why is america so STEREOTYPICAL?????

Question

Im sorry but america seems to be extremely stereotypical! I am Indian and anytime India is shown on the news and television you see crowded streets, beggers, snake charmers and cows on the streets...give me a break!!! Most americans know 3 things about India, poverty, gandhi and the taj mahal....pathetic. Even in american movies, they show only negative shades of India. Is the American medias purpose to make American people look at India negatively? When I go to India I see the silicon valley of bangalore and hyderabad...I see malls, restaurants, multiplex cinemas, hotels, beautiful architecture. I see poverty but not nearly as much as the american media shows...why is this?? I dont mean to insult the American people, but when will these stereotypes end?

about India:
India has 380 million middle class
largest film/music industry
Info tech and info systems Hub
developed plastic surgery/decimal system
MOST billionaires in asia
sexy models and actresses!
growing economy!

um...how am i generalizing....I said most...so you are saying most americans know india know the facts i have listed??im right about what i said!

ive seem american media...I KNO what they show when they show india...Im not insulting americans! Most americans dont know anything about india. That is a fact. I said MOST so Im not generalizing! Read what I said before saying im making a generalization. Most americans only kno negative things about india, except it.

Answer 1

America is stereotypical. I 100% agree. The news is all about BAD things that are going on in the world today. I mean if you think about it, nothing good is on the news ecxpet for when twins are born and one is african american and one is white. The news targets the things everyone wants to hear about because they know they will get more views and controversey. And the news and t.v. sometimes streatchs the truth because, maybe they want America to look better and higher-class than most contries. And I am NOT saying that because I think it is, I am saying that because that's what I see. I believe everyone is equal to some extent, but to judge people on what you see on t.v. or the news is pathetic. And I'm not talking about what you're saying. Because you're not pathetic. You are asking a question that means a lot to you. And I am trying to be helpful. I know I'm probably not. But face it, the world has come to a point and time where it wants everyone and everything to act a certain way and believe the same thing. But that will NEVER happen and because it will never happen we get into more controversey and more arguments and more war and then we go home and watch it all on the news. I just think that we need to live our lives and if we are to complain, we should do something about it. Write letters, protest. So on so fourth. Stick up for what you believe in.

:)

Answer 2

Interesting, but no dice. For one thing, this is NOT "stereotyping". I do agree, however, that this practice is unflatering to the people of India, so I apologize on behalf of all Americans.
But, it has nothing to do with India: if you pay attention to our news, our TV shows and movies, etc., they are equally unflattering about the Philippines, China, Japan, Germany, France, England...every place and every people, but most importantly, agains Americans themselves.
The Media (worldwide) is owned and controlled by 5 groups. Unfortunately, "Yellow Journalism" sells. People don't know the truth, don't have the time, the money, nor the energy to learn the truth.
Finally, one question for you: When will India (and the rest of the world) come to realize what Americans are and stop their "stereotypes" of Americans?
I have not found any one in this country who has a clue...People talk about the American culture, which is actually non-existant. Americans bring the cultures of whatever country they hail from. A very small percentage of "Americans" are "Americans"; the majority are foreigners, including people from India.

Answer 3

As far as the media is concerned these stereotypical images of Indians and certain other groups of people are what brings in the bucks even if it does not give the general public the "real deal". Truth and reality are not the goals here. It is entertainment that the public thrives on therefore it is entertainment the people receive. Unfortunately much of our society tend to believe what they hear and see without seeking truth for themselves. Some of this is due to apathy and ignorance but you must not stereotype all Americans because everyone does not accept these displays that you have described. You don't want Americans to look at Indians in a stereotypical manner and Indians must not look at Americans in a stereotypical manner. There are two sides to every story and both groups are made up of individuals with differing viewpoints.

Answer 4

Ahh yess stereotypical... well, everybody to some extent is stereotypical, you too are being stereotypicaly in the way you think of all americans. now don't get our stereotypes mixed up with our stupidity. americans are stupid and uneducated. if we cared less of ourselves and educated ourselves about other cultures and such i think it would definetely change the way things are... by all means, insult us as americans, we make fun of stupid stereotypes that are created due to ignorance of the world.. we are all so caught up in our own american lifestyles and we care little of others.. all we care of is what type of pleasure we can get from stupid jokes (and stereotypeds) we make of other groups of people and nationalities which we (wrongly) beleive are inferior to us(this is sub-conscious, don't think american's are trying to be stupid, they are simply unaware of how the rest of the world percieves them).. i am sure that when i went to visit my family in the philippines there were many locals that probably didn't think to highly of me... oh well, on the other hand, don't let what america thinks control you, its just a bunch of peoples thoughts, a thought is a thought, it is harmless and all we can do is lovingly and kindly guide and correct and not get too caught up in it.... and bye the way, thankyou for those interesting facts that you shared, i certainly learned something new today! (with all due respect, its not everyday somebody like you will say something like that to me *unfortunately*).

--also, be careful about saying that you're right because americans will say theyre right, do you see what's happening? two separate groups taht both think they are right... nothing can become accomplished,... i also noted a previous response taht said 'it isn't americas fault'... taht is because everytime somebody like the asker of this question comes around, we as americans, full of pride, never want to take in account what this person has said... doubt yourself and try to assume the other person is right, try to understand their side, there may be more to it than you thinkg(this goes for everybody in the world)



ps I am sorry if i came across harsh here, i am an american but instead of people looking for what's wrong in what i say, try to correct and build off of it, i did not say these things because i hate americans, but because of my love for the human race and the destiny of all of us... God bless (if you so chose...)

Answer 5

Everywhere in the world, people have images that prevail about other countries. Mostly the images we see are because of what we expect to see of India, or a number of other countries. It is not unique to India, but most americans would not belive that images of Modern India are actually India.

Answer 6

that is a very stereotyped answer.

take a little time to rethink your perspective, which is a fairly narrow-minded one at present.

I'd hazard a guess that the typical American is no less well-informed regarding the typical Indian than the inverse of a typical Indian regarding typical Americans.

Do you really think that Indian media present a MORE balanced view of America? Have you watched Indian television?

Answer 7

Every country has stereotypes of other countries. India has negative stereotypes of Pakistan. Most people have a stereotpe for the "ugly American". In fact, by saying what you are saying about "America" you are making a stereotype.

Answer 8

I've been trying to figure that out for years. Have you also noticed that every time they show Africa they show poverty, and they show Mexicans running across the border. The truth is stereotypes sell. People want to believe the worse about someone sad but true.

Answer 9

I think the media focuses more on negative things than positive things in general. The news programs are the perfect example of what I mean. (with the exception of the results of sporting events)

Answer 10

Blame the media and the movies. Don't blame Americans. Most people believe everything they see on TV & movies or what they read about in tabloids. Don't get mad thought, most foreign countries are stereotypical towards us as well. We are not all fat and unhealthy.