Something I realised about America this Holiday

[Spartan448]

While I am always happy to see that people everywhere recognise the fact that my precious New York is doing everything it can to break the steryotype that Jersey, California, Reality TV, the White House, Congress, and the South and Midwest seem to be deadset on confirming, I must say that when I visited England, there was a decided lack of tea........

 

[SausageAssassin]

I thought the same as the op. I was led to believe that new yorkers were all assholes with no patience for others but when i was over there they were some of the nicest people i have ever met. For instance, when i was lost (more then once) a person would come over and ask me if i needed help. That would never happen where i live... NEVER.

 

[Joccaren]

There are bad lots and good lots everywhere. Going to England, everyone there was very friendly and kind, and there was none of that 'We ruled the world so we get god's say' sort of stuff.
Same sort of thing in America. People there were friendly and kind and nice, and there wasn't a ton of arrogance.
Then you head to the other parts of the countries and its a whole different story. Sadly, just like everything, stereotypes of races are based on the minority that are bad. Go anywhere and you'll be surprised. I live in Australia and we do not all have that outback accent, we're not all rough and dry types. Hell, where I live everyone's got some European accent (Unless you go to the Asian parts of the community), it rains 33% of the year, its over 40 Celcius 33% of the year, and its just plain cold 33% of the year and you almost never see a Kangaroo (Though there was one at the bus stop once ). I will admit that the beer drinking culture is strong here though. Everyone says it tastes crap, but they drink it anyway >.>

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

tl;dr at the start - This is unequivocally NOT an America bashing thread. Do read my post to the end.

So I spent my Christmas and New Year away from home (to the tune of a few thousand miles) over with friends in New York State, America. Having never spent any significant amount of time in the US (save for a few days last summer during my holiday predominantly in Canada), all I really had to go off American culture was what I see on the media and more "real" outlets like YouTube (by "real" I mean, less gloss and acting in a professional show, more actual people talking about stuff).

I must confess to doing what many people do and jump on the bandwagon of bashing the US because of it's seeming "world police" reputation, "Christian" fanatic influenced polity making and it's apparent "herp derp I only know stuff about America" population. I guess I was more prone to this than most being a Brit, as we tend to have this completely unjustified and mis-informed "well we conquered everyone in the past and thus have a right to say what we want on anything and have it taken as God's Word" attitude. Trust me, I've seen it, and you have too.

So anyway, my time in America led me to a very weird conclusion based on what I saw, who I met and what I generally did over there.

1. Most of the people I met (just average citizens) hate the fact that their country is seen (and hated for because of) as the "world police". They disliked what their leaders are doing/have done in the past, and literally just want to live in a fair society.

2. I met a lot of Christian people over there. Not the "go to church once a month and i'm good" types (despite the fact that they are prevalent over there), actual Christian people who turned out to be probably the loveliest people I've met in my life. I always thought all Christians over there were the stereotypical judgmental, 2.4 kids, conservative republican, "modern society is waging a war on us" "Christian" types. Instead the people I met with were actually very normal. I'm not saying those I described previously don't exist, it's just an observation based on what I saw.

3. American people are (much like I said in point 2, but this time in general) probably the friendliest and most welcoming people ever. Every family and household I met with my friends I was staying with welcomed me and treat me as if I was one of their own. I'm usually uncomfortable when meeting new people, but this was a different experience altogether. Not only this, but they are all incredibly intelligent on world affairs (again, based on who I met).

So anyway, my conclusion was that, for all it's caveats, I would much sooner live in America than I would in Britain, if not solely due to it's far stronger community sense than you typically get in Britain. Also, the food over there is fantastic, I mean the world needs to take a leaf out of America's book as far as dining out is concerned, especially Britain who are the kings of over charging for stingy portions.

Please don't flame me, it's just my opinions based on what I saw over there. I can safely say I came back with a very different view on US society than I went there with and if I felt it would matter in any way I'd write a letter of apology to the nation for being so ignorant about you all.

Discussion value: Have you ever been to another country where the reality of it was so far removed from the stereotype that it took you aback a little? (I know that almost all stereotypes fall into that bracket, my point is made on the basis of how much the stereotype is untrue).

Thanks for reading!

I agree, we stereotype far too much about America. In fact, people stereotype far too much about people full stop.

However, you, in your own way, are also making conclusions based on incomplete evidence. You spent all your time in New York, one of the most modern, metropolitan, and liberal places in what is a very vast country. People there know that tourists give their city tons of money, so naturally they are going to be nice to you. Go further West or further South and you will find a veeeery different America. I'm not saying you will find a nightmare place where every one you meet is a bible bashing redneck who's packing heat, that would be unfair, but not all of America is like the parts you saw.

Also, you make the same mistake about Britain. Yes, I know exactly the sort of people you are talking about, but they are a vocal minority, existing mainly in the more remote rural areas of Britain which pride themselves in being at least 30 years behind the rest of the country at all times, or on the crummiest estates where nationalism is the only thing people have for them to feel good about.

 

[MaxwellEdison]

New York

"There's your problem."

People from the coasts of the United States, that is the west and north east coasts, live in a completely different culture than people in the central and southern states. I come from California, and the few central states I've visited made me realize we're how sharp the difference is.

I feel like much of the American stereotype was strengthened by the recent actions of the US. The culture that raised people like Bush is pretty much the opposite of the one you found in New York.

Without trying to offend everyone, I sometimes feel like they're still living in the 50's out there.

 

[Syzygy23]

The USA has good, bad, nice, mean, beautiful, ugly, smelly people all over the place, just like the rest of the world.

Sounds like you got lucky and were exposed to people with all the good traits. But don't let that fool you, just because you can't see a tumor doesn't mean it isn't there.

 

[Jegsimmons]

man am i glad to finally see a POSITIVE image of my country from an honest person.
most people here are good, but the media and hollywood thrive on the drama the small population of bad that it is thought to be the norm.
yes we have flaws, but we try to avoid them like everyone else.
Man this is a breath of fresh air, thanks OP.

 

[Jegsimmons]

I think your just basing your judgement on your short experience in a small part of North America and forgeting how the majority of the country does not care what their corporations do in the rest of the world at all. Of course they fell in the "pull our boys out" craze, but the inhumane american sweat shops are still there.

Try to drive through some place like Alabama making it visibly apparent your gay or even worse a transexual and see if you can get through without getting beaten to death.

WHOA WHOA WHOA! dude, i live in Alabama and we have no problem with those people. in fact my neighbor is gay!
just because we dont really approve of gay marriage doesnt mean we think homosexuals or transexuals are devil spawns.

See like how other countries generalize America, Alabama and other southern states get a bad rap because of stupid stereotypes brought on my media like family guy and harold and kumar.
We are respectable modern day citizens that just have conservative values and a deep accent.
no different than any other state.

 

[sh0tgunenclave]

Just a thought, but the california stereotype is more an LA stereotype. The people from norcal (like yours truly) are quite diferent

OT: As has been mentioned above, the coasts are much, much, different from the central or southeast states. I've heard them referred to as the most accepting places on Earth. Just goes to show that stereotypes, while funny, are often not true.

Also:

People there know that tourists give their city tons of money, so naturally they are going to be nice to you.

Have you ever been to New York City? Those people, are not exactly the most courteous people in existence, especially to tourists.

 

[Adellebella]

snip

You have a lovely accent. Of course everyone will be nice to you - we want to listen to you.

Well you picked a damn good state to try out America in. ;D I also like how you're talking good about New York American's. I'm from NYC, and all my friends (I now live in Iowa) expect me to be this self-righteous, fast talking, rude, loud girl. I'm loud and talk a tad quick, but that's it really.

As a person who had the opportunity to live all over America and a bit of Europe...America is okay. The more west you go, the weirder it gets, in my opinion.

 

[Zeckt]

Your right, I'm very sorry about that generalization and am sure there are many accepting people in Alabama. But I'll be honest and say that they should still have equal rights to everybody else there, as we all only live once and everyone deserves a shot at happiness before they die regardless of what the law says. But thats just my opinion.

I would bet a open transexual / gay would have no issues travelling through alabama as long as they don't piss anyone off with any attitude just like anybody else, and I'm sorry.

 

[Zyxx]

The realization that one's stereotypes are wrong (or at least have many exceptions) is a beautiful thing, if sometimes confusing and even painful for some. Now you know first-hand how misleading stereotypes can be - any stereotypes, not just regarding Americans. It's not to say that these generalizations have no value, but we should strive to judge individuals by their own merits and flaws, not by what we think "their sort of person" is like. It's a life lesson that far too many people never receive.

My big grasp of that - and it was a notion I'd realized before, but this is what really drove it home - came when I spent my junior year of college in Japan. There were students going to my school from a LOT of different countries: Japan, of course, but also Sweden, Poland, Russian, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan, China, France, Indonesia, Congo, Mexico, Latvia, the Netherlands, Finland and others I've forgotten. Going to class with them, talking and laughing with them, getting frustrated and cussing the teachers, the kanji and the entire language with them, it opened my eyes to the fact that people are people, no matter where they're from. There are good people, bad people, most people are in between. Sure, we're different in a lot of not-insignificant ways, but we're alike in a lot of significant ones too.

 

[LilithSlave]

There's all sorts of people in a single country. You get weeaboos like me, here, too.

You may not have met them, but there are some pretty horrible Christians in this country, though. Also, some Christians are better at hiding their craziness than others.

 

[Karlaxx]

You sir, looked in all of the right places and found the best. Bravo; I'm glad you enjoyed your stay.

Unfortunately, I haven't really visited another country outside of tourists sites that were mostly Americans and practically don't count, so I can't add to your Discussion Value. However, I expect that every country has just about every kind of person you care to imagine in it; it just matters whether or not you pay attention to them.

Edit: I would like to say that where I am (Columbus, capital of Ohio) is mostly like what you described... as long as we're expecting you. If we aren't, you might as well keep walking, and heaven help you if you interrupt dinner.

 

[The Pinray]

I was born in New Jersey, raised in New York. Gotta say, I absolutely love it there. I'm really glad you enjoyed your stay. I miss it there so much. If you want to see an ass-crack state come to South Carolina (Where I currently stay). It's terrible here. The minute I tell near anyone that I'm not a Christian they look at me like I just grew a third eye. And the racism down here is rampant.

Example: I got in trouble for kicking someone out of the store I work at for blatantly using the "N" word in the most derogatory manner.

Goodness I want to go back to New York. :/ I miss my family.

 

[Yopaz]

You went to a different country and realized that many hate stupid decisions made by their government and that most doesn't fit into the most extreme stereotypes?

Now that's a shocker.

 

[Saltyk]

Well, it is a refreshing change of pace to see someone coming to realize that not all Americans are some strange stereotype they saw on TV. If you can, you should visit some other places, too. And try their local food. America is a huge place and you'll find every place is different in cuisine or dialect, and perhaps politically views, but the people will all be pretty decent as a rule.

You went to New York, where the stereotype from other Americans is that they're "out of touch" with American values, and are surprised they don't meet the stereotypes of Americans?

Huh. Go figure.

I'd rather live in New York than most of America, so that doesn't necessarily reflect on America in general. Though honestly, I'm quite satisfied with Vermont.

Try the Flyover states, the Bible Belt, etc. if you want to see why the stereotype exists.

Hey, I live in the "Bible Belt". Georgia to be exact. Everyone I know would fit the bill the OP just described. You're basing your opinion on people in the so called Bible Belt on a vocal minority. Most people are pretty decent. Even if they do have some opinions you might not agree with.

snip

You have a lovely accent. Of course everyone will be nice to you - we want to listen to you.

Well you picked a damn good state to try out America in. ;D I also like how you're talking good about New York American's. I'm from NYC, and all my friends (I now live in Iowa) expect me to be this self-righteous, fast talking, rude, loud girl. I'm loud and talk a tad quick, but that's it really.

As a person who had the opportunity to live all over America and a bit of Europe...America is okay. The more west you go, the weirder it gets, in my opinion.

So... California is pretty much screwed, eh?

 

[Something Amyss]

Hey, I live in the "Bible Belt". Georgia to be exact. Everyone I know would fit the bill the OP just described. You're basing your opinion on people in the so called Bible Belt on a vocal minority. Most people are pretty decent. Even if they do have some opinions you might not agree with.

Anecdotal evidence really isn't evidence. You seem to be in a statistical minority, and believe me, it has nothing to do with the "opinions you might not agree with" strawman.

 

[Sleepy Sol]

Yeah, I think you went to a place that has fairly sane Americans. In Mississippi (where I live right now), you'd find A LOT of Bible thumpers that are nice people until you tell them that you aren't religious/are gay/etc.

Of course there are still decent people here. You're just more likely to find the gay-bashing, Bible thumping stereotype. Oh, and everyone votes Republican. Or wants to vote Republican because their parents told them to and not because they researched their position.

Example: I got in trouble for kicking someone out of the store I work at for blatantly using the "N" word in the most derogatory manner.

Jesus Christ, really? Even Mississippi isn't that backwards. Or maybe it's just because I live in a more developed part of the state (Gulf Coast area) where there are actual towns and cities.

 

[Trippy Turtle]

My main problem with going to America is the tipping in restaurants and the gun laws. The only American I have met is extremely nice though.