Anti-Americanism

Anti-Americanism is defined as ideas, feelings, and sometimes actions against the United States (Martin & Nakayama). One strong example of Anti-Americanism could be found in the news on December 7, 2009. In Iran Student's Day is celebrated on December 7 each year. The day has its origins in 1953 when 3 Tehran students were killed in a U.S. backed Shah's regime. The holiday is based on Anti-Americanism. One Islamic leader was quoted saying, “No-one in this country should ever think of removing the widespread hostility towards America from the heart of the public” (http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/58120). It is amazing that a holiday is observed based on Anti-Americanism in Iran. I understand how much the United States has been involved with conflicts in Iran, and I do not support many of the United States actions in that country. I cannot understand why a country would designate a holiday to celebrate their dislike for another country. It also seems like a lot of time and effort that could be spent in more productive or positive ways. It is especially interesting to me since many Americans do not favor what our country has done in the Middle East. For the people of Iran to judge our entire country based on the actions of few is discrimination and stereotyping. If I were to meet an Iranian, I would not assume that they are Anti-American, and I would try to learn about them as an individual. I think it is wrong to judge an entire nation and culture based on the events that were instigated by members of their culture. Instead each person in a culture should be looked at and respected as an individual.