Americans: Stereotypes, Not So Obese, Poor Drivers, Rude & Greedy

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The discussion centers on the prevalence of stereotypes about Americans, with participants sharing personal experiences and observations. Key points include the perception that many Americans are rude, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that interactions vary significantly by region, with East Coast residents often seen as less friendly compared to those in the Midwest or West Coast. Driving skills are criticized, with claims that Americans are generally poor drivers, often distracted by technology. The stereotype of obesity is acknowledged as largely true, attributed to economic factors, cultural habits, and the availability of cheap, unhealthy food options. Nationalism is also discussed, highlighting a strong sense of pride among Americans, which some find admirable while others view it as excessive. Overall, the conversation reflects a complex interplay of cultural norms, regional differences, and individual experiences that shape the understanding of American stereotypes.
  • #61
Monique said:
Any take-out I order for two people costs about 40 euros (60 dollars), I can't believe that with 10 dollars you can get chinese take-out for a family of four.

It depends on the place. I would say closer to twenty for your average hole in the wall. Galteeth may have cheaper places around him than I do. Most entrees are only $5-$6 unless you get the expensive stuff with shrimp or something. Fried rice and Chow Mein are even cheaper.
 
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  • #62
Monique said:
Any take-out I order for two people costs about 40 euros (60 dollars), I can't believe that with 10 dollars you can get chinese take-out for a family of four.
I'm in the US and I'll vouch for the cheap Chinese - certainly $15 of take out will feed a family of four, no problem. Chinese restaurants are simply everywhere here, and the take out only shops have very little store front to attend - maybe no more than three people, one in front, two in the kitchen.
 
  • #63
Not big news, but I thought this graph was interesting.

http://media.skinnychef.com/misc/highfructosecornsyrup695.jpg

...The above graph shows how overweight & obesity rates (1980: 15%; 2000: 28%) rose simultaneously with the increased use of high fructose corn syrup in the 1980s and 1990s (5 vs. 45 gram/capita/day). A related graph also indicates that ten years after the increase in obesity, there’s an increase in diabetes cases. Many experts, including Richard Johnson, say that it’s hard to argue with those correlations...
http://skinnychef.com/blog/high-fructose-corn-syrup-bad-for-you
Source:
Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity1,2
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/79/4/537
 
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  • #64
Yeah, fried rice and eggrolls for a family of 4 will easily come in under $15 around here - probably closer to $10. There are lots of Asian immigrants in the area, and they get really aggressive with their pricing. In Skowhegan (county seat), there is every fast-food franchise you can think of, including a Timmy's, but the Asians think nothing about setting up shop, and can make a good living doing so. In the nicer sit-down Chinese restaurants, the prices are higher, the dishes are more complex, etc, but the portion sizes can be scary-big, meaning that you'll be taking home about half of your meals, and that averages the prices down. Order some complex dish like Gai Poo Lo Mein (shrimp, beef, vegetables and sauce over a bed of noodles) with seafood in it, and you've probably got the most expensive meal on the menu - still 'way less than a meal at a decent American-style restaurant, though, and you probably won't take home a doggie-bag from the American-style joint.
 
  • #65
All this talk of Chinese is making me very hungry. I'm sure that my local restaurant will appreciate it. Our buffet is on average about seven dollars, and for 15 dollars you could get carry out for at least four people.
 
  • #66
I haven't done a whole lot of traveling but it's really obvious there is an "Americanization" when it comes to food. It feels like it kinda takes away from some of the quality, but it's all about finding the good sources. That's a lot of the fun in it.

If there was anyone thing that I would change with America though, it's the education system, at least from K through 12. The whole thing under serves and a lot of people who have an interest in whatever don't fit in with the majority teaching style. It's really sad honestly, so many lives squandered because of misdirection that could have been prevented.

I've noticed that nearly every time a non American has claimed that we are stupid, it's really just the education system affecting judgment calls. Most people aren't taught critical thinking skills. :(
 
  • #67
Every country has it's idiots. Most Americans I've met where cool.
 
  • #68
No problem with being cool idiot :smile:
 
  • #69
Borek said:
No problem with being cool idiot :smile:

Now you had better be nice. I have an entire book of Polish Jokes.

[well, actually that was when I was about twelve years old, but I still remember them! :biggrin:]
 
  • #70
I was not referring to Americans, rather to logical fallacy.
 
  • #71
Us dun Amerikans r racist yall hur.

No matter how much some people in the U S of A **** me off, I would take living with them any day of the week than having to deal with gypsies.

If you hate America so much why don't you leave?
 
  • #72
Borek said:
I was not referring to Americans, rather to logical fallacy.

Read it like you would read the 2nd amendment of the USA constitution. The preamble doesn't change the provision :P
 
  • #73
MotoH said:
If you hate America so much why don't you leave?

Yeah, Americans which don't like America should move in a backwater 3rd world country. Wake up call :P
 
  • #74
Borek said:
I was not referring to Americans, rather to logical fallacy.

Oh darn! I guess now I can't use my jokes.

btw, we don't just pick on the Poles. Back before the nation started drifting towards the politically correct, ethnic humor was pretty common. Also, I'm part Polish. :biggrin:
 
  • #75
We're all living in America, it's wunderbar:

 
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  • #76
did someone say Poland?
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3792/dreampolandball2.png
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/8772/1261324473621.jpg
 
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  • #77
Ivan Seeking said:
Not big news, but I thought this graph was interesting.

http://media.skinnychef.com/misc/highfructosecornsyrup695.jpg
Ivan's just being lazy here. In the interest of scientific rigor, here's the original source.
 
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  • #78
Why do you draw Monaco when you say Poland?

Hm, perhaps they don't lie when they say Americans know nothing about geography...
 
  • #79
Borek said:
Why do you draw Monaco when you say Poland?

Hm, perhaps they don't lie when they say Americans know nothing about geography...


Haha
 
  • #80
Thats the joke. I suggest searching the internet before you make poor comments.
 
  • #81
I know plenty about geography. For example, I correctly identified the nation south of the Timor Sea.
 

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