Gringos, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, and other Latin Americans?

Question

Okay, the word "gringo", when latin americans call us Americans that, are they using it in a negative way?

And, concerning Hugo Chavez, Fidel, and other Latin Americans for that matter, do they hate all Americans, or only the government and George W. Bush? Because I am against Bush, I really can't stand this government anymore and I'm majoring in Spanish, so eventually I'm going to study abroad somewhere and I don't want to be harrassed and hated just because I was born in the U.S. Do they realize that just because we're born here that doesn't mean we support the actions of our government? I don't want to be hated just because my government sucks.

Can anybody shed some light on this issue for me?

does Chavez and Castro hate me, or just the government?

Answer 1

Yes, the word "gringo" has a negative way, but it's not used against United Statesians only, it can be used against Northert Europeans too and in some rare cases against Latin Americans of other countries.

Hugo Chávez, Fidel Castro and other far-leftist presidents only hate the government of the US, that's because the US is the biggest sponsor of capitalism in the world and the US is an enemy of them. Remember there are lots of countries in Latin America which government is an allie of the US.

Honestly, Latin Americans tends to have a negative vision of United Statesians, but they won't treat bad an United Statesian they meet in their country, much the contrary. I assure you.

Answer 2

Your question is a very complicated one with no easy answers. A lot will depend upon who you talk to. I am a Spanish teacher also. American media and Latin American media can present the same story in two very different ways. Remember, they are each maintaining loyalty to their own countries and leaders. As for how well people will accept you ,especially out of the country, a lot depends on you and your attitudes. If you go with an open mind, most people will be receptive to that and will credit you for taking the time and wanting to understand their culture. Just like in the US, you will encounter some discrimination (think of how some geographic areas in the US treat minorities), but you just keep trying anyhow. Not all people are the same, nor are all countries, all political leaders, etc. Keep your chin up and your eyes on your goal. I have found that the more languages you know, the more potential friends you can make. If you are a people person, it is well worth it. Try to judge people as individuals. I believe that is they way you want to be treated. Just don't be disappointed if everyone you meet is not capable of that. Everyone in the U.S. can't do that either--for many reasons. We all realize that we should take the time to get to know someone before judging--but even for us, that isn't always possible due to time, geography constraints, our own upbringing, and/or other reasons. Tolerance and open-mindedness and realizing that nothing stays the same for long will help you. As someone studying other cultures, you already know that generalizations can be dangerous. Certainly, not all Latin Americans or cultures are similar. I hope that gives you some things to think about and hope this helped.

Answer 3

CARACAS, June 2, 2009 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez stated on Tuesday that he and Cuban best buddy Fidel Castro danger being more desirable conservative than U.S. President Barack Obama as Washington prepares to take administration of commonplace autos Corp.

Answer 4

When hispanics use the word gringo they mean it negatively, Brazilians just mean american or european and don't mean it negatively (I don't know if you were only interested in hispanics, but you said latin americans). Hugo most likely hates us all, I didn't get the sense in my latest trips that all latin americans do though. I think if you bash bush you're okay with those of them who don't like him. I don't and I was still able to agree to disagree and maintain friendships.

Answer 5

Although you have some legitimate concerns, allow me to address one particular point which I believe will shed some light.

Your words: "I don't want to be harassed and hated just because I was born in the U.S. Do they realize that just because we're born here that doesn't mean we support the actions of our government? I don't want to be hated just because my government sucks."

My answer: When George was elected the first time (by the supreme court) people could forgive Americans, but after seeing what he was like and then re-electing him, well as the old adage goes, "One can forgive an error once, however to repeat it again in the face of knowing it was wrong to begin with, makes one not only foolish, but unforgivable as well"

Answer 6

just say that you are against the government, make sure that you open yourself up to the culture and willing to listen to anybody's opinion.

Answer 7

If you are concerened about prejudice against americans, why dont you say you are from canada?