IFR (she/her)

I met a couple of #Americans today in a queue for a cable car. The older lady told me that #Japan is the only place she’s ever visited where the US dollar isn’t accepted. The younger of the two told me how shocked she was that people don’t speak English.

I didn’t quite know what to say to either of them that didn’t highlight their utter ignorance.

#AmericansOverseas

Apr 5, 2025 at 8:37amWeb
Show threadForgotten HeroApr 5, 2025
@ifr
It's called Cultural Imperialism, and Brits do the language thing all too often as well.
I am on a few genealogy forums, any boards for the UK are identified as UK ditto every other country except US.
And their 'helpful' contributors tells to go to the town hall for records that won't be there, that we can ALWAYS find a photo of a military chap on his service records, which you can't etc. etc .........
Show threadIFR (she/her)Apr 5, 2025

@ForgottenHero18 Reddit is the same, of course. US defaultism, I think they call it.

I know you’re absolutely right about Brits and the language thing, but I’m definitely not one of them! I think it’s terribly rude to assume everyone will speak my language in their country. I have learned enough Japanese ahead of my trip to get by - and I’ve found the Japanese people to be both surprised and delighted. I’m in rural Japan rather than a metropolitan area, so wanted to be prepared.

The money thing though… I mean, what? Why on earth would a person imagine for one moment that their currency would be accepted as legal tender in a country an ocean away?! 🤯

Show threadSamer FarhaApr 5, 2025
@ifr eeep
Show threadIFR (she/her)Apr 6, 2025
@samerfarha Fear not. Experiences throughout my life have provided me with sufficient evidence to suggest that the USA is not entirely populated by dunces. Despite these two. :)