If you complain to an American that Americans in general don't like to discuss politics, don't spend the next 20 minutes doing American bashing. Without conceding any points that she makes. And then don't go all quiet when she tries to discuss how the EU is falling apart and how German contractors were complicit in helping Saddam remain in power. Apparently American bashing is considered "discussing" politics. NO wonder no Americans want to discuss politics with you. If you're going to get up on your high horse and talk about moral high roads and talk down to the American about her/his country, well - you're not going to get much of a discussion. Your going to get an angry American. Or an American that walks away and won't discuss politics with you.
And say you're 17-19 years old. You're on a European trip (5-6 countries in 2.5 weeks) with one of your High School teachers - one of the coolest and nicest teachers you have. With about 100 other of your (not so) closest friends. Do you:
* enjoy this (most probably) first trip out of the United States, soaking up the cultures and sights.
* discuss what you've seen and how different it is from your home country
* shop for presents for family members back in the States
* or, pretend this is an all-inclusive Bahama vacation and see how many beers you can drink, different drugs you can try, how many hangovers you can get, how obnoxious you can be, oh and wander around one of the prettiest medieval towns in the country with your RAP music blaring through your headphones?
Of the 100 or so students, I'd say 80 are doing options 1-3 to varying degrees of success. It's those 5-6 who seem to be stuck in option 4 (plus the other 10 or so who like to wander in that direction every now and then), that REALLY give your tour, and Americans in general, a bad name. Stop it.
Posted by Jinglelady at June 21, 2005 11:22 AM | German Life | TrackBackOK.... I see you've hooked up w/Brett!!! She was ready for the option 4 folks to get sent home on day 2!!
Posted by: Brett's mom at June 21, 2005 02:29 PMAnna,
I'm English and the America-bashing here drives me mad. I'm not averse to a little mocking of other nationalities - or indeed my own, but of late it's become much, much more than friendly banter or even proper discussion. There are, as you stated, far too many people who adopt a houlier-than-thou sanctimoniousness; attack Americans for being fat, stupid, racist, greedy, the cause of all the world's problems (add more as applicable) and yet refuse to accept, indeed, even listen to the idea that things here might not be such a glorious utopian paradise. I have to admit I love Americans, but I like Germany enough to live here too and I like my own country as well. However, I'm not blind to the fact that all three nations have their faults (in fact I think in my mind I'm much more critical of England, than Germany or the US - I'm not sure you'd get 80% of an English schooltrip to Gemany to fit into options 1-3).
Anyway, enough of that, if it's all oneway it's always going to be a very short "discussion" anyway - hope you're enjoying the last few weeks and the packing's going well....
I think that you should send this to the "Letters to the Editors" of the Orlando Sentintel, Florida Today, and the Space Coast Community News. Some of these darling parents need to know what their kids are doing and how they are giving Americans a bad name in Foreign countries. Our name is mud because of our Politicians now they will really think it is the people of America talking instead of the Politicians!
Posted by: Mom at June 21, 2005 08:13 PMOh do I hear you. The US-bashing that goes on here is a real trip ... and they're not open for other points.
Posted by: at June 26, 2005 06:56 PM