What Would You Do? on ABC...anyone watching?

[chisnpeke]

Who is watching this? The "ugly Americans" OMG

 

[MM27]

The first part got to me. The one with the Mexican customers that were trying to order in the deli. One of the customers said it best when they said that we (English speaking Americans) go to other countries and "expect" that people will understand English, but someone comes here and they are criticized for not speaking our language. Some of those people were downright nasty.

 

[EMom]

First, let me say that I did not watch the show. But I frequently visit other countries where English is not the official language, and I NEVER expect them to speak/understand English. If I want to order food, I have a pocket dictionary, an electronic translator, or make sure I am familiar enough with certain dishes to order something off the menu. When we visited Russia, I learned the Cyrillic alphabet so I could order food, get around on the subway, buy tickets, etc.

If someone happens to speak English, that's a nice little helpful bonus for me. But I do not expect it and I most certainly do not demand it. I'm a visitor to THEIR country and I need to respectfully adapt to THEIR language and culture. When someone visits the US, the same standard should apply.

 

[Planogirl]

I never expected anyone in another country to speak English either even though it's certainly nice when they do. I also would expect to learn the local language if I moved to another country.

I didn't see the show either though so I don't know the circumstances.

 

[MM27]

Many people do expect that people will speak English though and do not even make the attempt. Case in point was the "Ugly American" segment that ran after the one I was talking about.

I know it's appreciated when you attempt to speak the language of the country you are visiting. I always make that attempt myself. Not everyone does though.

To sum up that part of the show though, they set up a deli in NJ with an actor that was a total jerk to the customers (who were also in on it). The Mexican customer was trying to order, but couldn't even get anything out before the man was telling him that he was illegal, he needed to take his drug money back to Mexico, etc. The guy was trying to order a cup of coffee and was basically told to get out or they were calling the cops. It was sad how one human being could treat another like that. I don't mean the actors, I mean the people that were not in on it that took it upon themselves to join in with the actor and continue to bash the Mexicans. It was refreshing to see the customers that stood up for these men and women and didn't let them continue to be harassed.

 

[Planogirl]

Bashing is totally unacceptable. I don't understand why anyone would do that.

I do know a little Dutch still but the last time I went there, I kept trying to speak Dutch and everyone answered me in English. I needed the practice but the Dutch people refused to cooperate!

 

[Pop Daddy]

everyone likes to take shots at the big dog in the world

 

[LadyZolt]

I thought the "Ugly Americans" segment was a bad idea. Unless they chase down everyone who was nearby during these antics, the producers of this show just made American tourists look even "uglier" than most of us are.

As for the Mexican segment -- I didn't like the word "racist" being used when the counter guy was saying he thought they were "illegal." I would have liked to see if they would have done the same segment with an Asian American clientele, or European non-English speaking (Russian, German, etc.)

I also think that when in a country that speaks a different language, you do try to convey what you'd like in a way that the other person understands. I lived in Japan (because I was in the Navy at the time) and would point to pictures on the menu (they all had pics -- LOL!) and never had a problem. In Chile this past November, I know enough Spanish to say what I wanted, but I could have also held up two fingers to convey "two" if I didn't know how to say it in Spanish. Why can't non-Engish speakers here all do the same? I know many do, but as shown in this TV program, there are those who don't.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[chisnpeke]

I thought the "Ugly Americans" segment was a bad idea. Unless they chase down everyone who was nearby during these antics, the producers of this show just made American tourists look even "uglier" than most of us are.

As for the Mexican segment -- I didn't like the word "racist" being used when the counter guy was saying he thought they were "illegal." I would have liked to see if they would have done the same segment with an Asian American clientele, or European non-English speaking (Russian, German, etc.)

I also think that when in a country that speaks a different language, you do try to convey what you'd like in a way that the other person understands. I lived in Japan (because I was in the Navy at the time) and would point to pictures on the menu (they all had pics -- LOL!) and never had a problem. In Chile this past November, I know enough Spanish to say what I wanted, but I could have also held up two fingers to convey "two" if I didn't know how to say it in Spanish. Why can't non-Engish speakers here all do the same? I know many do, but as shown in this TV program, there are those who don't.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

That's how I felt about that segment (ugly Americans) also.

I really can't understand the people who were so awful to the Mexicans.