Chapter 1: American Stereotypes

According to the definition contained in the RAE, a stereotype consists of an image or idea that is accepted by most people as representative of a certain group, often in a preconceived way and without theoretical foundations.

In the case of US citizens, some of the stereotypes that most characterize them are:

• Xenophobic: Due to the strict immigration policies that President Donald Trump is currently establishing in the United States (coupled with his anti-immigrant speech), Americans are considered as people who discriminate against or strongly reject anyone who is not native of their country (especially Mexicans and Muslims).
• Racists: Due to the various cases of abuse of authority by the police against the African-American community, as well as the emergence of extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the various signs of hatred by certain people of white skin, it’s considered that Americans can become quite racist.
• Nationalists: Since many national pride festivals are celebrated in the United States (in addition to being recognized as a leader in a large number of camps), its citizens are considered to be quite nationalistic.
• Lovers of junk food: The United States presents serious problems of obesity due to malnutrition (in addition to being recognized as the cradle of processed food), which is why its citizens are considered fast food lovers.
• Punctual: Because it’s always seen that Americans try to get everywhere on time.
• Inflexible: Since for them “the rules are the rules”, and that’s all.
• Cold: Compared to the Latino community, Americans tend to be seen as “cold” or very formal in their treatment.
• Blondes, with light eyes and white skin: Although there is a great diversity of races in the United States, there is still a prototype that the average American is blond, with light eyes and white skin.
• Lovers of American football, basketball and baseball: Since in the United States there are very famous associations of these sports such as the NBA, NFL and MLB.