Stereotypes

Accents and vocabulary aren’t the only differences between English-speaking countries. Our cultures are very different too. It’s hard to describe the culture of a country without using stereotypes. Stereotypes are general impressions about another culture we receive from films, literature, media and word of mouth [1]. Our stereotypes about another country often prove to be false when we meet someone from there. However, they’re hard to avoid. Here are some typical stereotypes about a few English-speaking countries: 

the English 

The English are very polite (except at football matches) and are always apologising, even when someone steps on their toes! 

The English have a very strange sense of humour. 

They always talk about the weather and drink tea in their gardens. 

the Irish 

The Irish have the gift of gab [2]. They’re all very eloquent and enjoying talking and telling jokes. 

All Irish people drink Guinness when they go out to a pub. 

All Irish people have red hair and green eyes. 

Americans 

All Americans love their country and have a flag hanging by their door. 

Americans love eating fast food, especially hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries and never eat regular sit-down meals. 

All Americans are terrible at geography and couldn't find their country on a map. 

Australians 

They like wearing funny-looking [3] hats and have no fashion sense. 

All “Aussies” are descendants of English prisoners, taken there in 1787. 

Australians are all good-looking [4], athletic people who wrestle [5] alligators and surf. 

Are you familiar with any of these stereotypes? If you asked somebody from one these countries about these stereotypes, most likely, they would strongly disagree and tell you some stereotypes of their own! 

What stereotypes do people have of your region or country? 

[1] de oídas, [2] don de la palabra, [3] ridículo, [4] guapo, [5] luchar contra