I'm Not Popular

In Europe there are accepted political views that most people adhere to. People say they would vote Democratic in a U.S. election (if they could), they really don’t like George You-know-who, they think green house gases are bad and are man's fault, etc. They also have a sort of "group-think" opinion on America. You know, the usual... the U.S. is the problem (whichever the ailment), Americans aren't very bright, they're violent, shallow, greedy, etc. They don't want to hear anything positive about the U.S. or it's people because that would not fit their accepted views. This is why it is much more profitable for newspaper articles, magazines, and websites to take an anti-U.S. view. It's what sells.

But what if you express a differing opinion than this norm? It's clear to me that you will be regarded with suspicion at the very least, but more likely with scorn and derision. Needles to say, you won't be very popular among the European masses.

Luckily for me (and my lonely site-meter counter), I’m not trying to be popular. I can toil away in obscurity forever because I’m not trying to make a buck. But what if I were? Would it be wise to express my unpopular opinions on my potentially money-making website?

I have to say that business and "non-accepted" political views are not a good mix in Europe. I can't imagine a business venture-type web site doing well if it expressed unpopular political opinions - or if it had anything positive to say about America or Americans. Of course, it would not be a problem for that same web site if it expressed the usual negative views.

So listen up entrepreneurs in Europe! If you happen to think the U.S. is not the root of all evil, or not the cause of everything bad in the past and present ..... stay popular and keep it under your hat. A differing viewpoint will NOT be tolerated and you will be judged right where it hurts - in the wallet.