'Ugly American' abroad:

[babylonsister]

'Speak softly, don't argue and slow down' (guide to travelling abroad) Updated at 9:37 AM

UK Telegraph: 'Speak softly, don't argue and slow down'
By Philip Sherwell
(Filed: 16/04/2006)


'Ugly American' abroad: Worryingly accurate

Loud and brash, in gawdy garb and baseball caps, more than three million of them flock to our shores every year. Shuffling between tourist sites or preparing to negotiate a business deal, they bemoan the failings of the world outside the United States.

The reputation of the "Ugly American" abroad is not, however, just some cruel stereotype, but - according to the American government itself - worryingly accurate. Now, the State Department in Washington has joined forces with American industry to plan an image make-over by issuing guides for Americans travelling overseas on how to behave.

Under a programme starting next month, several leading US companies will give employees heading abroad a "World Citizens Guide" featuring 16 etiquette tips on how they can help improve America's battered international image.

Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA), a non-profit group funded by big American companies, has also met Karen Hughes, the head of public diplomacy at the State Department, to discuss issuing the guide with every new US passport. The goal is to create an army of civilian ambassadors.

The guide offers a series of "simple suggestions" under the slogan, "Help your country while you travel for your company"....

(NOTE: Suggestions, and more information, follow in the article.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/20...

[Kire]

1. Here is a good link.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/04/16/wtour16.xml

[WolverineDG]

2. I have an idea

for improving our image abroad: How's about we stop bombing & torturing people for no reason? :think:

dg

[babylonsister]

3. What a concept, WDG! I wish someone would listen. nt

[spindrifter]

4. We need to keep C*ndiliar and KKKaren

here. Karen's lack of cultural knowledge is a total embarrassment--even worse than the dirty b-ball caps, athletic shoes and inappropriate shorts. C*ndiliar--well the war-mongress speaks for herself.

[chascaz]

5. Really, this "how to act" guide is better suited to be sent to

every registered REPUGNICAN. It describes your typical repuke to a tee. Us liberals don't need to be told how to "be nice people." Most of us figured that out in Kidnergarten. They can start by sending it to the fat, bloated gas bag that took up half my seat, and constantly sent me whiffs of his flatulence for 14 1/2 hours on a flight to Hong Kong (on my way to Indonesia) last weekend. I could tell he was a repuke because he made some stupid, smart ass remark about the book I was reading, "Hey Rube" by HST. I told him that anyone who voted for bush twice can kiss my ass, and that shut him up. I have to admit that I started the arguement by suggesting he fly business class or first class, since he couldn't fit in a coach seat. I told him I paid for a WHOLE seat, not 3/4s of one. He got irrate, and started shaking, started threatening me with violence. I was half expecting him to ask me to "step outside". So, I called the stewardess over, and asked to be moved to a full seat, but she said the plane was full (most are these daze). I felt much better once I landed in Bali.

Peace - :)

[babylonsister]

6. So how did you like Bali? That's our home away from home! nt