Monday, July 25, 2005

Ugly American?

Unfortunately, the term ugly American is all to real for some travellers to the Dominican Republic. You know the type, they don't understand why places they go in the DR no one speaks English. Or, they want only "American" music to be played in the clubs, and can't understand why "such and such thing" is not done like it is done in the States. Okay, read this next part very carefully ... YOU ARE NOT IN THE UNITED STATES, YOU ARE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!

Whew! I am glad to get that off my chest.

This is just a thought, but maybe when you go places and they don't speak English it is because it is a Spanish-speaking country. Spanish is the official language. Yes, in areas that deal with tourists there should be someone who can communicate in English. But sometimes there ain't. Get over it. Here is a suggestion, if you only want to hear your music and deal with people who speak English, don't travel abroad.

Lastly, there are those who want to move here, or visit for longer periods of time. The first thing you should do is learn some Spanish. I don't understand how anyone can live here and not speak at least some Spanish, or at least try to learn some.

Okay, I'm now climbing down off my soapbox. As you were ...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

READ, READ, READ, MOTHER SANTO DOMINGO!

SD

Anonymous said...

I agree. I have visited Santo Domingo a few times this year. I know some Spanish and tend to get along well with the locals. On my first trip I was stopped by the police because they thought I was a local...WHEW! I'm glad I had a copy of my passport in my pocket. Anyway, each time I visit Santo Domingo I do encounter some English-speaking travelers who are simply rude to the Dominican people. While hanging with some of my Dominican friends, we ran into some Americans who were very arrogant. I am sometimes embarressed to tell people I meet in DR that I am American. Because I have witness first hand what they have to deal with.

-Omar in DC

Anonymous said...

I can say I agree totally about learning at least some of the language. We expect people to come to the states and speak English then it's only fair we learn to speak their language. Although I had a good time not speaking the language, I have taken up learning conversation spanish and I'm sure I will have an equal or better time when I return. But you have to blame that type of attitude on stupid Americans.