Do You Try To Hide Your Nationality?
Apr 22nd, 2007, 07:24 PM
#1
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Do You Try To Hide Your Nationality?
I've been thinking about making this thread and I think I'll put it in the Lounge also. But after reading the thread of the lady trying to figure out what to wear and not look like a tourist increased my desire to ask.
There have been times I've been mistaken for being a local be it international or domestic. But that depends on the day I guess,be it I'm touring or just hanging out relaxing where I am.
When I went to the Olympics in Italy,I carried my Flag bag and had my USA scarf when I went to the games and switched up and dressed regularly,the way I like to dress when I travel,cute.
I know most on here are seasoned travelers and it seemed there was some division as to this subject.
So do you?
There have been times I've been mistaken for being a local be it international or domestic. But that depends on the day I guess,be it I'm touring or just hanging out relaxing where I am.
When I went to the Olympics in Italy,I carried my Flag bag and had my USA scarf when I went to the games and switched up and dressed regularly,the way I like to dress when I travel,cute.
I know most on here are seasoned travelers and it seemed there was some division as to this subject.
So do you?
Apr 22nd, 2007, 07:35 PM
#3
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Do I try to hide my nationality? Absolutely not, why would I? I have sometimes in Italy been taken as an Italian but I believe that is because I have been wearing clothes and shoes from Italy. The cut of their clothes are a bit different. But as soon as I start to speak of course it is obviouse I am not an Italian. I feel sorry for anyone that tries to hide their nationality.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 07:40 PM
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I think people don't want to look like a tourist as in "easy target." I have an Asian face and I think I dress like a typical American, but for the most part I try to blend in with whatever country I am headed for. I'm always amazed at the number of people (locals included) who think I'm local at the destination.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 07:49 PM
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Well, to the extent that I speak a couple of European languages fluently and without accent and own a home in France and am part of the local scene there and have been for 16 years, yes, I guess I do.
I don't dress in any way that would suggest that I'm American, I speak pretty much fluent French and Italian and very good German, and most of the time I am not even suspected of being American, so I kind of go along with those suppositions and let people assume I'm a native until something gives me away, if it does.
I'm generally very content to be taken for a European if only because it validates the incredibly hard work my many language professors put into teaching me. I'm also something of a clothes maven and love to buy my clothes in Europe and dress the way that I see European women dressing, so even at home in American I never look like "an American tourist."
I went to a business meeting at the World Bank on Friday and two different people commented "you look more French every time I see you," so I guess I've absorbed something of French culture along the way. I was, in fact, wearing a skirt and sweater I'd bought in France and shoes I'd bought in Italy, but at this point in my life most of the clothes I wear come from Europe or are of European manufacture, so that makes sense.
I guess after all these years of travel and being a homeowner in Europe I don't really have a particular identity, but I probably look and act more European than American at the end of the day.
I don't dress in any way that would suggest that I'm American, I speak pretty much fluent French and Italian and very good German, and most of the time I am not even suspected of being American, so I kind of go along with those suppositions and let people assume I'm a native until something gives me away, if it does.
I'm generally very content to be taken for a European if only because it validates the incredibly hard work my many language professors put into teaching me. I'm also something of a clothes maven and love to buy my clothes in Europe and dress the way that I see European women dressing, so even at home in American I never look like "an American tourist."
I went to a business meeting at the World Bank on Friday and two different people commented "you look more French every time I see you," so I guess I've absorbed something of French culture along the way. I was, in fact, wearing a skirt and sweater I'd bought in France and shoes I'd bought in Italy, but at this point in my life most of the clothes I wear come from Europe or are of European manufacture, so that makes sense.
I guess after all these years of travel and being a homeowner in Europe I don't really have a particular identity, but I probably look and act more European than American at the end of the day.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 08:19 PM
#7
I don't speak any language fluently but have always worn French fashion and worked in the field to be able to afford quenching my thirst, so I usually am taken for French but...my
last trip to Paris, a French lady stopped me to ask directions to a famed boutique, I answered in French to excuse me as I was a tourist and didn't know where it was. Well, she was miffed at not recognizing me as an American. But so what, Paris is Paris, I lov Paris< I am an American and I think it's all Ok.
last trip to Paris, a French lady stopped me to ask directions to a famed boutique, I answered in French to excuse me as I was a tourist and didn't know where it was. Well, she was miffed at not recognizing me as an American. But so what, Paris is Paris, I lov Paris< I am an American and I think it's all Ok.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 08:19 PM
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Yes and no.
In as much as I'm highly irritated by American backpackers who put Canadian flags on their backpacks, then no. I'm very proud to be an American. I would never hide it like that.
In many ways, traveling around the world has reinforced to me that my country is one of the best places in the world. Besides, in many of the places I like to travel, there's no way I could hide it (save for that Canadian flag I suppose).
On the other hand, if I'm mistaken for a local in Europe, I'm very flattered (and yes, it happens occasionally).
It just means to me that in some way, like StCirq, I've managed to adopt a style I admire.
My husband and I have been known to speak Spanish to each other while traveling. But this is not to try to "pass" as local, but rather to hide from the obnoxious Americans sitting next to us.
I know, sounds horrible, but neither one of us wanted to engage in conversation with the people who were complaining loudly about the locals and how "different" everything was there. We just wanted to eat in peace.
In as much as I'm highly irritated by American backpackers who put Canadian flags on their backpacks, then no. I'm very proud to be an American. I would never hide it like that.
In many ways, traveling around the world has reinforced to me that my country is one of the best places in the world. Besides, in many of the places I like to travel, there's no way I could hide it (save for that Canadian flag I suppose).
On the other hand, if I'm mistaken for a local in Europe, I'm very flattered (and yes, it happens occasionally).
It just means to me that in some way, like StCirq, I've managed to adopt a style I admire.My husband and I have been known to speak Spanish to each other while traveling. But this is not to try to "pass" as local, but rather to hide from the obnoxious Americans sitting next to us.
I know, sounds horrible, but neither one of us wanted to engage in conversation with the people who were complaining loudly about the locals and how "different" everything was there. We just wanted to eat in peace.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 08:50 PM
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Hi
No, I'm proud to be from Norway so I don't make any attemp to hide it
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
No, I'm proud to be from Norway so I don't make any attemp to hide it
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
Apr 22nd, 2007, 09:11 PM
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In Scandinavia and Germany they assume I am a local.
Best compliment I ever had was in a restaurant in SW France: I had taken a week-long course in conversational French. I ordered in French and the waiter asked if I was Swiss.
Best compliment I ever had was in a restaurant in SW France: I had taken a week-long course in conversational French. I ordered in French and the waiter asked if I was Swiss.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 09:45 PM
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My husband and I have been known to speak Spanish to each other while traveling. But this is not to try to "pass" as local, but rather to hide from the obnoxious Americans sitting next to us.
I know, sounds horrible, but neither one of us wanted to engage in conversation with the people who were complaining loudly about the locals and how "different" everything was there. We just wanted to eat in peace.
This sounds like a throw back to the 1960's. This whole loud, complaining american line is so untrue and over done.
I know, sounds horrible, but neither one of us wanted to engage in conversation with the people who were complaining loudly about the locals and how "different" everything was there. We just wanted to eat in peace.
This sounds like a throw back to the 1960's. This whole loud, complaining american line is so untrue and over done.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 10:07 PM
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Being identified as an Australian has never done me any harm, so the answer is no.
Are there really American backpackers who try to masquerade as Canadians, or is that just an urban myth? If these people exist, what are they afraid of? Being kidnapped and tortured to reveal the secret herbs and spices the Colonel uses?
Are there really American backpackers who try to masquerade as Canadians, or is that just an urban myth? If these people exist, what are they afraid of? Being kidnapped and tortured to reveal the secret herbs and spices the Colonel uses?
Apr 22nd, 2007, 10:09 PM
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My husband and I once switched from speaking French (our usual language of conversation) to English so that nobody would associate us with the incredibly obnoxious, rude group of French people with us on a game drive in the Kruger park in South Africa.
And when I lived in France, while I didn't go out of my way to "hide" my nationality (British), I didn't try and advertise it either, simply because it was much easier to go about my daily business without having to answer questions about where I come from, what's it like, where did I learn French, etc? (Like St Cirq, it is fairly easy for me to pass unnoticed because I speak French without an accent so people don't guess straight away).
Now, in Brussels, it's a non-issue - I don't think anybody would care where I came from, given the number of different nationalities living here anyway.
And when I lived in France, while I didn't go out of my way to "hide" my nationality (British), I didn't try and advertise it either, simply because it was much easier to go about my daily business without having to answer questions about where I come from, what's it like, where did I learn French, etc? (Like St Cirq, it is fairly easy for me to pass unnoticed because I speak French without an accent so people don't guess straight away).
Now, in Brussels, it's a non-issue - I don't think anybody would care where I came from, given the number of different nationalities living here anyway.
Apr 22nd, 2007, 10:12 PM
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I agree with SeaUrchin, to "pertend to be something I am not would be disengenuos and lacking in honesty. Traits that do not promote good feelings or relations. Being respectful of costoms, friendly, good natured, and polite are all that is needed. Why would I be affraid of who I really am. I feel sorry for those that harbor such fears. thereyet
Apr 23rd, 2007, 01:41 AM
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I'm an elderly Englishwoman who dresses reasonably well and who doesn't dress any differently when I'm abroad.
I usually go to Italy once a year and find that I dress very much like Italian women of my age.
I have been mistaken for Italian, German and French.
I usually go to Italy once a year and find that I dress very much like Italian women of my age.
I have been mistaken for Italian, German and French.
Apr 23rd, 2007, 02:00 AM
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Well, I am a tall redheaded freckled Canadian (born in England) and despite my French clothes, and 13 years of living in France no one here would ever think I was French. There are certain accepted national 'looks' - whether or not they are true, and most Anglo-Saxons don't look like most Mediterraneans. So when I go to a market where I'm not known, people will often start off speaking to me in English - I think they are also often happy to be practicing English.
What most people object to is not nationality, but the actions that are often associated with it. Loud, unsympathetic English speakers who complain about local customs will never be welcomed. But even at the height of the 'misunderstanding' between France and the US, most people I know made a distinction between the government and individuals, and were very happy to welcome people who appreciated the differences between the countries.
What most people object to is not nationality, but the actions that are often associated with it. Loud, unsympathetic English speakers who complain about local customs will never be welcomed. But even at the height of the 'misunderstanding' between France and the US, most people I know made a distinction between the government and individuals, and were very happy to welcome people who appreciated the differences between the countries.
Apr 23rd, 2007, 03:32 AM
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Do I try to hide my nationality - No, why should i?
Could I hide my nationality - probably not. I am very English - so I'll usually be sunburned and dressed in a manner to frighten stylish children.
In another thread i had to find a picture of what an American tourist looks like and I found this chap - who's far too good to keep to myself:
http://nolans.net/news/images/Tourist.GIF
Could I hide my nationality - probably not. I am very English - so I'll usually be sunburned and dressed in a manner to frighten stylish children.
In another thread i had to find a picture of what an American tourist looks like and I found this chap - who's far too good to keep to myself:
http://nolans.net/news/images/Tourist.GIF
Apr 23rd, 2007, 03:51 AM
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Audere, I think that guy looks pretty good. If he would lose the color he would blend right in. Note to self, don't bring the very colorful backpack, stick to shades of grey and earth tones. thereyet
Apr 23rd, 2007, 04:09 AM
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The alternative to hiding your nationality ISN'T wearing an "I'm American" (or "I'm French" or "Im from Azerbaijan" scarf and carrying a "flag bag", whatever that might be.
The real alternative is to leave these comfort blankets at home. Even if you live in a country that fetishises displays of nationalism, it's ill-mannered in the extreme to continue this bizarre behaviour when you're someone else's guest.
If travelling abroad, leave your flags (and any Canadian ones you happen to have) at home. The rest of us regard this nonsense as best left to the kind of football supporters that get a permanent police escort.
scarf and carrying a "flag bag", whatever that might be.The real alternative is to leave these comfort blankets at home. Even if you live in a country that fetishises displays of nationalism, it's ill-mannered in the extreme to continue this bizarre behaviour when you're someone else's guest.
If travelling abroad, leave your flags (and any Canadian ones you happen to have) at home. The rest of us regard this nonsense as best left to the kind of football supporters that get a permanent police escort.
