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THE UGLY AMERICAN
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THE UGLY AMERICAN An article appeared in USA TODAY that kind of hit home. Since I've had the opportunity to travel extensively and have been embarrassed by other Americans' actions, and since we have a lot of cultures represented here in Blogland, I decided to post some excerpts from the article. Some of you may have an opportunity to travel abroad and even if you don't you may understand our poor image in foreign countries a little better. First, my experiences. Europeans appear in suits and dresses when they go out while Americans wear jeans, T-shirts and sneakers no matter where they are. I watched an American, loudly arguing with a waiter at famous Meo Petaca in Rome, who was insisting on having "mashed potatoes." The poor waiter had no idea what the guy was talking about. I watched an American order lasagna and pronounce in "La Zag Na." I witnessed a French policeman in Monte Carlo politely say "Bon Jour" to an American woman who replied "Oh, no, no. It's 'good morning.' Come on, you can say gooood moooorning." I was enjoying a Guiness and talking with a Londoner who proclaimed that all you had to do was say "Hello" to an American and they tell you their whole life story. Also in London, they seem to have no law against U-turns. What would happen in your town if you made a U-turn in front of someone? Think they'd slow down and allow it like the Londoners do! In Russia I watched Americans hagel with struggling merchants over a few Rubels which were 1,000 to one US. dollar. Take a minute to read the excerpts. See if you can connect my experiences with our problem being the "ugly Americans." USA TODAY By Jayne Clark We're loud, arrogant and poorly dressed. Oh, yeah – we're fat, too. Though it can't solve the U.S. obesity problem, a business group is attempting to beautify the time-worn image of the ugly American by promoting an attitude adjustment among business executives traveling abroad.... The non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA) will formally launch its program in May, when it will make its World Citizens Guide available online.... Surveys indicate that the ugly-American persona is not only alive and well, but getting bigger and uglier. And research aimed at discovering the roots of anti-American sentiments around the world points, in part, to the American personality. People overseas don't just dislike our foreign policy; they dislike us.... "Historically, people would separate the American government and the American people. But that distinction is being blurred," says Eggspuehler. "Typically, our people were admired for our way of life. It was a lifestyle that many aspired to, and that's not the case any more." The ugly American was born in the days after World War II when greater numbers of ordinary, middle-class Americans began traveling abroad, particularly to Europe. They stood out, and not necessarily in a good way.... Worldwide, respondents repeatedly mentioned "arrogant," "loud" and "uninterested in the world" when asked their perceptions of Americans, Eggspuehler says. "But the most consistent word in every region was 'respect.' They said we don't respect their cultures. That, and if we had to talk so much, we could at least dial down the volume." The Travel Industry Association of America, which promotes travel to this country, is squarely behind the initiative. The American-image problem is of primary concern to TIA, says spokesman Allen Kay. "But polls show when (foreigners) come and visit, they're much more likely to be friendly toward the U.S." Have you traveled? Had any comparable experiences? Do you agree or disagree?  |
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5/15/2006 9:04 pm |
Oh yes , I have embarrassed by a fellow americans actions , we seem so course and vulgar among other cultures sometimes .
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i see it here at home, sadly. . .
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5/17/2006 10:21 am |
When I have traveled, it is often easy to spot Americans. Loud, arrogant, their dress, and, of course, their weight. As sexyfit said above, many Americans I know will identify themselves as Canadian if possible. It's gotten worse since GWB took office.
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