What would a stereotypical American be like from a foreigner's viewpoint

[Toots]

What words would be most likely to come to mind first off. For me as an American pretending to be foreign it would be
Arrogant
Greedy
Ignorant
Dangerous
Loud
Crude
Barbarous
I wish I could think immediately of a few possitive things but they just don't come to mind. Maybe you guys can cheer me up with something better but then again maybe not. :shrug:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. When my husband was 12,

he got to go to Europe (his dad worked for an airline then). He says that running across American tourists embarrassed him because of their behavior.

Some Americans are:
Helpful
Friendly
Tolerant
Idealistic


The next time you see someone who isn't American, try being positive. You may break some stereotypes.

[Sanity Claws]

2. Fat, dressed in a t-shirt

Sorry, but I could not think of anything positive, either.

[Deep N RedLand]

3. Your descriptions beg the question...

...why do you hate America?


:evilgrin:

But to be serious, I can't think of anything positive either.

[emma_jane]

4. 1st post summed up the stereotype..

Stereotype would definately be:
Arrogant
Fat
Rude
Obnoxious
Loud
Stupid
Holier-than-thou
Patronising
etc etc etc.

That said, all Americans I have come to know personally have NOT fitted this stereotype (with one exception), although the loud thing seems to be fairly universal. They have all been in the 8% who own passports though, which probably reduces the likelihood of them being a stereotype.
All have been thoughtful individuals who have an awareness of others, other cultures, political issues etc, but all seemed to have a sense of divided loyaties with regards to their country (love/hate).

Then there is the steroetypical American tourist:
Matching leisure suits
Fanny pack (I think that's what you call them)

hhhmmmmmmmmmm

[newyawker99]

11. Hi emma_jane!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Kali]

5. No not true

Most people in the world know that there are all kinds. My experience is non-americans think we are hardworking, generous, funny, good people. They tend to think (know) that we have a tendency to be ignorant about geography and the rest of the world, that we are a bit arrogant about the US and its strength and influence but they don't hold what our leaders do against us. Most know the difference between politicians and regular people.

Admittedly I haven't been everywhere, but those countries I have been to were always a pleasure, despite my own embarrassment about my so-called leaders.

edit to add - Germans that I know think we eat too much junk food, and that our cofee is awful.

Many Mexicans and probably other peoples tend to think we are all rich, and by many standards that is true.

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. Shame on them then, for catching the virus.

The squeaky wheel will always get the grease. :(

[Liz_Estrada]

7. How about 'uninformed' or 'unmindful of our liberties'

which we're in danger of losing/are losing/have lost? International folks that I talk to are just incredulous about what's happening here.
And though they meet some who fit the negative sterotype, they also report many positive interactions, even here in Indiana. (which opens up a whole new topic--stereotyping Hoosiers, which is a common sport even for those of us who were born here and love the place in spite of everything.)

[Gusto md]

8. Not that I wanted to think of any negatives......

But having been to America twice, and meeting many in my travels throughout Europe, I would have to say over-opinionated, verbose and un-educated.

Sorry....!

But of course I am not saying this to each of you at an individual level, I am referring to the stereotype, which unfortunately is true from my encounters.

But I have meet some fantastic Americans also!!

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[newyawker99]

12. Hi Cocottelle!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Cocottelle]

15. thank you

I have been reading for months.

[XemaSab]

10. Homer Jay Simpson

n/t

[Bridget Burke]

13. Take this test to find out!

Called "Are You An American"--at p45.net, the wonderful Irish site. Stereotypes aplenty & humor as well.

www.p45.net/omatics/american/american.html

While you're there, consult the E-jit's Guide for Tourists (visiting for St Patrick's Day):

www.p45.net/ejitsguides/tourist_advice/tourist_advice.html

Sample advice: "As a gesture to the citizens of Ireland, continuously praise the following great heroes who were instrumental in forging the Irish identity: Cromwell, William of Orange, Queen Mary, etc. Also say what a great man ye think that Ian Paisley is. He's a popular politician in these parts."

[newportdadde]

14. My wife was an exchange student to east Germany back in 96.

She was in a small village which was going through hardtimes, still hadn't recovered from Soviet control. She said that in the big cities like Berlin people were friendly to Americans on the whole.

Her village was pretty small less then 2k people I think they thought Melrose Place = US. My wife is a real girl next door cutie but she said the attitude of the village was pretty harsh. As she walked down the street after she first arrived strangers would actually yell out 'American slut' stuff like that.

As a side note she had an apendix attack while over there and had surgery. She said it was one of the best medical experiences of her life with a very friendly staff who took good care of her.