Stereotypes about countries are common, and foreigners’ perceptions of the United States often involve some unknowingly skewed views.
Having traveled internationally for over a decade and spoken with non-Americans, the author of the source article has encountered recurring U.S. stereotypes. While some might be amusing, others might be relatable to Americans.
Drawing from the source, here are 20 things non-Americans often get wrong about the U.S.:
1. Gaps in Bathroom Stalls
Non-Americans often view the gaps in U.S. bathroom stalls as an invasion of privacy in a space that should be private.
Americans, however, see these gaps as a way to check if the restroom is occupied and to combat claustrophobia.
The source suggests that the U.S. might have practical reasons for these gaps, noting they allow people to more easily see if someone has lost consciousness and can help reduce the chances of illegal activities.
2. Cowboys Abound
There is a perception among some older Europeans that the majority of Americans are cowboys. The source traces this idea back to the popularity of Western films before World War II.
While imports stopped during the war, a surge of Westerns arrived in Europe afterward. However, by the 1960s, this backlog mostly disappeared, replaced by new, non-Western films.
3. No Culture
Contrary to the belief held by some foreigners (and even some Americans), the U.S. does have culture. Although the U.S. began as a melting pot and continues to value its diverse roots, it has also shaped its own distinct culture.
This is particularly evident regionally, with cultures in the North, South, Midwest, and West being distinct from one another.
Given that the U.S. is the fourth-largest country globally, it’s understandable that much of its culture has formed regionally.
4. Super Dangerous
The source states that most Americans do not live in constant fear for their lives. While it’s understandable why non-Americans might believe the U.S. is very dangerous due to news coverage of events like mass shootings, this often doesn’t reflect the everyday life many Americans experience, which includes greeting neighbors and encountering kind strangers.
5. Everyone Has Firearms
Influenced perhaps by old Westerns or awareness of mass shootings, there’s a misconception that all Americans own firearms, with some even believing Americans are armed wherever they go.
The reality, according to a Pew Research Center report cited in the source, is that 32% of Americans personally own a gun, and about 40% live in a household with one.
The source notes that it’s uncommon to see people who are not police officers walking around openly armed.
6. We All Act Like TikTok Users
Viral TikTok videos can unfortunately serve as a key representation of America for those who haven’t visited.
The source points out that many TikTok users perform for views and may not behave that way in real life.
While some TikTok content better represents average American life, most Americans do not live like the most popular TikTok stars.
7. Wooden Houses
Approximately 90% of homes in the U.S. are made of wood. While Americans may not often question this, people from other parts of the world might criticize wood as a weak material that doesn’t last as long as brick, stone, or cement houses.
The source acknowledges this point but notes that wood holds up well against low-intensity natural disasters and is relatively economical, making it unlikely to be replaced as the preferred building material anytime soon.
8. Sales Tax
Americans are accustomed to sales tax being added at the cash register. This system is surprising to many foreigners, particularly from countries like England, where the price displayed on the shelf includes sales tax.
While including tax upfront is a nice perk, the source suggests Americans are so used to the checkout system that it’s not a significant issue for most.
9. No Healthy Food
While food deserts exist in the U.S., the majority of the population has relatively easy access to healthy food options.
The stereotype that primary American food choices are limited to places like McDonald’s and KFC is a misconception.
The source highlights that healthy fast food options, such as salad shops like Tender Greens, are increasingly available in many areas.
10. Bad Cheese
The U.S. has a stereotype for having bad cheese, likely stemming from the image of individually wrapped, floppy pieces of yellow American cheese.
The author agrees that this specific cheese is “bad” but emphasizes that it is far from the only option available in the U.S.. The source suggests asking a Wisconsinite if in doubt about American cheese quality.
11. Poverty and Healthcare
While research clearly links poverty and increased chances of poor health in the U.S., the source clarifies that, contrary to what many foreigners believe, people in poverty facing a medical emergency are not without options despite high healthcare costs.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates that emergency rooms receiving Medicare funds cannot refuse a patient needing treatment, and the majority of U.S. hospitals fall under this category.
12. Portion Sizes
The stereotype of gigantic U.S. restaurant portion sizes may be less true now due to shrinkflation, but the source acknowledges that many non-Americans have commented on how large meals were or are.
However, the source also points out that not all Americans eat everything on their plate, noting the common practice of using takeout boxes to get two meals out of the price of one.
13. Vacation Dreaming
The narrative that many Americans don’t receive enough paid vacation time is accurate. However, the source notes this is sometimes misconstrued abroad as having no paid vacation time at all.
While federal law doesn’t guarantee paid vacation, the source states it would be difficult to find an American willing to work for a company offering no paid time off.
14. No American Food
Aware that the U.S. is a melting pot, some overseas hold the stereotype that it lacks any American-born food.
The source counters this by listing several foods with U.S. origins, including Buffalo chicken wings (invented in Buffalo, NY), lobster rolls, S’mores, Philly cheesesteaks, pecan pie, and ranch dressing.
15. Literal Sayings
Americans use nicknames like “Land of the Free” or might declare the U.S. the “greatest country ever,” particularly at events like the Olympics.
However, the source explains that for many, “Land of the Free” represents freedom as a value rather than a claim of being the only free country.
Similarly, saying the U.S. is the “greatest country” is often like a sports fan supporting their team – many Americans recognize other countries have great qualities and use the phrase hyperbolically, like a Red Sox fan calling their team the greatest despite their loss record.
16. Big Trucks
With over 90% of American households owning a vehicle, U.S. car culture can seem prominent to foreigners from countries with extensive public transportation.
While some people believe most Americans drive massive trucks, the source clarifies that “most” is an exaggeration.
However, Americans did purchase more used Ford F-150s than any other used car in 2023, which explains why foreigners see many trucks on the roads.
17. No Introverts
A common American stereotype encountered abroad is that Americans are all loud and boisterous. The source argues this stereotype doesn’t account for introverts.
While greeting strangers might seem extroverted in some cultures, in the U.S., it’s often just seen as friendly.
The source suggests it’s difficult to find someone identifying as an introvert who would be considered loud from an American perspective.
18. Hollywood Fail
The prevalence of Hollywood films abroad can lead non-Americans who haven’t visited the U.S. to envision life as depicted in movies.
Conversations with such individuals reveal perceptions of places like New York based on films. The source notes that for most Americans, life is not like Hollywood films.
19. Everyone Is Overweight
The source recounts instances where people expressed surprise upon learning the author was American because they weren’t fat.
While not always stated so bluntly, the perception that all Americans are overweight is a misconception.
Citing the National Institute of Health, the source provides context: 30.7% of adults 18+ are overweight, and about 42% fall under the obesity category. This data helps explain why the misconception exists, although it doesn’t apply to everyone.
20. Tipping Woes
Americans might increasingly sympathize with foreigners who find U.S. tipping practices extreme. However, the source highlights that restaurant employees can legally be paid as little as $2.13 per hour, provided their tips reach the federal minimum wage.
This legal structure makes it challenging to find Americans who support not tipping restaurant workers unless laws change to better protect their wages.
Alicia Richards