A young American traveler's viral video claiming he faces "disdain and disgust" from people abroad when identifying himself as U.S. national has sparked a lively debate online. The 25-year-old TikTok user, Luke Hillman, shared his experiences from trips to Japan and Europe, stating that his nationality often elicits negative reactions and requires him to explain himself.
Hillman, who describes himself on the platform as an "urbanism and sustainability poster boy," recounted that during his travels, conversations with fellow foreigners, including Australians, Canadians, and Europeans, often shifted negatively once his American identity was revealed. He noted that while Japanese people he interacted with were kind, they sometimes inquired if he supported former President Trump, a question he said carries a negative connotation.
"I’m in Japan right now, and every single time that I say I’m from the United States, people look at me with disdain and disgust, and I have to explain myself every f-ing time," Hillman stated in his video, which gained traction after being shared on Reddit and X.
His sentiment resonated with some, who shared similar experiences, with some Americans admitting to "flag-jacking"—claiming to be from Canada or another country to avoid negative judgment. However, Hillman's account also drew significant criticism. Many online commenters questioned the validity of his claims, suggesting that his personal actions or perceptions might be influencing the reactions he received. Some pointed out that many Japanese people generally have positive views of Americans and that the traveler's experience might be isolated.
"How f-ing lame you are to be ashamed of your country," one critic commented on a repost of Hillman's video. Another commenter wrote, "I’ve been to Japan 8 times for months at a time each trip. Never once have I been looked at with contempt. It’s [either] all in your head or it’s your own personal actions while there."
Amid the online discussion, the focus has turned to the broader international perception of the United States, its political climate, and how these factors may affect individual Americans traveling abroad. Hillman himself acknowledged that his video was intended to be "rage-baity" and acknowledged the varied responses it generated.