Comments on: Does Europe Still Hate Our Guts?

By: My Timeshare Worth

My Timeshare Worth — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:20:06 +0000

In high school I took French and then I traveled to France. They were so mean to me that I have forgotten it all and never plan to go back. Now I am learning Spanish.

By: Monica

Monica — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:30:09 +0000

Yes, I think that the relationship between the Czech Republic and the US was definitely part of the reason for that.
It sounds like you had a very different experience in Europe. Everyone I met was more than willing to practice their English with me but my sister who is in Spain said that even though she speaks Spanish, there are some people who are unwilling to speak with her. There are unfortunately people like that all over.
I think it really depends on where you are in the US. While in Chicago, all my European and Latin American friends felt very welcome. However in Ohio where I am now, when I talk about being in other countries there are always a few people in the group to throw out some ignorant/arrogant comments. My sister’s boyfriend, who is from Saudi Arabia has experienced different attitudes depending on where he is in the US. My mother who hails from Mexico has also experienced this. I think hopefully things are changing as far as attitudes go. I’m glad you haven’t been experiencing any arrogant people though!

By: Doris

Doris — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:08:20 +0000

The reason you didn’t have anti-American feeling in Prague may be that Prague is not as rich and developed as Western Europe. The city relies on tourism and it doesn’t have many interest conflicts with the US like the conflicts between America and UK or France. From an Asian angle, I don’t know why Europeans say that Americans are arrogant. When I was in Germany last year, few people spoke English to me even though I can only speak English. I was wondering why they don’t learn English; or, maybe they just didn’t want to speak English, even to an Asian. Instead, they say that Americans are unwilling to learn another language. I have studied in the U.S. for one year, and I don’t feel American are arrogant so far.

By: Simo

Simo — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:12:44 +0000

hi monica, i really like your article. i think its great that you came around like that in Europe and could tell us how the attitude towards Americans is changing. actually I’m a little bit jealous. the fear of being not welcome always stopped me from visiting citys like frankfurt or paris. but with this wave of obama-enthusiasm i should give it a try. great articel

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:53:31 +0000

Monica, this is another article that is interesting, well written and enjoyable. Keep up the good work and it will pay off in the end. I may be a little bias but there is no question in my mind that you are a unique talent.
Mike