U.S.: Nation's image diminished

A Pew Research study of 2011, taken in seven Muslim nations, asked six questions relative to their thoughts regarding the moral character of the citizens of the United States. The following are averages of their combined views: 64 percent believed Americans to be selfish; 64 percent that we are greedy; 60 percent that we are immoral; 59 percent that we are violent; 59 percent that we are arrogant; 51 percent that we are fanatical. These figures make it very clear that al-Qaida should have no problem recruiting terrorists. All of these percentages have risen over the past two decades — why? We were once known world-wide as a caring, compassionate people. What changed? Perhaps we have become more amoral and our projected image has changed.

What most of the subject nations know about the United States is through the news networks and film industry. They are viewing our culture watching reruns shipped to them by film marketers. Reruns of “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Waltons” have been replaced with films depicting violence, filthy language and lewd trash. Language and actions that would be abhorred by our grandmothers is now common place.

Our “Progressive” party should be very ashamed of where we are today. The shielding of Wall Street by the Republicans has also had an adverse effect. It is common knowledge here and abroad that 1 percent of our population controls most of our nation’s wealth. Our news and society pages flaunt the rich and famous who feed their dogs and cats better than what is available to those living in impoverished lands. The society media is now concerned as to which of George Clooney’s five mansions he and his fiancée will consider their home.

We are the most giving nation in the world, but that is fast becoming secondary to other negative factors that define the image of our nation.

LEONARD BRANT

Post Falls