Oh, I thought your original thought was meant to identify a proper term for a specific nationality with regard to citizens of the USA...not name-calling. Well, for that I don't have answer. I won't waste time thinking up creative terms that represent a prejudice to substitute for the generic term "Americans". I realize that labels "save time", but such things--limey/pommy/brit/wetback/wop/jap/paki/...well, take your pick--should stay in closed quarters. This is also a stereotype. But, as this entire thread is about stereotypes, I will concede the point that t
Dont worry, its not just an american problem, the brits abroad brigade have a bit of a bad reputation to overcome...police in some of the resorts in greece and spain have taken some pretty tough measures to clamp down on the unruly behaviour of us brits, its pretty embarrassing to say the least. I've always had alot of time for tourists from the states or canada, we get alot coming through our little town in the summer - its great! btw i have no problem with anyone calling me a pom/limey lol
Probably not. But it might demonstrate an awareness of one of the artifacts of cultural insensitivity wrought in the US over the years. Nope. Not my job. And if a non-perjorative alternative is desired, those that live between Canada and Mexico are going to have to think that one up for themselves. My point was simply to make the few of you that would even care - aware that there are a number things that you do as a matter of course - and in this instance rationalize as for lack of a better alternative - which are inherently disturbing and disenfranchising to your (physically) closest neighbors.... [For those that lack the ability to recognize to subtlety, this means that what you do (almost by instinct at this point) can be considered every bit as obnoxious (and oft times, as demeaning) as the more obvious examples that have already been discussed.] And then you wonder why you're not popular among anyone other than the Brits (and maybe an Aussie here or there). Where there's very little insight, there's very little chance of positive change, so insight must be the first step. Maybe (although I'll not be wagering it), that would be the benefit of this discussion.
Do I dare add to this discussion/argument that perhaps the reason why citizens of the USA refer to themselves as "American" is that it seems that many (too many, I feel) are not respective to, or at times aware of, what lies beyond their borders. It amazes me the number of times we meet folks from the USA that have so little knowledge of Canada. We give up saying we are from Manitoba -- they have no idea where (or what) that is. Some will ask "is that near Toronto?" Learn your geography folks -- Toronto does not encompass all of Canada! And no, I do not ride a dog sled or live in a igloo, but yes, we do have electricity and running water! Is their knowledge of European countries or the Far East that minimal as well?!? Then the opposite -- they are amazed that I know where Minnesoda or Michigan are. And yes, I have heard of Minneapolis and Detroit. I can even find them on a map --- I'm a genius!!! Don't get me wrong, I am not critizing all USA citizens, but this just seems to the norm of our experiences; both in Mexico and when we travel south of our border for holiday. That concludes my blog for the day ... ironically, I need to do some surfing for a last-minute deal for hubby & I to possibly go to Las Vegas or New York for a four-day weekend ... :lol:
There have been rumors of a conspiracy by Canada to invade its southern neighbor. I've heard there a statistic floating around suggesting that over 90% of the population are within 100 miles of the border with the USA (is that right?). [media=youtube]aZxa2D84IIo[/media]
On the other hand, the perception of the “ugly American” does not stop anyone from taking my “ugly American” money. Not in Mexico, Not in Canada, Not in Europe, Not anywhere.... Go figure???
I know. Everybody wants American tourists spending their American dollars. Vietnam is no exception. I've got plans to visit in-laws next year over there. I've read interviews and listened to documentaries where the local merchants really want more Americans to swing through. Most of the local travel agencies that I have seen online appear to tailor their websites to American tourists and even appeal to Vietnamese-Americans offering discounts for tours and such.
Isn't capitalism grand? It's amazing how the product of such a base human instinct (greed, in this case) can work such wonderful magic on otherwise stalwart isolationist entities, like the Berlin Wall and the Communist Party in Russia.
No doubt. Capitalism is fortunately the great un-equalizer. A philosophy that promotes initiative and competition wins over collective ownership and a theoretic classless society every time.
