Do the Spanish like Americans?
Oct 26th, 2007, 03:48 AM
#141
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j_999-9, you don't seem to get it, it's not a matter of whether any harm was meant or not, it's a matter of not perpetuating ignorance. If that's speaking into the wind, all right, I can live with that, it's not a big deal.
"Spanish" applied to any person not holding a Spanish passport is just wrong.
By the way, my humble opinion, as a Spaniard, is that the Spanish people don't have any opinion about Americans. We know very little about the people in the USA, how they live, what they really think,etc. However, yes, we do have an opinion about the American government. I would say it is not a possitive one, generally speaking.
"Spanish" applied to any person not holding a Spanish passport is just wrong.
By the way, my humble opinion, as a Spaniard, is that the Spanish people don't have any opinion about Americans. We know very little about the people in the USA, how they live, what they really think,etc. However, yes, we do have an opinion about the American government. I would say it is not a possitive one, generally speaking.
Oct 26th, 2007, 04:07 AM
#142
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argos you are probably right. However, I don't know how many times US friends have told me they have an Italian or an Irish girlfriend and of course,their girlfriends are as American as can be but with Italian or Irish heritage.... so in American, use we quite commonly label people in a way that doesn't make much sense outside of the US of A.
Oct 26th, 2007, 05:56 AM
#144
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“I don't know how many times US friends have told me they have an Italian or an Irish girlfriend and of course, their girlfriends are as American as can be”
I think a few years ago there was a thread started by an Irish guy living in the USA temporarily who was ranting about how everyday an American would come up to him and say “ooooh, I’m Irish too.” I thought it was pretty funny, but others were not so amused. It may have been another site, but I think it was this one.
The whole Spanish as a catch-all for Spanish speaking bugs me as well, but I don't say anything when I hear it. It is dumb.
I think a few years ago there was a thread started by an Irish guy living in the USA temporarily who was ranting about how everyday an American would come up to him and say “ooooh, I’m Irish too.” I thought it was pretty funny, but others were not so amused. It may have been another site, but I think it was this one.
The whole Spanish as a catch-all for Spanish speaking bugs me as well, but I don't say anything when I hear it. It is dumb.
Oct 26th, 2007, 07:05 AM
#147
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"The whole Spanish as a catch-all for Spanish speaking bugs me as well, but I don't say anything when I hear it. It is dumb"
Yes I agree it is as bad as saying "Chinese" to mean anyone who is Asian.
Yes I agree it is as bad as saying "Chinese" to mean anyone who is Asian.
Oct 26th, 2007, 07:13 AM
#148
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Amsdon, my boyfriend does BOTH.
I said earlier that I never say anything when I hear the "Spanish" thing. It was a little white lie. I yell at my boyfriend for both. Yelling at boyfriends doesn't count though since it is an inalienable right.
I said earlier that I never say anything when I hear the "Spanish" thing. It was a little white lie. I yell at my boyfriend for both. Yelling at boyfriends doesn't count though since it is an inalienable right.
Oct 26th, 2007, 07:13 AM
#149
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In response to Mahya..that is why in a previous post I suggested that perhaps politics has no place on a travel board. The problem is there are always two points of view and much of what is being said about the US is negative. This gives other board participants a lopsided opinion of our politics. You see, I too worked the election polls, in Broward County, Florida and I observed no irregularities. After every election there are always allegations of "dead people voting etc" even when the democrats win. Investigations into the Ohio vote did not prove substantial enough for Senator Kerry to challenge. I personally feel no restrictions upon my civil rights and freedom. As for the tasered fellow, he has a history of grandstanding for publicity purposes and I suggest that anyone remotely interested should read the whole story.
Again I do not feel that any American should have to go around Europe saying "I did not vote for Bush." I don't feel the need to tell anyone my political preferences. Do I ask the Spanish why they voted for Zapatero? It is NOT my business.
As for the original question...I have not encountered any problems in Spain because of my nationality. Maybe I wasn't looking for any.
Again I do not feel that any American should have to go around Europe saying "I did not vote for Bush." I don't feel the need to tell anyone my political preferences. Do I ask the Spanish why they voted for Zapatero? It is NOT my business.
As for the original question...I have not encountered any problems in Spain because of my nationality. Maybe I wasn't looking for any.
Oct 26th, 2007, 08:10 AM
#151
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My wife is half Mexican/half Spanish and identification is never a problem except with questionnaires where I encourage her to tick off "Other" and with people who seem to forget that Spanish started in Spain.
My very good friend is Chinese. She resents the term Oriental.
In marketing meetings when people say let's market to Hispanics, I will say no problem Pueerto Ricans are the same ad Argentinians and the same as Mexicans.
When they say let's market to Asians i say that should be easy. there are among others Indonesian Muslims, Indian Hindus, Japanese Shintos, Chinese Buddhists, and Christian Aussies and Kiwis. And they all speak that language Asian.
Then I suggest we market to European Americans because Poles are the samee as Spanish and Norwegians.
People are mentally lazy and business people want the most effective way to do things even if it is not appropriate.
My very good friend is Chinese. She resents the term Oriental.
In marketing meetings when people say let's market to Hispanics, I will say no problem Pueerto Ricans are the same ad Argentinians and the same as Mexicans.
When they say let's market to Asians i say that should be easy. there are among others Indonesian Muslims, Indian Hindus, Japanese Shintos, Chinese Buddhists, and Christian Aussies and Kiwis. And they all speak that language Asian.
Then I suggest we market to European Americans because Poles are the samee as Spanish and Norwegians.
People are mentally lazy and business people want the most effective way to do things even if it is not appropriate.
Oct 26th, 2007, 08:17 AM
#152
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In reply to Raydotman, I don't agree at all that politics has no place in a travel forum. There are certainly countries that I will not travel to because of their populations' rabid antagonism towards anything American. I travel for enjoyment and my idea of enjoyment and safety is not being surrounded by truckloads of foreign troops for protection as one goes siteseeing.
I personally don't care whether you are one of the remaining 27% of the "true believers" but unless you have blinders and earplugs on, the change in attitude and admiration of America over the past seven years
around the entire world is palpable, resulting in many traveling Americans wearing Canadian pins and denying their nationality. That wasn't a joke at all. If I have anything to be proud about, it is my effort on a one to one basis of leaving a good impression of American people.
And I did mis-speak earlier. When I was in London in 2006 at the theatre, the MC stopped the musical show, saying he noticed there were a lot of Yanks in the audience and he wanted to know how 50 million people could be so stupid - referring to the election. So much for politics not belonging in a travel forum. My experience has been if you are American and traveling outside of this country you are going to be faced with comments or questions about your governments actions and why or whether you agree with it.
I personally don't care whether you are one of the remaining 27% of the "true believers" but unless you have blinders and earplugs on, the change in attitude and admiration of America over the past seven years
around the entire world is palpable, resulting in many traveling Americans wearing Canadian pins and denying their nationality. That wasn't a joke at all. If I have anything to be proud about, it is my effort on a one to one basis of leaving a good impression of American people.
And I did mis-speak earlier. When I was in London in 2006 at the theatre, the MC stopped the musical show, saying he noticed there were a lot of Yanks in the audience and he wanted to know how 50 million people could be so stupid - referring to the election. So much for politics not belonging in a travel forum. My experience has been if you are American and traveling outside of this country you are going to be faced with comments or questions about your governments actions and why or whether you agree with it.
Oct 26th, 2007, 10:05 AM
#157
As I read some of the answers, I can't believe that people would be embarrassed to admit they were american because of politics.
We are going to Europe for our children's first time and mine and my husband's second time. Our only other time was many years ago (25? years) So things have changed I am sure. I have no intention of trying to pretend I am something I am not. I will try to be polite and I am trying at this moment to learn a little french and german to use while I am there. I don't know if people will be friendly or not. I am assuming that if I am polite, I will receive politeness in return. I know Paris is a large city like NY and don't expect people to hug me in the street, unless they are taking my wallet
. I do expect that if I can muster through some french, I will be able to get around the city and enjoy the sights and the food.
Since I am very american looking outside of the fact that I do love my sneakers for walking, I can't imagine trying to pretend that I am from Canada or somewhere else. People have their ideas about americans and they are not always positive. From what I am reading, they are mostly negative. That is a shame. It is like saying I am just like the people who live next door to me because we are both americans. I would not assume one rude or obnoxious person would be the same as the next. I won't mind discussing politics with my DH's relatives either. I think it would be interesting to hear what they think and what they think of their own leaders as well. I don't agree with many things that my government is doing at the moment. It doesn't mean I am embarrassed to be american. It just means I hope the next person does a better job.
We are going to Europe for our children's first time and mine and my husband's second time. Our only other time was many years ago (25? years) So things have changed I am sure. I have no intention of trying to pretend I am something I am not. I will try to be polite and I am trying at this moment to learn a little french and german to use while I am there. I don't know if people will be friendly or not. I am assuming that if I am polite, I will receive politeness in return. I know Paris is a large city like NY and don't expect people to hug me in the street, unless they are taking my wallet
. I do expect that if I can muster through some french, I will be able to get around the city and enjoy the sights and the food. Since I am very american looking outside of the fact that I do love my sneakers for walking, I can't imagine trying to pretend that I am from Canada or somewhere else. People have their ideas about americans and they are not always positive. From what I am reading, they are mostly negative. That is a shame. It is like saying I am just like the people who live next door to me because we are both americans. I would not assume one rude or obnoxious person would be the same as the next. I won't mind discussing politics with my DH's relatives either. I think it would be interesting to hear what they think and what they think of their own leaders as well. I don't agree with many things that my government is doing at the moment. It doesn't mean I am embarrassed to be american. It just means I hope the next person does a better job.
Oct 26th, 2007, 11:12 AM
#158
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I do not walk around with a sandwich sign or introduce myself with, "I did not vote for George Bush."
Part of my traveling experience is often speaking with the people of that country. To me it is as interesting a visiting a dead person's grave. Of course, one person or one group does not reveal the character of a coutry but it could be instructive. Part of that political and social conversation issues is an honest exchange of ideas.
I think that Europeans are naive in that they think they change government and Americans are naive because they think they can't.
I have posted my sentiments rgearding the present administration on the political boards but there is one statement that is relevant to a European board. The French, English, Spanish, Romans, Dutch, Germans, Portuguese, Russians, Astro-Hungarians, Turks, and Greeks were all powers to some extent and for varying lengths of time. We are the singular power now. I was hopeful that we would not abuse our powers the way most of the Europeans powers did. I was hopeful that our legacy would be richer.
Part of my traveling experience is often speaking with the people of that country. To me it is as interesting a visiting a dead person's grave. Of course, one person or one group does not reveal the character of a coutry but it could be instructive. Part of that political and social conversation issues is an honest exchange of ideas.
I think that Europeans are naive in that they think they change government and Americans are naive because they think they can't.
I have posted my sentiments rgearding the present administration on the political boards but there is one statement that is relevant to a European board. The French, English, Spanish, Romans, Dutch, Germans, Portuguese, Russians, Astro-Hungarians, Turks, and Greeks were all powers to some extent and for varying lengths of time. We are the singular power now. I was hopeful that we would not abuse our powers the way most of the Europeans powers did. I was hopeful that our legacy would be richer.
Oct 26th, 2007, 11:20 AM
#159
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Aren't some people just a bit too sensitive?
Was that garcon grinning at my accent? Did the camarero bring me a lukewarm soup because he hates Bush? Was the TGV late because these train drivers want to make me suffer for the 'liberty fries'? Didn't the Canadian dude get a bigger portion of Sauerkraut?
Good grief!
If someone gets on my nerves simply for what I am or for what country I come from, I tell him to get lost - in any language that is necessary to make him get my point.
You met a rude person?
Welcome to Europe - now get over it. ;-)
Was that garcon grinning at my accent? Did the camarero bring me a lukewarm soup because he hates Bush? Was the TGV late because these train drivers want to make me suffer for the 'liberty fries'? Didn't the Canadian dude get a bigger portion of Sauerkraut?
Good grief!
If someone gets on my nerves simply for what I am or for what country I come from, I tell him to get lost - in any language that is necessary to make him get my point.
You met a rude person?
Welcome to Europe - now get over it. ;-)
