America, travel and politics.
On the Travellerspoint Travel Forum Timothy asks if there is Much Anti-American Sentiment in Germany?



It's worth reading the entire thread (five pages), but some highlights.

I am planning on visiting Germany next year, in time for Dresden's anniversary and to see the restored Frauenkirche. I have been looking forward to this for several years, but I would like to know if the anti-American emotions are as strong in Germany as they are in France and Switzerland?

I know a few Americans who had difficult experiences in those countries, where they were insulted and ignored; one man was spat on. In the past, I traveled quite a bit in Britain and had a wonderful time. There were a few insults, but that can happen anywhere - but that was before Iraq. Many friends are now saying they will not be going to Europe any time soon.

I don't really care personally if I am disliked because of my nationality; I do try to be polite in any circumstance, but I want to be prepared if the dislike of Americans is very strong.

Can anyone advise me? Thank you for your help.

Fair enough question, a German responds:

i think this anti-american attitude is more against Bush and his regime than individuals that appear more open minded...bush made statements that he is going to cooperate more with the EU

The last line was greeted by a level of derision by another poster. Timothy responds:

Please do not turn this into a US bashing thread. I asked a legitimate question.

It pretty much goes down hill from there:

Das-FX
Anti-American sentiment or not, just go. Meeting 'normal' Americans may help quell any bad feelings. Whatever you do, don't go and pretend to be Canadian, we don't like that so much!

mtlchica
I don't mind it as long as you don't do anything that reflects badly on us Canadians. After all, imitation is the greatest form of flattery!

Timothy responds to this:

There's no chance I would ever condescend to "pretend" to be a Canadian. The idea is nauseating, so do not be concerned.

Oh dear.

Das-FX
As for your comment about Canada and Canadians, I'm sure these types of comments will go a long way in building up that great American image.

Timothy
Negative comments about Canada? I posted this topic because I wanted to talk about Germany. At first, I found jokes from Canadians about Americans "dressing up" as Canadians. They were not deeply offensive - just irrelevant. I responded in kind. You perceived that as being rude. It's better to stop at this point and just let it alone.

Brendan
Some may argue that it is no concern of a person not from or living in the United States. I would argue back that we all know that the United States is the most powerful nation on earth. And with that fact - we also all know that every choice and decision that the United States makes as a whole (people, government, administration) effects everyone else in the world. This is why there is so much attention to detail with the actions of the United States.

I hear many times over "I do not have a problem with Americans, just their government". A statement like that does not hold any ground. And I say that because the Republic of the United States is a "free" nation with "free" people. And because of this freedom the choice of leadership is (or at least should be) in the hands of the people.

So, if the United States of America is truely free, then yes I do hold the people accountable.

The forum administrator pops in:

Peter
Although, I'm not in Germany and as such can't talk about their specific reaction, I don't imagine it being dissimilar to Australia or many other places around the world (which explains why other people want to answer). The truth be told, there is quite a lot of animosity towards Americans (mainly the types that are easily spotted), not just the administration. As Brendan rightly points out, it was the majority of Americans who voted him back in after all, something incomprehensible to many people outside the US who couldn't find a single good thing about his policies. On a side note, a lot of Australians are similarly dissapointed in the majority who voted our government back in.

You made a great point in saying that people don't notice the quiet Americans, the ones who do manage to blend in.

And that pretty much answers your question. If you don't want to be targetted, then that's the person you need to be while overseas.

Seems like sensible advice, at least with the travel experience I've had, when in Rome etc etc.

But Timothy is not having any of it:

Excuse me, but if you are going to scold, it is necessary to provide specific evidence before you say anything. In all cases, I have responded to comments that were made to me. At no time were my responses uncivil. I am well aware that two Germans responded - I answered both of them and thanked them.

In other words, it's probably best for you to avoid lectures when there is no basis for your comments.

Wank all around here, I can see both both points of view, but I'm certain there were better ways of presenting them.