Unscientific research on Anti-Americanism in Europe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

I had a private tour guide in Munich in 2019 complain to me about “gun-toting Texans” and rich Americans. He almost stroked out when he found out that my 24 and 19 year olds (also on the tour) what been homeschooled. Yes, Europeans have stereotypes also. But I have a few about them too…

My oldest dc did a semester in Germany, and was actually asked if people walked around with 'six shooters' all the time! Dc said, I'm from New England lol, never seen that. He was then asked if he went to NYC regularly for dinner, and had to explain that we lived hours from there. A few of the resident students also shared their views on Jewish people...shocking my dc (we're not Jewish but that's not the point). He was also suprised at the tension and aggression at soccer games (like big ones).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

I'm calling you out as making up stuff that never happened. Because most people in Europe don't spend their time thinking about US politics or "trumpers." They're much more interested in their own politicians. Of which some are pretty populist themselves. Marie Le Pen is the leading contender to win the next French election. Giorgia Meloni is the PM of Italy. The ADF in Germany is winning elections. There's a significant pro-right tide sweeping across Europe, which you'd notice if you paid attention to the papers.

DCUM isn't Europe and what people are saying in DCUM pretty much only happens on DCUM. Newsflash, a lot of the hotel staff across Western Europe aren't "natives" of the respective countries. But that didn't enter your mind because it doesn't fit the narrative you're trying to peddle on here.

I hate people like you who dismiss things because they haven't happened to you. I was in Italy in 2017 and had the "Do you support Trump?" question posed to me by a takeaway pizza place guy. Then again in 2018 by a food service worker in Alberta, Canada. We only vacationed in America during the rest of the Trump years.

I lived outside the US as an expat during Trump's four years and never once had any negative experience. Sometimes people asked me about Trump. And Trump isn't universally disliked outside the US, FYI. You might be surprised. Come to think of it, I heard more Trump talk from American tourists and expats living outside the US who went out of their way to bring up Trump as a topic so everyone else could be clear they didn't support Trump. But those conversations were never initiated by the non-Americans. I'd think a hallmark of American provincialism is making blanket, unfounded assumptions about other nations and nationalities so that they can serve your narrative.

I remember reading in a childhood book a description of being cheated by one French peddler and then spending the rest of your life thinking all French peddlers are cheats. That's narrow minded provincialism. And that's what is being demonstrated on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

I'm calling you out as making up stuff that never happened. Because most people in Europe don't spend their time thinking about US politics or "trumpers." They're much more interested in their own politicians. Of which some are pretty populist themselves. Marie Le Pen is the leading contender to win the next French election. Giorgia Meloni is the PM of Italy. The ADF in Germany is winning elections. There's a significant pro-right tide sweeping across Europe, which you'd notice if you paid attention to the papers.

DCUM isn't Europe and what people are saying in DCUM pretty much only happens on DCUM. Newsflash, a lot of the hotel staff across Western Europe aren't "natives" of the respective countries. But that didn't enter your mind because it doesn't fit the narrative you're trying to peddle on here.

I hate people like you who dismiss things because they haven't happened to you. I was in Italy in 2017 and had the "Do you support Trump?" question posed to me by a takeaway pizza place guy. Then again in 2018 by a food service worker in Alberta, Canada. We only vacationed in America during the rest of the Trump years.

I lived outside the US as an expat during Trump's four years and never once had any negative experience. Sometimes people asked me about Trump. And Trump isn't universally disliked outside the US, FYI. You might be surprised. Come to think of it, I heard more Trump talk from American tourists and expats living outside the US who went out of their way to bring up Trump as a topic so everyone else could be clear they didn't support Trump. But those conversations were never initiated by the non-Americans. I'd think a hallmark of American provincialism is making blanket, unfounded assumptions about other nations and nationalities so that they can serve your narrative.

I remember reading in a childhood book a description of being cheated by one French peddler and then spending the rest of your life thinking all French peddlers are cheats. That's narrow minded provincialism. And that's what is being demonstrated on here.

Thank you. The majority of the posters here are doing just that. The questionable anecdotes from the PP's kid in Germany....I too live in New England and regularly go to dinner in NYC. Because Connecticut is in New England too, and we can easily drive or take the train. It's not as if it was a stupid question unless they specifically said the live in Maine vice New England. Guaranteed the PP (and son) couldn't tell you how far Thüringen is from Sachsen-Anhalt either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

I'm calling you out as making up stuff that never happened. Because most people in Europe don't spend their time thinking about US politics or "trumpers." They're much more interested in their own politicians. Of which some are pretty populist themselves. Marie Le Pen is the leading contender to win the next French election. Giorgia Meloni is the PM of Italy. The ADF in Germany is winning elections. There's a significant pro-right tide sweeping across Europe, which you'd notice if you paid attention to the papers.

DCUM isn't Europe and what people are saying in DCUM pretty much only happens on DCUM. Newsflash, a lot of the hotel staff across Western Europe aren't "natives" of the respective countries. But that didn't enter your mind because it doesn't fit the narrative you're trying to peddle on here.

I hate people like you who dismiss things because they haven't happened to you. I was in Italy in 2017 and had the "Do you support Trump?" question posed to me by a takeaway pizza place guy. Then again in 2018 by a food service worker in Alberta, Canada. We only vacationed in America during the rest of the Trump years.

I lived outside the US as an expat during Trump's four years and never once had any negative experience. Sometimes people asked me about Trump. And Trump isn't universally disliked outside the US, FYI. You might be surprised. Come to think of it, I heard more Trump talk from American tourists and expats living outside the US who went out of their way to bring up Trump as a topic so everyone else could be clear they didn't support Trump. But those conversations were never initiated by the non-Americans. I'd think a hallmark of American provincialism is making blanket, unfounded assumptions about other nations and nationalities so that they can serve your narrative.

I remember reading in a childhood book a description of being cheated by one French peddler and then spending the rest of your life thinking all French peddlers are cheats. That's narrow minded provincialism. And that's what is being demonstrated on here.

Thank you. The majority of the posters here are doing just that. The questionable anecdotes from the PP's kid in Germany....I too live in New England and regularly go to dinner in NYC. Because Connecticut is in New England too, and we can easily drive or take the train. It's not as if it was a stupid question unless they specifically said the live in Maine vice New England. Guaranteed the PP (and son) couldn't tell you how far Thüringen is from Sachsen-Anhalt either.

Nothing 'questionable' about the actual things that were said to him. You sound like a rude American.

[Anonymous]

I travel a lot and have literally never had anyone treat me poorly abroad (and very rarely in everyday life). Except once when my children were really tired and being whiny at a church in Europe, and they deserved it. I removed them and disciplined them. They’ve never acted like that again in public. I was so embarrassed!

[Anonymous]

I travel a lot and lived overseas for years and never experienced any pointed anti-Americanism. I had one bookseller in Cologne come running over to make sure I knew there were no English-language books in the shop and I was pretty embarrassed to have been called out. An hour later at lunch, a waiter was sure my dad and I were German and complimented us on our “authentic” American accents. So I broke even that day.

The only people to ever get pissy upon hearing my accent were ones who’d asked me for directions. I’m not the one who’s lost, dude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

I had a private tour guide in Munich in 2019 complain to me about “gun-toting Texans” and rich Americans. He almost stroked out when he found out that my 24 and 19 year olds (also on the tour) what been homeschooled. Yes, Europeans have stereotypes also. But I have a few about them too…

My oldest dc did a semester in Germany, and was actually asked if people walked around with 'six shooters' all the time! Dc said, I'm from New England lol, never seen that. He was then asked if he went to NYC regularly for dinner, and had to explain that we lived hours from there. A few of the resident students also shared their views on Jewish people...shocking my dc (we're not Jewish but that's not the point). He was also suprised at the tension and aggression at soccer games (like big ones).

I moved from NY to Texas in 1990 and we got asked if we were in gangs allllll the time and if we had been mugged a ton. Fair play as I thought I would get to ride a horse to school in Texas (great dissapointment). We stereotype just as much domestically - fly over country anyone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need an ID to check into a hotel?

Of course, here you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

I had a private tour guide in Munich in 2019 complain to me about “gun-toting Texans” and rich Americans. He almost stroked out when he found out that my 24 and 19 year olds (also on the tour) what been homeschooled. Yes, Europeans have stereotypes also. But I have a few about them too…

OP here. That’s an amusing incident. I’d have been tempted to embellish it a bit if I were you!

One other stereotype I hate that Europeans quote endlessly is how few Americans have passports. It’s an endless mantra. I wonder if it’s sung as a lullaby to kids.

In general, the rest of the world, not just Europeans, are fascinated in a very not positive way about US gun culture.

“Fascinated?”

Try appalled and baffled about why we choose to live this way.

I concur with then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

When I traveled under Trump I put as much distance between myself and him as I could (given an appropriate opportunity of course). He pushed other world leaders aside (literally) called poor nations “sh*thole countries,” thought he could buy parts of other people’s countries, made fun of disabled people, of overweight people..,

Of course I did not want people from other countries to think he represented me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

Europe includes more than one country. How would every country in Europe have people who react the exact same way? Or have the same view of Americans?

My friend who speaks French pretty well said Parisians were terrible to her. I went with my terrible French (twice) and received kindness everywhere. We were quiet. We were respectful.

But I did read about and encounter Americans who speak loudly as if everyone wants to know every fascinating detail of their lives. And I read about Americans wearing flip flops or asking a chef how much he earns working at one of the most highly regarded chocolate shops…Tacky.

A border guard asked if I was French and seemed surprised to find out I was American but he didn’t suddenly become a jerk because I was American.

We had similar experiences in England.

Is OP a troll?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

I had a private tour guide in Munich in 2019 complain to me about “gun-toting Texans” and rich Americans. He almost stroked out when he found out that my 24 and 19 year olds (also on the tour) what been homeschooled. Yes, Europeans have stereotypes also. But I have a few about them too…

My oldest dc did a semester in Germany, and was actually asked if people walked around with 'six shooters' all the time! Dc said, I'm from New England lol, never seen that. He was then asked if he went to NYC regularly for dinner, and had to explain that we lived hours from there. A few of the resident students also shared their views on Jewish people...shocking my dc (we're not Jewish but that's not the point). He was also suprised at the tension and aggression at soccer games (like big ones).

I lived in Japan for a year and was frequently asked the same thing. I, too, scoffed at the question & laughed about never having had handled a gun, nor of knowing anyone who had. Wound up having to leave my program early because my husband’s father & stepmother (in the US) were shot dead in a home invasion. Gun access and associated violence is absolutely insane in the US, and the ROW is right to wonder why Americans would ever choose to live this way. It goes far beyond Europe.

Re. Anti-Trumpism, my husband got our car stuck in the middle of nowhere in Portugal, where we now live. I was at home, trying to geolocate him and organize a tow truck, when he was approached by a British couple on horseback. They lived up the road from where the car was stuck. But before offering assistance, they asked him who he voted for! (Hilary was the right answer.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve not been treated badly because I’m American but I have regularly experienced a “test” where someone in Europe will try to find out what kind of American you are…trumper or not. If you “pass” the test, i.e not a trumper, you are treated great.

I have personally seen A LOT of nasty tourists from all over the world, most notably American, British (quite a few tbh), and Chinese and Japanese (this last one was more about HUGE groups of tourists and they will cut off others.

OP here. These days I’m afraid the assumption in a lot of Europe is that you’re a Trumper unless and until you produce a European passport. That’s what we’ve been told at least!!

Europe includes more than one country. How would every country in Europe have people who react the exact same way? Or have the same view of Americans?

My friend who speaks French pretty well said Parisians were terrible to her. I went with my terrible French (twice) and received kindness everywhere. We were quiet. We were respectful.

But I did read about and encounter Americans who speak loudly as if everyone wants to know every fascinating detail of their lives. And I read about Americans wearing flip flops or asking a chef how much he earns working at one of the most highly regarded chocolate shops…Tacky.

A border guard asked if I was French and seemed surprised to find out I was American but he didn’t suddenly become a jerk because I was American.

We had similar experiences in England.

Is OP a troll?

I don't wear them myself, but what is wrong with wearing flip flops?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They like your partner better? I get this. My DH makes a better impression. People react better towards him. Wish I could change it but it's always been the case.

I don’t think you should be blaming yourself here. He’s probably treated better because he’s a man. I’ve traveled with multiple boyfriends and it’s always more effective for the man to ask for things and my experience they are always treated better than me. And I am a perfectly nice, polite person

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They like your partner better? I get this. My DH makes a better impression. People react better towards him. Wish I could change it but it's always been the case.

OP here. Not just me. My partner speaks English with a distinctly American accent and of course our permanent address is in the US. When they see that there is a distinct chill, even if a fake friendliness. When they ask for a passport and he hands them his EU one, the attitude is immediately better, like wow, you’re one of us. It’s remarkable actually.

I think you're imagining it. In all my years of travel, and it involves multiple trips each year for work, I have never experienced any particularly different treatment in Europe due to American nationality. The vast majority of Americans abroad are well mannered and civil.

She’s not imagining it.? I travelled with a Canadian boyfriend. It helped people be nicer.