Teaching Americans to use a few manners

A New Zealand man asked that if we Americans can't learn to shut up and listen more often, "Could you at least lower your volume?"

Reports out of the United Kingdom say many of its citizens believe our policies and culture are making the world a more dangerous place to live. Some Australians think we're dumb, obese and arrogant; they use the phrase, "Oh, that's so American" as a put down.

These are a sampling of sentiments that Keith Reinhard gathered from across the world while probing the depth of anti-American sentiment.

Reinhard, a former international marketing executive, is convinced that such perceptions are widespread and growing.

He worries that such attitudes could usher in behavior that would give Americans who travel abroad another cause for concern — along with the threat of being targets for terrorism.

Problem is, he says, American travelers are often at fault for such sweeping stereotypes; too many have scarce knowledge of and little regard for the cultures and norms they encounter. All too often, they talk down to their hosts.

To overcome such perceptions, Reinhard founded the Business for Diplomatic Action, a group of educators, executives and citizens working to combat the spread of anti-American sentiment.

Although its primary focus has been business travelers, the BDA recently extended its efforts to all Americans traveling abroad — its World Citizens Guide, booklets and pamphlets offer a crash course in other nations' histories, religions, traditions, peoples and languages.

"The rise in anti-Americanism is a threat to our national security," Reinhard says. "The more people dislike us, the more easily they can be recruited by our enemies. In this global world, we need all the friends we can get."

The World Citizens Guide, a 60-page, passport-sized booklet, is colorfully illustrated and includes images of nations' flags, facts about each country and common-sense tips that would benefit any traveler.