Repost: Ugly American Syndrome
Information retrieved from : http://www.time-travellers.org/Historian/UglyAmerican.html How to Avoid Ugly American Syndrome My fellow Americans, Are you planning a vacation to Europe? Are you aware of “Ugly American Syndrome”? You know how Americans tell jokes about foreigners (the French always seem to be a popular target for a laugh)? Well, guess what? They tell jokes about you ! And from what I have observed the European stereotype of the ugly American is embarrassingly true. I saw a play in Ireland in summer 1999 in which American tourists were satired--they were dressed in white sneakers, fanny packs, t-shirts with a sports team logo, and baseball caps. They complained about the cigarette smoke and asked for decaf coffee. Quite amusing since the actors resembled my parents a bit. (Though, I must admit I also asked for decaf coffee in Ireland.) Some stereotypes and how to avoid them: 1. Americans are loud. Talk less loudly. Many Europeans speak English very well