Travel and politics

[Somnambulation]

I was just wondering what type of experiences people here have had while travelling in Europe as far as politics and being an American goes. If Europeans find out you are American are they hostile or confrontational because of American policies or do they not really seem to care? I dont plan on doing this but, I've heard of people trying to pretend they are Canadians while in Europe to avoid any potential hassles. Is that type of thing recommended or is anti-US hostility in Europe pretty much all hype?

[Carisia]

That's a good question. Even in Europe, it depends on where you are. For instance, the social, political and economic state of affairs in Eastern Europe differs drastically within it and compared to Western Europe. I have only been to Western Europe. I didn't have any major problems. Most times, they are happy you are an American from an economic perspective, b/c "you are good for business."

If I've met any rudeness at all, it's simply b/c they are tired of ignorant tourists in general, not necessarily Americans. It's actually quite ironic that I found that most of the discussions expressing the so called hostility towards Americans where held amongst backpackers/travelers themselves, not necessarily locals.

For instace, the front desk lady (she too was a foreigner living in Spain) checked me into this hostel in Granada, then the next day I stopped by the front desk for something, and this other guy (Argentinian) was working there, and he goes, are you American? And I said, "yes." And then he turns to his buddy who was standing there (obviously they'd had a conversation about this before) and says, "I'm an American too right? And you are one too right?" And I wasn't sure where this was leading, then he goes, "I'm from Argentina, from South 'America'." So I got this whole sermon about how he resented the term American, b/c he thought everyone in the continents north to south merited that term too. Apparently, the lady had categorized me as "Americana" in their computer system. And I said, "hey, you're preaching to the choir. I told her I was from the United States. Take this up with her." Then he warmed up to me again.

But I also heard a lot of the anti-war type of discussions in the traveler packed bars (ie. Irish), and it usually involves Americans and Canadians and whoever else. Just friend discussion and sharing of views, nothing blatantly hostile or offensive. Not more than what we already get here. So don't worry, just have fun!

[worldwidemike]

I've never run into hostility because I'm from the U.S.

worldwidemike

[space virgin]

When I was in Paris last year, I didn't experience any anti-americanism. But I didn't tell people that I was "american", when they asked where I was from I said "Seattle." People were extremely curious about Seattle and asked me all sorts of questions about the weather, music scene, etc. It was very interesting.

[voyd]

I noticed all the Canadians proudly sported Maple Leaves all over their gear to make sure nobody would mistake them for US citizens...lol.

Seriously, most people abroad don't like our government and policies, not the people. Well, I don't like much of our government and policies either, so I actually got a long great with 'em! In fact, it was actually a great relief to escape the oppressive social/political/religious mob mentality of this country...

[Canadian Dude]

I noticed all the Canadians proudly sported Maple Leaves all over their gear to make sure nobody would mistake them for US citizens...lol.

I don't think we ( Canadians) me specificaly wear our Maple Leaf to show we are not Americans, but to show that we are Canadian, we are proud of our flag, especially when over seas. I have joked in ohter threads about wearing the flag to prove I am not American, but in reality, I am not upset, ashamed or embarressed if I am mistaken for an American, we are Neighbours, Friends, and our countries depend on one another dispite all the political banter, I consider it a compliment to called an American, but with a freindly smile, make the correction.

[space virgin]

awww, cd, we luv you guys too. I would be flattered if someone mistook me for being canadian.

[Diorama]

I agree with carisia. I found that most hostility towards americans came from other backpackers. It wasn't outright. But there was a lot of behind the back talking about "that token american". And yeah on my first trip i had a maple leaf on my bag, but it wasn't so nobody would mistake me as an american, but rather like CD said just showing that i was proud of my country. Though i must admit when I first open my mouth and talk, people at first always assume i;'m american, so it ended up being nice that i had the patch. All over the world though i found that a lot of ppl are in awe of americans. i remember walking thru the streets of paris and guys shouting "You american?, You american?" at me. Then i went no i'm canadian and they had this expression haha

[Somnambulation]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not too keen on being told my country is the devil at every turn, but it sounds like it won't be too much of a problem. I do enjoy political discussion though, so hopefully there will be a little of that.

[Sijuki]

Yeah even though I pick on the canadians all the time... I only pick on em cause I love em.

The thing I love aboot them is the way they say sorrie. Seriously though they are good people.