European Perceptions About Americans and Why They Have Them
Warning to the timid: I do use a bit of language to make a valid point.
All Americans Are Rich
That one had me rolling. No. Not even close to the truth. There are a lot of wealthy people in the US, but there are three times as many poor people. But see, this is one of the myths that America puts out there on purpose, trying to lure people over there.
Americans All Have Big Houses
To people in Sweden, big means mansion. I think it is fairly safe to say that about 2,000 sq foot is a good dividing mark, realistically. My house in Sweden is slightly bigger than my house was in Richmond, Virginia. They were shocked to find that out. They really thought everyone lived on huge estates complete with maids and butlers. I countered that by showing them pictures of many of America's inner cities. They had always thought that those were an invention of Hollywood and rappers. Nobody could really live like that, could they?
Americans Are Fat
Well. I may be getting a little chunky in my old age, but I am not obese, or even past what is medically considered OK for my height. However, this one is not so much a myth given the fast food tendencies of most Americans... but it isn't like everyone is grossly obese with a Big Mac in each hand while watching American Idol. It isn't that bad over there.
Everybody is Screwing Everyone Else
See now, this one amused me a great deal. Americans are the most squeamish country when it comes to so-called 'bad words,' and yet the perception they give off is that they have no sense of loyalty to their spouses, or other people's spouses. That is something that just horrifies the Swedish. Marriage means something over here. They do not break a sweat when they see a boob, or even a penis, on their TV, no matter how many 5 yr olds are in the room. Cuss words are simply to qualify the rest of the statement... like big or blue. If something is fucking cool, that just means it is cooler than simply super cool. The idea that someone would balk and shudder at mere letter groupings amuses the Swedish to no end.
So the USA puts out to the world that they are all Holier than Thou, yet sell TV shows like Desperate Housewives to the cable companies over here. What do you expect them to think? They think you're all crazy and have no sense of what really matters: Family. Are they right? Yeah, they are to an extent... but not completely. Not all Americans play those silly games.
Americans Are All Spoiled
Now part of this is due to TV and the movies, but part of it is from personal observation of how Americans act when on vacation over here. They do give off that air of superiority, for the most part. Hell, I even catch myself sometimes acting like I deserve something special when I don't. I am trying really hard to break myself of that, and show them that not every American is like that.
Americans Are Under-Educated
Again, this one has some basis in fact. Yes, a goodly portion of Americans these days have degrees, but the Universities are money mills. Pay yer fees and get yer Bs is the motto. But that isn't what sets Americans up for this one. No. It is the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not speak a second language. In the EU, you are not going to graduate high school without being fluent in at least one other language. Instead, Americans expect everyone else in the world to cater to their language rather than learn the language of the country they are visiting. So, while Americans may not be by-and-large as stupid as they are perceived to be, there is some validity to the feeling that they are. Seeing Bush on TV doesn't help this perception of Americans at all, either.
These are things Europeans think of you, not just Sweden. Even when I was down in Australia, I asked a gal at the airport why you could have more luggage allowance if you were from America. She responded Because Americans think they're so bloody special, we humor them so they'll come spend their money here. Is this really what you want the world to think of you? While all of these misconceptions are partially true, they are not completely true. Next time you plan a vacation outside of the USA, think about the impression you are giving off. Maybe people will start being more friendly... Yeah. Even the French.
Published by Lori Leidig
US citizen living in Sweden; Retired shrink cum criminologist who is now trying to string two coherent words together for various publications. View profile
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40 Comments
Post a CommentTo Andyna:
"Hyphenated Americanism" and immigrant identity have always been important parts of American culture. You'd be surprised at the differences that can exist between a typical German-American family on the one hand and a typical Italian-American family on the other. All Americans may seem alike to you, but differences do exist, and hereditary national origin does play some part in those differences.
Besides, I don't know why you're so offended that a foreigner expresses enthusiasm for their Irish roots.
I have been to many corners of the world and have found one thing remains constant throughout the world. Children are fundamentally the same. They say the same things, ask the same questions and throw the same attitudes as American children do (only it is done in a different language). It is here that we find our similarities and common ground; not to mention the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Where all human beings go wrong is what is inherently wrong all over the world and this is that people have lost the values in the art of communication and respect for one another. In the countries visited, I studied basic customs and common courtesies as a great place to start. Learning some of the basics of the languages spoken and picking up slang from locals is also recommended. I highly recommend travel to foreign countries. Do something different! Communicate online with someone in a foreign country and shock them! Be polite. Smile when you write!
Next time you write something, remember this.....
"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods." Einstein
I was joking about the Pulitzer Prize!
After reading this blog I thought, "What is this fascination with Americans you have"?
You are trying to make a hypothesis with no scientific data. You have no statistics here proving your theory.
Until you do so, I suggest you that you stick with fiction. Who knows, you might win a Pulitzer prize. hahahah
High-five Jenny!
Given Candice's objections, maybe you should add to your list another misconception... that Americans are presumptuous arrogant bastards who get defensive when you point out whatever flaws they may or may not have.
what irritates me TREMENDOUSLY about Americans, is their inability to accept their own identity..... you ask some of them where they come from and they say oh italy, or ireland or germany, instead of saying where they REALLY come from..... chicago, wisconsin, california, texas, new york!!!
they think they are what their ancestors were, at least here in ireland all those supposedly irish from the US are perceived as very irritating posers.
This is not college, and this was not meant to be a dissertation. It was an opinion article based on my observances as an American who has moved to the EU and traveled the world.
The title gave me the impression that it would be informative, and it was more opinionated. Also, you shouldn't write an opinion piece about what others perceive. Your opinion counts in your article, but, not when you're trying to convince me about how a group of people feel. That requires more info. I hope this makes more sense than my last comment.