Re: Why hate the USA?
Xenophobia and hatred of other countries is more deep-rooted than many realise. America, I don't know about. It's relatively young, with respect to its history from pilgrims onwards, but if you look at the seething hatred between those in the British Isles alone, you can see that whilst there is nothing overt to make them feel this way, there is something deep in the history which has passed down from generation to generation, causing conflicts spanning hundreds of years which when you ask a Scotsman/Irishman why he despises the English, he may not necessarily be able to give you an answer (although some will).
Personally? I think a lot of the irritation with America comes from a combination of their apparent relentless patriotism which borders on narcissism at times, and their seemingly bull-in-china-shop approach to world affairs both past and present. Couple this with media (mis)representation and the long-held view of "showing up late for every war then claiming the victory"/ "overpaid, over-sexed and over here" which stems from the 1940's or thereabouts and you have a rather compelling reason to feel annoyance if not something stronger for this brash young country which has very swiftly risen to being the biggest global power we have (until China rail us all...).
Perhaps the British get annoyed in principle because we used to be top dog and now we have the backbone of a jellyfish?
I don't hate America - I've met some real morons from there, but then there are plenty of idiots in any country you go to. What the leader of one nation may decide to do is not representative of the whole nation. Stereotypes usually come about through an element of truth sprinkled liberally with jealousy, pride and a desire to promote oneself over another by tearing down anything they can get a handle on - be it that person's abilities, accent, president or fast-food culture.
Just my opinion is all.
