Is there really a difference between the two? Saying "anti-Western" seems like a politically correct way of saying "anti-American". After all, who defines "western culture" if not America?
Absolutely there's a difference, IMO. It's a difference, first of all, between saying "
Ya'll are a bunch of fuck-ups", and "
We are bunch of fuck-ups", if that makes any sense to you. :b Yes, the US has more or less defined Western culture, but is not alone, and there are differences between culture here and culture "there" (wherever there may be). Of course, I've lived in the US most of my life, so my perspective on other cultures is going to be largely speculative and based on what I've read/heard from others. but "US culture" =/= "Western culture" to me. They're just two overlapping bubbles, the degree of the overlap is debatable, I suppose.
I have a very strange relationship with anti-American sentiment. I have no problem saying our President is a complete jackass, who makes me want to claim Canadian citizenship every time he opens his mouth. However, when I hear people from other countries on their anti-American soapboxes, it really irks me.
I do find that strange but somewhat understandable. To me, what makes a difference is if they are just brainlessly blathering on or if they know what they're talking about (and that does not depend on where you live--plenty of Americans are flaming idiots talking out of their asses, too
). To me, Daniel ('cuz, come on, it's pretty much him) sounds like he knows what he's talking about. The fact that I tend to agree with what he says probably colors my opinion, I'm sure. But I just don't see why there should be a *big* difference between me saying something and, say, my husband saying something about politics/culture/what-have-you in the US. I guess I don't really credit the term "anti-American" in many cases.
Btw, I'd be interested to hear your wife's opinion if she's listened to it. I liked what she had to say about Be, and I know her politics and yours are a little different.
Shaye
