Stereotype 10: Stereotypes of looking at the world

 Stereotypes of looking at the world

The reserved British, the cocky Americans, the hardworking Japanese, these are all stereotypes of people in various countries. Most importantly, the differences in average personalities between countries are different from the stereotypes we hold. While we would agree on the typical personality types of countries, including our own, research shows that our assumptions are usually far from the reality. You've all heard these words when traveling: "Oh you're from this country? Well, you must be so and so!" There are some stereotypes that are indeed true, however most of them are just rumors that are passed around and become an unfounded rumor. Stereotypes about nine countries around the world were studied, including some that locals are tired of hearing.

The stereotype of Canada is that it's cold all year round, and yes, as in Figure 10-1, the belief is that Canadians live in igloos all the time. According to The Guardian, the average daily temperature in Canada is -5.6 °C (22 °F), but that doesn't tell us much because temperatures still vary widely from region to region and month to month. In the summer, it is also common for the weather to exceed 30 °C (86°F) in some parts of Canada. So disproving the rumor that Canadians live in igloos to keep warm, over time people get the stereotype of Canada as such.

(10-1)

Many people have the stereotype of Americans as being full of patriotism, as in Figure 10-2, and carrying the image of the flag with them everywhere they go. However, are all Americans proud of their country? One could argue yes and no. Most Americans are not blindly patriotic, but they do take pride in their respect for the flag and the Constitution and certain traditions.

(10-2)

The stereotype of Britain is all about dark cuisine, and the point about British food being terrible is a really deep stereotype. Maybe it used to be, but it definitely isn't now. Leaving aside the fact that many of the world's top chefs are from the UK (Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey, etc.), British food is very diverse, as shown in Figure 10-3, and some even say that Indian food in the UK is more authentic than what you'd get in India!

(10-3)

The stereotype of France is that French waiters are rude. Parisians don't have that good a reputation and waiters are a big part of the reason for this. Even the former French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius said that the French are not that friendly. Is that really true? Compared to Americans, the French are not as talkative and lively, as shown in Figure 10-4, but they are not "rude" either. This has to do with personal feelings and cultural background.

(10-4)

People think that Italians are ahead of the trend. Are there any Italians in the world who are poorly dressed? Some people think no. Some Italians agree, saying that this sense of fashion is "genetic" - it doesn't mean that they wear designer tailored clothes every day, but that, as in Figure 10-5, they are familiar with their own style and thus know what they are comfortable wearing. .

(10-5)

Australia's animals are dangerous. If you're planning a trip to Australia, be careful - the animals there are dangerous! Indeed, some of the world's most dangerous animals live in Australia, but it can also be dangerous to be bitten by a bee or to cross a road and encounter a snake, as in Figure 10-6.

(10-6)

The stereotype that Russians love vodka is to blame for Hollywood movies. But is there any truth to this? Actually, there is. Most Russian households are said to stock vodka and, as in Figure 10-7, it's also often the party drink of choice. Some people say that Russians will feel offended if you refuse to drink vodka--not really, but they might be surprised!

(10-7)

The stereotype that all Chinese are dirt poor is a relatively late one, as more and more Chinese investors are choosing to do business in the US as well as Canada. So is there any basis for this statement? Actually, no. Of course, it is undeniable that there are many Chinese who are rich, but otherwise most Chinese are not richer than people from other countries - and there is a huge difference between rich and poor in China, meaning that there is a large proportion of Chinese who are very poor.

The Swiss carry a Swiss Army knife with them when they travel, and since it's called a Swiss Army knife, there's always a reason, right? According to the Swiss website The Local, this stereotype is not entirely unfounded, as the Swiss like to be prepared - perhaps even a little over-prepared - for any unexpected situations that may arise during their travels. However, since Swiss Army knives are no longer allowed on airplanes, the Swiss have no choice but to leave them at home, just like everyone else.

Reference.

Lippmann, Public Opinion [M], Huaxia Publishing House, 1989

Cheng Man-Li, Mass Media and National Image Building [J], International Journalism, 2007