Ugly Americans?

[Lola]

Hi Fellow Travelers!

The following article on "Ugly Americans" was featured today on MSN. Obviously, it's never good to make sterotypes about any culture or group, but unfortunately they do exist. I'd like to hear why you all think this "Ugly American" sterotype exists and what can be done to combat it. Please keep in mind that this is not a place to hate, and this isn't a matter of who or what country/ culture is better, but rather it's a matter of cultural respect. Let us hear what you think! Also, if you have examples of the "Ugly American" tourst, or examples of any "Ugly Tourist" feel free to share!

Travel Trends: How to Avoid Being an 'Ugly American'

By MSN Travel Editors- http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article...47901&GT1=8599

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. 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.

[joe]

Thanks for the link Lola. I think the "Ugly American" stereotype exists because, well, we have a bunch of ugly americans representing our country poorly while away. We, on the whole, do seem to be somewhat disrespectful of other cultures because of the bubble we've provided ourselves here in the states. That doesn't mean we all walk around spitting on other country's flags (well, most of us don't), but we do what some consider innocuous things like not learning about cultures we're about to visit, and then appearing ignorant when we're there. But hey, ignorance is bliss, right? And ignorance is sure easier than picking up a book or learning another language.

[world trecker]

I'm an "ugly american" in the literal sense ;) I do travel quite a bit and I do try to watch myself because I agree this country lives in a bubble of sorts. I don't speak any other languages, but I do know a little of a lot of them, and I find just making an EFFORT gets you on people's good sides.

But yes our policies haven't exactly endeared ourselves to other countries and cultures either. There's not much I can do about that though other than be polite and order my food in the language of the area I'm in :)

[Lola]

Hi All,
Another article out on Ugly Americans... this one has some good travel trips...

By Erin Richards

Certain actions -- whether stemming from ignorance or arrogance -- will brand you a jerk. Experts offer advice to avoid the 10 most common faux pas among travelers.

Find the local rhythm
Americans have a hard time adjusting to a pace of life that isn't as fast as their own, says Jacqueline Whitmore, author of "Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work." As a result, they're sometimes labeled as rude and pushy. "In Germany, dinner can take three hours or more," says Whitmore. "It's an experience. You can offend the waitstaff by trying to speed up the process."

Make a good first impression
"In some cultures you hug, in others you shake hands and in others you kiss," says Cindy Post Senning, a director at the Emily Post Institute. "It's easy to disrespect locals if you aren't familiar with how to greet them, both formally and casually."

Avoid careless judgments
Travelers love to talk about how places are different from home. Unfortunately, says Senning, innocent observations can come across as superior and judgmental, as in: "Your cars are so small here!" or "I can't believe this restaurant doesn't have ice cubes."

Mind your table manners
Educating yourself about local customs is the only way to know that Chileans expect wine to be poured with the right hand, and that the Japanese frown upon sloshing soy sauce on rice. As for those times when you're served food you can't bear to look at, let alone eat, but you don't want to disrespect your host? Smile and eat as much as you can, says Colleen Rickenbacher, author of "Be on Your Best Business Behavior."

Speak the language
You don't have to be fluent, or even close; you just have to make an effort. "It sends an offensive message when you don't even acknowledge 'good day' in the language," says David Solomons of CultureSmart!Consulting, which publishes country-by-country etiquette guides. "It's total and utter anathema to the French when an American starts a conversation without beginning it with bonjour."

Don't overtip
Monica Francois Marcel, of consulting firm Language & Culture Worldwide, says nobody tips as much as Americans (and that isn't always commendable). "It gets at the economics of a country," she says. "A taxi driver could easily interpret your tip as flaunting your wealth." Marcel recommends asking a concierge to explain local expectations, and then tipping the concierge the proper amount. Of course, undertipping is never a great idea, either.

Watch your gestures
The wrong move with your head, hand or foot can be a surefire way to get on a local's nerves, or even pick a fight. "We also fail to do our homework about space relationships," says Roger E. Axtell, author of eight international etiquette guides, including "Do's and Taboos Around the World." "Latin America and the Middle East have smaller personal 'bubbles,' so you must refrain from stepping away when they move close."

Dress respectfully
Classy everyday attire might have faded in the U.S., but it's always a good idea for tourists to look smart, says Whitmore. Conservative "global colors" -- grays, blues, blacks -- are generally safe bets. If you're going to a warm climate, avoid the temptation to pack only shorts and sandals. Include slacks and dress shoes, especially if you plan on dining at nice restaurants or visiting houses of worship.

Use clear English
Many people speak English as a second language, and it's hard for them to understand when tourists use slang and neglect to speak slowly. "We clutter our speech with jargon and sports and military terminology," says Axtell. "Try to stay away from idioms and slang, and watch for reactions to make sure communication is going well. Americans also forget to avoid phrases like, 'Hi, how are you?' in which we aren't really looking for an honest response."

Be a thoughtful guest
As in the U.S., if you're staying at someone's house or going over for dinner, bring flowers. Souvenirs from home -- T-shirts, refrigerator magnets -- are appreciated, too. Small gifts can smooth out everyday interactions. Marcel recalls the warm response when she handed out $1.50 bottles of Jim Beam to Russian officials checking passports on the trains. "It made the process a lot faster, and they looked out for me," she says. Gifts don't have to be expensive; as always, it's the thought that counts.

© 2006. Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/10/31...tte/index.html

Happy Travels!
Lola

[joe]

Hard to argue with many of those points, although I sure can see some fellow countrymen being turned off that this whole process isn't as easy as ordering a Big Mac. The "overtipping" point was interesting; I'd never really thought of that.