So a firm out of Rolling Meadows posted an ad looking for a technical writer -one who musn’t be an “arrogant American.”
Because the job would deal with Chinese businesses, Viva USA – a placement firm – wanted to make sure they attracted applicants who were “respectful.”
Naturally, once the news got out, the ad was taken town, with the firm blaming the client for the actual wording. They didn’t read the ad they posted, they seem to be saying – which I doubt.
Now, it’s not really a big deal, unless you consider how it might have turned out if Yanks weren’t the target.
Imagine if the ad had read:
“Please, no drunk Brits need apply – or if you do, don’t vomit in our plants.”
Or “If you’re violently Scottish, please refrain from knifing anyone in the parking lot unless they really deserve it.”
Or, “Sneaky Russians are welcome, but don’t poison the boss with dioxene until you’re absolutely sure he’s a spy.”
(Notice how I skipped the really offensive stereotypes!)
Bottom line: that “arrogant” wording in the ad got through because everyone who saw it agreed with it.
And let’s face it: we are arrogant Americans.
And by arrogant, I really mean successful.
See, the world views our success as arrogance – because we’re really good at doing good. And to most of the globe, that’s bad. We now live in a world where competing is unseemly – unless of course, you’re trying to out-recycle a neighbor.
But if you’re trying to make money, invent stuff, save thousands of lives from natural disasters or eliminate maniac dictators – you’re kind of a jerk.
I wonder where they got an idea like that.
Oh yeah.
Probably America.
It seems were even the best at anti-Americanism, too.
And if you disagree with me, you’re probably a racist homophobe who hates cats.