Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryuuzaki
There are countries where, if you rightly give away the fact you're American, they will look down upon you as most countries see american as arrogant pricks that believe to be the center of the world. If you were wearing an american flag anywhere on your body, that could be one of the problems, dead giveaway.
Your accent plays another key role. Believe it or not, Americans have a very distinct accent that is easily recognizable, and it greatly differs from Canadians, though we're neighbors.
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I think this is an outdated...not more than an outdated way of thinking. I don't know if it was ever true. I have been here and there in my days, and what I have discovered is that 1) most Americans are not "ugly American tourists" and 2) most people laugh at the fact that many Americans worry desperately about being seen as "ugly Americans" and act quite the opposite.
Just as we are able to separate our politics from our individual citizens, so can other people in the world. Bush's unpopularity in the US was no secret around the world.
I don't know people who wear American flags around, but people who wear American flags chances are ARE arrogant pricks.
Do you really think most of the world can hear the difference between an American and Canadian accent? I can't hear any difference (except for French-Canadians) unless you say "out".
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ningyou
This isn't that surprising to me, honestly. My Aunt lived in Japan for 3 years and she wanted to stay over there, but moved back to the U.S. cause she couldn't stand all the racism. It's sad, really. I'll probably visit one day because I still want to, but it's not right for any country to treat anyone like that.
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Countries don't treat people a certain way, individuals do.
I am not the one who closed the thread, but I don't disagree with the decision.