avatarAdrienne Beaumont

Summary

An Australian traveler reflects on the benefits of holding an Australian passport while abroad, noting the positive reception from locals compared to American tourists, and offers advice to US citizens on how to travel more respectfully.

Abstract

The author, an Australian, expresses a complex relationship with national identity, feeling somewhat out of place at home but appreciating the positive global reception received while traveling as an Australian. Initially, the author's exposure to Americans was negative, characterized by obnoxious behavior, but this perception changed upon visiting the US and meeting kind individuals. While traveling in France, the author was warned against wearing an American flag-themed beanie, highlighting the French antipathy towards Americans, which contrasted with their affection for Australians. The article suggests that Australians are generally well-received worldwide, except in Israel where Americans are favored. To avoid cultural insensitivity, the author advises Americans to refrain from flaunting their nationality, assuming universal English proficiency, or imposing American customs and beliefs on others. The author also recommends reading an article by Georgia Calimeres for further insights on American behavior abroad.

Opinions

  • The author initially held a negative view of Americans based on interactions in Australia but revised this opinion after meeting friendly Americans in the US.
  • There is a perception that the French harbor animosity towards Americans, possibly due to political or historical reasons, despite American assistance in World War II.
  • The author suggests that Australians are liked in most countries, with the exception of Israel, where Americans are treated preferentially.
  • Americans are encouraged to be culturally sensitive by not starting sentences with "In the States, we...", which is seen as disrespectful to the host country's customs and traditions.
  • The author implies that Americans who believe the US is the best country in the world should consider staying home if they cannot appreciate or adapt to other cultures.
  • The article criticizes the behavior of some American travelers who exhibit a sense of American exceptionalism and suggests that they should make an effort to blend in and respect local customs to avoid being perceived as self-opinionated.

TRAVEL|OPINION

Happy to Have an Australian Passport

I can visit one less country than a US Citizen

Photo by Amber Weir on Unsplash

I’m not a terribly patriotic person. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong country, but when I travel I’m happy to be Australian.

Until I started travelling, the only US citizens I had come across were those who had travelled to Australia. I know it’s probably only a small proportion of the general US population, but they were gregarious, loud know-it-alls and general pains in the arse.

When I first went to the States, I met some lovely people — so discovered not all Americans were like the ones who came to Australia. Thank goodness!

So when I first travelled to France in December 2010, I packed a beanie that covered my ears. It was knitted in the pattern of the US flag — red, blue and white stars and stripes. Keeley had bought it on one of her trips to Alabama with her father — it was lovely and warm so I borrowed it.

When Stacey saw it, she was aghast! You can’t wear that! You’ll be lynched!

Wha-a-a-t?

The French hate the Americans! I had no idea. Didn’t the Americans help them in World War 2? Luckily for me, the French love Australians!

Actually, I’ve been loved everywhere I’ve been — except Israel. Americans are kings there — Aussies are the scum of the earth. But that’s another story!

So if you’re a US citizen, you might like to adopt some of these ways not to upset people in the country you’re travelling in.

  1. Don’t say you’re from America.
  2. Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Don’t shout if you’re not understood.
  3. Don’t start every sentence with, “In the States, we …..” It is disrespectful to the country you’re in.
  4. Follow the local customs. Wear similar clothing to the locals. Don’t stand out as one of those self-opinionated Yanks. If you think The United States is the best country in the world, maybe you should just stay at home.

You might like to read Georgia Calimeres’ article if you haven’t already done so.

By the way, I had to search through hundreds of flags to find that one from Unsplash. I typed in “Australian flag” and got hundreds of stars and stripes!

Travel
Australian
Passport
Us Passport
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