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35 Stereotypes About People’s Countries That Might Sound Positive, But Are Still Harmful
Interview
Let’s be very clear about one simple thing. Stereotypes, even when they seem positive on the surface level, can still be harmful and depersonalizing. The real world is much more nuanced and complex than the overly exaggerated assumptions folks make about each other’s countries and cultures. And yet, many of these generalizations continue to persist.
In a viral discussion sparked by u/Grouchy_Welder8068 on ‘Ask The World,’ people revealed the positive (yet wrong) stereotypes that others have about individuals from their countries. Keep scrolling to read about their experiences. Meanwhile, read on for Bored Panda's interview with the author of the thread, u/Grouchy_Welder8068.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Philippines
That everyone's so friendly here. Well, there's some merit to it, but the way foreigners describe it is so exaggerated.
It's only because most of the Filipinos don't know how to be rude in English. Once you start learning Tagalog, or other local languages, your opinion will surely change.
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#2
France
That we do a LOT of r̶i̶o̶t̶s̶ strikes, which is true, but it depends on the professions.
Ellinor she/they/elle 3 weeks ago
And protests ! I think that the first time I ever was in a protest was as a newborn in my mom's arms ! One day when I was about 12 there was a big protest planned and the school forbade us to skip school to go there instead, and my mother still took me. When she was asked to justify my absence she wrote down "we went to the protest" and my teacher gave me the stinkiest eye possible (but honestly, worth it).
#3
Canada
We have a reputation as being nice and friendly.
The issue with positive stereotypes is that they still fail to capture who you are as an individual. You are rubberstamped with broad attributes and characteristics based on your ethnicity, culture, background, etc.
To put it simply, people who believe the positive stereotypes they hear about you also tend to believe the negative stereotypes, too. What’s more, stereotypes affect more than just an individual’s (mis)perceptions about how the world works. They are society-wide issues.
As NPR points out, the “negative effects of positive stereotypes don't stop with our perceptions of others — they can also affect individual and societal decisions.”
Furthermore, when you’re exposed to positive stereotypes, you may be less likely to fight for social change. On the flip side, hearing negative stereotypes can “increase motivation for social change.”
#4
Germany
People say we are punctual. When I‘m punctual I have to wait 10 minutes for the others tho.
#5
Finland
We don't waste words. Say what you want to say, silence is golden.
Personal space and privacy are a given. Being quiet isn't rude, not everyone has to be extroverted.
Jonas Fisher 3 weeks ago
So...what's the inaccuracy? It sounds like the OP is just making a claim about how great people are in Finland.
#6
Ireland
A lot of untrue ones tbh. Irish people are seen to be welcoming and kind but i really dont think thats the standard here.
I do think the stereotype that irish people are generally very funny is true though.
Verywell Mind stresses that because stereotypes are based on such deeply ingrained beliefs, formed by social networks and your environment, it can be difficult to even recognize and acknowledge them.
You should ask yourself some basic provocative questions that challenge your firmly-held beliefs about other groups of people, like:
- Where did your beliefs come from?
- What exact assumptions do you have about specific groups of people?
- How do you feel when someone from one of those groups doesn’t fit those stereotypes?
- Are you complimenting a person because of who they are or who you think they are?
#7
England
We love queueing and drinking tea.
SchadenFreudian Psychology 3 weeks ago
Hey….several decades of AWESOME music….Beatles, Stones, The Who, David Bowie, Queen, the Jam, the Clash….🎸
#8
Portugal
In countries with big Portuguese communities, people usually say Portuguese are a hardworking, humble folk. For tourists coming here, it's more on the line of people being very warm and hospitable.
James Twong 3 weeks ago
TBH from my travels around Europe, the Portuguese have definitely been the warmest and friendliest people.
#9
Brazil
That we will find a way to control any object, of any size, of any weight, flawlessly and beautifully with our feet. Yet I can't even dribble past a cone.
Becoming more aware of the language you use can also help you move toward a more nuanced view of the world. “Avoid using absolute statements and jumping to conclusions based on a characteristic, even if you think it is a positive one. For instance, remind yourself when you see a picture of a celebrity or a stranger on the street that what they look like doesn’t determine how they should or should not behave,” Verywell Mind suggests.
But probably the best thing you can do is to set your ego and preconceived notions aside, go out there, and meet lots of different people from varying backgrounds. A bit of open-mindedness can give you a far deeper appreciation of the world and life as a whole than sticking to overly simplistic assumptions.
#10
France
Depends on the reputation we have in that country (lol)
Mostly that we have sense of style and a good eye for nice things.
st4x2gt974 3 weeks ago (edited)
When I lived and traveled abroad I’d constantly have ppl mistaking me for a frenchie and it was the biggest compliment. The best was when actual French people who were lost tried to get my help. I was so honored! 🤣💀🤣 (edited to add that I’m American, so y’all know that was an accomplishment!)
#11
Spain
It's either heavy party-goers who take a siesta or deeply rooted devout Catholics.
Often, both at the same time.
#12
Hong Kong
We're hardworking, good at math, warm and friendly, and have good food.
We asked the author of the thread for their thoughts as to why stereotypes persist, as well as how people can move past the assumptions they have about other countries and cultures.
According to u/Grouchy_Welder8068, the issue mainly lies with the media. "Primarily modern (especially Western) films or shows use stereotypes to establish genre or characters most viewers will recognise to be from X country/culture," they said.
"I personally like to defy my country stereotypes. I generally enjoy challenging societal norms or expectations, so I would encourage more people to do the same. If people make it clear they don't follow X stereotype, naturally, they'll get less stereotyped," u/Grouchy_Welder8068 told Bored Panda.
#13
Sweden
We are all hot.
WindySwede 3 weeks ago
When its over 20°C we all collectively starts complaining its to hot, so there is that.. 🙃
#14
Scotland
Brave.
Zig Zag Wanderer 3 weeks ago
Well, if I wanted to build an effective army, it would have to consist of many scots. The British army is a great product of this idea. Nobody I'd prefer to fight beside.
#15
South Korea
We are good at video games.
Also we look attractive and dress stylishly (mostly due to Kpop).
We also asked the author why they started the online discussion in the first place. They were open about the fact that it was mostly curiosity that drove them.
"Nothing much besides curiosity to be honest," they said.
"I'm very interested in social science, so I sometimes do similar for my self-interests in hobbies," u/Grouchy_Welder8068 shared.
According to them, their thread resonated with some people because their question "requires people to think deeper into how the world perceives the country their identity is with, so it piques curiosity."
They added: "I personally enjoy studying society, so I do hope more people begin criticising or challenging modern media texts."
#17
Canada, USA, UK
For Canada, the prominent good stereotype is that we are nice.
For the US, the prominent good stereotype is that we get stuff done. (Who can? Ameri-can!)
For the UK, the prominent good stereotype is that we are stoic in the face of adversity. ('Tis but a scratch!).
#18
India
YouTube tutorials that solve the most specific technical issues in just a few minutes, or explain math/science concepts better than actual teachers/professors.
What are some of the most widespread positive and negative stereotypes that people tend to have about your country or culture, dear Pandas?
How do you feel when you hear these stereotypes, and how do you react? If you feel like sharing your experiences, you can do so in the comments at the bottom of this post.
#19
Philippines
Filipinos are mostly nurses? It shows that Filipinos will care for you. Families don’t put their elderly parents in nursing homes.
Child of the Stars 3 weeks ago
My dad had a Filipino friend years ago. He could hardly wrap his mind around the very idea of a nursing home.
#20
India
That Indian women own 11% of gold that’s more gold than any other government or entity which is true.
Bi.Felicia 3 weeks ago
Indian women collectively own approximately 11% of the world's gold, a staggering amount often held in the form of jewelry and passed down through generations. This figure, reported by the World Gold Council, is often cited as being more than the combined official gold reserves of major countries like the United States, Russia, Germany, Italy, and France. This high ownership reflects gold's deep cultural significance in India as a traditional store of wealth, a symbol of prosperity, and a key part of celebrations, especially weddings.
#22
USA
I think we have a reputation for being easy to make small talk with and that our customer service is top notch. Also that we all have nice smiles but that one doesn't seem as common as it used to be.
Petra Peitsch 3 weeks ago
The thing is, the rest of the world is not very fond of fake smiles ...
#23
India
Our food is great , and we are welcoming are the only two that have withstood the test of time along with a few others.
Kelly H. Wilder 3 weeks ago
That bread on the bottom looks similar to injera (an Ethiopian flatbread made from Teff flour). I wonder if the flavor is also similar. I have never eaten authentic Indian food.
Stardust she/her 3 weeks ago
The bread looks like dosa and it’s usually made from ragi or rice flour
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Stardust she/her 3 weeks ago
I was expecting some racist comments here but I’m glad that people are appreciating our country. Our hospitality culture is insane though, we have a famous saying in our country ‘atithi devo bhavo’ ie god comes in the form of a guest
zatrisha 3 weeks ago
I love India from afar, but I don't dare to go there as a woman, because here India is called very unsafe for women - can you tell me if that's true?
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Hippopotamuses 3 weeks ago
India is, for the most part, utterly chaotic to non-Indians. that's part of what makes it such a fascinating and diverse country.
Multa Nocte 3 weeks ago
Poulet shahi korma is so good I actually melt when eating it. I would k**l without second thoughts for warm naan, and biryani poulet makes me sing. And sometimes dance.
#24
Poland
We're very hospitable and friendly.
#25
USA
Apparently we have very white teeth.
Zig Zag Wanderer 3 weeks ago
Well, you generally do, at least in any media. Mostly veneers, of course. Teeth aren't naturally white, you know? There off-white to yellow depending on age.
#26
Dominican Republic
Good at baseball and funny.
#27
USA
Americans will generally invite a new friend over for dinner, even if they don’t have a lot of food. Make extra biscuits, whatever it takes.
#28
Finland
That we're trustworthy.
#29
Indonesia
We're warm and friendly.
#30
Finland
I believe the one stereotype is that Finns deliver on our promises.
#31
Scotland
Hospitality i guess? I heard people view us as very standoffish but also very hospitable when asked.
SchadenFreudian Psychology 3 weeks ago
When I visited Scotland, the people I met were warm, friendly, and kind. The ones I met were smart and funny—very sharp—but never mean. Although I doubt if they would suffer a fool lightly! But (for me, anyway), the Scottish people I met were very comfortable to be with.
#32
USA
I think (hope) Americans are still viewed as extremely helpful on an individual basis. For example if your luggage pops open accidentally on the New York subway all the American bystanders will help you pick up the things that fell out. People in Paris on the metro or London on the tube wouldn't do that.
kissmychakram 3 weeks ago
As a Brit and a Londoner, this rather surprises me. I absolutely would help you pick up your stuff. But I wouldn't make eye contact whilst doing it.
#33
USA
Casual culture. Free water with ice. People hold doors open for each other.
Serena Myers 3 weeks ago (edited)
UK. It is still common for people to hold doors open for the person behind you, for the older person, or the one carrying something, or someone who is pregnant, whatever, whoever, it is known as good manners. Common courtesy, as drilled into our dim little skulls from toddlerhood up. Well, good manners are becoming increasingly rare these days, says the old boomer!
#34
USA
That "Southern Hospitality" is a real thing around here. Sometimes.. It is, but no, the only thing your getting is a trip to the hospital for stepping on my yard. Anywhere else, I'd say we're friendly and easy to talk to. Just not in my house.
LJ Robinson 3 weeks ago
I lived in New Orleans for 6 years. I never, ever, felt included, even with my job. The "Southern Hospitality" thing is for people that are from the South.
#35
USA
That we are easy going , are approachable in terms of talking to strangers , we say thank you a lot ..
Michael Largey 3 weeks ago (edited)
For some of us, how approachable we are sadly depends on the color of the person approaching.
What do you think ?
Frances Pitchoune 3 weeks ago (edited)
Definitely too many mentions of the USA here for me. 😒 And I don't care if I get downvoted for my comment. I live in Canada, we put up with a lot of it.
Donna Harris 3 weeks ago
Americans are generally known for being loud and patriotic ......We're #1, that kind of thing USA USA USA as chants.
Load More Replies...
Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
The one about trains is even more true of Switzerland. They themselves have a comment: if a train leaves late, it's not a Swiss train - or it's not a Swiss clock.
Ace 3 weeks ago
True. But they do so by having realistic timetables, such that train travel is relatively slow. It's difficult to find any significant journey here which would not generally be faster by road. It does mean though, that if you're planning an awkward journey, such as I did a few weeks ago, including two bus legs (one where a local line was closed for maintenance) you can pretty much guarantee all the connections will work. The bus services are included on the same ticket and any delays that may occasionally happen will usually mean that a bus waiting to pick passengers up off a train, typically going up into smaller villages, will not leave until the train has got there.
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T'Mar of Vulcan 3 weeks ago
South Africans have a reputation of being extremely hard-working (this is from people in the old country and its colonies, i.e. Britain, Aus, NZ) and friendly. Everyone here is extremely friendly, and genuine. If they ask how you are and you say, "Not so good today," they will stop and commiserate with you. It's wonderful. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
Multa Nocte 3 weeks ago
I am here early. I already have a clue as to which of these will cause explosive rage in some people. It will be interesting to see.
John O'Donnell 3 weeks ago (edited)
A comedian in London once asked a crowd to describe Americans in two words. “Loud and fat” were the overwhelming replies.
Marte Straatsma 3 weeks ago
The Dutch: super direct, so no confusion there. Others might see it as rude or blunt and probably mean that when they say “oh, the Dutch are so direct”.
rustyscate 3 weeks ago
Oops I didn’t realize it said good stereotypes lol I was like why is everyone being so vanilla ? My bad.
The_Nicest_Misanthrope 3 weeks ago
Don't think they understood the assignment. Most of these posts didn't answer why the stereotype was harmful
Frances Pitchoune 3 weeks ago (edited)
Definitely too many mentions of the USA here for me. 😒 And I don't care if I get downvoted for my comment. I live in Canada, we put up with a lot of it.
Donna Harris 3 weeks ago
Americans are generally known for being loud and patriotic ......We're #1, that kind of thing USA USA USA as chants.
Load More Replies... Apatheist Account2 3 weeks ago
The one about trains is even more true of Switzerland. They themselves have a comment: if a train leaves late, it's not a Swiss train - or it's not a Swiss clock.
Ace 3 weeks ago
True. But they do so by having realistic timetables, such that train travel is relatively slow. It's difficult to find any significant journey here which would not generally be faster by road. It does mean though, that if you're planning an awkward journey, such as I did a few weeks ago, including two bus legs (one where a local line was closed for maintenance) you can pretty much guarantee all the connections will work. The bus services are included on the same ticket and any delays that may occasionally happen will usually mean that a bus waiting to pick passengers up off a train, typically going up into smaller villages, will not leave until the train has got there.
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 3 weeks ago
South Africans have a reputation of being extremely hard-working (this is from people in the old country and its colonies, i.e. Britain, Aus, NZ) and friendly. Everyone here is extremely friendly, and genuine. If they ask how you are and you say, "Not so good today," they will stop and commiserate with you. It's wonderful. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
Multa Nocte 3 weeks ago
I am here early. I already have a clue as to which of these will cause explosive rage in some people. It will be interesting to see.
John O'Donnell 3 weeks ago (edited)
A comedian in London once asked a crowd to describe Americans in two words. “Loud and fat” were the overwhelming replies.
Marte Straatsma 3 weeks ago
The Dutch: super direct, so no confusion there. Others might see it as rude or blunt and probably mean that when they say “oh, the Dutch are so direct”.
rustyscate 3 weeks ago
Oops I didn’t realize it said good stereotypes lol I was like why is everyone being so vanilla ? My bad.
The_Nicest_Misanthrope 3 weeks ago
Don't think they understood the assignment. Most of these posts didn't answer why the stereotype was harmful
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