Sigh* Ignore my post below. Are Americans hated in other countries?

[wbtx]

I have this foggy notion that nobody likes Americans and that everyone thinks Americans are stupid and lazy. I really dont know why I think this, so I thought it would be nice to know what others think.

[fivetails]

Nah. We just think some of y'all talk a bit funny. :w00t:

[Dayle in Guatemala]

I haven't come across this. I get that sometimes we get a tad pushy and when some of us don't understand something in another culture we tend to make fun of it. But, one thing that most Americans come across as is curious to learn about others and their willingness to accept and help them. I've only heard negative a few times. Mostly the feedback I see and get is positive.

[Daisy]

I don't know. I tend to think people aren't much different then we are. We may pigeon hole a whole group of people as being a certain way but once actually faced with individuals we are more likely to drop those assumptions.

 

For example, I never once in all my time in Egypt felt that anyone didn't like ME. Sure there were people who assumed Americans were all one way but when faced with a real live 16yo, they didn't hold to that belief. Kwim?

 

So yeah, probably folks in other countries have assumptions about Americans just like we have assumptions about the French or the British or Pakistanis. Some of those assumptions are down right cartoonish and others hit a little closer to the truth. But when it come down to it, I hope we'd judge a person based on who they are and not what we "thought" about their country.

[Laura Corin]

I think that any country or culture which is very dominant will provoke mixed reactions. Great Britain was both hated and emulated at the height of its power.

 

There are British people who hate Americans. Many others have big arguments with various current or past American policies. Most, I would say, are willing to meet individuals as individuals. There's quite a bit of teasing, but one can usually get past it.

 

Laura (in Scotland with naturalised British, originally American, husband)

[Laurie4b]

I have this foggy notion that nobody likes Americans and that everyone thinks Americans are stupid and lazy. I really dont know why I think this, so I thought it would be nice to know what others think.

 

I don't think the stereotype is stupid and lazy, but arrogant and immoral. The arrogant part comes from people's reactions to US foreign policy; the immoral part from our media exports.

 

While people may have a negative stereotype of "Americans" in the plural, they are often open to a positive attitude towards particular Americans face to face.

[LibraryLover]

tmi

Edited January 7, 2010 by LibraryLover

[Melissa in Australia]

There are British people who hate Americans. Many others have big arguments with various current or past American policies. Most, I would say, are willing to meet individuals as individuals.

 

 

I think this is the general feeling around my area of Australia. I have met many people who are very anti-American as a whole , but not on the individual level. If they meet an American they will say things like they were a nice person in spite of being American. People around my area tend to be afraid of loosing their Identity,and being taken over by American ideas, culture and accent.

[Peek a Boo]

My sil travels around the world several times a year as part of a Senator's staff. Her nutshell version is "they tend to love Americans, but don't generally like American gvt"

 

And she gets stuck representing Am gvt. ;)

[Amira]

We've lived and travelled extensively in the Middle East and Central Asia and have rarely found anyone who disliked all Americans. But certainly the majority hasn't been too thrilled with US government policy toward their regions. This was the case in 2005 when Bush was president and in 1995 when Clinton was president (although the animosity toward the Clinton admin was nothing compared to what we saw toward Bush's). We haven't yet been been anywhere interesting with Obama as president, and I'll be interested to see how people's opinions have changed.

[kalanamak]

I have this foggy notion that nobody likes Americans and that everyone thinks Americans are stupid and lazy. I really dont know why I think this, so I thought it would be nice to know what others think.

 

My Sikh exMIL told me, without a blink, that white women were too lazy to be good nurses. I was working up to 90 hours a week at the time, after studying 15 hours a day for years....

[Jean in Newcastle]

In Japan, Americans are well liked but thought of as immoral and "easy". I had men come up to me and say things they would never have said to any Japanese woman or girl. :eek: They were shocked when I called them the Japanese equivalent of a "dirty old man".

 

My Filipino relatives (dh's actually) told me that they were surprised that my kids weren't like "regular American kids". They'd never met any - it was just from watching American movies of bratty kids.

[mazakaal]

Most, I would say, are willing to meet individuals as individuals.

 

 

Honestly, I think that while people say that they are willing to meet individuals as individuals, there is still a huge underlying prejudice against Americans in this country, or at least where I am in Devon. It takes a long time to get past it with most people.

 

I didn't experience the same thing in other countries, though. I've spent time (more than just a week's visit) in Russia and South Africa, and didn't experience a lot of prejudice against Americans in those places when I was there.

[kalanamak]

In Japan, Americans are well liked but thought of as immoral and "easy".

 

Americans or American women? I recall all the really childish porno cartoons the men read and left lying about on the trains, circa 1970. I also got a fair amount of "petting" while I was there. I was a flat chested 12 year old with very blonde hair.

[IsabelC]

I think hate would be too strong a word to describe it. Maybe some people in some countries hate Americans, but I don't think it's very common.

 

As for why, I reckon that around here a fair bit of it is tall poppy syndrome because your country is big and powerful and ours ain't. Well OK, Australia is geographically large, but it is small in population, military and political power.

 

It's also partly just the usual nasty stereotypes. You know, the myth that all Americans are loud, rude, selfish, materialistic, uncultured, parochial and above all really stupid. Oh and the food is supposed to be terrible. People actually do television programs and books devoted to dumb things that Americans say and do. When I see these things, I wonder whether people in the US make compilations of idiotic things Australians say and do, I'm sure that would be just as easy :lol: I mean it's just so stupid, or course you can find negative examples in any culture or group of people. (Eg I saw on one program a segment where they'd asked Americans "what date was 9/11?" and they all said the wrong date or said they didn't know. But chances are they interviewed hundreds of people and only showed the footage of the people who couldn't answer the question.) And there is a saying "Only in America" when people hear about anything over the top or incredibly dumb.

 

But the above is just a stereotype, and 99% of people know this. If you asked people seriously, they would probably say that the vast majority of Americans are perfectly good ordinary decent people, it's really more the government that is to blame for the things that are disapproved of. (Whether the Government is genuinely representative of the people is another question.)

 

Personally I have met very few Americans irl, but fwiw none matched the stereotypes. (I also met some Canadians, and guess what, they didn't have flapping heads like on South Park :lol:)

 

So no, everybody doesn't hate Americans. The odd person might be prejudiced, and a few people might let (sometimes justifiable) dislike of something a US Administration has done in their country expand into dislike of Americans in general, but that's all, imo.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Hotdrink

[LizzyBee]

I have this foggy notion that nobody likes Americans and that everyone thinks Americans are stupid and lazy. I really dont know why I think this, so I thought it would be nice to know what others think.

 

That's the impression I get from the media. However, when my parents were in France, they were amazed at how nice the people were. People actually came up to my Dad and thanked him for his service in WWII.

 

Sidenote: While they were there, they visited Normandy, and my Dad recognized the exact place where he was shot, 50 years later!

[LizzyBee]

People actually do television programs and books devoted to dumb things that Americans say and do. When I see these things, I wonder whether people in the US make compilations of idiotic things Australians say and do, I'm sure that would be just as easy :lol: I mean it's just so stupid, or course you can find negative examples in any culture or group of people. (Eg I saw on one program a segment where they'd asked Americans "what date was 9/11?" and they all said the wrong date or said they didn't know. But chances are they interviewed hundreds of people and only showed the footage of the people who couldn't answer the question.) And there is a saying "Only in America" when people hear about anything over the top or incredibly dumb.

 

I don't know of any shows highlighting dumb Australians. In fact, I think America is rather fascinated with Australia. But there is a late night talk show that used to sometimes have a segment called "Jay-walking" to highlight dumb Americans. The host's name was Jay Leno, and he would go out with a camera crew and ask people questions about history, etc, then show the worst ones on TV. So in Australia, they have TV shows about dumb Americans, and in America we have TV shows about dumb....Americans. :lol:

[Heather in Neverland]

It's interesting that you mention this. I just had an amazing conversation with some Indonesians over the New Year's holiday. The general sentiment pre-tsunami was to dislike/distrust americans. But when the tsunami hit, the american military were the first to show up to help (according to what happened in his town). His town of 100,000 people lost 60,000. He lost his wife and all 3 children. I can't even imagine the devastation. But he said that the americans were there and helping right away helping with food and shelter and medical care. He said that people in Indonesia have a new respect for America now.

 

Here in Malaysia they seem to like us pretty well but that is mostly because we spend a lot of money! Malaysia has government programs encouraging expats to move here because we support their economy. To be honest we get a lot of special treatment. Especially when it comes to renting a condo/apartment/house...the ads actually say "renting to american expats only". We can get car loans and mortgages here easier than locals too.

 

And the police often set up roadblocks to stop and check vehicles for their "roadtax" which is the same thing as your license plate tab renewal. If they see you are american then they just wave you through without checking.

 

When I asked about this I was told that Americans are seen as:

 

1. having lots of money

 

2. being more responsible (as in more likely to make payments on time, not let their roadtax expire, etc.)

 

3. more likely to follow laws/rules/regulations

 

They tend to emulate us in a lot of ways and you will often see something advertised as being "just like in America"...like restaurants, hotels, store products, etc. and it automatically makes that place more popular.

 

It's funny though because I think that some of the things they do here that is different than us is better (like healthcare) but they think American-style anything = better.

[Peela]

I think it's very mixed and on the whole most people are willing to meet individuals as individuals. I dont, and I certainy dont think most people I know would, hold being American against anyone. That doesn't mean that America's general image isnt tarnished though. Everyone is looking carefully to see how Obama manages things.

There is also a sterotype of a class of very ignorant Americans such as on the Jerry Springer show. That doesn't help American's image.

And nor does the whole war thing, to put in bluntly, but we Aussies are over there too. Many Aussies dont like how much Australian governments always brown-nose American governments. But I think most people realise that politics are complex and most everyday people have no say.

I know many Americans and they are pretty much the same as Aussies. Americans I know who come here often say we are lucky though as it's not as stressful here overall....yet, anyway.

Theres not much I can point my finger at Americans for, that we in Australia arent also doing to some degree.

[lionfamily1999]

I think hate would be too strong a word to describe it. Maybe some people in some countries hate Americans, but I don't think it's very common.

 

As for why, I reckon that around here a fair bit of it is tall poppy syndrome because your country is big and powerful and ours ain't. Well OK, Australia is geographically large, but it is small in population, military and political power.

 

It's also partly just the usual nasty stereotypes. You know, the myth that all Americans are loud, rude, selfish, materialistic, uncultured, parochial and above all really stupid. Oh and the food is supposed to be terrible. People actually do television programs and books devoted to dumb things that Americans say and do. When I see these things, I wonder whether people in the US make compilations of idiotic things Australians say and do, I'm sure that would be just as easy :lol: I mean it's just so stupid, or course you can find negative examples in any culture or group of people. (Eg I saw on one program a segment where they'd asked Americans "what date was 9/11?" and they all said the wrong date or said they didn't know. But chances are they interviewed hundreds of people and only showed the footage of the people who couldn't answer the question.) And there is a saying "Only in America" when people hear about anything over the top or incredibly dumb.

 

But the above is just a stereotype, and 99% of people know this. If you asked people seriously, they would probably say that the vast majority of Americans are perfectly good ordinary decent people, it's really more the government that is to blame for the things that are disapproved of. (Whether the Government is genuinely representative of the people is another question.)

 

Personally I have met very few Americans irl, but fwiw none matched the stereotypes. (I also met some Canadians, and guess what, they didn't have flapping heads like on South Park :lol:)

 

So no, everybody doesn't hate Americans. The odd person might be prejudiced, and a few people might let (sometimes justifiable) dislike of something a US Administration has done in their country expand into dislike of Americans in general, but that's all, imo.

The Croc Hunter and Crocodile Dundee are the only two things can think of.... oh wait! Mad Max ;) Of course, none of those are meant to make fun of Aussies, but I'm sure they must be full of stereotypes.

 

One of the radio shows I listen to does a segment called "Germany or Florida." The idea being, if something incredibly outrageous happens, it usually happens in either Germany or Florida. :lol:

[IsabelC]

The Croc Hunter and Crocodile Dundee are the only two things can think of.... oh wait! Mad Max ;) Of course, none of those are meant to make fun of Aussies, but I'm sure they must be full of stereotypes.

 

One of the radio shows I listen to does a segment called "Germany or Florida." The idea being, if something incredibly outrageous happens, it usually happens in either Germany or Florida. :lol:

 

Hang on mate, I'll just dismount from my kangaroo and finish croc wrestling, then I can respond to your post. That reminds me, the first time I went to the UK, somebody there was surprised because I had white skin and blonde hair: she actually thought all Australians were black.

 

But now I wanna know, why Florida?

[Daisy]

So our image as Americans might actually change if we stopped having such idiotic television shows? :lol:

[keptwoman]

I dont think people hate Americans. Some of their actions and policies sure. But not the people. We are all clever enough to realise that the everyday person on the street does not have much control over what the govt does beyond voting them in in the first place.

I do think though having visited a few times that some of the stereotypes are true with regards to consumerism etc. But that is party because I think you guys have much more disposable income than many other countries so you actually have the money to spend. Plus stuff is cheaper there (mutter mutter mutter about being shafted by various corporates) And I think on average Americans can be quite ignorant of what is happening outside of their borders and that is partly because of lack of info from the media. However Aussie isn't much better.... half the time I dont even hear the news from the next state!

 

Anyway. Without exception the Americans I know and have spent time with are really lovely and I count a number of your country people amongst the more special to me.

[Rosie_0801]

My sil travels around the world several times a year as part of a Senator's staff. Her nutshell version is "they tend to love Americans, but don't generally like American gvt"

 

 

"Love" is a very strong word :D

 

Other the what the other Aussies here have said, I've heard rather negative things about the US military from people in the Australian armed forces. This being a touchy topic on this board, I'll leave it at that.

 

Rosie

[Cammie]

I agree that "love" may be stating it a bit too strongly. Here in India I can't say that they love America or Americans. As for America - I think they find it rude, self-centered and short sighted. As for Americans, we generally have a reputation of being very friendly, very open and for treating everyone as equals (from the maid, to the driver, to the neighbor.) This equal treatment really sets us apart from many other societies and generates a lot of respect for us as a society. Would you ever think to not allow your cleaning lady to use the bathroom in your house? Or not provide drinking water to your handiman. Yet people in my (rather posh) neighborhood in India routinely discriminate in this fashion against maids, drivers, etc. It just boggles the mind!

[TravelingChris]

We are military and were stationed in Belgium. We traveled a lot in Europe in our three years there. We never had anyone treat us badly as Americans. We did have someone get very angry at my husband at an IKEA because she thought he was Flemmish and a complete dunce for not listening to her. (Not only he wasn't Flemmish, we lived in Wallonia so he was somewhat able to communicate in French but not at all in Flemmish). But that was just funny to us and we managed to tease dh about it for a long time.

[jld]

I agree that people around the world think that Americans are kind and generous individuals, but that the American government is short-sighted and irresponsible (think Copenhagen and the Iraq War).

 

It's hard for people to understand why Americans voted for Bush (widely viewed abroad as underqualified and incompetent), and why Obama's actions do not match his campaign promises (where are those televised health care negotiations?).

 

I think Europeans don't understand why average Americans don't demand more justice from their government, such as decent healthcare for everyone, and subsidized higher education.

[specialmama]

(I also met some Canadians, and guess what, they didn't have flapping heads like on South Park :lol:)

 

 

WHAT? WE DON'T?!?!? :svengo::willy_nilly:

 

:lol:

 

Word is 'round the igloos, that Americans themselves are loverly people. But the country, oy, the country is big and bossy and thinks they rule the world. However, we all know people and love people and are related to people in the States, and we know that individuals are just like us. Yes, they say pap instead of pop, or they warsh their clothes, but hey, we love them. :D

[Ibbygirl]

One of the radio shows I listen to does a segment called "Germany or Florida." The idea being, if something incredibly outrageous happens, it usually happens in either Germany or Florida. :lol:

 

LOL And down here right now with it being our tourist season it's a bit like Germany. ;)

 

 

But now I wanna know, why Florida?

 

We have a lot of very colorful people down here. ;)

[asta]

"Love" is a very strong word :D

 

Other the what the other Aussies here have said, I've heard rather negative things about the US military from people in the Australian armed forces. This being a touchy topic on this board, I'll leave it at that.

 

Rosie

 

Please tell me this was an opinion about the 'regulars'? Because the 'special forces' have an extremely high opinion of the Aussies.

 

We are military and were stationed in Belgium. We traveled a lot in Europe in our three years there. We never had anyone treat us badly as Americans. We did have someone get very angry at my husband at an IKEA because she thought he was Flemmish and a complete dunce for not listening to her. (Not only he wasn't Flemmish, we lived in Wallonia so he was somewhat able to communicate in French but not at all in Flemmish). But that was just funny to us and we managed to tease dh about it for a long time.

 

The Belgians, in general, adore Americans.

 

DIGRESSION: [The Walloons and the Flemmish, however, pretty much despise one another. There are very good, historical reasons for that (in WWI, the foot soldiers were Flems, and the Officers were Walloons. The Walloons sent the Flems to their deaths with orders in French - they refused to give them orders in Flemmish), but foreigners unfortunately get caught in the mix. One will often find that Flemmish speak lovely English and know (but refuse to speak) Belgian French (Walloon). Walloons may also (but not necessarily) speak English (it depends on their proximity to Bruxelles), but, pretty much as a rule, do not speak Flemmish.]

 

I agree that people around the world think that Americans are kind and generous individuals, but that the American government is short-sighted and irresponsible (think Copenhagen and the Iraq War).

 

I was in hospital during the inauguration (it was on TV) when a gaggle of residents came in to review my case. They were from about 6 different nations. They all started shaking their heads in disgust. The chief resident commented something to the effect of "the world is on the brink of economic collapse, and look at all of the resources being spent for the transition of power - disgusting."

 

It's hard for people to understand why Americans voted for Bush (widely viewed abroad as underqualified and incompetent), and why Obama's actions do not match his campaign promises (where are those televised health care negotiations?).

 

Actually, Bush is not viewed as underqualified or incompetent at all in Eastern Europe; Obama is. Bush is viewed as a liberator and a hero.

 

One thing I have encountered is a disbelief that Americans can't seem to get a baseline healthcare program in place.

 

I think Europeans don't understand why average Americans don't demand more justice from their government, such as decent healthcare for everyone, and subsidized higher education.

 

THAT I see.

 

 

a

[keptwoman]

I think Europeans don't understand why average Americans don't demand more justice from their government, such as decent healthcare for everyone, and subsidized higher education.

*snort* Please lets not go there :rofl:

[pqr]

*snort* Please lets not go there :rofl:

 

 

I agree..... Many Americans can not understand why others put up with their Nanny States and loss of freedom. Better not to go there.

[KJB]

 

It's funny though because I think that some of the things they do here that is different than us is better (like healthcare) but they think American-style anything = better.

 

 

I find this sentiment curious. You suggest healthcare is better there, but if you needed an operation would you look locally? What if it was a big operation or an aggressive treatment? I mean, what if you were *really* sick, would you be happy to stay local? And, what if your kids were sick (and I don't mean a cold), would you want to bring them back to the US?

 

There is a lot of negativity about American healthcare, but when the wealthy of the world gets sick, they don't go to Malaysia (just pickin' on you since that's where you are, but insert any other place in the world if you'd rather....)

[KJB]

That's the impression I get from the media. However, when my parents were in France, they were amazed at how nice the people were. People actually came up to my Dad and thanked him for his service in WWII.

 

Sidenote: While they were there, they visited Normandy, and my Dad recognized the exact place where he was shot, 50 years later!

 

I have found the French (Parisians even) to be among the kindest most helpful people in all of Europe. We've traveled the train system with young children and people came out of the woodwork, speaking English with French accents!, to help us.

[nd293]

I think that when people are generalising, they tend to remember negative experiences, rather than positive. When we were expats, I met some wonderful Americans. But, what comes to mind when you say "American expats" to me would be the woman who said, when we were discussing the wearing of appropriate attire in a Muslim country "Well, I know it's their country. But I'm an American."

 

Why is that? I'm a dyed in the wool pessimist. But even so, perhaps, on the deepest level, I know that most people are good. Or at least not bad. Most of my interations with people are "average". Most people I meet are "nice". So the ones that stand out, the ones that are remembered, are the "not nice" ones.

 

Then again... there are countries and peoples which tend to be positively stereotyped, so how does that fit into my theory?

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

 

It's hard for people to understand why Americans voted for Bush (widely viewed abroad as underqualified and incompetent), and why Obama's actions do not match his campaign promises (where are those televised health care negotiations?).

 

 

 

Actually I've been quite accosted during US election cycles by folks from other countries with long and vehement diatribes on why I, as an American voter, should ignore voting for the candidate I feel is best for my country and instead should actually think of who the world or the folks in their particular country would most like to see as President and vote accordingly. Or vote due to a candidates demographic rather than his/her qualities or qualifications. All this from total strangers who don't know me, know who I might vote for, or even bother to ask which candidate I am supporting-and at the end of the "conversation" walk away without ever trying to find out. I just can't imagine having the audacity to demand the citizen of another country vote according to my needs.

 

So our image as Americans might actually change if we stopped having such idiotic television shows? :lol:

 

I suspect that it would behoove us to stop exporting only the worst parts of our culture.

[pqr]

I find this sentiment curious. You suggest healthcare is better there, but if you needed an operation would you look locally? What if it was a big operation or an aggressive treatment? I mean, what if you were *really* sick, would you be happy to stay local? And, what if your kids were sick (and I don't mean a cold), would you want to bring them back to the US?

 

There is a lot of negativity about American healthcare, but when the wealthy of the world gets sick, they don't go to Malaysia (just pickin' on you since that's where you are, but insert any other place in the world if you'd rather....)

 

 

I lived in Asia and with the exception of Japan, Singapore, some Middle Eastern nations and (possibly) S. Korea. US expats used to beetle off to the States or W. Europe every time they got sick. There are even emergency medical services that larger companies have on contract who guarantee that they will fly a client to Europe or Japan within x hours of being called. There are also showpiece state hospitals but the average citizen can rarely get in, though sometimes they do allow expats in.

 

In the Middle east there are "American" hospitals that expats use. These are staffed by European of American doctors who earn exhorbinate wages and charge incredible fees. The one thing that people, I knew of, went to Asia for was plastic surgery as the limited malpractice insurance made this far cheaper than in the States.

 

If you can pay for private hospitals then adequate care can frequently be found, but woe betide the individual who has to go to the local hospital in X, Y or Z.

Edited January 7, 2010 by pqr

[Karenciavo]

I think Europeans don't understand why average Americans don't demand more justice from their government, such as decent healthcare for everyone, and subsidized higher education.

 

If this is what it takes to get the world to love me feel free to hate me. :lol: I'd rather be free and keep the money my husband works so hard to earn.

[TravelingChris]

The only nationality we had a problem with while traveling was Russian. We had two seperate incidents where we were almost knowcked down by Russians pushing. The first was on a platform at a Belgian flower show and they pushed me, causing me to stumble on the short staircase. The second time was worse: we were eating in a Parisian cafe and I was taking my youngest to the ladies down a long flight of stairs. The Russian women barrels trough ( basically a one and half person stairwell) and almost knocks my dd down this very long flight of stairs. Fortunately I was able to steady her. We were pushed by Russians in other places but those instances are memorable.

 

Oh and Asta, the clerk wasn't reacting because he was speaking French (we knew not to speak Frenk in Vlanderan areas) but rather because she thought he was Flemmish. He has light strawberry blond hair and could pass for one of them easily.

[Heather in Neverland]

I find this sentiment curious. You suggest healthcare is better there, but if you needed an operation would you look locally? What if it was a big operation or an aggressive treatment? I mean, what if you were *really* sick, would you be happy to stay local? And, what if your kids were sick (and I don't mean a cold), would you want to bring them back to the US?

 

There is a lot of negativity about American healthcare, but when the wealthy of the world gets sick, they don't go to Malaysia (just pickin' on you since that's where you are, but insert any other place in the world if you'd rather....)

 

Health care in Penang is wonderful so unless I needed some kind of operation that was extremely rare and needed some kind of rare specialist, I would have it here. There are several people on staff at my school who have battled cancer here and received excellent treatment.

 

I got an appointment with a specialist the day after I called. Two days later I came to the hospital, received an MRI, the results to the MRI, and the outpatient procedure needed to correct the problem all in the same day. The staff was amazingly professional. The hospital and equipment were all state of the art. I received excellent, compassionate care and a specialist who actually came to the phone when I called to answer my questions.

 

I never got that kind of care in the U.S. It would take months to get an appointment with a specialist. Weeks for an MRI appointment. At least another week for the results and even longer to set up the outpatient procedure and that is with excellent insurance.

 

It is not universal healthcare here. It isn't about that. I have insurance. But even if I didn't I would still find it more affordable than the U.S. A few examples:

 

On a large scale, you can get IVF treatments here for about $3000 where in the US it costs about $15,000. And the success rate is the same.

 

On a small scale, my son complained of a tooth ache yesterday. I called the dentist to make an appointment. They said "bring him now, we'll fit him in." The office was like walking into the future. I have never seen so many high-tech gadgets in a dental office before. They examined him, took an xray, and discovered it is only his 12 yr molars coming in (thank goodness). The price of the whole thing? About $17.

 

People in SE Asia travel to Penang for medical treatment quite frequently.

 

So yes I would get an operation here and I would let my kids get treated here. Without a doubt.

[asta]

Got it.

 

Funny thing - I'm actually Flemish, but look Walloon. And speak French.

 

Eh.

 

 

a

[pqr]

 

 

On a large scale, you can get IVF treatments here for about $3000 where in the US it costs about $15,000. And the success rate is the same.

 

 

 

To be fair you can not compare prices on a straight scale.

 

The per-capita income in the States is over 300% of that in Malaysia making the disparity less impressive.

 

Further, in the event something goes wrong what are your possible options in Malaysia? Malpractice insurance makes up a measurable proportion of the costs in the States, what is the situation in Malaysia? (Yet another argument for tort reform).

[jld]

KJB, my son was treated here in India for cancer last summer (AML). It went fine. The whole treatment (4 months in the hospital, including a BMT) was less than $50,000. To see his oncologist, we just show up, are guaranteed to be seen before he leaves for the day, and we pay $8. And the treatment is the same as in America. You must know that medical tourism is getting more and more popular. Many Americans are reluctant to pay what American medical treatments cost, when the same quality is available abroad much cheaper.

 

Asta, I will ask a friend of mine from Poland what she thought about the Bush Administration. I based my comment on what Western Europeans, Israelis, and Indians, that I knew personally, or friends knew, said about Bush. And I don't think it's news to anyone that he was not highly respected in the world.

[KJB]

I find this interesting.

 

We are in Germany, which is by almost all standards very similar to the US (and in some ways even more progressive than the US) in health care. Even so, if one of us were diagnosed with cancer or needed major surgery, I'd head home for second opinions and treatment.

 

Although, I can see seeking local elective treatments due to less regulation in another country. I can also understand seeking treatment for more common/less scary maladies.

 

But if it were a big scary cancer, I'd wrap myself up in red, white, and blue. I guess I'm xenophobic that way....:hat:

[Heather in Neverland]

Further, in the event something goes wrong what are your possible options in Malaysia? Malpractice insurance makes up a measurable proportion of the costs in the States, what is the situation in Malaysia? (Yet another argument for tort reform).

 

I have no idea what the malpractice situation is. Keep in my mind I am not saying the quality of care is necessarily better than the U.S. (in terms of medical knowledge...so far it seems about the same) but I AM impressed with the efficiency of the medical care here. It is very well-organized and stream-lined. Very little bureacracy and red-tape to deal with. That's what I mean when I say America could learn a lesson from the way they do things here.

[pqr]

Very little bureacracy and red-tape to deal with. That's what I mean when I say America could learn a lesson from the way they do things here.

 

Now that would be nice, but given recent events I have little hope for anything other than the situation in the States getting worse.

[Heather in Neverland]

I find this interesting.

 

We are in Germany, which is by almost all standards very similar to the US (and in some ways even more progressive than the US) in health care. Even so, if one of us were diagnosed with cancer or needed major surgery, I'd head home for second opinions and treatment.

 

Although, I can see seeking local elective treatments due to less regulation in another country. I can also understand seeking treatment for more common/less scary maladies.

 

But if it were a big scary cancer, I'd wrap myself up in red, white, and blue. I guess I'm xenophobic that way....:hat:

 

I felt the same way when we first arrived . I thought there was no way this country could have medical care as good as the US and I was very wrong. One family at my school has a 10 year old daughter with a rare heart condition that needed a rare procedure. They got it here and were very impressed. If Germany is as progressive as you say it is (I know nothing about it) then don't sell it short. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Friederike in Persia]

Not being American myself people might feel freer talking about Americans (not that I encourage it, I like you lot a lot!!;)) in my presence and I find that a lot of negativity comes across. This would be on a more intellectual level in Europe (Germany and the UK) and a way more emotional level in the Middle East (Levant) and Central Asia (Tajikistan).

 

I :iagree: with Laura and a few of the others, that it has a lot to do with the fact that the US is THE world power at this point in time. I'm sure Romans weren't universally liked 2000 years ago either, or the British,....

 

Even though I try very hard to chuck out any prejudices in my thought life I still find ever so often when on this board, that one pops up (either in a positive or negative way) :001_huh: They are powerful and dangerous.

[Laura Corin]

But if it were a big scary cancer, I'd wrap myself up in red, white, and blue. I guess I'm xenophobic that way....:hat:

 

At times of stress, many of us want to be where we feel familiar and comfortable.

 

Laura

[KJB]

At times of stress, many of us want to be where we feel familiar and comfortable.

 

Laura

 

You're right, of course. It's also the language and cultural barriers.

 

Oh, and that I know my legal recourse options if a mistake happens and I know that threat keeps American doctors in line.