The hypocrisy of expats

I have joined several expat groups on FB, and I have left some for various reasons. But there seems to be a common thread in many of the posts that I've read. That thread is: "I want to go experience other cultures and peoples, as long as they behave like I want them to/the way people behave in my home country!!"

For me, I'm trying to experience my time here somewhat akin to Jane Goodall. I'm not saying I view the local peoples as primates, but that I am observing them and trying to fit in without judgement. Ok, maybe not so much "without judgement", but I'm not interested in changing the local people to be more "American". Much like someone who may be staying for a time with a friend, you try to follow their rules and expectations. And, if you don't like it, then you leave. You don't try to change your friend (as long as they're not doing anything illegal).

But I've read enough expat posts to see that people don't like it when the local people act, well, like the local people. Or they have no desire to try and fit in. Or, worse, they try to change the local people to be more like how they think they should behave. It gets under my skin. And it kind of negates the whole "I want to experience other cultures" argument for moving abroad.

One woman got completely wrapped around the axle because she was objectified. I have no idea where she was, but she was making it a point to threaten the local people for treating her that way. She had been told that there was no malice associated with it (think wolf-whistles or comments about her appearance... basically, think 1950's US). She didn't care, she was going to make sure they knew their local customs were not going to fly with her and she was going to change them. So, I have to wonder, why did she move to this country?

Another thread I read was commenting about how well the local women dressed. A few of the replies were along the lines of "screw it, I'm going to wear my yoga pants in public and I don't care!" Sigh.

So, the next time someone tries to make you feel small because you haven't ventured past the boundaries of your country and opened your mind to other peoples, cultures and customs, just smile and nod, cuz they're probably full of crap.