The Ugly American

[chief]

No, not Roddick - Jennifer Capriati. I don't really care for Roddick either, but Capriati's behavior at the end of her match yesterday was far worse than Roddick's whining. For Capriati to tell the crowd collectively to "shut up" and become agitated when they cheered for the underdog at match point (which is done all the time at long, close matches), is incredibly poor sportsmanship and just plain inexcusable. Then Capriati had the gaul to say in her post-match inteview that she couldn't understand why the crowd booed her - that she didn't think she really did anything that bad. I can't believe the media, at least the American media, hasn't picked up on this more. I never understood how Capriati ever became the darling of American tennis, and yesterday's antics have left me utterly confused. Could a fan of her's please explain to me how anyone could be a fan? As far as I'm concerned, she is the epitome of the tennis brat.

 

[BLiND]

There is not a lot that isn't ugly about Jenny... ug

 

[norcal]

People love her because she's a great comeback story. Americans love to see their stars fall hard....and come back and succeed. She reminds me of a truck stop waitress. I like the 'tude.

 

[chad shaver]

I don't remember her ever hitting a ball-kid in the face with a tennis ball, though.

At age thirteen, JCap's youthful innocence and joy at playing won a lot of hearts. Problem is, she was over-exposed and over-used by soooo many people that she was never able to be a kid. She has since had her share of problems, and seems to be pretty bitter about a lot of things. I don't pull for her, myself, but maybe you should walk a mile in her shoes, first. And regarding "There is not a lot that isn't ugly about Jenny... ug", really mature....good job.

Funny, you never hear the terms: ugly Brit (Henman), ugly Chilean(Ríos), ugly Croatian (Ivanisevic), ugly Russian(Safin), ugly Italian (Cecchini).

Your arrogant, prejudicial statement speaks volumes for your enlightened status. Thank you.

 

[@wright]

Everyone has seen her weed bust mug shot right?

 

[BLiND]

Chad for someone who is so gifted, and has the pleasure of working in something they actually enjoy, eary so much money dis-proportionatly to everyone else & yet have people lookup to them.... yet all they can do is to ***** & moan about things, and not apriciate their position.

That is pathetic & in the words of chief... ugly.

 

[atatu]

Have to agree with the Chief on this one. Jcap's behavior ever since she won that first Australian Open has been pretty bad. Using the "F word" during matches, cursing out BJK, etc. etc. I was very happy when she beat Hingis to win the Australian, but since then have found no reason to support her. Maybe choking repeatedly again JHH and the Williams sisters is taking a toll.

 

[footfault]

You can't be critical of her antics on court toward the fans. If she complained about her opponent then maybe we could see what the complaint was but we don't hear what the French jeers are. Are they snipping "ugly fat Americans go home" "war mongers" etc. The europeans aren't too fond on Americans. My friend went to the french open 2 trs ago and then travelled to Germany where he was spat on for being a barbarian American, there was no provocation etc. I think JC must have heard some things that we tennis players don't hear on our cts.......

 

[katarddx]

You can't be critical of her antics on court toward the fans. If she complained about her opponent then maybe we could see what the complaint was but we don't hear what the French jeers are. Are they snipping "ugly fat Americans go home" "war mongers" etc. The europeans aren't too fond on Americans. My friend went to the french open 2 trs ago and then travelled to Germany where he was spat on for being a barbarian American, there was no provocation etc. I think JC must have heard some things that we tennis players don't hear on our cts.......

oh, C'mon........Poor JC

 

[PugArePeopleToo]

Oh come on you guys, everybody loves us Yanks. So they cried "Yankee go home!" What you didn't hear is the next phrase they muttered, "but take me with you".

 

[Phil]

Funny, you never hear the terms: ugly Brit (Henman), ugly Chilean(Ríos), ugly Croatian (Ivanisevic), ugly Russian(Safin), ugly Italian (Cecchini).

Being #1 in the world-in most REAL sports, economy, culture, etc. brings out a lot of resentment in others. As long as the US is a "superpower", economically, culturally and militarily, we're going to be a target of the jealous foreign masses. Yes, the French and Germans may call us ugly, but they're probably wearing Nike or Calvin Klein, chomping into Le Royals at Micky D's, watching Hollywood films, tuning into some American pop singer on their APPLE I-PODS, checking out US-based Internet sites, like, for instance, TW, and putting down their next cheese eating appointment on their 3-COM PALM III. Also, because of the favorable exchange rates, you'll find plenty of pasty-faced French and Germans desperately trying to absorb some vitamin D on the Florida beaches. When the buck is strong, where's the first place they head to? 5th Ave.

Whenever I hear criticism of America, I laugh, and recite the above litany. There are two types of people in the world: Americans and those who WANT to be Americans.

Signed,

A Relatively Homely American

 

[chad shaver]

LOL

 

[voltman]

If she were black, she'd be criticized for being a drug using ***** and ridiculed for being allowed to play tennis.

 

[Datacipher]

Funny, you never hear the terms: ugly Brit (Henman), ugly Chilean(Ríos), ugly Croatian (Ivanisevic), ugly Russian(Safin), ugly Italian (Cecchini).

Being #1 in the world-in most REAL sports, economy, culture, etc. brings out a lot of resentment in others. As long as the US is a "superpower", economically, culturally and militarily, we're going to be a target of the jealous foreign masses. Yes, the French and Germans may call us ugly, but they're probably wearing Nike or Calvin Klein, chomping into Le Royals at Micky D's, watching Hollywood films, tuning into some American pop singer on their APPLE I-PODS, checking out US-based Internet sites, like, for instance, TW, and putting down their next cheese eating appointment on their 3-COM PALM III. Also, because of the favorable exchange rates, you'll find plenty of pasty-faced French and Germans desperately trying to absorb some vitamin D on the Florida beaches. When the buck is strong, where's the first place they head to? 5th Ave.

Whenever I hear criticism of America, I laugh, and recite the above litany. There are two types of people in the world: Americans and those who WANT to be Americans.

I'm not an American. But I must admit there is definitely some element of truth to what you are saying.

 

[AndyC]

The US is a cultural superpower? Actually there are two types of people in the world.. Americans and those who wish they weren't around .

 

[BLiND]

What does this have to-do with americans?... Jenny is american, yes but thats not what this thread is about... its about her!

 

[Cypo]

First published in 1958, The Ugly American became a runaway national bestseller for its slashing exposé of American arrogance, incompetence, and corruption in Southeast Asia. Based on fact, the book's eye-opening stories and sketches drew a devastating picture of how the United States was losing the struggle with Communism in Asia. Combining gripping storytelling with an urgent call to action, the book prompted President Eisenhower to launch a study of our military aid program that led the way to much-needed reform.


http://www.wwnorton.com/catalog/fall98/uglyamerican.htm


'The Ugly Rest of the World' is (as Amazon.com used to say) a "not yet published best seller"

 

[ErwinFromParis]

WOW... So much commonplace and cliché!!
1st I was at RG to see Agassi's failure, and eventhough it was a french player vs him, from the first to the last minute of the match I never hear anything else than "Allez André!!!!". I do believe french crowd at Roland is smart enough to not melt politics and sportive interest.

2ndly, yesterday was wednesday which is usually called the "children day" for the reason there aint no school!
JC might have been annoyed by children buzz, but you got to agree it always appears when players are in bad posture...

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Andy C: just curious, where do you hail from? Thx.

 

[AndyC]

Sean.. I'm living in UK at the moment why?

 

[mileslong]

I do believe french crowd at Roland is smart enough to not melt politics and sportive interest.

yes i'm sure there is none of that involved, that is why the french sports daily there had the headline "American Go Home!" talking about the early departure of the american players. no poilitics involved at all with their behavior :roll:

 

[chad shaver]

AndyC,

One word, big boy: Lagaan.

 

[C_Urala]

Yes, the French and Germans may call us ugly, but they're probably wearing Nike or Calvin Klein...

And both Nike and Calvin Klein are made in China. There is nothing american left in these products except the names.

When I hear such eulogies, I always recall our recent past when everything Soviet was the best. So, now they sound to me as a teenager' bragging. He thinks he is already a man. He has a body of a man. But his brains are of a kid.

Someone from still the largest country all over the world.

 

[C_Urala]

As you see, russians can be more annoying than any american.
So, let stop right here.
Sorry for the off-topicness

 

[AndyC]

AndyC,

One word, big boy: Lagaan.

?

 

[ErwinFromParis]

I do believe french crowd at Roland is smart enough to not melt politics and sportive interest.

yes i'm sure there is none of that involved, that is why the french sports daily there had the headline "American Go Home!" talking about the early departure of the american players. no poilitics involved at all with their behavior :roll:

Okay here is all the headlines for May of the main and only sports daily : http://www.lequipe.fr/Quotidien/une5.html#javascript:
Just seek for an antiamericanism headline if you find it out I'm the Pope...
Maybe what you 're talking about is the Gazette of Roland Garros which is the daily-schedule paper of RG and only for sale in RG's stadium. I'm sure it was nothing more than some second degree comic title to resume the back day. What i'm sure about is that you r paranoiac... Woaw! look ! behind you! A french murderer want to kill you !!!! oaaarrrghhhhhhhhhh...............

 

[chad shaver]

Look it up, AndyC.

Check out 26+6=1, while you're at it.

Then check out what happened to the Welsh language and why.

 

[ontherise17]

sorry but capriati has exciting matches, she puts her emotions out there and doesnt give a f*ck...i like that about her shes hardcore and exciting! and since when are we best friends of the french!? i like watching some of the RG matchs when the crowd gets involved but they arent the most sportsmanlike fans..even to their own countrymen (Mauresmo) so a little talking back is common during matchs there....if every pro match had perfect tennis edicate it would be boring!! so please dont expect drama-free matches at RG!

 

[mileslong]

well the headline was in le equipe according to the announcers on espn. and as far as your quote;

Woaw! look ! behind you! A french murderer want to kill you !!!! oaaarrrghhhhhhhhhh...............

if a french murderer approached me all i would have to do is say boo and he would scurry away...a country full of p******...

 

[AndyC]

Look it up, AndyC.

Check out 26+6=1, while you're at it.

Then check out what happened to the Welsh language and why.

And why should I? Either have the guts to post clearly what u mean or don't post at all .

 

[chad shaver]

Why should you?

Because you don't know anything about it, apparently, and like to pass judgement on the US, when your country has a nice history of doing the same. Do the research, or do you not have the guts to find out a little more than what you've been spoon-fed? :?:

 

[ismashall]

And both Nike and Calvin Klein are made in China. There is nothing american left in these products except the names.

Someone from still the largest country all over the world.

LOL you silly fool. Only the cheap Calvin Klein POS is made in China, mainly to target the market of clueless consumers like you. Calvin Klein's couture runway pieces have never been soiled by sweatshop hands. As far as ready-to-wear, his 'Black Label' will never stink of soy sauce either. Nice try.. go back to old navy!

 

[voltman]

well the headline was in le equipe according to the announcers on espn. and as far as your quote;

Woaw! look ! behind you! A french murderer want to kill you !!!! oaaarrrghhhhhhhhhh...............

if a french murderer approached me all i would have to do is say boo and he would scurry away...a country full of p******...

And the US is full of pricks. So what's your point?

 

[PugArePeopleToo]

C_Urala wrote:


And both Nike and Calvin Klein are made in China. There is nothing american left in these products except the names.

Someone from still the largest country all over the world.


LOL you silly fool. Only the cheap Calvin Klein POS is made in China, mainly to target the market of clueless consumers like you. Calvin Klein's couture runway pieces have never been soiled by sweatshop hands. As far as ready-to-wear, his 'Black Label' will never stink of soy sauce either. Nice try.. go back to old navy!

To C_Urala, but most of the profit go to Nike and CK. Even if they are made in China, consumers are buy American pop culture. BTW, 50% of US GDP, is not service releated, meaning Americans still manufacture more than anyone else.

To ismashall, you will be surprised how many mid and high end items, clothing or otherwise, are from China. There is nothing wrong of having goods made in China. Your statement about soy sauce makes you the silly fool.

 

[AndyC]

Why should you?

Because you don't know anything about it, apparently, and like to pass judgement on the US, when your country has a nice history of doing the same. Do the research, or do you not have the guts to find out a little more than what you've been spoon-fed? :?:

Oh? Did I say I was British? I merely said I was living in the UK. As for passing judgement? When did I do that? I merely paraphrased.. some people like to think there are only American and others who wish they were.. the flip side of that is obvious.. Americans and those who wish they weren't around. The truth hurts doesn't it? Or can u only have one view and not the other. What ever happened to free speech . Oh.. I forgot.. it's an American concept and doesn't apply anywhere else in the world .

Anyway, I don't think there's any further point debating this, so this will be my last post on this topic. U have your views and I have mine.. and it's obvious the last thing I would want to be is Amerikan .

And apparently u either don't have the brains or the guts to make your point openly but insist on cryptic clues in your posts.. is this so u don't have to take any responsibility for what u posted? Be a man.. or are u a coward?

 

[Bob Murray]

Funny, you never hear the terms: ugly Brit (Henman), ugly Chilean(Ríos), ugly Croatian (Ivanisevic), ugly Russian(Safin), ugly Italian (Cecchini).

Your arrogant, prejudicial statement speaks volumes for your enlightened status. Thank you.

Chad, Chad, Chad sit down. The behaviour of the French can appear rude to the social rules of the non-french. Between themselves the French see their behaviour as normal.

Likewise the behavior of Americans can appear ugly to non-american cultures. Behaviour labeled ugly by non-americans is viewed as normal by other americans.

Different cultures unfairly earn negative labels from 'foreigners' because the 'foreigners' interpret behaviour using their own social rules.

Your failure to realise this explains why you have such difficulty figuring out why slurs like ugly italian or ugly russian don't exist.
We can talk about tempermental Italians but not ugly Italians.

Let's end this lesson in reasoning by saying your reasoning abilities are severely challenged but I have every confidence you will improve. <I hope and pray>

Chad you are dismissed.

 

[chad shaver]

How exactly did you manage to work free speech into your...ummmm...whatever that is? I find it interesting that you're not going to post about this, anymore,

You were asked about your origin, and you mentioned the UK. Apparently, you didn't fully answer the question, so there's no point in arguing that.

I see you've immediately started to toss out the challenges and insults, so you apparently don't have much with which to argue. I guess you think that using the letter "k" there and challenging my manhood is cute(Keep thinking that, so that you don't have to realize how juvenile and immature that is). Fact of the matter is, there's too much information about the things I told you to research to include here, and you apparently do not wish to inform yourself of things that do not fit into your neat, little package.

While you're not doing any research so that you can have an informed opinion, why don't you also not research the United Fruit Company's actions in Latin America? Oh, that's right, you want me to type up a 15 page report for you, so that you don't have to exert yourself.

Ignorance is bliss for you, isn't it?

I certainly look forward to your not posting on this subject, since you have nothing to add.

 

[chad shaver]

Bob, I love your condescending attitude.

Sorry, teacher, I think I'm going to have to stay after school on this one.

"Different cultures unfairly earn negative labels from 'foreigners' because the 'foreigners' interpret behaviour using their own social rules."

I'm glad you've noticed that, but perhaps you should explain that to the individuals who are tossing about the insults, or are you so focused on me that you have broken your line of reasoning?

"We can talk about tempermental Italians but not ugly Italians."

First of all, we're going to reason that we are not using the term "ugly" to refer to physical appearance. Therefore, the term "ugly" must refer to one's actions.

Would not temperamental (notice I spelled the word correctly, but I will not use that to say that you are orthographically challenged) behavior also not be considered an "ugly" behavior? Does that not fit into your line of reasoning?

"Chad you are dismissed."

That should read, "Chad, you are dismissed." You are addressing me, so you should separate my name from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

Also, you should always capitalize nationalities in English. You seem to be all over the place with that particular concept.

One more thing, Bob, your presumption of superiority and authority is most amusing. Have a nice day.

 

[mileslong]

So what's your point?

my point is that say what you want about americans. when the crap hits the fan we are the first ones people look to bail them out. then after we save their ass we are the first ones they cut down...pathetic...

we didnt ask to be the worlds policeman but who else is going to do it? france? LMAO!!!

 

[Chanchai]

my point is that say what you want about americans. when the crap hits the fan we are the first ones people look to bail them out. then after we save their ass we are the first ones they cut down...pathetic...

we didnt ask to be the worlds policeman but who else is going to do it? france? LMAO!!!

:roll:

Mileslong, you're being sarcastic right? Or have you been restricted to the US and English press and media too much?

Of course... it is easy to feel that we (the US of A) are the ultimate decision makers that "people come running to" when we refuse to participate in global concerns until after it digs into our pockets or something bad has already happened to us...

I'm pretty certain GW Bush wasn't the first guy to be going about the idea of a coalition to deal with the growing terrorist threat. But he probably thinks he invented the concept (though you flashback a year or two before that and you see bubble gum and "yeah yeah yeah").

But certainly, there are of course questionable actions by other governments that seem to do nothing but annoy the US or make things awkward. But who knows "what really happened" anymore, anywhere?

-Chanchai

 

[Phil]

"Different cultures unfairly earn negative labels from 'foreigners' because the 'foreigners' interpret behaviour using their own social rules."

So, Bob, based on this statement, you would agree that it's wrong of us to pass judgment on those cultures that actively engage in such behavior as genital mutilation, "honor" killings, animal sacrifice, forced marriages, legalized rape for victims of adultry, incest, stoning, etc., etc.? I mean, who are WE to apply our "social rules" to 5th world nations, and question their glorious indigenous practices, right.

Yes, how shortsighted and ethnocentric of us to PRESUME that our values are superior and pass judgement on others. Okay, irony over. Now, as I said before, Bob, go run off and get a clue, big boy.

 

[ismashall]

wuh? Now I am confused. I thought that was sarcasm....

 

[ismashall]

booing and genital mutilation.. If I had a nickel for everytime I got those two things mixed up with each other. If only I could tell the difference between the two.

 

[chad shaver]

Phil,

Stop that, man. You're upsetting his reasoning. If you're not careful, he will dismiss you. :roll:

 

[Phil]

Hey, Chad, I thought YOU were the teacher here. Go ahead, make him stand in the corner until he sees the light-or the bell rings, whatever happens first.

 

[chad shaver]

We're finished for the summer, so he would be in the corner for a long, long time. You know, that's not such a bad idea....

 

[mileslong]

-Chanchai, you have obviously never read a history book or even bothered to read a newspaper. there is nothing that i stated that isnt the truth. what happens if france or wny other free country gets invaded, who gets the first call for help? it has always been that way, whether its money or military help.

i wonder if many europeans would have such snotty attitudes if they were being forced to listen to wagner right now by their german masters...ingrates

 

[Free_Martha]

No, not Roddick - Jennifer Capriati. I don't really care for Roddick either, but Capriati's behavior at the end of her match yesterday was far worse than Roddick's whining. For Capriati to tell the crowd collectively to "shut up" and become agitated when they cheered for the underdog at match point (which is done all the time at long, close matches), is incredibly poor sportsmanship and just plain inexcusable. Then Capriati had the gaul to say in her post-match inteview that she couldn't understand why the crowd booed her - that she didn't think she really did anything that bad.

Hurray for the "ugly American" for refusing to let the PIG French crowd boo her off the court! As usual, the rude French crowd tries to boo the foreign players off the court for no reason but JCap refused to let them bully her. Tit for tat. Nice going, Jenny. :twisted:

 

[david aames]

-Chanchai, you have obviously never read a history book or even bothered to read a newspaper. there is nothing that i stated that isnt the truth. what happens if france or wny other free country gets invaded, who gets the first call for help? it has always been that way, whether its money or military help.

fyi Miles, Ollie North and Sean Hannity books don't really qualify as history books... I suggest you ask Marcello Rios who - in your own words - 'threw the crap to the fan' in Santiago 30 years ago. Allende will thank you for it

 

[Free_Martha]

I guess this means that it'll be perfectly ok and normal and acceptable for the British and Americans to boo all the foreign players at Wimbledon and the US Open for no reason just like the French pigs have done throughout this tournament. Because we now know that booing and being rude is just part of their "culture", and we know how Frenchies loves their "culture" right? So we'll just make them feel right at home and boo their players next time. Wouldn't want to offend them.

Thanks for clearing that up!