I've run across the same issues in my travels. Most think us Americans are self-involved and trying to rub off our beliefs onto everyone else, or they want to argue politics. My conflict here is that I didn't grow up in the US either, and when I returned home I found many of the same thoughts too. I was shunned by the neighborhood, even though I was born there and family had been there for five generations, because I wasn't like them. I talked differently and had different ways. Others embraced me just because of my grandparents, and constantly being told not to think that way cause it isn't done here, learn our ways of doing it.

Some were amazed at how other countries lived and most just didn't care. They thought Australia was a third world country and I am a cruel mother for moving my son to those conditions. They even tried to take him away from me because I was coming here. I had to educate them that the Sydney area does not have Crocodile Dundee men and there are toilets with running water.

I am proud to be American because my father spent 26 years in the military to give me that right. Every one of my generations served in the military for it. But I would not rather live there to be judged because of it. I just couldn't find my spot in that world.

My son is redneck American and finds difficulties here with it. He worked in a garage with men from Pakistan, China, South America, and Australia. He had to win them over that he wasn't typical American. On his train trips he is confronted because of being American. Some are facinated and want information or just to hear his accent, others are violent.

My husband is Australian and hates that kids here today are Americanized into the music, behavior, etc. The ghetto tagging is apparant on every wall here. With the thousands of nationalities in this country, American problems filter through it all.

I am a conflict in motion of being an American, but not fitting into their mold.

Hey everyone, I'm stoked by all your comments, you've brought up new angles I hadn't thought of before. I'm definitely going to have to write a post-analysis on the subject that includes your ideas. And here's another one I'm chewing on: I'm currently living in New Zealand, one of the most neutral and conflict-free countries on earth. Yet, just like everywhere else I've been, the main topic among young people is how terrible American policies are. While of course I support an individual's right to express their opinion, what gets on my goat is how UNRESEARCHED these opinions are. I quite frequently find myself listening to my Kiwi frieds having a raging discussion on evil American policies, then they'll ask what I think. More often than not, I reply that I don't know enough about the issue, haven't heard about it from enough different viewpoints, to have an opinion. They're always surprised that I don't jump to the defense of my country. But it isn't a lack of patriotism, I just don't like to open my mouth unless I'm SURE I've heard the story from more than one source. Furthermore, I don't really feel justified complaining about a political situation unless I'm actively going to do something to change it. There are a very few things in life I consider myself an expert on: using Google, painting my nails, and cheese. Other than that, if I haven't researched an issue from every possible point of view and then spent time writing letters, protesting, and doing everything in my limited power to make a difference- then I don't feel comfortable adding my "opinion." Because let's face it: running your mouth about the current state of Pakistan at a party because you lack more clever social skills and/or writing an acoustic song about the subject just ain't going to make those refugees' life any better, now is it? So I'm advocating doing one of two things: 1. Accept that right now in your life you're too overwhelmed/poor/selfish to put your energy towards anything but your career and beer and save the political commentary until you've got the focus to learn all the facts, or 2. Stop chatting about how much this issue or that politician is so wrong and instead DO something about it, start a letter writing campaign, help out a youth voters project, get thee to the Middle East firsthand to be sure you've got the facts straight. And in the meantime, let's not judge each other because some of us are 1's and some of us are 2's. I am currently a number 1, but as soon as I can get my shit together, I'm hoping to be a number 2.
What do you think?
-Erin

i think the people/politics distinction is a convenient scapegoat. after all, people practice politics. our leadership still reflects the majority of our population, stubborn and selfish. that is slowly changing and we are not all the same, but until we citizens INSIST that healthy, honest people operate our government and our politics mature, the rest of the world will understandably judge us as "hellions".

Fascinating project! I agree with the other comments that travel offers an opportunity to show that not all Americans are the same and to put forth a "positive image" that is not political or MTV. One thing we've been impressed about, especially in former communist and suppressive regime countries, is how people are able to differentiate between a country's politics and its people. One money changer in Tajikistan summed it up well: "American politics bad. American people good. Tajik politics bad. Tajik people good."

Thanks for the article and I hope to read the final project when it's finished!

Somehow I think you can achieve a greater understanding of this impression when you come into contact with people who can't speak English at all. In Japan, as I'm walking around, occasionally people will recognize me as an American and assume I must listen to their qualms with the nation as a whole: "HELLO! BUSH! IRAQ! NO WAR!"

Intercultural relations fascinate me immensely and I would also love to read more of your enjoyable article. I often find there are sweeping generalizations and opinions about America by other country's citizens (and certainly, unwittingly by us towards their nations). But, what I love about travel is the opportunity to convey a counter perspective to their accidentally narrow perception. I like to agree about the weaknesses in my country, and the strengths. I wait for the moment to contradict an assumption and insert a new possibility in their thinking. I figure even if only a handful of people at a time learn there is indeed more than one kind of American, it's a start.

Heidi

Excellent article and what a diverse group to question in one place! I have encountered much of the same "Iraq/Bush and MTV=U.S.A" in my travels, Yet we are still the closed minded americans? I think we should all open our minds to new experiences before passing judgement. Thank you for a great article that was fun to read. I would love to read more.
Slinky

Great article Erin, I'd love to read the entire thing when you finish. I have been asking questions like this for the last couple of years and unfortunately you are right on key. I hope we can each help change this view.

Thanks
-Rob