Globally Speaking

When we travel abroad, we inevitably become ambassadors of our country. American wealth, power, and technological know-how are often admired and sometimes resented. People we meet may praise our country, but they may also criticize the United States and make uncomplimentary generalizations that we consider inaccurate. Sometimes they will confront us about a policy of our government or an incident involving other American citizens, even if we personally disagree with the policy or if the incident has nothing to do with us.

On the other hand, we should bear in mind that our own words and actions may be translated into a generalized picture of American behavior. The way we are perceived may affect how future American visitors are welcomed — or not welcomed. For example, people in some countries consider Americans lewd because they have seen some of us dress in ways that they consider inappropriate. In most countries, flaunting our wealth or telling how much money we make (even when asked!) invites resentment.

We Americans also give a bad impression whenever we complain about lower standards of comfort or technology, criticize others' social customs or religious practices, and lecture them about the superiority of our economic and political systems. We should not hesitate to express our opinions and defend our values in a reasoned and sympathetic tone, but we must remember that a truly global attitude respects the right of every culture to make its own choices.