I found this article today on MSN Travel and thought it was pretty interesting.
Sept. 13—Do you love to share your political views with the locals you meet while traveling? Do you think that people in other countries should do everything the American way? Does your voice tend to get as loud as the print on your Hawaiian shirt? If so, then you might be an "ugly American."
The concept of the ugly American has existed ever since an increasing number of ordinary, middle-class travelers began exploring the world over a half-century ago. Now, an organization called Business for Diplomatic Action, concerned by an apparent rise in what it calls "negative stereotypes about our collective personality," is hoping to clean up the image of Americans abroad. The group has published a set of guidelines for travelers, the World Citizens Guide, that suggests proper ways of behaving when visiting countries outside of the U.S.
Among its tips:
~Be humble. In many countries, boasting is considered very rude. … Assume resentment as a default and play down your wealth, power and status.~Refrain from lecturing. Nobody likes a know-it-all, and nobody likes a whole nation of them.
~Be quiet. A loud voice is often perceived as a bragging voice. Casual profanity is almost always considered unacceptable.
~Dress for respect. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers work for many of us much of the time, but there are people in other countries who believe such casualness is a sign of
disrespect to them and their beliefs.These might seem like obvious ways to behave when you're traveling abroad, and you may not appreciate the guide's somewhat patronizing tone. But it appears we could use the advice. In studies conducted in more than 100 countries by DDB Worldwide after 9/11, respondents perceived Americans as loud, arrogant and disrespectful of local cultures. And in a new survey of seven Asian countries, the results of which were published this week in a Japanese newspaper, the image of the U.S. was reported to have declined across the board in the past decade, particularly in countries with large Muslim populations. Some of this sentiment can likely be attributed to unpopular U.S. policies, but the crass personality exhibited by many Americans is also a probable cause. also a probable cause. (If you agree, tell us the worst offenders you've ever seen.) And while you may not be able to influence our elected officials, at least you can send a copy of these tips to your brother-in-law who's always spouting off at the top of his lungs
Have you guys ever seen this "ugly American" thing in action? I have several times.
When I was in Botswana, I encountered a group of Americans who were not at all prepared for traveling abroad. I don't know if you guys know this or not but the rest of the world isn't like America. Don't expect it to be. They were very vocal about their disgust by the food the locals prepared for them, asked for "real ketchup", and basically compared every single thing to their home state. Not only was it annoying to the rest of us Americans but it was very offensive to the natives.
I saw it again in Guatemala. Here's a hint people: in Spanish-speaking countries...they speak Spanish! Don't expect them to speak English. They don't speak English even when you say it super slowly and practically yell at them. To borrow the great Prairie Dogs quote "do you think saying it louder will help me understand?". I saw this a quite few times when I was in Guatemala and I've got to admit that it was disheartening.
"Do they drive on the wrong side of the road?" This is something I get asked a lot. What makes America's side right and everyone else's wrong? I know most people who call it that don't mean to sound surperior but that's how it comes across to others.
Bottom line - don't expect the rest of the world to be just like America (how boring would that be?) and don't expect anyone to cater to you just because you are an American. Do some research before you leave - check out books from Frommers, Lonely Planet, or Moon. Have an understanding of what the norms for that country are like. If you can't deal with cultural differences, please, do the rest of us travelers a favor and stay home.
