Do They Really Hate Us?

From al-Qaeda to ISIL, Americans are often conditioned to believe the rest of the world hates us, especially the Middle East.  But is it really true?

Dr. Louis Mazzari, PhD., is a visiting lecturer at Georgian Court University who usually teaches American Studies at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey.  He says his students are generally fascinated by American culture, and he doesn't believe disagreements with our foreign policy are based on hate.

"It doesn't necessarily mean that they are an enemy of America," Mazzari said.  "It may mean that they feel hurt by America."

Mazzari says he also finds that many people in other countries feel threatened by America's powerful military.  But he adds that the US still has a powerful position when it comes to determining world opinions.

All in all, Mazarri encourages Americans to keep an open mind about other cultures and avoid making blanket assumptions.

"The sort of black and white view that you can get that people are either Eastern-looking or Western-oriented is much too simple,"  Mazzari said.