German and American Stereotypes - Essay Example

German and American Stereotypes German and American stereotypes have lasted for decades. Ever since the war in Europe there have been many biases spread between the two countries throughout the world. Many of the stereotypes are untrue, however. And in reality there are many that would agree that the two countries’ people are similar in many ways. This article will explain a selection of German-American stereotypes and explain their credibility. A German stereotype towards Americans is childishness.

Many Germans believe that Americans are childish because of the things they do. The anonymous author of a “Stereotypes” in homepages.rtlnet.de/krkarwoth/stereotypes.html writes about his experience with German-American stereotypes. He writes about a student of his who asks if it is true that all Americans are extremely superficial. To which he replies: I have American friends I can ask for a favor and I can count on them when they have promised me to help. But I have friends as well that promise me something and will not take it too serious to really keep this promise.

If I want to take them by word I have to make them do things for me right the way or keep bugging them until they do it. But in Germany I experience the same thing - don't you? (Anonymous, Stereotypes)Another stereotype made by Germans towards Americans is that they believe Americans are warmongers. According to a blog called 10 common German prejudices about the USA, this is caused by the actions of the government. The author states that foreigners see Americans as war-hungry people because of the US government’s decisions.

The effects felt by the foreign countries leave a stigma upon them making them believe that Americans want power. From the American perspective, some Americans believe that Germans are hateful because of what happened sixty years ago. However, in Britain the hatred towards Germans can be violent. Most Germans associate the Americans with Britain creating a bond that stereotypes both countries. But the British hatred is understandable because of World War II. Americans bearing hatred towards Germans do it likely out of fear and the anti-German propaganda of years past.

On Answerbag.com, a site where one asks questions and many answer, someone asks, “What are some untrue stereotypes that Americans have of Germans?” Though there are many exuberant replies, there is one constant blogger, Frederik, who says that Germans are fearful of Americans.One time enemy- forever [an] enemy and I am aware whenever I meet an American.And every German knows that he never should turn his back to an American.This will never change and I deeply hope that it will never change.

It is absolutely good this way.-(Frederik)This sort of thinking was produced by his experience and the stereotypes of others. Germans have been victimized by many other countries, specifically Britain. As stated above, Germany associates Britain with the US and because of this association Americans also take the blame for the British harassment.Works Cited"10 common German prejudices about the USA."Tobsy says - The US from an Outsider's POV .N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. ."stereotypes." Internetzugang - RTL.de. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2011.

"What are some untrue stereotypes that Americans have of Germans? | Answerbag."  Answerbag.com | Ask Questions, Get Answers, Find Information . N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. .