Part of what we have lost

[4bonhoffer]

Stationed in Germany in the early 70’s. So often while traveling around Europe people would show a respect/ honor towards Americans because they wanted to somehow honor the hell that my father and so many others went through in WW2. Never made a point of letting anyone know I was American, but never, never felt that it was something to hide.

Now a lot of Americans feel they have to portray themselves as Canadian in order to prevent hostility,and or ridicule while traveling in Europe. The republicans and billionaires have completely destroyed the honor that was created by so many who went through hell. Our children and grandchildren will never know that once we were respected.Not feared, respected . What honor we had as a country is gone.

[newdeal2]

1. I feel embarrassed when I travel

But not sure if they all feel the same way about Americans. Don’t forget that there is a MAGA type of movement happening in other countries as well.

[bleedingulcers]

10. I was just in England

and while people were lovely to me personally, they also didn't hesitate to speak out about their abhorrence of our country. I've never experienced such negativity from anyone in Europe before...

[Irish_Dem]

2. Same thing as a US military kid raised in various parts of the world

in the 50's, 60's, part of the 70's.

Americans were respected and admired.
And we were proud of our values: freedom, democracy, rule of law,
Bill of Rights, US constitution. Dignity, decorum, we did the right thing.

All of that is gone.
And no one seems to notice or care.

It is shocking to me.

[cachukis]

3. And we spread our power softly with the Peace Corps

and the likes of USAID.
We live what we accept.
I cannot accept who we are becoming.

[displacedvermoter]

4. Radio Free Europe and Voice of America

The Marshall Plan and the rebuilding of Europe and Japan. Soft, but effective use of power.

No more...

[Javaman]

5. one of the last things I wanted to do in this world before I leave it it follow my Uncles footsteps he took during WWII

I sadly believe now that will never come to pass.

[blue-wave]

6. K&R Bravo!

Well said.

[mdbl]

7. It's never been an embarrassement to be a US citizen, until now.

This administration is doing everything it can to destroy what was just and good about the United States. Every society has its problems, but this cabal of assholes has created an insurmountable amount of problems that will take generations to correct, if ever. I have quit saying American to describe the US since there are other nations on the American continent who don't deserve the same insult.

[Mister Ed]

8. That sad and shameful truth swept over me in a dinner conversation with a German gentleman I know.

Last edited Fri Apr 10, 2026, 11:22 AM - Edit history (1)

When the conversation turned to U.S. politics, he said softly that ever since he was a young boy, he had believed that Americans were somehow just a little better at heart than other people. Then he shook his head sadly and looked away...

It saddens me to the core to know how we have let down countless millions like him all over the world - people who believed in us, who thought we embodied maybe just a little bit more of what's good in humanity.

[sop]

9. After the horror that was Hitler, Germans probably understand more than others what the U.S. is going through now.

[FrankTC]

11. Started Eroding Years Ago

I noticed hostility when I lived in Germany in 1971-1972. Americans were considered a bit provincial -- narrow, not broadly experienced -- and then, increasingly, with distaste due to the war in Viet Nam. Not universal aversion, but occasionally, among some people. Then in Austria in 2010 I noticed Americas ridiculed for their girth and sloppy appearance. Now I'd be nervous about another trip to Europe because our government makes us all look bad. Probably the most reviled country in the world other than Russia.

[llmart]

13. There's a reason why a book, titled "The Ugly American" was written.

I believe it was the 50's or 60's. We were not always admired as a people.

[kimbutgar]

12. I was last in Europe in 2019 and was embarrassed then to admit I was American

And now I’m even more embarrassed. I thought of going to London this year but between the TSA F U and unsafe flying conditions and possible ww3 and that a big brother retaliatory government that would look at my negative social media posts about the 🍊🐖💩 I’m staying in the USA.