 Nothing is more American than... |
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We know nothing is more American than apple pie. Apple pie is the symbol of the the warm, good, comfortable things that I love that I left behind in America and can't get in Japan. However there is more to America than apple pie and some of it isn't warm, good, and comfortable. Just think to yourselves, have you ever run into a Japanese tourist and thought ill of them or their behavior? Have you run into any tourist or international and thought ill of them? I know I haven't. Recently I've had a few run-ins with American exports that were certainly not apple pies. They weren't even at the level of little debbie cakes and twinkies.
Lafayette seems to be overrun by this one type of girl. They all tend to look the same and be in a certain few sororities. Picture from the top down: Long hair, sunglasses (irregardless of lighting), some form of makeup, sweatshirt bearing a certain combination of greek letters, spandex or tights, and ugg boots. There are better ways to present yourself than as a clone of a greek organization, but please don't be loud about it. This Lafayette-type is. I walked into the elevator today in the international building and two of the same came in as well. Loud. Complaining about whatnot, talking about who drank how much in the weekend and passed out. It was like being hit with a bucket of ice water because I was away from that for so long. The ride to the 6th floor couldn't have been any slower.
Fast forward 10-15 years on the same model of ugly American and you get the woman sitting at the next table in a restaurant the family took me to. It was a wonderful sushi restaurant, relaxing, peaceful. Except the loud blond with big hair and her date next to us who drained a bottle of wine and two big bottles of beer. I guess they ate sushi too. They were speaking just in English so I was the only one at the table that could understand, but obnoxious is the same in every language. When I told host mother that it was going to take me time to get used to loud Americans when I get back like the ones next to us she understood exactly which table I was referring to. (This was a popular restaurant with Westerners and there was another well-behaved table sitting next to us).
So these are our ambassadors. If one is sent over for every 100 of well behaved Americans that is still too much.
2 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
November 17th 2008 - john migliaccio: new photo a must
E-MAN, you gotta put a new photo of yourself on this BLOG
. The current one pains both Granma & I. Luv Ya Buddy Granpa
December 26th 2008 - Tasche & Laurie: How very true!
Hi Eman,
This blog is so true about many Americans (unfortunately). When we travel, we can always tell who is from the USA and who is not. In a country as wonderful as ours, we (as its citizens) need to learn to be a little less obnoxious and a little more humble. Nothing is more embarrassing than to see (or just hear) a loud person who acts like he/she is entitled to everything. And so many Americans wonder why we're disliked so much around the world....... Arrogance and having little or no class are not welcome features in ANY culture!
Fortunately, there are ambassadors from the U.S. like you, to show the world that there are many, many wonderful, respectful, classy, talented and caring Americans, too. Keep on doing your good work, and don't let those others get to you! We're very proud of you and are quite honored to know you and have you represent our country! Love, T & L
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