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With Obama as president, will Americans get a warmer reception overseas?
That's the question posed to Rolf Potts over at World Hum, and I think his response hits the spot. More than anything, he takes issue with the question's premise-- that Americans aren't treated very well when they travel abroad. He writes:
"As disastrous as the Bush presidency has been for America's international reputation, individual American travelers have been doing just fine on the road. I've traveled more or less nonstop for the past eight years, and I can attest that people the world over are pretty good at discerning individual Americans from American politics."
For what it's worth, according to a new survey by STA Travel of 10,000 students who have traveled abroad in the past year, over 41% of respondents believed that the Obama presidency will improve American travelers' experiences abroad.
Perhaps. Most of my fellow international travelers were certainly happy about Obama's election on my most recent trip, and they congratulated me that my country had finally shown some "good sense." But I can't say their kind words about my country's most recent presidential election really made my trip any more enjoyable. I was, after all, still asked to answer for this.
Read Rolf's whole answer here.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin Glow Jan 22nd 2009 9:54AM
I agree with Rolf here. I traveled a lot over the past 8 years, and only once did I (knowingly) have anyone judge me for my nationality rather than my personality.
Just because you've got a jerk president doesn't mean you're a jerk -- people understand this. And likewise, now that you've got a more respected president doesn't mean you will be treated the same regardless.
masanddjs Jan 22nd 2009 10:01AM
I live in Belgium and have to admit, the people here are very excited about Obama. The church bells were ringing all over town in Brussels after his oath of office.
Most of the people treat us as individuals, rather than judge us as "Americans". I have to admit, that we encountered more animosity and criticism of the USA from people in the UK. Having said that, if we encounter any rude people who are looking for a "heated discussion" about America, we just say we are from Toronto
SheepEoh Jan 22nd 2009 10:17AM
As a Canadian living abroad for the last little while, I have wholeheartedly defended my sometimes misunderstood neighbours to the south... there's quite a ton of animosity towards y'all
It's always been kinda a "you making fun of my bro?" type relationship with us Canadians?
Anyway.... I digress.
The other day, while watching the Inauguration in a pub in London... The English pub folks were very excited to hear the views of the "American" in the pub. I didn't have the heart to correct them.
They like you guys now, so stop impersonating us.
masanddjs Jan 22nd 2009 11:08AM
I worked in England back in the early 90's. There was a lot of jealousy over us "yanks" (although they would NEVER admit it), and they just don't know when to "drop it". I had to listen to a plethora of comments about Americans the entire three years I was there. I am still hearing them, from Brit expats living in Brussels. They don't like us that much.
Jamie Rhein Jan 22nd 2009 1:48PM
When I was in Denmark in December, on two separate occassions, I was approached by strangers who wanted to shake my hand over the election of Obama.
Jim Bloodgood Jan 28th 2009 7:16AM
Can one wonder why Europe and the rest of the world hates us Americans when we are all so bitchy, self-righteous, and extremely arrogant with this repugnant "me, me, me" attitude. Americans are fat and lazy and have no idea what "quality control" in the workplace is, nor would they care. Want some proof of what I say? Just drive down any crowded freeway in any city in America and yoi can see just what I mean.
Jim Bloodgood Jan 28th 2009 7:42AM
To tell someone that your from Toronto, when your really an American just to get out of a "heated discussion" is just about as "chicken----" as you can get and quite un-American, not to mention unpatriotic. If some Limey got in my face over there I'd be proud to stand up for my country, although I'd probably agree that we Americans are kind of arrogant and self-righteous and greedy.