my ugly American side rears its head

Since I've come to Tanzania my boss has periodically thrown the phrases 'Don't be so American' or 'You're too American' at me. After the latest 'Don't be so American' that I got today, I decided to make the following list of instances when my boss has pointed out my ugly American side.

1. When I first approached her about selling my photos to HQ: "Don't be such a American, capitalist pig!" She then realized I was selling personal photos not photos taken under my contract. Though she didn't retract her statement. hehehe

2. The most common instance of "Don't be so American" is when I complain how slow things are moving.

3. "Efficiency is American. This is Africa. If you want American efficiency in African, go work at the American fort (the embassy and USAID, yes it really does look like a fort)" When I go off on my 'this bloody country and everyone working in this organization is so inefficient' tantrum.

4. "You work too much. Remember you're not in America" Cause we are work-alcoholics.

5. When I'm always on time to meetings or when I start to fret when I'm late "Relax, this is not America. Things do not start on time."

I remembered another one this morning (Tuesday)

6. Whenever my colleague, who has decided to move into my office, goes on and on about all the work she has to do, I one, either ignore her cries of pain or two, I tell her maybe she should start working on one of those many things. So when my boss came up to our office for a chat, my 'woe is me' colleague complained to her that I don't say anything when she goes on and on. I looked at her and said "what do you want me to say." Then my boss tells me "Don't be so mean like those Americans. We don't want to hear the truth, what we already know. We want to hear you say 'oh pole' (roughly translated as poor you)" Nope not me, I don't sugar coat lady and that's not necessarily American, that's just me. : )

Got another one yesterday

7. My boss trying to pass between two chairs during a meeting: "I can't fit. I'm too fat." Me (laughing) Boss: "I knew you would laugh. You're a cruel American." hahaha