People think they're being "enlightened" for holding such views, being able to hold up the magnifying glass to their own society...but it's far more likely that they just live in a bubble. It appears as something of an irony that these very same free societies they criticize not only permit but actually _encourage_ this kind of self reflection through their traditions and institutions.
I think that to truly appreciate life in a western democracy you need to have some real exposure to the alternative/absence.
As I've travelled more, gained life experience, I've become less and less impressed with the ACT of expressing such criticism (particularly the knee-jerk reflexive "whataboutism" sort so frequently launched in response to any criticism of authoritatian regimes) and more appreciative of the fact that it's freely allowed and part of the culture of the free world.
>I think that to truly appreciate life in a western democracy you need to have some real exposure to the alternative/absence.
Fine. Let's ignore the implication that I live in a bubble and let's focus on this right here.
Most Americans have never left the state they live in. Most Americans don't have the luxury to travel. Most Americans have been left with rising housing costs, food costs, and gas costs. Most Americans have increasingly taken an isolationist view point as the quagmire in the middle east spent trillions abroad with nothing to show at home. By your own yardstick, why is it surprising that many young americans aren't enthusiastic to jump into yet another foreign war?
Meh, it is what it is. Surprising? Maybe not, just unimpressive. Most people are a product of their environment and that's never going to change no matter what. I don't think there's much to gain here except perspective and appreciation at an individual level...and in my personal experience a great deal more happiness as a result.
I think that to truly appreciate life in a western democracy you need to have some real exposure to the alternative/absence.
As I've travelled more, gained life experience, I've become less and less impressed with the ACT of expressing such criticism (particularly the knee-jerk reflexive "whataboutism" sort so frequently launched in response to any criticism of authoritatian regimes) and more appreciative of the fact that it's freely allowed and part of the culture of the free world.