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I know that New Zealands relationship with the US is perhaps more complicated than Australia's, especially since New zealands refused US nuclear weapons but I'm surprised at the level of hostility that some kiwis have toward america. It seems that they have the kind of downright hatred you would find in a arab country.
That isn't to say that Australia doesn't have anti-americanism (The greens anyone) but in general you have a lot of people like John Howard who are quite eager to be allies with the US. I especially liked Howards on 9/11!! So whats the deal with Kiwis?
Maybe the term anti-American is being over used. On some other forums here, someone only has to mention an aspect of America in a less than favourable light, and often the old anti-American reply comes up. Yet, the term anti- (insert the nationalty) is seldom used by people from other countries. I think it may partly be a US cultural phenomenon , brought about by the fact the the US is the most influential country in the world, or by America's view of itself.
I know plenty of Americans here, and they haven't mentioned it. Some themselves would have some negative views about the US, but so what? - I wouldn't call them anti -American, for not liking every aspect of where they came from.
I certainly know some people that do have negative views about the US, but in general, I don't think people care and it's certainly not a common topic of conversation. As for Australians, who knows? I don't seek the views of Australians, on other countries.
Last edited by Joe90; 08-18-2013 at 01:15 PM..
Reason: Left out an e in every/evry
Plenty of NZ'ers have a knee jerk anti-American reaction to pretty much everything American.
It's very tiresome.
Whilst the Bush years certainly explain much of it - I don't understand the rest.
I find it amusing that some of them are coming around and moderating their stance. The reason - our high dollar. They are doing plenty of online shopping and even holidaying in the US now they have realised what they have been missing out on. A Californian trip is a lot more fun than a Gold Coast one !
as an american who has frequently traveled to NZ-- i cant' say that I've noticed any particular "anti-americanism" while there.
Kiwis are about as friendly as any other lot. Some were exceptionally nice, some were indifferent, etc. Just like people in the US-- some are good, some aren't. Like, how are kiwis supposed to react when they hear you're an american, OP?... I dont think any particularly care..
In my experience I have experienced perhaps some underhanded anti-Americanism, but very little overt anti Americanism. I've heard plenty of comments over the years mostly from people that really don't know much about the USA other than what they see on TV.
I know that New Zealands relationship with the US is perhaps more complicated than Australia's, especially since New zealands refused US nuclear weapons but I'm surprised at the level of hostility that some kiwis have toward america.
At a government to government level, its pretty hard not to see the difference between Aus-US relations and NZ-US relations. Well...NZ's government is elected by the public just like that of all western countries.
At a government to government level, its pretty hard not to see the difference between Aus-US relations and NZ-US relations. Well...NZ's government is elected by the public just like that of all western countries.
Are you saying that NZers vote, based on feeling towards the US? It would certainly affect your credibility, if you did.
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