1. For the love of god, don't fucking talk about politics- It's so easy to fall into this, mainly because people will ask you "oh what do you think about healthcare/the war/ george bush..." This is pretty much a trap, one that should be avoided at all times. You will not win, you will not look good, and it's always best just to brush it off and move on to lighter topics, like Britney Spears. I once got into a screaming match with an Australian about 9/11, can you imagine a bigger bummer? Exactly!
2. Never say "It's not like this in America..." Well duh. You aren't in America which means, sometimes you will have to pay for public restrooms, sometimes waiters will be dicks because their pay is not based on tips, and sometimes stores close ridiculously early. Everything in America is made to be easy, it quite possibly may be the most convenient country in the entire world, but you didn't spend a couple grand to go to see the wal-marts of the world so just go with the flow and relax.
3. Don't drape yourself in the flag. When I was backpacking I met a kid from Kansas named Beau (no joke) and he LOOOOOOOVED America, to the extent that he believed it made him super special and important. He literally thumped his passport like it was the Bible. Needless to say, no one liked him and he came across as being a big dumb asshole. Just like no one wants to hear Jessica talk about her awesome new boyfriend, no one wants to hear you talk about how awesome America is.
4. Talking loud. We talk loud, we are just a very loud people. Even quiet Americans are loud compared to almost any other nationality. Be aware of this and bring it down a couple levels. Use your indoor voice at all times.
5. Drinking. Yes we love to drink. Unfortunately we really love to binge drink and while binge drinking is socially acceptable on any college campus in the states, it's less acceptable overseas. As one Swiss I guy I met so diplomatically put it...."it's not charming."
When I was in Ireland a 12 year old boy came up to me on the bus and said "I hate your president." When I was backpacking a guy from Luxembourg asked in disgust "Why do you even like America?" and when I worked in a peace organization in Romania I had my boss say he "understood where Al Qaeda was coming from." The point is, you are going to get a lot of this, the trick is to let it roll off your back and not take it too seriously. Getting offended or angry only ruins your day, not theirs, so just block it out and enjoy yourself. Your there to have fun, not to defend the honor of Lady Liberty, that tough old broad can handle herself.
While I agree with your guidelines, at some point you have to stand up for yourself as an American. I've seen people from every country do everything on that list times 10. Yes, you should respect where you are and it's people but I think it's gone too far at this point. Most foreigners are out to start fights and make us say dumb things just to reinforce the stupid shit they see on You Tube. Which is more ignorant: an American talking loud on a subway in London or some Eurotrash letting a You Tube video shape your beliefs about Americans?
ReplyDeleteMy aunt and uncle moved to Australia and have been there for 3 years now. We visited and as a warning they said this of the growing anti-American sentiment (Let me also add these are two people with several degrees who were brought there to help fix Australian transportation problems): Generations of Australians grew up on American everything. TV, movies, music etc...The reason for this sudden anti-American attitude is not just the war, it's the fact that they've realized that they are their own country with their own identity. It's like an child who doesn't need their dad anymore and it comes out as resentment for ever needing the help in the first place. Is every single Aussie like that? No. But when you're out trying to have a drink and 22 year olds are starting shit because of you're American? It just makes so much sense.
Read this, it's my sister in laws account of her and my brother's honeymoon this month.
http://www.rebelcmc.com/blog/speak-american
Excuse my grammar, it's early and I'm hungover.
ReplyDeleteI completely and totally agree with you. The only problem is, I found that me getting fired up ruined my time, not their. They wanted to get something going and I fed into it, so now it's just easier to ignore it.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to say the only thing that annoys me more than an overly aggressive American is one that is embarrassed by it. I think you should be proud, but subtle.
p.s. that article is spot on. I couldn't have said it better myself!