Stereotypes of your country

[MissNMTX]

I have a bit of an obsession with learning about other places. I've never been anywhere actually, but I love learning about other places. Ireland, England, France, Italy. Some of my best interactions on this site has been with Europeans.

So, I watch a lot of YouTube videos and expat YouTube videos. I've seen several that talk about stereotypes (French stereotypes, American stereotypes, etc.)  Since there are so many people from so many different places here I'm curious, what is a common stereotype about your country that either isn't true or you wish you didn't have to deal with?🤔

Edited November 27, 2022 by MissNMTX

[Nymph]

Mexican food... everyone talking about how delicious it is and they are talking about tex-mex usually.

The "mexican look" aka "you don't look mexican" it's a big country and looks vary by area... then people that get into the USA illegally lie in case they are deported they will be by the border and get back in more easily, hence contributing to the confusion.

Mexicans are loud... yes most of them are, if they are not, their families probably are... I already had to deal with my family so when I was dating internationally I always avoided men specifically looking for a mexican girls who called themselves "mexican at heart" because I am a weirdo who likes peace and quiet.

[LeftyGuitar]

28 minutes ago, Nymph said:

Mexican food... everyone talking about how delicious it is and they are talking about tex-mex usually.

The "mexican look" aka "you don't look mexican" it's a big country and looks vary by area... then people that get into the USA illegally lie in case they are deported they will be by the border and get back in more easily, hence contributing to the confusion.

Mexicans are loud... yes most of them are, if they are not, their families probably are... I already had to deal with my family so when I was dating internationally I always avoided men specifically looking for a mexican girls who called themselves "mexican at heart" because I am a weirdo who likes peace and quiet.

Nothing wrong with liking peace and quiet, peace and quiet is great. I'm American, so I think most people know what American stereotypes are.

[Little kaiya]

The most common stereotypes about my Country is that we're all super polite. Yup, I'm Canadian. There really isn't another true to the stereotype, just visit Toronto or Montreal if you want proof. 

There's also the stereotypes thst we all like maple syrup. I mean I do because it's delicious, liquid, sugary goodness but not everyone has it at all meals at all times. We usually leave it off the table for Wednesday dinners 😁😉

[Andriel_Isilien]

The USA is notorious for being loud and stupid. If you look at how poorly our education system gets funded and is managed, then it's no surprise. 😓 That's a stereotype I wish I didn't have to deal with. When I got to visit New Zealand, it was a breath of fresh air to be away from politics and drama.

[Sweet Lil Buttercup]

1 hour ago, Andriel_Isilien said:

The USA is notorious for being loud and stupid. If you look at how poorly our education system gets funded and is managed, then it's no surprise. 😓 That's a stereotype I wish I didn't have to deal with. When I got to visit New Zealand, it was a breath of fresh air to be away from politics and drama.

I’m really interested in comparing notes because I can only speak to my experiences. I love being a hyphenated American; I love and feel great pride of my Mexican-American roots. I grew up with Spanglish and Tex-Mex, la Noche Buena and la sobremesa. Just like @Nymph said, we are a loud and boisterous people, but we act with passion and love fiercely.

What I dislike though is that ignorant individuals think my people contribute nothing to this country. They think my parents are criminals even though they’re the hardest working people I know and do so much for others. As a kid, I struggled to understand why we were always portrayed as maids, gardeners, and gang bangers on TV and movies. I didn’t like that our humble beginnings were seen as a deficit instead of recognizing they are a testament to our resourcefulness and ability to do more than just survive.

Don’t get me wrong, I feel truly grateful for these experiences and wouldn’t ever trade them. I just became acutely aware of our otherness the older I grew.

What has your experience been like?

[Andriel_Isilien]

2 hours ago, Sweet Lil Buttercup said:

I’m really interested in comparing notes because I can only speak to my experiences. I love being a hyphenated American; I love and feel great pride of my Mexican-American roots. I grew up with Spanglish and Tex-Mex, la Noche Buena and la sobremesa. Just like @Nymph said, we are a loud and boisterous people, but we act with passion and love fiercely.

What I dislike though is that ignorant individuals think my people contribute nothing to this country. They think my parents are criminals even though they’re the hardest working people I know and do so much for others. As a kid, I struggled to understand why we were always portrayed as maids, gardeners, and gang bangers on TV and movies. I didn’t like that our humble beginnings were seen as a deficit instead of recognizing they are a testament to our resourcefulness and ability to do more than just survive.

Don’t get me wrong, I feel truly grateful for these experiences and wouldn’t ever trade them. I just became acutely aware of our otherness the older I grew.

What has your experience been like?

Oh dear, I didn't mean to pinpoint a specific race or ethnicity. I was referring to the entitled. rude, and spoiled American that is stereotyped in shows and such. Like Hollywood. Those native to the Americas (North, South and Central) were not my target. I'm truly sorry if I even hinted at that! It does sadden me because I do see in our western culture what you described; the hardest working class but treated with disrespect or not given credit. Just like in the Roman Empire back in history but we never learn. 😞 You are right about your heritage and how people have contributed so much and still some. Definitely be proud of that!

[Skeezix]

On 11/28/2022 at 5:53 AM, Little kaiya said:

There's also the stereotypes thst we all like maple syrup. I mean I do because it's delicious, liquid, sugary goodness but not everyone has it at all meals at all times. We usually leave it off the table for Wednesday dinners 

Interesting, we skip the maple syrup on Thursdays. Maybe it's a regional thing.

[Sweet Lil Buttercup]

6 hours ago, Andriel_Isilien said:

Oh dear, I didn't mean to pinpoint a specific race or ethnicity. I was referring to the entitled. rude, and spoiled American that is stereotyped in shows and such. Like Hollywood. Those native to the Americas (North, South and Central) were not my target. I'm truly sorry if I even hinted at that! It does sadden me because I do see in our western culture what you described; the hardest working class but treated with disrespect or not given credit. Just like in the Roman Empire back in history but we never learn. 😞 You are right about your heritage and how people have contributed so much and still some. Definitely be proud of that!

🙁I’m so sorry. I’m not offended by what you wrote. I was speaking in generalities and just interested in exchanging experiences … 😬 my passion comes out in my writing, and -

Hugs?

[MissNMTX]

I think you both are extremely articulate. And living in the SW United States,sadly I know exactly the stereotypes you speak of. So much more than a shame.

I didn't mean for the thread to cause controversy or hurt feelings. Was really just curious about observations and such. So sorry if I overstepped.

[Andriel_Isilien]

9 hours ago, Sweet Lil Buttercup said:

🙁I’m so sorry. I’m not offended by what you wrote. I was speaking in generalities and just interested in exchanging experiences … 😬 my passion comes out in my writing, and -

Hugs?

Oh ok, good!! Glad we are on the same page. That meme is so true though!! 😅 Yes, always make way for feelings haha!

[Sweet Lil Buttercup]

@MissNMTX, you didn’t overstep your bounds at all. I really didn’t take offense with your question; it’s just always been a thing I’ve been aware of. Some stereotypes are less innocuous than others, lol.  

I’m really sorry. I feel like I hijacked your post! 

I‘m also a very curious individual and truly just want share experiences with others.

@Andriel_Isilien, yes sooooooo many feelings. Always. They’ve been my constant companions all these years.

[Andriel_Isilien]

7 hours ago, MissNMTX said:

I didn't mean for the thread to cause controversy or hurt feelings. Was really just curious about observations and such. So sorry if I overstepped.

2 hours ago, Sweet Lil Buttercup said:

I’m really sorry. I feel like I hijacked your post! 

 

No one ended up in tears here or throwing rocks, so I think we're OK 😅👍 No harm no foul!

[Guest LittleBe]

A big stereotype from my country (🇨🇱) is that we talk Spanish so fast and with a lot of our own words that you can't understand what we're saying (a lot of people think that you have to learn Spanish again to live here 🙈). Also, our red wine is known around the world so a lot of people just think that we drink a lot of wine 😅 

And the last one that I think sometimes is true is that we have bad relationships with our neighboring countries (a lot of people still remember what happened with the Maldives or the Pacific war or sometimes soccer problems haha)