The Stupid American Tourists
Dmitri May 23rd, 2007
Why are Americans Considered Stupid? - The American Tourists
This is a follow up on my previous article Are Americans Stupid? aimed to explain the reasons and realities of the “Ugly Stupid American” concept. It is the first part of a series which will explain the various factors which cause such a negative generalisation of Americans, the world over.
An American tourist couple outside a cathedral in Italy. The couple got yelled at and the lady had to cover her legs as shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed at Catholic churches, basilicas or cathedrals.
The Saga of American Tourists and Cultural Conflicts
American tourists in other countries tend to be the ambassador of “Americans are stupid” stereotype. They often dress like they are going to play football (soccer) or are in a golf tournament which gets them the smirk of the locals. They expect everyone in the world to speak English and use US dollars. This is emphasized when they are often heard shouting, “Does anyone here speak English” or “How much is that in real money?” in busy markets in Bangkok or Riviera. They tend not to mix with anything that is not American. Wherever they go, they keep close to an American guide, eat only American food and stay only in American hotels. Anything which is cultural rather than americanised takes them out of their comfort zone. When they are in foreign lands, Americans are always herded like cattle and guided by their American guides at all times.
They mutter things like “evil” or “devilish” when they visit local temples in Asia or Greece. They tend to see Swastika decorated temples, road signs and houses as Nazi symbolism of racism. They often tend to break local laws and disrespect local tradition which usually puts them in soup like the image shown above. Most American tourists who visit strongly sovereign un-American countries like France, Italy or India find that being an American in these countries is not a privilege. This often comes to them as a shock as they expect to be treated royally which makes them end up being bitter against those countries.
Stupid Until Proven Intelligent Syndrome
In Europe and most parts of Asia, a person is considered ‘Intelligent Until Proven Stupid’. Therefore unless a person behaves in a way that makes him or her look really stupid, they are generally left to their own judgments and individual choices. On the other hand it is assumed both in the United States and elsewhere in the world that Americans are ‘Stupid unless proven intelligent’. In the United States, media and the government treats their people like a bunch of morons who need to be guided in every step of their life. Unlike Europe, Americans seem to need expert guidance for everything, from how to wash clothes properly, cook an omelette, invest in shares or have sex. Every small aspect of their life seems to be guided by research findings, which are often doctored by the media to fit corporate and government interests. If they travel, they have travel staff and books giving them directions and guidance for every small aspect of their trip.
Cultural Inexperience
Americans are not as culturally experienced as the people in Asian or European countries with rich heritage. They make this fact quite obvious to the rest of the world which again makes them the target of mockery and sniggers. They display a crude dress sense along with their lack of sophistication and tendency to use swear words at the drop of a hat. In the lingual abilities, most of the people in America are mono-lingual except the immigrants. The only language they speak is English or Spanish which is unlike Europe or Asia where people can speak an average of three languages fluently and many can do five or more. Their cultural knowledge of the world revolves around wars, blood and gore like American Civil War and World War 2 rather than peaceful civilizations like Greek, Sumerian or Indus valley civilizations. This gives them a bleak and xenophobic outlook of the world which ultimately leads to racial bias and subconscious racism.
This article is meant to be informative and not to incite dislike for Americans. Not all Americans fit the given reasons but a large majority do which is why this article will help them recognise the ’symptoms’ of being an American. I have refrained from giving any tips as I am optimistic that Americans could read this article and understand what the root of the problem is, which needs to be avoided.
Possibly Related posts:
- Are Americans Stupid?
- Are Americans Stupid? - Statistics, Studies and Research
- Bill of American International Rights
- Terror Attacks in Mumbai and the American Connection
- Intercontinental SLBMs - Russian Bulava vs American Trident
- America , Internationalism , World Culture
- Comments(122)
Loading ...
If brains were money American tourists would be among the poorest beings on earth. I have never had an intelligent experience with any American tourist or non. If they didnt have the money no one would have tolerated them. I work in tourism and I know a lot about that.
The sad thing is, this is very true. The typical American expects to be treated like they own the world! I am sorry, Abraxor, that you have not had an intelligent experience with any Americans. Some of us are not entirely ignorant as the stereo-type suggests; however, sadly most Americans are like this.
This is very sad, but also very true. For my job, I travel 90% outside of the US and I am a US citizen. I tend to gravitate towards Europeans, as most of my travel is to Europe. I find Americans (usually on vacation in Europe, although not so much lately as the US dollar is in the toilet) to be very rude and expect everyone to cater to them. I know this is not what they perceive, but they need to step into the shoes of Europeans (and all non-US shoes) and understand that they “appear” to be rude with the loud voices, swearing, and also they expect everyone to cater to them and speak English. Hopefully, this will change. By the way, I am American and when I travel, I am very respectful of this, and I also speak Spanish and fluent Italian, and am always trying to learn new languages and speak those languages when spoken to. Hats off to Europe! I love it there and am actually hoping to move there in the near future.
How Americans behave abroad is not as disturbing as how they behave at home. It is natural that person abroad will appear ignorant. By definition if you are in a country that is strange to you then you will appear ignorant. Even Swiss people act like pigs when confronted with a trough. Bangkok, for example. The real problem is that a huge majority of Americans do not even have passports. They do not want to travel. They think the US is the best country on earth and they voted for Bush. They are Christians who believe the Bible to be literally correct and they will watch the world destroyed to prove that Armagedon is real. Those are the ones we should worry about.
I hate to be arrogant but I’m not just American, I’m a Texan. Why should we care about the rest of the world? America is the dominant force in the world. Our media is the worlds media, our culture is the worlds culture (Dont tell my you’ve never drank a Coke, or seen a movie from Hollywood), our language is the worlds language. Americans take great pride in their homeland and rightly so, everyone on the world wants to be like us and envies us. To knock Americans for not caring about other cultures is not fair.
God bless Texas!
The Swiss do not demand or shout that the Thai people should speak German, Romansh or French. They do not demand prices quotes in Swiss Francs in the markets of Bangkok. If you encounter a loudmouthed Swiss in the US who demands you speak German, calls you an idiot for not doing so or demands prices in Francs, I’d be happy to hear that you gave him a good piece of your mind.
Fear of the unknown may be excusable, however arrogant superiority complex is not. Neither is branding every person who doesn’t speak English as stupid or claiming that the US dollar is REAL money.
thought the Americans spoke the language of the English.What is this American language then?.I never heard of it.And perhaps not as envied as you think.
Jerry, dominance doesn’t equal righteousness. Just because something is dominant, doesn’t mean that it is of the highest quality that it could be. Why should you care? Because your life could be better too, friend!
I do take a lot of pride in being an American, because there are tons of great things about this country–which obviously may not be on display when we travel. But I live in Florida, which gets massive amounts of international tourists. And for the most part, they are just as obnoxious, if not more so, than American tourists I’ve seen abroad. I could write long posts about stupid, disgusting, and immature things I’ve seen Europeans and Asians do just in my hometown, but what would it say about me if I categorized all Asians and Europeans just by that?
This post leans heavily towards how self-absorbed Americans are while on vacation. News flash: EVERYONE is self-absorbed on vacation! Everyone wants things to be all about them, and gets frustrated when they don’t know how to adapt. Everyone makes stupid fashion mistakes, offends the locals, overheats and snaps. I find the tone of this post to be a little lofty, assuming that because Americans screw up, that must mean that, by nature, Americans ARE screw-ups.
What I find weird is how, if Americans were to snicker behind the back of a foreign tourist in the US, let alone brag on a blog about doing so, it would be seen as proof that Americans are backwards and intolerant.
But if Americans are laughed at behind their backs in foreign countries, it’s STILL proof that Americans are backwards and intolerant–not their mocking hosts!
Double standard?
Vi! I couldn’t agree more. The anti-american sentiment on this website is not even remotely fair or balanced! It saddens me that the world sees all americans as stupid or ignorant, but there are many intelligent and articulate amercans out there! i’m proud to be an american. thank you for your post!
I have to agree that the average American knows jack about other countries, and everyone else knows about America. I’m from Argentina but have lived in Florida for the past 9 years. I have met a bunch of ignorant Americans but i have also met alot of smart,very well-traveled Americans that know a lot about other countries and their cultures and are very appreciative of them. I do not believe in stereotyping an entire country just because some citizen makes an ass of himself overseas. I have been mocked for being Argentinean as we are perceived to be very arrogant and nationalistic. Im nothing like that but believe me, i have MET THAT TYPE and see why people would think that. However, there is nothing wrong with loving your country, so i respect those people who publicly announce it.
Wow, I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I have always felt American’s were fairly ignorant and self righteous (and I AM an American).. after reading all of this… I want to hide my head.
Austria - here I come!
Ill admit that most Americans are retarded, but many of the reasons you listed are not valid.
For example the tourists who were wearing shorts in an italian cathedral. Ive traveled europe quite a bit and I have never seen this happen, many many people were wearing shorts and they werent just Americans.
Americans like to swear… I agree, you could say our favorite word is fuck. But Italians swear just as much, the english swear more than Americans they just say Bloody, and Bastard and of course “fuck all”, have you ever seen Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey?
Those travel books that have phrases in different languages are common in all countries.
Americans and travel guides… hmmm have you ever seen a Japanese tour group? Or Chinese for that matter? They dont speak a word of english or german or french or Italian for that matter (Except for their phrase books that only American have) and follow their tour guides everywhere.
On language there is not not single country in europe that speaks “An average of 3 languages fluently” thats a bunch of crap. They speak their native language and maybe they are fluent in english. But other than that I would speculate that those who speak 3 or more languages is no where near the majority.
And finally “Their cultural knowledge of the world revolves around wars, blood and gore like American Civil War and World War 2 rather than peaceful civilizations like Greek, Sumerian or Indus valley civilizations. ” The Greek civilization wasnt peaceful, neither was the Sumerian. Not enough is known about the Indus Valley civilization to say they were peaceful or not. But we do know that the Indus Valley civilization was wiped out by what appears to be warfare.
If you are going to Bash Americans, bash our politics. We elected Bush twice and half our country thinks that creationism should be taught in school. Half our country believes that Global Warming is a hoax. More than half our country believes that if we drill for oil in Alaska and offshore that it will somehow bring the global price of oil down.
These excuses to bash America you have listed are very shallow and reflect more on the Anti American sentiment of the tourist destination countries than they do on Americans.
Jerry,
You are just the type of American that the world dislikes so much - self-righteous, xenophobic, and blindly patriotic. I would not hesitate to guess that you have never left the US with the exception of picking up prostitutes in Mexico. You probably call yourself a Christian, but your thoughts are obviously not at all Christ-like. Americans like you embarrass me.
I am a patriotic American too - but my patriotism is not born in a feeling of superiority to others. My patriotism is founded in a hope that one day peaceful, educated, intelligent Americans will finally prevail and pick our country up off its ass; and that the other Americans might actually come to realize that America is not the only country on the planet with “culture”, and that not everyone envies us and wants to emulate us.
Don’t worry Jerry, maybe you will see the light when America falls from grace (which it has), your bank account is empty (which it will be), and there are no jobs to be had. See: Soviet Union in the 1990s.
@Jerry- I really hope that your comment was just a joke. Do you really want to live in world with mono-culture consists of walmart,mcdonalds,tasteless movies,geographic ignorance that produces people like George Bush, Sarah Palin,and Paris Hilton?? I’m not American, but I’ve been living in here for four years and I think that there are stupid and intelligent people everywhere. The US, unfortunately, just has more of the stupid ones but that doesn’t mean intellligence doesn’t exsist. I have met some very ingenious, considerate and not at all arrogant Americans in here, but while I’m met one of two of those people I also see a ton of COLLEGE STUDNETS who can’t solve a quadradic eqaution. Being from an Asian country I found this unacceptable. And yes I have drank coke, but I do not like it at all.
American people are also disliked because of their arrogance. The economic and military power their contry enjoys seems to give them the right to look down on everybody else. This seems to be the attitude of most American abroad, who are loud, boastfull, ostentatious and inconsiderate for the countries they visit. If you don’t speak American English, you are an idiot. Right.
I think that this article is great! I’m an American Tourist, but when I travel, I try to blend in as much as possible. You won’t catch me in printed shirts, khaki shorts, and Birkenstocks in Mexico or France. I’m just saying that you can’t say the America is the Best without some sort of comparison.
On the subject of Americans being stupid, I believe that 110%. How embarrassing is it that we are the 18th smartest country? All of these flag-waving, hootin-tootin people that haven’t even been out the country humiliate me. When Americans travel, we should try to be more considerate and less obnoxious. Study the customs and traditions of the country you will be visiting before you visit it. I’m not ashamed to be American, but to tell you the truth, I was for a long time.
@Jerry-
Have you even been out of the country? The way that you talk makes me sick. How could you even say things like that? You may think that American is dominant, but people in say China for example won’t think so. Do you know that we owe over 1 trillion dollars to China. If they ever called us on our debt, we would never be able to come back from that.
I was sitting on the train from Versailles back to Paris . Just before the train left, a group of loud American tourists filled the benches behind me. They each wore shirts that said things like “I love Paris” or “Got Rome?” proudly emblazoned under pictures of “must-see famous stuff.” The following experience confirmed to me that the American tourist is one of the most unpleasant creatures on the face of the planet, which almost justifies the rude way the French treat them.
For the next hour I heard one woman in particular from this group complaining loudly to her sympathetic and equally inane travelling companions about how hot it was and how the French were so rude and she couldn’t believe how they didn’t have all the signs doubled in English. And why can’t they speak English to her (she’s sure they know how they just won’t because they’re French). Oh! She just can’t believe how sweltering hot it is and the French don’t have drinking fountains. Next time, she assured her friends (and the rest of the train compartment who could still hear), she wasn’t going to come to France at all, but rather go to Las Vegas, because, she’s heard, they’ve built an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower there, and it’s not as far, they speak English. All I could think was, “Good riddance!”.
The biggest problem thet the citizens of the US are confronted with is their mental isolation, geographical too; their knowledge of foreign cultures is limited and their manners are almost nonegsistive. One of my friends actualy told me that an american guest went mental when he found out that Jackie Chan’s movies aren’ sinchronized but just subtiteld. They also tend to be straped to their guides while others (especially Germans, Italians or British) spend hours walking through the streets of let’s say Trogir discovering them on their own. Another example: My homeland- Croatia is actualy called Hrvatska, Germany- Deutschland, Sweeden- Svenska, Spain- Espana, Italy- Italia, Switzerland- die Schweiz, and many more. Also there is a lot of countries and capital cities that americans don’t know how to read correctly: T’bilisi, Georgia; Moskow, Russian Federation, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico etc.
Gordan.. what is your point? So what if we call Hrvatska Croatia.. that is what we call it! It would be like us to expect Italians to call the US “The United States of America” instead of “Gli Stati Uniti” or Philadelphia instead of Filadelfia …
Gordan, just on your last point, there are many other languages besides English that use vernacular or mispronounced versions of geographic and city names (I’m thinking specifically about French, I can’t speak any other languages). These names are in common use in English just because of tradition stretching back centuries. But they don’t have to. Peking has become Beijing, Bombay became Mumbai, etc. The reason those names changed? Because the Chinese and Indian governments said so and the media followed suit. My suspicion is European governments are less sensitive to what foreigners call their cities in foreign languages. If nobody has ever corrected English speakers then how do you expect them to know the correct pronunciation? I’d suggest pushing your Hrvatska government to issue a press release. Give it a decade to filter through the schools and the airlines to adopt the right names and you’ll be able to cross one of your grievances off your list.
i agree that alot of americans are like this but not all i’m from america but i”m not rich or arrogant i love other cultures and respect them for their strengths if i go to a country where there is a language i dont speak that makes me the idiot walking around with no idea wats going on not the others and i’m aware our education system is well below that of some other countries thats y they eaily learn multiple languages and we have a harder time then of course there are those who are ignorant and refuse to try and learn a second language
The problem is that Americans go to travel in other countries with a sense of entitlement, that creates an ugly American complex. Fed by years and years of propaganda nationalism, they are ingrained to believe that the world revolves around Americans and Americans should be treated like elites. When that bubble is burst, they start whining and moaning about how the entire world is anti-American and how everyone is “jealous because they can’t be like us”. It gives away their a deep rooted complex, behind their “we are the best” facade. This is not something that we usually find in people of other countries, people who are NOT Americans.
Americans have an impression that they are always right and anyone who doesn’t agree with them is wrong and isn’t worthy of consideration. I have found this trait even in the self-proclaimed “liberal and open minded Americans”. So much that I have lost whatever little faith I had, in the existence of a more human American. They are like kids who put their fingers in their ears and shout, “I am not listening, blah blah blah!”.
[...] American syndrome” - a term given for unpleasant experiences with American people. (A previous article gives a few examples of such negative [...]
[...] Even the self-proclaimed foreign relations experts and the paranoid KGB can’t get it right. Little do they know that the British have the worst reputation abroad. [...]
Wow. What Jerry the Texan said is astonishingly arrogant. Whatever happened to “Give me your tired, your hungry, your poor”? We were once a nation that welcomed everyone, from all cultures. We were the melting pot, and we tried to emulate tolerance and justice for all. And now we’re the big boss and nobody else matters?? If there is an evil in the world, it is exactly the stereotype that Jerry is representing, and it’s distinctly un-American! America is supposed to be the place of peace and fairness for all, which would include senstivity to other cultures. How else can one provide peace and fairness without being sensitive to our cultural differences? What Texas (and much of America) has come to believe is “American” and “Patriotic” has strayed far from the original ideals our fore-fathers had in mind! Since the war in Iraq, I’ve seen some bumper stickers that say “Peace is Patriotic”. It’s true. We need to get back in touch with what being an American truly means!
I’m glad that Dmitri posted this because it’s true… It’s like telling a friend that their breath stinks. Maybe they might be offended, but it’s better to be told than to remain oblivious!
Americans hate Nazi’s, even though they’re basically the same… 1) Think they are surperior 2) Think they should be treated like royalty 3) Ignorant 4) Hate other cultures for being different 5) Want to rule the world… the list goes on…
I live mostly in the US (Northeast thankfully) currently, I spend a good amount of time back home in Britain. This summer my American girlfriend came to spend a few months with me in London, she has lived in the UK before for a semester. She certainly did not fit the stereotype, actually she quite resented when we would witness Americans acting like.. well.. Americans in town.
It’s quite unfortunate, there are quite a few non “ugly” american tourists around, but they do slide by while the (admittedly majority) bad ones get the attention. To be fair, a good amount of Americans are bad tourists in their own country. The ones who visit my neck of the woods are often extraordinarily ignorant. As you mentioned it all comes down to the superiority complex and sense of entitlement that is endemic. My great friends who are American are all people who do not have those traits fortunately and I would be glad to have them over to visit anytime they would like.
The stupid American tourist is often known as “goddamn gaijin” (goddamn foreigner) in Japan. In Asia they can be spotted violating dozens of social customs at any given time, laughing at the locals because they are different, and complaining about whatever pops into their ugly little heads. One of their biggest complaints is about locals who don’t speak English. Oh come on, if you really have a problem with that, stay back in your goddamn country. Either that or learn the language of the country you visit, so that we don’t have to deal with your whining.
Living in a foriegn country is usually a good way to correct the habits of ugly americanisms, but only if they are willing to learn something.
@ Hermit
I couldn’t agree more. If someone visits a foreign country with an open-mind, they will most definetely loose some of their undesirable American habits. The problem is that by the time that most Americans have the chance to travel, they are already too old to learn something new because their minds have already been brainwashed and corrupted by propaganda and bad habits. Another sad fact is that most highschools and school districts in America are unwilling to teach a broad range of foreign languages and are under-funded, and in most cases, will not use their own money to fund foreign exchanges with other schools. A big part of all of America’s current problems has to do with it’s poor lower-division education. Atleast that’s my opinion. 不是所有的美国人是愚笨的。当遇见年轻美国人和尝试交朋友时，请记住此。祝好。
I agree with alex, it would be too astounding to see anyone from Europe or Asia to speak 3 languages. 2 at most and then the second language would be English. which is actually a credit to the American and English dominance of the world.
True, the Americans are the new Roman empire. All empires will end and usually from within. Rome crumbled because the Romans became weak arrogant and stupid (obese and stupid?)
There are some very insightful comments on this page. It has been very nice to read.
I agree with some that the article is a bit “America bashing” but the title is “The Stupid American Tourist” so talking about politics wouldnt really make sense.
I would like to think I was fairly well travelled (mainly europe) and I have to say I have seen many a Brit acting in the same, if not worse, manner than what was stated here. Just go to one of those en-mass holiday towns in Greece or South of Spain and you will know what I am talking about.
I think a large difference is the wealth of culture that we have here in Europe (yes, I proudly class myself as European, unlike a lot of Brits) and as such we are able to appreciate differences more, as I believe that is what makes going abroad so special. I would very much dislike to go to a country and not experience their culture musically, gastronomically, architecturally or historically. It is very “life educational”.
As we all know, cultures clash, so its always best to be respectful and that way you will have a lot better time as the people around you will make them feel proud that you have shown interest in their country and will be a lot more open to you and will want to tell you more. Always good to learn a bit of the language too (even just the Ps and Qs) I can speak a bit of french, but that is about it, but I always try to learn more when I am over there.
I think thats all Ive got to say, cheers for reading.
PS yes the French are a bit rude, but they call it pride and you can always get on their good side.
what can you do? hehe
I’ve traveled the world my entire life and never once behaved the way many of you hypocrites portray. I have, however, run into plenty of people who treated me poorly because I am an American. I learned young just to smile and move on to the next person. Why… because we didn’t judge the entire nation on the actions of a moron.
Most Americans are very open to the differences and welcome learning something new. I don’t personally know anyone who behaves differently. I always hear about the “ugly American” but luckily I haven’t met any. Since when is innocent ignorance about a custom reason for such harsh criticism. Talk about intollerance! And if defending oneself and their country is ugly, then so be it. Every country has their idiotic, ill-mannered ambassadors. Spend some time in the major cities in the U.S. You’ll see that Germany, Italy, France, Greece, England…. All have rude, loud, fat, obnoxious, vacationers.
Scapegoat is the word that comes to mind. It is America bashing. The idea of a common enemy seems to inspire people. What I do know is when people sit around; talking about how superior others think they are, it’s usually their own superiority complex showing. You don’t know what we are thinking.
We hear repeatedly about how the world hates us… My daughter asked me why we give so much money away in aid to other nations when those countries hate us so much and we need the money here. She’s 6. I hope to raise her a bit more open minded then some of you who sit and point the finger.
When you spend your time searching for a problem you will most surely find one. Try focusing on the good sometime.
@Steven
I can obviously relate, being an American and all : ). Infact I don’t mean to brag or anything, but I can actually think of a couple times that I have been complemented by others in a land foreign to me because I was so interested in their culture. For instance, I asked a Turkish man in Germany about the meaning of the Turkish flag and what it represents, not because I was ignorant, but because I honestly did not know. It was actually pretty interesting and he enjoyed telling me the story behind it. I hope this didn’t come off as me trying to glorify America or Americans, all I am saying is give all of us an equal chance. Don’t cast stereotypical judgements on us at first glance and I am sure you non-Americans will find many of us to be not only tolerable, but friendly and hospitable.
I agree with almost the entire article, except for one part; the reason Americans typically only speak one language is that they have no incentive to learn another. They could live their lives in a country that is almost as large as Europe, and experience many different cultures (visit Oregon, and then go visit Mississippi), granted not as many as all of Europe, but still quite a few. So when Americans leave their comfort zone of 9,161,923 Km^2 and visit another country, they almost think that you should be applauding them, most Americans don’t visit another country in their lives. While that last viewpoint is extremely arrogant, I’m just trying to help you understand why they are so rude (we really are just stupid).
In the Uffizi in Florence,and elderly ,distinguishes looking american
couple loocked at a roman sacrophag.She
remarked: “but how did they let the water out?”
My bet is that maybe one of ten american readers will understand what I just wrote.
Dear Jerry of Texas:
You are the epitome of the “ugly American.” Not only are you ignorant, but your spelling and grammar suck! The world no longer centers around America. We live in a global economy and what happens in China, India, and Russia matter and matter a lot. You’ve probably never ventured out of the U.S. or Texas for that matter. Your mentality is why our European allies can’t stand us. Check out YouTube and look up “stupid Americans.” We are the laughing stock of the world! Why would you be proud of being a dumb ass redneck from Texas………
“On language there is not not single country in europe that speaks “An average of 3 languages fluently” thats a bunch of crap. They speak their native language and maybe they are fluent in english. But other than that I would speculate that those who speak 3 or more languages is no where near the majority.”
Switzerland - French, Italian, German
Luxembourg - French, Portuguese(cuz of tons of imigrants), German
- now add english - i wud say 2,5 languages per person, myself i can speak fluent english fluent portuguese, i understand spanish obviously and a bit o Italian, and im currently tryin to earn a bit of japanese cuz i like the language .
At least we Europeans are aware of other countries culture, and History and try to blend in on Holidays
And also if I was American i wud start getting used to the fact that USA will go down, u owe tons of money, and you cant pay it !
But if you look at it by the bright side, maybe in the future u’ll be more open minded and less egocentric …
And that guy from Texas i bet he never ever ever, got out of Texas, he doesnt even know his own country, how cud he possibly argue bout something he doesnt understand … ?
Im Portuguese i lived in Portugal 16 years till i moved to England, im now 20, and the only way people know that im not British, is by listenint to me speaking (accent) or cuz i have a permanent tan (lol), and my hair is drker too …
I might be a lil bit off topic now, anyway,
- The only way for you Americans to face this kinda problem is by accept it first, when ur able to accept it, then u can move to the next step which i facing it by intruducing something new to ur learning system, maybe i dunno …
I have heard that u Americans didnt accept the Portuguese language in school, while in China it seems to have been intruduced in some schools, and thats a laugh u know, cuz if u youtube some vids, in Portugauese, u sometimes may be able to find an American sayin cud someone translate plz ?… but wot i love most bout it is how ironic Portuguese answer that, ” vai aprender portugues ! ”
This is just an example, i dont want people to judge americans only cuz of this xD
We r talkin bout americans but most of the brits are almost the same, rarely like 5 per cent a English person speaks another language… and when i was young me and my friends wud laugh at the fact that it was so easy to tell apart a “bife” from a crowd lool, but english people had the courtesy of tryin to speak portuguese and at least say the basic words when askin for something or when thanking …
xD
This topic of weither the Europeans has an average of two or three languages. Europe isn´t one country - obviously. What´s common in the north may not be the case in the south, but one example - if you live in the north of Italy you probably speak both Italian and German, then add at least English. Another example - in the north of Europe, Norwegians, Danish and Swedish people all understand eachother, then add at least English and yet another language. Oops, that makes it five as far as I can count. This hillbilly from Texas. Please. “Our language is the worlds language”? 341 million people has got English as their native language. 844 million has Mandarin as a native language, 422 million has Arabic as their native language. Bengali, 407 million people. You need to wake up. And yes, we have all had that Pepsi cola, seen that Hollywood movie, ate that McDonalds burger. But we have also seen that French movie, that Bollywood movie, eaten that sushi, that souvlaki or what have you.
It is quite easy for Americans to pick out European tourists visiting in our cities as well. Europeans haven’t taken the time to learn our customs and often act superior towards us. For example, in America, we shower regularly and use deodorant. We also change clothes daily, especially our undergarments. In America, it is considered rude to go out in public reeking of body odor–even if you are wearing chic and stylish clothes. Another custom often overlooked by Europeans is “tipping” your waiter or waitress. In America it is customary to leave payment in the amount of 15-20 percent of your restaurant bill as a tip for your server. And you sure can pick out the Europeans in Miami when you notice them wearing inappropriate clothing to the beach. In America, nobody wants to see the outline of your schlong through your skin tight bathing suit.
I guess we aren’t the only ones who are easily noticed when traveling to a foreign country.
@ Sean:
It is easier to stand people with bad dress sense as compared to a negative and arrogant attitude. I doubt many Europeans tourists in Miami would complain loudly and brashly about the American inability to speak French/Spanish/Italian the way American tourists do in Europe. While Europeans find American tourist dress sense funny, it is one of the least concerns of any actual annoyance.
A couple of anecodes of this negative and insulting behaviour of Americans are shown here. A lot of Americans are so stuck up with themselves that they expect the rest of the world to be like America. When they find to their shock and horror that it [usually] isn’t, they react in negativity and disgust.
I am not sure Americans have cornered the market on arrogance. This blog is a great example of European hubris. My post was simply a friendly reminder that we are not the only obvious tourists when traveling outside of our country.
As far as language is concerned. Most Americans and Canadians learned French or Spanish while in school, but are given little opportunity to use it. When a language goes unused, it is quickly forgotten. You need to understand that we have nearly 400MM English speaking people in the USA and Canada. USA and Canada are also the second and thrird largest countries by land mass which means we can travel vast distances without having a need to know other languages. By the time most Americans can afford to visit Europe or Asia, we are way beyond the optimal age for learning a new language.
I personally have a lot of respect for Europeans and believe Americans and Europeans have a great deal to learn from EACHOTHER. I also recognize the need for Americans to take more responsibility in understanding world issues. It is very disturbing that the worlds largest Economic and Military power has a citizenship that lacks basic understanding of the issues important to others around the globe.
This article is among the most non-invasive modes of expressing dissent against the stupidity and obnoxiousness of the average American tourist. In any case, one can afford to be arrogant when their arguments are valid, unlike arrogance that crops out of self-fulfilling stupidity.
That still doesn’t excuse the American tendency to label, slime and insult foreigners who don’t speak their language. One can’t learn and retent a new language if they have a contempt for every language other than their own.
Quite a good argument, with only a tiny little flaw. If what you say applies, then the average Russian or Brazilian should be able to speak only Russian or Portuguese, and no other language.
I share your sentiment. However the average American doesn’t seem to understand this or care about this. He (or she) seems to believe that any respect for anyone outside America is overplaced, since America is “a nation above all other nations”. I have seen this sentiment even among the most educated and ‘worldly’ among Americans.
Very disturbing indeed. Ignorance of the world and an belief in national superiority is the core ingredient of ultra-nationalism (akin to Nazism).
@ Sean: As a regular reader, I can attest to the fact that this blog doesn’t have an iota of the nationalistic venom spewed by American bloggers all over the internet. The amount of self-congratulatory ultra-nationalism among Americans in every sphere of life is utterly revolting and sickening. (However that is another issue altogether.)
As for your arguments about language, it is another typical excuse for apathy and laziness. Like Aby said above, you can’t learn a language if you have a contempt for foreigners and their languages (which in my experience, is popular with Americans).
Perhaps like the Germans, someday Americans will get over their Nazi-like complex. Till then, it will be wiser for us err on the side of doubt and rudeness. If Nobel Laureate intellectuals like G.B.Shaw and Oscar Wilde couldn’t escape the indignity of having to deal with American stupidity and arrogance, I don’t see how we could have it any easier by being tolerant of the same.
America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between. - Oscar Wilde.
“This article is among the most non-invasive modes of expressing dissent against the stupidity and obnoxiousness of the average American tourist.” ”
I didn’t suggest that your mode of expressing dissent was invasive, just that it reflected excessive pride. You have created a straw man and knocked it down beautifully.
“In any case, one can afford to be arrogant when their arguments are valid, unlike arrogance that crops out of self-fulfilling stupidity.”
Arrogance is a term that you should never wish to attach yourself to particularly as you attempt to label others as contemptous.
“One can’t learn and retent a new language if they have a contempt for every language other than their own.”
I am sorry but this is baseless. As I stated above, most Americans/Canadians learn foreign language in school and are far from contemptous of your language. If we truly had contempt for Europeans, then why would we be traveling there in the first place?Americans visit Europe because they have interest and respect for your culture. Well over 70% of Americans are of European decent and most didn’t speak English when they got here.
“If what you say applies, then the average Russian or Brazilian should be able to speak only Russian or Portuguese, and no other language.”
In addition to Russian, 27 co-official languages exist within the Russian borders.(not including the many members of the former Soviet Union) The nation also has only 150MM population vs nearly 400MM in the US and Canada that speak English. Finally, the vast majority of Russians live in Europe and can easily travel within Europe.
“I share your sentiment. However the average American doesn’t seem to understand this or care about this. He (or she) seems to believe that any respect for anyone outside America is overplaced, since America is “a nation above all other nations”. I have seen this sentiment even among the most educated and ‘worldly’ among Americans.”
Americans are proud of their nation and what we have managed to accomplish in little over 230 years. Pride in ones country is pervasive throughout the world and I disagree with your assertion that Americans do not have respect for other countries.
In response to Sean on Europeans not bathing, that depends on what part of Europe they come from. Italians bathe every day and “la bella figura” is really, really important. Looking well turned out is more important than what you do for a living. La bella figura is beyond just dressing well. It’s about chivalry and behaving appropriately at all times. We have nothing like this in America. You will never see an Italian look like a slob. It’s called having PRIDE in your heritage.
Isn’t it funny how everyone criticizes US tourists but they gladly take all the millions in revenues? Maybe Americans should just stay home and teach people in other countries a lesson. And we always read/hear “Americans don’t travel enough”. Maybe some of the a**holes on here have something to do with that. Hmmmm.
Aby,
I have never been to your blog before, but was intrigued when I saw it on political topsites. I must say that i was taken aback by this post. I lived in England as a child and have been to almost every country in Europe and have made friends as I went along. I also speak French, Spanish and Italian. I am a bit rusty now, but I was fluent enough to be considered for a job at the UN and CIA when I was younger.
I realize that you did not intend this post to apply to all Americans, but it’s pretty offensive. I would not dream of making generalizations about Europeans and Europeans have some quirks as well. I just think a post like this show a degree of chutzpah to say the least.
In response to Dave and Sean, you guys should check out “dumb Americans” on YouTube. It was made by an Australian TV show and if you want to see what foreigners think of us, check it out. It’s not pretty. Instead of bashing Europeans or other groups, be open minded as to how we are viewed. You may learn something.
Meg,
I am open minded. That is why I visit this site and regularly read European, Asian, and South American media. I have traveled the world several times over and enjoy immersing myself in other cultures. If you actually read my posts you would find that they are mostly respectful and conciliatory. If I had to guess, I would say you just finished Italian 101 along with Intro to World Cultures and have heard from a number of your professors that America is a terrible place. When you get through your self-loathing collegiate phase, lets discuss this further.
To me it seems Americans are brainwashed with a simplistic and air-brushed fairytale version of their own history and a tunnel vision view of the rest of the world.One problem is blind uncritical acceptance of what their media and politicians tell them,which is very different from the average European who views anything their media and politicians tell them with scepticism.I have American friends but the problem with engaging in conversation with them is that they automatically assume that you must see America and american history and foreign policy in the same favourable and uncritical light that they see it.Fine if the subject can be avoided but unfortunately they will keep bringing it up again and again,seems almost like a religous doctrine with them.Then try telling them that the bombing of Dresden was a horrible crime,you are immediately labeled a nazi try telling them that America should not support Israeli policy toward the Palestinians,you are then of course an anti semite.Try telling them that what happened to the native Americans was wrong,now of course you hate America and are suspected of being a member of al Queda.End of friendship.
Like any nationality there are good and bad Americans. I find though that when traveling internationally and standing in a customs line up or at check in or the bording gate, when the demanding, confrontational know it all rude, loud complaining and yes, stupid behaviour begins; everyone present in line roll their eyes, look knowingly at one another and crane their necks to see the idiot’s passport produced. Invariably it is an American acting the ass. I am all for having the colour of Canadian passports changed to any other colour polka dots from navy blue so that we are never mistaken for Americans. I have been in countries where none of the other expats (from every country in the planet) ever had problems with the local people because they viwed and and treated them as fellow human beings. The American in the group invariably felt superior and would say something idiotic to locals often in a bar setting and we laughed the next day at their black eyes and indignant whining. When they get home it is “stupid foreigners in X-land. No buddy, you are the stupid foreigner in their land. Apologies and kudos to those of you Americans who don’t fit the description.
Sean -
Your attitude is condescending. I’m not foreign born. I was born and raised in L.A. and have traveled a lot myself. My views are shaped by my travels. Do you know why I like Euro guys more than Americans? Class, intelligence and upbringing. Italian guys knows how to treat women well and can sense what a woman wants immediately by the subtle signals she puts out. American guys can learn it. They just need to go out of their environment and find it. George Clooney sure did.
The main problem with the US is not the people. It’s the U.S. government.
People are (pretty much) the same in the entire world. I’d say that the IQ level (notice: IQ, not how ignorant/smart you are) could be the same for the entire world.
However, the US education system aims to teach you that “this is the best country in the world” which is, dare I say, simply not true.
When I came to the US (senior year of high school), I was amazed by the amount of stupidity among my fellow students. I was enrolled in 3 AP classes and still hadn’t found them nearly as challenging.
I observed the teachers making false allegations about, for example, USSR vs USA nuclear arsenal. The teacher said that USA had always had 10 times bigger arsenal than the USSR. Being the kind of the person that I take nothing for granted, I did a little bit of research, and found that it was an absolute lie. In fact, the USSR has larger nuclear stockpile than the USA as of today.
I spent 18 years in Europe. I am amazed and astonished. Such a culture. Such a charm. They actually have culture. We? We have burgers, ignorant, and fat people (I am generalizing, but those are the stereotypes of an average American, as you know).
The US propaganda is huge. Enormous. Gigantic! That’s how this country survives.
In the EU, the people on average get 6 weeks of vacation, 1 year of maternity leave, shorter work week and yet the standard is the same, if not better (Eurozone). How? Because people are smart. They know what to ask and how to ask. Also, in Europe, the Government fears the people (riots, demonstrations, etc.). In the US, people fear the government.
@ Ano
In all honesty, ordinary nomal Americans are as much to blame for as the government, if not worse. We think our education is better, our movies are better, our food is better. Take a look at America through the eyes of people from Canada or England. Many of them see Americans as greedy, ignorant, self-indulgent slobs who care the most about making money and living life at the cost of others. They want all the oil, gas and natural resources of the world to sustain their extravangant life without caring about the consequences.
Ano,
Sad to say, you are right. You’ve had the privilege of seeing two sides of the coin. Americans are blinded by their patriotism. They really do think they are No. 1. Here’s the problem with their thinking. We live in a country where trailer trash kids can become overnight pop sensation billionaires. Do they have talent? Hardly. A ghetto born rapper can buy all the bling and mansions he desires. Down the street from the rapper’s mansion, a homeless man or woman will be living in a cardboard box. Some middle class educated whites are now living out of their car because they were downsized from a fractured economy. Ironically, the car is the only semblance of a once nice existence - now a distant memory. I can’t help thinking that if they lived in Europe, these people would be taken care of. Better social services like free medical, half or more of your salary if you are laid off, excellent child care and educational opportunities and of course, the generous vacation pay. That’s why I admire the French. They hold their politicians responsible. If not, a riot will ensue on the streets of Paris. Not surprisingly, France has the best medical care in the world. The U.S. medical system doesn’t even make the top 20! Something is wrong with a country that favors a small elite majority over millions of Americans with no safety net.
Meg like you I too admire the French,it is the only nation I see where power is truly in the hands of the people.A system where leaders fear their people is better than the more usual where people fear their leaders.But then the French taught their leaders some centuries ago to have respect for them or else be introduced to Madame le Guilliotine
I have read a few of the comments above and I wanted to make a confession!! Try not to think me condescending!!
I meet lots of Americans here in Sweden (AND IT IS NOT ALL AMERICANS) and I am finding it harder and harder to be polite to them. I don’t find that they are rude, or stupid, or arrogant or any of the other things, it’s more that I feel that I am talking to a child. Even the Americans I meet that are personable and relative to other Americans, quite liberal are shocking ill-educated, lacking any real critical thinking skills, unable to discern fact from opinion, but most of all utterly inept at drawing conclusion from premise. This might sound over the top but here is a real life example; i was having dinner with two decent, liberal Americans (not cowboys!!) and we were talking about American foreign policy, everything was ok and then started later to talk muslim refugees, now these liberal Americans could not understand that for Europe the issue of war was the same as the issue of peace, because the US refuses to take any refugees. Then it hit me, in their minds war was big, bright explosions, peace was something else someone (not the US) did. The two had no connection. This is the thinking of a child.
There really are two Americans, each with their own citizens. If you saw videos of the morons at a Sarah Palin rally, or heard Sean Hannity or Limbaugh spew out their “thoughts”, you might think all Americans are stupid. I can certainly understand why they stand out, they are the loudest. Same goes for tourists, the nice ones were probably so quiet, you didn’t really notice them. However, the asses were braying the loudest.
Americans, yes we are all brainwashed. Brainwashed from birth by our media and our teachers. Although I do agree and disagree with a lot of these comments, I feel that I must comment for myself. First, If you encounter a U.S citizen that is being rude, Tell them to shut the fuck up. <— stereotype about the language is not a stereotype…. it is FACT!!! We have filthy mouths. I do agree in part on the comment made about the vast land we traverse here in the U.S. and never hear another language. But how about this, i didn’t see an African American or anyone from an Asian decent until i was 13 years old. I seen them on t.v. but not in person. How bad is that! Now back to the language. I would never expect any one from a different country to speak to me in English. An English greeting would be nice like “I don’t speak English” to let me know that I must pay very close attention to body language and hand gestures to help you but everyone here would expect that in their country. Clothing; the issue here is this! If you were a Muslim woman visiting my country I would never expect you were shorts or a swim suit, as a matter of fact, changing your traditional dress to the country you are visiting might be seen as a sign of respect from the country you are visiting. I see it as disrespect to your own. So sorry if I look like I’m going out to play sports, thats just how i dress. The swastika is not a NAZI symbol… LOOK IT UP AMERICANS. Hitler used it, but he didn’t make it. On only knowing cultural things like wars and blood and what not. I don’t believe that is the case, at least not with me. We are loud people, partly because we are all half deaf from the noise that we listen to and the other part because we aren’t polite enough to one another to listen to a whole sentence being said, so we speak up to get OUR comment out, sorry. Also, most tourists that you guys meet from the U.S. are most likely well off and spoiled, as I can say the same as tourists here. So they have never had to be polite to get anything, they just yelled and it was there. That doesn’t work at my house, I work 60 hours a week every week just to have the things that i do. My email address is pecmoney@gmail.com send me an email and I will gladly discuss anything with any of you and give you my U.S. opinion not an American one. Thank You
Travis
Jerry: “Why should we care about the rest of the world? America is the dominant force in the world. Our media is the worlds media, our culture is the worlds culture… ”
This says it all. This attitude is precisely the reason for stereotyping Ameericans as ignorant, arrogant, naive a-holes. Moreover, This attitude, when projected into politics, is the reason most of the world dislikes or outright hates the U.S.
I am an American working in Bangkok. Beside the few American colleagues at the office I generally avoid contact with other Americans because, well, they are generally naive and narrow-minded.
Having just returned from 6 months studying in Ireland coupled with frequent traveling in Europe, I have to say there are 2 sides to the issue. Since I’ve been back in the States I can’t help but be depressed when I’m driving down the highway and see the grey, industrial landscape, or go to the mall surrounded by fat people or kids who think they’re gangsters. And while I was traveling in Europe, I would often cringe when confronted with other Americans. In France sitting at a table behind a group of loud, obnoxious Southerners, to the airport in Ireland where I saw a large American woman throwing a screaming fit because the cash machine wasn’t working for her (that 1 really made me want to go hide in a corner) to the elitist American we met in a hostel who wouldn’t shut up about he missed his sports teams (he’d been gone about a week) and how much better American culture was. There really are alot of stupid Americans around who travel and feel a sense of entitlement abroad, and for that I am ashamed.
However, for all the people like this, there are some decent Americans that travel that get treated pretty unfairly. I try my best to blend, I don’t walk around to restaurants and churches wearing basketball shorts and dirty sneakers, I’m not loud or rude to people, or demand that locals speak English. And I’ve met some other Americans in my travels who are the same way. Despite trying to be respectful though, for one reason or another, the majority of Europeans can spot a person as American before you even say a word (although a few times I did get mistaken for South American, Spanish, Italian b/c of my tan skin tone). Anyways, sometimes it doesn’t matter how decent you are, if people know you’re American they will automatically treat you poorly. At the airport in France the woman selling bus tickets literally threw our credit cards back at us without saying a word, yelled at us in French, and basically shooed us off without explanation (because, we found out later, she couldn’t use our credit cards because of the chip). While the great majority of French people I’ve met have actually turned out to be lovely and very helpful, this one woman, who worked in the tourism industry by the way, did nothing but enforce an existing stereotype Americans have of the French and could have left an impression of the whole country, had I not known it was just one woman being an a-hole.
Furthermore, despite meeting a ton of friendly people in all the countries I visited, I also encountered several people who were rude, snickered at us, and basically treated us badly just because they knew we were American. While I understand that alot of Americans might deserve it, not everyone does walk around acting like they are owed something, and don’t deserve that kind of treatment and prejudice from the locals. I’d like to see how some of these cities’ economies would look without all the tourist revenue, and then see how they might treat the visitors. In a recent 2 week trip around 3 countries in Europe, I probably spent about 2,000 euro- and that’s coming from a broke, strict budget, student tourist. I can only imagine how much money comes from the tourists who actually have money to spend. Just something to think about…
Its never hard to recognise an American tourist ( what im going to say will not sound nice but its true in most cases BUT NOT ALL)-
American tourists allways walk in large groups
American tourists speak only english
American tourists are allways loud
American tourists never read or learn about the country before they visit
American tourists never eat local food, but ask for hamburgers, pizza, spaggetti etc.
American tourists dont respect cultures and traditions
The list goes on, and on, and on…
Honour to the exceptions
I definitely agree with Dan. Even though i am from Greece, i can say a few words about my view of US citizens (mostly great experiences). First of all, almost all of my real world discussions with american tourists here in Greece have been great. Actually they were astonished by our heritage and were really interested in European culture. The ones i met were educated, polite and almost apologetic because of their leaders. It is a fact that nice and polite people try not to be noticed. Thank god i haven’t yet encountered the stupid idiot ego-centric american people that dwell in forums (i try to ignore them). These awful people believe that everyone else in the world is an inferior being. They really do. I just think that the stupid portion of people in america, hides the greater portion of very intelligent people. I think that Americans are definitely educated and civilized, but the idiots in the united states are very very loud. The noise they emit drowns everything. Believe me, before my face to face discussions with american people i was really sceptic. But it is up to the smart americans to overthrow this! By the way have you ever met stupid and arrogant greeks, italian french or other europeans ? I do every day and i ensure you that stupidity exists everywhere. Stupidity does not have a nation, it is a global disease. Nobody gets born stupid but can easily become one. Everywhere. Any time.
When I visit Europe someday, I think I’ll tell people I’m Japanese instead of Japanese American. The locals will treat me better. According to Expedia, the Japanese were voted the best tourists. Americans were ranked #11. The Japanese were voted #1 because they are polite, quiet and extremely tidy. They also went out of their way to learn the customs and language of the country they were visiting. Also, it’s not in their nature to be obnoxious or arrogant. They also drop serious yen and shop like crazy so the locals love it.
Indeed the people of the orient are without a doubt the nicest on earth.A beautiful and refreshing part of the world to visit.
Yes I have meet many Japanese and generally oriental tourists here in Sweden and they are lovely, polite, intelligent people.
I have just returned from Florida, where I have visited many, many times and met citizens from all over America. I expect very little from locals or other americans visiting this state and I am never disappointed. American knowledge of foreign politics, culture and life in general is very limited and is sourced mainly from tv shows and movies. The ‘world cities’ in Epcot which resemble every stereotype of every major culture outside America, will be the nearest many Americans will get to ‘foreign travel experience’. On my final day at my hotel, I talked with a lady from Ohio who told me that the American government knew all about 9/11 coming because it is in ‘our money….if you fold a dollar bill in a certain way, it shows you the twin towers on fire…..it was prophecised’. She said this in the most sincere way, going on to tell me ‘we shouldn’t be in ‘Eye-raq’ either….I mean what are we doing there in that god forsaken hell hole? It’s the Saudis we should be bombing’….this is a very typical example of a world politics conversation with your ‘average american’. Finally, a lady on the plane coming home, who was visiting her son for the first time in London was concerned that she wouldn’t like the food…..’do you guys have stuff like apple pie?’ she asked. I told her apple pie was a recipe older than America itself…..she stared perplexed at me, in disbelief. I rest my point.
I work in a library in a US tourist town. I can say with absolute certainty that the US tourists deserve the Ugly American label — even when traveling at home. The European tourists are almost always polite and courteous (even if we sometimes have a language barrier). The American tourists as a rule are rude, loud, impatient and absolutely self-interested. They will take baths in the sink and leave their dirty diapers on the bathroom floor. They will curse at me for not allowing them to plug in their electronics and ask me why the library needs a card catalog more than another internet. The Americans are the only tourists who think nothing of bringing their cell phones into the library and talking loudly about their finances or love lives while wandering aimlessly through the stacks. They also have no respect for property, as I often find their beer bottles in the book return and their iced mocha cups flipped over on the shelves. During the summer months and holiday weekends, I often feel like the “Tourist Police” — constantly monitoring the movements of grown adults!
I am fourteen years old, yet when I skim throughout these posts, I feel quite older and more mature. It is hard for me to comprehend the stupidity of these adults- I check the news everyday, and am currently studying the Middle East as a research project of my own.
Thank you very much for writing this article. I’m going overseas to Europe soon, and am extraordinarily aware of how tourists treat their host country’s citizens. I am quite scared, to be frank, of being a stereotypical American. I am trying very hard to learn the languages and cultures of the countries I will go to,and will do my best to represent my country well, despite the ‘fat and stupid’ image my fellow citizens have ever so kindly created for me.
Americans (most) are very rude, discourteous, and very impatient. That is why usa is a sinking ship; companies are going bankrupt left and right b/c of poor customer service, very few USA people have class or tact–very loud and obnoxious, stressed-out. They also dress like they just woke up, with no class, sense of style, baseball hats, and tee-shirts, sneakers, etc…. as eloquently stated on this forum, americans do not read/research the countries they are travelling to. hence, they are ignorant and expect everyone to do a toe-dance for them. many are quite messy, loud, and stressed. probably b/c of american’s work addiction-especially what are termed baby-boomers are work addicted which is a form of a mental disorder and are deranged. Perhaps, that is why people from usa travelling abroad are unclassy, ignorant, etc….many those terry nickell and diming employers have squeezed the lemon dry from those americans and hence they are the way they are wreaking havoc where ever they go. Please stay in USA, the sinking ship where they belong. Some are ok, most not ok.
While traveling in Africa I was so embarrassed by the problems some of my friends (who are natives of Uganda) had with Americans and Europeans alike. In no way am I defending the actions of many American tourists, but Americans are not the only ones who are rude while abroad. Living in Colorado, I know this is true because I’ve had many run-ins with rude Asian and European tourists as well as stupid American rednecks.
Also, I’d like to address the comment made about Christians earlier. Just as all Americans can’t be lumped into one big, fat, ugly stereotype neither can Christians. In fact, in most cases, Christian Americans are the ones who are most likely to be respectful and honor the culture of other countries because we realize that we are all equally God’s children regardless of race, religion, or anything else. Of course we hope that others will know Christ, but not because we think we are exceptionally great because we’re Christians. We want to share what we know because it has changed our lives for the better.
We are the ones going there not just to have people wait on us and eat at McDonald’s in beautiful Bangkok while talking about how weird it is. No, that’s not why we travel. We aren’t there to buy trinkets we’ll later sell at a garage sale or to exploit those who are simply trying to feed their families. We are there to help in any way help is needed and to learn so much of all that America can’t teach us. We are there to love and be loved in the purist sense.
Wow….
Considering that American tourism is 6% of GDP in Europe (and I would assume considerably higher in places like France and Greece), one would think Europe would welcome tourists.
In general, I would say Americans are worse tourists than Europeans are. That is because Europeans are more used to interacting with other cultures because they are so close to other cultures. They get used to always being ready to adapt to a cultural norm and being prepared when traveling in another nation.
Think about currency. Just a few years ago, if I wanted to go to Finland with some stopovers, I would need swiss francs, marks, zlotys, litas, kroons, rubles, and would need to speak several languages (although to be fair, I probably could have adjusted with just English, or German and Russian). Constantly doing that makes you very aware and responsible of the difficulties of traveling.
Americans lack that exposure, and as a result, many tourists just cannot adapt like we can. They probably do research as well, but in my opinion research can only help someone to a point.
In regards to religion, I love the way Europeans handle religion. Americans find it quite puzzling that when asked what religion he is, a European will reply he is Christian, but when the same person is asked if he believes in God, he will say no. In Europe there are a lot of passive atheists, who believe what they want to believe and don’t judge others for being religious.
In America, atheists are often quite aggressive and even downright militant. This causes religious people in America to greatly dislike them; I cannot blame them.
In America, 20% are atheists/agnostics. 16% of Americans consider themselves actively opposed to religion; ie., antitheists; they fail to realize that this kind of arrogance is what is exactly the problem with religion in the firstplace.
In Europe, 15-25% are atheists, but only less than 5% consider themselves “antitheistic”. It is also a personal opinion that in Europe the religious people are less zealous, and that there are more agnostics than atheists.
The only good thing about America and religion is the way it handles peoples of different religions. America is extremely accepting of Muslims, Jews, Scientologists, etc., but when one of those groups wants to pass legislation or wants rights that would violate standard law (genital mutilation, etc.), Americans very firmly say no, with no backing down. Europeans on the other hand treat Muslims and Jews with fear; 15% of French people are considered antisemitic. This fear causes them to give into religious extremists for foolish reasons (Denmark cartoons), or impose ridiculous restrictions upon them (banning burkas).
I agree with most of these points from my own experience abroad. However, saying that the Greek and Sumerians were peaceful civilizations seems to be far too idealistic. There haven’t been too many totally peaceful civilizations. The Indus Valley Civilization seems to be one of several exceptions, but it’s not common.
I agree that a lot of Americans can be rude and often feel entltled, but some of your arguments are simply off the mark. The reasons most Europeans speak more than one language is out of necessity, not out of choice. Europe is comprised of several countries that all speak a different language. It’s practical to speak more than one language if you’re not even traveling very far. In America, you can travel end to end and not need to speak a language other than English. I currently live in Australia, I am married to a woman born and raised in Hong Kong. I have even attempted to learn Cantonese to be able to speak to my mother-in-law. Although I crave Western style food, I will try pretty much anything and generally love most differences. I have a healthy knowledge of world history and love historical aspects of places and things and love cultural diversity. I don’t consider myself an exception, but then again I was born and raised in New Orleans, so perhaps that city’s cultural history affected my attitude toward other cultures.
I´m from Brazil, which the capital is not Buenos Aires, as I heard some Americans saying lol…Well, it makes me happy when I see some Americans who are not totally stupid, but it´s hard for me to believe any are 100% free of the brain-washing…good boy, good boy. Omm you´re number 1. Hey Texans, Bush is number one lol
i understand there are many who Americans go aboard and do not fit the stereotype, and when i have been to the states they are from what ive seen all very friendly people. although when i went to disney land i saw an american family who were all fat on thoses scotors for fat people that was quit funny
But when you go aboard you do see alot of Americans tourists who fit the stereotype, the most recent was when i went into the Prague torture museum so i was walking around having a good time. i went into this one room with a device that is a pyramid shaped metal device were the person would sit on and have heavy waits attached to there legs so they would confess. Anyway the Americans came in they all had hard rock cafe Prague t shirts on and the fattest one of them shouted in the museum “OMG its a gaint dildo look guys”. unfortunately they seemed to followed me around the museum make snarky comments about the various instuments, another one i remember was by a huge saw in witch they would saw people up side down in half the same guy said that “guys Europeans are so gay, no wonder we had to save there asses in WW2 fucking fags the lot of them”
You know. What you are saying is so true that I can’t help to comment. I have lived in the not-so-United States my whole life and I feel like an outside. Being that I am a child of foreign parents, I have noticed everything that people are talking about on this forum big time. Recently, I went to Europe and I must say I had a blast. There was not a single American (or especially Canadian) tourist who was not loud or boisterous in anyway, and it only takes one person to ruin it. Eliminate American tourists in such places like England and France and chances are it will be more pleasant. I don’t know if all Americans fit the ”world owes” stereotype but I can assure you than many of them do. The ones who seem to be the WORST for that are Southerners. The way I look at it (and this comes from my upbringing) is if you are going to be traveling, then make an effort to go with the flow. The disrespectful American !@#$s who don’t do this and insist in having their way are the ones who say things like ”the French are rude [yadda yadda yadda] when I actually had a much different impression of the French and the British. With the Irish, it’s a different story of which I won’t get into. Tourists are and can be annoying period. My travel companion and I looked at some American tourists weird in Dublin who had to ask a stupid question to a TOUR GUIDE such as, ”where are all the houses for sale.” The tour guide, of course, answered. In France, some American !@#$ actually thought I was French and said ”bonjour” to me with a strong American accent. I almost told him in English to STFU. I feel like an outsider in my own country, and that’s what can happen if your parents aren’t from here. Over the years, I never knew just how lucky I was. American clothing styles are horrendous. The LAST thing I want to see is some USA !@#$ from North Carolina who are a GOOD example of how obnoxious these USA morons can be (next to Texas, California, Ohio, NYC, and Mass.) Another quality of Americans I abhor, is their tendency to laugh at almost anything. North Carolinians are an excellent example in this topic too. Not all Americans are this way but a good bit of them are. I really despise idiots who expect you to talk to them and, if you don’t, everything is all wrong. I strongly disagree with over 90% of all Americans, and I had to be born in this country and treated like an outcast all b/c: A)I don’t share other people’s views and B)I have parents from another country. If I could, I would go live overseas and stay. In fact, that’s what I wanted to do. Heck, The Europeans made me feel welcome. Why can’t we do any of that here in the United States? The people here go around bragging about how ”diverse” we really are but, like in London, 95% of this country is not ”diverse” for !@#$. This ONLY seems to be a country where tons of these people come from elsewhere and then stick with their own kind like they have done traditionally. I spit on most Americans (especially Southerners.) They WILL accept the fact that people do not want to be nice to them or I will snap at them. During my Europe trip, I almost did that. Another thing I saw a few American tourists do abroad (and the picture above is a PERFECT example) was have their shoes off in public. Then, these Americans (especially NYC people) have take their shoes off in a public place like the Louvre museum (and I am sure that is a sign of disrespect.) All I can say is that I hope the vast majority of Americans burns and rots in hell.
I had prepared a very eloquent defense of my countrymen, pointing out that some of your prejudice against Americans could be explained by the Thomas Theorem, cultural isolation, and other phenomena. I had appealed strongly to your sense of reason, and alleged superior intellect. Then I realized the rest of the world is likely as close-minded, arrogant, and ignorant as they think Americans are.
You’re all giant fuckin’ dildos and I think foreign people smell like shit and speak with stupid accents. I like to eat McDonald’s and sit around watching reality television programs while my children commit crimes, join gangs, steal things, and murder each other. Of course I don’t speak any other languages besides English, but why would that matter because America is the best and if I go abroad I should be treated like a king. I’ll just yell and scream until I find some idiot who speaks a little English, and I’ll flash some of that American green and get my way.
Also, I like to eat my own diarrhea.
God Bless America.
Hi,
I have to say, as someone who has travelled quite extensively, that Americans abroad are something of a sight for sore eyes, and for sore ears for that matter, but that having been said, the British abroad are often not far apart in their attitudes and behaviour, expecting the world to speak English (er, not American, please). I recently read that 65% of Americans could not put the United Kingdom on a map! Does that not say a great deal?
@robinpinneruk -Sadly…sadly….sadly…I agree with you. But imagine if you were one of the few okay Americans living a country full of ignoramuses, I swear, you’d wan’t to bawl your eyes out and punch a hole in a wall.
in america 2+2=more.. in america americans seem to ask what you do for a living before they ask your name, how you are or where your from, america is the only country in the world who has a completely lame national past time called “base ball” and america plays a “world series” game with itself at the end of the season to establish the ” world champion”,,which is always an american team of coarse.(yet in most lessor international games of this baseball past time the cubans and japanese and other teams always seem to beat america’s best at it’s own game..same goes for their sport of war..and sadly america wants to play that out with international seriousness and ill intent..as sore and spoiled losers in life..america outside of it’s own borders is truely an anti culture nation..look what they did to the indigenous peoples of “their land”..americans have to fight for everything, even their own rights.. they always seem to be up to some challenge(like pepsi challenges).by far the fattest most ignorant brainwashed beings on earth..and the richest number 1’s as they tell themselves. anywhere else in the world a conversation is just that, in america it is a “dialogue” of arguement or debate. if i raised my children on the muppetts, mickey mouse and the simpsons, and taught them hero and role model worship as a creed and code to live by, i wouldnt expect them to understand the world at large..or even know where afghanistan is on a map with english names and titles and a gps to help them navigate..it is no wonder Bush was elected their president for 8 years without any real resistance.. because i suppose with americans the buck stops where the buck no longer pays off.. the world should boycott america.. the way to their diseased heart is through their fat stomachs and inflated wallets..
american tourists for the most part (not all) are pathetically poor excuses for culture and color..like someone said above they dress like golfers or football game fans. lower forms of life as a hole in #1. no traditional dress, just wear nike t-shirts n tennis shoes and baseball hats..i am american born and bred n brainwashed in my formative years .. it really sucks living amongnst such proud ignorant ,arrogant and uninformed infidels.. the international tourists i meet from other lands are a breath of fresh air and cultural curiosity for me…the local fare only talk about where the best hamburgers can be had for cheap, and weight loss plans they are now on….while having their cake and eating it too. always looking for seconds and anyone else’s share not reality eaten….i am glad i live in a remote unpopulated national park setting as i do meet more international people and tourists than, americans on their vacation “journey” in life…i sadly see my fellow countrymen as being in a eternal rehab and re-educational process that they fail in year after year.. always looking for a better way for the worst case scenerio they create for themselves and again sadly for the world as a whole..can warmongers like americans really be universal tourists? are they up to that challenge without pepsi? i have my doubts…
When I was a teenager, I got a notion that USA is ideal, which is of course wrong, people are no different from each other.
In my career life, I got experiences interacting with Americans several times. I found those Aemricans are good person, easy to get along with, and quite open minded, sort of naive as we chinese will interpret. I didn’t notice anyone to be stupid, but I did notice that some are slow at calculating numbers.
Those experience left me always wondering, why American people, quite good persons as I met them, will turn out to have a government like that? Really hard to understand.
This article reeks of classicism, Eurocentrism, and ignorance. Which is surprising because there are so many perfectly reasonable ways to discuss American idiocy without having to resort to that.
American culture leaves a lot to be desired and there’s plenty of good discussion to address the problems, but instead I see mudslinging and ignorance. Arguments like “most Americans dont even have a passport because they have no interest in travel!” serve as a classic example. It is incredibly cost prohibitive for Americans to travel overseas, and that’s before you factor in the fact that Americans get the least vacation time of any Commonwealth or western European country. Not to mention that until 2008 Americans could travel just about anywhere in a 5000 mile radius or so without ever needing a passport, encompassing all of North America.
I think addressing the “Ugly American” stereotype is better served in a sympathetic light, like addressing peasants or slaves. America is the richest country in the world, but that wealth is horded by a select few. The rest of us are oppressed brainwashed peasants so calling us culture-less swine and kicking us while we’re down is not productive.
To Mark James - sadly I have to disagree with you that America is the richest country in the world. It was in 1955 but in 2009, this country is a sinking ship. I’ll tell you why Americans can’t travel. They are broke. Millions lost their homes to foreclosure, were laid off from their jobs and the 401k is down the toilet - you name it. Retail stores are closing shop because they can’t get customers. Most Americans today are saving their money out of fear of a very uncertain future. They only rich tourists today are Asians. When the Japanese economy tanked, tour operators the world over felt the devastating loss of the power of Asian money. The major players in this century will be the Asians.
like Jill i have to deal with many tourists at work
and while i have to agree that we get irritating visitors from all over the world they are quite different in the ways they irritate us and therefore its usaualy quite easy to tell them appart
one of the most irritating traits of american tourists is their constant assumption that someone threats them wrong because they are american
the few that realize that its their behavior and not their origin that causes this are really hard to identify as americans
..or their presumption that foreigners should treat them better than others because they are Americans. It is a deep rooted belief among many Americans that they are entitled to a right-of-way all over their world by the sheer virtue of their nationality.
Hey Jerry:
You have to care about the rest of the world because you are dependant on imports from everywhere. The USA’s day has come, and gone. Better start learning Mandarin, and Hindi. The USA has not developed much without the efforts of other countries, and their people; do you think the USA would have Nuclear Technology without the German’s/Austrian’s, the Transistor/Telephone without Canada. Edison even bought the Canadian patent for the light bulb from a Canadian, and for some reason is credited with inventing it. The list is too long to display here. USA culture (that’s a oxymoron eh, you probably will have to get a dictionary for this word :>) is not a high culture; as you indicated, it’s Coca-Cola, Hollywood, I could add McDonald’s, and a long list of other tacky stuff) Your language, huh, you sort of speak a lower form of English. In Canada, and all the British Common Wealth countries we speak, and spell proper English. You have no idea how much of the USA is owned/controlled by Canadian, and other foreign countries. I live in Calgary, Ab; there are 1.2 Million people here, and 100 thousand are from the USA. Guess why they come here, for jobs, and end up staying here, and becoming Canadian? They can’t stand the neo-con bush era reality down there. Envy, you can’t be serious; the average Canadian 10 yr old is smarter than anybody in your federal government. I have lived 260 Km’s from the USA border for 53 yrs, and have only visited 4 times. The last thing I would want is to be a USA citizen.
I have been to Europe, Middle East, South America, Mexico, Korea, Japan, et al.
On the plus side, there are lots of awesome guitar players in Texas. Do you play guitar?
======================================
I hate to be arrogant but I’m not just American, I’m a Texan. Why should we care about the rest of the world? America is the dominant force in the world. Our media is the worlds media, our culture is the worlds culture (Don’t tell my you’ve never drank a Coke, or seen a movie from Hollywood), our language is the worlds language. Americans take great pride in their homeland and rightly so, everyone on the world wants to be like us and envies us. To knock Americans for not caring about other cultures is not fair.
God bless Texas!
Hello, i believe the only people you encounter from the u.s. is the rich white snobs that are initially arrogant and believe they are the higher class in america. The people you most likely meet are the stupid over fed conservative assholes that plague our country as well. So please do not judge everyone in our country as a whole, because some people do not realize they are visting someone home, and cant seem to realize it is not america. I’am a 18 year old who thinks the reputation our country has is disgusting. Ive been to italy and the people there were lovely, i did not act like a foolish stereotypical american. So please if you havent even been to america im talking about none tourist sites; im talking about the real american cities, just dont comment. I read most of these comments and it seems that everyone is ver condescending and a hypocrite in a way. If you want americans to change tel them something thats what we are used to. honestly tel us to shut up! the way we were raised people said what was on their minds, not act like its not there.
If you only notice Americans when they’re being obnoxious, then of course you think all Americans are obnoxious.
I have traveled extensively, and until I have spoken enough in conversation for my accent to be evaluated, I’m rarely identified as an American. I also tend to travel alone, or in a pair. I don’t join a tour, and I like to explore. Most of my friends also travel extensively, also don’t join large tour groups, and generally enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with generally keeping your mouth shut while seeing and absorbing other places and cultures.
I think there are more Americans touring Europe than you imagine, and while many of us may be inexperienced travelers, boorish louts, or arrogant xenophobes, many others of us are not. You just don’t notice us, because we’re not wearing loud colors and yelling over each other; we’re walking quietly, looking around, and exploring.
The frequency, or perceived frequency, of irritating and boorish Americans serves no more aptly as a basis for broad characterization of all Americans than would the use of the behavior of British “soccer hooligans” to characterize all Brits.
This Aby the Liberal is quite anti-American if all posts in Aby’s sitemap is read.One might wonder if Aby had an American EX-boyfriend/girlfriend who causes Aby to loathe and stereotype Americans.
However,NO ONE SHOULD STEREOTYPE PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR NATIONALITY.I will hold to this principle for life.
Aby,since you’re liberal,please don’t cancel my posts.
In fact,I do agree with you that American hypocrisy in foreign policies,CIA drug trade,human rights and justification of war really makes people becoming sick of America.USA always professes to a commitment but act otherwise.People dislike Chinese because of the Chinese government,so do people dislike Americans because of US government.Sigh,why humans are made so intelligent yet foolish?
The reality is,I love and hate America.Why love and also hate?America is both great and lousy,based on my view.
Why love the Great Stars and Stripes nation?
1.It is made up of a hugely diverse people.Just name any ethnicity in this planet.The only place to find the whole world’s different races in one country is undoubtedly USA.This is the wholesome power of America’s status as the top immigrants’ destination.
2.Resourch-Rich,beautiful landcapes,plenty of excellent coastal areas.A place worthy for enjoyment.If it is not because of global anti-US sentiment,USA will draw more tourists than France ,Italy and Spain.
3.Inspiring-Due to American idea of energy and ” i-can-do” positivism,many daring entrepeuneurs all over the world have arisen.
4.Democracy with effective check-and-balance system.I love Obama and Biden!However,some US laws need some serious amendment for de facto equality.
5.The AXIS of balancing the world-With a powerful warrior police like USA,many regimes around the world will think ten times before starting a fight with other countries.The USA is like a busy body that is scouting the world in search of “opportunity” wars.Therefore,Perpetrators,please beware!
6.Technological advancements in USA- created millions of jobs for people around the world.How?NASA invented various advance materials,ICT in Silicon Valley etc. had created many manufacturing and research jobs!Long Live USA!
Why hate USA?
I leave to Americans to answer this.Obvious reasons are definitely hypocrisy,self-fanaticism,disrespectful,dirty wars,CIA,excessively Capitalist society that make life hell for the poor.In USA, cost of living is burdensome.
I do not mean to offend any US patriots here.IT is honorable as patriots but it’s disgusting to be arrogant hypocrites.America leads the world and I have no objection.America,please learn how to be friendlier to other cultures.God Bless America.
@ Maria,
“in the north of Europe, Norwegians, Danish and Swedish people all understand eachother [sic]”
I wouldn’t be too sure.
It’s true. I used to be a holiday rep in London, dealing mainly with American customers and could go on and on about the stupid questions they used to ask, but this one sums up practically every American I dealt with: after taking groups on tours around Westminster Abbey and listening to the guide explaining the significant of the tomb of the unknown soldier, every single time as least one person would ask ’so who is it then?’. And remember, these were the educated, affluent Americans who had chosen to travel to Europe, given that most American’s don’t have passports, this puts them well above average!
I myself cannot truly comment on how American tourist conduct themselves overseas as visitors. I have traveled throughout America, But outside this country only Canada and England. Canada was a vacation, And England was for reserve training with the 21 SAS Regiment. I loved England, Everyone there I interacted with was very down to earth and very open and freindly.
That was in 1987, I hope it hasnt changed. I do recall though on that trip being very disapointed by the rude comments made by some of my fellow paratroopers about British customs and accent.
(Like we dont sound different to them.)
I do not like generalized statements about any group of people. Perhaps because I myself have been stupid and guilty of using them in the distant past. And have been on the recieveing end of them.They are wrong.
I know all Americans are not stupid.
But I can tell you that on more than one occasion while dining at various resturants. I and my wife have been asked by our server If we were from around there.
Why? Because your so nice. Nice based simply on the fact we say please and thank you. And that we acknoledged them and treated them with the dignity they deserve. Not treating them like some second class piece of garbage. And I cannot tell you how many times I have been at a checkout counter and told the cashier, Thank you have a nice day and have them act suprised. Alot of people based on what I have observed are loud, rude, lacking in manners, impatient and whine at the smallest inconvience.There seems to be alot of irreverance for other peoples customs and cultures.
They are self centered, selfish, uncourteous and racist.
Yes racist. If Barrack Obama were a dark skinned black man he never would been in the presidential race, Let alone been elected.
Our roads and highways have become a place of hostility where people cut each other off and tailgait at 80 miles an hour while they have phone stuck in their ear. And act as though they want to ram you out of the way. And these things I say here are young and old alike doing them.
There seems to be a common view of entitlement,
arrorgance, And that the U.S. is the center of the universe.
Again I say that all Americans are not stupid.
But I can see why Americans could and are viewed as stupid acting here and abroad.
P.S. Forgive my mediocre writeing skills, Im one of those stupid Americans that was simply passed through highschool,
And should have not been allowed to graduate.
I do not like generalized statements about any group of people,Perhaps because I in the past have been guilty of using them. But on more than one occasion
the reason most americans are monolingual is because we are a geographically large nation with only two other countries bordering us. in canada they speak english and in only one providence do they speak french. there are a lot of mexican immigrants in the US and a lot of them dont know how to speak english. america isnt like europe where you have diverse cultures, languages and opinions smashed together so closely. btw we are NOT a racist country. we elected a black man into office. the majority of americans are NOT racist. uncultured yes but definitely not racist
@ from utah, a shithole:
In 1918, Frederich Ebert, a German Jew was elected as the first President of Germany. If we went by your reasoning, then that would have meant the end of anti-Jewism in Germany. But no, barely two decades later, the Germans launched the largest Jew massacre the world has ever known. Keeping history in mind, it’ll be too premature to presume that racism has ended in United States just because a mixed race president is elected during a period of great economic turmoil.
As much as the rest of the world sees Americans as being just as described on here, it is quite clear by many of the responses by people from the US that not all are like that. As someone else noted, it is the loud obnoxious ones that stand out more and it is not fair to say “all Americans are stupid” because it simply isn’t true.
If an American said “All English soccer supporters are hooligans” it would anger many English, but many English are happy to say Americans are stupid.
Another thing - however - that is particularly annoying me is when people ask “Do you talk American?” or “Our language is the international language” as Jerry the Texan said near the top. Americans do not have a national language, most of them speak English - the language that came from England. Please get it right, because it would annoy you if the English took claim for something that is actually American.
Americans are embarrassingly stupid, loud, and obnoxious. Many are work addicts, cannot relax, always ready for a verbal altercation, not classy, uneducated. The only the can talk about are sports, TV, who cannot dance, and pop “stars”, ask them anything substantive, good luck. Please stay home in america and do not travel. Go to dizney land or other theme/fun parks filled with screaming kids/adults and uneducated trash.
I travel extensively throughout the world on holiday and on business and I’ve got to say that the USA is one of my favourite countries to visit. In general I’d say that its a very welcoming, interesting and intelligent country, however I must caveat my comment with the fact that I probably tend to limit myself to intelligent, middle class locations. The American abroad however is a different, amusing and sometimes oblivious traveller. I admit that my country, the UK, probably formed the blueprint of how (not) to behave in foreign locations, but some of our American cousins have taken it to new levels. In one respect it is laudable that so many Americans are willing to travel and experience new things, however there is an equal number who are traveling to experience nothing other than American food, ‘culture’ and hotels with different weather.
I have a wealth of anecdotes of the American abroad:
The loud American woman in Ubud, Bali who complained that the Balinese were incapable of mixing a good bloody Mary.
The loud Texan woman who complained that is was disrespectful that there were no 4th of July celebrations…..in Grand Cayman…..a British overseas territory.
The loud (and enormous) American who complained about pretty much everything in a wonderful restaurant in Aveimore, Scotland, because what he had wasn’t the same as ‘back home’.
The loud American woman who complained that it was crude that the Germans called ‘bathrooms’, toilets (die toiletten).
I could go on and on however it would serve no purpose. Quite often, Americans abroad are just like young children who are ignorant and are there to be educated. If they are open minded and want to be educated then this is wonderful and the rest of us should embrace this. I do not however see the point of travel without willing to experience and embrace local culture, language and customs. You might as well stay at home. Things abroad should be different and challenging and consequently rewarding.
I want Americans to travel and see themselves as others see them. I want Americans to experience and embrace the rich tapestry of the world and not try and make it into a giant strip mall. I want Americans to be QUIETER! I want Americans to try driving smaller cars on the left, to eat Nasi Goreng for breakfast, to try other shoes than New Balance running shoes and flip-flops, not to dress like they just came off a golf course, not to ask at every juncture “how much is that in dollars?”. I want Americans to become part of the world and not to be its cultural oppressors and colonialists.
Ultimately people should (are hopefully are) judged by their actions and not by their nationality. We are all people… and it’s never good to judge someone simply because of their origin. That is elitist in any case.
If you are a respectful, informed, non-obnoxious American, you have nothing to worry about. I’m an American who lived in England for 4 years, and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, and never encountered any anti-Americanism… save for an incident in Germany… which was only because the man was a jerk.
Travel with open-minds and open-ears and absorb & try to experience the culture - that’s the point of travel, isn’t it?
I’m an American, and even I could spot the “ugly Americans” at nearly every place I’ve visited in Europe. We may be tourists who are spending lots of money, but we also are also guests in the home of others — and that’s something maybe all of us travelers, whatever our nationality might be, should remember more often.
My wife and I traveled through Europe alone — no tour groups, no tour guides, no prearranged meals. We made plenty of mistakes, to be sure, even though we tried to study and plan in advance. But we made those mistakes because we were trying to experience each country on its own terms — and not because we were looking for a McDonald’s, or demanding that people speak English, or visiting only the tourist spots.
I’m sure I gave local people plenty to laugh at, whether it was in Italy, or Monaco, or France, or wherever … but it was because my Italian might have sounded a little silly, or because my clothing wasn’t quite what you’d see in southern France, or because I took too much time taking photos.
But because we always spoke the language of the country were in (even if we did it poorly), and tried to appreciate new surroundings rather than try to be the center of attention, we did not have a single incident where we were treated poorly. Instead, I sensed that some people gave us credit for at least trying to speak their language, and appreciate their local food, and walk around in their “real” places instead of watching through the window of a tour bus. I am sure that some people laughed about my walking shoes, or my limited vocabulary, or a some gesture that might have been unintentionally thoughtless — but they didn’t see a loud, boorish, provincial visitor who fed into the “ugly American” stereotype .. which is an image I saw firsthand during my overseas travels.
I might have been a “stupid American tourist,” too, but not for lack of trying. And I was a lot less stupid about my neighbors of the world simply by going to visit them. That’s something every American — every citizen of the world, for that matter — should do more often.
The complaints I see being made about American tourists are fair and true. Unfortunately the Americans who like to travel treat everywhere they go as if it is an American theme park. I can just picture in my mind ridiculous American Evangelical Christians calling a Greek Temple “evil” or “devilish”. They do the same thing at home to anything they disapprove of (which is anything not part of thier belief system). Also being completey ignorant of local beliefs, such as disrepespecting the traditions of a Catholic Cathedral in Italy or France. Many Americans feel it is thier “right” to be disrespectful and blame the “backwardness of the people they are disrespecting. The couple being bawled out in the picture look like Jewish New Yorkers (I truly hope they were). But in fairness Europeans,who do most of the complaining about Americans, usually have totaly 0, zero, knowledge of America and Americans. And when they complain about Americans IN AMERICA, well they are just being sterotypical, hypocritical,effite, eurotrash. French, Italians and Germans are especially obnoxious in this way. Finally, travel does not always make one wiser, or better.It has been said that travel makes a wise man wiser, and a fool more foolish. Travel make a good person better and a bad person worse. words to live by.
you can pick out the americans a mile a way, they ask where are the mcdonailds “food” is, wear loud american t shirts, baseball caps, loud, demanding, need luxury every step of the way, cannot walk a gorgeous trail without complaining about rocks, bugs, or animals. arms folded and talking corporate work nonsense-constipated looking faces, self-absorbed, and ignorant about anything outside america.
the real joke the USA currency, in the toilet.
After reading the majority of posts here, I seriously doubt the ability of most “English” speaking people to actually speak or write English. The spelling and grammatical errors are atrocious! Does anybody use spell check anymore? I’m sure I have made many grammatical errors myself but I do make sure that any words underlined in red are corrected before posting. I do believe that the United States does have their own language developed from a base language of English but they definitely do not speak English as anybody in the UK or Commonwealth know it.
I have not had extensive travel experience myself but do know many people that have. I can honestly say that you will find both good and bad tourists from all countries. I include my own country in this as I was stationed in Europe while in the military and some of my fellow Canadians were every bit as obnoxious as the Americans are seen to be. I have met many intelligent and polite tourists and many ignorant ones as well from many different countries. It is completely unfair to label all people of any country as being one way or another. I think that there are many reasons people from around the world dislike the Americans and use tourists as a scapegoat to label all Americans. I do not like the United States as a country for a number of reasons, which I will not go into but I cannot accept the idea that all Americans are ignorant or behave badly. I feel it is the responsibility of all tourists to research the customs and cultures of any place they are going to visit and to do their best not offend the residents of the country that they are only guests in. Making at least an attempt to communicate in the country’s own language, even if it is only pointing to words in a phrase book, is also preferable to trying to force others to accommodate you. I have to agree with Marcus when he wrote, travel does not always make one wiser, or better. It has been said that travel makes a wise man wiser, and a fool more foolish. Travel makes a good person better and a bad person worse.
I have noticed a pervasive anti-intellectual element in the US that is far less pervasive in Canada except Alberta. There is a tendancy to mistrust science as most Americans’ understanding of science comes from over simplified accounts in the media “science news” that is usually more corporate advertising that scientific reporting. Studies have proven that eggs are good for you, and bad for you and people lose faith in the science. Americans have derisive words for smart people that aren’t used in other dialects (egghead, nerd, computer geek). There is a tendancy to believe that because the US is the most militarised culture in the world it is therefore the most powerful and that might makes right. Americans don’t seek divergent opinions when forming their own, and are offended when people disagree with them. When faced with information that disproves their own ideas, they tend to reject the new information for illogical reasons, usually ad-hominem. Only in America do you find large groups of litterate people who don’t believe in evolution, and their reason is that Darwin is a sinner. Fundamentalist religion has a hold on American culture that prevents the development of any new ideas, as the whole truth is contained in one book and anything else is wrong and evil. This is the willful repression of rationality. Americans are stupid because they choose to be.
I’m an American that studied in the south of France. I once took a late night train from Rome to Vienna, . I sat in my compartment, reading a book and occasionally chatting quietly in French with an older Swiss woman. In the compartment adjacent to me were a group of 4 or more Australian and Canadian men and women. They were loudly complaining about how loud and obnoxious Americans were, ironically.
I believe the single biggest contributing factor to the negative impression being discussed is the fact that for most Americans, being loud is the cultural norm. Culturally, a loud voice is seen as a sign of confidence in America, and this is a cultural feature in direct conflict with many if not most cultures outside the USA. While I would argue the other faults being discussed here could be levied against many nationalities and are not unique to Americans (inappropriate dress, rudeness in the eyes of hosts, and general ignorance) having an inappropriately loud voice is a cultural trait that will plague the hosts perception of Americans where ever they go.
As an aside, I have been living in the South Pacific for the last several years, in an area heavily visited by the Japanese. While I do not work directly with them, my impression of them is that they’re polite, gracious guests.
Well, I am not an American but I really don’t think that American tourists (or any other country’s nationals for that matter) are considered to be stupid in India in general. Cultural differences do exist, but they exist when Indian visit America or any other country too. I think it’s more a matter of personal behaviour and etiquette, that may vary from person to person, irrespective of the country that you belong to.
Just another day I read a post from an Australian telling what stupid mistakes Indians do when they travel abroad. What was funny was that, that entire writeup was based on experience with one person. And it’s really amusing to see how many people feel offended with these write-ups and react. I think these write-ups show a ‘not so liberal’ outlook of the writers and not the nation on whole.
I live in French Louisiana, and I do NOT consider myself an American for these very reasons. Americans are loud, obnoxious, stupid, insensitive, and have no qualms with wearing shorts and sneakers to formal dinners. They are absolute stupid morons, and they deserve everything they get in foreign countries. Most of them cannot even find the USA on a globe.
My favourite tale is at the Rome railway station. There was a general strike brewing, and I was queuing for tickets when the shutters went down. Suddenly, there was a piercing cry: “Harvey! Tell them we’re Americans!” I remember laughing quietly to myself as I left the ticket line, because even Harvey wasn’t going to be able to sort that out.
(got back to Florence 2 days later)
No British person has any right whatsoever to bash Americans or American tourists. I’ve traveled to at least 15 countries in my lifetime, and while I’ll admit that Americans don’t always act as they should and I get really upset when I see that, most American tourists are quite respectful. I can’t say that for British tourists, or Europeans in general. Almost everywhere I’ve been outside of Europe (including the US), British tourists are consistantly the worst behaved, followed by Germans and Scandinavians. In India, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Nigeria and Cuba, I distinctly recall people telling me they thought that of all the foreign tourists, they liked Americans the best. I often here that Americans are the friendlist tourists in the world. What I also heard in pretty much all of those countries I’ve listed is that British tourists are the worst of the worst. I recall being in Egypt once when I heard a Danish college girl complaining about a group of obnoxious American tourists in the hotel. Then other hotel guests started complaining about them. Then I found out they were all British, one of whom poured a whole beer in the pool. So before you go American tourist bashing, take a good hard look, especially you Brits.
I have traveled quite a bit in Europe and Asia and presently live in Australia. I speak 3 languages fluently (English, French, Spanish) and another 3 conversationally (i.e. well enough to get by while traveling). Often, I am embarrassed by other American tourists - on the Paris metro, they are loud and flashy, on the streets of Rome they are trying to snap photos of priests. However, I do take a bit of umbrage at the following: “Unlike Europe, Americans seem to need expert guidance for everything, from how to wash clothes properly, cook an omelette, invest in shares or have sex.” While spending time living with a family in France, I often would ask how to do things like cook an omelette, or slice endive, or whether to use the clothes dryer or the clothesline. This is not because I cannot do these things on my own, but rather because they may be done differently in other countries (in fact omelettes in France are completely different from how we make them in the US). I agree with the comment above regarding double standards. If I ask how to do something to respect the customs/cultures of a given country (or just learn something), I am ignorant. If I just do it my way without asing, I am ignorant, bossy, and trying to make every place in the world like America. How do you win as an American abroad if this is the case?
You can’t base how Americans are on tourists, or what you see on TV or what you witnessed when you went to the US on vacation. Americans are all different depending on where they come from in the US. Whether they are black, white, asian, indian, hispanic, poor or rich, religious background, from the country or from a city. Education in America depends on how rich you are. An American kid who is rich and goes to a private school in Vermont, then to Harvard— will get an education. A kid who lives in Mississippi, who goes to a public school will be lucky if they learn to read at all.
I think that it’s just a trend, many people in Latin America and Europe tend to say :”There’s nothing more stupid than an American tourist”. When we travel around the world we probably look pretty similar. Anyway, the fact that most of the times they don’t speak the language of the place they visit, and complain about how bad the English of the local people is, generates a feeling of rejection among the rest of the people. Besides, in general they show a lack of knowledge about the place they go, but actually I have had many good experiences with Americans tourist in South America and Africa, and although some of them are exactly as I described before, I don’t feel they show any kind of superiority complex. What I mean is that they have never (as a nation) looked at the rest of the world as an example as we always do, that’s probably the main reason why we see them this way.
So, Americans keep on coming to Latin America, we like you, and your dollars too.
Many americans cannot relax on holiday. They look constipated, or running to and fro’, nervous/anxious etc…demanding this, that, questions ad nauseum. They are hyper and work addicted. The USD is very poor, and AUD, NZD and EU, UK are much better valuations, or have rised significantly to the the USD–perhaps that is why those american tourists cannot relax, or are so demanding.
You can pick them out a mile a way, the ones checking emails constantly during holidays, (probably work addictions), loud voices, poorly dress, profanity laced diatribes, and cannot discuss anything other that sports, reality shows, sports, tv shows, sports and wearing ball caps. Most are loud, arrogant slobs.
I have not read all of these comments…but I did read some and would like to respond. I am an American citizen who has mostly traveled in the US and about to make a trip to a foreign country. I am quiet, respectful and do not want to act with rudeness as I am visiting this country. I am nervous however as to how Americans are portrayed and how I may be treated because of this. I live in the Northeastern US and my friends and family are respectful to each other so I do not experience much of what you are talking about. I am very sorry to all of the countries that Americans travel to and act in the manner mentioned. It is rude and it is wrong. All I can say is that I associate with many Americans who are not like that at all and I would like you to know that not all of us exhibit those behaviors. I work in a museum and many foreign tourists visit us. I always welcome them to America and they are usually nice and respectful.
My point is I feel badly that Americans act that way when they travel…but I think you would probably find that they are a minority. I hope that other countries will give those of us who have respect and interest in their country a chance and not judge us just because we are American.
Wow… I have traveled a lot in Europe and Asia. It is interesting in that in none of the countries was my IQ tested so how the hell can tell if I’m stupid or smart regardless of my origins Maybe what we complaining about is cultural differences that amount to little.
No culture has all the right answers. In 10,000 years none of this will matter. Besides the “aliens” are gaining on us…only kidding
Antonia
I’ve traveled extensively and of course, it is a learning experience. Now, I’m no longer recognizable as an American until someone hears me speak. I’ve learned to say (in the language of the country I’m visiting), “I’m sorry, I don’t speak your language, do you speak English?” I’ve found it is quite helpful and of course, most Europeans speak English and are happy to do so, if they feel as if I’m being respectful and humble. Many Europeans forget how large the United States is (5431 km from Maine to California, and 3060 km from Florida to Maine) and of course in all that huge amount of landmass, English is spoken everywhere. Unlike Europeans, we are not traveling through other countries, we are all American and speak the same language with only regional accents to differentiate our language. Had we been surrounded by a variety of countries and languages like Europeans, we would have learned to speak another language AND to navigate other cultures with more understanding, sensitivity and insight. So, with the exception of that embarrassing Texan’s comment above, I hope you will cut us Americans some slack. Going to Europe is often a once in a lifetime trip for many middle class Americans, and as I pointed out, it takes experience to become a seasoned, respectful and culturally sensitive traveler. Don’t be so judgmental.
What a great article!
Here’s a recent review I found while reading Tripadvisor which made me giggle and, in fact, just goes to prove how ignorant Americans can be when traveling!
Here follows the review by the Stupid American:
I read the reviews about the tours with Rebecca, so I was very excited to contact her about these tours. I was HIGHLY disappointed in how she responded. She was very rude and demeaning in regard to my two questions. It’s concerning to spend so much money to even try and and book a tour with her. I hope others have been luck with her!
Manager at Tuscan Wine Tours, responded to this review:
Let’s examine “rude” and “demeaning” that the reviewer deducted from this email exchange:
Debbie Rae Triplett, at 3.40 pm: My husband and I will be traveling to Florence in early July 2012. We are interested in the private castle wine tours with lunch. What is the cost per person?
Rebecca Wine, at 3.41 pm: Please see all our prices on our website (link to site was provided).
Debbie Rae Triplett, at 3.43 pm: I attempted to convert into American dollars but didn’t have much luck. I suppose it would have been too difficult for you to just respond with the price?
Rebecca Wine, at 3.47 pm: We are in Italy and everything is in Euros (as in most of Europe). How was I supposed to know that you deal with a different currency?
For your information (and if you are going to Europe next year you better check the exchange rate yourself) there are lots of web-sites online where you can convert currencies to your own (whichever it is).
Debbie Rae Triplett, at 3.58 pm: Simply put, it’s call good customer service. Our wealth advisor is handling our exchange rate information. Look for my review on trip advisor.
My commentary:
1) I should probably get better at guessing what an emailer wants to know?!?!
2) I try to answer quickly with my smartphone wherever I am – this gives origin to short answers at times especially if I’m on a tour or just out and about.
3) Seems to me that the reviewer has a victimizing attitude to her own shortcomings in understanding the World – an attitude I later confirmed in reading about reviewer on her own website.
And at the end of all this comments the answer will remain the same forever NOBODY LIKE AMERICANS and the other Countries in the world are watting for the rigth time to bring America down and be the next Supremacy
Wow, I read the “Are Americans Stupid?” article, which seemed reasonable if not very discriminatory, but this post seems a little exaggerated to me, although there is surely some truth in some or most of it. But still Boo.