Why is it that so many Americans seem to think that we men should wear trousers as swimsuits?

It's just as well that I am not influenced by the fashion police. Or should I refer to fashion missionaries, come to preach a new message? Anyway, I am what I am. Be grateful that I wear something.

So many comebacks, so little time.

"that we men should wear trousers as swimsuits?"

well, it all depends on how much one has to hide ( or show)...

...and where American visitors' eyes are apparently riveted. Just get over it. Human beings all have the same body parts. You don't have to check everybody out.

. Human beings all have the same body parts. "

Sure, what fool would ever have an interest in checking out men (and women) on the beach.....

In France, they don't think much about people being British: they tend to distinguish between English, Welsh, and Scottish. They express more liking for the Scots and the Welsh than for the English, who they cordially dislike.>>>

It's a confederation of the conquered.

In any case, the French even like the English, meaning the individual English tourists. They just don't like the English as a national lump of people. And that's pretty much how most of the English feel about the French.

Padraig--peoples in various parts of the world have different foods, customs, fashions. One culture's way isn't necessarily any better or worse than another culture's way.

So in some countries people wear berets, and in others they wear baseball caps. In some countries many people wear speedos, and in others many wear knee-length swimsuits. It's just that the world is still a pretty big place with lots of diversity.

RufusT, I know that!

suze1 raised the question about baseball caps because she did not seem to want her husband look like an American in Europe. Me, I don't mind if he looks like one.

But then danon chose to joke (and I accept that it was a remark made in jest) about European preferences in swimwear. It does echo, however, a prejudice that has been expressed here in the past by some Americans. The worst version is where objection is made to Speedo-style swimsuits worn by older or overweight men.

Americans should feel free to dress as Americans when in Europe, but they are not obliged to. Europeans should be entitled to dress as Europeans when in Europe, and should not be subject to adverse comment.

Sauce for the goose...

Sorry, I didn't follow the entire thread so didn't get your context.

But I also wouldn't want to see speedos become popular in the USA given the high percentage of obese men that we have.

" The worst version is where objection is made to Speedo-style swimsuits worn by older or overweight men.'

A. Yes, I was not serious

B. No, I am not American

C. Yes, older or overweight men in
speedos look unappetizing.

D. Yes, men and women of all nationalities have the right to wear whatever they wish on their bodies and heads.

C. Yes, men and women of all nationalities have the right to find
the above: ugly, offensive, an eyesore or : elegant, appropriate , tasteful....
etc.....

The Germans don't wear speedos. The horror. The horror.

Germans don't wear speedos? Who are all those older overweight tourists wearing speedos on our Florida beaches speaking German? Are they maybe Japanese pretending to be Germans?

CW, I thought the French (Normans) conquered England, not the other way around. The French just don't like other uppity cultures that challenge their own for supremacy, i.e., England and the US.

Henry V and all that. You're only as good as your last war.....

This obsession with Germans in Speedos or without Speedos is starting to make me nervous... is Dr Ruth still around?

The U.S. has admitted to being a sex-obsessed culture. That's why in their TV commercials, they go through incredible contortions not to show anything in bath soap commercials or bra ads. The people might go wild if they see a body part.

Who are "they" ?

Mmmmmmmm--body parts!

<is Dr Ruth still around?>

Actually, today is her birthday. She's eighty.