Because our media portrays us as fat warmongers obsessed with money and beauty

Because of the reputation they have. There are a few people who come over to Europe and act so arrogant, so rude and so just plain stupid that they give all Americans a bad reputation. It is a similar thing as to why English, Dutch or German football fans are immediately suspected of wanting a riot when they travel to other countries to watch a football game.

Because you do not have a good reputation. A lot of people blame the current oil prices and inflations on the U.S Policies thanks to a fake president that the citizens of the U.S voted in. Michael Moore and Florida here and there, at the end he still got majority. The U.S went to war in Iraq based on myths, lies and deception. The U.S calls it the war on terror. Yea right, thats why youre in Iraq right now and the taliban is regathering in Afganistan and pulling pakistan into the midst of it. FYI Pakistan has neuclear war heads. As does Iran, most likely the next target of daddys little boy. Another thing is that some traveling Americans think we will bow down to their wishes and all. Its like a European going to the states and demanding european customs. What would you think? And those that are like that are loud, selfobsessed, over the top and just not plesant to be around. Unfortuneately that ruins it for the rest of you that do travel and are normal and genuinely nice people. Dont take this personally, please. But this is the truth and the way the world looks upon the U.S. Youre just about as popular as germany in 1914 and 1939 right now, pulling the rest of the world into your business because "its right and we all share a common goal". Well we dont, more the opposite. Again, sorry.. but you asked.

I've been in 70 countries and 5 continents and NEVER felt unwelcome even in France 2 weeks before the Iraq War. I have been treated with respect and I have also made sure I don't taint the reputation for the next American traveler by respecting customs in other countries.

I have travelled widely and met many Americans on my travels - the vast majority are normal, decent, polite, very nice people. However, I've met a few who are loud, overbearing and rude and obnoxious, and it's the minority who give the rest a bad name. Have you had experience in being treated unfairly? If so, do you think it could have been your attitude? Or is this another assumption?

Because of America's foreign policy actions

because some of them have a tendency to moan and whine - those that don't have a great time.

Most Americans are treated very well. The same as all nations there are a minority of very loud and rude Tourists that give the majority a bad reputation. The secret is if you behave with friendliness and respect you will receive the same in return.

What do you mean treated fairly? They are treated like most other tourists, until they start their usual moaning and complaining. They moan about the fact no one speaks English, there is no table service, the high prices, the fact that everything is smaller (especially the food portions) Basically the fact is that no one is impressed with meeting a boisterous, overweight, loud and rowdy American. Most Europeans have already met more than enough of them already.

If your talking paris, they dont really like anyone not French, and its parisian french, not Quebec they accept. A lot of Eurpeans just dont like the tourists, I dont think its Americans per say, unless your wearing a big USA flag backpack or something, how would they know? Europeans are an old breed, the building are centuries old, they have customs, languages that us North Americans cant fathom and they can spot us in a nano second and really dont want to entertain us... we look at them in awe and wonder and they are thinking "oh brother, another tourist, lets go" ... its nothing personal. Who really likes tourists invading their space... we do things we arent supposed to, we cant understand signs that tell us this and that so we screw up, we cant drive on the wrong side of the road very well... we cause problems.

because other countries consider us (americans) to be spoiled and other countries because we have alot of free rights that they don't have

in my opinion, it's because our beloved american govt tries to police the world, whether the world wants it or not, and whether it's in the world's best interest or not (as long as it's in the best interest of american policymakers, they could care less what anyone else thinks, inside or outside of our country)...

There are some things our government does that makes other countries feel railroaded over. This is not good foreign policy. Secondly, and as if we need further issues on the world stage, many countries rightly see us as pompous asses. We insist on having things our way, like speaking english in other countries instead of homoring thier language, along with some snippy attitudes many of us display when visiting across the ponds. We are a tarnished nation. 90% of it, we earned.

Phillis...the main reason I have found Americans are not treated fairly in foreign countries is because of American's attitude towards the local people. American's tend to be wanting to be waited on hand and foot and talk down to the locals. At one time (2001-2003) there were kits Americans could buy containing Canadian patches and pins as well as other things to make Americans look Canadian in foreign countries. It didn't last long because the locals could spot the attitude of the Americans quickly.

I havent trabeled out of the country much, but when i did leave, I was treated pretty well. better than in my own country in fact, I'll credit that to manners/hospitality and the fact that I was a miniority there. In general, whenever I hear horror stories of foreigners treating Americans badly, the more well-traveled ones generally sya its not "Americans" just "foreigners" in general that they may not like. Also, some tourist will go into other cuntries and complain about how when they order this back home its made differently or how they dont like the customs...those people usually shouldnt leave their home town (because if you expect things to be the same and arent willingly to be flexible while youre traveling, you might as well not do it at all). If you thik youre going to be treated badly, even the slightest bit, you'll notice it more.

From the Trans-Global Association for Travel and Tourism Commerce, which rated the behavior of tourists from all the world's industrialized countries Americans: Ignorant. Loud. Oblivious to surroundings. Insincere. French: Rude. Bigoted. A trifle out of touch with reality. Germans: Humorless. Rule-obsessed. Unfriendly. Stubborn. Israelis: Rude. Cheap. Arrogant. Cliquish. Canadians: Exactly like Americans, but more soft-spoken, more polite, less ignorant, and twenty times more boring. Tip sheet "How to avoid being an ugly American (or wherever it is you're from)" 1) Study up on the local culture. Get to know something about a place before you go there. Read novels and travel books about the region, and study guidebooks to learn about customs, manners, and cultural norms. Learn a few phrases of the language (such as greetings, thank yous, numbers, and food terms). Keep in mind that culture expresses itself at an instinctive level — not an intellectual level — and that different standards of time, courtesy, and personal service may apply in far-off lands. 2) Listen, and ask questions. On the road, make it a habit to talk less and listen more. Travel is hardly the time to extol the virtues (or shortcomings) your home country; instead be curious about how people think in the place you're visiting. Ask follow-up questions. Seek to maintain open-mindedness, which is a process of listening and considering — of muting your compulsion to judge what is right and wrong, good and bad, proper and improper, and having the tolerance and patience to try and see things for what they are. 3) Avoid arguing politics. Avoid political proselytizing, regardless of which end of the political spectrum you think you represent. At home, political convictions are a tool for getting things done within your community; on the road, political convictions are a clumsy set of experiential blinders, compelling you to seek evidence for conclusions you've already drawn. If you really are liberal and enlightened (or conservative and informed) you will stop yammering about politics and learn something about the culture you're visiting. 4) Avoid traveling in large groups. If your sorority or church group or wiccan pilates club decides to travel to Paris or Quito or Bangkok as an eight-some, do everyone a favor and split into groups of two. This will make you less noisy, less self-enclosed, more approachable, and more open to what's going on around you. If nobody wants to split off from the group with you, tackle the day solo. I guarantee that you will have more memorable adventures on your own than with a big group of travelers. 5) Give respect and you get respect. Having rigid stereotypes about individuals you haven't taken the time to know is silly in all contexts. As a representative of your own country, the best way to win respect is to show respect to everyone you meet. Odds are, your hosts will return the favor.

What does not being treated "fairly" mean? Have you had unpleasant experiences? If so I'd like to hear about them?

As an American LIVING in Europe, I am going to disagree with your assumption that Americans are not treated fairly, at least in the countries I have visited. It's not the fact that the person is American (which by the way is very easily spotted compared to other nationalities!) but when it does happen it is most likely due to the American's attitude to their surroundings. I have seen people come here from the states and walk around our local Saturday market and talk so loud about everyone as they walk by them, put down food items they see but haven't tasted, and make fun of anything they don't understand. These people got treated very badly, and in my honest opinion, they deserved it. Another example: my husband and I were in Paris while we were still dating, and we were in a restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. The waiter was very friendly to me, smiling and speaking in English, etc. There was a small group of American girls a few tables away from us who were also very loud and obnoxious, and even made fun of the waiters accent as he walked away, then got snotty when their quality of service declined. I mean, what the hell? Common sense and courtesy go a LONG way when you are visiting someone else's home.

I don't think that all Americans are treated unfairly - only those who demonstrate that they think they deserve superior service to locals and think that because they are American they are better than other tourists in the area. I have travelled extensively and can honestly say you'll hear the Americans before you see them and that they will be the one's who'll expect you to stand aside while they breeze through to the bar or best table in the restaurant - if you behave in an arrogant way and attract attention by being obnoxious don't be surprised when you are met with contempt.....

Because they think Americans are no different from Al Qeida

Why? Just look at the way you posed the question: "...in Europe and OTHER COUNTRIES"? That is precisely why many people are fed up with Americans. Europe is not a country. It is like saying "Oh, you are from St. Louis? Where in Mexico is that at?"

Ive always heard we Are treated well. Maybe you're acting like a pompous jackass and deserve the treatment you're receiving.

I am from Australia and trust me we don't care where you come from, if you cool then your treated cool... if your an arsehole then we will rip you a new one. The quickest way to get a new arsehole ripped is to be a smart arse or talk down to or expect us to jump when you say to or make out your better than anyone else