The stereotype of "The Ugly American" - loud, arrogant, ill-dressed, ill-mannered and lacking respect for other cultures - is one of the root causes of anti-Americanism.
Keith Reinhard, founder of the non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA), is trying to change the perception of American's as loud, arrogant and completely self-absorbed by distributing the "World Citizen's Guide" to corporate travelers. The Guide for corporate executives follows more detailed tips for U.S. students traveling abroad to counter the behavioral patterns that perpetuate the ugly American stereotype:
Look. Listen. Learn.Smile. Genuinely.
Think big. Act small. Be humble.
Live, eat and play local.
Use your hands. Watch your feet.
Leave the clichés at home.
Be proud, not arrogant.
Keep religion private.
Be quiet.
Be patient.
Celebrate our diversity.
Become a student again.
Try the language.
Refrain from lecturing.
Dialogue instead of monologue.
Check the atlas.
Agree to disagree respectfully.
Talk about something besides politics.
Be safety conscious, not fearful.
Dress for respect.
Know some global sports trivia.
Keep your word.
Show your best side.
Be a traveler, not a tourist.
An estimated 60 million Americans travel abroad each year. All of them are potential ambassadors who might win or loose the hearts and minds of their host countries. The suggestions contained in the World Citizen's Guide certainly can't hurt, but these suggestions will not change the ugly American anytime soon. A number of the suggestions might induce more civil discussions on the internet.
is so bored...
Posted by: Joaquin Murrieta | Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 05:13 PM