it works because of the basic nature of people. we are greedy. we are not honest. style wins over substance. ego is a stronger force than compassion.
It's all relative, isn't it? BTW, there's a much longer discussion going on over here about the same article (I think): http://boards.msn.com/Travelboards/thread.aspx?threadid=280976&boardsparam=Page=1
everything is relative. most people do not like those dramatically different than themselves, or their country, etc.
Generally speaking, I agree. As we all of us interact more on the global stage, we get exposed more and more to other cultures and also vice versa. The diversity of cultures, faiths, and world-views overwhelm the basic human reaction of "hey, you look different than me!" Tourists become unwitting (usually?) emissaries of their countrypersons at home and their behavior abroad unfortunately reflects upon the rest of them/us.
I'm afraid that the basic human reaction you're talking about hasn't been overwhelmed yet. I think that more of it exists in all of us than anyone is prepared to admit - and I'm not talking about race or any of the other areas of 'diversity' that all seem to be so proud to claim some level of progress. Is there anyone here that stops to ask someone that looks like a panhandler whether they need help if they stumble on a curb. At the same time, is there a single male amongst all that read this post that would NOT be prepared to offer assistance to a pretty young blonde that might stumble on that same curb? Our world is filled with hypocrites which practice their hypocracy without even realizing it. That part is true - but it's not everything. I think the reputation of each and every citizen of the US has been tainted by the debacle that's gone on in Iraq, led by a president that's been re-elected despite the obvious. And before anyone starts flaming, let me assure you that I am acutely aware of what the state that the free world's economy would be in today without significant intervention. The fact is that the free world, led by the US, painted itself into a corner and is now inextricably locked in a trade of blood for oil that is projected to last into the foreseeable future. It's accepted that when things go badly, the leader hangs - yet this one did not and is not expected to - and the world views that as a complete and utter abdication of responsibility by the citizenry of what used to be the most highly respected nation on earth. Although money has extended the degree to which US ineptitude has been tolerated, we're now seeing that the world is learning to do without it in order to re-sanctify their collective souls. What's more, the US has squandered it's inheritance first in an attempt to hide, and then in an attempt to correct the symtoms of it's negligence. Essentially, the short-lived era of US pre-dominance in the world is ending as we speak, and it's citizens will have to cope with an increasing sense of being jaundiced until it is prepared to admit it's mistakes and work as a working (not dictating) member of the world team for the benefit of all (and not just itself).
Good thread Michael. I've been travelling (for 9 months now, wow! :shock: ), and I've had similar chats with many people I've met, about the sereotypes of their country and how they're percived. Aussies tend to LOVE calling us Poms, in fact, some say it quite aggressively, but not all. I take it with a pinch of salt (or call them a convict...). There waere 2 Texan girls at the hostel a while back, they're still around and are great girls. You don't see a lot of Americans backpacking here, or at least I haven't, so them being here led to a convo on how "all Yanks" are loud, rude etc. Not quite fair eh. Theres a fair few Canadians backpacking and they do, IMO, get a warmer welcome than Americans. From a personal view, I get all sorts of comments when I say I'm from Essex and the fact I speak like a Cockney doesn't help :wink:
