Another example of "the ugly American"...

[fairybasslet]

When my family went to France they couldnt believe the rudeness of the people.
They said how "ugly" and nasty they were, so I guess ugly is as ugly does and not what country the people come from.

Isn't that strange. When I was in France I never once encountered this so-called French rudeness. Everyone I spoke to was extremely polite and helpful. Maybe it's the attitude?

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

Certainly, I pay good money for dive charters, accomodations, food, service, etc...but I also realize I am a guest in that country, and I try to act as such.

You go as a guest, I go as a consumer with expectations of a "care free" vacation. I am not a rude or confrontational person, but I do have the afore mentioned expectations. I usually limit my discomfort by researching my dive ops before hand and making sure I am using a quality service.

 

[Meng_Tze]

You go as a guest, I go as a consumer with expectations of a "care free" vacation. I am not a rude or confrontational person, but I do have the afore mentioned expectations. I usually limit my discomfort by researching my dive ops before hand and making sure I am using a quality service.

And that is the the crux of the issue. Expectations. Many people (and I am not saying Americans alone) go into things without having the right expectations. Cultures are different around the world and it behoves us all as humans to be aware of that. Offense comes with reference to our own expectations and reflections of our own values and norms. If your requirements are at some level, then you should look for supply thereof. What happens most of the time is that people just do something and complain that it is not the same as they are used to.

Example:
Here in the US the waiters take your plate as soon as you are finished eating, while others are still eating. It is considered rude to do that in most European and some asian countries. I was uncomforable at first when I first encountered that here in the US, but understanding that this is the way it is done here eases things..

The way people interact is different around the world and if you travel to other places you are a guest and need to act as one. This to me is universal and requires respect for all things different. Yes there are loud, brash ' everything is better in America' americans. But so do you have these attitudes from about everywhere else. It is not an American thing, but a human thing. Why people focus this on the americans, I dont know....

I have noticed that the more 'traveled' people are, then less brash they become. It is all about having the openess and appreciation for the differences.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Isn't that strange. When I was in France I never once encountered this so-called French rudeness. Everyone I spoke to was extremely polite and helpful. Maybe it's the attitude?

Maybe but maybe it wasnt, who knows? I am happy for you.

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

And that is the the crux of the issue. Expectations. Many people (and I am not saying Americans alone) go into things without having the right expectations. Cultures are different around the world and it behoves us all as humans to be aware of that.

Give me a break dude...No one is discussing the cultural nuances that range from coutry to country. We are talking about DIVING and what you should expect. As far as I am concerned that is a universal language. When on a dive boat you expect safety and attentiveness from the operators, period.

 

[dlndavid]

Can you still be an "Ugly American" while inside the U.S. ?????

 

[Mafiaman]

Give me a break dude...No one is discussing the cultural nuances that range from coutry to country. We are talking about DIVING and what you should expect. As far as I am concerned that is a universal language. When on a dive boat you expect safety and attentiveness from the operators, period.

If I may be so bold as to add to your statment: These resorts chase American tourists and thier money, And we pay a premium for thier services. Making the resort obligated (if they wish to be successful) to make to customers to feel at home.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Give me a break dude...No one is discussing the cultural nuances that range from coutry to country. We are talking about DIVING and what you should expect. As far as I am concerned that is a universal language. When on a dive boat you expect safety and attentiveness from the operators, period.

Exactly to my point... thank you!

 

[deeper thoughts]

Can you still be an "Ugly American" while inside the U.S. ?????

I think you can be "ugly" anywhere.

 

[all4scuba05]

If I may be so bold as to add to your statment: These resorts chase American tourists and thier money, And we pay a premium for thier services. Making the resort obligated (if they wish to be successful) to make to customers to feel at home.

"feel at home"
Carry an attitude at home like you do out there and you'll get sh_t.