Comments on: Negative Perceptions leading to Positive Change

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:48:10 +0000

John – first I wanted to thank you for taking the time to respond. I agree with you that comparing Bush with the Nazis is way over the top. As you did mention I was just trying to make a point with a picture of someone else’s graffiti we happened to see in Argentina years ago. As an American when I see graffiti like that I’m disheartened that people around the world have those feelings towards my government. And I suspect that it is probably a result of having limited, or one sided information. I did not intend the post to be political, just a reflection of what I have experienced as a pretty dramatic difference in the perceptions of the America Government while abroad under the new administration, although no free stuff yet. I have always felt that people separate me as an American from the policies of my government (W or Obama) and I have never faced personal hostility, but the overall perception of the American government and it’s policies has been quite a bit different for me on this trip vs previous trips abroad. I can also say having taken the Skytrain today it is very nice and much faster, cheaper and cleaner than the Tuk-Tuks that are racing around. Hope this clarifies my position on the post and thanks again for the feedback I welcome the discussion.

By: John Tonra

John Tonra — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:07:55 +0000

And I forgot – more important than the politics – I agree with the idea that changed perceptions will lead to changes in behavior. As Keith and Amy are in Thailnad now – many there remember how awful traffic had become in the mid-90′s. Tuk-tuks pumped black smoke into the air and it would actually dirty your clothes in one day of walking around Bangkok. Until the perceptions changed – the laws did not. It moves a little slowly – new tuk-tuk’s have been against the law for years and their numbers are much smaller – and the development of a sky train and subway have really given options to people wishing to be more environmentally friendly – but still need to make a living getting around Bangkok.

By: John Tonra

John Tonra — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:08 +0000

As Keith noted – I can put my thoughts here – versus an e-mail repsonse I sent just to Keith. While it is merely a photo Keith took of the Bush name with a sastika – I am always taken aback when I see or hear comparisons of “Dubya” to Nazi’s. It so exagerrates even the worst accusations against Bush, and so minimizes what the Nazi’s did. Are we comparing the scale of Guantanamo to Auschwitz? Similarly when people call Obama a Socialist it is silly. As for traveling around the world and being an American – I traveled internationally during Bush’s two terms and never felt any hostility – certainly no more than before Bush was President – for being an American. I met people that hated Bush – but that was never expressed as a hatred of Americans to me. Nor have I been offered any extra perks since Obama was elected – although if someone wants to give me a discount for a hotel just because Obama is President – I will take it!! Sawasdee khrup, Keith and Amy!!