What image have Americans of spain?

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x9young1allay64

spain is a beautiful country. you should be proud. you're country isn't hated and doesn't have drama everyday like the USA. sometimes i want to leave my country.

YouCannotKnowUnlessUAsk

to most Americans, it's the place where they dance the Flamenco, have bullfights, and take siestas. that's what most people think of when they hear it. Spain isn't like Italy or France in terms of being the first place to go in Europe. But it doesn't really have any negative stereotypes either. Spain isn't very involved in US politics like the UK or Germany. Religion-wise, most people know it's a Christian country and they have lots of cathedrals, but Italy is more well known for that. The Vatican tends to stand out a bit more. Some people might think of the Alhambra, but it's not usually the first thing on an Americans mind.

SUE

I find Barcelonaman's comments very interesting. Since he lives in Spain, and has for a few years, I defer to his familiarity, but as one who actually knows the Spanish people, I didn't realize, until I had asked, how many of my servers were NOT from Spain. They all spoke Spanish, and without any discernable accent, because they were all from other Spanish-speaking countries, and we (all) have a hard time discerning a non-native accent of a foreign language. (I can totally tell when I'm speaking to another Anglo, but I can't tell if a person speaking Spanish is French, Mexican or Brazilian).

I have lived in Spain, and spent my entire life studying Spanish language, literature and culture, so, naturally, my opinions are more like it's a second home (that I wish I could get back and visit more often), than some strange country.

I love the people. The art, the literature, the siestas, the wine (NOT the sangrÃa, though I can make a pretty pleasant one at home), and the Sherry (I panic when I get to the bottom of my last bottle of TÃo Pepe before I get a chance to get a new one...they don't sell it closer than an hour drive away). and the food!!!!

Anyway, while I don't think that Barcelonaman has it right...I think Americans are a bit better informed than he thinks, I still don't represent the general populace, because I'm so much better acquainted with the reality.

PS, was just there last June. Had the best time, and introduced my husband and son to the country...two more fans!

nancydr2

I can answer this question both objectively and subjectively.

Here in the US there is not a large population of citizens who are native of Spain. But there are many Spanish influences- from the migration of South Americans into many areas of the US.
Where I live- there are many Hispanic people. They have a large presence- in music, radio and TV stations, indie films, and the communities.
The only negative thought that comes to my mind is the anger many US citizens have of South Americans who cross over the border into the US illegally...It is a political hot topic. There are many sad stories of people who tried to make it here without breaking any laws, but are deported. Then again, there are some illegals who break laws, and as would be expected- little sympathy is given them from the general populace (which doesn't improve the image of Hispanics).

I lived in Spain a couple years ago for one month. And did not know the language. I was impressed in the kindness of the Spaniards towards me - especially from helping me navigate around the cities. . The only people I felt skeptical and suspicious about were the ones who had government/official duties.

LetiA

I am saddened that the previous user wants to leave the USA. I'm American and I love it here. Sure, there's drama here but show me a country that doesn't have problems...there is none. Anyways, I love Spain. You know I love watching Spanish dancing (paso doble) and I some of my favorite artists are Spanish. There is a lot to appreciate from your country so I think at the very least Spain is admired for all of those things. To compare, it is like France (romantic, cultured) but without all of the stuck-up-ness. It is like England (diverse, open minded) but more refined. Well those are my opinions. And I don't hate France or England- in fact I would love to make it out to England one day, but I needed something to compare to.

Salva

It's sad that a lot of Americans think that we're together Mexico!!! REALLY SAD!!

BarcelonaMan

Sadly, probably the majority of United Statesens don't know anything about Spain - or even where it is - so I don't think many people have any "image" of Spain other than flamenco dancers and bullfights. Then later, possibly, the image of sangria, paella, and siestas. And that's probably about it. But about the people of Spain, most United Statesens don't know anything about them.

More people learn more about Spain after the 2004 terrorist train bombings in Madrid. Those whom took Spanish classes in high school or university probably know more about Spain.

I'm United Statesen and I live in Spain. My "image" of Spain has changed just over the last few years after more and more visits to Spain before moving here. And that's really only because of the rise in immigration in Spain. That alone has changed the "historic" image of Spain for me but I think it's a valid change in image, not just to me but to Spaniards as well.

Until just a few years ago, when one visited Spain you'd be served by a Spaniard in a Spanish restaurant. Now, you're about 50% likely to have a waiter or bartender from a country other than Spain. Non-Spaniards can be every bit as professional in their jobs as Spaniards but it definitely changes the "image" of Spain. Sometimes I wonder if first-time visitors visiting Spain soon ask themselves, "Where are the Spaniards??"

The above isn't intended to be a negative comment but merely an observation of the changing face of Spain - and Europe in general - and I think it's important for travelers to be aware. Immigration, in many many ways, enriches the existing culture of Spain - which already has a rich, multi-ethnic mix of many cultures.

Saludos, BarcelonaMan(.com)

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