4 ms·

I don't know enough about the state department to be sure, but this just feels like politics to me, furtherance of a narrative that certain elements want to pus

I don't know enough about the state department to be sure, but this just feels like politics to me, furtherance of a narrative that certain elements want to push about what they think is wrong with the US under the pretence of being "asked questions". It feels like just more partisan BS. And regardless of what country you're from, only an asshole starts asking you pointed questions like that, this isn't a realistic scenario obviously. Imagine asking a random chinese tourist harsh questions about their country's behavior, they would hopefully and rightly tell you to fuck off.

maxbond 3y ago
Do you find it objectionable on is face to create such a guide, or is there something in particular? I've only skimmed this page, but for what it's worth the state department creates educational material for travellers, issues travel advisories warning people not to travel to this or that place under exigent circumstances (eg natural disasters and rising geopolitical tensions), gets emergency passports to people who have lost theirs in a foreign country, etc. I don't know that there wasn't an agenda here, but on it's face it seems like it's part of their duties. I've never personally been in a situation where people asked me weird questions about my country, but I don't really talk to people much when I travel (my loss, perhaps). There's a cliche about telling people you're Canadian or putting a maple leaf on your backpack, so I imagine some people have had that experience. I did once ask some probing questions of a Chinese hostel-mate about the Great Firewall (which, fwiw, he said was to protect Chinese people from American spy agencies - not my position, just what I was told), so maybe I am "that guy."
- Kim_Bruning 3y ago
  People have definitely asked me all sorts of interesting questions about mine! Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's outright triggering. Part of talking with people from all over!

maxbond 3y ago

Do you find it objectionable on is face to create such a guide, or is there something in particular? I've only skimmed this page, but for what it's worth the state department creates educational material for travellers, issues travel advisories warning people not to travel to this or that place under exigent circumstances (eg natural disasters and rising geopolitical tensions), gets emergency passports to people who have lost theirs in a foreign country, etc. I don't know that there wasn't an agenda here, but on it's face it seems like it's part of their duties. I've never personally been in a situation where people asked me weird questions about my country, but I don't really talk to people much when I travel (my loss, perhaps). There's a cliche about telling people you're Canadian or putting a maple leaf on your backpack, so I imagine some people have had that experience. I did once ask some probing questions of a Chinese hostel-mate about the Great Firewall (which, fwiw, he said was to protect Chinese people from American spy agencies - not my position, just what I was told), so maybe I am "that guy."

Kim_Bruning 3y ago
People have definitely asked me all sorts of interesting questions about mine! Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's outright triggering. Part of talking with people from all over!