But at a time when the offspring of the newcomers to the "New Continent" are celebrating the hospitality Native Americans offered them almost four centuries ago, it would be nice to talk a little bit about the positive aspects of this country rather than our misgivings about it. One of the main and most common mistakes foreigners make when it comes to the US is that they often tend to forget that each nation and its government needs praise. That certainly includes super powers like the US. In fact, super powers' desire for praise is also super. And they might get annoyed if they don't get it. As a Turkish saying goes, "Soft talk even makes the snake come out of its nest." I'm telling you, if you really want to make the US do something, don't choose tough talk with them because Americans tend to get tougher with those who try that. Obviously, it's not in the interest of anyone to provoke the US toward tougher actions, which would not only harm itself but also the world. Just look at what happened after the attacks of Sept. 11. Tough talk and violence, reciprocated by a much tougher stance, have left many parts of the world, including the US, in shambles.
The leading position the US enjoys in the world certainly comes with an understandably greater scrutiny and cynicism. But that shouldn't prevent anyone from seeing the bigger picture. Despite all its shortcomings -- as with any other country -- the US has historically been a relatively positive force in the world. And one of the things that the world should be most thankful for is the fact that the US is a vigorous democracy where mistakes can be openly discussed and corrected. Imagine an anti-democratic power enjoying the current power of the US in world affairs with no checks and balances. Things would certainly have been worse.
The problem with the US's positive contributions to the world is that they are so common and widespread, so many of us take them for granted. For example, we tend to forget, if it weren't for Americans, most of us would still be suffering from extremely repressive regimes like fascism, Nazism and communism. Not to mention the US's exemplary democracy, innovative technology, inspiring arts, etc.
Power should bear responsibility, and any abuse of power needs to be corrected.. It's incumbent upon the American nation to do that. But it's also important that the people of the world help the Americans, the eventual decision-makers in the US, with their self-fixation. How exactly do you do that? I believe enhanced cultural and economic relations among nations with a special focus on the relatively untouched masses could be the solution. On that note, the role of the media is paramount. Let's educate the US media who shape public perceptions about the world so that they can educate their own public. And let's educate non-US media so that they can better see the bigger picture with America.
If a nation's choices have implications for almost all the people in the world, then it would be better if it is engaged rather than alienated. The latter is the most dangerous outcome of anti-US and anti-American feelings. And that's the most unfortunate thing with an arrogant foreign policy provoking such anger. Especially in the aftermath of the Iraq war, it has become difficult to publicly say anything positive about the US. True, the US cannot afford to alienate billions of people in the world. But the world also cannot afford to alienate Americans, who largely shape the future of the world until the US perhaps declines by following in the footsteps of its historical predecessor super nations.
Mutual acceptance between the US and other nations is essential to world peace and stability. We should all try to find ways to show appreciation of each other, create a positive atmosphere of engagement and fairly share the variety of feasts the earth offers us. Our respective misgivings -- many of which could be remedied with a little more education -- should never prevent us from celebrating Thanksgivings.
