European Perceptions About Americans and Why They Have Them

European Perceptions About Americans and Why They Have Them

June 05, 2007 by
DrDevience  
DrDevience
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Having recently addressed misconceptions that Americans have about Sweden, I figured I should turn that around and address some of the wrong ideas that people over here have about the US. Propaganda goes two ways, but mostly it is American TV and
movies that are to blame for these views that people around the EU have about Americans. Mostly, you did this yourselves...

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.

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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!
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Posted on 07/17/2008 at 3:07:14 AM

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
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Posted on 03/01/2008 at 3:03:32 AM

I was joking about the Pulitzer Prize!
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Posted on 03/01/2008 at 3:03:36 AM

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
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Posted on 03/01/2008 at 3:03:07 AM

High-five Jenny!
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Posted on 07/12/2007 at 3:07:00 AM

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.
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Posted on 07/12/2007 at 3:07:00 AM

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.
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Posted on 07/06/2007 at 6:07:00 PM

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.
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Posted on 06/23/2007 at 12:06:00 AM

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.
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Posted on 06/22/2007 at 5:06:00 PM

It would have helped to put your statistical info in the article. See what I mean? And mention more countries. When I said I got more opinion than anything else, I was referring to the lack of substance to this article.
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Posted on 06/22/2007 at 5:06:00 PM

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