What do you think of America?
Posted by the listening project on Friday, August 10th, 2007
We are still listening and want to hear from you, through your videos, photos, writing, and more. This where you can express your opinion and thoughts. The listening continues…
Find us on YouTube at http://youtube.com/thelisteningproject
Filed under Video, Dialogue.
Email this post to a friend
You can leave a comment below.
Related Posts
- Stupid American: I was trying to get off the city tram yesterday during rush hour. Several other people were trying t...
- “We don’t really think much about America, it’s not that important to us”: After weeks of running around we had a mellow day. Not to say we didn’t film - we did - but I’ve...
- Thoughts on our visit to Mexico: So ultimately, what do Mexicans think of America? After a week blessed with the good fortune of talk...
- Combining indigenous and modern wisdoms: This morning Allan picked us up and brought us to his office to tell us more about Terrawatu: Bridgi...
- Tanzania: This is where we were all created: Man o' Man I love the time I've spent in Tanzania. This country is so so beautiful and the people ar...
Have you been to Pakistan? It would be interesting to hear views of Pakistani people on U.S.
We would like to see more support from the US for Zimbabwe. Right now it is only China and the US is only pressuring us, not doing anything to help promote democracy
US & NATO are helping bring Taliban back to AFghanistan. Only Pakistan can be pleased! I want Americans and also Canadians and English to understand this. US must do what Afghan people want. Also in Iraq!
Please contact me to submit your film to the Durango Independent Film Festival! I am completely intrigued!!!
I love
Just saw your film at the NBPT film festival and loved it. You captured fragments of the complexity of how the US is viewed and the changing world perspective toward the United States. I asked about distribution and was disappointed to hear how challenging this process is. It would be a sad paradox if ” The Listening Project” could not be listened to. Perhaps grass roots building would help. I am sure there is an audience waiting to appreciate this gem. I am sure you have already planned to submit to the large fim festivals that will take place over the next 10 months. I lived in Spain for 5 years and return often. I am know that Europeans would be drawn to a documentary of this nature. I did leave with a kind of sadness as the film pushed me to reflect on the “declining” state of our nation. It is no surprise however, that such a perspective would come from international eyes and not from within. Such a reflecting mirror will hopefully generate self-reflection
Thank you for your work!
Looks amazing! Introduced through Dustin Hoskovec. The trailer is awesome, can’t wait to see the film!
this is amazing and important and I hope that you can continue to create a space for more dialogue!
I spent the summer in Istanbul, Turkey teaching English. The Turks love Americans in general, but so dislike Bush and how the govenment operates. I was an amazing experience to see the other side and eye opening.
When I first saw this project I was so taken back by the views and the sincerity of listeners that it really forced me to question in a way that I’ve never before how the rest of the will think of my actions as an American. You’ve illustrated to me just how much potential we have to change. And as an American I am so filled with hope that we will begin to listen to the others.
I am an American from Wichita, Kansas and very proud of it. I love my country. I love the ideals of political equality, government of,for,and by the people, freedom, hard work, strong character, and diversity that America is supposed to represent. Notice that I said supposed to represent. At this time I don’t think we do represent those ideals and it kills me every second of everyday. I am haunted by reality in America. I am only 25 years old, but even in that short time I have watched my country descend into hell faster and faster with each passing year. Our education system is in shambles, our streets are filled with violence, our hearts our filled with hate, our children are abused in every imaginable way by those who are supposed to love them the most, our government is broken, our spirits our broken. We have lost our way. We have always been a nation of contradictions. We created a government of, for, and by the people but then enslaved many of them, denied the right to vote to many more, then created a plutocracy and called it democracy. Ever since the beginning our leaders have always said one thing and done another. We committed genocide against Native Americans because we were too afraid of trying to live in peace with such a different culture. We enslaved Blacks because we could make more money doing it. Besides that, we have been in an almost constant state of war since the American Revolution. The wars with the Native Americans, War of 1812, conflicts with pirates, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, conflicts in support of the Chineese Communists and Nationalists against the Japanese in the 1930’s, World War II, Korean War, Bay of Pigs, Vietnam War, Grenada, Nicaragua, Panama, support of the various peoples(not always the good guys) in conflicts during the Cold War, Gulf War, Somalia, Hati, Bosnia, Afghanastan, Iraq, and all the little wars in between. We have created a million reasons why we had to invade this country, “defend” that country’s freedom, or “spread” democracy all around the world. Well, we have never really been good at democracy have we. We have caused more problems then we have solved and that sickens me. I know, as many Americans do, that you can’t promote democracy at the point of a gun. Our leaders on the other hand have never really felt the same. In fact, they have never really wanted to spread democracy anyway. Not in this country and certainly not in others. If you read your history you will see how our foreign and domestic policy has been shaped almost entirely by business interests, greed, lust for power, and revenge. Like I said before the way this country is today sickens me. It absolutely breaks my heart. In my heart, I can feel the pain all across this country and around the world. But even with all of our problems we can still be the country that represents all of those ideals I spoke of before. We can be the America we have always wanted to be, but we must do it together as a unified nation. We need leaders. We don’t just need good leaders, or descent leaders. WE NEED GREAT LEADERS and we need them NOW! Our generation needs to step up to the plate and get elected into public office in every position we possibly can. I personally will be getting involved to make this country better through my businesses and through politics. I beg anyone who reads this to get involved too. Don’t just vote, don’t just watch the debates, don’t just protest, don’t just talk about doing something, ACTUALLY DO IT! At the end of the day, despite all the problems, I still love my country deeply and I ain’t gonna give up on her yet!
Please send me USA film tour information.
I just saw The Listening Project debut in Minneapolis last night at the Oak Street Cinema and was emotionally moved by the film and its story narrative. I spent one year abroad in Shantou China, at Shantou University where I taught English literature and speech to Chinese college students, so I was able to identify with some of the viewpoints that the Chinese have towards the US, because of the close interaction I had with students on a daily basis when we sometimes discussed American politics outside of class at lunch or dinner.
I think this film will motivate people on a global level to seek out and actively pursue an interest in other cultures, since the world is our community.
Most importantly, this film will help to continue the dialogue Americans have had outside of government, about the state of the world, and how each individual can make a difference - whatever country or culture - in helping all the diverse cultures co-exist in harmony with each other.
Dominic and Joel - The Listening Project is a timely film that is important to the state of world affairs today. Kudos to you and all who were involved from its inception to its creation. Its a real gift to the film community and the rest of the world needs to see this film. Congratulations and good luck with it.
-Jen Nemo
thank you for making this movie. the world thanks you.
Thank you, thank you for bringing the truth. Contact me — I can help you get a screening in DC!
Beautiful work. I saw the MN screening back in December.
I’d love to share it with more people… bringing it back to MN?
“the new world” has helped to push the exponential evolutionary advancement of our reality. i am swimming in it; playing with all the material toys that our technology has brought us. most of us americans live like comparative kings, with dry beds, clean water, and food delivered from around the world to every city. our biggest problem is trying to find the best way to amuse ourselves with our free time. it is amazing and i truly appreciate my chance to be alive, experiencing this moment in time. it could all be over less than five years from now in 2012, but does that even matter?
Will there be more screenings. Some of us in Colorado would be very interested in what this film has to say. Thank you for making such a film, and sharing it.
The USA seems to be a large passive following. So few at the top govern so many at the bottom yet there is still very little mutiny among the ranks.
The federal reserve has Americans enslaved, and the Terrorist Scare has people, much like communists or witches, afraid to stand up for their own civil liberties.
Yet there is still a similarity between our government and our people. They sacrifice our lives and we sacrifice our lives for the keeping of our own imprisonment.
Good luck with this project.
I watched your film at the Oxford Film Fest and loved it! It was great! How could I go about getting a DVD copy?
I absoultely love the idea behind this film and I can’t help but be absoutely amazed at how enlightening this film looks. But, I have to wonder, If you included countries like Japan (where they talk about 50,000 American troops being stationed) how can you not include Germany (with nearly 65,000 US military personel stationed there) in your documentary with it being the heart of Europe? I believe that getting their perspective of America is just as important as someone from Japan or France. Please let me know why you didn’t include them?
Thanks,
James
I would like information about arranging a screening. Couldn’t find a relevant link on the website. Judging by some of the other comments, I am not alone.
thanks for listening. Lets hope that we are ready to hear and make change.
Having lived abroad with my family more than once, I have learned first hand the value of being more than an American, but a citizen of the world. And after watching the trailer, I am excited to know that you have captured a message so powerful that it will awaken other Americans as well to this world. Thank you for making this film! As well, I want to know how to get a copy when you are at that point. I would love to show this or segments as part of the “Citizenship in the world” merit badge for my scouts. Thanks again.
This is a wonderful project and I want to share it with my students in Qatar. How can we view the film and get involved?
Please come to Texas.
I viewed this film in one of my classes at Bentley College. I thought that it was one of the most profound films I have ever seen and I want to share it with all of my freinds and family. Where/When/ How can I get a copy of the film to show to them?
America has been given a life of it’s own. It is nothing but land. I don’t see how people love Americans but hate America. What did the physical land ever do to anybody. It is the politics of the land that are corrupt. There are people who will never forgive Nazi surviving soldiers for the Holocaust or forgive Germany. Yet no one talks about America’s genocide with the Trail of Tears. It should be called the trail of blood. Always criticizing other countries and waiting until the las to moment to stand. How many people must die in Sudan in order for America to intervene? This country goes into places where they are not wanted and stay away from places where they are not only wanted but needed as well. Bin Laden was in Afghanistan. The 9/11 bombers were from Saudi Arabia. Where the hell did Iraq enter into the equation. At least the people had running water and food under Saddam. Now they have nothing. They have corrupted soldiers. America wants to go liberate the world but there are millions of immigrants here and you want them deported. There are people fighting, breaking laws to live here and you are sending them back to their turmoil and you want international support? You don’t want me on your land. Even though I have been here 20 years, worked, NEVER got into trouble, have 3 American born babies and you still send me back. When my babies grow up and rebel against this so-called land of the brave and free, blame yourself AMERICA. They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I guess that’s why people still say America the beautiful.
I loved your film, and was incredibly impressed with the discussion that was kicked off with my students at Endicott College as a result. Thank you for providing this amazing work for the community and good luck getting the conversation sarted in many other places.
After studying in another country (Ireland) for 4 months I began to learn that other countries have different opinions of the US. I enjoyed the film as I was able to see the different thoughts of many countries that the US impacts everyday. Thank You.
It was great to see so many students at the showing and discussion at Middlebury College March 5. The experience energized the notion of citizen of the world for me, a baby boomer. I’d like to mobilize my fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to make this matter to each of us in our daily decisions. It gave me hope that the USA can in my lifetime become a nation of restraint. Thanks for coming to the hinterlands with it!
I think America is the center of a system that is dying and when it does, the people from this country who do not believe in its policies and do not believe in its lifestyle being based on the exploitation of others must be ready and rebuild their nation as a place in which we can find an effort towards the world. America´s history is the craddle of its own contradiction: a promised land for immigrants and people who could not openly celebrate their faith became the nation who limits other people´s freedom of action, speech and depends upon their poverty and ignorance. If this basic contradiction is not solved, there will be no future for this nation not only because it will face political and economic bankrupcy, but also, and mainly, because the human consciousness is active and need to be useful and solidary: therefore, its own sons and daughters will have to find a coherent way of changing things. We are all human, we need to fight together!
PS. It would be wonderful to have a copy of your movie to present in my high school classes. I am an English teacher and we are precisely talking about this topic: What does the world think about Americans and we have included what does the world think about Brazilians…
Thanks
I am an American, I am a Soldier, I am a Police Officer. I love this country and I am willing to die for YOUR FREEDOM!
America is an idea, and like all ideas, can be seen in different lights. I love all people, but even I feel shame with the actions, thoughts, and words of many who have come to represent regular American citizens like myself. I am greatful for all I have, but sometimes I think I’d rather live in a place without guilt, than live here and feel responsible for all that happens in my name. We are all just human.
I want to buy this documentary, i want it to show everyone cause i think everyone should see it! where can i buy it
I think America is a country whose government is trying to hide is actions both at home and abroad from its citizens. Spending money the way the administration wants not the way the tax payers want their money spent. BEHIND as a hole in automobile tech to the point where our big 3 automakers are worthless.
I think that the USA seems to harbour a lot of collective emotions. Fear, anxiety, paranoia, anger, hatredn disappointment. And these emotions trigger emotions in other nations. Again, fair, anger and disappointment. People want to live in peace, but it’s not easy in a world where the media talks about dangers lurking behind every bush. So, people arm themselves. They wait, they worry, although they know deep down that it likely won’t happen to them. Some would always be quick to exploit emotions, whether it was through commercials that sold anything from vacuum cleaners to bathing suits, or politicians playing the big drum of fear for political gain. Such is also the USA, a nation that is responding to its own emotions, its deepest thoughts. There’s something almost primordial about it. Catchy slogans, flashy images and music to accompany it. A nation grown up to respond to catch phrases. What will become of them? Maybe the USA is too commercial, too preoccupied with effectiveness, consumerism and making an easy buck. Maybe it’s based on the deepest wishes or emotions of people, or the lies they were told through the TV screen or in the magazines? Or maybe people can’t seperate what they want from what they’re told they want?
IN 1965 I WENT TO VIETNAM, I WAS THERE FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS,MY LIFE WAS CHANGED FOREVER. THEN 3 YEARS AGO I MET A BUDDHIST MONK IN ARLEE MONTANA,HIS NAME IS GOCHEN TULKU RINPOCHE AND A GREAT CHANGE CAME INTO MY LIFE I AM NOW A NYINGMA BUDDHIST. THE PEOPLE HERE IN MOMTANA HAVE SENT MORE PEOPLE TO WAR, DURING THE VIETNAM WAR 80,000 BOYS FROM MONTANA WENT THERE. I WANT PEACE LIKE A LOT OF MONTANANS, I DO NOT LIKE WHAT THE US GOVERNMENT IS DOING, WAR IS NOT THE WAY