appearance to our nation in the eye's of other nations. But that isn't why I think he should be our next president.
In my personal life, I've learned that people will think whatever they will think about me no matter what I may say or do to try to influence them one way or another. I think the same thing is true on the large scale.
I personally don't much care for bullies and I've thought for some time that our government has become bullyish. But don't think that the bulk of American people are responsible for what our government does. Sure, we elect our officials, but what they do once in office isn't necessarily up the the population of the US. Yes, we elected Bush again, but also keep in mind that while we are a democracy, we are a representative democracy and one vote for president is not counted as one vote for president...it all goes to the electoral college and they can pretty much do with it whatever they want.
I don't look at the governments of other nations and judge the people one way or another based on what their government does. I would hope that other people in other nations would do the same for us.
Gorazd, Bravo... Americans need to start listening to what other nations have to say about their perception of us. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to be very egocentric as a nation and think that everybody else is wrong and we are right. Thanks for your article.
Gorazd, From a U.S. citizen who is working professional in the field of international education, I am very aware of how the rest of the world has and does perceive our government. As you know, I hope that Barack Obama will be our next President and believe him to be qualified in the area of foreign affairs for his skills in cross-cultural competencies and in diplomacy. I appreciate your article and think it's great that it opens a dialogue on this subject in a way that many may not be accustomed to: and from that discussion, we can all learn from each other. Good job! Warmly, Barbara
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
