Ever since I have moved to Norway when I speak English to people they always say, “Are you English” and I say, “No, I’m American”. Then it is almost always followed by, “Oh, you don’t seem like an American”. Which is meant as a huge compliment (I guess). Which I always want to reply (but don’t), “Oh really? And that’s really funny, because you don’t seem like an a** hole. ”
I went to South Korea a few years ago and stayed for a few months. While I was there, everyone kept asking me the same question but it was, “Are you Canadian?”. I guess because to the world I don’t “seem” like an American.
At first I was always flattered by the compliment that meant I was nice or polite or something else that was sweet and good. But now its getting a little annoying. Because guess what, I AM an American, and I AM a nice person, and I’m not the only one.
It just makes me realize how much the world really does seem to see Americans. And let me tell you, it is not good. Really, how did we as individual American citizens earn such a crappy reputation in the world? I understand people not liking certain things our government does and other political things that happen. Yes we have the right to vote, but that does not mean that I make the decisions in the end. And if the American government does things or presents itself in a negative way, why does everyone I meet abroad seem to think that that means that I would be such a negative/bad person too. And when they meet me and think I am a nice person, automatically it means I must NOT be from the US. Because people from the US are mean, rude and are just bad. It seems to be the assumption out there.
If I meet a nice person, I don’t automatically think “Oh, they must not be from such-and-such country…they are too nice!”. Its just weird to me, I guess.
I don’t think its fair that my “American-ness” gets judged (even if I don’t). I don’t want to feel ashamed that I am an American because of peoples ideas about my country. But since it is just the way things are, I guess I will try to show the world that Americans aren’t bad. And be proud of who I am and try and remind the world that no one is perfect, and Americans are just like you!
3 responses so far ↓
1 Ogie // Dec 13, 2007 at 12:05 am
Kristie, I have ran into the same problem. I guess that a lot of Americans that travel aboard are rude. I am not sure. I do know that many of my friends here have an arrogance about the United States. That we are somehow superior then the rest of the world. They have no concern for the rest of the world around them. I think this carries over to how we treat people in other countries. A prime example of this is that a lot of us just assume that everyone speaks English and when they don’t we get upset.
I am not saying that we shouldn’t be proud of being American but when we do go to other places, some of us need to show a little more respect for the country that we are in. Make an effort to speak their language. Show some interest in them and their culture. I think that goes a long way.
And for me what I do is try and be a GOOD example of the United States. I let them know that we are not all the same. I know it is not much but I hope that if I can change one person’s idea of Americans then maybe this will expand to others.
I think you are doing a good job of it. Working and living in Norway and being apart of Norway has to be showing a lot of people a different side to Americans. I think this blog and your perspective is allowing others to see Norway in a different light.
Keep up the good work.
And thanks for your comments on my blog. I just wish I was further along with getting ready for Christmas. It always seems to be the same every year that I get further and further behind. One of these years I will learn to start in November rather then waiting to December.
2 Leasa // Dec 16, 2007 at 5:08 am
Kristi, Good reflective blog entry, but as a well-traveled American I have to say…there is a reason that people have these stereotypes. The Americans I have met traveling are yes, good people, but they don’t always travel with their eyes open. And, honestly, I have been quite disappointed by some of my fellow Americans sojourning around the world; especially the younger and the wealthy. You can check out my blog post on the topic…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it’s nice to know there are a few of us Americans who are aware of these stereotypes and living an expat life with compassion.
http://leasa.blogspot.com/2007/02/anti-american-sentiment.html
3 wen // Dec 16, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Hi Kristie! Very interesting post! I read it twice it was so good! I especially liked this part: “Because guess what, I AM an American, and I AM a nice person, and I’m not the only one.
It just makes me realize how much the world really does seem to see Americans. And let me tell you, it is not good”
People tend to have stereotypes re nationalities and I don’t think that is fair. We are all different. When I was in Spain I noticed many spaniards tend to look at “South Americans” (as they call Latin Americans in general) as inferior, people who haven’t studied at all and who just to their country to take care of old people and to work as dish washers or nannies, usually ilegally. I hated that stereotype. I hated them calling me “sudaca” because first of all I am from Central America not South America and apart from that it is a not nice at all term. Anyway, as you said, it is a matter of doing one’s best to shine :)
Have a lovely Sunday,
BTW, I sent you an e-mail two days ago or so, I hope you received it :)
Wen.
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