Sometimes, I feel Americans don't think too much about how we are viewed by others. It is hard to name off bad traits about one's own country because in reality, who wants to do that?
I asked ten Europeans what they thought about Americans, to see if everyone really thought the stereotypes that are made about American people were true.
So in asking, "what do you think of Americans," these are the responses I got...
1. "Well, I was just curious, how many credit cards do you have...?" - Germany
A lot of European people think that our view of money and its importance is odd. I have noticed since being here, people do not work nearly the hours most people do in the U.S., money is not their only motive.
People here are not as concerned with what seems to be the American ideal of working harder, having more money and financial security and being able to purchase more materialistic goods.
2. "You guys have bigger appetizers than some of our meals." - Belgium
It's true, since being in Europe, I have not seen a to-go box, or have ever left a meal feeling so full that I need a nap. We could truly learn a thing or two from the portion control in Europe.
3. "Americans are way too loud." - Spain
I never thought about how loud Americans are, mainly because it is so normal to me. After getting used to speaking with my roommates who are all from Europe, and then meeting up with a group of Americans, I see how loud we all talk together and how many glares we get from across a restaurant.
4. "You all have the worst vocabulary I have ever heard." - Italy
I don't even have an argument for this one, people who speak English as their 3rd language truly have better vocab than most of us.
5. "You all smile way too much and get hurt when people don't reciprocate it." - Spain
It took me a few weeks to not get butthurt when people here don't smile upon eye contact but it isn't rude, but in America, a smile is almost just a polite gesture that means virtually nothing.
To sum it up, yes. People think these stereotypes are true.
They really do live under the assumption of so many stereotypes about us. It's not that they dislike Americans at all; they think we are all friendly and funny (not always in a good way, but hey I'll take it).
