Today's Annoyance: Stereotypes of any kindMantra of the Day: I am a proud ambassador of my country.
We've all heard of the rude, arrogant, ill-informed, poorly-dressed American traveler. It's a horrible, dark cloud that follows us no matter where we go. We've all seen it in person and depicted in movies: the obnoxious, (sometimes) overweight family donning Disneyland-emblazoned clothing or severely worn t-shirts and jeans (or my personal favorite, wrinkled shorts) with brightly-colored Crocs, asking if someone "speaks American" in raised voices. (sigh) Yeah, it makes me sick, too.
Having traveled quite a bit, I've seen rude, obnoxious travelers from many other countries; however, the label seems to stick for us.
Aside from pretending to be Canadian, as many Americans have done in the past, what can be done to avoid reinforcing the stereotype? (Of course, YOU wouldn't be guilty of this horrid behavior but feel free to pass it on to people who are.)
1. Learn a little something about a city and country before you go there.
2. Be nice. "Please" and "thank you" go really far with airport and airline staff, hotel staff, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, tour guides; you get the idea. Trust me, you're no less patriotic if you're nice to people in other countries. And remember, you're in their country.
3. Tone it down and be patient. No one needs to hear you from across the street. I have no idea why we tend to be so excited and so loud when we travel but seriously, just chill out. And if a person speaks little or no English, shouting doesn't really change anything. Speak slowly and watch your gestures.
4. Respect the local laws and customs. Don't steal, and don't try to justify stealing stuff because you think something will make a good souvenir. Being drunk and disorderly sucks no matter where you are. Don't impose careless and ignorant judgments on others. In other words, all Arabs are not related to Osama bin Laden; all Africans are not poor and ignorant; all women in developing countries aren't oppressed. Get it? Don't forget to check for dumb laws.
5. Dress respectfully. Believe it or not, in some other countries, people prefer not to look like they're heading to or just leaving the gym. Plus, there are many holy sites that require full-length pants for men and covered arms and legs for women.
Two important words to keep in mind: consideration and humility. Granted, no matter what you do, it's a two-way street. Labels don't stick without other people assuming the worst, no matter what. But, that's not something that we can control...at least, not until I take over the world. Until then, be a patient ambassador of our great United States.
[IMAGE: Courtesy of Balls Out Rugby]
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