100 Ways America Is Screwing Up the World: Serious Political Satire on Corporate Influence, Science Denial, and America's Global Impact

by John Tirman, Howard Zinn (Foreword)

What do George W. Bush, Wal-Mart, Halliburton, gangsta rap, and SUVs have in common? They're all among the hundred ways in which America is screwing up the world. The country that was responsible for many, if not most, of the twentieth century's most important scientific and technological advancements now demonizes its scientists and thinkers in the twenty-first, while dumbing down its youth with anti-Darwin/pro-"Intelligent Design" propaganda. The longtime paragon of personal freedoms now supports torture and illegal wiretapping—spreading its principles and policies at gunpoint while ruthlessly bombing the world with Big Macs and Mickey Mouse ears. At once serious-minded and satirical, John Tirman's 100 Ways America Is Screwing Up the World is an insightful, unabashed, entertaining, and distressing look at where we've gone terribly wrong—from the destruction of the environment to the promotion of abhorrent personal health and eating habits to the "wussification" of the free press—an alternately admonishing and amusing call to arms for patriotic Blue America.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Environment

258 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tim]

Why do they hate us?[return]That's a question many Americans have asked, particularly since Sept. 11, 2001. There is no simple answer. And while John Tirman's 100 Ways America is Screwing Up the World may not be specifically intended to address that question, it certainly is a step toward some comprehension of America's current stature in the court of world opinion.[return]The book is meant to be a liberal response to similarly titled books attacking the left. Tirman's intent, however, was to address issues and events, not personalities, be they celebrities or critics. Tirman covers everything from politics to health issues to religion to economics to pop culture. It may, however, serve best as an introduction to America's path to its problems on the global stage.[return]Read rest of review at A Progressive on the Prairie.

[Eyun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like reading about the destructive nature of western culture. I think if more of us opened our eyes and minds to our global impact, we couldn't help but feel embarrassed and change and thing or two. That is what drew me to this book.

Unfortunately, this book was too brief. It would introduce an idea, give you enough to be concerned, but not enough to have an intelligent conversation about. Not even lead you to further resources. The topic lengths were perfect for the bathroom.

Although I agreed and sympathized with a lot of the authors points, i did however feel that there were times that he was on an irrational rant.

One good thing was that despite his shocking title, he ended the book with 10 things America is doing right. Some of which contradicted the other 90 things they are doing wrong. Yup, although the book says 100 things... there were only 90. You do the math.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, my favorite format: SHORT STORIES (kinda).

Each 'chapter' is a way in which America is screwing up the world. So, in a way, a short story. At least it helps the content move along. The problem is that this guy is soooo Regan hating that it felt like half of his issues could all be traced back to one guy. Not that I've ever loved Regan, and this got to be a little much for me about 1/3 of the way thru the book.

The author brings up some interesting points, but hammers them to death most of the time. I gave it 3 stars because if you skim-read the book its not half bad and for those interesting ideas. I would say I agree with 1/3 of the points brought up, but never to the extent of the author. But, having the agreement every once in awhile made the book easier to read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're already disgusted with American politics and its affect on the planet, you certainly won't be any less disgusted once you read this list. Not surprisingly, W and his daddy factor heavily, along with a list of other past presidents and their flawed and short-sighted politics ("Billary" and Regan included).

Other ways American is screwing up the World (according to the author): Paris Hilton, sloppy Americans, Puritans, and the dumbing-down of our children.

Number 1 on the list is Global Warming. I'd really like to do something to help, but I'm too busy watching television, which is number 3 on the list.

[Matt Amott]

i'm a big fan of nonfiction and this was pretty real. although the title could be 100 ways people are screwing up the world, i do agree that the u.s. is leading the charge on a lot of these. some are obvious but there are a few in there that really got me thinking.

[Kasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. It confirmed, using so many horrifying examples of where America has gone wrong in the past (that I had not been aware of), my dislike of everything America stands for. I will forever be asking myself why a nation of people is so patriotic about this terribly flawed country.

[Alik Brundrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic if you like politics, economics, and government affairs. It's intended to appeal to a liberal audience.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

conservatives beware...you probably wont like it as much as i did

[Belkis · Rating 2 out of 5]

THis book had notable points but it seemed like it was a constant rant. The Wal-Mart and high fructose corn syrup are two that have stuck in my mind.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pick this book up if only to read the fantastic foreword by Howard Zinn.

[Andrew Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 36: Good read indeed worth reading for the foreword alone. Love Howard Zinz

[Tan Hui Tian · Rating 3 out of 5]

In some chapters, rather repetitive due to the format of the writing. But a good read otherwise, and quite a refreshing take on American exceptionalism.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh the shame... the shame. Big oil, the shrub, Mel Gibson, Billary, Christmas, gangsta rap, Disney, all the consumerism and imperialism and hypocrisy tied up in one tidy rant.