[xyzzy_plugh]

The homogenization, and subsequent impoverishment (at least with regards to the quality and diversity) of the world appears to be, sadly, inevitable. It takes real, constant effort to maintain "the old ways" while tradition is so easily erased through globalization and, ultimately, technology.

I don't think we'll lose _all_ diversity of culture, as there will always be stalwarts to uphold institutions (even espresso bars) but as generations transition I think we'll be shocked at how much we've lost just a few years from now.

This isn't strictly a bad thing, as there are many traditions which have been laid by the wayside over the centuries, but I have to admit: I am not impressed at the things we've been replacing them with. Phones, social media, selfies, a constant sense of connectedness, influencer tourism -- it all feels so terrible, and it feels like only now are people around me recognizing that we may have dug too deep.

It seems to me that 2020 was the turning point (do you remember what it was like to be a tourist before then?) and that we're deeply nestled in the jaws of the Balrog now.

I'm really not sure what it looks like to climb back out.

[nkrisc]

This homogenization is merely a continuation of a trend since the beginning of human history.

Tribes homogenize into villages, villages into cities, cities into states, states into nations, and now we’re witnessing nations beginning to homogenize.

The whole way, it’s being driven by technology (farming, writing, metallurgy, printing, telecommunications, and so on).

[jimbokun]

The Italians are some of the very best at preserving those traditions. They have strict regulations around what can be labeled prosciutto or parmigiano reggiano and many other products.

Which ironically is why they are being inundated by tourists looking for something “authentic”.

By the way the “Ugly American” tourist was a thing many decades before 2020.

[carlosjobim]

20th century nationalization already erased almost all culture globally. Globalization is just the nail.

[daveshistory]

I haven't been to Europe since before 2020. I assume we're not nearly as welcome over there now?

[jimbokun]

Seems to me most Europeans are sincerely torn between the flood of dollars Americans bring into their economies and the staggering crowds making it difficult to enjoy their own cities and vacation spots.

Which is the feeling this article is trying to capture.

[daveshistory]

Yeah, but that's always been true. The other poster seemed to suggest something had changed more recently.

[jimbokun]

From what I’ve been reading the number of foreign tourists coming to Europe has risen rapidly in recent years, putting strain on hotspots and even places that were not popular tourist destinations in the past. I’ve read similar things about Japan.

I’m not as clear on the cause. Whether people are richer and can afford to travel more? Or travel costs have gone down?

[gib444]

I'd say as about the same kind of unwelcome as before. Fundementally the US traveller is the same kind of US traveller as before

But then I don't live in eg Portugal where the effect of US immigrants has been felt more strongly

[carlosjobim]

Americans are still some of the best tourists you can receive, so there's not much to worry about yet.

[prerok]

We know not to equate the governments' policies with people. Of any country. Don't worry about it.

[nutjob2]

Most Europeans can separate Americans from their government, but a person's views and behavior matter. Paying customers are always welcome but obnoxious ones, regardless of culture, might get an eye roll or worse.

[gib444]

Yeah but that doesn't mean we also don't dislike people from the US. It's a shock to many but there are Europeans who dislike both US politics and the average US citizen who flashes cash, doesn't learn the language, doesn't research where they're travelling, shouts all the times, spends 1 night per city, and is the kind of traveller in the article, etc etc.

Loudly proclaiming you're anti Trump is not a skip-the-line ticket to acceptance with us all. We also know a lot of people lie about their politics

[dfxm12]

I understand some people are jerks, but that also includes those who monolithize an entire class of people based on a stereotype.

[gib444]

I do enjoy it when people arrogantly assume ignorance, and not many years of experience travelling and witnessing different cultures.

I even called out very specific behaviours but you're trying to dismiss me by implying I'm tarring everyone with the same brush.

But I know truth and criticism can hurt and often our first response is often to deflect and blame and call the other person a jerk. I guess you're just human

There is massive irony in a European being told 'shut up, we're actually not a problem' when said European is trying to point out the issues. It's a wonderful demonstration of the arrogance and bullying that is typical in USA culture

[carlosjobim]

The thing that hasn't entered your mind is: Why should an American care two straws about your acceptance?

As long as a foreign visitor is polite, pays their way, and doesn't do anything outrageous, they have done enough. If you don't want to accept them, then that's a problem for you. None of the things you listed or was listed in the article is anywhere close to being a problem.

Americans (both continents) are some of the friendliest and most easy going tourists. And yes, they want AC.

[gib444]

LOL, this subthread is someone asking about whether they're welcome

But yes we're acutely aware many don't care whether they are accepted it or not. That lack of consideration is not hidden at all

> As long as a foreign visitor is polite,

That's the point - many are not. You can't be that ignorant of what we are discussing? What is considered polite is local, and often ignored

> Americans (both continents) are some of the friendliest and most easy going tourists.

That's your opinion. I agree about South Americans and Canadians. USAians have a famous, famous reputation for being entitled and not easy going - it's really hard to deny that. They're even proud of it!

I have lost count the times me and my travel partners have sat with our jaws dropped at some of the behaviour of them. I have travelled a lot. And living in the UK I have to put up with the influx of USA citizens everywhere

Even as a Brit, I would take French and German tourists any day

[carlosjobim]

Ask anybody who works in the tourism sector if they would prefer American (USA) tourists or some of the nationalities you mentioned. Their answer will be the Americans.

Being polite means that you do your best, and as a tourist - a visitor - it is quite hard to know every quirk and hang-up that some locals might have. Once again: why would a visitor care about being "accepted"? They are visiting, not settling down.

The article makes it very clear: No matter what these American tourists would do, the author would still sit there with seething hatred towards them. It has nothing to do with their behaviour as visitors; the author just hates them and is reaching for "justifications".

Entitlement as a paying customer, that's a very multifaceted thing. Especially when it comes to tourism, where there are many actors who want to exploit the inexperienced traveler.

> And living in the UK I have to put up with the influx of USA citizens everywhere

I'm sure the USA citizens is the big influx problem you have in the UK...

But it's good to have a punching bag, when you don't have a loicense to talk about the real problem.

[jimbokun]

The Americans traveling to Europe are usually not the Trump voters. There are exceptions of course.

[gib444]

Why? Did nobody vote for trump so it's a statistical impossibility? Trump voters are too stupid to fill in a passport application form? All Republican voters are too poor to travel?

Spit it out mate don't be shy.

[petre]

Not everyone voted for Trump or is waving a shotgun in your face. If you don't visit, the Chinese will. And then they'll be making a replica of the Colosseum somewhere in Zhejiang for the unfortunate ones that couldn't.