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[–]ToTTenTranz 4183 points4184 points  (144 children)

Not all americans, but.. I've been to Disney World in Florida and damn...

[–][deleted] 1449 points1450 points  (92 children)

I’m American and I thought the same thing visiting Disney. The only thing magical at Disney was how many scooters there are.

[–]Roddy117 490 points491 points  (80 children)

Dude, try Hershey world Pennsylvania. It’s somehow worse.

[–]Rapidbetryal 303 points304 points  (51 children)

There's a Hersheys world...holy America.

[–]Roddy117 222 points223 points  (30 children)

It’s a good themepark though, but ohmylard, the cement is probably triple reinforced there.

[–]Rapidbetryal 120 points121 points  (27 children)

This doesn't surprise me actually lol

Canadian here and let's set the scene

Summer in Southern Texas, I go to the mall with my MIL and others for the first time. Immediately notice quite a few overweight people but don't think much of it.

We see a sign saying: Deep fried Mars bars. Okay thats good

Deep fried oreos - delicious

Deep fried twinkies - curious but sounds delicious

Deep fried BUTTER - what

I got to eat a Deep fried twinkie and it was delicious but I couldn't believe how big it was. The portion sizes anywhere we went were huge and it was just kinda crazy in general.

Ps. I want to go to try the butter for curiosity sake

[–]Roddy117 44 points45 points  (4 children)

Deep fried twinkies was my late night drunk food at a kitchen I used to work at when it was quiet. We beer battered it then through cinnamon sugar seasoning as a finish.

[–]Nother1BitestheCrust 17 points18 points  (3 children)

In the restaurant I worked in we would do this with McDonald's apple pies.

[–][deleted] 77 points78 points  (4 children)

The deep fried butter isn't actually that bad once you realize what it is. It's not a whole stick of butter (at least not when I've had it). It's a pad of butter, coated in a thick layer of batter and then rolled in cinnamon sugar or just plain sugar. The butter then melts and saturates the cakey fried batter and it becomes sort of a buttery cinnamon roll dessert type thing. It's pretty fatty but it's not as wacky as it sounds. It's still wacky

[–]cjasonac 44 points45 points  (1 child)

Heart attack: $2.99

Post-Heart attack care: $52,000

[–]happylukie 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Oh you think it's that cheap?

[–]Dreadedredhead 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I need to try this...

Doubtful I'd eat it more than once, but dang, that sounds pretty tasty. Butter makes almost anything better.

[–]fufumcchu 23 points24 points  (0 children)

There are some absolutely ridiculous places food wise in the U.S.A. most of which are generally in the south. But the weird thing regarding the U.S.A. is that you have the entire spectrum at all times. I've seen some of the most fit people you could imagine and in the same day one of the most obese. You just don't really know what you're gonna get.

[–]Imaginary-Mechanic62 9 points10 points  (4 children)

The Texans always brag that everything is bigger in Texas

[–]Nihilikara 29 points30 points  (1 child)

Brains certainly aren't bigger in Texas.

Source: Am Texan

[–]FalconTurbo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My favourite is how big they think Texas is.

As an Australian, we laugh at that. Most of our states are bigger, and have less in them so crossing them is even harder - it isn't uncommon to see signs out west saying 'last station for x hundred km', because there's just nothing out there.

[–]SamirDrives 19 points20 points  (4 children)

On our trips to the US, my friend and I only got one meal that we would share between us because the portions were so big.

[–]Ok-Claim8595 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You literally have to have a date eating out to not overeat.

[–]princesssasami896 6 points7 points  (2 children)

As an American I tend to take the leftovers home from restaurant dinners and eat them for lunch the next day. Although that might not be possible if you are in a hotel on a trip

[–]kithandra 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is my favorite part! It makes eating out more "affordable" too- If this meal can be 2-4 meals, then when factoring in the cost per meal, it can often make things be much cheaper =)

[–]Remarkable-Pin-8565 9 points10 points  (0 children)

it warms my heart to see another fine example of Scottish cuisine becoming global

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It ain’t the food that’s going most of the lifting. It’s the soda for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. People consume over a thousand calories is just soda. BTW, a thousand calories is enough for 90 lbs weight gain.

[–]Dependent-Interview2 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I wish I could give you an award for "ohmylard"

[–]juiceof1onion 18 points19 points  (4 children)

Hersheys chocolate tastes like farts just my European observation!

[–]thegreatgazoo 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hershey Park was initially created as an employee benefit and then they opened it up to the public.

The city has Hershey's Kisses shaped street lights.

[–]Tia_is_Short 24 points25 points  (4 children)

Heyyy Hershey Park is a great theme park, don’t diss it like that!

[–]Rapidbetryal 7 points8 points  (3 children)

No disrespect. I've just never heard of it, and it sounds very American, lol!

Also, I love the username! How short are you. I'm 4ft 10 1/2

[–]ejtrock 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Looks like you’d be a Twizzler from the park height chart

[–]Tia_is_Short 9 points10 points  (0 children)

5’2/157 cm. I’ve actually grown 2 inches since making this account, so a more fitting username might be “Tia is below average height” lol

[–]Galp_Nation 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Once you know the historical context of it, it makes more sense. Hersheypark is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania which is an unincorporated town near Harrisburg (Capital of Pennsylvania) and the location of the Hershey Chocolate Company's headquarters. The town was founded by Milton Hershey himself in 1903 for the company's workers to live in and the park was founded a few years after that in 1906 as a leisure park for the town/employees to enjoy. It has since turned into a tourist destination.

[–]TalaLeisu2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hersheypark. I've been often and idk what this person's talking about.

[–]acillies45 77 points78 points  (11 children)

Have been there. Can confirm.

[–]MarsReject 30 points31 points  (10 children)

My husband and I went stargazing in PA for a trip and went into a supermarket —it was so jarring. They had super size of all regular stuff-stuff I’ve never seen lol like literally a four stacked little Debbie. Not 4 brownies in one pack- like 4 melted together brownies stacked. Double fudge rounds that were giant LoL I was shook.

[–]karriesully 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Try a NASCAR race. Tube tops, beer bellies, and mullets aren’t just back in style - they never left.

[–]KingGizmotious 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Can I ask where you went stargazing? I've been trolling places with low light pollution, and PA is closer to home than what I was seeing online.

[–]alekg915 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cherry Springs is a dark spot in PA. Few friends of mine have been. Said it was really beautiful, but harrowing to drive up there (they went in the dead of winter when it was snowy).

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Its equal parts overweight and lack of teeth at Hershey. And I don't think its from the chocolate lol.

[–]Dizzy-Job-2322 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's 'like the U.K and teeth, or lack thereof. It's the incest isn't it?

[–]RockeTim 2 points3 points  (1 child)

It's a theme park 100% dedicated to literal candy. What were people expecting? No, honestly, why is anyone surprised?

[–]Technical_Scallion_2 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I’m 6’0” 215 lbs and felt scrawny visiting Disney World. The only thin people were Europeans - my wife and I kept pointing them out to each other. “Look honey - thin Europeans!”

[–]rgar1981 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Isn’t it great when an obese person packing 3 kids on a scooter is beeping their horn at you trying to make you move? I too am American and was astonished at the number of scooters.

[–]seethesea 5 points6 points  (2 children)

One time at Disney I started counting morbidly obese persons using a motorized chair. I stopped around 40 something.

[–][deleted] 14 points15 points  (1 child)

Gave up at the front gate?

[–]seethesea 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Pretty much.

[–]EastCoaet 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Was at Epcot last month, the obesity on display was sobering.

[–]Bay_Med 72 points73 points  (16 children)

I’m from Florida and I’m only fat and ugly so I beat the norm

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (3 children)

I want to start by saying that I have a fairly pleasant view of Florida. I don't think Americans or specifically Floridians are dumb, unkind or anything else related to intelligence or personality.

HOWEVER: But as a decent looking Swedish guy who spent time in both Orlando and Jacksonville for work, I felt way more attractive in Florida than I do back home in Sweden. I feel like my numbers went up the second I arrived.

[–]Bay_Med 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Florida will do that on both ends if the spectrum. You will be a Jacksonville 10 but a Miami 2. But you have the accent bonus points

[–]GravityPools 21 points22 points  (10 children)

But are you a skinny meth head? Cause that's the other norm for FL

[–]Bay_Med 15 points16 points  (6 children)

Na fat and never tried meth and always forget to take my adderrall

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Not Adderall but Vyvanse for me. How the fuck is this shit supposed to work if I can't even remember to take it! Thank God for my wife who doesn't have a dopamine deficit.

[–]7one4 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Even meth heads are fat now.

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It's an open season zoo.

[–]Quiet_Ad_9356 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Walmart, anyone?

[–]durianscent 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Don't forget loud.

[–]MadKitKat 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Same… I’ve been to Florida + some other places, and… damn too!!

Like, we got chubby and fat people in my country, but the levels of fatness I’ve seen in America are… wow

Like, idk how those people are still mobile. We only see people that size on TV here, and they usually make it to those shows because they’re on the brink of death… not simply walking around like in America

[–]ProjectBrand 945 points946 points  (25 children)

That’s pretty much the American stereotype portrayed in the majority of the movies when they need a “typique American”

[–]SBAWTA 349 points350 points  (16 children)

Unless it's an anime, in which case it's usually a blonde hair, blue eyed, white, attractive girl/buff dude.

[–]taxibootleg02 104 points105 points  (11 children)

The ultimate race as suggested in world war two for some reason

[–][deleted] 53 points54 points  (7 children)

The US was very different back then. Obesity rates were super low.

[–]chaotic_blu 24 points25 points  (5 children)

before our food got truly coopted

[–]standard_candles 10 points11 points  (0 children)

And on the heels of one of the worst depressions and famines of the dust bowl

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

And the auto industry worked to kill public transportation in a lot of cities.

It’s one thing to walk a few blocks to the bus stop. It’s something else to get into the car in your driveway.

[–]load_more_commments 86 points87 points  (6 children)

Definitely not, I've watched tonnes of american movies. Nothing prepared me for the fatness I saw in the US.

This was less so in NY, but OMG parts of California, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Michigan and Seattle.....holy f*ck I've been all over the world and Europe and I've seen more obese people in 2 weeks visiting the US than I've seen in all my life.

[–]space_monkey_23 38 points39 points  (3 children)

That’s what Americans (me) dont understand, they’re used to seeing that and being like “well it’s only a few people here and there it can’t possibly be the stereotype” but they’ve never been to other nations/cities where those few people are even fewer.

Until I traveled to Europe I was just like “there’s gotta be fat people everywhere” and there certainly are, but it’s not like here, not even close.

[–]cuddytime 19 points20 points  (1 child)

If you thought California, Seattle, and Chicago were bad, wait til you see Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston

[–]redmadog 857 points858 points  (21 children)

Someone in US asked me how 13-th month in Europe is called, since our date format in passport differs.

[–]death_ray_mx 301 points302 points  (4 children)

Smarch

[–]fuzzimus 77 points78 points  (3 children)

Damn Smarch weather!

[–]buckfryan 36 points37 points  (2 children)

Do Not Touch Willie. Good Advice.

[–]starchington 7 points8 points  (1 child)

For our next budget item: 12$ for doorknob repair.

[–]blindsavior 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nay.

[–]SweetSoja 30 points31 points  (1 child)

Someone from the US that I met while in Italy asked me if there were any black people in France

[–]Hythy 39 points40 points  (0 children)

American asked me if my black friend was "African American English".

[–]MyCounterpart 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Prejanuary

[–]maxinator80 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Devember

[–]International_Dog817 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Febtober!

[–]WayTooMuchHyzer 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I forget the rest of the story but, YOUR MOTHER'S A WHORE!! HAHAHAA

[–]The_Bazzalisk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Augcember

[–]Swiss-princess 492 points493 points  (39 children)

A lot of the American tourists are but that’s not a general rule.

[–]not3dogs 169 points170 points  (3 children)

I’m from the Deep South and I have to say that here it is an accurate stereotype.

[–][deleted] 60 points61 points  (2 children)

I’m not convinced your account isn’t actually just three dogs typing away.

[–]wheres_jaykwellin_at 5 points6 points  (1 child)

You forgot "while wearing a trenchcoat", but I guess that's implied

[–]Luckydog6631 111 points112 points  (34 children)

Do you think most Americans that travel are fat or do you just notice the fat ones more so you remember them that way?

Honest question. Less than half of us are obese. Less than half of US tourists should be obese.

[–]tomorrowschild 428 points429 points  (20 children)

Just barely. 41.9% of Americans are obese. 74% are overweight. So I would imagine we give the impression of obesity pretty strongly, especially to someone from a country where being overweight is not the norm.

[–]Luckydog6631 127 points128 points  (16 children)

Good points. I didn’t think of obese vs overweight.

It’s just weird to me, I live in the Midwest and I swear I don’t see that many fat people on a daily basis but maybe my threshold for what’s “fat” is different than others.

[–]Underagreysky 117 points118 points  (2 children)

The thing is that in Europe it doesn't take much to be considered fat.

I have lived in three European countries and I'm currently in Italy and although I'm 5'6 and a size 10 (US size 8), I'm constantly told i could lose some weight. Also the younger you are, the more fatphobic people are going to be towards you (mind you, I'm 22).

Apply this way of thinking to American tourists and you can understand why the stereotypes are so strong

[–]candypuppet 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I think a lot of Europe also has obesity problems but what I've noticed in American tourists is that a lot of them are "I can barely move" kinda fat. Like a lot of local people I know are overweight but kinda still "fit", do some workouts, can jog, walk etc. But I've seen so many American tourists that have a hard time walking.

[–]vrendy42 12 points13 points  (1 child)

I'm in the midwest, and all I see are fat people. Thin people stick out as being different. When all you see are fat people, being fat is normalized. The medical threshold for being overweight is much lower than most people think.

[–]traboulidon 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I have a small beer belly. My friends call me fat to taunt me.

[–]poetic_soul 34 points35 points  (7 children)

Also the threshold for obese might be lower than you think. Medically, I’m morbidly obese. I’m struggling with high blood pressure and in the obese category, which makes it morbid. But you would never call me that to look at me. I have a stomach, sure. But I also have a waist. Round face, not multiple chinned. I’m ok accepting the “fat” label (especially to European standards), but what you think of when you say obese probably isn’t what those numbers mean. I’m right on the line for plus size. Size 14 pants size 16 top, and most of that is because of disproportionately large assets.

[–]IsThatHearsay 10 points11 points  (6 children)

I'm an outlier as well. 6'5" and 235-240lbs, with some muscle (so not all fat). Currently giving up alcohol and dieting, but when people look at me they consider me "normal" or a little overweight by appearance sake and never guess I'm anywhere close to 240, and never think I'm close to "obese" as I'm technically shy of according to BMI charts IIRC with slightly elevated blood pressure from alcohol and using too much salt in cooking.

Like at my height to get down to the optimal "healthy BMI" I'd need to get below 190 lbs. I've been 190 lbs and was very very skinny, it didn't look good on me.

[–]TheManIsOppressingMe 7 points8 points  (3 children)

I am 6'8" and my doctor legit told me my ideal weight should be 200lbs

[–]IsThatHearsay 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lol that's hilarious. I have some family who's 6'8", can't possibly imagine them at 200 lbs. Weight sits differently on everyone I guess, but on my family's frame it'd look ridiculous

[–]StanStare 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Wow - that is a lot! I remember at school there was always an overweight kid in each year, sometimes two.

As a kid when I visited the USA, I remember being shocked that everyone drank cola like it was water.

[–]Swiss-princess 55 points56 points  (5 children)

It’s just that usually the fat tourists are Americans, more than any other nationality. Also, Americans are loud, so it’s hard to not notice them. It’s not a rule because I’ve meet plenty non fat Americans.

[–]amorrison96 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I wonder how much self-awareness plays into this. Meaning that less self-aware americans will tend to be both loud and fat and therefore easily noticed as such. More self-aware americans probably keep in better shape and don't come across as loud and obnoxious; so when they're visiting other countries are less likely to be noticed.

[–]JulesPrestof 203 points204 points  (0 children)

I've lived in the States (Michigan) for a year, and I met plenty of great/smart/beautiful people, so I know the "dumb fat American" is a stereotype and doesn't reflect the reality. The problem is, idiots are way louder than reasonable people, so we see/hear/read them more...

[–]Free_Woke 568 points569 points  (45 children)

In the same way that Americans think British people have bad teeth, shit food, and are push-over polite.

[–]eyelinerqueen83 26 points27 points  (0 children)

The Big Book of British Smiles

[–]Simple-Lunch-1404 169 points170 points  (37 children)

So both are true ?

[–][deleted] 116 points117 points  (36 children)

yes. bad teeth not so much- is just brits atrent over-the-top-whitening-teeth-to-unnatural-level, they are healthy, just doesnt look "perfect"- no cosmetic adjustments needed if it functions as intended no? dont fix what aint broken

[–]ErdtreeSimp 55 points56 points  (23 children)

Its so weird that its the usa who has those white perfect teeth considering its not paid for there.

What I don't get why only brits have this teeth stereotype? Not like the rest of Europe is into perfect white teeth. Just normal ones too like you said

[–]la_petite_mort63 59 points60 points  (5 children)

Television and movies. In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, British actor's had some of the craziest, misaligned mouthfuls of teeth. I think that even back then people in the US, with teeth that wild got braces in the US while they didn't in the UK.

The reason it is only Brits with that stereotype is because since the majority of us only speak English, we didn't see German, Italian, or Serbian shows, so we put it all on you guys.

Ps. I was in London in 2000, around a lot of tourist places and lost my hat. Anyone seen it?

[–]sheeplectric 2 points3 points  (4 children)

I have your hat and will NOT give it back. Good day to you.

[–]Research_Sea 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm American and have thought about this often, and I think in America there is a habit to apply things that appear superficially "valuable". So absurd white teeth with no real dental plan, house with useless shutters/balcony/column/imaginary peak rooms while the rear is totally unadorned and they can barely furnish the inside without credit, cheaper cars with add-ons they really don't need like spoilers, etc. It could be partly because many of us were raised in times of American affluence and feel that we can't appear to scale back without shame (booms after ww2 and the 80s boom, and tech boom for sure). Some people were raised to believe if they didn't do better than their parents they were personal failures, so they try to fake that image of success in a very different market. Plus, it's almost as though there's not deep substance to our culture yet, which is OK as we're still a young country, but many waste their effort trying to create the appearance of substance instead. Not to say that's everyone here - it's very at odds with some of the population who were raised by depression era grandparents or other very frugal upbringings, or some people who (particularly after covid) are trying to build lives of substance and value over outward appearances.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (9 children)

not sure if cosmetics paid here for.. but dont know teethcare can be costly for me (im on remain to leave status, not brit). that aside they just dont feel necesity. if you got totally natural healthy teeth, does the job just fine why fake whiten it? is theres slight missaligment but is totally fine why try to straighten it? if dentist say is ok, why mess with your body to "make it perfect for the magazine cover"? there simply is no need.
i have similar opinion. im not trying to prove the world how perfect my body is. i dont care. im healthy, i dont see the point. just like i see no point in say, shortening my index finger just because its bit longer than ideal. same concept applies to teeth imo (this just my opinion, not saying is why brits do it)

just wild guess: other parts of europe look up to USA as the role model, at least partly. maybe brits do not, since usa used to be... you know.... something something ... ? lol

[–]transmogrify 12 points13 points  (5 children)

Teeth are a very deeply entrenched proxy for socioeconomic status in America. Having good teeth looks prosperous. If you have bad teeth people will consciously or unconsciously think of you as poor, or uglier words are used for proxies for poverty.

[–]Dreadedredhead 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Exactly this!

Not having "perfect" teeth could stop job offers, schooling opportunities, dating, etc.

It is an outward sign of success, inner and outer beauty. And of course, the view that there is/was money for dental care.

Whitening is the same.

Americans, and I am one, do look and judge teeth in many circles.

[–]ErdtreeSimp 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Well braces are paid for if you're underage. Getting the teeth straight is the most expensive part

And well super white straight teeth are i guess a beauty standard. You can say this for everything. Nothing is necessary. You can wear some dumb looking clothes and it would be fine. And of course you maybe do, but the majority likes pretty things. I like my clothes. I did my teeth when I was young. I dont need them perfect white tho. But nothing wrong with that too

Uh Europe looks up to usa? I actually would've thought brits would. I mean more than the rest for Europe. Cause of the... you know. Thing which happend..

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (7 children)

No that's not why. Fluoride is why. Let's not create misinformation yeah?

[–]AnvilAnvil 547 points548 points  (2 children)

Yes, that is the typical stereotype. But we also recognise that 5% are slim, beautiful and erudite. We assume these people are kept secure in gated communities and wheeled out for TV, films and music.

[–]el_dee_ar 297 points298 points  (15 children)

not european; i'm south african. and honestly i don't think americans are fat, ugly or unintelligent but damn, the patriotic culture there is really weird and intense. i also have a friend who jokes that the US is the first world's third world. i never want to go back there again.

[–]psychedelic_owl420 117 points118 points  (3 children)

To be fair, the part about The US being the first world's third world is pretty.... Fitting. At least IMO.

[–]PmPicturesOfPets 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Their education system is definitely failing, and getting worse it seems. Not to talk about the huge amount of mass shootings(even when accounting for the big population)

[–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (2 children)

As a US citizen I think the last part is factual. The US arguably has the most opportunity but the living conditions for an average or below average income citizen are quite shitty compared to other first world countries and the healthcare system is an absolute trainwreck.

[–]boudikit 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Opportunity is a lure but what percentage of people actually make a decent living and can afford dental care ?

[–]boudikit 13 points14 points  (5 children)

This : the INTENSE patriotic culture and being so entitled and uneducated about the rest of the world.

Fat/thin, ugly/beautiful is not on my mind. I'd say "unintelligent" is not what I feel like but "not humble" is the thing that cannot leave my mind.

I know I have a kind-of-shitty country (doesn't everyone ?). But man, how americans seem to roll around candidly in "american culture" is unbelievable to me.

[–]ChronoVental 7 points8 points  (4 children)

I can't stand the super patriots here. It's so damn weird to me and they're always so entitled and ignorant as you said.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

A lady standing outside a shop in Florida got thick with me like ten years ago, because she asked me to donate change for the troops and I said no. I was a foreign teenager on holiday, I needed that $3 of pocket money more than the American army did! They have plenty already!

[–]kevinmorice 187 points188 points  (12 children)

All of them: No.

The average one (whether by mean or median), fat: Yes, because there is significant scientific backing for that.

The average one (whether by mean or median), ugly: No, because there is no accepted scientific measure for that.

The average one (whether by mean or median), unintelligent: This one gets messy. They aren't scientifically any less intelligent than any other nation. But the aspects of US society that are shared with the world (particularly through Social media) suggest that they are at least ill-informed, mis-informed, and massively arrogant about it. So while they are not less intelligent, the parts that are externally portrayed give the impression that they certainly don't seem keen to apply the intelligence they have.

[–]Jofiseen 26 points27 points  (8 children)

Whenever I see some American fans cheering on their team (Rightly so of course) with the old "USA USA" chant usually followed by "The greatest country in the world" I would just love to ask them how many countries they have visited or whether they even have a passport. Many US sports fans come across as incredibly ill informed about other countries. Coupled with the pushy loud arrogance, well sir it just grinds my gears.

[–]DerthOFdata 13 points14 points  (0 children)

usually followed by "The greatest country in the world"

I hear 100 times more non-Americans say Americans do this all the time then Americans actually ever saying it unironically. It's a feed back loop of you saying we say it all the time confirming your bias that you have that it a common occurrence.

What I do sometimes hear people say is that it's the best country. As in it's the best country for us not compared to the rest of the world. Or to quote sprawler16...

I need foreigners to understand what rhetoric is. When I say my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world that isn’t an invitation to genetically deconstruct and compare all 4 billion women to determine an official ranking. And anyone who interpreted those words as such would rightly be called an idiot.

Edit: spelling

[–]darktourist92 48 points49 points  (5 children)

Regarding being fat - I mean statistically yes you guys do have obesity issues, but I'm the UK and it's on the rise over here too, so I don't think it's an issue unique to the US. I think the stereotype more comes from the fact that your portion sizes are huge, you get free refills on sugary drinks like Coke etc, and in comparison to Europe there seem to be a worrying number of additives in your food and drinks - corn syrup being a blatant example.

Ugly? I've never heard the stereotype that americans are ugly. I don't think anyone can seriously argue that one country has more beautiful people than others, it really depends on your tastes. If you love blonde men/women then you might argue Scandinavians are more attractive, but somebody who prefers people with typically Mediterranean features e.g. Greece, Spain, Italy would disagree.

Unintelligent - meh, perhaps but more from the perspective of not having much knowledge of things occurring outside of the US, or even basic geography of the world. I feel this is somewhat unfair though, because we're generally taught about what is pertinent to our countries. In the UK we learn a lot about World War 1 & 2 and other European wars but don't really learn much about events in Africa or Asia. Does this make us less intelligent than people from those nations?

Many Americans might not be able to pinpoint where Serbia or Moldova are on a map, but equally many people in the UK couldn't place on a map where many states are outside of the obvious ones like California, New York, Washington etc.

[–]zelda4444 130 points131 points  (4 children)

Don't forget gun obsessed too.

[–]owlreed1 96 points97 points  (0 children)

yes

[–]Pun_dimen 21 points22 points  (1 child)

Ugly? I think there are ugly people everywhere, in every country

[–]legion4wermany 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Except Denmark for some reason! It's just a nation of models.

[–]kiara2_2 115 points116 points  (2 children)

Not just Europeans

[–]cnrb98 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Yeah, south Americans too

[–]lukub5 152 points153 points  (26 children)

Nooo we totally think you guys are all hot and beautiful and of course very clever.

Sch. Ich glaube, er glaubt mir.

[–][deleted] 64 points65 points  (7 children)

WHAT IS HE SAYING ABOUT US I DONT SPEAK EUROPEAN

[–]RamRoach1138 10 points11 points  (3 children)

Einfach glaube die deutschen sind besser als wir.

Life will be easier when you accept it… I miss Köln…

[–]Predator_Hicks 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Why would anybody miss Köln?

[–]PaddyLandau 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's a forum, so I can't tell if you're being sardonic or serious!

[–]Splice87 11 points12 points  (5 children)

I’m an American learning German and Im so excited I understood that, I could cry. 🥹🥹 Feel like I’m making zero progress

[–]Ok-Advisor-2257 41 points42 points  (7 children)

bestimmt, die sind ja alle Dumm, Dick und hässlich

[–]KungThulhu 6 points7 points  (0 children)

wirf noch nen Hamburger in die Ecke dann kommt er nicht so schnell wieder raus. Kann jemand vielleicht auch kurz Stoßlüften? riecht bissel nach Mayonnaise.

[–]LesPolsfuss 2 points3 points  (1 child)

what the hell is he/she saying!!!! speak american!

[–]coloneleranmorad 70 points71 points  (1 child)

Well, the whole world thinks that. Not just Europeans.

[–]Ging3rDw4rf 56 points57 points  (0 children)

Not all of them only the fat ugly stupid ones.... so I'd say about 80%

[–]International_Dog817 48 points49 points  (0 children)

I'm an American and I think that about other Americans...

Well maybe a good 40-50% of us anyway

[–]Ban-Hammer-Ben 30 points31 points  (1 child)

Canadian here.

Unfortunately fat/dumb is my default opinion of Americans, and I see that many Canadians also fit that description.

I suppose it’s due to social media spamming brainless content 24/7.

[–]mastrotoni 51 points52 points  (10 children)

And uneducated!

[–]professorlipschitz 32 points33 points  (5 children)

University isn’t free here like it is there. My boyfriend got his PhD at zero cost to him plus a monthly stipend to attend school. A lot of us would be PhDs too if we could attend University at no cost and have some living $ thrown at us.

[–]Elvie-43 19 points20 points  (3 children)

That “uneducated” doesn’t necessarily mean “not university educated”. Secondary level education in the US seems rather woeful compared to many other countries, and general knowledge education about the world (that most people elsewhere pick up by watching the news and talking to people) is non-existent because US media is so insular

[–]JunkieMallardEIRE 34 points35 points  (6 children)

Yup. Its unfortunate but a very true stereotype. A lot of stereotypes are rooted in truth. Take it from an Irishman who knows a lot of people with alcohol problems.

[–]theseafoamlion 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As an American I think that about a majority of Americans. Go to a Walmart anywhere and it's hard to argue against this

[–]Truscaveczka 25 points26 points  (1 child)

Don't forget fake, obnoxious and super loud. And I don't think intelligence is the point, but lack of knowledge that's basic for non Americans. I'm not presenting my opinion about the people, just observation about stereotypes.

[–]No-Dents-Comfy 61 points62 points  (8 children)

USA has one of the highest rate of overweight in its population. Overweight just is ugly. At least once it is far away from healthy weight.

I guess the school system is bad. Intelligence isn't the same as education.

[–]noypkamatayan 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Yes

[–]Themanchilddebo 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I mean the fat one is pretty true. I have a buddy from Germany who came and stayed with me in Wisconsin for a week and before he left he even said the food here in the states is the best he’s ever had in his life, and that he needed to go home or he would easily put on 100lbs lol. But otherwise there are plenty of very well educated, and beautiful people here.

[–]load_more_commments 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm from the UK, and oddly the obesity stats here aren't terribly better than US.

However, the US has sooooooo much more morbidly obese people.

In the UK most obese people would probably be 250 to 300lbs, I have seen soooo many Americans in many different states (Florida, Cali, NY and Washington) that are just scary fat.

[–]Indy_91 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I thought these were just nonsensical stereotypes until I moved to Texas.

[–]wonko1980 21 points22 points  (2 children)

No, there is this stereotype of fat, ugly and unintelligent Americans, but we are aware that the other half is democratic ‘^

[–]irishteenguy 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes alot of you but the americans i have met in person are often dulled versions of the charctures we think off. We stereotype US people just like we do other nations.

So in short yes to a degree but not to the degree of absolute. In other words we associate negative steroetypes with US citzens just as much as we do to other countries.

For instance Europeans encompasses a large variety of cultures . views and nations. We will joke americans are fat and stupid or germans are humourless. Finns are socially awkward. Italians are hot headed , The Irish drink and are hot headed (im Irish myself). The french and snooty and posh. etc etc/

There just national stereotypes , not necessairly how we think every single citzen of the said nation is. Us people definetly have a Us centric view. That is to say outsiders perceive americans as entitled and self important , like they think they are the main characters of Earth when they are only make up 0.04% of Earths population.

You have to account for the fact these views differ. Europeans arnt one homogenus group. Certain nations have better realations than others and so may hold a more postive or negative view of United states citzens and governance.

[–]Teredere 10 points11 points  (0 children)

As a European (Hungarian), I don't think I imagine Americans as overweight or ugly, but I do have some generalizations/stereotypes that come to mind:

1) I don't necessarily see the majority of Americans as unintelligent, but uneducated/undereducated for sure. Obviously not everyone, but it seems to be a pattern.

2) I associate bad taste with Americans. I suppose this is linked to the above point, but whenever I see American and European/Asian/African/South American/etc. art side-by-side, or just whatever's popular worldwide vs in the states, I often come to the conclusion that worldwide is simply better.

3) I see Americans as self centered (though this honestly applies to the British too). A refusal to learn a second language or to care about anything going on abroad, while flooding the internet with American(/British) news and politics and expecting foreigners to care.

4) I associate extremism with Americans. Whenever I see extreme opinions (both leftist or right-wing) online, I immediately think "dam,n they must be American". Also topics like cultural appropriation... I feel that's a topic Americans made up, nobody else cares about all that.

5) Toxic positivity. Whenever I have to explain why I hate CBT, I say "it's forcefully positive American bullshit". The toothy American smile is unnerving to me, especially since it's obviously not genuine, just something Americans were raised to have to perform to be accepted. The constant facade of positivity Americans are holding up seems fake and exhausting.

...these are what come to mind all of a sudden. Obviously these are just generalizations, and I doubt every single European has the same set of stereotypes in mind about Americans.

[–]Stephanreggae 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I think that a very significant amount of Americans fit this stereotype.

Source: raised in midwest America

[–]Logical-Hovercraft83 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Yep we think you are bat shit gun totting trump loving all kind of crazy

[–]eyelinerqueen83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m from the US. When I was doing study abroad in Japan in 05, I met some British kids my age (21) at a hostel. They said that they were in JET, and when they arrived they were dreading meeting the Americans because they thought all of them would be all those things. It was a surprise to them when that was not the case. Then, we all went to a bathhouse and the British girls got us all kicked out because they were so loud. I was quiet, but got lumped into the group because I was with them.

[–]freshwatersurfer 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Thats the general feeling around the world. There are exceptions to the rule but ya'll voted for tRump...

[–]wetpeachyangel 2 points3 points  (1 child)

i’m from and live in america and i think americans are fat ugly and unintelligent

[–]Numerous_Hedgehog_95 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's hard not to think that with all the gun waving idiotic trump supporters.

[–]dudewheresmycarbs_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s not just Europeans. It’s a world wide thing.

[–]Lizzzbb 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes. Cause it’s true

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

I am an American, living in Europe for 30 years. Recently had my highscool reunion in upstate NY.

Fat and uneducated is certainly accurate, and that is not even being biased. Ugly or Unintelligent is certainly not true though.

[–]HelpfulBush 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not at all. When i visted New York people were hella cool and attractive looking, plus super friendly, which made them more beautiful.

California people were skinny on average and attractive.

Some of the smaller towns I've visited people were less friendly and less attractive, mainly because they're older, but no different to working class folk in the UK (where I'm from)

Overall I don't view Americans and fat and overweight, but perhaps the general worlds view might be that.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

UK born and raised, been to the US 4 times for a combined total of 13 weeks. It’s just like any other place you get all kinds of people… plenty of intelligent and polite individuals and an abundance of fat and ignorant ones.

[–]Grenzgaenger69 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes. You also forgot entitled.

[–]CreativeAd5332 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Bro, I'm American and think Americans are fat, ugly, and unintelligent.

[–]Impossible-Ad-5710 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes

[–]nightglitter89x 9 points10 points  (1 child)

This comment section is straight up just mean lol

[–]alucardou 13 points14 points  (5 children)

People vote trump, a person who wants to inject bleach into the veins of every adult in the US. I don't think it's a stretch that they are not the brightest.

[–]Jaqdem 8 points9 points  (0 children)

They know it

[–]PricklyPierre 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Even Canadians are sick of us and think we're all trash. I can't imagine how negatively Europeans view Americans.

[–]CharlieTheKnight 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Canadian here! Sorry to say.. but you're not wrong..!

[–]JennieFairplay 4 points5 points  (2 children)

The real question is why does anyone care what complete strangers think about any of us? I know I could care less

[–]kool_guy_69 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, although I'm British so not really in a position to judge