Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pangaea]

I have been told this several different times by several of my friends from different countries. I assume this was just an observation or a left-handed compliment of sorts but I'm not sure what the reasoning is. As the comment was often preceded by a snide or negative comment about the U.S, it really started to irritate me more than warm my heart. I will admit that I am probably more liberal than the average American but I am by no means the only one of my species. Apparently I don't fit the stereotype of an American, so rather than think that maybe their stereotype was wrong, they decided I must have spontaneously mutated out of the American ooze.

Has anyone else run into this problem? I still consider these people friends but I have to say I don't understand. I am happy to discuss my country or have a friendly (or not) discussion or debate with anyone at any time. I have no illusions that the U.S. is anywhere near a perfect place. However, it is my home and making negative or insulting comments about my country as if I am not even there, then turning to me as an afterthought and saying, "But you don't seem like an American," is just rude and condescending. Does anyone else have a take on this?

[Wangja]

Considered against the world's stereotypical image of an American, I recommend strongly that you accept it as a well-intended compliment.

[LikeFrostOnRoads]

I find it happens quite frequently. It can definitely be frustrating, but the best we can do is continue to be unusual Americans so that someday the stereotype may be broken. My favorite is the "but you seem like a Canadian to me!" when even I, as an American, can't tell the difference most of the time between Canadians and Americans.

But I also think there's a tendency for Americans to walk around with a chip on their shoulder just waiting for someone to complain about the US. We may have to deal with being stereotyped more than the next guy, but we also (generalizing of course ) tend to wrap that stereotype up into a big ball of resentment toward people who have yet to categorize us negatively.

Admittedly though, I sometimes claim other nationalities just so that the conversation doesn't flow to me having to defend my country. While I love the US, sometimes I just want to have a normal conversation. Of course, one should refer to my previous paragraph to understand how that's not necessarily correct thinking.

[oskinny1]

[djsmnc]

[Steelrails]

Be unapologetic about it. Tell them you voted for Bush. Twice. Then when they get upset accuse them of being intolerant racists. Claim that French Fries are healthier than the local lentil soup. Start singing Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American". Say you like Country music. Say that Football is the real football, and unlike soccer you actually use your feet. Say the roads back home are paved in gold.

[curiousaboutkorea]

I got a little bit of a weird comment like this the other night while out with a Korean girl. I was told on the outside I seem like a foreigner (appearance) but on the inside I seem Korean. I was assured that this was for the best...

[teretere]

A lot of Americans are annoying brats. But the English lads on stag-dos can be as well. Or ignorant Aussies in London.

Hmm....now that I think about, it could be an Anglo thing.

[reactionary]

It is a bit of a backhanded compliment. I prefer the company of people who are not always thinking about my or their nationalities all the time. It's kind of boring - like being with people who do nothing but complain about their jobs over their beer.

[Adventurer]

[withgusto]

"I have been told this several different times by several of my friends from different countries."

They're watching too much television/media or hanging around lame Americans. It's the most diverse country in the world. Dig a little.

[Scotticus]

Yup, I've gotten this far too many times to count. Of course, this is always coming from the mouth of someone who doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to Americans. I'm not sure who I should blame more - the questioner for being so unapologetically ignorant, or our previous president for being such an amazingly awful ambassador.

[elavndrc]

I get that all the time...but that's cuz I'm Asian American lol

[AsiaESLbound]

You are American? Your accent sounds kinda British?

[DeMayonnaise]

Any American who has a passport and is traveling outside the US or Mexico isn't a typical American.

But America is the most diverse country in the world. I don't think there's really anything called a "typical" American. I guess the stereotype would be redneck, Christan-Right Sarah Palin loving 'mericans. And they lost the last election, so they aren't even the majority.

Traveling throughout Asia people told me I wasn't a typical American, probably because you just don't see many Americans in Thailand. Hell, I met more Canadians than Americans.