Why does American society suck sometimes?

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Just to go back to the original question - I think you'll find that outsiders (ie non-Americans) see the United States as a country that is very arrogant and pushes it's culture into other countries almost like a bully. The US is the only country that does this. It's all about pushing all sorts of freedoms thinking they are doing the right thing - when in fact they are harming certain aspects of another country's culture. Some countries react worse to this than others.

There are certain freedoms (like democracy) where this is OK. Most western countries have always had a democracy so they remain unaffected. But other freedoms (such as freedom of speech) can wreck people - as an example. True freedom in my opinion is a myth, but you can't say that to an American who is a part of this push.

It's arrogance - pure and simple. It's been particularly bad since 2000 when Bush Junior (or as I call him the Shrub) came to power because his arrogance has been the worst in my living memory. Even worse than Nixon. It didn't help that we here in Australia had a lap dog for a Prime Minister - to the point that we were being mocked as the 51st state (I hate that!). Thank goodness we have a new PM now.

I want to point out though that not all Americans are arrogant. I have a good friend who was born and raised in Texas even though he lives in Australia now, and he agrees. I have had a number of aquiantances over the years on the Net from the US who are similar.

Societies are interesting almost paradoxical. Many seem dramatically different, but ultimately are basically the same.
American society. Be a unique individual, like everyone else.
Japanese society. Be like everyone else, but have a unique identity.

I think I just can't quite get the mix right.