Ethical Dilemma #1

So I'm riding the S-Bahn from downtown Hamburg to our suburb, when three guys board. They start to speak in American English, and it becomes clear that one is from the States, one is from Romania, and the other from another European country. At first, I'm thrilled to hear my native language, for I can eavesdrop and maybe even join in the conversation. They appear to be in their late 20s or early 30s, and are participating in some cultural exchange program.

However, the talk soon turns south. The American brings up the topic of strip clubs. Every third work was "m****r f****n" this, or "b***h, or some other profanity. Soon the topics become racist and misogynistic, about the size of African American penises, how disgusting Mexican strippers are, or what he would do for a lap dance from the cute girl in his English class.

Did I mention that this conversation was broadcast in a LOUD voice? German culture values discretion and personal space in public places. On German trains, riders talk in low voices, unless they are coming home drunk from the St. Pauli football game, and then they sing, talk about the team, or talk with everyone on board, most of whom have been to the game. This trip, however, was at 4 in the afternoon on a day where there was no football game. Additionally, it's not uncommon for passengers to shush riders who talk too loud or whose music reverbrates through the train. I remember an article in the San Francisco Chronicle that cited a London Underground driver stating that the Americans on board are probably too noisy and should quiet down. This promted an outcry in the States, but I see the driver's point. I really did not want to hear about what was smeared on the front of this guy's shirt at the Oklahoma strip club, or how he referred to women in general.

The other Europeans with whom he travelled laughed, but did not add their own stories. They replied in general comments, which kept the conversation going (like ha ha, oh yuck, how strange).

So here's the dilemma: do I say something? This guy is in a foreign country, and to some extent, representing Americans. He's perpetuating racist and sexist views. He's broadcasting his views so all can hear, peppered with profanity. Does he not realize that others can hear him, and that his rudeness is appalling? Is this what America wants to export? What cultural messages are being transmitted? Do I have a responsibility to say something? Do I have a responsibility to respect his views, no matter how offensive they might be?

I don't know. If I had to go back and relive the experience, I might quietly talk to him and remind him that others are around, can understand, and are offended. But it brings up the question of territory--when does one have the moral authority to call another on vulgarities? Do I have more of a right to do so because we both are American, or do I have less because I am in another land?