Don't be so loud. Listen. Dress up. Those are among the tips offered to US business executives traveling abroad in a new guide aimed at countering the image of the "Ugly American."
Released this month by Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA), a non-profit group concerned about growing anti-Americanism worldwide, the "World Citizens Guide" has 16 suggestions designed to change the behavior of corporate America overseas.
The tips in the booklet, to be distributed to executives at major companies such as McDonald's, include advice encouraging Americans to be better and more respectful listeners and less aggressive talkers. The guide also counsels travelers, "Be proud of the American way, but remember it's not the only way."
PHOTO: EPA
Keith Reinhard, founder of BDA, said he hopes it will play a small part in reshaping the negative perception of Americans worldwide.
The suggestions in the four-page guide were compiled following a survey of people in 96 countries.
"The responses were quite consistent across regions," Reinhard said. "The single word that came up more than any other single word was the word `respect.'"
He said one frustrated New Zealander argued that if Americans were not willing to stop talking and listen, "would it be possible, perhaps, to dial down the volume?"
A German man wondered "how America could pretend to lead the world when it doesn't know anything about the world."
Among the complaints was that American executives do not dress properly, are messy and do not always observe other countries' business practices.
Reinhard said members of the US administration are considering his suggestion that the booklet be given to every US passport holder.
In the meantime, he offers this advice for the 60 million Americans who travel overseas annually: "Slow down, listen and learn." (AFP)
說話別太大聲,傾聽別人說話,裝扮一下。這些是意在扭轉「醜陋美國人」形象的新指南中,提供給經常海外旅行的美國企業主管的建議。
關心全球反美情緒日益高漲的非營利團體「外交行動商業組織(BDA)」本月公布「世界公民指南」,提出十六項旨在改變海外美國企業行為的建議。
手冊的建議包括鼓勵美國人做個更好、更尊重他人的傾聽者,以及較不尖銳的談話者。手冊將分發給麥當勞等大企業的高級主管。這本指南也勸告旅行者:「以美式風格為榮,但記住這不是唯一的方式。」
外交行動商業組織的創辦人凱斯.雷哈德指出,他希望這能夠在重塑全世界對美國人負面的認知中,扮演一小角色。
這本指南篇幅共四頁,所有建議是依據對九十六個國家人民的調查而歸納整理的。
「跨區域的回應都相當一致,」雷哈德說:「最能讓人想到的簡單詞語就是『尊重』這個字。」
他指出,一位失望的紐西蘭人激動地表示美國人如果不願閉嘴傾聽他人,「有沒有可能,或許,把音量降低?」
一名德國人好奇說:「美國對全世界一無所知,怎能假裝自己得以領導全球?」
其他的怨言還有美國高級主管衣著不得體,邋邋遢遢,從不觀察其他國家的商業慣例。
雷哈德指出,他提議將手冊發給所有美國公民,美國政府官員正在考慮這點。
同時,他也建議每年到海外旅遊的六千萬美國人:「放慢你的腳步,傾聽,學習。」 (法新社/翻譯:賴美君)
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