Oh my gosh, if there’s one thing in this world that I dislike with all my strength is the belching that some American people do in public, in front of others, and almost in your face really!
I don’t know where these people got the idea that it is OK to do that in public, but to me, there’s nothing more disgusting and impolite than that. And, it doesn’t really matter if the “Excuse me” is followed by that gross sound, because that sound wasn’t supposed to come out in the first place. The “excuse me” is really useless and hypocritical because after someone has burped and done what he/she really wanted to do with total disregard for other people around, that only means “I’m going to pretend I care about your presence, even though I don’t because I really want to be a pig and burp in public when I want and where I want”.
I remember numerous times when, shortly after I arrived, I had young, 20-something, American acquaintances over for a get-together and they would burp often, may times, as if they were in their house!!! And mind you that they were only acquaintances, not friends!!!! Needless to say I definitely didn’t pursue a friendship with them.
I’ve heard that burping is OK for many American families… I just don’t understand how that’s OK. Will farting be next? How lovely! I have a wild guess as to why some American families think that that’s OK: some parents don’t want to tell their kids that certain things are not to be done in public as it’s just a matter of common sense and manners, because after all, their kids are individuals (for crying out loud) and they can do whatever they want. Unfortunately, I just think that that’s stupid, that there are ways of developing and encouraging kids’ individuality while teaching them good manners. And… there are also those parents who have no manners either and that’s all they have to teach their kids… very sad, but real.
Burping is so degrading to me that I won’t even get close to a person who does that! I don’t want to be part of your bodily functions! Get away from me! I already have my own do deal with!
Burping being OK for many people here is a major cultural shock that I haven’t been able to deal with, for the life of God! I absolutely refuse to set my mind to a OK mood for that… I just can’t do it, it’s beyond me.
15 responses so far ↓
rethar // March 19, 2007 at 5:55 am |
a very nice post….I like so much. I used to have the same experience like you! It’s just disgusting to see people burping close to you!
just me // March 20, 2007 at 1:08 am |
In case you haven’t notice it all started with characters in movies making it seem funny, and then it became more and more common on TV shows. If this was shocking to you wait until people start realising their gas in public, it already started in movies and some TV shows for kids.
Pedro Salazar // March 20, 2007 at 5:23 pm |
I have felt the same way for years now. I also came in 2000 from Peru to be fluent in english and study in the US. I am getting an MBA now at Drake University in Iowa. I just started a blog in spanish http://www.cuentosdesillar.com Check it out sometime. Great post!
Jessica // March 29, 2007 at 1:06 pm |
I feel that ending a potential friendship over something like burping is rather shallow. And there are people out there, myself included, who can’t help burping due to a medical condition. (Something to do with stomach acid or whatnot).
And there is worse.. like, I don’t know, picking your nose?
Reshma // April 30, 2007 at 4:36 pm |
Katia – I found this one very interesting …
“I’m going to pretend I care about your presence, even though I don’t because I really want to be a pig and burp in public (invade) when I want and where I want”
Now….where have we heard that one before …from Mr. Bush ?
JnJ // April 30, 2007 at 8:02 pm |
How can you make burping political?, oh wait a minute, I forgot what most liberals talk out of…
Keith R // May 4, 2007 at 4:17 pm |
Ola Katia. Como vai? Tudo bem?
As you know, I grew up in small town USA a long time ago, so I can only speak for that time and area. But in those days, in the Midwest, you might experience burping at the dinner table or family den if only the immediate family was present, but never with guests around, and our mom would be on us in a minute about excusing ourselves and being rude. Well, of course, as little kids we did it among ourselves and thought it was funny, but only among ourselves and not with any adults within earshot.
I have noticed, though, that somewhere along the way, perhaps over the last 20 years or so — shall we call it “The Simpsons Age”? LOL — it seemed to become less unacceptable and even considered silly/funny to burp in public in the US.
My wife claims that while growing up in Santo Domingo in the 1960s/early 1970s they wouldn’t dare even burp with only the immediate family present. You had to hold it somehow, or excuse yourself from the room to discretely do it elsewhere. While from what I’ve seen of Dominican kids today, they’re not quite that reserved about it, but still far more than American kids.
Now that you mention it, in my 28 yrs going to Brazil, I can’t recall once being confronted by a Brazilian burping in public. I have, however, seen it in some Brazilian TV ads, though. Wonder why the dichotomy?
Um abraço,
Keith
joe // May 22, 2007 at 12:28 pm |
well some countries it is complement to the chef to burp
i can see why people might not like it but at the same time i don’t worry with it too much these days they are much worse things you need to worry about a person than their gas ejections inother words i’d rather take a burper than someone who has schizophrenia or a potential crazed killer or the occasional rapist (which i shouldn’t have to worry much about that
Jennifer // August 20, 2007 at 5:54 pm |
Amen!!
You said it all!
Leo537 // November 4, 2007 at 3:36 am |
I know this is a bit late, but I agree with the above. Losing a potential friend because of a burp. Get a life. I usually would never wish indigestion problems on anyone cause I know it hurts like hell, but you I wish the worst case possible. If you find it so repulsive make your way back wo where you came from and do us all a favor.
Respect // January 27, 2008 at 11:27 pm |
In Spain you never see this happend. Only rude, very rude people burp in public, and in most cases they come from the lowest social classes. Even inside the family is considered something very impolite.
I want to add, just to sdatgurl, that there is no reason why I have to smell whatever is brewing inside your stomach, for me burping in public is as disgusting as furting. I know that sometimes it simply happends and you can´t repress it and this is when saying excuse me really means something, but if your are a pig and burp just for burping, I can imagine the rest of values inside you, and of course I don´t want to be friend of somebody like this.
Best Regards
jaime // February 25, 2008 at 7:15 pm |
thats really funny
Caroline // April 15, 2008 at 1:15 am |
OMG!! HOW CAN U THINK THAT!? I’m 12 years old and I’m a girl and I burp in public! Burping’s cool!
John // January 5, 2009 at 12:08 am |
I find forcing a loud burp out in public is a rude way to set the tone of a conversation. Its a sneaky way for people to see what they can get away with. No need to loose a friend to burping, but it is important to respond to an inappropriate burp by telling the person what you think. I bet they won’t do it again. I you don’t they will continue and in some cases ‘up the ante’ by doing even ruder things to see how you will respond. Would you do something rude to your friend and if you were accidently annoying them, wouldn’t you want them to say.
lupolupo // June 21, 2009 at 3:22 pm |
i m german and i d be happy if it was more ok to burp here in puplic…its cool to do it occasionally and even after a good meal its relaxing me…here in germany i also burp loud n deep but sometimes with my hand in front like when coughing or with my mouth closed (they can still sound solid enough though).but excusing myself is kind of hypocritical,true…just do it if some people are feeling bad about,but usually they find it ok…thats just me