Hollywoods Image

peterchen

As a cinemaniac, and long time loather of hollywood (and proud), I disagree. The things Hollywood projects about America and Americans are (in order): a) If it's good business, it can't be all bad b) They are a bit lightweight in the head chamber c) They are America-centristic d) You can always save the "world" if your name is Joe and either your gun is big enough or you hear voices in your head. e) Foreigners are funny and.. less endowed in the head chamber f) Individuality is less important in the US, than in central europe g) Stereotypes are great (explanation available on request ;) ) Of course, the first thing people in more rule-aware societies will notice is the projected carelessness. But that's definitely notthe main image Hollywood projects here.

If you go to war, you will destroy a great country a stoned greek chick to the richest man of the world
sighist | Agile Programming | doxygen

Jorgen Sigvardsson

brianwelsch wrote: Obviously it isn't the only problem, but does anyone think it effects America's image to any great extent? As an external, but perhaps not unbiased observer, I think Bush is doing the most damage. Every time I see him on the telly, he's radiating this aura of hatred and anger. He gives me the creeps a little. I'm afraid of your president. I truly am. -- It's not unusual to be picked up by a klingon woman It's not unusual to have fun with a klingon When I see you kicking me around It's not unusual to see me cry, I wanna die

Anna Jayne Metcalfe

I don't trust him either. He reminds me of a puppet (and not a very convincing one) dancing to the tune of the Pentagon. It's like watching a re-run of Whoops Apocalypse or Spitting Image. :~ Anna :rose: www.annasplace.me.uk

"Be yourself - not what others think you should be"
- Marcia Graesch

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Mike Gaskey

brianwelsch wrote: I found this article this morning about how Hollywood is helping to ruin Americas image. This just my opinion: The same Hollywood / entertainment types who create the poor image are the ones b*tching the loudest now, along with the usual collection of leftist whiners and appeasers. As regards image - at this point, why should it matter. If you consider the following: the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon. the bombing of the military Barracks in Saudi Arabia. the bombing of the American Embassies in Africa. the bombing of the USS COLE. the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11/01. All done by radical Islamists. You can't but come to the conclusion that the USA is at war with radical Islamists, those who supply them or those who would suppply them. To worry about what "others" think is to yield your ability to survive, thrive or succeed to the opinion of someone else or some other group who doesn't give a .... Sheer folly. Remember, President Clinton spent 8 years polling for and creating an image instead of governing. I'm quite pleased to now have a leader at the helm. Mike

brianwelsch

I agree with you, except: Mike Gaskey wrote: To worry about what "others" think is to yield your ability to survive, thrive or succeed to the opinion of someone else or some other group who doesn't give a .... In our world, what others think does have a great effect on our own welfare. We're not living in a bubble. I agree that other countries beliefs should not directly influence how we run our affairs, however, we do have take into account other's reactions as consequences of our own. You know the funny thing about Clinton's image is that so many people around the globe love the guy and say he was so much better than Bush, but wasn't he the stooge at the wheel during the time when all this hatred started brewing? I mean it wasn't like Bush got into office, and suddenly people felt that the US was trying to take over the world. BW "We get general information and specific information, but none of the specific information talks about time, place or methods or means..." - Tom Ridge - US Secretary of Homeland Security

peterchen

Mike Gaskey wrote: As regards image - at this point, why should it matter perhaps because not every Muslim is a radical islamist? But a social group that is neither waiting for orders, not a convenient bomb target, but still has influence is a possibility that currently escapes US polotics completely. Mike Gaskey wrote: To worry about what "others" think is to yield your ability to survive Hey, I don't think I'm much older than you but back in my "youth" we didn't call this worry and weakness, we called it listening, cultural exchange, trying to understand, finding a compromise, discussion, learning from the other, etc. Well, those were the days I guess. Yeah, you should be proud, finally having found a a strong leader who shouts into everyones face "we are the assholes and you ain't gonna change this."

If you go to war, you will destroy a great country a stoned greek chick to the richest man of the world
sighist | Agile Programming | doxygen

Mike Gaskey

brianwelsch wrote: but wasn't he the stooge at the wheel during the time when all this hatred started brewing? I mean it wasn't like Bush got into office, and suddenly people felt that the US was trying to take over the world. Yes, and that is part of what I was trying to communicate. But I wouldn't for a minute say that Clinton was responsible just that too much time was spent with Clinton testing the wind, taking polls, etc - worrying about what people thought and too little time was spent on things that really mattered. Clinton had (my view) a set of motives that were different than protecting and defending the US. I personally believe he was pushing to subordinate the US to the UN in the hopes of a one world government. Certainly there are those who believe that is the only correct path, but it denies the nature of man. Mike

Mike Gaskey

Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: I don't trust him either. What is not to trust? He does exactly what he says he'll do. Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: He reminds me of a puppet (and not a very convincing one) dancing to the tune of the Pentagon. Far from it. The Pentagon is populated by career people who are afraid to risk their careers on an error in judgement. That is (one of the reasons) why the US military answers to a civilian. The Pentagon takes direction from the President, not the other way around. Mike

Mike Gaskey

Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: I don't trust him either. What is not to trust? He does exactly what he says he'll do. Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: He reminds me of a puppet (and not a very convincing one) dancing to the tune of the Pentagon. Far from it. The Pentagon is populated by career people who are afraid to risk their careers on an error in judgement. That is (one of the reasons) why the US military answers to a civilian. The Pentagon takes direction from teh President, not the other way around. Mike

Anna Jayne Metcalfe

I'm sure you're right Mike...but I just can't bring myself to trust him. For me, trusting Bush with making the world a safer place feels like trusting Thatcher to safeguard the future of my home region. In all honesty I'd trust his Dad more to get through this. I wish I could believe that this was going to be sorted out as quickly and easily as the politicians seem to be predicting, but frankly I'm very nervous about it. I just hope that any screw ups aren't as bad as I fear. :rose: Anna :rose: www.annasplace.me.uk

"Be yourself - not what others think you should be"
- Marcia Graesch

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Mike Gaskey

peterchen wrote: Hey, I don't think I'm much older than you You're not, you're 18 years younger. peterchen wrote: we didn't call this worry and weakness, we called it listening, cultural exchange, trying to understand, finding a compromise, discussion, learning from the other, etc. I'm all for listening, exchanging, discussion and learning - up and until my country is attacked and at war. We were and we are. Back to the list: the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon. the bombing of the military Barracks in Saudi Arabia. the bombing of the American Embassies in Africa. the bombing of the USS COLE. the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11/01. And this doesn't address the destruction of the Federal Builing in Oklahoma - which I believe may have involved radical Islamists. peterchen wrote: Yeah, you should be proud I am. peterchen wrote: a strong leader who shouts into everyones face "we are the assholes and you ain't gonna change this" You're misinformed. The only thing close to this was, "you're with us or against us" in the war on terror. I happen to agree. Mike

Mike Gaskey

Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: I wish I could believe that this was going to be sorted out as quickly and easily as the politicians seem to be predicting, but frankly I'm very nervous about it. I just hope that any screw ups aren't as bad as I fear. And on these points we do agree.:rose: Mike