UGLY AMERICAN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Ugly American" refers to an archetype that was popularized in the mid-20th century. It typically describes an American citizen who exhibits brash, uncultured, and arrogant behavior when traveling or residing in foreign countries, particularly in non-Western nations. The term gained prominence following the publication of the book "The Ugly American" by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick in 1958.
The Ugly American is characterized by a lack of cultural sensitivity, ethnocentrism, and a general disregard for local customs and traditions. This typically manifests in excessive consumerism, loud and disrespectful behavior, and a sense of entitlement. The term has come to symbolize the negative perception of Americans abroad, reflecting a stereotype of cultural insensitivity and arrogance.
The concept of the Ugly American often implies a failure to understand and appreciate the cultural nuances and diversity of other countries, instead imposing American values and customs. However, it is important to note that not all Americans who travel or live abroad fall into this stereotype, and it is an oversimplification of complex cultural interactions.
The term "Ugly American" has evolved beyond its original meaning and is often used more broadly to critique any individual, regardless of nationality, who displays similar behavior while abroad.
Common Misspellings for UGLY AMERICAN
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Etymology of UGLY AMERICAN
The term "Ugly American" originated in the mid-20th century and gained popularity with the publication of a 1958 novel of the same name, written by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick. The book was a fictional critique of American foreign policy and portrayed a fictional character named Homer Atkins, an American engineer working in Southeast Asia. Atkins is depicted as insensitive, culturally unaware, and arrogant, representing the negative traits often associated with Americans abroad.
The term "Ugly American" itself refers to a stereotype of American travelers or expatriates who are seen as loud, obnoxious, ignorant of local customs, and dismissive of other cultures. It implies a lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness. The novel and subsequent 1963 film adaptation helped popularize the term, and it became widely used to describe Americans who were perceived as embodying these negative characteristics while overseas.
