For some time it seems to me that saying you're American is like using a 4 letter word. Being in the Army I travel a lot all over the world. I get the briefs about keeping a low profile etc. I'm beyond the point of appologizing for being American.

On my first overseas tour I felt really out of place. I was stationed in Japan, btw I'm 6'1 and very pastie, I stick out just a bit. You know what I learned though. You have to show you are not the stereotype that everyone thinks you are. I was raised in a Christian home and was taught to treat others as I wanted to be treated. Most of the time being polite and courtious was enough to change people's minds.

Ever since then I refused to hide the fact I'm American. Don't get me wrong I still try to fit into my surroundings but I don't hesitate to tell people where I come from. All those folks who think we have a bad name all over the world need to get out more. That and they need to stop looking down their noses at everyone and they might find people are a lot more receptive than they think.