Apparently, the association CEO who writes View From a Corner Office believes his association is about to get booted from participating in the world community because of anti-US sentiments. And those sentiments aren't even related to W. It's because we're insensitive, extravagant snobs.
This post is compelling reading. If it's indeed how we look to Euros, it's disturbing. And I don't know if most of us are willing to change.
I've experienced this first hand, most recently in Sofia, when I was helping an independent show organizer last Spring. The CEO would take me to only the finest places. And the staff was somewhat resentful of that.
There is more class conciousness just about anywhere you go outside our borders than there is here. My colleagues in Sofia would often ask questions about why we live the way we do. And what could I answer other than, "Because we can. And it's expected. Success is defined by what you drive, where you live, where you eat and who your friends are."
I tried to soften the blows by wearing inexpensive Bulgraian shoes and keeping my good suits in the closet. I did the "right" things by bringing appropriate gifts, offering to pay for lunch only when it was my turn, going to the local restaurants when with the staff, and hosting a chili party in the office. While I was eventually accepted by all, I remained a curiosity. People were scared to visit the US, not because of terror warnings, but because they'd feel inconsequential and small. It's hard to describe unless you've lived overseas for at least a little while.
On the other hand, US citizens say "Thank You" more than anyone else. And that's not bad.
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