why are people so ignorant!?

Question

Im currently away travelling and i am astounded by the rudness and ignorance of people from america and other english speaking countries, they expect everyone to speak english, the completely disregard cultures and are visibly annoyed when they dont get exactly what they asked for!
two examples.
a guy in my hostel said 'i hate these siesta things they have in spain, i mean whats the point and then everythings shut' then i swear to god 30 mins later he went for a 'power nap' another guy then complained bitterly about gespatcheo (not sure how u spell it) and was like 'oh my god it was cold soup, who wants cold soup'
I just wondered if there is something that makes people this ignorant cos it blows my mind!

i omit all and change is to some, not all english speaking people are like that,

Answer 1

I don't travel without making a serious attempt at getting conversant in the language of the country I visit. I also read books like Culture Shock! so I can have a better understanding of people I meet. I do seem to be a minority amongst traveling english speakers though, so I hear ya!

UPDATE: The brit pretending to be polish above me reminded me of how we expect visitors to our countries to speak english, so why shouldn't we learn their languages when we go to their countries?

Answer 2

While there are many ignorant people in every country, I think rudeness is a more accurate descriptor for the behavior you describe. Some people, not having travelled much, are quite surprised, even disturbed, at the different cultures they encounter. But, that is the whole point of travel: one suddenly has an actual experience demonstrating that there is a whole world out there that doesn't feel any need to live the way one does or to speak this language or that. Hopefully, this culture shock gives way to openness and understanding; then one evolves from being a tourist to being a true traveller, someone who delights in that which is different and seeks to submerge, even if only briefly, into the other. Otherwise, one's mind stays closed and other cultures are seen as obstacles to be overcome, even attacked. This is the mindset of the bigot.


By the way, it's spelled gazpacho.

Answer 3

My guess would be not enough exposure to certain things. For someone who has never heard of gazpacho or siestas, I'm sure they seem strange. It's really the way the person phrases their curiousness or dislike to it. If I said, "Wow--this soup is cold. It's kind of weird." and I put my spoon down, don't you think that would be better than saying, "Oh my God this soup is cold. Who wants cold soup?" Probably so. They're both saying the same things though.

It could also be how you're interpreting what they're saying.

Answer 4

You are asking a question about people being ignorant, yet you are coming across that way! You shouldn't generalise like that. SOME people from America and English speaking countries behave in that way; not all. I for one make an effort to converse in the language of a country I am visiting. I have studied a foreign language at degree level.

I am also very aware that everyone has different customs and tradtions, and try to embrace these when I travel.

Answer 5

Some people, when they travel, become extremely nervous. Others, just are uneducated, as to customs and to manners.
There are just those, who want to rant, because their little world is not perfect that day. It's that way all over the world.
It's the normal human condition. Education is losing the game.

Answer 6

I agree with you there. If an English-speaker goes abroad then he/she should at least make the effort to communicate in the language of the country they're in, instead of just battering on with English and getting angry when they get nowhere.

The whole concept of "if they don't understand then say it louder" just doesn't work.

Answer 7

ha ha there's always someone who's gotta correct on spelling ! anyway i don't give a f*** bout people and the way they act or if they speak different! its all about respect.respect others and they will respect you.if i think someones out of order (ya know like being rude) then ill say something! they may not like it....but hey don't be rude..if you cant take it then don't give it !!!!

Answer 8

i completely agree with your point of view. why are they so narrow minded?
if these people can't respect the traditions and culture of other countries or groups then they should at least keep it to themselves.
failing that, why don't they just stay in their own country if they don't like the way other people run their countries?

Answer 9

whatever peoples do in their own House isn't my business, I have trouble keeping up with my own sanity by living in their house the best I can do, is respect then, a/o turn around and get out way from then if I don't need to be there, its their House not might, to criticize, and destroy.

Answer 10

not everyone is like that, but no matter what language you speak there is ignorance, i like to be able to communicate wherever i go even if i cant speak their language i try to pick up a few words at least