Your Presumptions cloud your reality.I presume you must be doing something to instigate getting pulled over so much - what is it you do that causes that?
We're led to believe the US police always pull over non-whites for no reason other than to give the driver a good kicking.
Col
Last time I was pulled over was 1990 and I was driving someone else's car because they were to Drunk to drive. The power steering was going out so I had to over steer just to keep it going straight. I got pulled over twice that night, 2 different towns. Was given two sobriety test - passed them both.
No, Arkansas
I said ABOUT 10 times. I don't know the exact number. The main reason is because I have never received a ticket.So what were the other 8 stops for then?
Why do you want to know this? It does not matter how FAR you drive it matters HOW you drive.How many miles do you drive per year?
No. 1998, V4 gas saverHave you got a big V8 gas guzzler?
Why justify?US posters here justify their lust for V8 gas guzzlers because they travel such great distances. (presumably between home and Wallmart to buy their guns over the counter )Col
Haven't you got a dust problem at the minute?
...V4...
Sorry it was a joke
Why do you want to know this? It does not matter how FAR you drive it matters HOW you drive.
What do I win for beating the ridiculous US stereotypes?
I was wondering why the police should choose you to be stopped. It seems like alot to me, there must be something that irritates them.I said ABOUT 10 times. I don't know the exact number. The main reason is because I have never received a ticket.
It was you that said 'How much you drive' - indicating you drive alot, merely asking how much is no reason for you to get out of your pram, it's a sensible question which presumably you will ignore.Why do you want to know this? It does not matter how FAR you drive it matters HOW you drive.
what size engine is that then?No. 1998, V4 gas saver
Becuse the rest of the world is running out of oil, but thanks to massive stockpiling, the USA still has petrol at under $3 per gallon. We pay $8 hereWhy justify?
So you travel (drive) all over the USA then?We do have a big country.
Jolly good.
Arn't you the lucky one?That is a freedom we have a CHOICE to use.
What do I win for beating the ridiculous US stereotypes?
What do I win for beating the ridiculous US stereotypes?
refHow to Avoid Ugly American Syndrome
My fellow Americans,
Are you planning a vacation to Europe? Are you aware of "Ugly American Syndrome?" You know how Americans tell jokes about foreigners (the French always seem to be a popular target for a laugh)? Well, guess what? They tell jokes about you! And from what I have observed the European stereotype of the ugly American is embarrassingly true.
I saw a play in Ireland in summer 1999 in which American tourists were satired--they were dressed in white sneakers, fanny packs, t-shirts with a sports team logo, and baseball caps. They complained about the cigarette smoke and asked for decaf coffee. Quite amusing since the actors resembled my parents a bit. (Though, I must admit I also asked for decaf coffee in Ireland.)
Some stereotypes and how to avoid them:
1. Americans are loud. Talk less loudly. Many Europeans speak English very well. There is no need to speak extra slowly and there is certainly no need to increase your volume. If you meet someone who does not speak English, speaking loudly will not help them to suddenly do so. Americans also talk very loudly with each other. I know that might be harder to avoid, but observe other people around you and speak at the same level. It's not a contest--you don't need to be louder than them.
2. Americans complain because things are different from home. Well, you do. Ok, not all of you. Many are open-minded and want to experience difference. Why the rest of you bother to leave home, I don?t know. A couple of things Americans usually complain about:
Caffeine. Most Europeans do NOT drink decaf coffee. So don't ask for it. Even if a restaurant or café claims it has decaf, they don't. You won't know the difference until it's too late.
Smoke. Most European restaurants do NOT have a non-smoking section. So quit whining about the smoke. You are not going to get lung cancer from a two-week vacation. Besides, if you are travelling during high tourist season, you probably won?t have a problem finding a smoke free (or at least a less smoky) restaurant because they'll all be filled with other American tourists. My advice: Suck it up!
3. Ugly white tennis shoes. I see this all the time. American tourists are soooo easy to spot because they wear brand spanking new blinding white sneakers. I know where this comes from--it's from all the suburbanites reading tour books warning them to "wear comfortable walking shoes." Americans, who drive their cars everywhere, generally put up with uncomfortable shoes more than others. So how to buy comfy shoes is a mystery to them. They go to their local sports store or nearest LL Bean catalog and purchase special shoes just for the trip. If you don't own comfy shoes that you can walk miles in, they please buy some! But don't get white sneakers. Try Birkenstocks, Doc Martins, or some other shoes that don't look like they were meant for exercise.
4. Funny hats. Baseball is an American sport. Baseball caps are distinctive American head wear. Nothing screams "I'm an Ugly American Tourist" like a baseball cap--ok, the white sneakers are worse. If you are worried about getting sun in your eyes then wear sunglasses.
5. Fat Fanny. I bet some guide book told you that a "fanny pack" would be a good idea. It would keep your hands free and deter pickpockets, right? Whatever. Seriously, would you wear one of those silly fanny packs at home? To work? To school? Then why on your trip? Backpacks are fine--get a small one. For women, use a purse! The same one you use at home should be fine. Yes, yes, I know "Beware of pickpockets." And you should. But wearing a fanny pack is ASKING a pickpocket to come get you. Do you know why? Because ONLY American tourists wear them! Don't be afraid to use your normal purse or school backpack (but please, please, pleeeeeease don't wear the backpack on your front). Simply be aware of it at all times and wear purses bandoleer style.
6. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and blue jeans. A trip to Europe is not a weekend driving in the country--even if you are spending the weekend driving in the countryside. Europeans, generally, don't dress as sloppily as Americans. Think "business casual" all the times. When in doubt, wear all black. You'll be mistaken for a British tourist. If you cannot afford a new all black wardrobe, then purchase a Canadian flag patch to sew onto your backpack. (But if you sew it onto your fanny pack, everyone will know you're an American trying to be Canadian).
Some final words about ultra casual American dress....
An American who lives in Italy recently related this story to me:
I was riding the train not too long ago from Arezzo to Milano and sat beside a lovely Italian student. She was in her mid 20s and was most interesting. At one point, she looked at me and said, "Do you mind if I ask you a question, since you're an American? Why do all the Americans wear those funny hats on their heads when they come to Italy? What is the significance of the t-shirts they wear--the one with the American flag, the eagle and the names of places they've traveled before? Do they always wear tennis shoes - don't they own nice shoes?" They were tough questions - I couldn't answer them for her.
I didn't have a hand in putting Bush in office. In fact, a little under half of the country didn't have a hand in putting Bush in office. His approval rating is around 35% now I believe.Vote for a sensible pres next time....
Could you elaborate on this? Do you mean the entertainment business? The vast majority of Americans that are portrayed in Hollywood (the entertainment business) do not represent real American people. Hollywood is about making money, not representing a country.The US sterotype has been propogated by Hollywood. Don't knock us for it.
As someone who is living in America, I disagree with this strongly. I've never been to the UK but I (and believe it or not, a lot of other US citizens) am not stupid enough to fall for that cliche. There will be a lot of tounge-in-cheek remarks, but most people don't really believe them.Colins last comments are spot on..
as most americans think that brits are like that tosser Hugh Grant - bumbling along - uptight etc..
I don't know where you get this "demi-god" thing from. I've lived here all my life and not once have I seen George W Bush being "worshipped". Americans treat their head of state just as you do. Like I said ealier, Bush only has a 35% approval rating. If most of the country doesn't approve of the guy, then how are they going to worship him? Can you possibly list examples of an American worshipping our president?Americans seem to treat their head of state as a demi-god to the point of worship,
we in europe see the head of state (in the Uk I mean the Prime Minster not the Queen)as a civil servant elected by the people of the people for the people- if he or she cocks it up then they will be out on the ear next election
No thanks, I'm trying to watch my figure.anyway a prize for shark2431- how about a tin of spam
Neither did anyone else on these forums - not that they'd admit to it anyway. Also, there was an American poster here a few weeks ago who said that whilst he disagreed with Bush's policies, he would back him to the hilt.I didn't have a hand in putting Bush in office.
The fact that you've seen a few overwhelmed and unfamilarized American tourists does not mean you can peg everyone in the US as loud and arrogant.
You will have to ask the officers why they choose me to pull over.I was wondering why the police should choose you to be stopped. It seems like alot to me, there must be something that irritates them.
I’m not ignoring it. I just don’t see what that has to do with your quote saying Cops pull guns on people they pull over.It was you that said 'How much you drive' - indicating you drive alot, merely asking how much is no reason for you to get out of your pram, it's a sensible question which presumably you will ignore.
When I get home I will get out my tape measure and get the dimensions of my engine.what size engine is that then?
If the rest of the world is running out of oil then why don’t they find alternatives to it?Becuse the rest of the world is running out of oil, but thanks to massive stockpiling, the USA still has petrol at under $3 per gallon. We pay $8 here
Not yet but I am trying.So you travel (drive) all over the USA then?
I don’t know if I would call it luck.Arn't you the lucky one?
Like I said, there are still Bush supporters out there. They've just been declining rapidly.Neither did anyone else on these forums - not that they'd admit to it anyway. Also, there was an American poster here a few weeks ago who said that whilst he disagreed with Bush's policies, he would back him to the hilt.
If the rest of the world is running out of oil then why don’t they find alternatives to it?