But we are told over and over and over that we're supposed to accept that behavior and deal with it because the way the teens are behaving -- the line cutting, lying down to sleep anywhere, the pushing, the singing/chanting etc -- is the NORM for public behavior in their countries.
yeah, well... it is NOT the norm.
I'm not really trying to defend the BTG. Being Brazilian, I've had myself problems with them in the past. I've gotten into arguments with tour guides and all.
Whoever said the group's leader is determinant of the group's behavior is right, I guess. I think they just don't want to displease their clients and impose some respect and discipline. It's easier to pretend they don't see it happening or blame Americans for being too uptight or whatever and stay on the teens good side. It is DEFINETELY not the best conduct, but i think is goes on the same line as bad parenting, you know, taking the easier route and end up rasing some brats and needing to summon Supernanny! LOL
In Brazil, normal people don't lie down on the floor on public, don't usually chant or dance unless the situation calls for it (sports game, party, etc). But, on the other hand, teenagers are what they are. They think they're so cool for being SO grown up and OH-MY!-SO controversial, so I guess that's behavior you just end up running into everywhere in the world. Cultural variations may apply, but a large and unatended group of teenagers is generally going to be inconvenient somehow.
Line cutting and pushing is not acceptable in Brazil, just the same as every other country. It is not acceptable, but it happens; just like in every other country.
So you put together a negligent tour guide/group leader and the large group of teenagers who are excited to be at WDW, and you will get a mess.
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Oh! I don't remember anymore who said something about the group at Wal Mart. Here's the thing. In Brazil prices are much higher because we have a lot of import taxes. Everything is like double the price we find in the US. So the group was probably buying some Kit Kats, make up, Haagen Dazs ice cream, a few appliances, video games... simpel stuff like that, but that happen to cost a lot where they come from.
If you happen to hit a Premium Outlet, Florida Mall or a
Best Buy on those same periods you see the tour groups... Well, you will re-evaluate what you thought was bad and weird behavior! Brazilian groups shopping, it's like Black Friday every day! Because the prices for those same things/brands are so high in Brazil, it's not uncommom to see a Brazilian family of four buying 12 pairs of Nike tennis shoes, maybe half a dozen Guess hand bags, a couple dozen of Victoria Secret Garden products...
I, personally, don't buy that much. But I've had my days at the Nike outlets!