Another example of "the ugly American"...

[Meng_Tze]

Well some of us have spent part of our adult life outside this country(USA). 2 years in Europe, a month in the middle east, and a month in South America. From what I learned while there, some "americans" have attitudes have ruined it for the rest of us. Some of you don't care what they think of you? Wow. Did you know that in some countries if you wave with the wrong hand, it's an offense. You don't care? Then YOU'RE the one that ruins it for the rest of us. Wether you like it or not, you represent the USA. You're ruining it for the rest of us.

And yes, nodding is probably the safest way to acknowledge/greet someone from a distance..... I hear you

 

[Derek S]

This doesn't sound like an "ugly American" to me. It just sounds like a jerk, and they come in all flavors.

If somebody has health problems sufficiently severe that a line coming loose at the boat endangers them enough to panic their spouse, should they be diving at all? That's my reaction. I would have felt bad for the divestaff being berated, too.

Bingo....Dead on.

As someone who works in a very customer service oriented field, I cringe when I see people berating others over service, product quality, ect. Even if they are correct, it is totally unnecessary. Unfortunately, the world (N Americans in particular) has accepted a "if I'm brash and in your face you'll give me what I want" attitude.

 

[dlndavid]

I thought most "Ugly Americans" come from Texas

 

[Jamie_r]

I dont see how she was in too much danger. If she has a medical condition, why wouldnet the divemaster/company be informed of ANY medical conditions before diving.
And if shes the one with the condition, I would wait for her to board first. .
OTOH I can see why he has been so concerned. But they should have notified someone (DM, crew)

 

[Jon C]

Rodney Dangerfield...THAT'S an ugly American. This guy...something between jerk and overly protective. Not there, so I can't be sure...But Rodney?...I'm sure.

 

[Scuba Brad]

hey Guba you may want to check out this link:

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=159201

Happy Diving

 

[Jon C]

I thought most "Ugly Americans" come from Texas

I think this is unfair and uncalled for....most ugly Americans come from ugly parents.....and UCLA

Jon

 

[dlndavid]

OK... how about New Jersy

 

[fairybasslet]

OK... how about New Jersy

Not only are we ugly, we're corrupt too. And if we're Governor, we're most likely gay.

 

[sea nmf]

Well, the original question was what would you have done or said in a similar situation.

I'm not well traveled so I don't know if a loud over-reaction is an American trait. Let's say it is for the sake of argument.

This person was visiting another country. His behaviour was inappropriate no matter where he was. His feelings were justified; his reaction, not so much. However, the thing that set him off WAS NOT CULTURAL. It was a human mistake.

I live in Hawaii, where we get a lot of visitors. I was complaining the other day to my local friend about certain behaviour of some Asian visitors. My specific complaint was that when you meet (as in about to crash into) each other on the street, they don't even acknowledge my existence (as in no eye contact).

My friend explained to me that eye contact with strangers is considered rude in many Asian cultures. This really helped me understand and diffused my frustration. Even though they are visiting my country, they have ingrained cultural beliefs that they abide by. It isn't personal or even rude.

I only use this as an example, not to say that beligerant behaviour should be tolerated just because it is an ingrained PERSONAL characteristic. I do agree that if we behaved as guests, our behaviour may be better than usual (at least mine is).