I have had the amazing privilege of traveling to a number of foreign nations while doing missions work these last several years and I can honestly say I have been saddened by the perception that many outside of the USA have of ugly, loud Americans. Not only has this perception hurt our image abroad, but it has been a hindrance to our global leadership role.
Although not all Americans are ugly, loud or arrogant, the few bad apples that travel have given all of us a bad name. I have personally sat with Russian, Chinese, Australian, Mexican and Filipino people as they spin a sad tale of some brash, haughty, rude American making a fool of themselves and drawing the ire of the locals. This kind of example can be particularly damaging if your trying to be a witness and representative of Jesus Christ.
The problem has become so widespread that starting next month the U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT will be issuing guides to Americans who travel abroad on how to act becomingly. The article I link to for this story is in THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD out of Australia. That alone should tell us something. Even our Allies know about our faults and are writing articles to point them out.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ THE STORY IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
A few years back I listened to a speaker teaching a class at a homeschooling convention. The class was on how to deal with friends who felt that just because you homeschool you have much more time than those in the "normal world". It was not aimed at adults, but at kids. He was seeing a pattern of his kids being expected to drop everything when friends showed up, or that they would want to play with the toys while his kids worked. He put out a manual called "UNcommon Courtesy" because in our day and age courtesy is anything but common. If it isn't being taught at the fundamental level of childhood, of course we are going to have obnoxious adults. I have elders tell me in surprised tones how courteous my children are, and they have far to go. When someone sounds that grateful and taken back by a simple "Can I help you with that?" or an "Oh! Excuse me, I'm so sorry." it shows how far we have fallen.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of common courtesy centers on the realization that others exist outside of the realm of you. We expect courtesy directed to us, yet fail to extend it. I wonder if our western philosophy of independance and individualism has not contributed to how we even treat our peers, family, and friends, let alone perfect strangers. Good manners maintain consideration and kindness in our busy lives...others feel honored and respected - why is that so difficult and dispised?
That was me...sorry. I got so involved in my thoughts that I forgot to sill in my info!
ReplyDeleteHow embarrassing but so true.
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