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Message
American's abroad in today's political climate...
Posted on 1/4/20 at 9:39 am
Posted on 1/4/20 at 9:39 am
This isn't really meant to be a political post. People are entitled to their views and affiliations.
For those that have been abroad recently, what have your experiences been with the foreigners you've met abroad when it comes to their perceptions of our political landscape? Non issue? Curious? Hateful? Understanding? Supportive?
For us at least this year, I was a little hesitant going to some of the Eastern European countries, particularly arriving in Belgrade a week after their massive protests against NATO and the US on the 20th Anniversary of the bombings there. I was like oh, shite.
Our personal experience was that American politics didn't really come up that often. Most of the people we met were very friendly.
When it did, it was about Trump frankly. Not being political, it's just that I found those that wanted to talk US politics focused on him. Either they were reserved and didn't say much or were openly questioning. We did get a few snide comments about him when they heard we were Americans unprovoked. Some asked what's going on in our country.
I've always found it useful to study up on the politics of their countries so that I could offer objective retorts or questions to them so that the conversations became more balanced. To remind them we all have our struggles internally. It became a more objective conversation often at that point.
Best yet to just shrug, smile or try to change the subject. Overall, didn't feel that unwelcome as an American. Pretty much to the contrary and a pleasant surprise.
Any experiences good or bad you'd like to share? It's something people surely think about these days when they go abroad. The events in Iran certainly have me thinking about our upcoming trip to Europe in April. Won't deter me and I'll try to be a great Ambassador of our country like always.
For those that have been abroad recently, what have your experiences been with the foreigners you've met abroad when it comes to their perceptions of our political landscape? Non issue? Curious? Hateful? Understanding? Supportive?
For us at least this year, I was a little hesitant going to some of the Eastern European countries, particularly arriving in Belgrade a week after their massive protests against NATO and the US on the 20th Anniversary of the bombings there. I was like oh, shite.
Our personal experience was that American politics didn't really come up that often. Most of the people we met were very friendly.
When it did, it was about Trump frankly. Not being political, it's just that I found those that wanted to talk US politics focused on him. Either they were reserved and didn't say much or were openly questioning. We did get a few snide comments about him when they heard we were Americans unprovoked. Some asked what's going on in our country.
I've always found it useful to study up on the politics of their countries so that I could offer objective retorts or questions to them so that the conversations became more balanced. To remind them we all have our struggles internally. It became a more objective conversation often at that point.
Best yet to just shrug, smile or try to change the subject. Overall, didn't feel that unwelcome as an American. Pretty much to the contrary and a pleasant surprise.
Any experiences good or bad you'd like to share? It's something people surely think about these days when they go abroad. The events in Iran certainly have me thinking about our upcoming trip to Europe in April. Won't deter me and I'll try to be a great Ambassador of our country like always.
This post was edited on 1/4/20 at 10:53 am
21
Posted on 1/4/20 at 9:43 am to Nole Man
quote:
When it did, it was about Trump frankly. Not being political, it's just that I found those that wanted to talk US politics focused on him.
I don’t think that’s unusual. My two times in Europe were during the Bush and Obama years, and anytime American politics came up, they brought up the current president.
Posted on 1/4/20 at 10:06 am to Nole Man
I was at a pub in London last year and this couple I befriended brought up trump and started bashing American politics... blah blah blah..
I just mentioned Brexit and they agreed to disagree.
It was all in jest though, no real disgust.
I just mentioned Brexit and they agreed to disagree.
It was all in jest though, no real disgust.
Posted on 1/4/20 at 10:52 am to Nole Man
I was in London in 1776. They were all chanting “Death to America!” It was a scene.
frick Iran. No logical human being would defend that tyrannically religious dictatorship.
Well-traveled adults can have a conversation about differences and act civil towards each other. But some folks are crazy. I have strong opinions, but I don’t aggressively express them... but if you ask, you’re going to hear them. America is great. Be humble, but be proud. And if you’re surrounded by big dudes or pretty women, just keep your mouth shut.
frick Iran. No logical human being would defend that tyrannically religious dictatorship.
Well-traveled adults can have a conversation about differences and act civil towards each other. But some folks are crazy. I have strong opinions, but I don’t aggressively express them... but if you ask, you’re going to hear them. America is great. Be humble, but be proud. And if you’re surrounded by big dudes or pretty women, just keep your mouth shut.
Posted on 1/4/20 at 1:48 pm to Nole Man
While in Bali for our honeymoon, we did a snorkeling thing. We were on a boat with a few other couples, one of whom was from Germany.
We were all chatting and when they discovered we were American, they started talking about how crazy Trump is.
While I don’t disagree with them, it took everything in me to not point out that maybe two people from Germany shouldn’t be pointing fingers when it comes to the sanity of other countries’ leadership...
We were all chatting and when they discovered we were American, they started talking about how crazy Trump is.
While I don’t disagree with them, it took everything in me to not point out that maybe two people from Germany shouldn’t be pointing fingers when it comes to the sanity of other countries’ leadership...
Posted on 1/4/20 at 1:58 pm to Nole Man
Rarely have I encountered people talking politics to me while abroad. A few notable exceptions: cab drivers, who the world over seem to like to discuss odd topics. Rode across London with a cabbie who adored Trump, was stridently pro brexit, and believed that British police should be armed. after about 3 miles, finally figured out that we weren’t interested in talking politics. Then he switched into tourism promotion mode and said that he loved Americans and we should go home and tell all of our friends to visit.
Other exception: walked out of our AirBnB on a rare sunny morning in Edinburgh and into a 10,000 person strong Scottish independence rally. EVERYone there wanted to talk politics.....9,950 were pro independence, and the 50 obnoxious screamers were unionists.
Other exception: walked out of our AirBnB on a rare sunny morning in Edinburgh and into a 10,000 person strong Scottish independence rally. EVERYone there wanted to talk politics.....9,950 were pro independence, and the 50 obnoxious screamers were unionists.
Posted on 1/4/20 at 4:18 pm to vilma4prez
quote:
started bashing American politics.
prolly open borders economic morons like many left wingers here.
Posted on 1/4/20 at 4:59 pm to Nole Man
Politics generally don't come up unless we hang out with someone we meet more than once. Brits will sometimes try to troll you but they have their own issues now so aren't so high & mighty. And basically all Euro countries are becoming more nationalistic so their politics are similar to ours.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 12:47 am to AbitaFan08
I've heard a few negative things about how some Germans handle themselves abroad (know it alls 
) and had a similar thing happen to me on Safari in South Africa.
Prior to bushwalk where guides have rifles. Guide, German, and myself in a small group before starting.
German: Notes the rifle, talks about it with guide, notes he was a pretty good marksmen in the military.
Unprovoked as he's talking turns to me and says to my face while doing a trigger motion, "Americans like to shoot kids in schools" (Stoneman Douglas was month prior)
Guide just said "Wow" with a WTF face.
I held back my Nazi comment as well.
Dude had been a dick to everyone the whole time he was there and disliked by every nationality so I just let it roll.
Besides that douche I've only really received positive vibes.
) and had a similar thing happen to me on Safari in South Africa. Prior to bushwalk where guides have rifles. Guide, German, and myself in a small group before starting.
German: Notes the rifle, talks about it with guide, notes he was a pretty good marksmen in the military.
Unprovoked as he's talking turns to me and says to my face while doing a trigger motion, "Americans like to shoot kids in schools" (Stoneman Douglas was month prior)
Guide just said "Wow" with a WTF face.
I held back my Nazi comment as well.
Dude had been a dick to everyone the whole time he was there and disliked by every nationality so I just let it roll.
Besides that douche I've only really received positive vibes.
This post was edited on 1/5/20 at 12:53 am
Posted on 1/5/20 at 6:26 am to Teddy Ruxpin
usually is bad form to talk politics in another country..
(most folks dont)
but if you're really worried about it..
...just say you are "actually" from canada
the politic subject will get dropped.
everyone loves canucks... and also no one really knows anything about their country or people (or politics)
(most folks dont)
but if you're really worried about it..
...just say you are "actually" from canada
the politic subject will get dropped.
everyone loves canucks... and also no one really knows anything about their country or people (or politics)
Posted on 1/5/20 at 6:28 am to Nole Man
My wife is a Brit and I work as an expat, the vast majority of folks I deal with on a daily basis are not Americans and politics rarely comes up.
The last person I had a conversation with about politcs that got sideways was a Uni student who is a friend of mines daughter, she just had to put her anti Trump nonsense on display, her parents were embarassed and I treated her like a child which made her more angry.
The last person I had a conversation with about politcs that got sideways was a Uni student who is a friend of mines daughter, she just had to put her anti Trump nonsense on display, her parents were embarassed and I treated her like a child which made her more angry.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 7:11 am to cave canem
You have to remember that big cities like London and Paris are always liberal like in the states. Go in the country and small towns and their political views often change drastically, just like the states.
I generally don’t try to talk politics, but yes the big city people generally haste Trump and liked Obama. Definitely agree to educate yourself and deflect. Absolutely not worth making someone mad abroad or getting offended yourself.
I generally don’t try to talk politics, but yes the big city people generally haste Trump and liked Obama. Definitely agree to educate yourself and deflect. Absolutely not worth making someone mad abroad or getting offended yourself.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 8:02 am to Nole Man
Didn’t deal with much of it when I visited Europe several months back. Paris was still rioting about their own Government at the time.
Trump and tariffs was definitely a subject of discussion when I was in Brazil this Fall. Basically the sentiment was a mix of shock that it’s happening to us plus them taking some comfort in the fact that they’ve dealt with political corruption forever and their belief that it’s basically now an institution here in the States. I certainly would not call their sentiment anti-American so much as feeling sad for the direction they think we’re heading.
Many also stated that they felt uncomfortable traveling in the States outside of places like Florida with high Latino/Spanish populations. That’s a shame.
Trump and tariffs was definitely a subject of discussion when I was in Brazil this Fall. Basically the sentiment was a mix of shock that it’s happening to us plus them taking some comfort in the fact that they’ve dealt with political corruption forever and their belief that it’s basically now an institution here in the States. I certainly would not call their sentiment anti-American so much as feeling sad for the direction they think we’re heading.
Many also stated that they felt uncomfortable traveling in the States outside of places like Florida with high Latino/Spanish populations. That’s a shame.
This post was edited on 1/5/20 at 8:05 am
Posted on 1/5/20 at 8:28 am to mrgreenpants
quote:
.just say you are "actually" from canada
Why would I admit to that?
I’ve never had any issues with discussing politics abroad during the last three presidencies. People have opinions, and some people voice them, but it’s not like I will ever see most of these people again.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 8:31 am to mrgreenpants
quote:
just say you are "actually" from canada
I'd rather be associated with DJT than Blackface Trudeau.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 8:50 am to baldona
quote:
You have to remember that big cities like London and Paris are always liberal like in the states. Go in the country and small towns and their political views often change drastically, just like the states.
really paw paw, you dont say.
I was in a town I lived in for a quite a while and still own a home in, I think I know the political leanings there far better than you but thanks for your advice.
Do you even read post before responding?
And for clarity sake IDGAF she was bad mouthing Trump, I just found it rude and boring and ignored her.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 9:08 am to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
Unprovoked as he's talking turns to me and says to my face while doing a trigger motion, "Americans like to shoot kids in schools" (Stoneman Douglas was month prior) Guide just said "Wow" with a WTF face. I held back my Nazi comment as well.
One of those moments where you don’t feel like starting a whole thing and just enjoy your vacation.
But at the same time you really want to say, “yeah, Americans also like to send their kids to camp in the summer. I seem to remember the Germans are big fans of camps as well.”
This post was edited on 1/5/20 at 9:08 am
Posted on 1/5/20 at 9:18 am to cave canem
well.
since my sister labels me a "radical ultra conservative" and i'd prefer not having to vote for a liberal like president trump.
so..
it is generally polite (and appreciated by travel companions) if i bail out of political conversations as opposed to getting into 3 hour debates on how their country is a shining example of the deadends of socialism.
no thanks.
if i dont like the politics of somewhere.. i'll simply move or go elsewhere.
i have no desire to try changing how people think. (or vote in their country)
i will say..
in latin american..most folks worth knowing are actually on the conservative side...
conservative enough.. where not long ago landowners(in central colombia) collectively funded "security" to keep the freeloading commie types from squatting and ruining their lands
(was pretty darn affective too)
since my sister labels me a "radical ultra conservative" and i'd prefer not having to vote for a liberal like president trump.
so..
it is generally polite (and appreciated by travel companions) if i bail out of political conversations as opposed to getting into 3 hour debates on how their country is a shining example of the deadends of socialism.
no thanks.
if i dont like the politics of somewhere.. i'll simply move or go elsewhere.
i have no desire to try changing how people think. (or vote in their country)
i will say..
in latin american..most folks worth knowing are actually on the conservative side...
conservative enough.. where not long ago landowners(in central colombia) collectively funded "security" to keep the freeloading commie types from squatting and ruining their lands
(was pretty darn affective too)
This post was edited on 1/5/20 at 9:36 am
Posted on 1/5/20 at 10:33 am to cave canem
quote:
Do you even read post before responding?
Bruh I didn’t quote you did I? I was just responding to the thread. Sorry you’ve been on the rig so long and need to get laid or something. But chill out.
My point still stands, people think everyone in the UK for instance is as liberal as Londoners. But the fact is it’s like people in Chicago compared to the rest of the state.
Posted on 1/5/20 at 11:08 am to Nole Man
No issues. Sometimes they ask what I think about Trump. I tell them there's good and bad just like with anyone. I'm no there to get into political discussions.
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