Comments on: The Stupid American Tourists http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists The Internationalist Fri, 18 May 2012 23:16:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Aaron http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-128009 Aaron Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:35:57 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-128009 Obviously all the quiet "nice" Americans slip quietly by while the loud obnoxious ones give the rest a bad name. This is the same for any nation; French- short and rude, italians- arrogant and greasy, English- Drunks and fighters, Spanish- lazy drinkers. Obviously these steriotypes are given by the loud and obnoxious of each country not the average person. Having said that i happened to meet the most rediculous (Educated) American i have ever met recently. Working in Vietnam i was having a drink with some friends when an American sat down with us and started bragging about American education He was doing his Masters in Politics and we were discussing that, Being British i was shocked when this so called postgraduate asked me who the president of England was and then went on to ask me where in France i was from! Me coming From the south west and my two friends coming from London were just totally and utterly speechless! That being said i have also met man friendly americans (admitedly not many). everyone has a steriotype get over it and enjoy life! Obviously all the quiet “nice” Americans slip quietly by while the loud obnoxious ones give the rest a bad name. This is the same for any nation; French- short and rude, italians- arrogant and greasy, English- Drunks and fighters, Spanish- lazy drinkers. Obviously these steriotypes are given by the loud and obnoxious of each country not the average person.

Having said that i happened to meet the most rediculous (Educated) American i have ever met recently. Working in Vietnam i was having a drink with some friends when an American sat down with us and started bragging about American education He was doing his Masters in Politics and we were discussing that, Being British i was shocked when this so called postgraduate asked me who the president of England was and then went on to ask me where in France i was from! Me coming From the south west and my two friends coming from London were just totally and utterly speechless!

That being said i have also met man friendly americans (admitedly not many). everyone has a steriotype get over it and enjoy life!

]]> By: Bruce Brooker http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-120989 Bruce Brooker Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:34:43 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-120989 Amerikan "tourists" (not travellers) are herded around like sheep. They say things like they don't "need" to know any other language than their own special version of English because they have translators who travel with them who do all the speaking for them when they are off their lumbering Tourist Cruise barges. They are completely out of their element when immersed in any other culture but their own obnoxious. vapid, pandering non culture. Note the great increase in "cruise ships". Cultural imperialism is alive and well. They impose themselves upon various ports of call by wandering around looking for the nearest Burger King. Any local culture is marginalised or exploited by these "ceribro muerto tourista amerikanos. "ok...we're here. Put on your grass skirt and dance for us...here's a dollar" (that's a lot of money to you isn't it"?) The marketing of the "cruise" industry targets these empty headed morons to make them think they are somehow special and elite by taking a trip on their lumbering behemoths. Take (how is this for an imperial sounding name) Royal Carribbean for instance They call their cruises an "experience". Now, there is no where to escape these bovine adventurers...except for VIVA CUBA!!! Amerikan “tourists” (not travellers) are herded around like sheep. They say things like they don’t “need” to know any other language than their own special version of English because they have translators who travel with them who do all the speaking for them when they are off their lumbering Tourist Cruise barges. They are completely out of their element when immersed in any other culture but their own obnoxious. vapid, pandering non culture. Note the great increase in “cruise ships”. Cultural imperialism is alive and well. They impose themselves upon various ports of call by wandering around looking for the nearest Burger King. Any local culture is marginalised or exploited by these “ceribro muerto tourista amerikanos. “ok…we’re here. Put on your grass skirt and dance for us…here’s a dollar” (that’s a lot of money to you isn’t it”?) The marketing of the “cruise” industry targets these empty headed morons to make them think they are somehow special and elite by taking a trip on their lumbering behemoths. Take (how is this for an imperial sounding name) Royal Carribbean for instance They call their cruises an “experience”. Now, there is no where to escape these bovine adventurers…except for VIVA CUBA!!!

]]> By: Ian http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-106654 Ian Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:04:03 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-106654 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. 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.

]]> By: Edgar http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-102392 Edgar Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:12:53 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-102392 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 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

]]> By: Wonder http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99961 Wonder Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:07:22 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99961 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. 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.

]]> By: Patricia Lewis http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99949 Patricia Lewis Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:02:23 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99949 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. 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.

]]> By: antonia http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99737 antonia Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:27:48 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99737 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 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

]]> By: Sue http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99681 Sue Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:11:28 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-99681 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. 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.

]]> By: Nancy http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-98086 Nancy Sat, 29 Oct 2011 06:23:27 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-98086 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. 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.

]]> By: David http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-94648 David Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:29:52 +0000 http://www.abytheliberal.com/world-culture/the-stupid-american-tourists#comment-94648 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. 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.

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