On the cultural two-way street

SUSAN SPANO’s thoughts on the “Ugly American” [Her World, May 21] reminded me of an experience I had as a volunteer on a castle reconstruction project in the south of France in 1996. Project volunteers were from many different countries and all quite friendly to me (the American) with the exception of two young women from the Netherlands.

We became friends after a few days, and when I asked the reason for the cold shoulder, they replied: “We did not want to meet an American.... We have seen ‘The Jerry Springer Show.’ ”

Well, time has passed, and Tinneka, Saskia and I still maintain our friendship.

The opportunity to learn about another culture has been a two-way street, and the three of us are all the better for it. I hope that traveling Americans will review the “World Citizens Guide” (www.worldcitizensguide.org), which was mentioned in Spano’s column.

Speak softly, meet the locals and listen to what they have to say.

RALPH HAWKINS

Newport Beach