Why does it seem most Americans believe they should not be bound by the law of the country they may be in?

Question

One thing that shocks me is that most Americans I know are unaware that when in a foreign country, they are bound by the laws of that country despite being US citizens. After telling them this, the very next thing they do is complain about how stupid that is. I know women who have been to Saudi Arabia and were mad that they had to wear veils, saying "as an American I shouldn't have to wear a veil, that's an insult to the ideals of my country". I'm sorry, but when in Saudi Arabia, you aren't in the United States. You could say "oh, you don't know, you're a man". Even though I'm a man, I have been to countries where I had to follow laws I did not like. In Mexico, I cannot say a thing about Mexican politics or else I can be deported, because only Mexican citizens may participate in the politics of Mexico (I wish we had a similar law in the United States). But anyway, why do Americans think they should be above local law, but expect foreigners to follow our law when they come here?

Answer 1

Narcissism in a nutshell.

American triumphalism is at it's worst when some Americans go overseas, you have an educated monied class like the Rumsfled's and Cheney's who imperialize their position with no good standing or tradition to do so.

You then have a somewhat monied class which may or may not be educated (typically Republican) who feel they have every right in the world to do whatever they want, basically they are overgrown adolescents, while they mention situations being offensive to American values, they would just just as likely be highly shocked and offended if those values were actually imposed upon them.

You then have a non-monied class which is just ignorant of common sense regarding what passes for good conduct abroad.

There are other groups that are actually not nearly that offensive and some might even say enlightened to the ideals of respecting other legal or social systems, but that is a relatively smaller group.

Answer 2

It has been my experience that SOME Americans are ignorant of the reasons that they need to follow the laws of another country. Either they refuse to listen, or they can't wrap their head around the fact that they are dancing in someone else's home. I think it's a bit like the issue of people having biases about others who are different. It's a bit of arrogance, I think, to believe that one is so superior to others that they can't even consider adhering to customs of another country just because they are not something they wish to obey.

As for the veil thing, there is a very good reason for that law or custom, from what I heard. Maybe ending ignorance would be a good way to combat such things, but you're right, everyone visiting another country should adhere as best as they can to the laws and customs they are under.

PS: I don't think it's most americans who have a problem with obeying foreign laws and such. I think it's just that most of those that have the cash to go to another country are the ones who think like that, is all. For the average person, a trip to a vastly different country isn't possible, but we'd still be smart enough to obey the laws once we knew of them if we were able to go.


------American, but no dummy. ;)

Answer 3

Im an american and I agree that If I travel somewhere I need to follow the law there. So I guess im not one of the 'most' you are talking about.
I really doubt many Americans think that way actually although im sure some do.

Answer 4

some rules are honest, and then others are unfair. case in point, i think of the guidelines against using under the impact are honest, with the aid of fact it protects human beings, no longer purely the driving force. yet rules with regard to the driving force being compelled to placed on a seatbelt are unfair. particular, they shield that one guy or woman, yet I ought to be waiting to settle on for myself if i desire to placed on a seatbelt without dealing with effects. To me, rules which includes that violate a democracy.

Answer 5

because they ARE American

Answer 6

your a raghead, a good one to be talkin about rights........