Everyone loves Americans. American students don't get out much, do they?"It is hard to be an American in Australia at the moment, it is really hard. It varies with different people, but you have to be quiet and try not to draw attention to yourself."
Australian-American Association state president Marylou Badeaux said anti-American sentiment had reached a climax over the war in Iraq.
She said attacks from the general public were mostly sedate – but had grown into open hostility at several Queensland universities. In some cases, US students and academics were being "persecuted" for merely having an American accent.
"They are taking it out on people who may or may not agree but just because they have an American accent, they are being persecuted," she said.[...]
The Colorado-based Australearn organisation – which teaches "cultural adjustment" to US students before they come to Australia – started warning in January of attitudes towards Americans over Iraq.
Australearn's Australian director, Shelia Houston, said the briefings aimed to give American students "coping strategies" in the face of an attack.
She said some students suffered culture shock because of the belief that everyone loved Americans. "We are giving them the heads up that it is a bit more heated because of the war in Iraq," Ms Houston said.
Well, it's a good eye opener. Glad they could witness.
And we thank you George Dubya. Because, if I'm not mistaken, Australia is an ally.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
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