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‘Are you by chance an American?’ is a phrase often used online to refer to someone who lacks awareness or is oblivious to the obvious. It stems from the stereotype that people from the US aren’t as knowledgeable as those in other parts of the world. It’s hard to say how this generalization came to be, but it sure can sometimes make even Americans themselves chuckle.
The truth is that we all do silly things, so why not just laugh about them together? That’s exactly why our Bored Panda team put together a list of instances when common sense just slipped Americans' minds. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget that it's all in good fun!
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
“There Has Never Been Another Nation That Has Existed Much Beyond 250 Years”
#3
Native Americans Aren't Native?
It’s clear from this list that the lack of awareness among Americans is hard to miss online. But where they really shine is when they travel, and even Kim Davis, TV presenter and journalist at CNN, can’t deny it.
“It’s a hard pill to swallow, but sadly, we’ve gained a reputation around the world for being, well, ‘stupid Americans.’ Is it offensive? Yes. Could we get upset about it? Sure. But with tens of millions of Americans traveling abroad every year, the likelihood is that you’ll encounter us wherever you are in the world. Therefore, our reputation is completely understandable,” she admitted in one of her travel articles.
#4
Non Us Flag In Username Yet Still Assumed To Be American
#5
As A German. What Is Snow?
#6
Celebrating A Foreign Holiday Is A Requirement
“The reality is, we ALL do ‘stupid’ things, especially when we are in foreign places and we don’t know the local customs, cultures or surroundings. No one is immune from this humiliation, not even genius scholars,’ she continued.
“However, smart travelers know that doing “stupid” things abroad can not only be disrespectful and embarrassing, but it can put you at risk of being arrested, hurt or the victim of crime,” Davis warned.
#7
Online Was Invented In The U.s
#8
Mike Has No Problems Paying Thousands A Year Just To Feel Superior. I'm Pretty Sure That's A Sign Of Mental Illness
#9
Ok Racist
That’s why, instead of finding the labels offensive or upsetting, she chooses to focus on how she can become a smart traveler. And after more than 20 years of exploring, she believes she has cracked it and decided to share her best tips on how to become a ‘smart American abroad.’ Her first recommendation is to read social cues.
#10
We Have Trees Older Than Europe Itself
#11
Am I Missing Something?
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
To be generous, you know this guy ha s nearly had a stroke while ranting about birthright citizenship.
#12
Something Good Happens, Must Be Us
According to her, people in most countries are polite and won’t ever say to others what they’re doing is offensive or socially unacceptable, which makes it hard for tell-me-like-it-is Americans to catch on to social cues.
So she recommends trying to notice if people they come into contact with are genuinely interested, like asking a lot of follow-up questions, making eye contact, building on their stories, asking to join in, etc., or are they just being polite? “If your Spidey sense starts to tingle, it’s probably time to change the subject or move on to a new activity,” Davis advised.
#13
I Bet Those People Keep Asking Themself "Why The Language Is Called "English" And Not "United Statesish"?"
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
I speak American English, and once in a while I say "pesos" or "rubles".
#14
Is This Serious?
#15
“North America Law Is Law Across The World”
Colleen Glim 1 month ago
The orange one is only the president in the US. He is NOT the president of North America and never will be
Her next tip is to keep the volume down. “It is very true that most Americans have a wonderful zest for life. We don’t think twice about gabbing away with friends (or strangers) on public transportation or laughing whole-heartedly at the dinner table. That’s just our way of being friendly. However, in many places around the world, speaking loudly is considered extremely rude and highly uncommon. [...] When I’m traveling abroad, I’m always careful to keep it to, what feels like, a quiet whisper.”
#16
That's The Language 570 Million People Speak In Latin America
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
Latine non loquor. Fun fact, the modern Romance languages are far more similar to each other, than any of them are to Classical Latin.
#17
Americans Are Master Orators As We Know
Norm Gilmore 1 month ago
Ha. I posted David Mitchells rant about "could care less" only a couple of weeks back. Well worth a revisit... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7O0MFkmpw&t=74s
#18
Oh My God, It Literally Says “Australia” On The Currency
Another recommendation she has is trying to blend in— but not for the reasons you might think of! “Normally, I’m all for originality and standing out in a crowd. However, when you’re traveling abroad, even to a place you know well, standing out is like wearing a flashing sign that says, ‘I’m a tourist, come take advantage of me!’”
Pickpockets or someone else with malicious intent can spot someone who isn’t a local from a mile away, that’s why it’s better to blend in with the locals. “Not only will it make you a smart American, it’ll also make you a safer American,” she said.
#19
American Education System Be Like
Colleen Glim 1 month ago
I’m starting to feel like my brain is melting. Goodnight folks. That’s enough internet for me
#20
I Am Confused Is There A Rome In Italy?
#21
Black South Africans Are African American Now
When abroad, she additionally advises being curious and asking questions instead of telling how things are done back home. Davis also suggests doing homework beforehand to avoid getting ripped off or taken advantage of. “Know the local scams and know how to reject people who approach you with their games. Stranger danger is real.” For this, reading the local news can be very helpful.
#22
On A Post About The Cleopatra Show
#23
Turns Out She Was Spanish, Not White
Pittsburgh rare 1 month ago
If being Spanish makes me non white, with all the implications that has in America, I'll take it.
#24
I Honestly Don't Know How To Respond To That Level Of Stupid
Lastly, she recommends learning the basics of the language, which includes words like ‘Hello,’ ‘Goodbye,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘Please,’ ‘I don’t speak …,’ and ‘Where is…?’
“Even if you butcher the words, most people deeply appreciate it when you at least try to speak the local language. It shows respect that you made the effort, and you’ll be surprised at how many doors it can unlock for you.”
#25
Speaks With An Ireland Accent
#26
I Don′t Even Know Where To Start With This One
#27
American Women Don't Have Armpit Hair
#28
Wait Until They Learn How British People Spell "Color"
#29
We Would Just Take You Anyway
#30
"We Rank Higher Than Most Countries In Food Health And Safety"
#31
10km Is Me Just Going For A Walk Around Town
#32
Most History Is American History Apparently
For context this was on a post about Yuri Gagarin and why he isn’t as well known as the Kardashians.
#33
What Kind Of Welcome Was He Expecting?
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
Yeah, I don't really understand this stuff at all. Why would they care? Almost everybody there has Polish heritage, you're literally in Poland, and a lot more even than you do. Plus, they speak Polish, and have Polish citizenship. If I walked around saying I was Ethiopian because 50 thousand generations ago my ancestors migrated out of the Omo Valley, people would call me crazy.
#34
Americans Really Do Think That Everything Is About Them
#35
Oh. Oh Wowwww
#36
I Guess Even 2l Is Bigger In America Than The 2l Of Everywhere Else
#37
Please Tell Me This Is A Joke, Right?
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
This was obviously a joke. That said, all three of my kids were born in the US. My first language is Portuguese, and one day I was speaking with my mother, in my native tongue. My son (maybe 7 at the time) asked me why I can't just speak in a "human" language. I've never let him live that down.
#38
It's For People Like This, That The Rest Of The World Thinks Americans Are Stupid
Pittsburgh rare 1 month ago (edited)
The edit is hilarious 😂😂 l'm not going to click on, but l can imagine the epic burn
#39
"Military Time"
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
It's not military time, it's just a 24 hour clock. And for me it's much easier as I have to schedule meetings in multiple timezones from East Asia to North America.
#40
Don't Use A Spanish Word Because Of Us Race Issues?
Pittsburgh rare 1 month ago
I'm going to start referring to negro as "absence of colour" so as not to offend our sensitive American friends 🤣
#41
"You Can Pay With Them Anywhere In Europe, Unlike Euro's"
#42
"Why All The Comunists City All Looks The Same ?"
#43
Their Whole Account Is About "Cultural Shock For An American Living In Amsterdam"
#44
No Respect For Cars
#45
Europe Isn't Very Big
Italian-Swiss Panda 1 month ago
Thank you, BP, this thread is my favourite, I couldn't have wished for more for to read over my morning coffee!
#46
They Were Walking Through London
#47
If This Is The Case, Shouldn't We Call Portuguese Brazilian, Or Call Spanish Mexican Too?
#48
“I Think All Of Europe Would Fit In The State Of Texas”
TotallyNOTAFox 1 month ago
I really wish I could see their face if they ever find out that Europe is actually bigger than the US....
#49
God Bless The Internet
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
Luxembourg, Peru, Czech Republic, Togo, Benin, Egypt, Chile, Puerto Rico (sort-of), Greece, Morocco, Belgium, Cyprus, Turkey, Belize, Fiji, Brunei, and now I'm bored of this.
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Agat 1 month ago (edited)
You know, all the "not all Americans" aside, I'm really tired of the mismatch between what I hear here - and want to believe ("We're really not like that, we're okay"), and the people from US I work with every day. They treat us exactly like this - with contempt and a feeling of superiority so strong you could think they are literally hovering above us. So I have a huge problem that I don't know what to do with because my colleagues from the States are really insufferable. It's tiring to be treated like shît just because you're from a different country. ETA: yep, let the downvoting begin just because I have a problem with being treated like shît by US citizens at work. Yeah, I definitely deserve that 🤦♀️
Skogsrået 1 month ago
I understand you, most Americans don't understand that they have become that weird and awkward kid in class that eats sand and worms to get acceptance and a laugh from the rest of the class. The Swedish part of me feels sorry for them but the Chilean part of me feels joy and satisfaction that they are finally getting struck by karma for all the shıt they caused in Chile and other South American countries. Downvote all you want, alot of people around the world feel like this about the USA.
Load More Replies...
Miki 1 month ago
We believe you. No worry. it still funny to make fun of the muricacentric ones.
Load More Replies... Boris Long-Johnson 1 month ago (edited)
Whilst it doesn’t drive clicks I do wonder if a lot of these are stupid people doing stupid people things in America rather than really an American issue. Just look at the fuckwhittery in the UK at the moment. America has a big population and a disproportionate influence and idiots have a wider reach than ever before thanks to the internet.
zovjraar me 1 month ago
as an american, i can assure you.... most of the people in this country really are that dumb. just look at who got elected President.
Load More Replies...
Agat 1 month ago (edited)
You know, all the "not all Americans" aside, I'm really tired of the mismatch between what I hear here - and want to believe ("We're really not like that, we're okay"), and the people from US I work with every day. They treat us exactly like this - with contempt and a feeling of superiority so strong you could think they are literally hovering above us. So I have a huge problem that I don't know what to do with because my colleagues from the States are really insufferable. It's tiring to be treated like shît just because you're from a different country. ETA: yep, let the downvoting begin just because I have a problem with being treated like shît by US citizens at work. Yeah, I definitely deserve that 🤦♀️
Skogsrået 1 month ago
I understand you, most Americans don't understand that they have become that weird and awkward kid in class that eats sand and worms to get acceptance and a laugh from the rest of the class. The Swedish part of me feels sorry for them but the Chilean part of me feels joy and satisfaction that they are finally getting struck by karma for all the shıt they caused in Chile and other South American countries. Downvote all you want, alot of people around the world feel like this about the USA.
Load More Replies... Miki 1 month ago
We believe you. No worry. it still funny to make fun of the muricacentric ones.
Load More Replies... Boris Long-Johnson 1 month ago (edited)
Whilst it doesn’t drive clicks I do wonder if a lot of these are stupid people doing stupid people things in America rather than really an American issue. Just look at the fuckwhittery in the UK at the moment. America has a big population and a disproportionate influence and idiots have a wider reach than ever before thanks to the internet.
zovjraar me 1 month ago
as an american, i can assure you.... most of the people in this country really are that dumb. just look at who got elected President.
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