Because I'm an American

This is what I heard as I stepped into the elevator this morning at my apartment. The goofball from Arizona was in mid-conversation with some local in the elevator. He (the goofball) was wearing one of the two outfits he brought for a week and a half visit. I asked,

"Because we're Americans we can do what?"

He replies, "dress casually at the office." Not getting the jist yet, I continue with,

"I've noticed the office is pretty casual in general." - As a side note it's an unspoken corporate standard. Most of the development offices I've been in for this company are pretty casual.

He agrees with, "Yes lots of jeans and t-shirts, but no shorts." Now I'm caught up and getting pissed.

"Nobody wears shorts - not in the whole country. It's a cultural thing." He replies with,

"We can. We're Americans." Are you kidding me? Did that really just come out of his mouth? I say,

"Out of respect, we shouldn't." His childish reply is simply,

"it's hot and humid. How can you not wear shorts?" Disgusted I say,

"You'll survive." and walk off from the elevator.

Because we're Americans? What the hell does that mean? Because we're Americans we should be intelligent, respectful and adaptable. We should be concerned about how we represent ourselves (and our GD country) in front of our peers of different cultures in different countries.

For all the trash and filth I've seen in this country, nothing is more disgusting then this mans complacency

- b