How They See Us : Writers from Around the Globe Reflect on America

by Atlas, James

• ISBN13: 9781934633182
• ISBN10: 1934633186
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-09-24
• Publisher: Atlas Books

Summary

Original perspectives on how the world sees America, from leading international writers and intellectuals. Since 9/11, the United States has managed to squander the world's sympathy. As the wreckage of the Twin Towers smoldered, even our bitterest enemies rallied to our side. But in just six years, our aggressive foreign policy--the war in Iraq, the threat of unilateral military action against Iran, our willingness to ignore the UN--has turned our allies, new and old, away from us. "Know thyself" is a difficult injunction to follow, and often requires the insights of others. To gain some perspective,How They See Usfeatures fifteen writers and intellectuals from around the globe, reflecting on America from their own viewpoints: Terry Eagleton of England, Tom Segev of Israel, Fintan O'Toole of Ireland, Da Chen of China, Uzma Aslam Khan of Pakistan, Gyorgy Dragoman of Hungary, and many more. No consensus from the left, the book celebrates a diverse set of vantage points and voices. These insightful essays constitute a primer of international literature, an aid to self-criticism, and, more frequently than one might expect, an invitation to celebrate our national virtues.