Why do most Americans think that countries outside of the U.S comprise of one single race of people?

Question

Most Americans seem to have skewed interpretations of the world. Most of them think that people who live in other countries of the world are of one distinct race, when in fact this is entirely untrue. I am from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago (located in the Caribbean), but I am of East Indian and Chinese mixed race. Trinidad and Tobago are diverse islands and have people of all races and mixes (East Indian, Chinese, African, Caucasian, etc). Whenever I talk to someone here in the United States, they would categorize me into the country which they think I belong. They mostly think I'm from an eastern country like India, or the Singapore. They are mostly always surprised that I am from a Caribbean island, because they think that most Caribbean people are of one race or black. :-(

I would like the people of the United States to become more aware of the history and diversity of all countries of this world. There is rarely a country in this world that is completely of one homogeneous race. There are East Indian raced people born and raised and living in different countries, including the Caribbean, England, Africa, Middle East, South America, and more! And many different raced people (such as whites) live in India, China, and other eastern nations. The same goes for all other nations!

It is very sad to know that Americans can be so educated and diverse, yet be so ignorant about the rest of the world. It's time for a wake up call. I really hope that things change with time, because to hold such categorical and stereotypical views about another nation is quite depressing and hurtful.

So, why do you think Americans hold such stereotypes and interpretations? And do you have any suggestions as to what could be done to reduce these stereotypes? Thanks for your input.

The reason for me writing this post is in reaction and agreement to another fellow yahoo member's post, as his question related to the issues I am experiencing. Here is his post http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmKp_UlQfvjxasnqUVU3WaLsy6IX?qid=20070408125148AAZWXKc&show=7#profile-info-unszyfyoaa I don't mean to make any American feel bad, but rather, by expressing my experiences, I hope more people could become aware of these issues (not just here in the U.S, but in other parts of the world), and hopefully we all can learn how to better deal with arising situations like these. Thank you to anyone who has given me a fair chance, and not come down too harsh on me. I appreciate all of your responses. :-)

I would also like to add that I have quite a few friends who have also experienced similar stereotypes. For example, I have a friend who is from South Africa, but he is of Caucasian decent, and also receives comments stating that they do not believe he is from South Africa because of his race, and so on. I can state many other examples, but I just want to give you all the idea that it isn't just me who experiences these stereotypes here. Thanks again for your posts! :-)

Answer 1

I think what you are dealing with is called "distance decay" or something like that. What it is is basically this: cultures can distinguish people, accents, and ethnicities in immediate proximity of where you are but beyond that people blur into a much more generalized category. Such is the way nations see each other. By the majority look.

In Asia for example, they can distinguish a Korean from a Japanese or a Thai but other countries far from there blur into some strange monolithic mass. Indians Banglasheshis and Sri Lankans are all one. Iranians and Arabs are all one. A blond Arab of whom there are quite a few is not seen as an Arab.

Western people are called Gaijin in Japan and Farang in Thailand. All one race and one nationality. Speaking one language- English.

The way Asians see America is a mass of blond haired blue eyed people with names like John Smith. And no amount of persuasion can change their minds. When they look for teachers from America to teach there, the students, the parents and the bosses want "real" Americans- John Smiths and Jane Browns. No blacks, no Hispanics, and no Asians- these are not Americans at all. Not to them.

Most countries are guilty of that. How many Americans got called "Yankees" in the Carribean or other parts of the non US Americas? Why can't the Carribeans get the fact that Yankees are British descended people from New England, not people from Texas or Alabama. These fought the Yankees. How come you do not study history as well?

American ignorance is in the limelight because many people travel there and many Americans travel overseas, plus the US Internet and US TV is seen by most people. However, if you look at the ignorance of other nations, they are just as ignorant and as parochial.

A Canadian lady I knew went to Mexico.They kept calling her Amerikana. When she said she was a Canadian, the answer was " Well, it's the same thing".

Answer 2

Only one race on this planet and it is the HUMAN RACE.
The United States of America consists of multiple "races" from just about every country on this planet. A true American is a NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN everyone else is a descendant from an immigrant from another country.

Have you ever watched the news or read a paper from another country? Try it. You will sadly realize that all countries have a group or two that stereotype, discriminate, and even murder because of ignorance and FEAR.

You created a stereotype : Americans are ignorant about the rest of the world... Americans stereotype and have interpretations."

What does this make you?
My suggestion to you :
Think before you write down an accusation that you cannot prove or defend .

Answer 3

I think that it is very sad that you actually believe the bull that you're saying.

Trinidad and Tobago. I'm sorry if I actually thought that you were an islander from there, and hence a local. I should have known that you were Chinese and whatever else you claimed to be.

To the rest of the world, you're from Trinidad and Tobago. You're from that area. No one cares what your heritage is. If you want to be noticed as something else, that's your own deal. A lot of people who live in the Carribean, or even like your homeland, who are close to Venezuela, are from lots of different areas of the world.

I'm sorry that you don't feel that you're properly represented in regards to your heritage, and all Americans (all 300 million of them) believe that you're black or Latino because of where you come from.

I don't think anyone cares though. When most feel that all Americans look a certain way, I'll be sure to notify some of the Chinatowns in the U.S., and tell them that they're not being thought of by foreigners. I'm sure they'll really care.

Answer 4

Media, like TV. movies and songs limit cultural exposure.
Fortunately there is satellite television with many educational and travel channels. There is talk radio .
Parents can insist on a geography curriculum and check on what the social science teachers are teaching.
Each foreign person must be an ambassador for their country of origin.
Plan to ask the local elementary or high school if you may entertain the school children with a social talk, most schools will welcome the free offer. come prepared with objects and photos of people, animals or buildings, music CDs, costumes or any symbol. Add a smile and ...educate.
Another way to enlarge the public scope is to use the internet, let people know where to find information about your country, one small step at a time.

Answer 5

I work in a country where a lot of expats from all over the world converge.

True i have not met every American in the world, so a sweeping generalization this statement will be.

BUT

they all seemed to think i shared the same passion for bloody ice hockey. even after stating " er no i dont like ice hockey , never played it, never watched it. actually dont really give a sh*t about it" they still proceed to tell me every detail of the last game they watched down to the final quarter.

FOOTBALL is the most popular sport in the WORLD. just remember that please.

Answer 6

now im starting to think everybody who doesnt live in america hates them.I cant count the number of times I've seen or heard something anti-american.I'm latino american & I think that's kinda racist."why do you think Americans hold such stereotypes and interpretations"thats actually very stereotypical.You're saying americans in general.Lots of people HATE our president.I personally think the votes were rigged cause everybody wants to impeach him.You're very "concerner" about the our education but many americans know a lot about the world.If only people couldn't be so anti-american.

Answer 7

yes me too i am from port of spain trinidad. Anyway, I have asked questions like this time and time again. People are just stupid..there is no sense in trying to rationalize minds on here. its YAHOO ANSWERS..how intelligent does it get?

Furthermore, dont stress yourself with this. People tell me i look like im from Sri Lanka, then some people think im Dominican, some people think im puerto rican, some people call me jamaican from my accent so on and so forth..

ever heard the phrase, "f*ck em"?

Well there you have it...

Answer 8

Here's an even bigger puzzle for ya... Why do SOME people think they know what MOST Americans think?

Because, when I see that ONE person claims to know what MOST people think... I find it discredits the rest of whatever it is that person is about to rant on and on and on about...

**EDIT** If you want to be taken seriously, don't judge the MANY by what you have observed in the FEW.

Answer 9

Since the USA had won all the recent wars around the world they now own it lock stock and barrel. Winners take all I guess.

Answer 10

media
when i went to the states i was shocked at the news coverage
it was very localisewd
and every thing was centred around the state
international coverage had very little air time
may be thats why