Anti American Experiences

Yes, read the fine print in the Constitution.

Quoting james

But I do have to ask - is there a rule somewhere which states that older US travellers have to wear dark blue jeans and bright white running shoes ?

Be happy it's not white or colored socks with sandals... (But, that's in the Constitution too.)

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms stipulates that any Canadian over 55 who visits Florida must shop wearing only a bathing suit and flip flops. Check out St. Petersburgh in January! Yeesh...

I think it's the counterpart of a preheminent position either in the worldwide economy, political and military scenario.

The Romans weren't actually loved at the time, think about the Gospels stories.

I think much has to do with politics, for ex. in my country some political parts are anti american since the time of the October Revolution in 1917.

Some situations didn't help in the past, like when the american government didn't prosecute US military officers based in Italy when they accidentally cut off a funicular's wires on a airplane killing a bunch of people.

Why is everybody so surprised that Americans are relatively clueless on world affairs and different cultures? Only 11% of Americans have passports, and over 5% of those are in the army. So 5% are being sent to where they are going and are probably being shot at when they get there so being open minded would be difficult. The other 6% probably travel for business, education, and for fun. The rest get a sanitised view of the world through a television. Is it any wonder they are surprised that countries smell different.

Mark Twain said of his people: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things can not be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

Majito,

My first ethnocentric instinct was to be angry at your statement, but Twain's quotation rings true. And to be honest, I whole heartedly agree with him (and you). I beat this drum frequently around here; I just hope fellow travelers will take the time to decide on a person-by-person basis and judge later. I've encountered no personal hostility along my way, but I have been subject to many preconceived notions that have either had to be overcome or outrightly ignored.

Luckily, I'm a pretty cool guy.

I find that America (& so Americams) displays the best & worst that we humans have to offer. This is because they have a generally 'free' media which hangs out their laundry for all to see and comment on.
Small minded people will be prompted into action by a narrow focus on the bad publicity and, generally disregard the good.

We all have extremes in human behaviour in our respective communities/countries but the information is not always freely available for us all to comment on.

When travelling, I take each person as I find them my assessment is based on our interaction, it doesn't take long to see who is compatible. But, we should still be tolerant if we have to travel together say in a group.
As has been stated previously travel humbly, with due respect for other travellers and the country you are in v- you're not home now.

My general impression of Americans around Europe has been good. I mean, i found very easy going persons and had a good impression.

Now it's funny that many call them arrogant while they claim the right to judge them. It's a bit of a contradiction.

Quoting maba

I find that America (& so Americams) displays the best & worst that we humans have to offer. This is because they have a generally 'free' media which hangs out their laundry for all to see and comment on.

I second that part about the media. They love to dig out the worst of the worst, and embellish it - as if only a certain unfortunate few had skeletons in their closet. The media has such an incredible influence on people - and the all those that drag out the First Amendment rights need to remember that freedom of speech comes with responsibility, too.

Quoting tway

and the all those that drag out the First Amendment rights need to remember that freedom of speech comes with responsibility, too.

I am going to drag out the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer on the grounds of self-incrimination.