If I visit Europe, will I have to worry about anti-americanism?

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smilingsoda

a lot of my friends would put canadian flags on their backpacks.
i heard it helps.
i wa sin spain this summer speaking english to my spanish friend and a guy came up to me and said "i like you but i hate your country." i told him i was canadian but he said i dont care and walked off. you will find the occasional ignorant jerk but for the most part people understand that you are you. not your government

a_t_c_h_o_u_m

There would be no problem, even with the French :) The hate is more on Bush and your government, at the time of Clinton, there was really no problem towards Americans.

Of course, we all have "clichÃ©s" on Americans in France, but when I visit websites with American talking about French ppl, the clichÃ©s are at least as numerous.

But as long as you don't say "I love G.W. Bush", there would be no problem at all - maybe if you do some Bush-bashing, you'll be welcomed with open arms :))) To be more serious, in general, if you come just as a tourist, and show respect and interest for European culture and people (and that's a big issue), I doubt there would be any problem with your American origins.

jonahbeast

I'm an American and have lived in Europe for several years. If you are polite and open minded you won't have problems. Most Europeans do a very good job of seperating the American individual from the American government. There is a lot of anti-american sentiment towards our government but as long as you aren't waving the Bush flag in Europe you should be fine.

qwine2000

The Antiamericanism does not refer to persons.You will never face a problem being an American..Anyway here in Greece we all
have an American relative since there are 3 million Greek -Americans

Barbados Chick

Well, I think the whole world has a hate on for the US and proud as you may be - or not - I would suggest you not broadcast the fact that you are an American.
We had a B&B in British Columbia before we moved to Barbados and I have to say, the only issues we ever had were with Americans.
Our daughter lives in the US and will likely marry an American, but the thing is... there are different Americans and as with everything else in life - the bad stands out and is the mold.
So go on your trek, do not advertise where you are from - be yourself and make your mark that way.
If asked, tell them you are not responsible for what the country does, you were born there and that is no fault of yours.
As I would and have, told my daughter - be travel smart and be safe... what you see may not be what it is.
BTW. Put Barbados on your list before it changes too much.

Ronnie B T

I think that may be an over statement. I was in Europe last year and everything was fine. French never have liked us much, but they do tolerate us. Germans like us quite a bit. I would go.

M U N C H

Look, Europeans are more civil then americans, you don't risk anything there

Eleni del Egeo

Europeans are not anti-american monsters or anything like this.

You may listen to a bad comment about the US, but that's all.

You will have no problem at all.

Anno Domini

Mainly, everywhere you can meet people who are heavy-minded by where-what, why-who ... You should be suspicious, just-in-case. But that is worth even in the U.S., not only in Europe or elsewhere. However, Americans are welcomed here in Macedonia. Better wait for the spring or summer. Winter is awesome here, too.

MovetoLatinAmerica

You'll be just fine... just keep your 'nice' hat and try to speak their language when possible.

Oh yes, If you do end up in Spain, be cautious in the Northern part. Most visitors just stay away due to it not being a safe area.

And... Have fun!

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