A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I'm not sure what category this fits into, but I guess it's the friends category?I certainly don't mean to be offensive but I'm curious about how people in Spain view Americans?(North Americans, as in people from USA)I've always dreamed of going there and I'm going this year, to study. I've researched Spain ever since the age of 5 and I've fallen in love with it, but I've been told by a lot of people (I mean no offense to anyone) that they hate people from USA. This is crap, there are nice people everywhere, I know... but I've never been and I would like to hear from someone who has? How do they view North Americans in general?I don't think it's true that they hate us, just like a lot of stereotypes about other nationalities are false.I want to make friends there (hard to do as a student when you're busy), and I have made a few friends from there, so I imagine it's possible, but I hear things that make me feel discouraged. There is a very negative, and somewhat unfair stereotype, of Americans. I don't conform to it... I've lived abroad, I speak fluent Spanish and I speak French and Italian, I watch my weight and I don't run around in sweat pants and no makeup, and I am not promiscuous. Not in the least. :)I'm definitely going to go, and nothing will deter me, but I am scared of not being accepted. I really hope I haven't said anything offensive and I'm asking this ? with all respect... I would just like some insight. Obviously there are good and bad people in every race/country, and I have friends from there, but I know very few people from there. It's not a romantic relationship question but it's about interactions with people so... friends?Thanks, if you can help :) Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (9 April 2009): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you for your kind answers.
I'm very apprehensive but excited, lol.
Yes, javier Bardem was creepy in "No Country for Old Men," but I just saw the trailer for "Love in the Time of Cholera" and he seems to sweet.
Hahaha too bad I study, or I'd consider stalking a hobby. Just kidding!! Seriously though, I just finished the book but the movie looks really exciting.
I hate to say it but there are things about USA that really disgust me. There are nice people in USA (and I guess everywhere else), but there is a little thread of arrogance in our culture. I think it's because most people don't have the opportunity to travel (I had to bend over backwards to be able to) and don't have perspective on the world.
I'm gonna be so sad when I have to leave Spain, believe it or not (according to my mom) I had relatives from there... it's kind of ironic that they left and I've been trying to get there all my life. I keep thinking, what if I'd been born there?
Thanks chicas
A
female
reader, wonderingcat  +, writes (8 April 2009):
 It is OK to feel scared and apprehensive to go to a country you have never been before, particularly if this is your first time to stay over a prolonged period of time. It is called "fear of the unknown" when you enter a new "territory". But as Gina said, you will find lovely people anywhere in the world. Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, Javier Bardem , they're lovely people from Spain. (Actually, JB may not be a good example ... he is sooo psycho scary in "No Country For Old Men" ... lol). Their acceptance in mainstream Holywood is probably a good indication that acceptance is not about "stereotypes" but about each individual characteristics and capacity.Whatever race, color, ethnicity, sex, or whatever, if you are loud, obnoxious, conceited, arrogant, insensitive, with a superior know-it-all attitude etc etc etc no one will accept you. Be it in Spain or in the North Pole (by the penguins maybe lol). So be your true good self, and you will have no problem. If you did encounter questions or misconceptions about the US, you can smile sweetly and say "but I am not like them, yet I am an American". You'll melt their hearts I am sure!Enjoy your time in lovely Spain!Cat
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