Sunday, September 17, 2006

Ugly Americans or Ambassadors of Good Will ???

The ANNOTICO Report

 

Sometimes we Americans who are only 250 years old as a 13 Colony country, and only 94 years old since we became 48 states (Arizona, 1912), [Alaska and Hawaii only in 1959] perhaps can be excused as being somewhat "provincial" when we visit places like Italy and Europe with 2500 years of Culture, but our airs of "arrogance" or "superiority" are misplaced and justifiably unappreciated.

 

Because you have the Biggest Wallet or are Physically the Strongest certainly has nothing to do with Wisdom or Culture.  A degree more of Humility and even Respect by Americans for other Cultures is in order. 

 

Remember it is THEIR Country, You are the Guest, and in Europe THEY Founded Western Civilization.   Take the opportunity to be Ambassadors of Good Will, and show them we are Not all either Arrogant Bullies like Geo. Bushes and Donald Rumsfelds, or of a Binge Drinking and Bowling Mentality!!!

 

 

Why do American tourists point, laugh at European works of art?

Florida Today

By Alyssa Perez

September 17, 2006

Walking along the ancient streets of Pompeii, I do not hear intelligent questions on Roman culture or expressions of awe pertaining to the plight of the city and its inhabitants.

No.

Instead, the American tourists in my tour group giggle, point and laugh at body parts of the various works of art.

Forget the fact that they have traveled thousands of miles and are in one of the most fascinating ancient cites in the world. They'd rather look at the paintings of naked gods and sculptures, and giggle.

And Americans wonder why Europeans don't adore us.

At times, I am quite embarrassed to be an American in Europe. While French teenagers stare at the Arc de Triomphe and admire its craftsmanship and history, my fellow teenage tourists gawk at the nakedness of the figures. One even asked, "Napole-what?"

As we walk the French Riviera, they stare -- stopping in their tracks, eyes wide, mouth agape -- at the topless women.

I walk in front of the group pretending to be a local, completely embarrassed. I even go so far as to speak in my native Spanish, broken Italian, or very basic French, rather than English, so as to separate myself even more so from my American tour group.

Now, I do not want to seem uppity. I, too, would allow a long glance to some exposed body part or other, but I would never gawk and giggle. I wish that some travelers would show some self-control. Perhaps learning about the country and culture of the people one is to visit before jumping on that eight-hour Virgin Atlantic flight would be helpful.

That way, an international traveler would be aware of certain indiscretions and cultural quirks before encountering them and being unaware as to how to handle themselves in the situation.

The well-informed tourist will not come off as extremely rude and ignorant.

American tourists are in essence ambassadors to the people of another country. Therefore, they should represent America and show respect to the people and history of the nation they are visiting.

An American would take great offense at a tourist laughing at George Washington. Therefore, Americans should take care to show respect to foreign heroes, culture and history.

Perhaps try a new dish instead of demanding a hamburger. Maybe one should learn a few basic sentences in the foreign language of the country he or she is visiting instead of yelling loudly in English at the local people.

Tourists should be open-minded and willing to step out of their comfort zones to an extent. Who knows? Maybe one will discover a new passion, a new favorite food or a unique location not found in a mass-produced travel book.

Wouldn't that prove a more interesting picture and story than Uncle Bobby eating a hot dog under some arc some guy built after winning some war?

 

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