I replied to this article that discussed Americans pretending to be Canadian during their travels.
Here was my comment:
I have never lied about being American during all my travels. Even though I majored in Politics in college, I still avoid some discussions. I usually can tell when the conversations will not be productive. When people just want to fight.
When I’ll be sitting at a bar with friends and a guy will tap me on the shoulder and without so much as a “hello” launch into a tirade of why America is like Hitler… Of course, the entire bar sort of stopped to listen. I told him politely that I didn’t want to engage in his talk, turned around, and went back to my friends. I didn’t need to fight, or get upset.
In a lot of ways, I enjoy beating the stereotypes that people have of Americans. That we are not all loud or uninformed.
Actually one man I met vehemently denied that I was American. I looked at him oddly and asked if he wanted to see my passport? He was adamant about the belief that since I am thin, that I cannot be American. He has never been to America. He’s met only a few, if that Americans. Yet he so firmly believed that we are all obese. (Also he asked me about my gun since I come from Brooklyn, NY, and I had to explain that I have never owned one).
I was taking a certification course to become an English teacher in Thailand, and in one of my classes I befriended some religious women from Iran and Sudan. They were happy that I knew some words, greetings, and that I brought candy for Eid. The women were pleased that not all Americans hate Muslims, but some Thai students who watched this friendship later on admitted to me that they didn’t think Americans were like that.
Sure, some folks have rudely turned away or insulted me upon hearing where I’m from (despite having already been in a conversation with me). That’s fine. That is their business. I have never felt in danger though. Most people dislike the American government and their policies (that’s fine, many Americans do as well)…but as for Americans, we’re okay.
Little changes matter. Even one mind, matters.
=( So sorry to hear that
I must say, I have met a lot of amazing Americans when I travel south of the border. ESPECIALLY in NYC (who said New Yorker are rude?!)
I am also glad that you are proud of who you are – keep that up!
I’ve fallen into the victim of people NOT believing I am Canadian that I had to show them my id and quiz my Canadiana (in England, they didn’t even know what the REAL capitol of Canada is…they thought it was Toronto or Montreal)
By: ashmantravels on May 10, 2010
at 4:04 pm
Oh NYers can be rude, but in an emergency we really can band together. The rudeness, eh…it’s love in disguise.
I am proud of who I am and what America has given me. I’m not always proud of all it’s political and social and economic decisions…but I still believe in America. I shudder to think what my life would be like if my family remained in Russia.
That’s pretty intense that no one believes you. I’m not surprised. I guess it’s the dirty inverse of so many Americans posing that no one really believes a real-life Canadian anymore. What is the world coming to?!
Kidding! Although I can see the frustration in those situations for you.
I am always really taken aback when people go “You’re not REALLY American.” Screw it, not even Americans are in consensus about what a “real American” is anyway.
By: inconvenience on May 10, 2010
at 4:22 pm