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Top 10 Ugly American Behaviors
 AskMen Readers
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March 27, 2010
Whether Americans like it or not, we're sometimes associated with bad behavior when traveling abroad. We've always believed that the first step in fixing your reputation is recognizing that it needs fixing to begin with.
We asked the fans of AskMen on Facebook what they think are the worst examples of ugly American behaviors, and we got lots of valuable feedback. Here are 10 of the best responses we got from our fans.
No.10 - Not trying new foods
"Going to McDonald's instead of eating local cuisine."
- Jeff Lopez, Aurora, Colorado
Trying new food is one of the most exciting parts of visiting a foreign country. You may even bring home cooking techniques that you never would have otherwise known about. McDonald's and KFC are always there for you in a pinch, but even foreign versions of fast-food are a more interesting option.
No.9 - Obnoxious fist-pumping
"They bring the Jersey Shore attitude with them."
- Matt DiStaulo, Morristown, New Jersey
We may have loved the show, but there's no reason to start imitating Pauly D, Ronnie, Vinny, and The Situation. Even if you're at a club, keep the fist-pumping and aggression to a minimum. Unless, that is, you're actually at the Jersey Shore.
No.8 - Not respecting a country's history
"When being shown a monument that is thousands of years old and is a World Heritage Site (for example, Stonehenge), saying 'Yeah, we have old stuff in the States, this ain't that great.'"
- David Raybould, Cardiff, South Wales, UK
Every country is proud of its historical monuments, be it Stonehenge or a crumbling statue of a long-dead war hero. When in doubt, don't insult it.
No.7 - Speaking loudly to non-English speakers in English
"Thinking that by speaking loudly they can make others who don't speak English understand them."
- Lou J. Yoskowitz, Queens, New York
Usually, being a non-English speaker still means you have good hearing. Speaking slowly doesn't usually help, either. In most countries, people will appreciate an attempt to communicate even if you don't speak the language, and hand gestures paired with a basic phrasebook will get you far. Keeping a smile on your face will help ingratiate you to others as well.
No.6 - Expecting the host country to be like the U.S.
"Americans don't appreciate what the host country offers; instead, we expect the host to be like America. Why do people even go?"
- Scott Grant, Bloomfield, Kentucky
If you're looking for a taste of home, start by looking at home. The point of travel is to enlarge your comfort zone, and being flexible about differing conditions is crucial to achieving that goal.
No.5 - Being obsessed with the weather
"Always (asking) stupid questions about the weather and worrying too much about it. How's the weather gonna be... tomorrow? Who cares?"
- Jairo Cerdas Gonzalez, Quepos, Costa Rica
When we're traveling, it's tempting to try to maintain control in whatever way possible. You may not know what to expect on tomorrow's safari, but at least you'll know what temperature it'll be, right? Well, kind of. Keeping track of the weather is handy when you're packing for your trip, but it can easily turn into a nervous tic once you're on the ground.
No.4 - Getting frustrated with the locals
"Going to another country and getting mad when the locals in their own damn country don't speak English."
- Dean Williams, Phoenix, Arizona
This is a variation on our previous point about speaking too loudly in English. It's only natural that people can't understand you abroad; they spend their days in a nearly English-free environment. Despite the fact that globalization is making the world an evermore English place, many people on earth don't need English to live and work.
No.3 - Expecting American-sized portions
"Complaining about smaller portions."
- Aharon O. Dunn, Muncie, Indiana
It's a well-known fact that in the U.S., food portions dwarf those found in most foreign countries. Still hungry? Order more! There's a reason the U.S. is known for its obesity, and although we're not asking you to go on a diet while traveling (because where's the fun in that?), don't make a fuss if your plate isn't as packed with chow as it would be back home at Applebee's.
No.2 - Dressing like a slob
"One of the worst offenses is not bringing your best clothes abroad."
- Michael Volosen, Dallas, Texas
We're not suggesting you walk around in a suit and tie every day, but dressing to impress, especially in Europe, will win you major points with locals. Think clean, well-tailored clothes and no running shoes unless you're at the gym. It's important to be comfortable, but comfort doesn't necessarily mean cargo shorts.
No.1 - Assuming women find Americans extra attractive
"Assuming women want to sleep with you because you're from the U.S. Europe isn't a turkey shoot, for that matter the world ain't either. Traveling abroad can be great for meeting new women, but you still have to win them over."
- Dennis Duri, Atlantic City, New Jersey
True, in some parts of the world all Americans are assumed to be fabulously wealthy, which can make you seem like a more attractive mate than perhaps you really are. Those are not necessarily the types of relationships you want to get into. If you're hoping to meet women abroad, treat them with respect and do your best to win their affections without using your citizenship as a crutch.
For related articles, check out: Top 10: Japanese Etiquette Mistakes and Top 10: iPhone Travel Apps. |
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