Why would South Americans be using this site? Obviously their culture is so primitive that they would not have access to computers much less know what the internet is. And because most of South America is a third world society, they can't afford the plane tickets to Europe!!!

I feel some are not racist but snobby yes. Remember I said SOME. SOME assume you will be traveling to Europe four times a year like they do-and for SOME it is their trip of a lifetime and that is it-so they do rush around to see things. But, there are many who are very nice and helpful and well meaning here too. Afterall, this is supposed to be to HELP people with trip information-not stomp them.

Attention all Fodarians: Goosestep to the Pariser Platz for an important rally.

dear david dukie go goosestep in some gooseshit-back to lonely planetto you

Hi everyone, I thought I should offer my objective opinion given I'm not American - I would assume people would think I'm from the US unless I tell them I'm Australian & have no problem with that (they may figure it out given most of my postings are in the dead of night US time!!! ) Statistically given the huge population of the US & high usage of the internet there most people on this site will be from the States - I don't think soemone is showing any prejudice by assuming as default a person is American if they don't say otherwise. I actually love the fact I'm in a minority hear & enjoy the quirky cultural differences (Ok I'll admit it - 'fanny pack' still makes me smirk!!). <BR>Cheers!

I'm not convinced that Lea is a dreaded TROLL, as some have suggested. I think she has a very good point. <BR> <BR>I agree that the choice of the word "racist" was unfortunate but, if English is not Lea's first language, than I can understand why she might use this word, as opposed to "US-Centric" or whatever. (Lea MAY have been born outside of N.A. and have emigrated; she may have been born in N.A. to non-English speaking parents, she may be one of the few visitors from outside of N.A. that we should be welcoming to our site!). <BR> <BR>I don't think Lea was accusing this site of being racist, in the traditional sense. However, if her question is about the extent to which non-English speakers are made welcome on this site, then I think she definitely has a point. <BR> <BR>Perhaps she is referring to some unfortunate incidences that I have observed: <BR>· Original Poster asks question, usually concerned with some controversial issue about a particular country (anything from baseball caps to gypsies) <BR>· Non-English speaker, from the country in question, attempts to answer questions (in English) and gets vilified by THE GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT FU**WITS (see Bridget Jones for translation) if the response posted does not suit their agenda. The attack focuses, not on the answer but, on spelling and grammar - at the very least, BAD MANNERS <BR> <BR>Ignore the word "racist". Maybe Lea's posting was just questioning how well the site's contributor's accept a different perspective based on language and culture - either inside or outside the U.S. <BR> <BR>Regards Ger

RACIST? Absolutely not. Do we forget sometimes that all posters aren't coming from America? Certainly. There is a post up now, for example, about Looking American, and someone responded (Patti?) saying how she hated scarves. She and several others responded that "WE" should be able to express ourselves as "WE" saw fit as Americans because that's what we were. SO American! <BR> <BR>Well, as an American who lives in Europe part-time every year, I think I have maybe a special perspective on this. I don't assume all posters are American. I will say, though, that at first when I posted, I used to put a phrase in there saying "if you're not from the USA, pardon the assumption....", which I don't any longer, only because it's a pain in the tuccus to do so. If you think there are enough Europeans or others reading these boards, let me know and I will continue to do so. <BR>By the way, when I post telephone numbers, and give them from the USA, I usually note that that's where I'm suggesting dialing from. <BR> <BR>Bottom Line: Some of us are not assuming everyone on these boards is in the USA. OK? <BR> <BR>

thanks ger, i believe that you have a point. maybe racist was a bad choice of words.

Interesting...I posted a similar question in OTHER...go, take a look at the Fodor responses...

Oaktown Traveler, could you be more specific on where you posted your message and under what heading. <BR>thanks

Lea: <BR>The Fodors Travel Talk Home page has a category called OTHER. Scroll down once you click on the topic of OTHER and you will see the question: Is there Racism in Travel? Let me know if you find it. I will keep checking this post and that one.