The era of Americans as heroes is over, page 1

Some time ago on the terorism forum I said that the current policies of Bush are creating such a climate of resentment among the average Joe in the rest of the world that tourists and visitors overseas will be affected for it for a long time to come...

Just found this interesting, if selective, article that talks about the phenomenon...

www.usatoday.com... ... more on site


But if you're heading overseas, be prepared to have it. Again and again. If the past 100 years were widely considered the American Century, this new one is fast shaping up as the Anti-American Century.

Just ask tourist Colleen Frost, 33, who hopped into a cab recently on her first day in Berlin. An English-speaking driver demanded an explanation for what he called "America's megalomania."

"He wanted to know what I would think of my country if my brother or boyfriend was killed in a war," says Frost, a dental hygienist from Santa Fe. She says the ride was over before she could provide an answer for the disgruntled cabby.

How times have changed.

A mother lode of goodwill fostered in the decades after the defeat of Nazi Germany has been reduced to dust in recent years. A growing number of foreigners see some of the United States' political decisions (pulling out of the Kyoto Treaty on global emissions) and personal choices (Americans' penchant for gas-loving SUVs) as at best unilateral and at worst selfish. The confrontation over Iraq is just more fuel on a bonfire.

From Spanish plazas to Parisian metros, American tourists are being quizzed, grilled and even spat on by people who do not approve of the Bush administration's drive for a war against Saddam Hussein.

As a result, a declining number of Americans (54% today vs. 79% a year ago) believes that the USA enjoys a favorable image abroad, according to a recent Gallup poll. And a majority of Americans (64%) cite a fear of unfriendliness as the top concern of traveling abroad during wartime, according to a survey in the February issue of Conde Nast Traveler.

Anecdotal evidence from across Europe indicates those fears are not unfounded.

"I've spent 100 days a year for the past 30 years in Europe, and, generally, people always managed to differentiate a government's action from its citizens," says Rick Steves, a Seattle-based tour operator who specializes in Europe.

"But I have never seen this level of frustration in my lifetime. They just can't understand our push for war, especially the younger generation."

Steves says the current climate is in stark contrast to the "breathtaking" we-are- all-Americans sentiment that gripped Europe on Sept. 11, 2001. He is not discouraging his clients from traveling abroad now, and cancellations have been few. That said, his Web site features a flurry of concerned exchanges about overseas travel. Steves urges would-be tourists to pack the right attitude.

www.kuro5hin.org...

Really good link to another messageboard where an american wondered if he would be safe going to europe...

"We saved your asses in WWII". Say that, and be prepared for prices to be raised, and people to act as rudely as they possibly can.

Some other things: Joke about Bush(It will identify you as "smart" american, and people will like you), don't ask for American side dishes(ie: Fries with a local delicacy), try different things, attempt to speak the local language, and remember that you are on vacation, relax. No one likes people from any country that are humourless, impatient and rude.

There's a joke I heard in Germany, which you may find useful:

An American tour goup are driving though Europe. Their tour guide tells them "Right now we are crossing the Sienne, approaching the Notre Dame, and to our left you can see the Eiffel To.." "Hold on!" interrupts one of the tourists; "No details! WHAT COUNTRY?"

Europeans do not hate US citizens. We detest the current US politics, we critisze and oppose most of the US politicians, but we do not have anything against US individials (as long as they leave us alone with their war). You might hear people speaking out their opinion on US politics, but I am pretty sure you will not experience any personal difficulties. Of course there are madmans and exceptions, but you can meet them in the US too. Let me give you a final advice: do not believe everything of to the media, especially not the US mainstream media.

Read the NYT and read a few European quality papers like Le Monde, El Pais, Die Zeit, or The Guardian. You will get a different perspective on Europe, a different perspective on the word, and probably on the US.

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