What is America like?

Question

I am going there this summer and I've heard alot of sterotypes like Americans are stupid and blah blah blah. Are any of them true?

Answer 1

only some are stupid.... like master s. i here a lot of crap about the brits but i know better than to fall for that. im american and im NOT stupid. neither are my friends and family. but yes..... america is full of a lot of dim wits. knowing what part of the us your heading to would be helpful though.... as well as what you like.

Answer 2

Ive only been to the deep south and found that if you get out into the country the people are really friendly and very very polite. I was surprised when I almost bumped into a young man in the street one day, he stepped aside and said " excuse me sir ", not something you would expect in the U K. So yes, Americans are friendly and no, they are not stupid. They love to hear a English accent and want to talk to you. I think you will have a great time. Enjoy the country and its people. Hope you come back to this forum and let us know how you got on.
For an example of what Americans are like, look at the answer posted by Victory.

Answer 3

Hi, sweetie!

I'm American, but spent many, many years living outside the country, so I guess I have a different perspective on America than some of my neighbors. Here's my report:

Everyone feels free to speak to anyone. Any time.

We drive too fast, particularly on the freeways (Interstates).

We eat far too much, but the food's really tasty... and inexpensive.

Every place is at LEAST an hour's drive from every other place.

Jeans or other informal wear seem to be the national dress code.

If you're in trouble, most anyone would willingly help you out.

We are sucker for a British accent; and yet, we can't tell an Oxford accent from a Yorkshire accent from a Welsh accent. Really.

Remember that there are bad people everywhere, and that a little common sense will be your best guide.

I wish you a safe and rewarding trip!


P.S. If you are coming to the Atlanta, GA., area, come to my place for dinner. I'll make us a meatloaf.

Answer 4

No, all of us "Yanks" are NOT stupid. We are home to a very wide range of people--personality/intelligence-wise--just like any other place. Hopefully you can get around the country to see how the people are from place to place: New York, Florida, the Midwest (where education standards are the highest-FYI), the South, the Rocky Mountains (some of the most beautiful mountains in the world!!), the Northwest--even California. No, not every person you encounter will accurately represent what we may stand for, but regardless of nationality--general kindness is what is important. The general labelling of our country as "stupid" without taking the time to consider/experience what we are about, makes those who label us just as ignorant.

Answer 5

I went for a month with my family and America is great.The Americans are not stupid but really friendly. On my first day I had people coming up to me asking if I came from england because the way I talked and they helped me find things in the shop which they didnt have to do. I have to amight that it is true that most americans are over weight and the food is mostly fatty food. Dont listen to people saying nasty things about them because I've seen first hand how nice they are and so would you when you go over in the summer. Good Luck!

Answer 6

America is great. But you will find different things in different places.

There is, for example, the Bible Belt, which is a multitude of states in the south east corner of the country where religion is big, racism still lingers in a little higher degrees than in the rest of the country, and where traditional values hold stronger than everywhere else. You will find people speaking differently (the thick souther accent that people know). And you will enjoy great coastal areas.

In the west you will probably find the most liberal members of America. California, particularly, is where many major trends occurred: gay liberation, women's movement, civil rights movement, surfing. =)
It's a great area to visit because of the Pacific ocean being next to it. It stretches all the way to Seattle, where unfortunately you will run across many many young people in small communities being affected by methamphetamines, which has taken up as the drug of choice. Many other drugs abound, so be careful. Drugs, gangs, porn studios, these live in the west more than any other place in the nation. So you should be mindful of that.

The Great Midwest is located in the northern center part of the U.S. Here you will find many traditional families, pretty much in the spirit of the Bible Belt, but these will be more liberated in their values and traditions. Part of it comes from the more liberal ideology found in Canada, which trickled down into Minnesota and Michigan. Look for the "Friendly Northerner." It's a mantra they live by every day.

As for the East, from the mid-easter shore to the top north East side, you will find more Pioneering Individualism. All these states were once part of the 13 colonies where the country began to grow, so a lot of culture is built in within them. But they have New York, the art capital of the world, so a lot of popular culture elements will shape the landscape. Expect higher costs on nearly everything (hotel, food, etc), but you will certainly get more diversity in the population, as well as deeply seated grassroots beliefs. They're awesome.

But of course, these are the most rough generalizations possible. Every individual is different and you will have to judge for yourself. But generally, American television or American stereotypes are mystified and exaggerated. While there are a lot of psychotic lunatics who believe they own the world, the large majority of Americans are really simple people who just want to have a decent life, be a little entertained from time to time, have the desire to work hard and do something that nurtures their mind and spirit, and who believe that being positive ultimately pays off.

Don't be afraid to ask for help with anything. Americas are great helpers.

Answer 7

America - well, America is very different in different places (ex. desert, snowy, hot, cold, freezing, warm, etc), you have to remember that sterotypes are just what somebody makes up. Some Americans' must be stupid, but others are very intelligent, or some people are in between. it depends.

I wouldn't say that Americans are stupid because:
1. it would be 100% true,
2. people would be offened

If you go to the USA in the summer, it might seem like another world- espcialy New York, you can go so many places, and the USA isn't JUST the statue of liberty, and fat people, that stuff

open. mind.

Answer 8

We have a great sense of humor, we go too fast, and eat too much, we defer to youth and beauty and just like everybody else we are drawn to positive, well-adjusted people. We have the highest safety standards in the world and if I were to suddenly get sick or have an accident I’d rather it be here than anywhere else. It’s also the best place for women to be employed.

We admire intelligence and success gained from hard work, and look at those born to wealth with suspicion. On the other hand we love free money and buying things we don’t need. We are proud of our history and sensitive about it being misinterpreted.

We have our slums, our poor, racism, government corruption, and scandals like any other country. We love our cars, beer, pizza and sports--not especially in that order. Our country leads the world in technology and in charity, most of us believe in God and I thank Him at least once a week that I live here.

Anybody who can contribute to the good of our nation is welcome to live here, it is the immigrant who perpetuates our ideals, and defines our liberties.

Answer 9

From my own experience they are the nicest people I have coem across. While in America I met so many different people and they all wanted to say hi, and if they hear your accent they want to know more about you and your country. I get the feeling many really value their family and home life, a lot more than we do. And, teh ones I met seemed so content whatever they are doing. I came acros street cleaners and toilet attendants who were so happy in themselves and so polite. In teh UK people doing the same jobs come across as annoyed and bored and really hatign what they do. In America they all seemed to like what they were doing no matter what it was. I think manybe it is that the quality of life is better over there, it rubs off on the people.

Answer 10

Alot of te sterotypes are true for some people, but sertain spots you'll find a really nice croud...I've never been to the united states, but that's how it is in canada anyways

Answer 11

America is a very large country with people ranging from the brilliant to not-so-brilliant. Depends where you go and what you do.

You are free to visit America or go to the tourist meccas such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, and that wonderful country of sociopaths... France.