With anti-American sentiment rising in some places, it’s worth reviewing the US Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Levels when planning a trip abroad.
Each country is rated at one of four levels (China is at Level 2; North Korea is Level 4). There are more than 20 countries at Level 4. American travelers should heed to these warnings. You can subscribe to their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program which gives health, weather, safety and security updates, and allows DoS officials to reach you in an emergency.
Anti-Americanism is expressed in different ways
People form generalizations by hearing your accent, seeing the color of your skin / hair, or from the way you’re dressed. Humans are a visual species and are curious about others. But these initial impressions can be changed by being open to learning about another person’s country, values and culture.
If they have formed a negative stereotype about Americans, they likely don’t want to learn about us. You might see it in their body language—especially facial expressions. They might look away from you or frown, avoid standing near you or simply walk away. They could call you names, or say something disparaging about America or its leaders. They might even throw something at you or cause a physical altercation.
How to act in a place where anti-Americanism is strong
- Always be a good guest. Before you travel, learn about their customs, courtesies, taboos and values. Practice some polite words in the language to show appreciation and humbleness. Adhere to their meal or prayer times. Be aware of any of your own biases; be open to learning more about their culture.
- Reduce animated body language and avoid loud behaviors. For instance, don’t use your phone for video calls or on speaker in public places. When using your cell phone, talk quietly. Don’t forget, it can be a common habit to raise our voice when on a call.
- Dress conservatively in public, not wearing flashy “USA” or political merchandise, sexually revealing attire or clothing with rude statements.
Ignore anti-American (or anti-tourist) signs or souvenirs
If this is in front of a store, hotel or restaurant, don’t give them any business.
When locals ask about US politics?
Smile and give a neutral response: “It’s a little chaotic right now and I’m delighted to be in your country for vacation.” Or, “Every country has its challenges including the US.” Then, change the topic. For example, ask about their country or local restaurants.
And when encountering hostility toward travelers?
Smile and say, “Not all Americans agree on these things.” Or, “I’m here to learn more about your country, respect your customs and meet new people.” If you feel it could escalate, prioritize your safety and seek out a more public or secure location. Don’t take it personally or judge one person’s hostile thinking or actions to represent all of their people.
You can also be direct and say, “I’d really like to spend our time and conversations on more positive topics besides global issues and politics. Please, may we change the subject?” Especially if you are paying them for a service.
When meeting other Americans
Learn more about them by asking questions. Food, weather, travel, and sports are great topics. Let someone else bring up a divisive topic and observe the response of the others. Then you can decide whether to engage or not in the discussion.
Ensuring you’re respectful
Observe their etiquette and do not act privileged and self-centered. Be humble, show politeness and listen. Don’t assume you’re liked or disliked. Represent yourself, your family name and country appropriately and you’ll build international relationships that could last a lifetime.
Personal anecdotes
At PSOW, we conduct a lot of training in the Middle East, primarily in the UAE and Saudi Arabia since 2008. I’ve met leaders from both countries. While in the UAE, I was hired to do one-on-one private training with a top leader. That morning, the front page of the local newspaper showed a photo of Osama bin Laden, who’d just been killed by the US. I became concerned because I wasn’t sure how this leader would feel about it. I decided not to bring it up and go to his majlis (“sitting room” or “council”).
I was welcomed fondly, and we sat in his office with many others around the room. He began the conversation by saying, “I bet the American people are celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden.” I laugh about it now, but at that moment my body became tense as I was thinking about how to answer—and trying to keep my facial expressions neutral. I blurted out with a smile, “I am not sure on the celebration in the US, since I am spending my day with you.” Then he said, “It’s a good thing.” And then we went into the niceties of his educational journey in the US and his respect for our country. Whew!
While working on this article, I’ve been in Dubai, Riyadh, Ajman and back to Dubai. In Saudi, we conducted a multi-day training for a ministry. I had some concern that I could be perceived poorly, due to the US stance on Gaza. But the Saudi participants were very welcoming.
Even in the public areas and restaurants we went to, several said, “Welcome to our country.” It was said sincerely. In Ajman, the hotel I stayed in was filled with people from Russia, France, Germany, UK, Spain, China and other countries. Everyone was polite to me, and to one another. I enjoyed listening to the different languages, observing behaviors and greeting them in the lift or lobby.
Pamela Eyring is the president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington (psow.edu), an accredited school focusing on international protocol, business etiquette and communication skills training.
