Let's Change the American Traveler

When traveling, it's quick to realize that Americans have a bad reputation. Regardless of politics and anything else that actually going on in our country - we just do. Bush out - Obama in? Bad reputation still in check. Why is this? I've decided the reason is two-fold.

1. We don't give ourselves enough credit.
Americans put Americans down. As I mentioned in my Asia Travel Blog, American Patriotism (unless you are from Texas) is low. Patriotism has become a bad word. People relate patriotism to conservative politics and war. It's unfair. When Tucker and I were traveling, we often found ourselves putting America down. When a Japanese friend asked us what is "typical American cuisine," we replied something like " We don't have anything that's our own. We just steal from other cultures...and add it to the melting pot." This bothered me.
We all (myself included) tend to further American stereotypes in conversation with other travelers so we can "fit in" and make a joke about Americans. (I'll admit though that once I realized I was doing that on my Costa Rica trip, I stopped... )

2. The wrong Americans are traveling.
I was in a hostel in Quepos, Costa Rica, listening to this North Carolina kid "explain" "American Things" to a German girl who politely pretended she was interested and ignorant. Once he finally said "see, we have this thing called American Football..." she finally was like "yea, I know." DUH. Who is this kid and why is he out there representing Americans?

So, we need to battle this reputation in both parts. Stop putting us down! Don't further the stereotypes - instead, show other countries what you've got; what we've got. And secondly, don't let mister Redneck represent us out in the world! You need to travel. Yes, you. The people in my life are interesting, smart, funny - and would make a great impression on any other traveler out there on the road. Travelers have often said to me that I'm not the "usual" American they meet traveling. Let's change that. We have so many awesome people here in Boston - and all over the United States - let's share our awesomeness with the world (literally) and change the reputation for American Travelers.

Ok?
Ready? Go.