How Americans are viewed abroad...
May 31st 2007, 4:35 am
#106
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,174
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
It saddens me to know that if I ever make it over, people will have this prejudice about me due to the actions of the louder and more obnoxious of my Yank brethren. It's not like I had plans made or tickets bought in any case, it just puts kind of a shadow on the idle thoughts of what it would be like to visit such a place when you know that as soon as you open your mouth, the locals will think you're an idiot. Or worse.
May 31st 2007, 4:36 am
#107
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
May 31st 2007, 4:36 am
#108
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,174
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
Now when it comes to the media over there, you have to realize that they're vicious and don't normally give their governments an inch. Ever seen a program called, 'Spitting Image'? Don't think similar could ever be shown here 
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZrAfEqSMTDE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBNsp0_ss...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZrAfEqSMTDE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBNsp0_ss...elated&search=
May 31st 2007, 4:37 am
#109
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
Hell, thats all I wear. I've got a bunch of khaki Dockers for work. When a pair wears out, I cut 'em off into shorts. I only have one Hawaiian shirt, and I can't remember for the life of me where or why I got it. It's not really my style. I'm more into plaid.
I haven't owned a pair of "tennis" shoes since I was in high school though!
May 31st 2007, 4:37 am
#110
I approved this message
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,425
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
The problem with American tourist is the problem with any tourist group: the mass is invariably judged by the worst as the worst are typically the most visible. You'd never notice the quiet, thin, respectful American tourist becuase they don't stand out as much as the fat NASCAR fan trying to order a Hawaiian pizza in Naples.
May 31st 2007, 4:39 am
#111
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
May 31st 2007, 4:41 am
#112
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
The problem with American tourist is the problem with any tourist group: the mass is invariably judged by the worst as the worst are typically the most visible. You'd never notice the quiet, thin, respectful American tourist becuase they don't stand out as much as the fat NASCAR fan trying to order a Hawaiian pizza in Naples.
Shit. One step forward, two steps back.
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
May 31st 2007, 4:50 am
#114
Account Closed
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 700
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
Gotta give it a go though...sure some might take the piss, but a large part does depend on where you go and how you act, if your not a loud mouthed git, you'll probably be treated with a bit more respect, it's just like most Brits on holiday, if they drink and are yobbish, they'll be treated with more contempt than those who don't.
May 31st 2007, 4:57 am
#115
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: it's still too dark to tell
Posts: 16,162
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
I would have thought that that would be the moment you are judged, the moment it registers, "Shit, it's a Yank!". However, if you continue to speak without acting like an ass, and in your Library voice, then they might gradually warm up.
I can understand that and I would likely feel the same. I can imagine hiding under a table if I were in a place and busload of Yanks like that came in. Treating a visit to a different country is not quite the same as a trip to the outlet mall in Branson, with a stopover for lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, MO whose claim to fame is they throw your bread rolls at you from across the room.
I wish I could see those, it's blocked here and I'm on a blazing 26.4 dialup connection at home.
It is the coach-trips-types, who are mostly Noo Joisers and New Yawkers who give USC's a bad rap. Bit like the Brits in Spain who complain about the food, take their own bacon and eggs over in their suitcases and wonder why they can't get a decent curry everywhere like they do back home. THEY give the Brits a bad rap and ask anyone here, the type are disliked on the Continent for their attitudes. Basically the same thing.
Ordinary tourists don't get dissed on unless they're in France. In France, EVERYONE is dissed, no matter where you're from
Now when it comes to the media over there, you have to realize that they're vicious and don't normally give their governments an inch. Ever seen a program called, 'Spitting Image'? Don't think similar could ever be shown here
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZrAfEqSMTDE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBNsp0_ss...elated&search=
Now when it comes to the media over there, you have to realize that they're vicious and don't normally give their governments an inch. Ever seen a program called, 'Spitting Image'? Don't think similar could ever be shown here
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZrAfEqSMTDE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KBNsp0_ss...elated&search=
I wish I could see those, it's blocked here and I'm on a blazing 26.4 dialup connection at home.
May 31st 2007, 5:01 am
#116
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
When you are abroad though it is hard to go to the touristy spots .... I myself want to avoid Americans as there are plenty where I live
and when they make fools of themselves it makes me 
.
May 31st 2007, 5:02 am
#117
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
I would have thought that that would be the moment you are judged, the moment it registers, "Shit, it's a Yank!". However, if you continue to speak without acting like an ass, and in your Library voice, then they might gradually warm up.
I can understand that and I would likely feel the same. I can imagine hiding under a table if I were in a place and busload of Yanks like that came in. Treating a visit to a different country is not quite the same as a trip to the outlet mall in Branson, with a stopover for lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, MO whose claim to fame is they throw your bread rolls at you from across the room.
I wish I could see those, it's blocked here and I'm on a blazing 26.4 dialup connection at home.
I can understand that and I would likely feel the same. I can imagine hiding under a table if I were in a place and busload of Yanks like that came in. Treating a visit to a different country is not quite the same as a trip to the outlet mall in Branson, with a stopover for lunch at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, MO whose claim to fame is they throw your bread rolls at you from across the room.
I wish I could see those, it's blocked here and I'm on a blazing 26.4 dialup connection at home.
Pity! I think once you watch an episode of Spitting Image, you'll 'get' it!
May 31st 2007, 5:06 am
#118
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,750
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
"Everybody hates a tourist". If Jarvis said it, it must be true.
May 31st 2007, 5:08 am
#119
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
Re: How Americans are viewed abroad...
Nah -- if you just act like a decent human being, most of the time people will be fine. The French are the exception but they don't like any foreigners.
When you are abroad though it is hard to go to the touristy spots .... I myself want to avoid Americans as there are plenty where I live and when they make fools of themselves it makes me .
When you are abroad though it is hard to go to the touristy spots .... I myself want to avoid Americans as there are plenty where I live
and when they make fools of themselves it makes me .As for assholes-whatever their nationality etc, etc and God knows they abound everywhere, I avoid 'em like the plague.
May 31st 2007, 5:09 am
#120
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
