For decades, there has been a persona put forth about the quirks and behavior "expected" by American tourists overseas. In the late sixties, Duane Hanson gave us a brilliant sculptural representation of the stereotypical American tourist, which, in my opinion, is a timeless glimpse of the quintessential American as witnessed by a big chunk of the world abroad.
However, before 2000, the United States had a built-in antidote to fight off the "stupid American" persona, which, of course was the aura of wisdom, grace, and diplomacy inherent to our President and those who he had appointed to represent the U.S. around the globe. It is clear now that those days are long gone, and the plaid golf shorts persona is abundantly spreading the globe.
On numerous occasions of late, our very President has poo-pooed on our national dignity by overtly airing his total inadequacy to hold the most powerful position in the world. Further, his little "hiccups" serve as an ominous and horrifying glimpse of the total ineptitude that lies beneath his flag lapel and lint free suit.
I feel that I need not give specific examples. Rather, I think that were I to ask that everyone close their eyes and mildly concentrate, we would all be able to cite three that have happened over the past week without squinting. That said, I feel it prudent to point out that while many of you out there cringe in embarrassment for these "little flubs," those who reside outside of the U.S. are most likely developing a deep and dangerous disrespect for each and every one of us as a result of such stupidity.
We've all been at that party, fighting to hold our tongue while some jackass shows his or her true colors ove by the beer cooler. But, once the lampshade has been returned to its proper place and the jackass has staggered out the door, the room fills with mumblings of consensus about that "insert insult here;" each competing with the other for optimum hilarity until the keg has run dry.
Admittedly, there have been times when I, myself have been the one to put the shade atop my crown. The difference is that I have always made it a point to make amends with those who I had embarrassed once the aspirin took hold. Thus, my part as the jackass has been very limited in my lifetime. The problem with the President is that he perpetually shows absolutely no regret for his jack-assery and therefore, he becomes "the life of the party" more often than not.
Worse, while the President obviously refuses to remove the lampshade, he has invited a whole slew of other jackasses to the party. While it's relatively simple to control one jackass, when his jackass friends arrive, I would be wary of drinking out of the punch bowl or flushing the toilet until the next morning. These jackasses encourage each other until one of their actions becomes so completely deplorable that a fight breaks out because the gaggle of jackasses is asked to leave.
That's the party we're at right now, folks. That's the "American Touristor" persona these jackasses have built up over the years.
It's clear that these people should be asked to leave; fight or no fight. Otherwise, we'd better be ready to clean up the surprise these jackasses have left in the tank of the toilet. Trust me, there's only one way to clean up that mess, and you're really not going to like it.