Putting ‘American’ to the travel test

After reading “Sensitivity, Respect and the Ugly American” [Her World, Nov. 21], I could imagine the volume of negative mail. Spano has a gift for saying the right thing in the worst possible way.

Although I agree with her message, my plans don’t include visits where it is best to deny being an American. There are too many great destinations left. Travelers spend hard-earned money and endure inconvenience with the expectation of a great experience.

What’s wrong with letting the locals know how much you are enjoying it? It makes them feel good, and there’s a chance that an appreciative visitor may be let in on something extra.

Roderick Macdonell

Torrance

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Spano is right in observing that it is a sorry state of affairs when Americans toy with the idea of lying about their nationality, but that deception is nothing new.

As a backpacker-hitchhiker in Europe and the Middle East in the early ‘60s, I encountered many Americans who identified themselves as Canadians. Whenever I was asked, though, I always said “American.”

If I ran into those few who immediately said, “I don’t like Americans,” I would simply say, “Who cares?” and go about my business.

Spano is also correct about the global ascendance of American culture. In many parts of the world, U.S. culture is seen as decadent. But the fear that Velveeta will displace Brie and Roquefort? Puh-leeze. Just pass the feta.

Joseph A. Lea

Mission Viejo