How are American's viewed

[soon_to_be_halfBRIT]

Originally Posted by mkettner

I have heard that in order to have a better experience in Europe Americans will put Canadian Flags on all their luggage and other items so that they are identified as a citizen of a more favourable country. While I have not witnessed this I have had experience with people thinking I was an american but when I show them my Canadian passport their attitude completely changed on me.

This is a sad reality and I am not sure what can be done other then just showing them that you are different.

This does not have to be reality at all. On the contrary, all one has to do is follow a few easy steps of etiquette. I found this article very helpful : 'Speak softly, don't argue and slow down' By Philip Sherwell on Telegraph CO UK.
I am not allowed just yet to post urls until I have posted 20 posts... I could email you these if needed.

In it they speak of a 'World Citizen's Guide' that I advise to study and use. This is where you can find it www worldcitizensguide org.

You see one does not have to take such drastic measures just to 'have a better experience in Europe'. And one certainly does not have to compromise their pride for ones own country. More importantly, one does not have to act like someone else. Just common sense is all that is called for and mutual respect. On those guides I mentioned, you will find this common sense.

I hope this is helpful
soon_to_be_halfBRIT

[mkettner]

I agree!

I believe there are steps that can and should be taken in order to lessen the stereotype. However, the stereotype still exists and will exist especially with the American foreign policy the way it is right now. I know that is a dangerous topic talking about politics in a forum like this but even though American tourists can be the nicest people in the world they have a high chance of being labeled immediately with a negative connotation. It will take a lot of effort from a lot more people to change this.

Of course what I have written is purely opinion from my limited experience and the experience of those I come in contact with and may be highly skewed.

All the best,

Michael

[synthia]

The other thing I've noticed is that while Americans tend to feel responsible for the things their country does, people from other countries look on their misdeeds as something their government did, and they disclaim all responsibility. They chose that government, but that doesn't seem to count. I hear a lot of 'Blair did this' and 'Blair did that' but never 'we did this' or even 'England did this' or 'the UK did this'.

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

I haven't met anyone who immediately disliked me because I'm American. I do get the piss taken out of me on a regular basis, but I just throw it right back and everyone's happy.

If anything, in my area anyway, I find that people are generally thrilled to find out there's an American in their midst. In London we're a dime a dozen, but in the Southeast there's very few of us.

I think people are people. You're going to get some real ****'s and you're going to get some great new friends. Just be prepared to take some ribbing, and feel free to give it back.

[mkettner]

Originally Posted by Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin

I haven't met anyone who immediately disliked me because I'm American. I do get the piss taken out of me on a regular basis, but I just throw it right back and everyone's happy.

If anything, in my area anyway, I find that people are generally thrilled to find out there's an American in their midst. In London we're a dime a dozen, but in the Southeast there's very few of us.

I think people are people. You're going to get some real ****'s and you're going to get some great new friends. Just be prepared to take some ribbing, and feel free to give it back.

Great response! I believe you are correct in your assessment of it is all a matter of perspective.

[smcquie]

I don't think that English people are any worse to Americans than they are to Australians . At the very least I don't think it's ever personal - just laugh it off and don't get upset and they'll stop! I wouldn't hide that you are American - lots to be proud of - the nation doesn't exist solely of Mr Bush and any decent person gets that.

[newtoOZ]

I don't think Americans 'take the piss out of' people the way the English and Australians do. It can seem sometimes as if you are being personally attacked when you aren't. Our sense of humor is different, I think. I also think we aren't as accustomed to name-calling, or at least when we do, we are more likely to mean it. "*******" for instance, is not a term we typically use in a casual way.

[luke99]

well im a ex british army bloke and i can say i love america and the people there , thank,s for the help over the years america , god bless you , im very sure you will be welcom , especialy in wales where im from mate ,

[Geebug820]

In my personal experience i've always found that most British people are curious to see and meet an American, in particularly places outside of London. I have never had a bad experience at all, they seem actually interested in knowing about me rather than pass judgement and make fun of me, I think that the people that are critical of the U.S. for whatever reasons will keep that to themselves rather than insult you or make you feel uncomfortable, just don't EVER ADMIT TO BE A REPUBLICAN IF YOU ARE INDEED ONE, LOL!

[Geebug820]

Originally Posted by soon_to_be_halfBRIT

This does not have to be reality at all. On the contrary, all one has to do is follow a few easy steps of etiquette. I found this article very helpful : 'Speak softly, don't argue and slow down' By Philip Sherwell on Telegraph CO UK.
I am not allowed just yet to post urls until I have posted 20 posts... I could email you these if needed.

In it they speak of a 'World Citizen's Guide' that I advise to study and use. This is where you can find it www worldcitizensguide org.

You see one does not have to take such drastic measures just to 'have a better experience in Europe'. And one certainly does not have to compromise their pride for ones own country. More importantly, one does not have to act like someone else. Just common sense is all that is called for and mutual respect. On those guides I mentioned, you will find this common sense.

I hope this is helpful
soon_to_be_halfBRIT

I totally agree with you, the one thing that I would say annoys foreigners is probably the way in which Americans do speak loudly. We can't help it though, it's just the way we speak, however, I have learned how to tone it down a bit. Regarding American's passing as Canadians, well it is sort of sad but I know of people that have done that in the past whilst traveling around Europe.