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Tom Kauwling commented about Etymology of Phrase Ugly American, On Friday October 30th, 2009 11:48:09 AM
I read the book "The Ugly American" when t first came out, though I haven't read it since or seen the movie. As I recall, the truly obnoxious Americans in foreign countries -- NGOs, Military, Foreign Service, etc. -- were generally well educated and physically beautiful or handsome (at lest in their own eyes). They generally also thought they were (are) better than the local population, primarily because America is technologically more advanced.
The really decent and helpful American is a farmer from the U.S. who goes to a third world country (more or less on his own) and treats the locals as equals -- they engage on the same level. The farmer helps the locals by showing them improved farming techniques, to increase their crop yields and thus reduce hunger. This man, among all the Americans in the country, is about the only one the locals like and approve of, and he is decidedly ugly -- at lest by American standards.
So, the phrase refers to persons who are unattractive on the outside, but very warm-hearted on the inside, not vice-versa. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Comment About Etymology of Phrase Ugly American
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