The Political Junkie Talks About Why Other People's Opinions Matter

The Political Junkie Talks About

Why Other People’s Opinions Matter

Or

Do These Jeans Make My Bum Look Big?

Our decisions are often predicated on what other people think.  Differing and trusted opinions help shape the way we react in situations, influencing our behavior and outlook.  For things as simple as which jeans to buy, to what direction our businesses should take are based, in part, on the reaction and opinions of others.  Government leaders rely on information provided by many sources as well as public and professional opinions.  It has become status quo to hire the best polling firms to check opinion prior to introducing new products or launching a political campaign. 

In our circle of friends, opinions of those closest to us are very important. Friends can tell us whether the jeans make us look like a knock-out or a double-wide trailer; they can tell us we were loud and obnoxious at a party and how other’s reacted to our table dance with the lampshade. 

In business, the opinions of professional staff are as essential as the opinions of customers and would-be customers.  Gathering data means the difference between success and failure. 

Governments need to weigh the opinion of policy makers as they balance public opinion before setting agendas.  In the politics of policy making, public opinion has become essential in developing strategies for government action or inaction.  Governments also need to know the opinion of foreign friends and foes for international commerce and national security.  And for American policy, there has never been a time where world opinion has mattered more.  

American politics has held a fascination for people around the world for decades. For some it’s a passing interest…for others more of a recreation.  Since the US is considered the last great superpower, people do pay attention and are rarely shy about expressing their opinions regarding American policies. 

Not terribly surprising, negative opinions about the US abound. The term “Only in America”, which was once used as a positive sentiment to describe the country’s “anything is possible” attitude, is now used in many cases in a head shaking, eye rolling kind of way (note: Sarah Palin as a presidential contender?  Only in America!).  From the war in Viet Nam to the “You’re either with us or against us” US mentality towards wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US is viewed as aggressive and arrogant by more than the country’s enemies. 

More than sixty years ago, the US joined the battles of WWII to help the Allied Forces defeat the NAZIs.  Americans were international heroes. Today, America’s vision of itself as the World’s great savior may be a bit over played.  People have tired of hearing America espouse its exceptionalism, while it disregards the pride that citizens of other countries have in their own homeland.  The US may feel justified in the actions it takes, and may feel that they deserve the support of the international community…they may believe that whatever they do has world importance and their decisions must not be challenged by outsiders.  Many people and governments around the Globe do not necessarily agree. 

The good news is that not all world opinion about the United States is negative.  Many around the world still look at the United States as the land of opportunity; a place with a better life, better opportunity, more accessible higher education and a place where “Only in America” still represents that old fashioned can-do attitude.  Thousands apply to immigrate each year; thousands illegally enter the country with a hope of a good life for their children. Still others, who do not chose to live in America, laud US technological advancements, entertainment, scientific achievements and humanitarian efforts in places like Haiti.  Iconic figures from FDR and JFK to Marilyn Monroe, Oprah, Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Barrack Obama have inspired trust and admiration of millions of people around the globe.  

As individuals, it’s often a good idea to learn how others view us.  For countries it is increasingly important.  And for America it is essential for their long term prosperity and security.  The world changes constantly and new friendships are forged globally.  America can not simply concentrate on its image within its borders.  From trade to national security, the US needs its friends.  It has never been more important for the United States to look at itself in the same way that others see it.

The Political Junkie offers that kind of outside-looking- in insight.  Each day, we will highlight news and opinion pieces from around the world that are focused on US politics and policy.  Agree or disagree with the opinions you will read but take a few minutes to see yourselves as others see you.