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hlthe2b

(115,134 posts)

19. And? There is a reason stereotypes persist. I saw it first hand and learned to avoid it because

Thu Jun 11, 2026, 08:22 AM

Jun 11

I don't want to behave that way. Seems that would not bother you either as I'm sure you don't behave that way either. So not sure why I seemed to have "struck a nerve."

The American tourists who do engage without "airs" do fine. One of the fondest memories I had was encountering an older Midwestern farmer and his wife who talked to everyone--even those who could only speak in broken English, smiled, and were just themselves. Of course, I was smiling watching them which had them readily coming over to "see what my story was and if I was German or French or Egyptian or Canadian or ..."

While I'd been working and traveling overseas at that point for months, they were quite cute thinking they needed to take this unaccompanied young (at the time) woman under their wing. It was quite cute and we had a delightful dinner together--including several other locals. Very enjoyable. But, not all Americans take their cues. More's the pity.

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Highlight:

You will be treated very badly. [View all] tavernier Jun 11 OP

Following Sedona Jun 11 #1

I guess these colors *do* run? Tim S Jun 11 #2

It gets complicated when the president claims the flag as his own tavernier Jun 11 #7

That's A Rather Nasty Implication And A Nonsensical .... ColoringFool Jun 11 #17

I live in England, fwiw r�is�n_dubh Jun 11 #3

Yes. The "Ugly American" phenom is real. I worked overseas for years and nearly everyone hlthe2b Jun 11 #5

it's also a very old stereotype LymphocyteLover Jun 11 #13

Well, When This Century Has Been Dominated By Our ILLEGAL INVASIONS AND... ColoringFool Jun 11 #18

And? There is a reason stereotypes persist. I saw it first hand and learned to avoid it because hlthe2b Jun 11 #19

An old stereotype resurrected by a president who is the ultimate ugly American. -nt CrispyQ Jun 11 #28

the loud ones get attention Skittles Jun 11 #32

When I went to Europe, I was also mistaken for a Canadian. haele Jun 11 #34

It has been like that for a long time genxlib Jun 11 #8

Being polite and respectful helps always Easterncedar Jun 11 #4

I have been to various parts of Europe twice this year. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Lonestarblue Jun 11 #6

I was in Europe kairos12 Jun 11 #9

We returned from a family visit last month after 3 weeks in Germany: there were no issues. MLWR Jun 11 #10

My neighbor just returned from Europe HAB911 Jun 11 #11

In Sept of 2016 while visiting my aunt & uncle in western Switzerland; she took me and a cousin to Paris. While there... electric_blue68 Jun 11 #37

JEEZE HAB911 Jun 11 #39

Right?! Bummed me out for a few mins...but then got focused on getting to the Eiffel Tower! electric_blue68 Jun 11 #40

Well, since a good chunk of us are struggling just to survive each day... OldBaldy1701E Jun 11 #12

My teenager is over there on a school trip Dr. Shepper Jun 11 #14

We were not treated badly! WVGIRL Jun 11 #15

Sitting in Sofia Bulgaria al_liberal Jun 11 #16

That kind of warnings makes me irate. sinkingfeeling Jun 11 #20

I can only echo what others have said. cab67 Jun 11 #21

Trump is ruining travel for decent Americans. That's why no decent restaurant or resort should provide service to any ChicagoTeamster Jun 11 #22

This message was self-deleted by its author sinkingfeeling Jun 11 #23

I was in France and Spain last summer and was never treated badly. yardwork Jun 11 #24

wear an obama hat. mopinko Jun 11 #25

I haven't seen it there in recent trips JustAnotherGen Jun 11 #26

My 15 year old grandson is in Germany on an exchange school trip. BoomaofBandM Jun 11 #27

Was in Frankfurt and Cologne a week ago.... Melon Jun 11 #29

My experience last year in Frankfurt, at a party, was that other guests were cautious initially, but once wiggs Jun 11 #42

Just got back from Germany actually MenloParque Jun 11 #30

My experience as well. Germany and the UK Melon Jun 12 #43

You'll definitely be asked your opinion of Trump in the first conversation with anyone overseas. sboatcar Jun 11 #31

SO and I traveled through Europe in October mcar Jun 11 #33

I live part time in England GenThePerservering Jun 11 #35

I live in Germany, speak the language fluently, and am married to a German DFW Jun 11 #36

Thank you to you and to everyone who answered. tavernier Jun 12 #46

Had a wonderful time in Paris when my aunt took me and a cousin from where I was visiting them in Switzerland.... electric_blue68 Jun 11 #38

One thing we did Unwind Your Mind Jun 11 #41

I'm always floored by people thinking they deserve to be chewed out abroad, or should pretend to be from somewhere else rictofen Jun 12 #44

I've lived and travelled overseas more or less continuously since 2003 meadowlander Jun 12 #45