An American Abroad: How to Represent American Culture Correctly
Written by Connery December 2, 2015
Bassleader 2015: It's a satisfying feeling when you help someone get an amazing picute
Qlimax 2015: Had a great night just by simply getting a picture together.
Throwback to August 2015 in Copenhagen. Myself and two American sisters I met there exploring the city together.
Visiting the Reichstag with my Dutch friend. That's being multicultural, right?
In light of the recent terrorist attacks of Paris, I want to make a point on how to be an American abroad without creating tension. This is based on my experience and is more of an opinion.
Many people say “If anyone asks, you’re Canadian”, and that you should hide the fact that you’re American. Although it is true in some instances, mainly in countries that are in conflict, I’ve had moments where me being American has helped me meet some amazing people, and build some great friendships. Here are some points I want to post that you can use to either be a proper representative of America, or not get into any bad situations.
- BREAK THE BAD AMERICAN STEREOTYPES: If it isn’t apparent by now – or the captial letters – don’t be an egotistical jerk. Americans have some good stereotypes (we’re very social), and some that are bad (the big one being the stereotype of being less than desirable to be around and more shallow than Europeans). A great way I broke the stereotype was to actually hold off talking about my nationality until I’ve talked to people for a good minute. Once we’ve built a basic trust of each other, I ask their nationality and tell them I’m American. Surprisingly, some of the people I’ve told I’m American are shocked that I’m such a genuine and relaxed guy (maybe why they like me so much?). So in short just be nice and respectful and increase the stereotype of being friendly.
- Don’t Jump into Representing America Without Getting an Idea of the Crowd: This can be good or bad, depending on where in the world you are, and what event you’re at. One thing I would recommend is to research the event, how big it is, and to get a “feel” of the crowd and to see if they’re good people to be honest with. When at the event, try not to project any of the American stereotypes, but to be honest, when people start talking to you, they’ll realize quickly that you have an American accent, and in that case, just try to avoid the bad stereotypes.
- Have Pride in Your Country, but Remember to be Different: So this one dates back to my month traveling in August. As I posted then, I went to Denmark to catch a bus (Coretours) to a music festival in the Netherlands with a bus full of Scandinavians. When they realized that I was from America, they took a huge interest in not only talking to me, but wondering why I flew all the way to Denmark to travel with them to the Netherlands. After telling them that hearing reviews that they were like a family in that style of music, they called me crazy, but called me their crazy American, and as the reviews said, they treated me like famil, and I actually met many of them again at a music event a couple weekends ago. In short, take pride in your nationality, but remember to be different than the stereotypes.
- Experience Things That Aren’t American: Like I posted in my second blog, I went to a music festival with music that was unheard of in America. Every event I’ve gone to had barely any other Americans (if any), and when people saw that I was from America, they were surprised that I was not only there, but had a genuine interest in the music and in the events. I’m pretty sure I made a great impression with a lot of people and because of that I had not only a great time, but gave them a new perspective on Americans. After all, if you bond of similar music, you build mutual respect. If you seek stuff that isn’t known in America, and that you show interest and are with those who presume Americans aren’t interested, or are impressed that you simply want to expand your horizon when it comes to things and locations that aren’t American.
- Socialize With Others: This is, I guess, more of an opinion and is also a positive American stereotype, but be the one to start conversations. When I was at an event by myself, I didn’t really have any people approach me, so I naturally had to be the one to start talking. However once we started talking, we were able to become friends and were actually able to get an amazing picture that was taken by the event organizer. Not only that, but we connected on Facebook, and if I’m ever in Belgium, my new friends invited me to visit and said they’ll take me on a tour of their city (or we’ll grab a Belgian Beer, either way it’s a win). Simply, while you’re abroad, socialize.
- Be Okay With Being Asked to Take Pictures: Going off my previous point, when I was at a music event a couple weeks ago, I was approached by an Irish woman to ask if I was American, and to see if I could take a picture with the two flags by each other. As a proper American abroad, I was totally cool with it, and because of that, got a pretty sweet picture together and we became friends. You can tell by the look on her face (in the picture above) how happy she was to get such an awesome picture with me (aka “the awesome American”).
- If Everything Goes Well, Be Ready to Be Labeled “Their American”: Every. Single. Time. Every event I’ve gone to, whether a huge festival or a small concert, I’ve met people from the area, and they took a huge interest in talking to me once I told them I was from America. Not only that, but I was able to connect with them easily and made some great friendships because of that. The hilarious thing is that every time I’ve met people at the music events, I’m the only American there, and therefore when I meet socialize with groups of people, they make posts about “our Squad plus our American”. Honestly, I find that to be a compliment, simply because they not only include me in their pics, but many have offered to take me on tours in their home cities next time I’m in Europe.
So in conclusion, being American is definitely interesting. Whether you’re surrounded by your countrymen, alone in a country with few tourists, or just sightseeing in a huge city, if you’re able to break the negative American stereotypes, you’ll not only come out of the situation in good condition, but you’ll be able to change others perspectives on Americans. After all, traveling globalizes us, and we must act upon that notion.
“Walk Your Own Path and Be Yourself” – Joanne Nussbaum
Blogger: Connery, Western Michigan University
