Assignment #1

[globestomper]

     It was interesting to see the Survival Kit for Overseas Living expand on the concept of the "Ugly American" and the questions posed were indeed very valid and thought-provoking. It's disconcerting to imagine arriving in a country where everyone already has a really solid stereotype of Americans (which includes you!) but I guess the feeling is

Comments

[savsar]

I also found it interesting that a lot of qualities that Americans have are very rude, annoying, and unappealing to people who come from other cultures. As I read the Survival Kit I began to realize that if I wasn't an American I would hate America because of all the terrible stereotypes that we have. I know that they aren't all true and that goes for stereotypes that we have of other countries as well. It is interesting to think that we are always hated but at the same time we don't have the most positive outlooks on other countries either.

[globestomper]

Hmm... again I think we have to be careful not to assume any sweeping generalization. I'm sure not EVERYONE hates us but staying aware of political tradewinds are important too. I've talked to students who really like Americans but there are plenty on the other side of that spectrum as well. I would have to agree with you that if I were not American I would probably (and do find) our foreign policies and conduct to be quite a turn off.