kismetchimera

The problems with Americans in general is that they worry too much about what peoples in other countries think about them..
I dont see any Europeans asking the questions about what to wear in the US or what opinions the American's people have about them..They Couldn't care less..

Aduchamp1

dont see any Europeans asking the questions about what to wear in the US or what opinions the American's people have about them..They Couldn't care less..

I do think this is true at all. People of other nations want Americans to know about them and their culture. One of the strengths and weaknesses of America is its geographical isolation. Add to that America makes news continually while there are 200 other countries we must be aware of.

This si complicated by the fact that Spain and France were once world powers and France more than other country cannot come to grips with that.

Europeans are more subtle about wanted to apprecaited and considered important but they do care.

And I am convinced that when America becomes a second rate power, and that I also beive is still at least 50 years away, not matter how hard this adminstration tries to destroy us, Americans will act far worse than the French in seeking recognition.

StCirq

I have to agree with the last comments. I can't think of another nationality that cares so much about what the locals of another nation are thinking about them. I mean, I guess in a good way it shows we want to present our best selves when we travel, but the underlying assumption is that we are really skeptical about our being able to approach other cultures with grace and aplomb...and that we travel to some extent with a sense of shame, probably politically driven. But the assumption that people all over the world care, for example, about what we're wearing is worthy of some serious couch time, don't you think? I have NEVER met a European traveling to the USA who gave more than two seconds' thought to what to wear while touring the US, while some Americans seem to agonize over what to wear in Europe. I don't get it. I'm kind of a US-Europe hybrid in some ways, so maybe I just can't see the caring about what one continent thinks about me or how I dress or act or whatever, but the whole American thing about freaking out about how to act/dress/talk/eat/tipin Europe seems incredibly insular and self-absorbed to me.

ComfyShoes

tamiandtoto, People are people. No matter where you go. A vast majority are very nice and working hard caring for their family's welfare. In Spain or in U.S.. Occasionally, some can be cooky. In Spain or in the U.S.. <i>Almost</i> always, if you respect people &amp; their customs, you will get it returned to you. As simple as that. This seems to have jived with your experience in France, and I expect you will experience Spain in a similar manner.

Raydotman

I love Spain. We go every year for two months and rarely if ever have I felt anti-Americanism directed at me. However, I do speak Spanish. I also do not underdtand why I should apologize to anyone for the way I vote or for what this country does or does not do. I was raised for the most part outside of the US and at various time have encountered anti-Americanism. Years ago it certainly would not have been possible to blame Bush much as it is in vogue to do so now. My country has also done a lot of good and suffered much on 9/11 so I am not going to apologize to anyone. I respect other countries while travelling and I would never think to insult a visitor to the US. Most Spaniards wouldn't either.

Aduchamp1

As an American I am deeply discouraged and humiliated by our abuse of power.

As the sole super power, at least for now, we are in a unqiue position in history to better those who need our assistance and ourselves by doing so. Unfortunately our government has destroyed another country and is arrogant about it. There will always be Hitlers, Stalins and wannabes like Bin Laden. It is our obligation to choose our fights carefully, strengthen those allainces which are mutually beneficial and procedd with dignity.

To be unapologetic is to ignore all the political, military, diplomatic and ecomonic destruction of this administration. And arrogance and complancey are the major contributing factors to the demise of any power.

Raydotman

Warren

I am very sorry but I do not the think this travel board should be the place for this discussion. Suffice to say that whn I hear an apology for 9/11 and the cessation of all threats to kill us then I will think about what you said.

sansman

I do think we are sometimes a bit sensitive. Usually, when someone makes fun of something American (fat and lazy Americans for example) I try to laugh along. And then usually make up something equally funny but stereotypically true about their culture. Whether they get upset about this or not, tells me alot about their personality.

girlonthego

I also think this post is taking a turn for the worse. I am offended at Audechamps comments. If your so embarrassed about america, then don't live here.
While I am dismayed at the politics that go on in america, I still love my country. While I don't always agree with what my political leader is doing, I am still proud to be an american.
I also think that if you are a person who goes to another country and makes an effort to learn a little of the language as well as the culture, you will be welcomed. I also think that is why so many americans want to know what is &quot;in &quot;to wear in other countries. It is not that they don't know how to dress, it is simply they would like to be a part of their new experience.
It is also the reputation of being the obnoxious american dressed inappropriately that no one wants to be accused of.
tamiandtoto: I wish you good travels. I am sure that you will have a good experience.

logos999

That may be a (the?) real problem. The &quot;I'm so proud to be...&quot; fraction visiting the &quot;who cares&quot; world.

They may seem pretty arrogant to the rest of the worlds population. As you can imagine Aduchamp1's statement sounds rather accurate to me and most people I know over here.

kleeblatt

All European countries (except for the Austrians) have some sort of notorious reputation. In fact all major countries in the world are stereotyped. Switzerland included. Spain included. The USA included. Canada excluded (they are adored by everyone).

Just tell them you don't like Bush and they'll treat you just fine.

kleeblatt

Hi Logos! It's just been reported that tourism is increasing in Switzerland...thanks to the Germans and the strong Euro.

Danke sch&ouml;n!

jody

If your so embarrassed about america, then don't live here.

That is not what he said, he said he is humiliated, embarassed, whatever by our abuse of power. That is a lot different than your interpretation.

If you love America , but are dismayed by some of it's actions, you don't leave, You stay and try to change it.

logos999

&gt;...thanks to the Germans and the strong Euro.
You're welcome , but it may also be thanks the the enormous US deficits financing war and consumption thus ruining the $ for good and low interest rates in Japan enabling carry trades, yen to dollar. ;-)

GSteed

Has any poster read, IBERIA?

girlonthego

jody, I agree with you, but it is just the constant negative viewpoint on america that bothers me. I jumped on Audechamps back because I am tired of the negativity.
And yes, we should all make an effort to change the system. Hopefully whoever gets in next will have a better grip on what is right and what is wrong and what is best for all of us.

logos: Proud to be an american? Yes. Just like I am sure you are proud to be whatever you are? German?

logos999

&gt;proud to be
Nope, no silly &quot;proudness&quot; concept.

Cowboy1968

<i>Inspiring background music on</i>

I'm proud to be German, and I will defend my right to a poolside lounge chair in any Mediterranean resort to my last beach towel.

<i>Music off</i>


P.S. The above given statement contains unknown amounts of irony. The author is not to be hold responsible for any mental irritation resulting from taking the above given statement seriously. No members of other nationalities have been harmed in the process of writing that statement. The author reserves the right to refuse comments by anyone wearing white tennis shoes, except during the months not containing the letter &quot;R&quot;.

elina

&gt;&gt;&gt;Proud to be an american? Yes. &gt;&gt;&gt;Just like I am sure you are proud to be whatever you are? German? &lt;&lt;&lt;

I think that is a fundamental difference: The only Europeans I have ever heard of being proud about theit nationality is Russians.

sansman

The Swiss are quite proud also but they aren't very boisterous about it outside of their country.