The United Colours of America and Europe

In the past I have written about the scourge of anti-Americanism. Hoping for something sinister to hit the shores of the United States is an exercise in intellectual futility - in some cases a feeble attempt at masking a nation's own failures. If America collapses so does the world. This assertion may seem to be guilty of hyperbole but it does have truth to it.

South America and the Middle East, to their detriment, continue to cling on to long failed ideas of governance that hinge on this type of anti-American rhetoric. Other countries - Canada and France for instance - have their own reasons for engaging in overt anti-American discourse. Factual or not, it's best not recommended.

There is a difference in being critical of America with intent to improve upon it and with malice in hope of destroying it. I'm not sure where some people lie on this spectrum whenever I hear or read about various pontifications about the United States. There is something to be said of a country that is internationally more scrutinized than red and white blood cells. High standards and vigorous oratorical ideas of freedom and democracy can hurt America's image if not met - or at the very least be perceived to have failed.

What about the trend of anti-Europeanism? One way Americans have lashed out at the bad public relations fiasco is to single out their traditional allies. As a student of history, I've never been a fan of taking the history of nation in its weakest moments and making them pay for it. Italy under Mussolini, Nazi Germany, Vichy France etc. It's all too easy to make fun of the French and their post-1870 war record. Fun perhaps, but just as wrongheaded as comparing Iraq to Vietnam.

In fact, drawing analogies to history for a contemporary issue is a dicey game. Some may even say it's a fools game. One can read about history and still miss the point. Besides, we all select what we want to draw a conclusion that fits our perceptions. That is why it is incumbent on people who know better to refrain from this. I'm not sure this is the case.

In the case of America and Europe, there seems to be a hint of childish name calling taking place. To Americans, Europe's commitment to excessive dialogue only breathes life into rogue regimes. To Europeans, America's eagerness to use force is disconcerting. Europe understands America's great wealth and power. Americans need not wonder about this. Europeans, furthermore, should not condescend to America. The notion that America is a teenage society with too much power is overblown. Both sides have chosen an excessive path. Time to find middle ground.

In any event, the two continental giants have much more in common. Any differences are merely cosmetic. Certainly each has its own designs and ideas of what constitutes a nation but they all aim to attain just societies. Inherent are shared values and ideals that are part of the Occidental identity. You can't cut that umbilical chord that easily.

At this point, let he who has not sinned cast the first stone. They who live in glass houses should not hurl stones. None of the nations involved are perfect.

The anti-crowd only serve to distract and detract. There is much to do and accomplish. Let's tone down the reliance on pointing out the negatives and focus on the positives.

America needs Europe and vice-versa.

All together now, deep breath, count to three and let go. Feel better?