Anti-Americanism is a basic negative sentiment expressed toward America and America’s citizens. Generally, anti-American sentiment is benign and often nothing more than a snide remark or comment. Still, many Americans might feel uneasy traveling when anti-American sentiment is running high, especially since September 11.

Europe

Europe is a large continent full of many cultures, languages and people. It is hard to generalize and lump an entire continent into one state of mind. In fact, it’s impossible. Still, there is a sense that there is an underlying Anti-Americanism in European lands. Many Europeans do not agree with the States’ position on the Iraq War. Travelers are advised to avoid discussing their personal position on the War.

The Middle East

While much of the tension in the Middle East lies between nations such as Israel and Palestine, there is still a strong distaste and distrust of Americans throughout the entire Middle East region. Many individuals have tried to explain why members of the Middle East have such issues with Americans and American culture. Regardless of individual perceptions of the war in Iraq, there is no doubt that this conflict is adding fuel to the fire. With all of the violence and threats, it is frightening for most Americans who want to travel to any area of the Middle East.

How to Avoid It

If you are truly seeking a vacation of learning about another culture and soaking in the beauty of a different nation, it is time to put your pride aside. You may want to wear your favorite American Flag t-shirt or sing “Proud to Be an American” on the street corner. And there is nothing wrong with that. Still, with so much tension being created in areas such as Europe and the Middle East, Americans visiting a foreign country should refrain from stressing how much they love their country. In fact, some travelers have even pretended to be Canadian! While it may sound preposterous, if you adorn your attire with a few maple leaves you may not receive the same adverse reaction as you would if you wore your stars and stripes.

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