People from other cultures may think
that...
Americans are disrespectful because:
Their greetings are short and casual.
They seldom address people by their titles.
They call almost everyone by their first name.
They immediately ask if you are married and how many children
you have.
They do not walk you to your car or to the bus stop when you
leave their house after a visit.
They prefer to entertain guests at home rather than at a
restaurant.
They
are too direct, too blunt,
and will tell you the truth even if it may not be what you want
to hear.
Americans' friendships are shallow because they call many, many
people "friends;" people they have just met as well as those
they have not seen in 5 years.
Americans are not modest.
They will often acknowledge
a compliment by saying "thank you." A man will even admit to
having an attractive spouse.
Americans are easily intimidated.
They will stand meekly in line to buy a ticket, board a bus or
cash a check; drivers will stop for a stop sign out in the
country when there are no other cars in sight.
"The Ugly American"
This term comes from the title of a
book published in the early 70's, and has stuck. It can be
applied to you if you are not careful. You can avoid being
identified as an Ugly American if you:
Avoid temptations to tell people that Americans do things
better.
Try hard to be a person who shares, and who is inclusive in
relationships.
Be genuinely interested in your host country and its people.
Do not talk excessively about your possessions, or your family
and friends.
Do not demand special treatment because you are an American.
Do not drink alcohol to excess.
Do not be obvious or loud about your patriotism/nationalism.
Do not tell your host country's citizens how much they are
behind the United States, technologically, politically,
socially, economically...even if you think you have the evidence
to back it up! Try to be objective, open and thoughtful when you
enter into conversations and debates.
Do not throw your money around, and be aware of what is
considered excessive spending. Pay special attention to how
much, if at all, locals tip waitstaff. The American norm of 15%
can be considered not only unnecessary, but sometimes even
insulting. Also, remember that in many cultures bartering, such
as in open-air markets, is not only encouraged, but expected.
Familiarize yourselves with native practices, and try hard to
follow their example. |
