Ugly Americans

The reputation of the ugly American abroad is not just some cruel stereotype. Rather, says the United States Government, it is worryingly accurate, according to reports doing the media rounds.
"Surveys consistently show that Americans are viewed as arrogant, insensitive, over-materialistic and ignorant about local values. That, in short, is the image of the ugly American abroad and we want to change it."
Personally I think the whole issue is off beam, as usual. For starters it the issue is more about government policy direction than it is about individual travelers.
Let’s face it, travelers from all cultures can be positively charming or downright bloody offensive when they are put in a different pond. Sorry, America, but that is not a unique American trait.
But State and industry have now joined forces in this misaimed attempt at cleaning up the American image. This includes ‘traveler guidelines’ which spell out appropriate behaviour, like:

Save the lectures for your kids Whatever your subject of discussion, let it be a discussion not a lecture. Justified or not, the US is seen as imposing its will on the world.
If you talk politics, talk - don't argue Steer clear of arguments about American politics, even if someone is attacking US politicians or policies. Agree to disagree.

It is not the pro-US argument we find offensive, it is the ‘Country right or wrong’. The land of free speech comes across as the land of ‘imposed thought’. Face it, when criticism of government policy is labeled as ‘Un-American’ opinions are bound to be shallow and defensive. And simply agreeing to disagree quickly reinforces that opinion.

Speak lower and slower A loud voice is often perceived as bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive.
That’s the way, really piss off the natives by taking a totally patronizing approach. If you think loud and aggressive is going to upset those foreign idiots, try the slow, carefully enunciated approach. If you think they still don’t understand then go slow but raise your voice so they can hear better.

Your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs Religion is usually considered deeply personal, not a subject for public discussions.
Come on, you invented right wing, radical Christianity and now you aren’t allowed to tell the world.
If you are inclined to the evangelical end of religion please let me know right away. I don’t care where you are from, you will be treated with a completely, culturally unprejudiced distain.

American people are much like any other multi racial population, and people are essential just people, anywhere.
What the State Department should be looking at is the general tendency of American’s to defend indefensible government policies; their blind adherence to that religion called patriotism; the apparent bland acceptance of demonstrably flawed military adventures; the reluctance to openly question their government.
Note the words ‘general tendency’ because the negatives which might inflict American society are by no means universal. Given that the real problem emanates from the government, it is difficult to imagine State being able to offer remedies. The real answer is in open minds.