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Lets see the USA is the economic, military and cultural powerhouse in this world. Furthermore it has used (or abused if you were on the receiving end of the stick) its powers to shape the world to its (western) image. Almost to a colonial level (some of the definitions regarding European colonisation are definitely applicable to current US foreign affairs).
These actions will make people react towards you, even fear you, due to the fact that they do not want to be subdued/submitted to what is in their eyes a alien culture. However it is not just the USA that has this problem. I live in the Netherlands and we also have problems with certain Muslim factions within our society. It seems there is a polarisation between Muslim tradition and western tradition worldwide.
On the other hand I feel that the USA is alienating not just the Muslims in the world, but also a lot of people in the rest of the world. Because even in my surroundings there is a split between pro and anti American feelings, and we are not Muslim. Besides the policeman of the world caricature there is also the fact that the English language is a big part of the society (economy, movies and music) and the American culture/way of life is omnipresent. Even in France there are revolts against the rise in usage of English.
I do not see the problem, but I can understand the fear people have of change (not always for the better) and maybe even domination. To them it is not a figment of their imagination, it is real.
A solution you ask? Beats me, this kind of fear is a irrational emotion that can only be overcome by honesty, mutual respect and time. But will we get the time?
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Somnia, terrores magicos, miracula, sagas,
Nocturnus lemures, portentaque.
Horace
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