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How to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist
CellarDweller:
--- Quote from: j.U.d.E. on May 10, 2009, 08:10:35 pm ---A few years ago I went to a World Cup (or was it the European Championship.. ?) football screening in a Goethe Institut/library in Brussels. Were playing: Germany vs Turkey (I think) and at the beginning they sounded the German hymn and people stood up. I sank into my chair very very deep.. I can't but find it embarrassing. I'm nationality challenged (I'm German), I know, but I can't help it.
--- End quote ---
really? I always stand up when the American national anthem is played, and would expect anyone from any other country to stand when their national anthem is played.
I think it's good to have some pride in the country you call home.
If I travel abroad (not often, but it happens occasionally) and I'm asked where I'm from, I not only say the country, but specify the state as well.
There are so many bad jokes about New Jersey, from the smell of certain areas, and the way the women do their hair, and it gets tiresome. I've heard NJ be called "the armpit of the US".
>:(
I'm proud to be from NJ!
oilgun:
--- Quote from: CellarDweller on May 12, 2009, 10:02:45 am ---
really? I always stand up when the American national anthem is played, and would expect anyone from any other country to stand when their national anthem is played.
I think it's good to have some pride in the country you call home.
If I travel abroad (not often, but it happens occasionally) and I'm asked where I'm from, I not only say the country, but specify the state as well.
There are so many bad jokes about New Jersey, from the smell of certain areas, and the way the women do their hair, and it gets tiresome. I've heard NJ be called "the armpit of the US".
>:(
I'm proud to be from NJ!
--- End quote ---
Well, some of us have armpit fetishes. Does that help? (Deodorant-free natch)
I get very nervous with excessive displays of nationalism. I remember being in Montreal during their "national" holiday, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, and the parade was just a tsunami of Blue Québec flags and it actually triggered a mild anxiety attack. It felt like I was suddenly dropped into a Leni Riefenstahl propaganda film. I hated it! Often the purpose of these displays is to exclude others.
serious crayons:
I think it's natural to take some pride in one's homeland. Chuck, your attitude sounds perfectly fine and understandable.
But homeland pride taken to extreme can have a negative flip side. Americans, I think, have to be particularly careful of this because their country is so wealthy and powerful and the residents can be somewhat provincial. The stereotypical "ugly American" behaviors come from some people -- not all Americans, obviously, just some -- behaving with a sense of entitlement or superiority because of their nationality.
I think that attitude -- whether it's based on innocent pride or a sense of superiority -- is what makes the difference.
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: CellarDweller on May 12, 2009, 10:02:45 am ---Really? I always stand up when the American national anthem is played, and would expect anyone from any other country to stand when their national anthem is played.
--- End quote ---
It's also proper etiquette.
--- Quote ---There are so many bad jokes about New Jersey, from the smell of certain areas, and the way the women do their hair, and it gets tiresome. I've heard NJ be called "the armpit of the US".
>:(
I'm proud to be from NJ!
--- End quote ---
Owing to its position between New York City and Philadelphia, I've heard New Jersey referred to as the vale of humility between two mountains of conceit. ... ;D
CellarDweller:
--- Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on May 12, 2009, 11:15:01 am ---Owing to its position between New York City and Philadelphia, I've heard New Jersey referred to as the vale of humility between two mountains of conceit. ... ;D
--- End quote ---
Now that's one I've never heard! :laugh:
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