Posted on 08/05/2015 9:27:56 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
There are a number of customs and gestures that Americans use without thinking twice. But when traveling abroad, they will not only out you as a tourist, but could get you in hot water in other countries.
Inspired by this Quora thread, we've rounded up some of the most common American customs that are seen as offensive elsewhere.
1. Tipping
A contentious issue even here, both over- and under-tipping can quickly make you the least popular person at the table. But in Japan and South Korea tipping is seen as an insult. In those countries, workers feel they are getting paid to do their job, and take pride in doing it well; they don't need an added incentive.
2. Sitting in the back of a cab
While it's customary for Americans to hop into the back of a cab, in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, it's considered rude not to ride shotgun. Whereas cabbies in the US will sigh and reluctantly move their newspapers and lunches from the front seat, in other countries it's a matter of egality.
3. Throwing a thumbs up
In a lot of countries, especially in the Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, Russia and Greece, a thumbs up basically has the same meaning as holding up a middle finger does for Americans.
4. Laughing with your mouth open
In Japan, laughter that exposes your pearly whites is considered horse-like and impolite — sort of like noisy, open-mouthed eating is considered rude to Americans.
5. Calling the USA "America"
In South America, claiming you're from America, rather than the United States, is seen as being politically incorrect, as it implies that only the US should be considered America, and that South America is unworthy of the title.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
I wonder if this is only an issue with peoples of more liberal politics.
Conservatives will know what you mean and not see a big deal there.
I generally try to respond in kind. I’m not talky but if they start I’ll try to be polite. I do greatly prefer the city where I’m not expected to come up with conversation to buy a pack of smokes.
Exactly.
FtFB. F*ck the Foreign B*st*ards.
Went there as a 1lt, Cpt and Maj. There were Commie posters all over the place. The Greek bus drivers that took us to the NAMFI launch sites were crazy drivers they used their horns constantly to say hi to friends on the way!
Lets deal with facts, shall we? Item 11 on the list:
11. Wearing sweatpants, flip flops, wrinkly clothing, or baseball caps in public. Sure “athleisure” (stylish sportswear worn outside of the gym) is a hot new trend stateside, but in most countries, notably Japan and most of Europe, this sort of sloppy appearance is considered disrespectful.
So, you disagree? You think Americans dressing like slobs (and many of them do), is just A-ok? and F any “dirty foreigners” (who are in their own country) who find it a little offensive?
How do you feel about Muslims coming over here wearing Burkas. Got no problem with that?
Its about having manners. I repeat... lighten up.
I am in a foreign country right now and it seems pretty cool. I like it a lot, in fact.
well in MY house its not a problem. In fact, it could break into a contest if you’re not careful.
uhh... this has to do when we’re going there, not when they’re coming here.
Exactly. Some people unfortunately just don’t get it.
Now, I did not rise to the bait with your previous post to me. Was perfectly happy to let you speak your peace.
Was that not good enough for you?
11. Wearing sweatpants, flip flops, wrinkly clothing, or baseball caps in public
Sure “athleisure” (stylish sportswear worn outside of the gym) is a hot new trend stateside, but in most countries, notably Japan and most of Europe, this sort of sloppy appearance is considered disrespectful.
I don’t let my kids own flip-flops. Not even to wear to the pool.
I tell them, you never know when you might have to run. And running is all part of being a kid.
And this might come to a surprise to women out there, but not ALL men think feet are attractive. So all your FB pics of your feet at the beach, doesn’t do it for me.
They must have been grateful you weren’t a Muslim!
Not to mention spitting in the streets.
Having been in both big and small cities I can get annoyed when the cashier just chats and chats with the customers when I just want to pay and get out the door with my purchase.
*********************************************************************
I was at the post office yesterday, to buy a roll of stamps, about 10 people in line and the clerk and the woman she was waiting on were talking about some damn’d recipe. Small city, about 35,000 people.
>> even in Paris, people there were very nice <<
Agreed. That’s exactly how it is nowadays, in my experience.
But 25 or 30 years ago, it was a totally different story.
FWIW Also never heard Canadians refer to themselves as Americans
**********************************************************************
Do Mexicans in the U.S. refer to themselves as American? They probably self identify as Mexicans, though they are Americans, North Americans at that.
I suppose now you’re going to tell me using the shower curtain is wrong.
***************************************************************
When my younger brother was about 3 years old, he used the window curtain for t.p., no t.p. in b/room, he improvised.
Now, more than 50 years later, I still hassle him about it on occasion. (Hey, that’s what older brothers are for.)
When hailing a taxi cab in Kiev, Ukraine, my fiancé always sends me down the street a way so she can negotiate with the driver. Cheaper that way and no round about all over the city.
In my extensive world travels I have found learning how to say “hello” “goodbye” and “thank you” regardless of how butchered it sounds, will earn a tremendous amount of respect from your hosts.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.