www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Just got back from a wonderful visit to SJ. I'll post a trip report and some great restaurant reviews later but I wanted to write something that I found was not so pleasant first.

SCHMUCKS WITH BAD ATTITUDES!

Why the hell is it that some guys feel that they can leave common courtesy at home? Why is it that they treat the women like shit? Just because they are in a foreign country they think they can treat everyone like shit! I was so sick and tired of hearing things like “treat a whore like a whore” or some Schmo giving a waitress a hard time because her English is not so good? Let me see if I have this right, go to a foreign county and give them shit for not speaking your language? I really have to say that there were several times when I was embarrassed for all of us.

I am not an expert by any means but from my limited experience, I’ve found that the majority of Cost Ricans are very happy and friendly people. Most will go out of their way to make sure you have a good time. Most of the women will treat you right and keep smiling and judging from what I saw is an absolute miracle.

So here’s the thing guys. I’m not up on a soap box here and I’m sure that most on this board already know but when you go to Costa Rica, take you common courtesy with you and treat people how you would have them treat you. I think you’ll find an even better time when you treat people with respect no matter what their occupation!

So there you have it. Rant over!

_________________
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" - Maybe Shakespeare was a CRT member?

Rant on my brother.... I couldn't agree with you more. The only disagreement is that SCHMUCK is too kind,assholes would be more appropriate.

Anglo,
You are right on the money my friend. This kind of behavior gives us all a black eye. Personally, because most Costa Ricans are, in fact, very happy / friendly people, I find it very easy to reciprocate with kind words and actions. And Vegas Bob is right......SCHMUCK is definitely too kind.
Treat 'em like you want to be treated!

The "Ugly American" rears his head again..........

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

We've all seen them there.

Right on brother, it is embarassing, and hard to believe that a visitor would act like that.

I'll jump in and give my kudos also. It really pisses me off to see that kind of shit going on. I used to think that it was isolated incidents, but every trip I see this more and more.

What really impresses me is the fact that the locals are forgiving enough to not hold this against all of us.

_________________
Tunaman

YO HT:
Welcome to the world of macho ultra ego males. Yea, I've seen thread after thread on CRT and CRS addressing this cruelty to CR women as well as other central and south americas. BTW, did you by chance ask the ladies in question how their tico or latin hubby or boyfriend treated them prior to going to or returning from work? NO, I'm not defending the assholes but sometimes on the subject of bashing chicas by gringos there seems to be left out that this is a universal problem.

How did that same person treat their US wife or ex-wife back home prior to the trip. I'll bet in most circumstances......the same way in many instances.

In Closing let me say: If a person is beligerent or abusive to women, chances are he is that way no matter where he travels. This is not a race or culture thing.........it's a human non respect for fellow beings thing. Never will be eradicated. Book it Dano.

AngloTime,

During my 5 trips to SJ, I have witnessed several instances of "schmucks" in action. Like you, I am repulsed and embarrassed at their outrageous behavior.

Having said that, I have found that the dozen or so CRT members I have met on these trips are gentlemen who treat these ladies with respect and courtesy. Not too long ago, El Ciego posted "A Gentleman's Code of Honor." https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/vi ... ba8de8d305

I try to keep these concepts in mind.

Blue Devil

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Unfortunately, The Ugly American raises its obnoxious head too often; and not just in Costa Rica but all over the globe. These are not just the ignorant asshole drunks that you can run into anywhere in San Jose, but ignorant, self-centered, inconsiderate U.S. citizens in any foreign country that have absolutely no respect for their host environment.

I have traveled through Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and the amount of humiliation that I have experienced from the Ugly Americans with their treatment of host country citizens has actually brought tears to my eyes at times from the embarrassment of being associated with that jerk(s) having the same citizenship, and wanting to say "hey we are not all that way."

I would like to go into a lot of specific examples; however, that would make this a very long post.

Just remember that any time you are in a different country you are their guest; remain humble, respectful, do not flaunt any U.S. wealth that may be considered extravagance (particularly in place where people have difficulty living hand-to-mouth), show respect for their customs; and heck, who knows some of the locals might like you too. Also, this takes a little heat off the prevalent bad image that most of the World has towards the U.S. anyway.

Just some thoughts on this.

Denver

I agree with Circus, these types are this way no matter their location so nothing will change.

Ticas know that the majority of Americans are generally okay and they know that there are bad Americans, bad Ticos and bad men all over the world so I don't think many judges us as a group - more individually.

This is another one of those "ugly american" threads that I'm begining to hate. Face it, there are bad people out there so no matter what you write on here, it isn't going to change the bad because the bad aren't even aware that they are bad. Those that are rude, they aren't "trying" to be rude, it is simply their nature.

Now that I think about it, these types are probably a bit more aggressive in Costa Rica because they thrive on feeling superior. It is easy to feel superior in Costa Rica even if you live in a shack along side some railroad tracks in America, because no one knows in CR where you live. They probably feel that CR is their opportunity to finally be someone even if it is being just a bigger A$$ than in the USA.

Instead of waiting until you get back home to write one of these "ugly american" posts, I wish someone would have the nerve to shut one of these idiots up (as long as it doesn't cause a scene) and write about that.

Yeah, we are the worst of the worst... mean Americans!

It makes me wonder then why the world is banging on our door trying to get in America. Just for the jobs? They just can't wait to socialize with the world's biggest a$$holes?

Sorry, I don't buy in the media's assertion that Americans are viewed as mean, rude and ignorant people.

YO Denver: (this is not personal)

I agree that there are uglies out there and there have been instances where I have gotten really pissed at american travelers but you can add other nationalities as well. What I did not hear from you was have you ever witnessed other nationals doing the same thing. Your dialog omits any others from this universal problem. I too have been an international traveler over many years. May I address such countries and cultures as the French, Germans, Saudis, Canadians to name a few ....that I have witnessed as bad or worse with their behavior.

It does not make it right if one segment of this world does bad things as well as another but I am getting tired of this prevalent bad image that most of the world likes to taunt towards the U.S." YEA....Like they are so innocent. I hope that you do not succumb to that historical media crap and if you do you are joining the weak knee club. Yea, this country certainly has had it's share of screw ups but give it a break. Although I enjoy other cultures very much, personally I'll take this country and it's problems over any other.

BTW, next time you run into one of these assholes.....act like a friendly american buddy and fish out his name and the hotel where he is staying at. Try this: If not far, drop off a note in an envelop addressed to his room with a message indicating he is under surveillance by immigration policia due to rude behavior. It will make his day.

It is unfortunate to see the assholes out there and the way they treat the women. It’s hard to loose the courtesy they didn’t have to begin with. If they act like jerks in CR I am sure they act the same way at home.

_________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates...it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow." SP

I for one usually will try to talk to the assh*le unless hes too drunk to reason with. If you ask them why they talk like that usually they shut the phuck up. Its the bully mentality. If you kick the biggest guys ass the rest will shut the phuck up. Not being macho here, but lack of respect is my BIGGEST pet peeve. I can't sit and listen or observe it without opening my mouth...Just a flaw I guess. god bless my old man for teaching me manners!!
Muhahaha

I completely agree with Circus, you will see these kind of a$$holes everywhere. We have many different nationalities in Boston and I see it all of the time. Chinese, Purto Rican, Dominican, Italian,Czechoslovakian.

In CR I have seen a guy grabbing a girls throat and squeezing calling her a little whore, in the Key Largo. It was obvious she didn't enjoy it. Right before I was going to say something her friend walk over and saved her from the situation. To me this type of behavior is disgusting and is the only thing that would send me over the edge.

Even in family members. I will personally admit that I have a nephew that is just 3 three years younger than me, that slapped his girlfriend right in front on me. But I am also proud to say after he got out of the hospital that night he made it a point to apologize and never do it again.