Russia No. 1 in Anti-Americanism?

[peacetraveler22]

Today The Moscow Times published an interesting article entitled Why Russia Is No. 1 in Anti-Americanism. The article summarizes the results of a recent Gallup International poll where approximately 70,000 residents in 65 countries were asked "Who is the greatest threat to world peace?" 24% of worldwide respondents answered "America", but Russia exceeded the global response by more than double, with 54% of Russians choosing America.

Conversely, only 2% of Americans in the Gallup poll think Russia is a threat to global peace. I've mentioned before that Russia doesn't dominate American news, nor do most Americans spend any time thinking about the country at all. A rare exception recently due to the Olympic Games being held in the country. I don't know how powerful state controlled propaganda is in Russia because my knowledge of the language isn't proficient enough to watch these broadcasts. Honestly, a lot of faith and reliance should not be placed on such polls because they are always skewed in some manner. Russian bloggers like fritzmorgen, a master at statistics and anti-Western data, could probably search the Internet and find polls which say the opposite - that Americans don't trust Russia, etc. The article also indicates that another Gallup poll asked Russians the following question: "If there were no barriers to living in any country in the world, which country would you live in?" The number one answer amongst Russians? "America." Thus, the two polls seem diametrically opposed.

If you have time, take a look at the article. It's worth a read. Pleasant weekend to all! Next week we'll continue with more stories from Tennessee.

Comments

[sergechel.livejournal.com]

Anti-americanism is an old-time soviet tradition, totally refreshed by Putin. it is easy to explain every fail by pointing on "evil" America and "gay" Europe.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

But America also is very "gay." :)) So, we are a double threat (political AND moral).

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

I thought that it's valid only for huge urban areas... :)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It's more visible and accepted in large cities, but of course there are gays everywhere. The main thing is that Americans' views on the topic have changed dramatically in the last five years to become more accepting, more people open to equal rights, civil unions, etc. for same sex couples. I think in the next few years gay marriage will be legal in all States, and I support it. However, a gay couple walking in New York City will still be more comfortable and easily accepted when compared to the Mid-West or Bible Belt. So, there's some variance depending on the region of the U.S.

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

> I think in the next few years gay marriage will be legal in all States
I do not think so :) And I do not support it. Because I don understand why LBG marriage should be legal. For the sake of equal rights? From my point of view the main reason for LGP couples to fight for their rights is a tax cutting, As I know marriage in US result in tax cutting. There're no profits for other society from the existence of legal LGB couples, because it will result in additional taxes for middle class and rich peoples to support tax reducing for that copules.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Not just tax benefits, but all benefits (e.g. having your partner on life insurance policies, or spousal medical insurance, etc.). On this issue, we have differing opinions. :)

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

Well :) Let me show you two pieces of scientific reports:

1. We find clear evidence that poverty is at least as common in the LGB population as among heterosexual people and their families. ... While a small percentage of all families receive government cash supports intended for poor and low-income families, we find that gay and lesbian individuals and couples are more likely to receive these supports than are heterosexuals.

2. Nonetheless, gays and lesbians show substantially different behaviour than other inviduals on some important dimensions: For example, they are less likely to enter into traditional marriages

None personal, just science :)
I'm going to translate these articles to Russian

By the way - these benefits cannot be obtained without additional financial support from goverment. :).

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Gays and lesbians are less likely to marry because they have no right to do so! Gay marriage is only legal in 17 States. However, in general fewer Americans are getting married or marrying at a much older age. I don't know if the same is true in Russia? Of course, these benefits require additional financial support from the government, which equates to my tax dollars. I have no problem with it. I know many same sex couples in loving, long term relationships. I'd rather my tax dollars support them than ignorant straight people having tons of babies, taking no responsibility, living off welfare, and contributing nothing to society.

[yacc11.livejournal.com]

>However, in general fewer Americans are getting married or marrying at a much older age.
In general, russians use the same pattern.

>I'd rather my tax dollars support them than ignorant straight people having tons of babies, taking no responsibility, living off welfare, and contributing nothing to society.
Beside tons of babies nobody stops same sex couples use the same behaviour. Homesexual couple is merely homosexual couple. :)