Kilts on My Big Redneck Vacation on CMT...next

**DougC** · 11th July 12, 03:01 PM

Yep...CMT is showing my Big Redneck Vacation and the vacationers are in GB. Right now, the episode is jousting and kilts...just a heads up.

**Tobus** · 12th July 12, 05:19 AM

Ugh. I saw the previews for that show, and came away with the distinct feeling that I was embarrassed to be an American. From what I saw in the preview, this was a show aimed at displaying the absolute worst behaviour possible while being a guest in another country. The entire premise is that it's funny to be rude, crude, disrespectful, and obnoxious. And I'm sure it will only further cement the stereotype that applies to Americans.

Television programming has really gone downhill.

**DougC** · 12th July 12, 05:34 AM

I'm ashamed that I watched it...that show is a train wreck!

**Nassik** · 12th July 12, 06:04 AM

Since I no longer live in the U.S., I've been able to observe the opinions and thoughts that non-Americans have of the U.S. It's not, on the whole, a very positive opinion.

**davedove** · 12th July 12, 08:44 AM

Seems to me I saw the results of a survey a while back that showed many outside the US felt that Homer Simpson best represented the average American. Not a very good image if you ask me.

**David Thorpe** · 12th July 12, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

Seems to me I saw the results of a survey a while back that showed many outside the US felt that Homer Simpson best represented the average American. Not a very good image if you ask me.

DOH!

Not really as funny as it is sad. At the risk of bordering on the political, it seems to me that Americans as a whole have always been rather weak on respect for others cultures, including those that were here when they arrived and those from whence they came.

**Frank McGrath** · 12th July 12, 10:23 AM

It is very sad. I could only watch about 5 minutes of the show without feeling the need to wretch. Underwear on the Statuary? Yeah, We do that all the time. Beer chilling in the fountains? Sure. That was all I saw. Will never watch again. Now when you talk about the show, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, Now there is a part of Americana. I am mesmerized by the antics of these women. I feel slimy after I watch the show, but if it is on when I come into the room, I am stuck in that pose. And these people don't live all that far from me.

**ScotFree** · 12th July 12, 12:02 PM

To speak in defense of Americans, its not like there are very many countries nearby to interact with. In Europe, you travel 3 or 4 hours, and you can cover two or three countries, languages and cultures, in the US, you travel 3 or 4 hours, and basically, you're still in the US (excluding those who live near the Canadian or Mexican borders of course). The average American most likely will never see another country in his/her entire life. More, maybe once in their life for a week or so. I'm certainly not speaking in defense of Bubba's on Parade, such as the above referenced TV Show. But no doubt, every country has their "village idiots". They just tend not to put them on the telly. And frankly, most Europeans I know sole view of the US is what Hollywood and the media export. Not exactly an accurate picture. I would also venture that the average American's viewpoint of the average European is less than stellar either, for many of the same reasons. I guess its human nature to criticize that which is different and "not like us".

Just my $0.02

**davedove** · 12th July 12, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by ScotFree

in the US, you travel 3 or 4 hours, and basically, you're still in the US

In a lot of places, you're still in the same state!!!

I know some people who have never left their home state, and barely left their home county. So, not only do they not know what other countries are like, they don't even know what other parts of the US are like.

I can completely understand about prefering your "home", but I'm at a complete loss in understanding those who don't even want to see other places. I guess, as they say ignorance is bliss.

**Tobus** · 12th July 12, 01:23 PM

The funny thing is, though, it doesn't require one to be a world traveler to understand basic manners. Even a person who has never left their home town should know that boorish behaviour is not acceptable. So I really can't see that as being an excuse for what a lot of Americans do when overseas. After all, being ignorant of other cultures doesn't breed disdain if you're humble about it and act like you're willing to learn. What breeds disdain is being ignorant and prideful at the same time.