Posted on 04/15/2006 9:26:23 PM PDT by Family Guy
The list of "simple suggestions" in the article could just be summed up as, "don't be a strong American because everyone else is weak and will cry because they feel inferior".
???? So, in other words they mistake us for being French?
You mean I shouldn't go to a foreign country and demand that others learn to speak English to accomodate me? Or I shouldn't march in their streets with a U.S. flag and signs in english, demanding 'rights'? I shouldn't expect their hospitals to give me free health care or their schools to educate my children in english for free? Or for them to give me food stamps and welfare?
Looks like other countries aren't nearly as stupid as we are.
"So, in other words they mistake us for being French?"
Naw!! We're just bein' us.
But most important, can I put a towel on the lounge by the pool in the morning so that it's reserved it all day?
I think we have prevent John Kerry from traveling abroad anymore.
Unless you're in an islamic country. Then it will be pounded into your head 5 times a day that you're an infidel who is only 'worth' half of what a muslim is. Unless you're a Jew. Then you're only worth a quarter. Or a Hindu. Then you're only worth a sixteenth.
Of course if you're a Jew in an islamic country you may not make it out alive. Remember Daniel Pearl?
L
Sorry, if I have a question about religion, I'll ask it. There are ways to discuss these things and sound curious about them. That's a part of me that I don't hide or go out of my way to be vocal about, and it's not something I'm going to suppress in a foreing country. Just common sense and respect.
As for slowing down, that really depends on where you are. There are places in London where the Brits will mow you down if you're going too slow. Well, they're like that all over the place.
It's just a matter of trying to fit in and being respectful. Common sense.
Perhaps we should start doing our best to fit in in Europe. You know, act like Soccer hooligans or Paris students.
"World Citizens Guide"
Well, alrighty then. State's dispensing with the subterfuge. Thank heaven for small favors, I guess.
I would respectfully disagree with you. Though it's true that there are many Parisians who are rude, they aren't just rude to you--they're rude to everyone, including their own countrymen from different parts of France. Parisians can be so appalling that they're just about out of this discussion anyway.
I've seen my American countrymen behaving in ghastly ways. American girls trying to enter a cathedral wearing a bikini top and shorts with half their butts hanging out, chewing gum and laughing--this is an insult in any country. Americans in Spain yelling that a courteous and erudite Spanish gentleman is a "goddamn spic." An American family in Vienna, contemplating the art of the Schonbrunn palace, saying loudly in the middle of an international tour group, "Jesus Christ, what a bunch of shit, let's get out of here." This is barbaric behavior and makes us all look like fools.
Are there ignorant, crude Englishmen, Germans, Italians? Yes, of course, but they rarely come over here to act like slobs. Anyway, we can't fix their behavior, only ours.
Overseas maybe. But here in the USA, your religion is considered a criminal offense by liberals, leftists, communists, homosexuals of the socialist democrat party and MSM.
So I guess "Nice city - I'd nuke that" is out of the question?
"The list of "simple suggestions" in the article could just be summed up as, "don't be a strong American because everyone else is weak and will cry because they feel inferior".
For more than 50 years blue state liberals have been the face of Americans on European vacation.
Maybe it is time for Europe to meet normal Americans.
Fairview, you are definitely right. I wasn't saying that Americans don't need to behave ourselves. We definitely do need to. I was commenting that I don't believe the list of "simple suggestions" would solve the problem. I think whoever came up with them is way off base. Becoming wimpy and weak as well as rude isn't going to make us any more loved in the world. We should remain strong and at the same time be courteous and respectful.
In France, carry a white flag at all times....and, if you happen to speak loudly in German, don't be surprised if Frenchmen bend over and grab their ankles in front of you.
A couple of years ago the wife and I spent some very nice time in Malaga, Spain. We are both very quiet, easy going people. Malaga was wonderful and the people very friendly, but there were a few who were very obnoxious when they found out we were American.
I know that some Americans can be very obnoxious, they are here in this country all the time. But I also think that many Europeans have a fixed impression of American's in their minds and an individual's personal conduct means nothing.
The wife and I also used to make several trips a year to Victoria, BC (right next door). Our last one was shortly following 9/11 when one local scratched some nice comments about American's in the paint of our car. One police officer went so far as to suggest that we should understand that some of their citizens were upset with our nation.
Respect is a two way street.
In much of the rest of France the treatment of American's is far different and has been for many years.
I loved the French, but I've never been to Paris.
My experiences were in places like Valdeone, Bourg-lastic , and Dieuze.
The French Special Forces were reserved, humble (even shy) guys that loved the Texan openness.
They wanted to cross the room to speak with the American but were hesitant to do so, they loved it when the distance was covered by the "Texan".
A truly warm, caring, person will always be accepted, and if your vacation drags on remember this, " hard physical work is universally respected".
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.