Why other counties HATE Americans!

[La Princess]

One of my coworkers always travels to Europe. In fact he's leaving in about a month to go to Italy. He tells me that he's ashamed to be American in Europe. He said that Americans tend to be self centered, rude and refuse to speak the native tongue. Case in point: He was telling me of Americans getting mad because the people weren't speaking English. You shouldn't have to expect people in other countries speak your language. He told me that he always tries to learn the language of the country. He also said that many Europeans speak English, and they'll often help you if you at least try. He also said be very respecting of that countrie's rules and customs. You're not in the United States so act like you are. When I travel to Europe eventually I intend to learn the language even if it's only a few words. I will be respectful of the country.

[Carina]

redgirlshell said:

We (non americans) are getting over run with american terminology (sp?) and fashions, as in - there is not too many african american gangs in australia but yet many white folk talk ghetto! (or whatever the term is), and wear the rapper style clothes etc

We get your politics pushed into our faces, so much so that our own Prime Minister wont change a light bulb without George W's permission! (says a lot for our idiot PM).

How is all this an American's fault? Someone has to import fashions, terminology, TV shows, etc. right? If you were talking about a McDonald's on every corner, well, that's a different story, except for the fact that it wouldn't be around long if people didn't go there!

I've heard this over and over. "We have so much American stuff here. I HATE it."

If Americans are self-absorbed, then maybe people from other countries don't take responsibility for welcoming the American stuff. It's much easier to blame America, isn't it?

[Denise7609]

laprincess said:

One of my coworkers always travels to Europe. In fact he's leaving in about a month to go to Italy. He tells me that he's ashamed to be American in Europe. He said that Americans tend to be self centered, rude and refuse to speak the native tongue. Case in point: He was telling me of Americans getting mad because the people weren't speaking English. You shouldn't have to expect people in other countries speak your language. He told me that he always tries to learn the language of the country. He also said that many Europeans speak English, and they'll often help you if you at least try. He also said be very respecting of that countries rules and customs. You're not in the United States so act like you are. When I travel to Europe eventually I intend to learn the language even if it's only a few words. I will be respectful of the country.

EXACTLY! When I went there (7 different countries) I tried to at least know how to say please and thank you and ask in their language if they could speak English. If they couldn't I just did the best I could.

[hazeleyedgurl]

Though I would never generalize an entire nation/country based on a few bad apples I'm American, and to tell you the truth, there are enough people that reside in my town that I'd be ashamed to call my fellow countrymen/women! So much ignorance, lack of compassion, rudeness and selfishness. But for those American citizens that exhibit that sort of behavior there are folks here that are guilty of such that weren't even born in America. Some of the rudest folks in our town are snowbirds from Canada and Hispanic illegals that come here to work at the area's horse farms. And before someone cyberslaps me for saying that some of the coolest people I know are from Canada and Latin America, so, like I mentioned above, I would never generalize an entire country based on a few bad apples!

When I have traveled abroad I wanted to absorb as much of the area's culture as I can, marvel in the sites and be respectful of the people. I hope I get to do more traveling before I get too old. There is so much to see and learn in this world we live in.

[pattylondon]

velvetbananna said:

I think they hate our Administration.

^^^^^^^^^^
What she said

And I never hated any american, brit, spanish, italian, japanese...

And about only 5% of Mexican people speak english... well I guess that is because besides spanish, 5% speak german, the other 5% speak french, another 5% speak italian, another 5% maya, plus 5% náhuatl, 5% purépecha, 5% japanese... and many more!

Oh, and well, the only thing I can tell you we hate from Americans are spring breakers, they do a mess all around, and one day I was in a flight from Puerto Valarta to Mexico, this vandals broke one line of seats, the flight attendant had to call the captain, I do not know what happened with those kids, but nothing good I guess. And in one hotel in Cancun they cause many economical loss because they have no clue about moderation and respect!

[xxx]

Ive always said generalizations based on countries/cultures (and not individual people) highlight the pathetic ignorance of the person speaking. I believe there's "good" and "bad" in all people from all nations - a few rotten apples shouldnt spoil the whole bunch.

[xxx]

hazeleyedgurl said:

Though I would never generalize an entire nation/country based on a few bad apples

lol I just read this.. woah, similar thoughts! ha ha

[RuthsHere]

Funy thing, I remember in the 70's adults (portrayed on TV) needing to learn at least some phrases in the language of the country you were going to visit.

I think the lack of common sense tells people (americans) it's ok to go to other countries and expect them to speak english.

Society standards have dropped.

[lavieenrose]

xxx said:

Ive always said generalizations based on countries/cultures (and not individual people) highlight the pathetic ignorance of the person speaking. I believe there's "good" and "bad" in all people from all nations - a few rotten apples shouldnt spoil the whole bunch.

Very well said! I could go on and on about this as it's one of the primary topics of my dissertation, but I would rather not bore the lot of you.

I'd exalt you, but I don't know if you like that stuff.

[schmacko]

THIS is why most other countries hate America!!!



...it's funny cos it's true....