Perception of Americans?

Question

As an American, having lived in shame of her country's government for the past 6 years, I am curious as to how I am perceived by people in other countries. I have long felt an affinity with other nations, hoping to spend my life in many (namely England, France or Italy, perhaps even Canada)..if nothing else, I want to travel to said countries as soon as possible. Should I wear an "I'm American; I apologize" shirt, or simply avoid stating my country of origin? I've spent these years of shame hoping that my fellow beings realizes all Americans are not the same, but I can't really know the truth without hearing it firsthand. Cheers.

Answer 1

I'm a Canadian and I used to live right across the river from Detroit. I've travelled extensively in your country, so hopefully I can help.
What has struck me most about visiting Americans is how often they are rude. While not always the case, I've often been treated like a second-class citizen in my own country by visiting Americans. On the other hand, when I visited the US I found that most Americans treated me very well (especially in the South!), more like a respected foreign dignitary than a visiting neighbour. This contrast is odd, and a bit disturbing.
You are right that most of the rest of the world hates your government's foreign policy. Some people may take this out on you, but if you tell them how you feel about your own nation's policies they'll probably come around and tell you to keep up the good work. Most intellegent people realize that not all Americans are as dumb as your leaders (and media) make you seem.
If you are going visit another country, I suggest you do some research on that country and try and have some good, local topics of conversation. Everyone in the world knows what's happening in US politics, but most Americans seem to know nothing about the politics outside their own state. For instance, most Americans (at least, most that I've met) think that Toronto is the capitol of Canada, and many have never even heard of Ottawa. Have something interesting to say about politics in the country you're visiting (in Canada, maybe compare Bush to Harper and Clinton to Martin) and people will probably turn right around. You may even be able to make people feel better about the US by demonstrating how intellegent and aware Americans can be.
About the T-shirt: I think it's a great idea, but only if you're going to have something intellegent to say when people inevitably ask you about it. Luckily, you sound like a person who will have something very smart to say.
I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Every culture has their stereotypes, I'm Irish and I'm sure you can think of about 10 different stereotypes there. I've spent some time in America and you would be surprised at the number of Americans who feel the same as you do. I will admit that the American stereotype abroad is probably not the most positive thing, but I think most people realise that only 1 in 10 is going to be loud and rude. I spent the last year working in a bookshop that was like a magnet to Americans, and while we did have our little jokes (most of the older visitors felt the need to open their conversation with, Im from the states...) Americans were generally more polite than customers from other countries. The main thing to avoid is saying loudly, 'if we were at home.....', people who can't enjoy the differences between countries, culture and people shouldn't be allowed a passport.

Answer 3

Why do you feel you have something to be ashamed of? This country may have some issues but we also have some wonderful benefits. Such as having the ability to say what you are saying and not being arrested.
I may be one person and can't change anything but one person in many can. You have the chance to change the future or you can leave it alone and continue to complain. Before you leave your own country in disgust take a look at some other countries and the laws that run the people.

Answer 4

Go, see the world, enjoy life. By staying where you are and not experiencing the rest of the world will make you a stereotypical American. Once you travel and people get to know you for who you are they will value you that way. Trying to not be a stereotype will make you all the more like one. Embrace culture, experience customs, sample the cuisine. Life's too short to be sitting at home worrying about what others think. Come to Canada for a start. Then head overseas on your way to a great adventure.

Answer 5

I would think people would respect you more if you were proud to be American. I don't think you have anything done that you have to be ashamed of. All the countries you mentioned have done bad things too, some of the European ones have a history far more violence than America. America isn't perfect, but neither is any other country. One difference between America and other countries is this: Americans admit when they have done something wrong and they try to change. Other countries live in a state of denial of the bad things they have done and sweep them under the rug or gloss over them in their history.

Answer 6

Mostly they wear very loud shirts that don't need a slogan to say "I'm American, screw you". No, not true.

Yanks have a stereotype link any other nationality. They have names like Elmer, loud shirts, two cameras, overweight, talk loudly, say thinks like "Gee whizz" and "Ain't that just so quaint" and complain things are bigger and better back home. My experience is that the reality, obviously is different.

I find Americans to be much more open and friendly than "Europeans", far more willing to start conversations with strangers. Don't worry about Bush, we all have people we wish were never born. Come on over, and just be yourself. there is no great downer on yanks here.

Answer 7

like the respond above me. I stay in Germany and that i hate it once I pay attention the Germans talk smack approximately individuals (not the President or politics, those subjects i will understand) however the yankee way, yet then crank up their Justin Timberlake and examine Paris Hilton. Our entertainment is their entertainment too! I truthfully have been over here for 5 months now and all the music you pay attention everywhere is American, the flicks that come out interior the theaters are from usa and that they LOVE our celebs. sounds like their way of existence/way is alot like ours, in basic terms fit. do not understand approximately #4, even even with the undeniable fact that the city the place I stay has heavy classic Catholic impact and values. #5 ~ comparable as maximum individuals (he's one reason we've this style of undesirable rap).

Answer 8

Do other coutnries really think we say Gee whiz? and aint that so quaint? wow thats funny we haven't used the term Gee whiz seriously since like the 50's, and I love Ottawa! Everybody around where I live has heard of Ottawa and like the 3 colleges students' go there all the time probably to drink or to go to concerts like my brother. Ok now to the original statement/question thing. It seems like you really don't like the United States because you want other people in different countries to like you, so you'll say American's are so stupid and fat, a loud and arrogant, I'm wondering if you actually live here, becuase I know a girl who almost died from anorexia because people say that American's are fat (and there are thousands of other people in the US like her), a girl who barely talks at all, the most she will say to me is hi and I have known her for about 5 years. If you want to go to a different country becuase you don't like our government fine, but we now have democrats in charge of the house, and we will have a new president in two years, I mean people like us when we have great president's but when we dont people are like I hate Americans they are so stupid.

Answer 9

my question is "why do you care?" i am not trying to sound arrogant...because i like other people and have nothing against them. but why do you care so much what other countries think of america. the idea is not to bed over backwards and kiss their a ss at all costs. you try to make friends with them...and if they are not interested, don't lose any sleep over it.

if you are so ashamed to be an american...than leave. if it is sooo bad....than just go. canada and mexico are right there. if i was that unhappy somehwere or that ashamed, you certainy couldn't hold me back.

but my guess is...you won't ...because deep down you know america is a thousand times better to you than any other nation on earth (regardless of who is in the white house)

dont be a brat. you have it darn good.

Answer 10

You take this nation for granted. That's all I have to say for you.