The American Reputation

I am going to London this summer for an internship and will be staying there for 3 months. There is so much planning going into all this, not only for the internship, but for the weekend trips, the crazy exchange rates, etc. One thing that has been brought to my attention as well is the idea of the "ugly American," a term deemed for American tourists in other countries.

Last week, at a meeting with people who did the same program the previous year, the topic of acting "American" came up a lot. "Don't wear white tennis shoes" and " Don't wear long jeans" were two of many fashion don'ts among other don'ts, that would give away that you are American.

Why is this need to disguise our identity in other countries so important. According to this article ugly behavior can be defined as:

"[having] an overall lack of understanding that there is such a thing as cultural difference."

Are Americans really that ignorant? Do we really visit other countries and embarrass ourselves? When going to another country we should definitely be aware of the cultural differences, but is there a reason why we have managed to be granted the title "ugly Americans?"

I think for the most part, being the "melting pot" that we are, people don't come over here saying "don't act like that when you go to America or they'll know you are from England."

However, according to the same article:

"Let it be said that no group holds a monopoly on the title of "ugly." Tip-stiffing, line-jumping, excessive price-haggling, sidewalk-blocking-when-stopping-suddenly-to-take-pictures-of-a-person-playing-the-steel-drums — none of these are unique to any national group."

This article explains that people from all different countries are starting to tour more, so American's are no longer the only "ugly" ones, people touring over here are as well.

But where should the line get drawn? Offensive discourse is different among countries and could grant you the title of "ugly American" if you aren't aware of different connotations held for different words-- but is wearing white tennis shoes really that big of deal?

And if that is the case, if we are going to be monitored for every little thing we do or say in another country, should we do the same? Last summer, I met some people from London who were staying in Seattle. When the girl wanted a cigarette she kept referring to it as a "fag", obviously a derogatory word for homosexuals here.

So, if we're expected to "behave" ourselves when going abroad, should we be expecting the same from people coming over here or should we all just respect each other's differences?

Back To Top