Stereotypes about Americans

Disclaimer: No, I don’t hate Americans, and no, I don’t think they are “really” like this. But before you get angry, think of stereotypes you might have about people of a different culture, race, religion, gender, etc. and realize how easy is to stereotype people when you don’t really bother to care about them as human beings.

Note: “Americans” in this context means “citizens of the USA”.

1. Americans are materialistic

All Americans can think about is money, and getting more money so they can buy, buy, buy! They judge everything by its economic value. Being rich and owning expensive things is the number one imperative for Americans. Being poor is seen as a moral failure. This is the most popular stereotype about Americans.

2. Americans are uneducated and ignorant

Americans are not interested in education. They don’t read books. They can’t name any famous painters. They think Beethoven is a cute St. Bernard dog. They can’t even find their own country on a map. The only reason some Americans go to college is to get high paying jobs so they can have more money to buy things.

Their lack of intellectual curiosity makes them ignorant about other cultures, places, or, basically, anything that has nothing to do with their own life or the USA. They think people who have different customs are “weird” and assume everyone on the Internet is American.

3. Americans are fat obese

Americans eat fast food only, and get obese fast. But there are Americans who don’t want to be obese, so they get 23,534 plastic surgeries to be thin.

4. Americans have no history or tradition

Except for Native Americans, who make 1% of population, Americans have no history. Their country was founded less than 250 years ago! Also, Americans have no real tradition, and no culture in any coherent sense of the word.

5. Americans have no moral values

Since they have no history or tradition, and their main value is money, it’s logical that their moral values are deeply skewed. They leave their kids with teenage babysitters, and can’t wait to get rid of them the moment they turn 18. You rarely see your parents once you grow up, let alone your extended family.

Americans are oversexed and loose, though they are scared of seeing naked people in films and they strongly prefer to watch people getting killed instead. They even let their kids watch this! That’s how Americans become violent (there are crimes everywhere and everybody owns a gun).

6. Americans want their country to be the world’s policeman

Americans believe all the world needs their help, even if it means military intervention, and civilian casualties. Only when their soldiers begin to die in large numbers, Americans start protesting against military intervention.

Conclusion?

Some of these stereotypes are more popular than the others, and some are not about Americans only. For example, believing people in other groups don’t have “proper” values is pretty universal. Some of the listed stereotypes assume all Americans are rich and white, though many people believe that your class or race don’t make you immune to these things.

I’d say they are all largely true except number 4. I think we do have significant cultural contributions in music history, literature, theatre, film, art, food and architecture. Granted, we are still a fairly young country, but I think a hell of a lot has come from this place in such a short time span. It’s amazing to think about how many technological innovations came out of the USA alone. The light bulb, telephone, radio, TV, airplanes, internet, penicillin, and on and on. This country has been quit an innovator in its short history.

The point of these stereotypes is not that they’re true… I mean, I hope they’re not, and many Americans I’ve met (be it online or offline) don’t fit these stereotypes. I’d say, #6 is the most harmful of all, but it’s not about Americans as people but the American government. Granted, many Americans don’t question it and just go with the story that is presented to them, but it’s hardly an American feeling: people in general trust everything they see on TV.

Also, the #4 might be the trickiest one, because what is “conventionally” considered a culture’s tradition in Europe is NOT as old as Europeans think. Most of what Europeans consider to be their tradition today, originated not in glorious days of Ancient Greece/Germans/Celts/Slavs/Byzantium but in 18th century. Which means that European traditions are, in fact, as old as American are (they all originated in 18th century).

No matter what Europeans think, “their” traditions are not as old as they believe, and many weren’t traditions at all… They were made up- yes, made up- in 18th century to boost ethnic pride and forming of what we know today as modern states. So in this aspect, Europe is not “better” than America, not in a way Europeans think anyway.

For the old world, “tradition” and “culture” don’t mean utility things such as technological innovations, so they disregard that as “real culture”. Also, film and (popular) music appeared only yesterday (by the old world’s standards) so they are not taken as “true traditions” either. Food? What food? Americans have only fast food, and that is not considered traditional. Etc, etc. <- This is how people perceive things and that's how the stereotype is formed.

That, however, doesn't make it true, for at least couple of reasons:

1. It is extremely difficult to define a culture. Even experts in the field (anthropologists) can't agree about what culture is. In any case, all of the above fits all the definitions of culture, so it's clear Americans do, in fact, have a culture (duh!)

2. It is harmful to judge other cultures based on your own culture standards. Stereotype says Americans do this all the time, because they're ignorant, but the stereotype of Americans not having tradition is an example of said stereotype. You can't use your own idea of culture (art and music at least 400 years old) to judge Americans.

3. Everybody whine about globalization (and rightfully so). Americans are seen as main offenders. But if they don't have a culture, what are you afraid of? They can't "globalize" you with anything, if they don't have a culture.

PS- That being said, anthropological and archaeological researches have shown that technology, indeed, is NOT what makes culture. What I'm saying is, you can change a group's technology and the group would stay more or less the same. Only when relationships, particularly family (and other kinship), religion and other similar things start to change, the culture changes. So technology is definitely only a tool, and not what makes culture.

Crap. I don’t remember what I Googled. I think it was “redneck with American flag”, but now I can’t find it. It was posted in a forum about Mexican Americans “not respecting the American flag” and then somebody added: “unlike this guy” and there was this picture.

Of course, this one was cute, too, but he’s not particularly overweight:

Americans are not interested in education. They don’t read books. They can’t name any famous painters. They think Beethoven is a cute St. Bernard dog. They can’t even find their own country on a map. The only reason some Americans go to college is to get high paying jobs so they can have more money to buy things.

Their lack of intellectual curiosity makes them ignorant about other cultures, places, or, basically, anything that has nothing to do with their own life or the USA. They think people who have different customs are “weird” and assume everyone on the Internet is American.

I’m sure you’ve seen it by now, but I am reminded of this young white woman from UCLA regarding her rant about Asians in her library.

How DARE you stereotype us god-fearing, freedom-making, racism-ending, hard-working, peace-loving, gun-loving, McDonald’s nation! I didn’t give 5 bucks to Bill Clinton just so the Serbs could join the Axis of Evil and hate on us poor, oppressed Americans who are of course the most awesome nation in the world — no, the universe!

But seriously, you can’t stereotype Americans! That’s only something we’re allowed to do to ya’ll Red Commies ='(

This is not how my country sees Americans. I tried to make a compilation of the most popular, global stereotypes about Americans. Of course, it is difficult, if not impossible, to make sure all cultures share these exact stereotypes about Americans, but I wasn’t talking about my culture views exclusively (there are some culture specific stereotypes about Americans that might not apply to other cultures).

But to answer your question, no, people in my country don’t see all Americans as white, but it is not seen as a big deal, since Americans, in general, are seen as “enemies”. But there are differences, depending on context. Sometimes, all Americans are seen in the same fashion, while in others, it is only meant on white Americans. In my culture, only Native Americans are considered to be “real Americans”, and people sometimes say stuff such as “Americans are evil. They first killed Natives, then tortured black slaves, now they want to destroy the world”. In this context, Americans = white Americans.

But in other context, any American is seen as an American, for good or (more likely), the bad. Since people in my country don’t identify as being white, they don’t see themselves having anything in common with white Americans, so they don’t pay much attention on separating white and non-white Americans in occasional anti-American rants.

I hope you realize as well that what Europeans know about Americans mainly stem from the east and west coasts. That’s not the real America, as much as Abagond and other New Yorkers will disagree with me. Most of those in New York and California are descended from more recent arrivlas to our shores. By recent, I mean the last 100 years or so. They are often the most critical and judgemental of our culture. The concept of “American Exceptionalism” is foreign to them and they often cannot grasp it’s definition. And those are the ones most of the rest of the world know about.

Those of us in “fly over country”, mainly the Southeast and Midwest, are the descendants of old stock Americans, and are, IMO, the “real” Americans. Most people don’t realize the extremely high percentage of us that have Native American in our blood line. Those “Johnny-come-lately” New Yorkers are just so critical of our gre

But those on the 2 coasts that are so critical of our great country and it’s people and ways are not the real America. I would invite you to try to learn a little more about those of us in Fly over country.

@essbro
Real America? WTF!!! You don’t get to be a real American bc your ancestors have been here for more than century. My parents are from the Caribbean, but I am as American as it gets. This is all I know and the only place I have lived. It doesn’t take, but two one or two generations to confirm to American culture, whether you believe that culture is poor or rich.

Stop making up dumb rules about who is American. I can say anyone who isn’t predominantly Amerindian isn’t a “real American.” GTFOH

Lol at the Midwest being apart of “real America.” Most of the MW is Louisiana Purchase territory! A former French colony! The Northeastern US has been apart of this country since colonial times, b4 it was even a country!

I hope you realize as well that what Europeans know about Americans mainly stem from the east and west coasts.

Could be, but it’s irrelevant when it comes to stereotypes. The point IS that they don’t apply to everybody, or even the most people, and certainly not in a simple, narrow way it’s presented. That’s why they’re stereotypes, and not facts.

One of the first rule when stereotyping is to make huge (cultural) misconceptions and generalizations. In that sense, Midwest, East coast, West coast… Doesn’t make much of a difference. Just like westerners often see all “Eastern Europeans” to be “basically the same”, despite the fact there are so many different countries, languages, cultures, customs, animosities… And not to mention Africa. We all know how westerners (and not just westerners) stereotype this continent and its people (such a diverse group, millions and millions of people). But, according to stereotypes “it’s all basically the same”.

The concept of “American Exceptionalism”

I have no idea what American exceptionalism is.

The Cynic,

I can say anyone who isn’t predominantly Amerindian isn’t a “real American.”

Okay let’s start with a general rule about stereotypes. Stereotypes exist because 1) it easier to think about other groups in the simplest terms possible 2) it makes it easier to dismiss group XXX and the corollary stereotypes will have a grain of truth.

1) American’s are materialistic of course American’s are materialistic—hell yeah, I’ll cop a plea to this one but I don’t see this as a bad thing. American’s expect that if you work hard and keep your nose clean, you can get ahead in this county. However, in many countries, this isn’t true in a lot of counties and their bitching and whining is just a bunch of sour grapes and an attempt to put American’s in their proper place. 2) Most of the top universities are in the United States if memory serves the top non-US, university was Oxford and it was around 12 or 14. 3) Americans have more food ergo more fat again not necessarily a bad thing especially when you consider most of human history the main problem was famine. 4) American’s don’t have a history or traditions – absolutely correct; American’s have many traditions and many histories. Big deal, so we’re still trying to figure out who we are. 5) Okay, just check the out of wedlock births rates for Europe. 6) Who called who when they were killing people left and right in Serbia? Oh not that the Chinese are looking a little more aggressive, I’ve notice the Japanese that American’s make pretty good neighbors and it’s really nice to have some heavily armed USMC on Okinawa.

This is a long way of saying while there is a little truth in the stereotype. It’s like most stereotypes a way to put someone down and to only see the worst in someone and the truth is like most bigotry it tells us more about the bigot then the stereotyped.

Yeah, the midwest. People from Virginia and the Carolinas settled Kentucky and later, people from Kentucky when on to settle neighboring states like Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, later to become known, along with other states, as the midwest.

The fact that it was formerly French terrritory (it’s not like there were too many French there) is irrelevant to my point.

Most of them were Scots-Irish who had alot of contact with the Native Americans. Sometimes they fought with the Indians, sometimes they traded with them and oftentimes, they married them.

And I’m talking about current New Yorkers who are so judgemental and America-hating. They are what the rest of the world sees and reads about. Not those Dutch and English who settled in New York in the 1600s.

@essbro
There is no such thing as a “real America.” This country is too wide and diverse for you to limit the US to the SE and MW. There have been regional differences in this country since the Civil War! Your attempt to construe this country into a myopic monolithic bi-regional nation is insulting. Let me ask you a question…

Was New York about of “real America” when the WTC was hit? Have you ever been to New York? If so, what about the state made you think the citizens hated America?

Oy vey, when somebody starts talking about “real America” that’s when I know someone’s full of it.

I like how he claimed that they’ve got a bunch of Native-American blood in them too! As if the original colonists and American-Indians were best-buddies… instead of a bunch of White people stealing a bunch of Red people’s land.

But hey! Call me a pessimist I guess =P

Either way, don’t believe that crock for even a New York minute! Native Americans are 1.37% of the population. Shoot, Jews are almost up to 2% now. In a land that they were originally from, Native-Americans are now outnumbered by immigrants from one of the smallest ethno-religious groups in the world!

It’s so sad I can’t help but laugh.

Meanwhile Howard Zinn is rolling around in his grave at this statement, “and oftentimes, they married them.”

Well, these are stereotypes and yes, many people around the world see americans like this, americans as in the citizen of USA.

As for the essbro’s comments that the coastal regions are not the real USA: I have lived in NYC and in Mid west and traveled around the country some what, and all I can say: the one and only One USA is in tv.

The lifestyle in, say Deep South, is so vastly different from the life in NYC. Even between the southern states there are big differences, at least used to be back in 1980’s. Florida is totally different from Texas which is nothing like Missouri etc. Even in individual states there are hige differences between the country and the city, say Houston and some small village in western Texas. You also have the tejanos in Texas, so…

Life in rural Minnesota is nothing like life in Minneapolis, Chicago is a bit different from southern Illinois and LA is nothing like Hayfork Calif.

But that is what makes the country so great! There is no one monolithic USA. Besides the native americans, all are immigrants and have brought their spieces to the table. Diversity is what makes the country so great. Anyone trying to construct an idea of monolithic country, something along the lines of old European countries, will be in deep trouble because there is none. There is not one America or one americans. Instead there are thousands of different kind.

I think the idea that Americans have no culture may also stem from the fact that most countries around the world can experience some aspect of their culture rather easily due to globalisation. Then they either think they know all about it, or all of it seems so familiar and normal that when they do visit the US, it seems as if there is no culture because they are so used to experiencing it already. For example, I am sure that if a majority of the TV programmes shown worldwide were Spanish ones, there were Spanish stores in every country, Spanish was the language of business and Spain the default location for stories in most books, films and TV shows, then Spain would be thought to have no culture because the whole world would be so familiar with it.

I was surprised with the one about Americans having no morals or values though. At least with the part about being sexually ‘loose’. I have come across the ‘super-religious prude’ stereotype a lot more often. I think this is because the extremely republican Americans are the most heard about and I think a lot of the stereotypes come from that (not just the ones about finding nudity and sex scary).

@ leigh204
I saw that too. It’s a real shame there are still people like that around today. Though we know plenty exist with some of the reactions to the disaster in Japan.

I still don’t understand how people can come up with ‘ching chong’ as actually sounding like any East or South East Asian language though. For example, I most often heard it used to mock Chinese people and yet Mandarin sounds nothing like that…

I was surprised with the one about Americans having no morals or values though. At least with the part about being sexually ‘loose’.

That was the most difficult one to formulate. Actually, there are TWO prevailing stereotypes about Americans when it comes to sex: they either have it at the age of 12, or they don’t have it until marriage. There’s no middle.

So I guess with this one, I went with how things are seen in my part of the world more than how they are seen in the rest of the world, though I’ve spoken to many people all around the world and many do see Americans as loose, but hypocrites (since they are against nudity in movies).

Non-Americans: What do you think, which stereotype is more prevalent? Virgin, or oversexed Americans?

There’s one firm stereotype, though, when it comes to movies: Americans like to watch people getting killed much more than they like to watch them being conceived! ;)

In any case, Americans are seen as having bad family and other non-monetary values. This isn’t personal, though; believing people in other groups have worse family and spiritual values than people of your own group is fairly universal.

I think there is also a stereotype about the USA being overly religious and crazy conservative christians (especially after the Bush administration). I find it interesting, because #5 (no morality) is also a strong perception. In fact, it may be that the perception of our immorality to a degree comes the actions motivated by our zealous religiosity. What a mess!

Oh yes. There is this “overly religious” (in a wrong way) stereotype, but I had no idea it was a popular stereotype. I thought it was the one existing in my culture only. Here, people see Americans as some sort of religious fundamentalists (about the same way many Americans see Muslims), people who interpret Bible literally, which is seen as a bad thing here. (Though it might not be stereotype about Americans as much as it’s a stereotype about Protestants and it’s created due to different approaches to Christianity- people here are Orthodox Christians).

In all honesty, that might be a general college student stereotype. It’s hardly restricted to Americans. (It might seem more prevalent in America because in many other countries, legal drinking age starts in high school… Not to mention illegal one).

In my experience, stereotypes are always conflicting (that’s why they’re stereotypes and not facts). For example, there are some quite conflicting stereotypes about black women- they are both asexual (Aunt Jemima) and oversexed (Jezbel). Asian men are both effeminate and excellent in martial arts. That’s how it goes with stereotypes.

When I lived in Germany, this was one perception the Germans seemed to hold.

It had some truth because when the soldiers or tourists came into town, they always stood out in a crowd (talking, laughing louder than everyone else)…I viewed them as happy and having a good time, but my German friends viewed it as being rowdy and having no manners.

Also, another stereotype: Americans can’t hold their alcohol very well.

The soldiers would think they were so macho and brag that they could drink 2 packs of Budweiser (piss water)…It was hilarious to see them fall out after drinking 5 Pilsners or Weizen beer.

In the Caribbean, one stereotype we have is that Americans are rich but they are stupid because it is easy to get money from them.

The interesting thing about #4 is that this only gets applied to the US, not to any of the other nation states of the Western Hemisphere, which are all no more than 100 years older (in terms of culture) and are *all* younger, in terms of their actual sovereign governments.

Hmmm… Define “western hemisphere”. It definitely applies to Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders, at least where I live. But, interestingly enough, not to Central and South American countries, and definitely not to any country in the old world, no matter on the date of actual independence/fist sovereign government.

You see, the idea (pretty harmful, actually, but that’s another story) is that people = blood = land, not political structures at hand. In this sense, only Native Americans are seen as “real” Americans, since it is their homeland.

Non-Native Americans are either seen as completely belonging to their homeland (they are Greeks, Slovaks, Serbs, Mexicans, Nigerians, Norwegians… simply born and raised in America, in which case they do have a culture) OR as “generic American”, who, as stereotype #4 says, do not have a culture.

(Once again, this is how it’s seen in my culture. I can’t guarantee what others think about it).

Another good stereotype about Americans is how callous and uncaring we are. After all, we will watch a person getting mugged, beaten, and/or killed out on the street and do nothing to stop it! It’s also prevalent in the way we will exhort a suicidal person to ‘JUMP’! – I’ve witnessed that charming action more than once, when I lived in downtown Seattle.

I’m saying that no non-native (I didn’t say that at first, but I should here, to be specific) culture in the Western Hemisphere is more than 100 years older than the US’s. US culture begins in 1609 in Jamestown, VA, and most of Spain’s enculturation of it’s territories didn’t get going in earnest until the first years of the 16th century – just 100 years before that. The French, Portuguese and Dutch didn’t get a foothold until after the Spanish did.

So the “young culture” thing doesn’t get thrown at any of the Latin American or Caribbean cultures, even though they’re *all* basically just as young.

It seems to be a stand-in for the developed nations that had their roots in British colonization: The US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand (even though only the US and Canada are in the Western Hemisphere.)

I’d like to add to this one, as well:
“The only reason some Americans go to college is to get high paying jobs so they can have more money to buy things.”

This is very true. Also, considering the UCLA student posted above by Leigh, you could also surmise that:
“American women, specifically the blonde, white ones, only attend college to A) meet/hook up with/maybe marry a man who is studying in a field that could gain them substantial wealth (engineering, medical, software development); or B), those same females only go to college so they can be in Playboy’s “College Girls” edition or “Girls Gone Wild” videos!

I think #4 strikes at a greater idea that high levels of development are perceived as being in contrast to “realness”, around the world.

Of the highly developed nations, only a handful have cultures that have direct roots extending back more than 500 years, even if those roots were substantially different from what exists today: The UK, Germany, France, Japan – that’s it.

Unless and until many more nations with really deep cultural roots join the ranks of the highly developed (China?, India?, Nigeria?, Ghana?) there’s probably always going to be that worldwide stigma that development = young = no culture.

No doubt, But in my mind the simple answer is yes, Black Americans are Americans. And so generally speaking these stereotypes apply to Black Americans as well. Even though I acknowledge that blacks have been denied true American status in many key ways, and so the blanket term “American” doesn’t apply to all Amerians in the same way. But then, stereotypes aren’t rationally applied.

Many of these stereotypes probably wouldn’t exist in the same way without black Americans just as America wouldn’t exist in it’s present form without Black Americans.

Most of these stereotypes seem to assume Americans are rich and white, but like I said in the conclusion, not being rich and/or white will generally not “give you a pass”. You can be poor black person and still stereotyped as other Americans (materialistic, ignorant, fat, wanting to be the world’s policeman, not having moral values). The only thing you might be seen to have is culture… That is, until people realize your culture is black American* and not an original culture from Africa or another place of the world.

Plus, if you’re not white, there will still be racist stereotypes about you, in addition to the American stereotypes.

* Many outsiders don’t see that much of a difference between white and black American culture. Not as much as Americans see anyway. So in this sense, having a black American culture is still seen as not having much of a culture: the music is different, the hairstyles are different, the slang is different, but these things do no make “real” culture.

You’d be surprised at how some from other countries perceive the level of influence that Blacks have on America. Some of my family members in Thailand were shocked to find out that Blacks make up only 13 percent of the population here. Because of the saturation of American films, television, and music there is a perception that Blacks make up much more of the population than that.

I thought blacks made about 45% of population. But it’s mainly due to “white lens”: it is unusual for me to see black people, even one black person in a crowd, so whenever there are a few of them in a film, I get the feeling there are plenty of black people in America. I did there was about the same number of blacks and whites in the US (more whites, but only about 5% more or so).

@scipio: “I’m saying that no non-native (I didn’t say that at first, but I should here, to be specific) culture in the Western Hemisphere is more than 100 years older than the US’s. US culture begins in 1609 in Jamestown, VA, and most of Spain’s enculturation of it’s territories didn’t get going in earnest until the first years of the 16th century – just 100 years before that. The French, Portuguese and Dutch didn’t get a foothold until after the Spanish did.

So the “young culture” thing doesn’t get thrown at any of the Latin American or Caribbean cultures, even though they’re *all* basically just as young.”

I was starting to wonder about this bu then I read it again. Ok. At once I was thinking tolteeks, azteks, incas etc.

@abagond: I think we touched this subject on one pf the earlier threads, but I think american culture is very much influenced by the blacks. All of the popular music is based on the black blues with some celtic/anglosaxon spices added and all trough jazz into other music genres as well. Fashion, language, even story telling and there fore litterature and so on and so on.

I think black americans should stand much taller for that alone. They have influenced their country much more than people usually understand. Sometimes I think even black americans have difficulties to see the wide influence they have had and have all the time. Without black americans there would have been no Elvis, Beatles, the whole rock world is in debt for the black american culture. Not a small thing either.

@Mira
Thanks for your article. It is interesting to find out how those outside the United States view Americans. Whenever, I think of the perceptions that non-Americans have of Americans, I think of the “ugly American” term. I agree with you in that Americans are perceived as insensitive, spoiled, and money hungry. And to a certain extent, some Americans are actually that way. I also think that many Americans are ignorant about the rest of the world, but that is not the case for many people. I think that many Americans are like myself in that they are fascinated by other cultures. I love forgeign films and I also like documentaries about foreign cultures. Furthermore, I don’t agree that Americans don’t have a culture. As an African American, I believe that we (blacks) are unique in terms of our music, foods, and interest. We have alot in common with white Americans but we are different in own special way also. Black Americans have only been here 300 years but we have developed our own culture that came about from our desperate need to survive and thrive in a nation that has ignored our humans rights. So we do have our own unique culture. And so do other nations that exist in the “New World”. But thanks again for your article. It was interesting.

I wrote this not to summarize how Americans “really are”, but to present the most popular stereotypes about them. But just because these stereotypes exist and are prevalent doesn’t mean they are true.

Just like with any other stereotype, they are more about cultural miscommunication than the truth, and they tell more about the people that created the stereotype than the actual Americans.

Some stereotypes are universal: it is observed that people generally see people in other groups as ugly, not having proper moral values, their women being loose (this is a common stereotype), etc, etc. It’s hardly unique to Americans.

Another stereotype that is very popular in the old world is that Americans don’t have a culture. Of course, it doesn’t mean Americans really don’t have a culture. It’s just that the old world, particularly Europeans, judge them based on their idea of “culture”, which is a) hardly universal and b) they themselves do not have traditions in the way they think they do.

Most Europeans, for example, believe their traditions are ancient, or at least medieval. Wrong. European cultures are old, but what is considered tradition (as in: “traditional music, clothes, etc”) is largely a 18th century construct.

As for African Americans, of course they have a culture that is different than white culture… But once again, many outsiders don’t pay attention to these differences. One have country music and rodeos, others have rap and basketball. Not a big deal. <- This is how it's often perceived.

“4. Americans have no history or tradition
Except for Native Americans, who make 1% of population, Americans have no history. Their country was founded less than 250 years ago! Also, Americans have no real tradition, and no culture in any coherent sense of the word.”

I would have rephrased that one.
America is seen as lacking history not because the country is “new”, but because the nation is relatively young. In Europe, people seem to think that even though borders changed, kingdoms were combined and divided, their nation has existed in different forms, under different names since at least a thousand years. In contrast, America is seen as a collection of immigrants from different nations that started molding into a new nation only about two centuries ago.

Also, I think people do know America has a culture. They just don’t think highly of it. America is associated with mindless commercialism, with fast food, sodas, flashy action movies, juvenile pop music, etc. People focus on that stuff and forget about jazz, the Hollywood films they love, the internet and all the other great things that improved their lives.

I noticed that a few commenters claimed that black people are responsible for the creation of modern music. I think that’s a bit like saying that the person who invented the wheel deserves credit for the Bugatti Veyron. After the general concept was created a lot of different people chipped in and significantly altered it. In my opinion no one group can claim that they gave humanity modern music.

Even contemporary hip hop is so heavily influenced by “white” 80s and 90s electronic music and alternative rock it’s not a purely “black” genre.

America is seen as lacking history not because the country is “new”, but because the nation is relatively young.

Hmmm…. Good point. It’s not really about the country, but the nation. But then again, ALL nations are young; OLDEST nations were created in 18th century. Even in Europe. What we see as medieval England, for example, wasn’t a nation; these people barely had any ethnic identity. National identity is a new thing; it originated in 18th century. In this sense, American nation is no younger that say, French one.

But Europeans (and other old world people) see a distinctive difference between themselves and “young” nations such as Americans. In short, they erroneously believe THEIR nation is older when, in fact, it isn’t. Nation as a concept didn’t exist before late 18th century. In fact, America is one of the first nations ever created (but shhh, don’t tell that Europeans! ;) )

Also, I think people do know America has a culture. They just don’t think highly of it.

It depends on your definition of culture (and since there’s no official definition, anybody can use and misuse a personal definition).

I think the most people don’t regard anything “modern” as “true” culture. I think many people see culture and tradition as being a similar thing, and in order for traditions to work, they have to be old… Much older than America.

Again, this comes from misconception that other groups (particularly common with Europeans) have a very old tradition. Many have no idea their ancestors didn’t have nation pride in today’s sense of the word, and that many things that are considered as tradition are nothing but a 18th century construct, created under romanticism, with a clear political purpose (creating nations).

Excellent blog, Mira. I’ve been lurking here for a week or so and have especially admired and learned from your comments– I was really pleased to see your contribution.

Do you think the stereotype (as foreigners see it) comes more from TV/movies or from interaction with Americans visiting their countries? Or some other source?

I haven’t watched TV in about seventeen years now and see only two or three movies a year at most, so I don’t really know what’s out there… but I vividly remember being at Edinburgh Castle twenty-plus years ago, and a– uh– large man pushed in front of me to the ticket booth and said he should get to go first because he was American. Quite taken aback, I said I was too. He then said he was from California, and I said I was too (not that any of these comments are relevant; I was too flabbergasted to think of anything other than responding to the fact stated). He then said he was from LA… I think he missed the irony when I replied, “Well, then, by all means you should go first.” Anyway, it embarrassed the heck out of me for my country, and I’m sure there has been far worse.

I must admit that stereotypes 2,3,4 and 6 about “most” Americans are very true and there’s no point arguing that as you see that all the time on TV (on their films, cartoons or reality TV shows), or when you just travel there from the politicians to the homeless on the street…but the most shocking of all is just the high level of “ignorance” most Americans have…it almost sinful.

The only American culture known to the rest of the world is their “Insane and unhealthy obsession regarding race”

Yes, but I guess the degree vary from culture to culture. My culture do see Americans as racists, but it is usually not mentioned as one of the first things about Americans (because, well, people here are not interested in racism, since only whites live here). Out of minorities, Native Americans are the ones that are frequently mentioned, and the genocide. Also, slavery. But not as much about racism today.

I know what you meant, the national identity in it’s current form, but the concept of nations is much older (easily over 2000 years) and it evolved throughout time.

No, not really. Nations were an 18th century project, created with a clear political purpose. There were no nations prior to that; the whole concept as new. And because it was new, it was necessary to quickly find a glue that will stick people together in a new collective identity. That’s how traditions were invented. People were told that they share the same history, customs and traditions, and therefore should form a nation.

Not all of these things were new; for example, many groups shared the same language, which is one of the important things. But there was no feeling of a collective identity so one needed to be build fast. That’s where romanticism helped. People were told to look at the glorious past of ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Celts, Germans, whoever. That these people’s history and customs are their history and customs. And when there was no coherent tradition at hand, one was invented.

A good example: Scottish kilt. The first thing that even resemble a kilt appeared in 16th or 17th century, and kilt as we know it today in 18th. It is not medieval. It has nothing to do with Celts, Picts or whoever Scots see as their ancestors. It has nothing to do with Scots in medieval times. In other words, kilt is not “ancient” at all.

Do you think the stereotype (as foreigners see it) comes more from TV/movies or from interaction with Americans visiting their countries? Or some other source?

I think it depends on your country. We are all heavy influenced by the American media (and American culture), to the point of being globalized, so many things American actually become part of our own culture (but that’s another story). So I’d say, media always play an important role.

Other than that, it depends. Some countries have many American tourists, so I guess they build from there. Some countries have many people visiting America, so they build from there.

I don’t live in one of those countries. I’ve met a few Americans in real life and on the Internet, and while some did fit some of the stereotypes, most of the people were actually quite decent.

But all in all, people in my culture have only two sources for all the things American: media, and politics. We all know what media is like. Politics is more personal, and that’s where most of the people’s bad experience with America comes from. But still, they forget it’s actually the American government, and not Americans as people.

But this is only in my culture (and others affected by the American military power). Other countries, I’d say, mix what they see on TV with American tourists or other casual touch with Americans.

“I must admit that stereotypes 2,3,4 and 6 about “most” Americans are very true and there’s no point arguing that as you see that all the time on TV (on their films, cartoons or reality TV shows),”

I get the impression from a lot of statements like this that many people outside America take our media literally and believe that it’s a real reflection of who we are. That just because we watch it that means we must be just like that in real life. Some stuff is supposed to be realistic but it’s entertainment people. For example people on reality shows act obnoxious on purpose to make it more dramatic. Our media tends to cater to the lowest common denominator so many Americans are very cynical when it comes to the media in general.

You simply can’t judge Americans by what you see on television.

As for having no culture, we are a cultural mosaic. The media doesn’t really represent this because again it’s purpose isn’t to show things as they really are.

I get the impression from a lot of statements like this that many people outside America take our media literally and believe that it’s a real reflection of who we are.

No sh!t? But that’s how it always go: people in general believe everything they see on TV. Just think of a culture- any culture- that you never had a personal contact with. Anything you know about it comes from media.

99.9% of what the world knows about my culture, for example, comes from media, and it’s horrible, and it’s “not really like that”, and guess what? People still believe it.

Heck, people believe what they see in media about people in their own countries (for example, the way whites see blacks comes from media). So it’s not surprising, not at all. That’s how the things go.

Mira:
“No, not really. Nations were an 18th century project, created with a clear political purpose. There were no nations prior to that; the whole concept as new. And because it was new, it was necessary to quickly find a glue that will stick people together in a new collective identity. That’s how traditions were invented. People were told that they share the same history, customs and traditions, and therefore should form a nation.”

I never thought about this. Can you refer me to some reading on this topic/idea?

jas0nburns:
“As for having no culture, we are a cultural mosaic.”

I agree, and this is particularly true for me personally… I have felt like America doesn’t have unique traditions, and so have attached myself to Swedish ones as I am 3/4 Swedish, even though the Swedish is three and more generations back in my family. Although I guess there are some uniquely American ones such as Thanksgiving (yes, I know there is Canadian Thanksgiving, but it’s celebrated a different day and I think does not have turkey as a centerpiece).

@jas0nburns
“I get the impression from a lot of statements like this that many people outside America take our media literally and believe that it’s a real reflection of who we are. That just because we watch it that means we must be just like that in real life.”

And It will goes as well for example, for Africa, as the media love to portray to the rest of the world as a continent where there’s always constant war, hunger, poverty, etc but it’s not always like that…For Muslims which the media love to portray them as terrorists and heartless people but not all of them are like that…For Asians( precisely East and South East) which the media love portraying their women as submissive and their men as effeminate and many more other absurdities, but it’s not true.
So I will tell you too, that I get the impression that “not all” but “many” Americans take their media literally and believe that it’s a real reflection of who these people are. It’s not because they see it on their televisions that mean these people or continent must be just like that in real life.”

“For example people on reality shows act obnoxious on purpose to make it more dramatic.”

Well maybe for you, it easy to pick up on what real and not on these TV shows as you know how your media works, but for other countries with other culture, they cannot understand that it’s just an act and can be easily offended if they hear or see how they mocking or disrespecting them, their country or culture.

“You simply can’t judge Americans by what you see on television.”

And you simply can’t judge other countries and culture by what you see on television because their different to yours and sorry if it will offend many of you but that what many Americans do a lot.

So I agree with Mira when she/he said that “people believe what they see in media about people in their own countries. So it’s not surprising, not at all. That’s how the things go.” and think will always go until the media change, which I believe will not happen any time soon as it’s how they make money.

“And you simply can’t judge other countries and culture by what you see on television because their different to yours and sorry if it will offend many of you but that what many Americans do a lot.”

yeah, but this thread is called stereotypes about Americans. So what’s your point? That Americans stereotype people to so we deserve it? OK. now explain why that’s a good approach to stereotypes in general. The “they do it to so it’s ok” approach. Is that only bad when WP do it or something?

@jas0nburns
“yeah, but this thread is called stereotypes about Americans. So what’s your point? That Americans stereotype people to so we deserve it? OK. now explain why that’s a good approach to stereotypes in general. The “they do it to so it’s ok” approach. Is that only bad when WP do it or something?”

If I’m talking only about Americans, it’s because as you’ve said “this thread is called stereotypes about Americans”, if it was about Europeans like French, British, Germans, Spanish, Italians etc I would have also comment on how they stereotype non-Europeans, same for Africans or Asians. It’s not only Americans who stereotype or are being stereotype you know.

When you are saying that “Is it that bad when only WP do it or something?” I guess by WP you mean white people because I’m not really sure what it stands for and if I’m wrong I apologised for it and feel free to correct me. To answer this question if I got it right is “NO”, when I mean Americans I just don’t mean white people, it’s also African Americans, Latinos, Asians etc…everyone who consider America as their country, their home and interact with a non-American individual, not just white. Hell, I came across black Americans stereotyping black Africans and Asian Americans stereotyping Asians people. Aren’t white Americans stereotype about English??? but both are white.

There’s no a good approach in stereotyping in general, there’s no a good or positive stereotype because at the end it always produce the same result hurt, offence, anger and hate to the one who are being stereotyped. People will always stereotype those who are not like or live like them, even in Africa you will find people from the same country stereotyping each others same in Asia and Europe, why is that??? because they are from different tribes or have different cultures. I think it’s a part of human nature that people can’t help. People will always feel the need to stereotype and categorise to make themselves feel better and greater without thinking about the consequences.

And when you’re saying “So what’s your point? That Americans stereotype people to so we deserve it” The only thing I can tell you is that don’t do to people what you don’t want people to do to you.

@jason: hey, man, this is about the stereotypes here. No need to get insulted or hurt by this.

If some one in this thread should be really hurt by the media stereotyping it is Mira. Just think for a moment what do you think about the serbs?? Get it?

Yeah, General Mladic or those guys, nice guy Arkan, civilians killed in Kosovo by those serbian paramilitares in commando masks, yup, all that crappety crap. You think Mira is like that? She is, after all, a serb, from what I gather…

Stereotypes can be negative and usually are, but they come from our need to comprehend a complex world. It is much easier to say: “all americans quote bible and shit on the poors”, than think that there are millions of poor americans too. It is so much easier to say ” all the serbs are drunk cuttroaths and war criminals” than think that oh, our Mira is one of them…

You understand? And look at me! Think how many finnish drinking legends there are, how many of those we ourselves promote, and here I am, a finn who never drinks nor gets drunk or otherwise messed up! WTF is that???

The point Cateyes is that this thread is called “Stereotypes ABOUT Americans.” It’s not entitled “American’s stereotype other people” or “Don’t American’s deserve to be stereotyped because they do it to others?”

I realize that there is a power dynamic where because American’s have privileges many others don’t it’s totally acceptable to say whatever you want about America/American’s. But then again, there are lots of other countries with a better standard of living. You would probably be more privileged if you were born in Sweden or something.

If this thread were called “Stereotypes about Black people” and someone came on here and started saying stuff like “well black people stereotype whites and other groups as well so they deserve it” they would get shouted down, probably by me.

I don’t know anything about the serbs. They haven’t been in the news here for quite some time. But even if they were I probably wouldn’t have an opinion either way. Actually Mira is the only serb I know so based on that I would say serbs must be pretty cool.

Does this blog count as “the media”? if so that means the media made me believe serbs are cool.

Stereotyping people (and groups) you know nothing about (or very little) is common. It’s hardly directed to Americans only, and it’s hardly something that only Americans (be it white or not), do. It seems to be one of those things that are pretty universal.

For example, stereotypes about Serbs… I do hope they faded away by now, because Balkan is not in the news that much anymore (thank God), but 15 years ago… It was horrible. Even today, the only stereotype about the war(s) is Serbs as occupators and the aggressors. This stereotype alone misses the fact what happened in Yugoslavia was a civil war between various ethnic groups. Just because western media pointed at Serbs doesn’t mean the others didn’t kill, made the aggressions or genocide. You simply don’t hear about it, because situation at Balkans is more complex than the “X attack Y and make war crimes”. But nobody seems to care about that. Fine, whatever. We’ve learned to live with that here (with the fact the world doesn’t understand what happened, and while some want to blame the western media, it’s not like individuals like Milosevic didn’t help). So all I’m asking is that people don’t trust everything they see on the news (“my” people included – they, too, trust everything they see on TV).

Anyway, creating stereotypes is an universal thing. That doesn’t make stereotypes true, or a good way to look at reality.

The only difference between Americans and other, less powerful cultures, is the fact Americans, well, have more power to promote the stereotypes they believe in. Chances are people in Argentina will never learn about Armenian stereotypes about somebody, but we all know what Americans think, because their media is the strongest. And it’s very harmful, because it shapes the views of people all around the world and it make it seem like a “reality”.

However, it doesn’t mean stereotypes Americans hold are automatically worse than stereotypes other people have. Nor does it mean that Americans, as humans, don’t have a right to defend themselves from stereotypes about them. Just because they live in a powerful nation doesn’t mean they should be forced to listen stereotypes about themselves without saying a word. Of course they have a right to protest.

This topic is totally correct. I’m French and i was live in USA for 1 year last year. And based from my experience, most people that i’ve met are really like that. Not all of them. But like 65% of them yes. Especially for number 2, 3, and 5.

“No, not really. Nations were an 18th century project, created with a clear political purpose. There were no nations prior to that; the whole concept as new.”

The word “nation” comes from latin “natio”, a word that was used in ancient Rome. To become part of “natio” meant something like: to be born into a group of people who share a culture. “Natio” was something like a combination of “nation” and “race” in the modern meanings of these two words. It’s hard for me to explain the details in English.

Anyway, what you were writing about is a wave of nationalism that made people define their national identity more precisely and associate themselves with certain traditions. Sometimes people were making stuff up, sure. Like Germans who believed they are Aryans. But that was the birth of modern national identities, not the birth of nations. The idea of nations existed much earlier. 18th century only redefined it.

My grandmother used to say stereotypes are mental crutches for the ignorant.

Some of my dearest friends are American and fortunately none of them fits any of the stereotypes listed above.

I don’t know if it’s a stereotype, it’s merely an observation that the Americans who have something meaningful to say are often the least heard. Much more pronounced than in many other countries, it is less about what is being said but rather about how and who says it. This is not to say that there aren’t individuals where the “what, how and who” can be all of quality. It’s just that the “what” seems to be of inferior importance (especially if it can be sold).

Then there seems to be a fairly widespread consensus regarding essentialism. A lot of Americans are thrown off kilter when they are confronted with effects whose cause don’t quite fit their expectations. There is this almost obsessive thought that everything can be condensed to a simplistic, for everybody comprehensible, explanation. The fact that certain things aren’t fully understood (yet) seems to provoke some sort of uneasiness in many Americans. Some even go to extremes trying to (dis)prove the existence of God with worldly methods….

Then the polarisation. It’s quite baffling and contradictory for an outsider to see a high degree of uniformisation in such a large country and at the same time experiencing diametrically opposed opinions wherever you go. Trivial example, if you take some random street somewhere in Minnesota (in summer), you can find the exact same layout somewhere in Texas or Arizona thousands of kilometres away, except for the vegetation. And that is irrespective of poor, middle class, rich, black, white or whatever neighbourhood. It always made me wonder, who gets the “upper hand”? Or is the diametrically opposed opinion thing a hoax, a theatre play and nobody really cares after all?

In Europe, Africa or Southern Asia you move less than a hundred kilometres and you’re in a different world. It’s different not only visually but also linguistically and mentality-wise. However, despite those sometimes marked differences it seems that there is less polarisation than in the big seemingly uniform USA. People tend to understand each other non-verbally on many aspects. It’s hard to explain. Taking the example of Abagond’s blog and most of the posters from Europe, Africa, Southern Asia or even Canada (USA neighbours) – Sam, Mira, Kwamla, Herneith, Eurasian Sensation, Hannu etc. Reading their posts immediately creates a sense of familiarity in me although in real life we might be totally different. We most likely look very different (I suppose the whole colour spectrum is there), come from different upbringings, languages and cultures. With the US Americans it seems that although they are fellow citizens they sometimes have totally opposed mentalities. How do they keep any coherence? As I said, it’s fascinating for an outsider.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that in the old world, people (or people brought up with so-called old world values) were always confined to smaller spaces and just couldn’t afford to tear everything down to start from scratch elsewhere. Escape (even within your country) is not an option in many parts of the world.

It seems to me that American coherence is assured mainly through “making it”, money, religion, “racial” identity, to some extent patriotism and one common language. *Apparently* not by solidarity or shared mentality beyond the elements in my previous phrase. It’s a somewhat strange dichotomy between individualism and conformism.

One more thing I’ve noticed over there. Most (and I mean really most) Americans have much more ease than anybody else I’ve ever met in this world saying “I love you” than “I don’t know” although the former might be untrue and the latter true.

They, too, are seen as materialistic, non-educated and ignorant, fat, lacking proper moral values and they, too, are seen as people who want their country to be the world’s policeman (which I find strange, considering the fact blacks should know better what colonization and oppression mean). Blacks might oppose certain actions made by the government, particularly if it’s something about Africa, but they, too, often consider what American government does in foreign countries to be ok.

The only thing that might be questionable is number 4 (not having history or traditions), but like I said, to many outsiders, black Americans are seen as someone enjoying popular music, sports, etc. just like white Americans. The type of music and entertainment might be different than for whites, but is still not seen as “culture” in full sense of the word. Remember, many outsiders don’t equate black Americans and people from Africa. Well, that’s certainly how it’s seen in my culture, but I’ve talked with many people all around the world and many seem to share this opinion.

LOL – Actually I have a few stereotypes of my own about white middle-aged Americans(civilians), though my sample size is too small to draw accurate conclusions ;-)
1. They’re fiercely political. Most repubs tend to be a bit openly racist while democrats tend to be subtly racist.
2. Repubs see the ‘muslim world’ as a threat that needs to be under American control while democrats see the same as desperately needing American help.
3. Many of them are pretty religious and the religious ones tend to be republican.
4. Democrats and repubs alike get angry, annoyed or uncomfortable when oppression of coloured people by white people is discussed. Try mentioning the extinct indigenous people, genocide in Congo or famine in India. Even the Nazi extermination of blacks in Namibia is a forbidden topic even though Nazis are viewed by them as the extreme of racism and they would often compare anything bad with Nazis and holocaust is among their favourite topics.
5. They think coloured people are looking to get revenge for past oppression.
6. They’re afraid of coloured people who are opinionated and they try to get those coloured people to tone down. They may also assume that the opinionated ones are so because of some past bad experience and in need for a psychological therapy.
7. They’re extremely fond of anything British.
8. Their top priority isn’t money, but class. And class is well-defined. Some of the classy things are owning a house in the suburbs, having read certain books, dressing and speaking a certain way etc.
9. Beer=masculinity.
10. You can cause a stampede by shouting ‘socialist!’ You are a communist-socialist-censorship loving-brainwashed idiot if you want, for example, an equitable wealth distribution and free education and healthcare for all.
11. They say they have a free press, yet they have such a skewed view of the world that it seems unlikely that their free press(mainstream media) does not go through occasional information blackouts and does not promote a certain kind of opinions and jingoism.

as an American i can say that i agree, that we should stop protecting the world, see ww1,ww2. europeons are just mad, because we broke away from their stupid monarchy, and became the most powerful country this world has ever seen. America probably saved the world by defeating Hitler, and his army of psychos. if not for the U.S.A. europe would be ruined. and, i disagree with technology not being part of a culture. people saying that are losers. they use it, but then since they didn’t, or couldn’t come up with it, bash it. yeah, americans are stupid, though. America has changed the world more than any other country. many americans do have a backwards way of thinking, especially in Wash.D.C. EVERY country on earth has its sins, not just the U.S. So, get off your high-horses! you’re not fooling anyone. nobody except the morons, have forgotten about the 6 mill+ jews that were killed for no reason by nazis, socialist, whatevers. same thing. everytime someone needs help, we’re the first one to lend a hand. even though others don’t respect, or even thank us for it. we should close our borders, keep our technology, and money to ourselves. because, according to a lot of people including me, that would be better, right? finally, something we can agree on. what really aggravates me is the americans that claim to hate it, but will not leave. HYPOCRITES! hey crybaby! get the hell out, and don’t come back, ever! nobody cares. america would be better without you. but, wherever you went would not put up with your crap for a second. your dumbass would be begging to come home, just like others have done in the past. if you are from another country, and don’t agree with the way the US does things, i understand. because, there are a lot of things the US does that is plain wrong. but, most americans are good people that do stupid things. like voting for libtards.

what really aggravates me is the americans that claim to hate it, but will not leave.

Why would they? Complaining, criticizing and bellyaching are all part and parcel of living in a Democracy.

but, most americans are good people that do stupid things.

I agree! I love it when they do stupid things, it is vastly entertaining! Carry on Yanks!

like voting for libtards.

Lib who? I have heard and seen ‘stupid’ Americans of many political stripes, that is what makes them so entertaining! You see, politics and stupidity aren’t mutually exclusive, although commonly interchangeable, you don’t need to be one in order to be the other. Henceforth and hitherto, you do not have to be stupid to be a liberal, but judging from your response, you can be stupid on your own without any political affiliation.

Nah, he (or she) sounds like the typical, angry, racist white male Tea-Bagger (a.k.a. ‘Tea Party’) who wants to take the USA back to the ‘good old days’ of the 1950s. When the keywords one uses are ‘libtard’, and they say that Washington D.C. is full of idiots (sweeping generalization), and they say how phenomenally GREAT the good ol’ US of A is, but every other country on earth is just a backwards, backwater hole in the ground – at least, only the ones without a majority WHITE population (another sweeping generalization)…basically, just another worthless troll, living in his/her parents’ basement, scraping potato chip crumbs off of his/her fat abdomen while ‘pwning’ people on World of Warcraft. No life to speak of, and it shows! :cool:
Types like that claim to be Native American, but not in the racialized way…they say, “Of COURSE I’m a native American – I was born here!!” :wink:

I know how (s)he sounds… But all if it makes sense only if (s)he is a Native American (of indigenous descent). Because if not, (s)he is also a descendant of the illegal immigrants. And all the bad things (and “go back home” stuff) apply to him(her), too.

Exactly my point. The individual in question doesn’t realize that everything they’ve said applies to them – Native Americans of indigenous descent (at least, the ones I know, including myself) generally DON’T want this country to go back to the 1950s, politically or culturally. Hell, even in the 1970s there were blatant civil rights infractions against indigenous Native Americans; Leonard Peltier is a prime example of such.
“Go home” is usually a statement by white Americans, generally levelled at anyone with a skin tone that is one or two shades darker than a ‘Peach’, ‘Apricot’, or ‘Salmon’-hued Crayola crayon…

Just something to say. I have lived in America all my life and would just like to point out that the stereotypes in questions seem to be based on a very small group of people. The worst enemy of america itself is political extremists, whether democratic or republican, who believe that every other opinion not correlating to theirs exactly is wrong. Most people I have met in my life of any religion or opinion here all seem very open-minded and friendly. The christian church itself mostly has an accepting mindset, as well as people I know here who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, etc. We, the population, of normalcy is being represented by a very small group of people that run the american media. In fact, Americans themselves are extremely negative to our own media and it’s effects in general for these precise reasons. I shudder to think of foreign countries judging us by whatever those idiots did last on reality TV, or on some racist,extremist,evangelist somewhere(who normal evangelists hate,btw) going on about some close minded opinion that calls scientific theories blasphemy, or some teapartier trying to return America to the good ol’ days when women where seen as as household slaves and the white male oppression reigned supreme. the closed minded is the route off all ignorance in America. why I do not personally know any one who follow all the stereotypes listed above, I have certainly encountered such ignoramuses on television.
The other enemy to ourselves is ignorance. Which after much research on the topic I believe to be caused by the extreme over emphasis on standardized testing. not a day went by in my education where we were not told the risks of failing, ruining our lives. not a day went by filled with sweating to memorize random details because if we didn’t we were stupid children and teachers could get fired and we wouldn’t go to college and we would all die.. We did no art. I taught myself geography. do you understand the ignorance of ourselves a bit more now? Poor education, is caused by the fact that the students in public school districts, every day of their lives, will struggle to memorize things for a test that will make a scoring company a shitload of money, somewhere. And then those dumbassed politicians of ours can go on about students being “accountable” for our scores. Even though no one is held “accountable” for the fact that citizens receive quality in education as we sit in our classrooms and learn how to bubble in scoring sheets with #2 pencils and learn nothing, nothing at all about life or social studies or the arts, but what does it matter if it’s not on the test?
I don’t know what to say about most of these stereotypes that hasn’t already been discussed enough to express my opinion, except the general importance of always taking everything you hear about this country(and any country)with a grain of salt. Tell me what you think, did I miss anything important?

Pretty true; I wouldn’t say Americans are “driven” by it, most of us but it is a notable aspect of our culture.

2. Uneducated and Ignorant

On a whole; that is also true, ignorant of others and our own history and I may be wrong here but it seems like we’ve kind of had this “anti-intellecutialism” kind of mentality for awhile now.

Nerds getting picked on, scientists and doctors often being bad guys, the bible’s the only book you need to read, science is the devil kind of stuff.

3. Americans are Obese

No denying that one; we are fat, eat too much and sit around watching TV all day.

4. Americans have no history or tradition

Well; thats not exactly true we have a tradition of electing presidents to office after all and a respect of freedom and the rights of the individual, even if we haven’t always been all that good about actually carrying it out.

Ways of dressing, talking etc….but a single coherent culture it isn’t, of course sans Russia the USA is pretty comparable in general size to Europe isn’t in?

Then factoring in the immigration, the relatively “youngness” of our nation and our value of “keeping up with the jones’s” and change (at least shallowly) means that it may never happen in the sense other nations have “culture”.

5. No values

Thats kind of true; most americans don’t especially have a “code” or general moral value that they follow in life, most Americans aren’t blatantly evil because people in general aren’t blatantly evil.

A code or morality is to some extent pointless and the more religious and focused on morality get, in some bizarre sense of irony the less they actually seem to follow the codes they claim to base their life on.

8. Americans want to be the worlds police men

I would say no here maybe its just me but I get the idea that Americans are actually kind of isolationist and despite the rhetoric we through around, most of the time we get involved its because (for one reason or another) we believe that nation is a threat to us specifically somehow.

Of course profit; but thats not really used as the reason even if its true to a larger extent than we would like to believe.

My name is Madison, I’m 12, and I’m from Houston, Texas, and I just want to say that almost NONE of this is true. Sure there are about a million people who are probably like this, but theres probably a billion more all around the world…
First of all, I was very brought back by the stereotype “we have no history” and you even said it, we’ve only been around 250 years, so it’s not a stereotype since it’s true, but to say that we have NO history is untrue. Since I’m from Texas, all we’ve been doing since kindergarten is studying the Alamo,the civil war, Farming and Ranching in the 1800’s and many more like the booming 20’s, the great depression, and even all of the presidents in the history of america… so saying there is NO history is extremely OFF.
Another thing is that we have no moral values. I don’t know if the only american’s you know are New Yorkers, but travel west more, and believe me… the people will get a lot nicer…
America is the number 1 super power in the world, and just because some of our people are fat or dumb, so is every elses country… just because we’re more popular than most we are paid attention to more… I mean you never hear nasty stuff like this about Indonesia or Taiwann or even Romainia?!?! So, as my mother would say… smarten’ up…

1. Americans are materialistic
—-I use to agree with this one, but sense we are in economic hard times this has changed a bit. People are being more money conscious.

2. Americans are uneducated and ignorant
—Sadly enough I have to agree with this as well. Most Americans only want to know what they are spoon fed and do not make an attempt to broaden their horizon.
3. Americans are fat obese
—I can’t really say yes or no to this, but a funny story my professor told me. He told the story of a fat lady who sued McDonalds for spilling coffee on herself. That also reminds me of the fat person who is suing McDonalds for being fat. I guess this must be somewhat true.
4. Americans have no history or tradition
—I agree.
5. Americans have no moral values
—I can’t say I fully agree with this, but I know people this applies to.
6. Americans want their country to be the world’s policeman
—I without a doubt agree with this one.

—I can’t really say yes or no to this, but a funny story my professor told me. He told the story of a fat lady who sued McDonalds for spilling coffee on herself.

One note about the McDonald’s coffee story.. the woman was not obese.. she was slender and elderly. The plaintiff was 79 years old, on a fixed income, and had never previously sued anyone in her life. She initially asked McDonald’s to help her pay her medical bills from the third degree burns, she received from the spilled coffee, which required skin grafts. McDonald’s refused to cover the bills.

Glad you can clarify on the coffee spilling story. My professor made such a big joke out of it and I always thought she was a younger fatter lady. I guess he figured it would not be funny if he told us it was an old lady.

Id say that is incredible history and culture right there , and all Americans can be incredibly proud of this history and the people who created it and became embassodors of American culture where ever they went…..unfortunatly, that is not the case and most Americans dont even know their own culture

“unfortunatly, that is not the case and most Americans dont even know their own culture.”—This statement alone speaks in volumes. Most do not. I think the most upsetting part of my life has been having to find that. I understand that blacks have contributed greatly music wise, but I want to go beyond that a learn about the culture of my people. Traditional dishes, customs, etc. The thing I envy most about other countries is that many still have old buildings up from the past. Paintings, sculptors, beauties of the past. America doesn’t really have that.

Sharina, ok, I hear you about wanting to beyond music and discover more about the “culture of my people”

Your referance to “traditional dishes” and “customs” is an extremly valid one

and, the culture you are speaking about has been hidden from us, remember that white America banned the culture of the slaves who were brought over. So, I beleive there are huge chunks of culture and customs that have been hidden from our collective “American concousness” that affected how American culture developed

A great example would be the banjo. Who would think this staple of down home country pickin, was an African instrument.(Sharina, you have to forgive me always refering to musuc all the time, its my profesion and only feild of expertise I have so , I always am talking about it)

Living in Brazil, I have seen many customs and traditional dishes from the slaves brought over from Africa, kept in tact, as well as how the slaves adapted and integrated into the culture they came into and brought their influence into it. There still was discrimination towards black culture, but, it was so big and the differances in how people treated the culture brought over from Africa by the slaves from there, contribute to making the Afro Brazilian culture and influence more visable than compared to the USA

I actually appreciate that you bring music knowledge to the table. That is something I know very little about and it is good to always learn something new. This is what I love about this blog. You always learn something.

I’m an American who’s been to Europe. I’ve seen the type of Americans who give all of us a bad name, it’s sad and miserable to see and I wish more Americans would take the time to learn how to act respectfully in other countries. With that said, America can be a wonderful place to live one just needs to come here with an open mind and the knowledge that there are bad apples in every bunch. *Ive seen bad Europeans and Americans its just a matter of remembering they are just a bump on the road to discovering wonderful cultures*

Um….Is this really how other countries see America? If so I’m really sorry you feel that way, honestly! I can asure you that this is not true, you don’t have to believe me but please don’t judge my county by these silly stereotypes. I respect each and every country and I don’t think any less of any of the other countries (trust me, I’m a mutt. So I have no reason to disrespect others). I would love to meet people from other countries (Just to see what they are like and what there country is like!). So please, could reconsider your view of America? Were not all the same.

Its sad how everyone picks on the US, yet who turns to us when something happens in the world? Or a War breaks out? Really some people are thick minded on what they think about the US, and this coming from a Former Marine….. I almost lost my life for my country would you do the same?

I haven’t visited this thread for a while. I just want to repeat: these are STEREOTYPES about Americans. It’s not how I think Americans are. But yes, these are some of the common stereotypes about Americans.

My favorite part is how they let teenagers babysit their kids. I never thought that to be odd in our culture but it was funny to read.

I have heard a lot of people say they think Americans are uptight about sex. I went abroad and was wondering why all of these men were throwing themselves at me…..I’m just an average looking person. Then someone from Lithuania explained to me how American girls have a reputation for being easy. It made sense then.

I have read lots of self help books in my life time.
Also, I can name at least three famous painters.
Picasso
Micheal Angelo
Jackson Pollock
And according to my doctor I’d have to be 12 pounds heavier to be considered obese.

First of all, unless you have the evidence to support your 3rd claim, its entirely false.
Second of all, I agree that its all about the money.
Third of all, you use the word “Americans” as if includes EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO IS AN AMERICAN. So when you say “Americans” are “ignorant”, I will admit….I am VERY “ignorant” and by the i mean there are things i do not know anything about, thus im “ignorant” to that subject. You cannot claim that “Americans” aren’t curious or intelligent, I am very curious and intelligent, meaning I am not included in this broad category when you say “Americans……” I want to learn what i need to get a good job correct, but I also want to learn what I need to get me through life. Not every situation needs a book or a history lesson. Some things can only be learned through experience.
And lastly, how dare you say “Americans” want their country to be the world’s police officer. if this was true, then there wouldnt be so millions people saying “BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!!!!” Once again you used the term “Americans” as if includes everyone.Needless to say if you say “Americans”, meaning everyone, do the things you have listed here, then are you excluded from them or something? Have you done any of these 6 things? If you have then you must not be “American”.

I feel the need to include the fact that i stumbled across this blog when I did a Google search for “American Sterotypes”

My favorite part is how they let teenagers babysit their kids. I never thought that to be odd in our culture but it was funny to read.

From my culture’s position, letting a 15 year old kid to babysit your child does seem odd. (Also, allowing a 15 year old kid to drive a car, but that’s another issue).

But it’s not about giving your child to a teenager to babysit – it’s more along the lines of a stranger teenager. So it’s ok to ask your teen niece or your teen kids to babysit their siblings. But not a random teen that needs pocket money.

However, it’s all about cultural relativism. Stuff that are seen as ok and normal in one culture would be strange in another. (In my culture, for example, babysitters of all kind are not very popular; a child is either in the pre-school (kindergarten, how do you call it?) or grandparents take care of kids while parents are at work – in my culture, both parents work; stay at home moms were rare when I was a kid. Now there are more non-working parents because it’s difficult to get a job, but ideally, both parents work in my culture).

Similarly, some of the stuff that’s seen ok in my culture are not seen ok in America. For example, the age of consent here is 14. It means anyone 14 and older can give their consent to sex – even if their partner is much older. In this sense, a 35 year old man can’t be accused of rape if his 16 year old partner says it was consensual. Even if he’s the teacher. He can be charged for other things, like abusing authority and he can lose his job but he won’t be charged as a sex offender or a rapist if his students claim it was consensual.

I have heard a lot of people say they think Americans are uptight about sex.

This stereotype is tricky. On one hand, Americans are seen as completely loose (see below) and sexually immoral. On the other hand, their art and laws are seen as too prude and uptight. Europeans usually ridicule American movies for the amount of violence and lack of nudity: “Americans love to watch people getting killed but they don’t want to see people getting conceived”.

Then someone from Lithuania explained to me how American girls have a reputation for being easy. It made sense then.

There’s another thing. It’s pretty universal to see women from other cultures as loose. It’s not about being (or not being) American. As far as I know, all (most of?) countries have this stereotype about outsiders. Bonus if the other culture is their “enemy” culture.

USA is such a young nation. Its history is less than 300 years old. 500, if you count first European settlement. That’s nothing in the Old World terms. In this sense, only Native Americans have history.

(I don’t agree with this sentiment, but this is where the stereotype comes from.)

haha, im texan, not all americans own guns…. but all of us texans do. WE ARE NOT REDNECKS! we are mistaken for this since we are seen as the “south” but we are south-western. and no we dont all wear cowboy clothing. cause i do like wearing my casual converse-blue jean-t-shirt mix. we own guns cause big game is our thing. though to money is worthless, and learning is fun. Though if you think about it, america does have tradition, it may seem wierd but all other nationalities basically built our country so it is full of all sorts of traditions

I agree that some of the stereotypes are true, but isn’t there some truth to all stereotypes? Sure there are many fat and lazy Americans , but there are also many skinny active Americans. But also there are many Americans who love knowledge! Not all of us hate books but are crazy about them. My sister and I together have 300 books combined. But sadly there are people who can’t stand that sort of thing. We also have a lot of culture, to the many holidays we celebrate like Thanksgiving. We are not all racist people who go out and burn crosses. Sure we fight a lot within our country, but last time I checked we were not the only country that has had a civil war. But we built up from that if we did not, we would not be having an African American president serving his second term. The multiply view points create balance which makes our government great. And another about culture, many countries took our ideas and made them their own as we adopted the ideas of John Locke and the British government. Many other countries WANTED our ideas and items. It’s called globalization. There are also many caring Americans. We have multiply organizations to help other people in need. We usually only attack if our country feels threatened, but the whole drilling oil thing was bad I admit. And the gun thing it’s been in our constitution since it was written. It was made so that the people if need be could overthrow the government. That law was made because of the Revolution. Also we do too have moral values, it just depends on what part of the US you look at. There are 50 states to look at not just Texas and New York. We also have TONS of history. Revolutionary war, Civil war, Civil Rights Movement, roaring 20’s, industrialization, space race, the origin of all the states, and the presidents. Sure we have had bad history, things that we are not proud of, but we are making leaps. Look at Germany 70 years ago and now they have one of the most leading economies.

I’m an American and I actually believe a lot of these stereotypes about my own people. Especially the materialistic aspects. I know that we are not ALL like that because I don’t think I’m like that. I understand though why people would look at us in that way. Makes me sad.

Also I think that the cultural view of the U.S. is completely wrong. The reason people think the United States has no culture is because we are so diverse. We are all immigrants (except native Americans) but people take their culture and make it American. I would say that we are more of a cultural filter than anything. We accept every culture around the world and they become something different in this country.