K. Hughes wants etiquette tips given to Americans traveling overseas

[rainbow4321]

in order to improve America's image.....HEY LADY..if our image is screwed up it is because of your nose picking, middle finger gesturing, country invading BOSS!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/20...

Loud and brash, in gawdy garb and baseball caps, more than three million of them flock to our shores every year. Shuffling between tourist sites or preparing to negotiate a business deal, they bemoan the failings of the world outside the United States.

The reputation of the "Ugly American" abroad is not, however, just some cruel stereotype, but - according to the American government itself - worryingly accurate. Now, the State Department in Washington has joined forces with American industry to plan an image make-over by issuing guides for Americans travelling overseas on how to behave.

Under a programme starting next month, several leading US companies will give employees heading abroad a "World Citizens Guide" featuring 16 etiquette tips on how they can help improve America's battered international image.

Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA), a non-profit group funded by big American companies, has also met Karen Hughes, the head of public diplomacy at the State Department, to discuss issuing the guide with every new US passport. The goal is to create an army of civilian ambassadors.

[AuntPatsy]

1. There is only one thing we need do to get rid of our battered image...

change administrations.

[ShortnFiery]

2. What rock did that horrid PNAC cheerleader crawl out from under

to make such decrees? Oh yes Karen, you have made such a positive impression on the M.E. that we are hanging off of every word. NOT!

[MadMaddie]

28. Hey Karen did you ever think that Americans traveling abroad

are embarrassed when they are recognized as Americans....we have to be the unofficial spokespersons for the US and let the citizens of the country that we are visiting know that we don't agree with this administrations policies across the board....and that we are ashamed of the actions of this administration....

She just needs to shut up and go back to Texas just like her boss....

[AspenRose]

37. Amen!

Maybe if we wore "I'm sorry" or "I didn't vote for him" pins it'd make it a little easier....

Then too they'd probably be confiscated by TSA at the security checkpoint for being some sort of security threat....

[pitohui]

3. another waste of cash

they are getting pretty blatant abt stealing our tax $$$

who gives a crap if an old coot from usa wears a baseball cap and tennies in a paris cafe, let's spend the $$$ on rebuilding the damn levees and maybe a damn hospital in new orleans

we have no public hospital and we're supposed to spend $$$ on crap like this that no one will ever read

old people touring europe wear baseball cap and tennies because they're OLD, on advice of their doctor, the cap to screen the head from sun, the tennies because your feets don't work like they once did

sheesh

check out the spandex worn by european climbers in kenya, is that any more tasteful, check out some of those speedo's they wear, christ on a crutch, everybody who travels is tacky, who cares, they just want your tourist $$$

[allalone]

31. ever seen Russians in bathing suits. egad!

[suziedemocrat]

32. Yours is the best post I've ever read!!! No lie!!!

"Everyone who travels is tacky" - HOW TRUE!!! I lived in Europe for almost two years and I got soooo sick of their "dress code" and constant criticism of Americans. Assuming we don't watch the news. Assuming we all eat at McDonald's non-stop!! (I'm a vegetarian - so I don't - but they said I wasn't a "real American" even though I'm from the mid-west and some of my ancestors fought in the revolutionary war.) It got sooo old!!! Although I thought the Germans were much worse than the Spanish - I spent time in both countries - the Spanish seemed too happy to bother caring about what Americans wore. (The American Right's constant criticism of the French is just as annoying - IMO!)

[donsu]

4. I was laughing out loud just reading the subj. title

Karen has to earn her money somehow

[Warpy]

22. Remember when she tried to lecture women in the middle east?

The projection of bad manners onto other people never ceases to amaze me. The clods in this administration have managed to offend nearly everyone in every country they've gone to.

I wish they'd stay home. They're giving the rest of us a bad name.

I'm certainly not going to take lessons in manners from a cow in a china shop.

[onehandle]

5. Screw that. We're Americans and proud of it.

This is insulting to all Americans.

Now can Republicans see what they really think of everyday people?

Bush and his minions are the elitist snobs.

[Poiuyt]

23. That's right. We own the world. We can throw up on Prime Ministers if we

like

[Yoda Yada]

6. Show me a poster of Karen Hughes....

with "Ugly American" written under it. That is more "worryingly accurate" than any "ettiquette tips" she can give us.

[Rose Siding]

7. Blame the tourists. That's just precious.

The world knows more about The Ugly American than our Karen can ever hide.

[0007]

26. Karen thinks she is the only world traveler and we're nothing but country

hicks in a seed bin.

[Cleita]

8. Strange that a woman with a public image of rude behavior

would be criticizing others about their manners.

[Catshrink]

9. Will she start with the Chimp and Cheney?

Remember Cheney's parka at the Auschwitz memorial? When everyone else was dressed in somber black, there's The Dick sitting up front huddling inside a huge gortex parka.

The Chimp's chopper apparently destroyed a very old garden at Buckingham Palace.

Condi didn't know a reference in a Beatles song when she visiting Blackburn.

There are zillions of examples of administrative gaffes Miss Karen needs to start with before she starts telling Americans how to behave.

[sam sarrha]

10. i think her rubbing her fake tits on senators for some 'tat' is ab-Whore-nt

canoodling on the floor is not good adequate either

[SharonAnn]

25. That's Katherine Harris, not Karen Hughes

[tanyev]

11. Nutshell: Just ask yourself What Would Karen Do? and do the opposite.

[AndyA]

12. Hughes should start with her boss.

Bush picks his nose in public. His behavior (and Laura's) at Mrs. King's funeral was disgraceful. He gives Americans the finger, says "Fuck you" to them through his car windows, and is basically raping all of us with his poor policies and cronyism.

Bush should also realize his traveling puts a burden on everyone in a community when he visits, which is a disruption to business. He should travel only during non-peak times, and should cut back as much as possible, since no one truly wants to see him these days.

Oh, and Karen, in case you haven't noticed, you're a hulking, ugly, beast of a woman. Might want to cut back on your travel as well, foreigners might think you're representative of Americans.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

13. I wish Hughes' leashmasters would follow some of these rules themselves

• Talking about wealth, power or status - corporate or personal - can create resentment.

Yes, especially when you give your cronies all the wealth, power and status.

• Listen at least as much as you talk.

No comment

• Your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs.

Then I guess it's a good thing that tourists can't fuck with other countries' laws and courts, eh?

-snip-

Keith Reinhard, one of New York's top advertising executives, who heads BDA, said: "Surveys consistently show that Americans are viewed as arrogant, insensitive, over-materialistic and ignorant about local values. That, in short, is the image of the Ugly American abroad and we want to change it."

Keith Reinhard and Charlotte Beers (the last adhole hired by the criminal coup to "polish our image abroad") should steer their golden parachutes to a foreign country where they can be Beautiful Americans for the rest of their overpaid, misbegotten lives.

[Missy Vixen]

38. Do any of us know anything about Mr. Reinhard's political donations

or what party he's registered with?

>Keith Reinhard, one of New York's top advertising executives, who heads BDA, said: "Surveys consistently show that Americans are viewed as arrogant, insensitive, over-materialistic and ignorant about local values. That, in short, is the image of the Ugly American abroad and we want to change it."<

Reallllllyyyyyy.

Project much, Bush administration?

Julie

[jmowreader]

42. Well, the Bush administration didn't look very hard

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.asp?NumOfThou=...

Keith Reinhard is definitely a Democrat. He donates only to Democrats, and he donates big. The guy's an artist, and they tend not to join the Republican Party.

The Bushies got him because Keith Reinhard is completely capable of selling ice to Eskimos. He runs DDB Worldwide...the agency that was once called Doyle Dane Bernbach. This agency has repped McDonald's from their start. (Reinhard created the "You Deserve a Break Today" campaign.) They currently rep Budweiser--remember "Whazzup?" That's Reinhard's work.

However, I don't think they let Keith make the number one suggestion to improve America's image abroad: "Get rid of that damn fool."

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

48. Well, the thing about Reinhard is

that it's not about (R) or (D), it's all about business. I researched the BDA a little and learned it's a nonprofit org that he founded because he believes that the American image abroad is hurting American business, American profits, and American competition for the best job candidates. He sees his org as private sector support for government initiatives.

I know people who worked for Reinhard who would have fallen on their swords for him because he's really smart, fights for good work and treats his people right. (OTOH I know people who worked for Beers who would have gladly turned the sword on her.) His reputation as a respected marketing leader really is well-deserved. But it gripes me no end that he's concentrating his efforts on revamping American tourists instead of American policy. Talk about missing the forest for the trees.

[alarimer]

14. I would bet that tourists, no matter what they wear, are

much better received in any country than our governement officials are. Remember when Bush stayed at he castle and demanded all kinds of concessions, like a place to land the helicopter? Most tourists, I would guess, do not make such demands. Sure some are obnoxious and some are poorly dressed (but hell traveling is often uncomforable- it's hot, there is a lot of walking involved)but tourists, even Americans, are usually welcome, if only for the money they spend.

[opihimoimoi]

15. Nerdy solutions from a nerdy woman who failed in her assignment

Get her back to the Farm and soccor feilds

[Hubert Flottz]

20. She's a typical Repub Sucker Mom.

Who looks more like a Repub Sucker Daddy! She's just pissed because nobody ever wants to capture her overseas and do all those painful things to her zizlolly trigger and other assorted sensitive spots on her large homely body.

If a guy had a blow up woman like Karen Huge it would kill him before he got it blown up. It would take more wind than a hurricane to blow up a rubber gal the size of her! I'll bet you, when Bush tells her to get her ass over there, she has to make 4534567898098956.9 trips!

[donsu]

47. please, she is no nerd - don't diss the nerds

you may need one someday

[mcscajun]

16. I hate to rain on the parade, but...This article is being misread.

It's not the government or Karen Hughes creating or pushing this guide, it's the corporate-sponsored BDA. The article just mentions a meeting with Karen Hughes to discuss distribution. Nothing in there says she backs it, or if it will be issued with every passport. If it is, I'd Love to Know Just WHO will be paying for it.

In any case, despite all the damage BushCo has done to our image abroad, there are still plenty of Americans who do not know how to behave abroad. I know; I've traveled with one or two of them. I followed the link in the article and read some of the guide. Take a look for yourselves.

Jump on Karen Hughes at will, there's plenty of good reason to do so. She's just not responsible for this guide.

[Hubert Flottz]

17. "an army of civilian ambassadors"

Like the civilian ambassadors behind the questionable questioning procedures at Abu Ghraib? Now General "Hinerich" Miller and Rumbo know about etiquette and family values and shit and they are out to win every heart and mind in the middle east, whatever it takes...

[murray hill farm]

18. Hmmm...K. Hughes/ etiquette tips on traveling overseas?????

That is like your animated, walking talking oxymoron!

[TahitiNut]

19. "Loud and brash, in gawdy garb and baseball caps..."

Wow! That sure sounds like every wannabe nouveau riche Republican I've ever seen overseas! The difference between liberals and konservadroids is remarkable when visiting other countries.

Just tell Karen to keep the GOP home and away from the civilized people in other lands ... or just let them visit Iraq.

[Neecy]

21. Here's a tip...

Americans "visiting" overseas shouldn't carry M-16s and zip around in tanks. That would make our image much, much better, since I believe we've been "visiting" other countries a bit too much (and overstayed our welcome as well -talk about rude!).

[Rosemary2205]

24. What baffles me

Is how Parisians flinging cig butts and letting their dogs poop everywhere is acceptable but American Dad wearing his ball cap isn't. If we are going to talk about rude behavior lets discuss peeing all over the toilet seat in public restrooms and pushing and shoving people out of the way even during a tour of a sacred place. This kind of thing knows no national boundaries and some of the people complaining the most about "gaudy Americans in baseball caps" are the absolute worst. I took my 85 yr old dad on a European tour - him complete with hat, sensible shoes and a cane. I lost track of how many non Americans shoved him around while he tried to patiently wait his turn. (not that the Americans were any better) Dad's cap didn't hurt a soul, but he sure was a bit banged up after our trip.

[tabasco]

45. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.

I've been to Europe a lot and had a great time every time. I've never had a problem getting along.

Maybe you're the kind of person who doesn't travel well.

on edit: see post #19 - I think that might explain it.

[lebkuchen]

27. Start w/our military

who were poorly trained in the "etiquette of invasion." That's why France and Germany refused to join the club.

[allalone]

29. here are a couple

don't puke on the Japanese prime minister.
zip your fly before coming onstage.

[xxqqqzme]

30. yeh, like I'm gonna take

etiquette tips from HER. What an insult. My son was in Amsterdam @ the same time chucklenuts was there last summer. They hate raisin brain not Americans.

[SoCalDem]

33. America, as seen by (some) in the UK..

www.b3ta.com is a website similar to fark (much "ruder") and they issue "challenges" every week.. The "America" challenge is certainly worth a look..some are funny as hell, and others hit very close to the truth..



http://www.b3ta.com/challenge/america /

a few samples:

[AnnieBW]

34. In A Way, They're Right

When I went to London in June of 2004, it was the height of tourist season. I was staying in a hotel with lots of other American tourists - I was there for a business conference, but also as a tourist. I'm obviously an American (I'm overweight, for one), but I tried to behave respectfully to the Londoners. The only complaint that I had was that the hotel I was in didn't have the A/C on in the middle of a heat wave, and my room was on the top floor. (I was freakin' DYING of heat!) A lot of the "other" Americans were being rude and obnoxious to the staff. Fortunately, I've traveled on business before, and I was with a group of folks who had lived abroad for a few years. Except for going around with my jaws hanging open to see things in person that I've only read about, I think I did all right.

And I did NOT have one hamburger the entire time I was there. I was appalled to see McD's and Starbucks! Well, maybe not Starbucks... I ate Indian two nights, Thai one, fish and chips twice, and even took a chance and had a steak my last night!

[Missy Vixen]

41. DH goes to London several times a year

on business. I've been there once so far (and am hoping to go again.)

>Except for going around with my jaws hanging open to see things in person that I've only read about, I think I did all right.<

Absolutely.

I was floored to discover how much British people know about our government. I was there several years ago over Election Day. When the person I was speaking with would discover that I did not vote for *, they acted like I was their long-lost cousin. The best part of my trip was the opportunity to ask some of the people I met about their lives, and I was thrilled to meet so many truly kind and helpful people.

The female Bush fan in our group got the icy politeness everywhere she went.

Julie

[Imagevision]

35. guess we shouldn't be sporting any flag pins in our lapels?!!

it wasn't that way before Bush took over!

[Jed Dilligan]

36. Wouldn't it be nice if Americans HERE followed these rules?

I especially like these (clipped from link in OP):

In many countries, any form of boasting is considered very rude. Talking about wealth, power or status - corporate or personal - can create resentment.

Remember, most people in the world have little or no interest in the World Series or the Super Bowl.

A loud voice is often perceived as bragging. A fast talker can be seen as aggressive and threatening.

Your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs. (Religion is usually considered deeply personal, not a subject for public discussions.)

Save the lectures for your kids.

[Hobarticus]

39. I've already assured our company's suppliers overseas...

that every American is NOT insane or a cowboy.

[walldude]

40. Karen Hughes can kiss my Red White and Blue ass

My job takes me all over the world, England, Germany, France, Holland, Australia, Singapore and other places, and I have never had a problem with anyone anywhere. From the pubs of London to the Coffee Houses of Amsterdam, if you are nice to people they are nice to you. All it takes is to be a little humble and a little friendly. My first trip abroad was shocking to me. I found out that the U.S. is the only country in the world where people are proud of the fact that they only speak one language. It was actually sort of embarassing. People in other countrys speak 2,3 and sometimes 5 different languages and make it a point to learn more. Here we want to pass laws where you are only allowed to speak one language. Other nations seem to grasp that the world is symbiotic, where as here in America it's our way or the highway. Of all the nations I've been to the U.S. is the most uptight. The world doesn't hate the American people they hate the Administration. Now the Administration wants to tell me how to act when I'm out of the country? How these pompous, arrogant, stuck-up, immoral, jackasses could possibly think they would know better than me how to act when travelling abroad is beyond me.

[clyrc]

43. My biggest tip on what to say overseas:

I can't stand George Bush. That goes over well with just about everyone.

[JNelson6563]

44. Rule 1: No bombing

That should be a good start.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

46. That's rich, coming from the Camp of THE UGLIEST AMERICAN

ever!!

I notice they want to change our IMAGE.

All PR, all the time.

Will they never learn, it is about substance. No.

I don't know whether to



or