Why when "Americans" see someone who speak Spanish assume that are Mexicans?

Question

I mean c'mon there are other countries that speak Spanish, in South America, Central America, and Spain which is in Europe
why dont they ask? if stead of assuming

Answer 1

because many americans are racist, ignorant, and largely incapable of looking very far past their borders.

Answer 2

Of course there's many Spanish-speaking countries, but I think a lot of people here assume they're Mexican because it's closest to our country and a lot of hispanic immigrants in this country are Mexican, so the odds are great that they could be Mexican. But that also depends on what part of the country it is. If it's southern CA or Texas the majority of hispanics there are Mexican. But if it's Florida, the majority of immigrants there are Cuban. But if you meet someone, you should ask them first.

Answer 3

Because the vast majority of Spanish-speaking people that we come across ARE Mexican. We share a rather long border with Mexico, in case you didn't notice. Why do people assume people that speak French are from France and not from Belgium? It just happens based on experience.

Answer 4

Can't tell. If some people make the assumption then it is probably because the majority are Mexican. Law of probability. Quite frankly anybody who doesn't speak Spanish is screwed. If you call a Mexican person Hispanic they get offended and want to be called Mexican. If you call a Hispanic person Mexican and they aren't they are offended. Some have demanded to be called Latino while others demand to be called Hispanic. What is it that you want people to say?

Answer 5

Because americans had all along their life seen Mexico as their neighbouring country assume that everyone who speaks spanish is mexican. I had a friend who is from spain felt very odd when anyone assumed him to be mexican, eventhough its not bad to be Mexican. God created all of us equal.

Answer 6

This is a really bad question. First of all you stereotype Americans while bitching about them stereotyping Spanish speaking persons as all Mexican. Get a grip - you are doing exactly what you dislike about Americans.

Answer 7

I guess thats true in most cases, but where i live, we can usually tell who is a mexican is by looking at that. But everybody assumes. Thats just like how how ppl assume all aisians are chinese. Thats just how the world is...All i can say is, they'll never know unless u inform them.

Answer 8

Depends where you live but if you are from california you will be looked at as mexican because the majority of latinos are mexicans,the first guy who answered is stup*d

Answer 9

Because people are ignorant and this is why they assume everyone is Mexican or speaking Mexican

Answer 10

Further, there are Americans who can speak Spanish. We are also assumed to be "illegal."

Answer 11

One word: Stereotyping