Representing America Abroad Part 2
Just because someone does not live in a brick house with central heating means they are living in poverty.
Be mindful of other's cultures
When traveling and representing your country abroad you must keep an open heart and mind. For us Americans, don't compare everything that you see with the United States. We might have higher material goods, taller buildings and less poverty, but no one wishes to "suffer by comparison" and this is the surest way to alienate your foreign acquaintances. Each country has something different to offer that we do not. We must remember that foreigners might not envy our material wealth and prefer their simpler and less complicated lifestyle.
Our life and culture is more similar to Northern Europe than in the case with Latin countries. The reason being is partly from the climate. Latins countries are in warmer parts of the world and the combination of temperament and the need to adapt to hot weather has resulted in a more relaxed, unhurried attitude in almost everything they do. This is particularly a very difficult adjustment for Americans as we are use to everything happening on time and not being late. Some Americans simply cannot get used to the adjustments and leave for more northerly climates, but the others who adapt soon find that Latin countries offer something unique which makes them difficult to return to a clock-watching society as it was to leave it behind in the first place.
The mindset one can act any way they want because of money - could anything be more ill-bred?
The mindset one can act any way they want because of money - could anything be more ill-bred?
It is said that our (Americans) greatest fault is that we think the best of everything should be eagerly handed to us without even asking. When people ask us why, it's because we believe that we can pay for it (even if we aren't so rude as to say it). If this were true, could anything be more ill-bred ? We must understand and learn how to pay for it graciously is the true answer. The fact is that some of us need to learn that the payment we should make is something more and quite apart from dollars. Money can't buy you happiness as well as a single gesture of admiration or sympathy. Being courteous, having a little thought, preparation and a willingness to learn and understand will reap the great award of a foreigner's friendship.
Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 5 September 2011, 8:59 PM 
Categories: My Thoughts, Etiquette, Inspiration
Tags: representing america abroad travel lifestyle culture foreigner
Categories: My Thoughts, Etiquette, Inspiration
Tags: representing america abroad travel lifestyle culture foreigner
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