Released: April 3, 2009

Positive Aspects of U.S. Image

Several aspects of America’s image are broadly attractive to international publics. First, the United States continues to be admired for its respect for human rights. Despite international condemnation of Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, people around the world believe the US government respects its own citizens’ personal freedoms. Second, the idea of the United States as a land of opportunity endures — all around the world people continue to feel that immigrants to the United States enjoy a better life. Third, there is widespread admiration for US technological and scientific advances, even in some nations where the United States receives overwhelmingly negative ratings. US business practices also have a strong appeal, even in many parts of the developing world where the image of the United States is challenged at best. Fourth, US popular culture — its movies, television, and music — continues to find receptive audiences around the globe. Finally, any US president should bear in mind that the American people themselves remain some of the country’s most effective ambassadors.

See full article at: http://hir.harvard.edu/rethinking-finance/positive-aspects-of-us-image