Ugly American — Don’t Be One When You Travel

Thoughts about the Ugly American syndrome.

When I was writing my story about my last visit to France, several story ideas popped into my head. A common occurrence for me. The idea of the Ugly American was one such thought.

I am an American, and while I understand that 90% of my fellow citizens have great respect for the people, culture, religion, and differences found in other countries. There is that 10%, which often get referred to as Ugly Americans. I’m frequently embarrassed by that 10%; yes, I know Americans don’t have a monopoly on this point. Plenty of other countries are guilty of the same behavior.

But the Ugly American is almost a catchphrase. An important book was written with that very title in the 1960s by Eugene Burdick.

I remember being in Toulon, France, going to a boulange and seeing an American pointing to a croissant while demanding to know how much it cost. I say demanding because of the tone, not saying “please,” and no attempt to use the local language. When the young lady didn’t seem to understand what he wanted, he just made the same request, but in a louder voice, as if that would help.

She wrote down the amount on a piece of paper and held it up. I noticed the amount but didn’t say anything. He paid and left, but in a huff and puff manner as if to say, you should learn English. (maybe I’m projecting here) But the body language was negative.

As I stepped up to the counter, I said Bonjour, I knew very little French, but I did know a few words, and I always found that people appreciate your at least attempting to use what you know.

I held up one finger and said croissant S’il vous plaît. I had forgotten the word for one, but holding up one finger did the trick. Adding S’il vous plait (Please) makes a big difference.

The amount I paid was half what the Ugly American before me paid. I thought to myself, what goes around comes around.

She had charged him twice the regular price. The moral to this, make an effort — you will be amazed at the difference it can make.

It's just a matter of remembering that travel to other countries is a privilege, not a right, and you are a foreigner. Don’t expect them to know your language.

Think about these four words:

Arrogant — demeaning — thoughtless — ignorant

Body language is powerful, and the above four words can be reflected in body language no matter what words you use.

During the 1960s, the Ugly American syndrome was a huge problem. It wasn’t the Americans backpacking through Europe, nor the average American Tourist. It was essentially the diplomates, CIA, and military assigned to foreign countries who were the problem.

The book “The Ugly American” provided a critique of the American foreign diplomatic corp that didn’t speak the local language, was not sensitive to local customs, and remain aloof and detached from the locals and their true needs.

I remember a line from the Netflix series about Queen Elizabeth. They are in Africa and her husband says “nice hat”, the Queen whispers to him, “that’s not a hat, it’s his crown.”

Following the release of The Ugly American book, diplomatic circles and political leaders were in the spotlight, and JFK made the book mandatory reading.

In fact, JFK formed the Peace Corps during this time partly because of the book and trying to restore the United States' image abroad. The book provided examples of ordinary Americans going overseas who made a difference while helping in their own quiet way.

It is a bestseller and has remained continuously in print.

The very same Commanding Officer I had while I was in France added this book to his recommended reading list. (which was another way of saying you better read it)

I did, and I remember it being very impactful and relevant even today some 50 plus years later.

I may have to break out my old copy and read it again.