The Protestant vs. Catholic thing is still relevant in Northern Ireland but it seems like for the extremist that isn't enough. The IRA have been aligned with other radical Marxist groups including groups like Sendero Luminoso and the FARC at the same time some of the radical Unionists have become Neo-Nazis. Its almost as if there isn't enough for them to hate each other over they are taking up other causes to ratchet things up.
I certainly do not know, but I would think our free society is a bit of a threat to some of the teachings. However, that is just a pure guess...nothing more. DD
That's weird cause I work with several people native to India (contractors) on a daily basis and they are really nice people IMO. I've never had a problem with any one of them and have never heard them trash America. It is apparent they have their own way about them. They like to eat lunch together and shoot the sh_t...I presume in their native language. I don't think they are over there trashing America while they eat. My impression is they are thankful to have the opportunity to work here in pursuit of a better life. I guess I have a hard time accepting your statement in general. But, I accept that this may be your experience...not the norm.
I think it is primarily where we spend our money even if it isn't always interfering. We support regimes in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq(for a while) The Shah in Iran etc. These are largely Muslim nations and we've been supporting dictators and monarchies that have been oppressive. Our support helped or helps this leaders stay in power. It builds resentment. We also support Israel which continues to occupy and build settlements in occupied land. ISrael's prejudiced policies against Palestinians that go with little to no real consequence from the U.S. also makes this nation appear unfriendly to Muslims. Those are the main reasons, add on to that the US invasion of Iraq, and examples of prejudice against Muslims from some Americans who lump all Muslims together.
We also controlled korea, japan,germany, and other countries all of them don't hate us like the arab states.
Because both Christianity and Islam need the illusion that they are the literal word of God to maintain the sanctity of their myth. Tolerance and coexistence would diminish the claims for both.
If Middle Eastern countries repeatedly invaded your country, killed millions of your friends, family members, and fellow Americans, bombed your cities, infiltrated your culture, and destroyed historical artifacts, would you not hate them? Of course brainwashing exists everywhere, but Americans are far more brainwashed than the inhabitants of almost any other civilized nation. At least they have a justifiable reason for their hatred.
There is certainly a segment of the Muslim population, albeit small, that hates anything the Western world/Modern world stands for. This would be those who follow the ultra-radical Wahhabi (Salafism) interpretation of Islam, and believe that the Koran and the Hadiths should determine EVERYTHING about ones life.
I think there is a bitterness as the perceived disrespect from America. The USA is always thumping about how great it is, and this is another way of saying, "Hey, we are better than you!" In addition, they see that the U.S. only cares about making money for itself and it's ideals aren't true for other people. We support dictators and will go to war not on ideals, but for money. They see us as morally bankrupt yet acting like we are morally superior - and that pisses people off. No one likes to be condescended to. On top of that, we support Israel which basically has been seen as treating Muslims as dirt. Their anger is understandable although the violence is not. It's not just Islam though, it's just the one that draws the most attention. And recent events have put a focus on that and irritated even more. The gulf wars in particular. But all over the world, there is anger for America. And it's not just jealousy that we are the top dog. It's the way we carry ourselves about it. As if whatever we say the world should do and we can do no wrong. It's not ok for other nations to bend the rules - if they do, America will carry a big stick. But it's ok for us to bend the rules - supporting dictators, overthrowing gov't, forcing our way into economies...we are seen a s bully around the world, but put on a face that we are the "good guys". To some degree, it's justified, to some degree it's really not because every nations claims to be good and bullies it's weaker neighbors. But we make ourselves an easy target as well.
So that's why Episcopalians hate Japan and India. And those Baptists and their never-ending disdain for Thailand. Never would have guessed it
Are you saying that those countries felt differently during and immediately after conflict than Arab states currently do towards conflict with America? That would be very optimistic of you. IMO the role of the US (and the UK) is absolutely and without a doubt the root cause of all tension between the West and the Middle East. Oil can be tied to this. Hatred can be tied to this. Anything can be tied to this. Not interested in dicussing this "role" nor am I stating my own opinion here. Just a general observation from having been in the Middle East a whole lot. It definitely doesn't justify the Arab states hating the average joe American. But that kind of reaction is a predictable and unavoidable side-effect of the bigger problem. I think that, in principle, the specific people whom Arab states "hate" are the same people that almost all Americans "hate" as well. The greed, corruption and filth of a select few shouldn't put a barrier between the West and the Middle East.
