Used to travel to Italy yearly. I was born here but my parents came from Italy. I blended in well enough that many Italians didn’t know I was from America but thought I was from Italy.
Timely piece for me. Soon I'll be a U.S. citizen visiting Europe for the first time, as a volunteer. Been toying with the idea of calling myself Canadian to avoid any potential disrespect and uncomfortable conversations. Also personal humiliation. Ugh.
Spaniards abroad and at home are louder than Americans abroad. Also, most Americans that make it to Europe have money and frankly, are looking for things that cannot be found in the US such as ancient culture, perhaps. They don’t look for beaches or theme parks because they can have those at home, and national parks too. The US is a continent in terms of land extension, a very varied geography; Americans don’t really have to leave if they don’t want to. And nowadays they tend to dress well.
I do agree with this. I’ve lived in France for the last three years and have generally had only the nicest welcomes from people. And a lot of the Americans I’ve met here. I’ve also had a lot of appreciation for French culture.
Most of the negative things I seem to see are near viral or viral articles about somebody having a bad time in another country and having something very memorable, if dumb, to say about it. But meaning, real people, it’s generally been really nice. And continues to be.
My next article is debunking myths about the “Rude” French person ;)
About the viral articles… sometimes the media blows things out of proportion. A few months ago an article went viral about a couple that moved to France and it didn’t work out. Some of the comments about that article were cruel. France isn’t for everyone and that’s OK.
I recently had a British man ask me if I knew what miles were when he was describing distances. I decided to rib him by saying “no, we only use hectares in America.” It took him a moment to realize I was joking.
Entering Louisiana from Mississippi, we stopped at the state welcome centre on I-10 for a break. The charming lady at the reception desk told me that my English was ‘excellent’. I’m from the U.K.
Reminds me of a book that had a character who was an English major at a university in Boston. Her parents were from Wales. Despite being a fourth-year English major, she was required to take a remedial English class because “children of recent immigrants are known to have poor English skills,” and was tempted to tell the administrator just what language Welsh people speak these days.
Yes! This is most definitely me! Just another dumb, stupid and ugly American in Paris.
The last time I was as in Paris, I had planned to spend the better part of the day perusing paintings at the Musée d'Orsay. Afterwards, I so wanted to visit the tomb of René Descartes, to pay my respects to the renowned French philosopher and mathematician.
The day, however, turned out to be a complete and total disaster ... after my tour guide insisted that I put Descartes before d'Orsay.
I've heard some Americans sew Canadian flags on their bags when they travel! But I never actually saw it in practice even when I was backpacking so who knows of it's fact or fiction. In all truth, traveled pretty extensively and I haven't really met many disrespectful Americans, certainly no more than any other nationality. And they certainly do get a bad rep.
I suspect the "Europeans travel more" assumption is based on travel between European countries, particularly western European ones. Which in terms of distance might be less travel than me going to Montana.
That’s certainly part of it, but I’d guess that Europeans, particularly younger ones, also have the time that most Americans do not. I’m retired now, but during my working life I never had less than 4 weeks leave per annum and by the time I was in my 40s I had 6 weeks leave. By contrast my 50 year old American half-brother, a professional audiologist, gets all of 2 weeks leave a year.
You can find companies that give four weeks of vacation. I have four weeks. Indeed, I was in the military for 23 years and had 30 days (weekend also counted unfortunately). I retired went back into the typical two weeks and five years later I find myself right back at four. And we’re ignoring federal holidays obviously.
I would say that my experience is not typical. But it’s also not impossible. But there’s always trade offs. Obviously my salaries - all my salaries ever in my entire life - have been way better than European wages. Which allowed me to live very well even if I was on only two weeks.
Sure, there are some employers in the US who offer 4 weeks leave, but that’s the exception, not the rule. 4 weeks leave is the statutory minimum across Europe, with many getting more, particularly if you’ve been with the same organisation for a few years. All I’m saying is that it makes it easier for Europeans to travel because one of the enabling factors (along with money, desire etc) is having the time to do it.
Also is probably a factor, particularly since Americans who make enough money to afford international flights tend to be the ones who work a lot to have that kind of money.
I am not a Nickelback person -- well, except for "Photograph" -- but I always find it interesting that they became the default "band that sucks" because they were very competent at what they did whether or not it was your cup of tea. A lot of bands can't say that.
My French isn't great, but I'll never forget this experience when I was in Paris in 2018. I was in line to buy a crepe outside the Louvre, and the French woman in front of me was complaining (in French) to the crepe stand owner that too many tourists come into Paris and use credit cards instead of cash. She thought I was French and started including me in the conversation and I just nodded my head saying, "Oh, oui oui. Je comprends." As an American, I fit in!
I am sorry that happened. I will say, it is more culturally acceptable in France to complain or be negative. It is seen as a statement of fact or bonding. So, the complaint may not have been aimed at tourists, but the general annoyance of credit cards.
Right on! Perhaps the most American thing we do is take shots at each other, literally and metaphorically. Hopefully your post reminds people we are capable of more than polarized and divisive comments on social media that bleed into real life.
Excellent work. I made the same argument last year in this piece which you may enjoy as a companion to your essay. I'm glad that other writers are pointing out how tired and just plain untrue this trope is. And you're right, nobody complains about American tourists more than other Americans who want to feel superior to their supposedly uncouth countrymen. And Nickleback is Canadian.
Used to travel to Italy yearly. I was born here but my parents came from Italy. I blended in well enough that many Italians didn’t know I was from America but thought I was from Italy.
People think my husband is Italian. He is a French Jew.
Italians, “Jews with better food.”
lol
Timely piece for me. Soon I'll be a U.S. citizen visiting Europe for the first time, as a volunteer. Been toying with the idea of calling myself Canadian to avoid any potential disrespect and uncomfortable conversations. Also personal humiliation. Ugh.
Did you read this?
Anti-American rhetoric is a Communist ploy to destroy their rival ideology. They hate freedom, family and most things american.
Where to start...
Nickelback in concert is awesome.
Clothes dried on a line are stiff and scratchy. No thanks. I left the farm. I'm not bringing the farm with me.
Europeans are just jealous of our ranch. They eat their fries with mayo! They are halfway there! Go all the way and join us!
Yes I had to Google "Thermidorian Reaction."
Also I LOVE talking to foreigners. People are just so interesting. I hope the French feel the same!
"So tie your Asics, wear your St. Louis Cardinals cap, and put on those Costco jeans!" I feel seen.
The French do feel the same! They are genuinely curious about the US 🇺🇸:)
Spaniards abroad and at home are louder than Americans abroad. Also, most Americans that make it to Europe have money and frankly, are looking for things that cannot be found in the US such as ancient culture, perhaps. They don’t look for beaches or theme parks because they can have those at home, and national parks too. The US is a continent in terms of land extension, a very varied geography; Americans don’t really have to leave if they don’t want to. And nowadays they tend to dress well.
I do agree with this. I’ve lived in France for the last three years and have generally had only the nicest welcomes from people. And a lot of the Americans I’ve met here. I’ve also had a lot of appreciation for French culture.
Most of the negative things I seem to see are near viral or viral articles about somebody having a bad time in another country and having something very memorable, if dumb, to say about it. But meaning, real people, it’s generally been really nice. And continues to be.
So glad you’re having a great experience! 💕
My next article is debunking myths about the “Rude” French person ;)
About the viral articles… sometimes the media blows things out of proportion. A few months ago an article went viral about a couple that moved to France and it didn’t work out. Some of the comments about that article were cruel. France isn’t for everyone and that’s OK.
I’d look forward to reading that.
I recently had a British man ask me if I knew what miles were when he was describing distances. I decided to rib him by saying “no, we only use hectares in America.” It took him a moment to realize I was joking.
Entering Louisiana from Mississippi, we stopped at the state welcome centre on I-10 for a break. The charming lady at the reception desk told me that my English was ‘excellent’. I’m from the U.K.
Reminds me of a book that had a character who was an English major at a university in Boston. Her parents were from Wales. Despite being a fourth-year English major, she was required to take a remedial English class because “children of recent immigrants are known to have poor English skills,” and was tempted to tell the administrator just what language Welsh people speak these days.
What an odd story. It sounds like an administrative mixup.
She sounds like a nice lady. Enjoy Louisiana!
Yes! This is most definitely me! Just another dumb, stupid and ugly American in Paris.
The last time I was as in Paris, I had planned to spend the better part of the day perusing paintings at the Musée d'Orsay. Afterwards, I so wanted to visit the tomb of René Descartes, to pay my respects to the renowned French philosopher and mathematician.
The day, however, turned out to be a complete and total disaster ... after my tour guide insisted that I put Descartes before d'Orsay.
I shall never return.
Booo! Boo this man! lol
I've heard some Americans sew Canadian flags on their bags when they travel! But I never actually saw it in practice even when I was backpacking so who knows of it's fact or fiction. In all truth, traveled pretty extensively and I haven't really met many disrespectful Americans, certainly no more than any other nationality. And they certainly do get a bad rep.
I suspect the "Europeans travel more" assumption is based on travel between European countries, particularly western European ones. Which in terms of distance might be less travel than me going to Montana.
That’s certainly part of it, but I’d guess that Europeans, particularly younger ones, also have the time that most Americans do not. I’m retired now, but during my working life I never had less than 4 weeks leave per annum and by the time I was in my 40s I had 6 weeks leave. By contrast my 50 year old American half-brother, a professional audiologist, gets all of 2 weeks leave a year.
You can find companies that give four weeks of vacation. I have four weeks. Indeed, I was in the military for 23 years and had 30 days (weekend also counted unfortunately). I retired went back into the typical two weeks and five years later I find myself right back at four. And we’re ignoring federal holidays obviously.
I would say that my experience is not typical. But it’s also not impossible. But there’s always trade offs. Obviously my salaries - all my salaries ever in my entire life - have been way better than European wages. Which allowed me to live very well even if I was on only two weeks.
Sure, there are some employers in the US who offer 4 weeks leave, but that’s the exception, not the rule. 4 weeks leave is the statutory minimum across Europe, with many getting more, particularly if you’ve been with the same organisation for a few years. All I’m saying is that it makes it easier for Europeans to travel because one of the enabling factors (along with money, desire etc) is having the time to do it.
Also is probably a factor, particularly since Americans who make enough money to afford international flights tend to be the ones who work a lot to have that kind of money.
I am not a Nickelback person -- well, except for "Photograph" -- but I always find it interesting that they became the default "band that sucks" because they were very competent at what they did whether or not it was your cup of tea. A lot of bands can't say that.
Right?! That's kinda why I used them as the example. I *assume* you saw the St Louis reference?!?!!? :)
It warmed my heartland heart!
My French isn't great, but I'll never forget this experience when I was in Paris in 2018. I was in line to buy a crepe outside the Louvre, and the French woman in front of me was complaining (in French) to the crepe stand owner that too many tourists come into Paris and use credit cards instead of cash. She thought I was French and started including me in the conversation and I just nodded my head saying, "Oh, oui oui. Je comprends." As an American, I fit in!
I am sorry that happened. I will say, it is more culturally acceptable in France to complain or be negative. It is seen as a statement of fact or bonding. So, the complaint may not have been aimed at tourists, but the general annoyance of credit cards.
At least you saw the Louvre! ;)
As a Brit, anti-Americanism bores me.
Right! That has not been a "thing" for you guys since the 18th century. We're good now, man. 🙃🫡😜
American competitiveness is insatiable! My experience of the French is that they don't care about where you're from.
Basically. They might genuinely be curious or have a question about US politics. But, like, its not that big of a deal.
Right on! Perhaps the most American thing we do is take shots at each other, literally and metaphorically. Hopefully your post reminds people we are capable of more than polarized and divisive comments on social media that bleed into real life.
Thanks, Rachel! Agreed. :)
Excellent work. I made the same argument last year in this piece which you may enjoy as a companion to your essay. I'm glad that other writers are pointing out how tired and just plain untrue this trope is. And you're right, nobody complains about American tourists more than other Americans who want to feel superior to their supposedly uncouth countrymen. And Nickleback is Canadian.
https://christharp.substack.com/p/death-to-the-ugly-american
A true joy to read. Left a comment on your piece. Thank you for sharing, Chris!