Are Americans who are cranky, bad-tempered, and hostile a minority in America?
Posted by Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 192 comments
I am Brazilian and live in the State of Pará (Brazil), and when I entered the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) I met exchange students who are from the USA, mostly white.
They were kind, nice and respectful to me. This was crucial to reconsider about the American people, I realized that the stereotypes that they are rude, rude and hostile (even racist) to foreigners were wrong.
But the question is that these demonstrations were in my country, and will it be different for me in the USA? My experience may be an exception.
Tell me Americans: are you usually playful too? Because they went with us, I thought it was cool and interesting.
Thank you for the responses.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
Where does this false stereotype come??? Why do people want to believe this?
DistributionNorth410@reddit
Probably portrayals of New Yorkers, New Jerseyites, Boston folks and Chicagoans in countless movies and TV shows.
PolyglotMouse@reddit
Us New Jerseyans are pretty annoyed by shows like the Sopranos (even though it's a really good show) cuz none of us speak or act like that. New Yorkers act closer to that but still are kinda different
PacSan300@reddit
It seems you guys were even more annoyed by Jersey Shore.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
And there are so many nice people in NJ and NY!!!
PolyglotMouse@reddit
Thank you! I've met my fair share of rude people from both sides, but I think for the most part we tend to be pretty chill and nice---at least I and the people I hang out with try to be.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
Fast paced (NYC) doesn’t mean rude. You can talk to anyone or ask directions or whatever, and they (NJ & NYC) are always helpful and nice.
PolyglotMouse@reddit
Nah I understand the fast-paced life firsthand since I live nearby NYC and there are people who are in a rush who would actually help. Others would literally push right by you but that's alright as well. I mean I've met actual rude people not because they're fast-paced but because they're genuinely miserable. But the good outweighs the bad so it's no biggie. Glad you see us in a positive light!
freshboss4200@reddit
Or Texans and southerners and cowboys
DefinitelyNotADeer@reddit
This is also a misunderstanding Americans have about all us northeasterners, though. What is considered socially polite is just very different than what is considered polite in other parts of the country. It’s not people being rude for the sake of being rude, it’s just a more direct form of communication. Speaking indirectly is what people in the north east tend to consider rude. If we want to say something indirectly to soften our tone, we also tend to use sarcasm because it’s still faster and more direct than talking around something, whereas that tends to be considered more rude outside of the north east.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
This stereotype exists a lot because of the news about racists and things on the internet talking about "how Americans are extremely racist", especially on Brazilian social networks.
They teach our people how to behave in the presence of an American, so as not to irritate them.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
How awful that your media lies like that.
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
A not insignificant amount of Americans chose to elect a guy who promised to become a dictator, and would deport basically entire races of people.
While the aggressively racist are a small minority, bigotry is still a big issue in this country.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
It’s even more of an issue in just about every other country. Americans just don’t know that.
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
Racism in Asia is usually borne of ignorance. Racism in North America (mostly just the US and Canada) and Europe is often borne of malice.
AskAnAmerican-ModTeam@reddit
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mustachechap@reddit
Nope. All over the world you can find racism borne of ignorance and malice.
But America is still one of the least racist countries in the world, and much less racist than Brazil. Weird that we have this stereotype for being so racist.
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
The nazi pograms were directly inspired by American Jim Crow laws, though some - like the One Drop rule - were considered too extreme.
White Americans destroyed public spaces rather than share them with non white people.
The reason we have extremely high college tuition rates is because it was intended to keep non-white people from attending universities when segregation laws were overturned.
Americans voted an openly racist megalomaniac to the oval office, not once, but twice. They were easily set against DEI policies, and were easily duped into believing that critical race theory was taught to elementary school children.
We don't even need to get into the animosity these people have against the queer community and the overwhelming level of transphobia that often has no concrete basis in reality.
Bigotry thrives when people are stupid and ignorant, and a lot of Americans are very stupid and ignorant.
FearTheAmish@reddit
Ask any euro about the Roma...
mustachechap@reddit
It’s hilarious that you think Nazis thought the one drop rule was too extreme.
Either way, there is racism in America but we are still the least racist nation in the world.
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
If we were the least racist nation in the world, we wouldn't have elected Trump a second time.
Because nobody elected him for his policies, as he fucking had none - just like last time.
mustachechap@reddit
Again, you are someone who thinks Nazis thought the one drop was “too harsh”.
Can you name a nation less racist than the US?
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
Mexico
mustachechap@reddit
Oh my…
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
I get it - you're a dumbass
LSATMaven@reddit
But he has a concept of a plan.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
Racism in Japan is certainly borne of malice.
talithaeli@reddit
Honestly, this is like the 4th time someone from Brazil has come in asking something like this.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re flawed like anyone else (and we are currently NOT at our best) but you guys seem to be getting a lot of negative messaging about us.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
No exaggeration, but there is SOME content on the internet that shows you Americans as the incarnation of Adolf Hitler himself.
Chewednspat@reddit
A particular American seems to be wishing he were are his alien sugar daddy
MoonieNine@reddit
But those are just the Republicans.
mustachechap@reddit
You’re really not better than the OP for saying this ignorant comment
FearTheAmish@reddit
You do know most people know of Brazillian culture is undercover cops shooting people right?
Outrageous_Dream_741@reddit
That guy's from South Africa.
lampshadish2@reddit
That’s legitimate anti-American propaganda.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
That is insanity.
PhilTheThrill1808@reddit
Ironic given how welcoming Brazil was to fleeing war criminals from the Nazi regime.
UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit
And there’s stuff on the internet painting Brazilians are backwards ass criminals.
Shockingly, the vast majority of us aren’t gullible enough to assume that’s true of everyone.
Reasonable_Tank_3530@reddit
Most of us are normal people, just like you and your family and friends. The very small minority have the loudest voices in the media and online, and the sane just ignore them and live their lives.
There are bigots everywhere. The fact that you are interacting with Americans in Brazil show that they are willing to travel outside of their home country with a passport they need to be approved for. The biggest bigots typically stay in the country and refuse to leave because everywhere else is third world.
Each country sees and hears propaganda or other stereotypical media that isn't really reflective of that region of the world
Remarkable_Table_279@reddit
I’ve always wondered what other countries are taught about us because I’ve learned a lot about other countries…and some of it was blatantly wrong. So can you give us examples?
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
We learned that you are racist because until 1964 you had racial segregation, we learned that you are imperialists because you invade other countries and we also learned part of your history (independence and American civil war)
Lunalovebug6@reddit
Didn’t Brazil end slavery AFTER the US? And didn’t Brazil have the casta?
Greedy_Big8275@reddit
You said “until 1964” which was literally 60 years ago & you’re still judging us by that? We have grown leaps and bounds since then.
h4baine@reddit
There is a distinction that needs to be made between a government and people. Some people hold some racist views, sure, but most people anywhere are kind in my experience.
I don't know that people can individually be imperialist the way a government can be. We fully recognize that the US government has done fucked up things but that does not directly reflect the people. Much like Bolsonaro doesn't reflect on all Brazilians.
But by that logic about imperialism, do you view England, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, or Japan that way? They've had much more aggressive and borderline insane imperialist policies compared to the US.
cherrycokeicee@reddit
what the hell does this involve?
this sounds like how you'd talk about wildlife, not other human beings.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
They teach us about not responding to possible insults (because you can hold us at gunpoint or report us to the immigration agency), to give in even when we are wrong, that sort of thing.
Rob_LeMatic@reddit
Ok, no. That's nonsense. It sounds like somebody talked themselves into a job they are unqualified for and they're just making shit up, or it is a deliberate propaganda campaign.
Whoever's spreading that is getting their information from watching tv shows and fantasizing, not from direct experience or facts.
Dull-Geologist-8204@reddit
Dude, seriously we aren't here running around reporting people.
A lot of don't even care if you are legal or illegal. I used to talk to the cops for my Mexican neighbors to get them out of trouble.
Yes, aholes exist here and occasionally they will cause problems but everyone in the neighborhood know who they are and they cause problems for everyone. It's not specific to you. Most of us out here though aren't going to run to the authorities just because you disagree with us over something.
StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
Report you for what?
UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit
Being gullible and xenophobic maybe?
StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
In that case this dude is going to ADX Florence
TheOneWes@reddit
If it was normal behavior it would not make the news.
We're the country that's made out of the most races of any other country and most of us consider somebody to be just one of us as soon as they start trying to get citizenship.
If our country was as racist as it's made out to be we would have collapsed a long time ago.
bluescrew@reddit
Ironically, Brazilian culture can be racist in a way Americans wouldn't even conceive of. Where they might describe you as lighter or darker than you are, based on how much money or social power you have. Like your race can actually change as your finances change.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
Exactly
BullsOnParadeFloats@reddit
Just don't go to Arkansas.
bigsystem1@reddit
We have plenty of issues, but Americans really aren’t particularly racist as individuals. Some racist institutions/history of course. But this is a very diverse country and we generally handle diversity well.
ursulawinchester@reddit
Your news is either outright lying, heavily biased, and/or featuring the worst people because shock sells. I’m sure there are a few Americans with distorted views of Brazil as well.
There are racists in America without a doubt. You may encounter this if/when you come here. HOWEVER, there are many more nice, polite, friendly, fun Americans and you are more likely going to encounter people like you recently met far more frequently.
It’s worth noting that Brazil has a very different definition of race than America, it’s almost an entirely different approach to what race even is. I recommend reading up on it so you can understand us better. Americans put an emphasis on ancestry and therefore an individual’s racial identity is more rigid than you might be used to because in Brazil, race is determined more by appearance, so it is more fluid at the individual level. My point is, if our cultures have two different ideas of how race works, I’m sure there are things you might consider to be racist that are very normal here, and vice-versa. I’m not saying one way is right and the other is wrong, just that you may benefit from acquainting yourself with this.
Adorable-Growth-6551@reddit
Huh, like what is recommended?
Inspi@reddit
That is really strange.
Though I admit some areas are different than others. I'm in south Florida, an area South American people flock to, both for vacation, and to live. Many of them bring their country's culture and language, which is fine, but they also absolutely refuse to try and fit in here, insisting we fully adopt their ways and language. Though some try to adapt and become a part of the "melting pot" of cultures that have shaped America.
This leads to a messy environment. Some people welcome them here and go above and beyond to adapt to the newcomers and their demands. Others are sick and tired of it and how all the original local culture is disappearing rapidly, even making it hard to communicate in English in many areas. So you'd see both the best and worst attitudes.
Go somewhere else and you'd have a different experience.
Overall though, we tend to be known as a friendly, laid back, and outgoing people by other countries.... Even if the media likes to focus on only the negatives.
WalterWoodiaz@reddit
Behave in the presence of an American? Like we are wild animals? Absolutely crazy.
Most Americans don’t think Brazilians are a violent people even though there is such a massive crime problem, I hope Brazilians have nuance that every country has good and bad people.
General_Watch_7583@reddit
I live in a city that gets a ton of tourism and so interact with a lot of tourists going about my life. Normally tourists comment to me how outgoingly friendly Americans are, not the opposite.
Owned_by_cats@reddit
Look who we elected.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
Look who they elected.
SpeedrunningOurRuin@reddit
I think it’s the internet. We are way more loud, rude, and even hostile on the internet.
In person, we often do not behave the same ways at all.
Or so goes my experience.
mustachechap@reddit
No we aren’t? Speak for yourself, I suppose
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
And non Americans are loud and rude on the net. This is just pure bigotry.
btmg1428@reddit
And projection.
Gubermensch1690@reddit
The southern United States, probably lol
SpeedrunningOurRuin@reddit
I think it’s the internet. We are way more loud, rude, and even hostile on the internet.
In person, we often do not behave the same ways at all.
Or so goes my experience.
ScatterTheReeds@reddit
I dunno, lots of non Americans are pretty forward and rude on the net, especially when they’re being judgmental, un fairly judgmental, about America.
LoudCrickets72@reddit
Nah we’re a bunch of idiots. Look at how we vote.
Enough-Meaning-1836@reddit
Thankfully we corrected that last November.
LoudCrickets72@reddit
Fuckin inbred
Enough-Meaning-1836@reddit
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
All the varied and imaginative insults in the English language, and "fuckin inbred" is all you could come up with? Pathetic lol.
And no, as a matter of fact, and as both popular and electoral votes show, the country DID want to turn things around. Thank God the incompetence of the last 4 years got stopped! 🤣
LoudCrickets72@reddit
Brainwashed MAGA zombie
Enough-Meaning-1836@reddit
Commie scum!
Ooh look lol, I can do that too 🤣🤷♂️🤣
Maybe try using logic and reason instead of infantile emotional posturing for a change. 😂
AskAnAmerican-ModTeam@reddit
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StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
u/loudcrickets72 a week ago
The duality of man.
StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
Jesus man take some deep breaths
LoudCrickets72@reddit
No
MaleficentMousse7473@reddit
Those are the cranky ones
CupBeEmpty@reddit
I mean I’m cranky and bad tempered but I still love all my fellow Americans.
I love you foreign devils and are happy when you come here.
Mr__Citizen@reddit
Basically. I mean, sure, there's pockets where that's the norm. But by and large, people will put in at least some effort to be nice to strangers even in places that have a reputation for rudeness.
Suspicious_Sale_8413@reddit
It’s basically anybody who has a corporate job
crazycreepynull_@reddit
Yes, most of us are just normal people trying to go about our day. You don't really hear about that though because these kinds of people don't spend all their time online posting rants and stuff like the rowdy Americans do. Some places in America are more hostile than others but overall the majority of Americans are pretty chill and many can be quite playful if you know how to approach them
No_Salad_8766@reddit
Every type of person exists in all corners of the world. Why do you think that's not the case?
roughlyround@reddit
Most Americans are friendly or at least cordial. Those who travel even more so. We leave the curmudgeonly at home.
Electrical_Feature12@reddit
Most everyone as you talk to them seem mostly reasonable. Street people are problematic but that’s cause most a mentally off.
gcot802@reddit
This is a very bizarre question.
All of these personality types exist among all kinds of people in every country.
Americans can be friendly, Americans can be jerks. We are not a monolith.
TheButtDog@reddit
Bizarre to think that all 340+ million Americans are all cranky and bad-tempered
sadthrow104@reddit
Even in the places with super polite people like japan, you can find PLENTY of examples of humans treating each other poorly
UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit
Also? A person can be super nice and polite until something pisses them off.
We’re not just running around on one factory setting OP. We’re humans just like you.
limbodog@reddit
Where I live, we just call that Tuesday.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
Would a Democratic State be like this? Lol
itsjustmo_@reddit
How old are you, dude?
hella_cious@reddit
That commenter is from the north. In general the northern states/New England (which are largely Democrat) tend to be louder and less proper.
In New York, someone will call you dumb MFer while fixing your flat tire. In the south they’ll give you a beer while doing it. But I’m shocked at what you’ve come away with, cause all the Europeans I know say that the stereotype is that we’re overly friendly and loud.
btmg1428@reddit
We're either too nice or too mean. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
hella_cious@reddit
I’ll take too nice any day
btmg1428@reddit
I prefer apathy and silent judgment, but that works, too.
nkdeck07@reddit
Lol Massachusetts and specifically Boston absolutely but we are cranky to everyone. The rule in MA is we are not nice but we are kind. For example we will absolutely help you get a car out of a ditch but we also might call you a dumb fuck in the process.
btmg1428@reddit
As a Californian, I tend to have that attitude, too. Some people refuse my help because they don't want to give me the satisfaction of calling them an indisputable idiot.
TheMoonIsFake32@reddit
It depends. New York and Boston, yes. Minnesota, no.
kac937@reddit
less democratic vs republican and more urban vs rural.
I lean pretty far to the left politically, but i’m from a small town. Around my friends and family i’m known to be a pretty blunt guy. I went to chicago for a work trip and multiple people complimented how nice i was all the time.
It’s just that in smaller communities you have to “waste time” on the pleasantries because you don’t want half the time to think you’re rude.
Similar-Breadfruit50@reddit
Don’t listen to this person. They’re not like that on the East Coast. They just think they’re busier and not as overly friendly sometimes. And it’s not everyone. Plus, Boston likes to be cranky for fun. They think it’s some kind of sparkling personality trait.
zebostoneleigh@reddit
What? No. Seriously? You're.... I don't even... What? I can't.
Afromolukker_98@reddit
Yes, look at nyc. Not necessarily to foreigners, but to everyone
limbodog@reddit
Boston is in the bluest of blue states, so yes.
StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
…what?
Ray5678901@reddit
I'm friendly to everyone, small talk in que, smile if eye contact is made. Otherwise you leave me alone, i leave you alone. Now if you hassle me, rude, damage my property, it might not be friendly.
racedownhill@reddit
The ones you met are not representative of all Americans. A lot of us are similar to them, to be sure.
The ones you met would have these characteristics:
1) Enough intellectual and financial resources to go to university 2) Enough financial resources to travel abroad to study 3) Adventurous enough to study abroad in a lesser-known part of Brazil, instead of some place like London, Paris, or Munich
So you’re dealing with a pretty small subset of Americans. Are there a lot more like them? Sure. Are all Americans like this? Not by a long shot.
SnapHackelPop@reddit
If the stereotype is that we’re all mean and racist, it’s a stupid stereotype. There’s plenty of assholes.
Exchange students are a lot more likely to study abroad because they want to and are interested in your culture. It would be very weird for them to come and be racist
btmg1428@reddit
Happens more frequently than you think. Some immigrants and exchange students hate this country, the people in it, and everything it stands for, but only come here for the money.
TillPsychological351@reddit
Yeah, I can't imagine someone would choose to study abroad just to belittle and insult that country.
PoolSnark@reddit
Americans are mostly chill.
Delicious_Panda_6946@reddit
The people on this thread with the snarky responses are exactly who this guy is referencing
If you are an American and you don’t have anything nice to say, shut the hell up
To my Portuguese friend : a lot of us are normal Even the normal ones are crazy
geekycurvyanddorky@reddit
They are a minority, but a very loud one. They don’t usually leave the town or county that they were born in, so they never rub elbows with people who are different from themselves. Those that do have the privilege to be able to travel beyond their state, and out of the country, are a very different, usually more kind American. The super wealthy class can have the same hostile thinking that the poverty class that never leaves their town/county has too though. But the rest of us aren’t that bad though. We just get lumped in with the minority, which isn’t very fun or fair. But we understand why it happens
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
I understand, because they really seem to be the majority.
geekycurvyanddorky@reddit
I’m sorry it seems that way. Bad people tend to be the minority, thank goodness. But it seems they’re always the loudest people.
NotAFanOfOlives@reddit
Generally, yeah, but it really depends on where they're from. America is big, and it's basically a bunch of countries in a trench coat. Every part of America is known for a different attitude. Someone born and raised in Washington State will act way different from someone from Alabama.
God forbid you meet anyone from Alabama.
UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit
Honestly bringing Alabama into every goddamn thing is tired at this point. Pick a new state.
Fleiger133@reddit
It depends on where you are.
I grew up in a very small, hate filled place. I lived in a bigger city for a whole, much more tolerant and open, happier in general.
Living in a miniscule town was torture. They were the worst people.
Some small towns are wonderful and loving.
We're too big to nail down that precisely.
Blahkbustuh@reddit
This is the reverse of your comment:
I assumed Brazilians spend their days in the rain forest playing soccer, doing sambas, or at the beach before going home to their houses in favelas and when they're not occupied with shaking their bare asses at carnival they are busy committing violent gun crimes on scooters. You're telling me this isn't true?!?!?
LOL
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
LOL
rileyoneill@reddit
Being a total jerk has some pretty serious social consequences. Particularly if you live in a city where you will be around a lot of people but only know a small percentage. We have a reputation of being fairly outgoing and talkative, almost to a fault.
Dealing with exchange students, you are dealing with people who for whatever reason really wanted to go to Brazil. So the idea of being around Brazilians is something they found very appealing. You probably are not going to get a bunch of racist jerks who sign up for that.
Some people consider us sort of cold in that we do not touch each other like some folks do in other cultures. We certainly do not touch strangers. We also stand physically far apart. I notice this with some Europeans, they will speak quieter than we will, but they also stand way closer to each other.
If people are really cranky and hostile, they typically do not well around people. if they are racist, they probably don't want to be around people of other races. I have known White people here in California who could not stand being around Mexicans or Blacks so they moved to rural Northern California or Idaho, and usually in some place where they kept the interaction between them and the people of the community to a minimum. They would certainly not go to Brazil.
Rlyoldman@reddit
You only hear about the bad ones.
Potential_Paper_1234@reddit
Yes minority. And yes we are “playful” we love comedy and making jokes.
elevencharles@reddit
Americans who travel are more likely to be open minded and enthusiastic about other cultures, the really cranky racists ones have probably never left their county, let alone the country.
ReactionAble7945@reddit
The bigger the city, the more assholes.
Currently, the liberals are suffering from Trump derangement syndrome and Elon derangement syndrome. They are committing domestic terrorism attacking people, Tesla vehicles and ... I saw a video of someone getting in the face of a little old black lady wearing a flag Tshirt.
And some conservative are picking fights.
Seems like everyone is political now.
It is a weird time. But normally, I would say... Watch our TV shows. There are good and bad people.. Their are happy and sad people. There are assholes and people who would give you the shirt off their back.
Green-Ad-6149@reddit
I lived overseas for a while and made quick friends with locals and other Americans largely because racist assholes tend to never leave home.
During my time, there were a few people who joined us while maintaining the idea that America was perfect and everyone should bow down to us. They did not last long when exposed to reality.
Greedy_Big8275@reddit
I’m American and always heard the stereotype that we are overly friendly and outgoing with strangers/visitors compared to other countries.
woahouch@reddit
Not American but have travelled there a lot. I found Americans as a rule to be friendly and outgoing. I was sometimes shocked once you scratched below the surface at some of the insane beliefs they held but that’s all playing out very publicly atm.
I found the South a bit weird because the Polite words sometimes didn’t extend to tone, or wording that felt dismissive was actually just a local thing. For example i thank the cashier, the cashier would reply “uh huh”. Not rude at all but based on how people reply in my home country it felt a little rude or dismissive at first.
But keeping it light I found Americans polite, helpful and very curious about where I/we are from. They often seemed more reserved in the U.S. than as tourists elsewhere. Not sure if that’s a context thing or just that those travelling are more outgoing.
NamingandEatingPets@reddit
Most people with some rare exceptions will still be pleasant to your face, even if they’re the biggest racist, bigoted assholes on the planet. Depending on where you go, you’ll probably be really surprised in the best way at how friendly everyone is.
And yes we are silly as hell.
Tell us where you’ll be visiting and we can be more regionally specific.
fhxueduedidiw@reddit
Certain parts of the country are better to avoid these types of Americans. Many of them do exist. Exchange students from the US are more likely to be open minded and respectful. There are many Americans who don’t even want to leave the country.
OrdinarySubstance491@reddit
Oh wow. My impression of us as a fellow American is that we are far more friendly and open than most other countries. We’re known for smiling at everyone we pass on the street because we consider it rude not to. Or perhaps that is only in the South.
Th ere are racist people everywhere but I think you’ll find that most Americans are friendly. Sometimes we can come across as rude when we aren’t in tune of the cultural practices of different areas, I.e., loudness, refusing food/drink.
MuchDevelopment7084@reddit
People are people wherever you go in the world. In the USA. People will be more interested in you, and friendlier to you. Simply because you are Brazilian. They'll want to talk about your country, culture, etc.
If I took the news about the crime in Brazil as they show it in the news. I'd have thought it was a crazy, crime ridden place. However, once I arrived in Salvador, Bahia (on my way to Caetité). I met the most friendly, happy people I'd met anywhere in the world.
The Americans you met at University; are the type you will meet if you visit here. Just like Brazil. There are good and bad people. So keep your eyes open. But overall. I think you'll have a great time.
ShortyColombo@reddit
I know this question is for Americans but I think the “Brazilian” in your text triggered this post to recommend it to me as a BR myself 😂
I’ve been in the US 8 years. I like how friendly and polite people are here- and in a way, while it’s “colder” compared to the Brazilian way, I prefer it. I’m introverted and shy, so I people are nice but give you space. You don’t have to give 1000 excuses or flake on plans, you can just say “I can’t go, maybe next time, thank you for the invite” and you’re not the devil for it. I find it glorious.
I’ve had ignorant stereotypes asked of me, but nothing explicitly hateful. I have seen displays of micro aggressions and racism, but I saw as many as I see im Brazil.
I’d really give a side eye to the content you might be finding online; I can make a PowerPoint about what I find are the cultural and structural flaws in the US, but there’s stuff out there that’s straight xenophobia desgised as “righteous” anti-imperialism.
CreditAvailable2391@reddit
Whatever personalities you have over there among Brazilians we have them here among Americans.
Mandielephant@reddit
we're humans. We're all cranky somedays. We all have bad days. Some are crankier than others.
xSparkShark@reddit
Depends on the region and the people. Educated people who come from wealth (typically in the north east or the west coast) are not going to be racist to you. At least not outwardly. College students studying abroad most likely fit into the previously mentioned category.
The stereotype of crank bad tempered hostile folks comes from rural white American primarily. Unless you plan on visiting rural American (there’s nothing to see) you will not run into these people.
UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit
Rural people are not “cranky bad tempered hostile folk”
Holy fucking shit. You think educated rich people are nicer and happier than someone living out in the sticks? Talk about fucking classist.
machuitzil@reddit
Oi cara! Tudo bem. Im from California but my first roommate was Brazilian, from Recife. And through him I met basically every other Brazilian in town.
It's funny you mention that because I think of ourselves as friendly people, and we are, but the Brazilians I met kind of showed a mirror to, like us, or our culture, in small ways.
Brazilians are more outgoing than we are, as a generalization. Nothing is an absolute, but say that my roommate introduced me to a Paulisto at the beach. My eyes might be a little more squinty, like I'm trying to get a read before I decide if I like this person. But the Paulisto was wide eyed and happy to meet me from the jump, as of because I know his friend, than I must be his friend too, and so he treated me like family.
It was an eye-opening juxtaposition, excuse the pun. I think Americans might appear more wary of someone when they meet, a little colder towards them, than the average Brazilian. Which is odd because I'd never thought that of myself. But Brazilians can be so open and welcoming, it made me reflect on how sometimes, we Americans might not be.
-also just one last thing, because I'd met so many Brazilians and made so many friends, that I eventually studied abroad in Rio, at PUC and it's a time in my life that I will never forget.
I got to visit your country, travel in your country, meet so many amazing people and begin to notice how closely related we are, and how similar our Histories are. You're in every way our American Cousins and most EEUU'idenses have no idea the influence you've had in our country.
Então, obrigado rapaz. Sou grato por meu tempo em sua país.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you had an experience like this in my country. We have similar stories (like the horror of slavery, European colonization).
But today we are different, Brazilians seem happier and more extroverted.
machuitzil@reddit
I've visited both Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. I was lucky to learn some of that history. I visited a mall in the lower city in Salvador, which had a basement you could enter, which had been a prison for slaves, dug by slaves.
Brazil isn't for amateurs, lol. I lived across from favela Pavãozinho in Rio. Life is hard for many people, but those were the best people I met. The best views in the city are in Vidigal, not Barra Tijuca.
lurkermurphy@reddit
the students you met in person are not average americans because they chose to go to brazil. everyone else commenting here is a little butthurt and trying to do PR. what happens in the united states is that most americans have never been outside the country, but they assume everyone else in the world is dying to come to the united states to live next to them without conforming to american language and cultural norms, so some exhibit the attitude towards foreigners that you have seen exaggerated in social media
bigsmilestarks@reddit
Usually the people that you see as loud, rude and racist in America are not traveling to learn about other cultures and get out of their comfort zone. I had the privilege of living in Europe, Central America and spend a significant amount of time in Asia and Africa. Everywhere I went people were shocked I was so nice and interested in learning about their cultures and traditions.
However, if you travel to the states you’re guaranteed to run into some of these Americans on their turf, I’m sure this contributes to the stereotypes.
r2k398@reddit
All I know is that whenever someone moves or visits here from a northeastern state, they always say how nice most of the people are compared to where they are from. I don’t know if that is because we are a lot nicer or because they are discourteous up there.
Vachic09@reddit
Most of us are pleasant respectful somewhat easy going people.
Fact_Stater@reddit
The people you met do, in fact, represent the majority of Americans. Frankly, even many of the legitimately racist people aren't really hateful, they just have outdated views and say insensitive things that they ought not to.
allmediocrevibes@reddit
American here. I've been to 5 continents and have spent atleast 6 months on 4. In my honest opinion, people really are the same wherever you go. People tend to match each other in the sense that if you're friendly, they will be too. Obviously there are bad actors in all corners of the world
MikeUsesNotion@reddit
I'm always pretty amazed at posts like this. Do you really have some image in your mind that the white people in America just go around doing nothing but yelling at and beating up black and brown people or something?
omnipresent_sailfish@reddit
In Boston, even the Brazilians are cranky and bad-tempered
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
Cool, there are a lot of Brazilians out there, right?
nkdeck07@reddit
Tons, my cousin actually married one and she knew so many other Brazilians. Least 2 of my former landlords were also Brazillian.
omnipresent_sailfish@reddit
The Portuguese were a significant immigrant group to Massachusetts. Where there are Portuguese, there are Brazilians
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
There's a post about Portuguese on my profile, two Portuguese songs that I love.
Timely-Youth-9074@reddit
Americans who would do an exchange in Brazil: nice, fun, playful.
Americans who never fuggin leave and vote against their own interests every time:
BreakfastBeerz@reddit
Rural areas do tend to be adverse to things foreign to them. This includes people from other countries....but this also includes people who are not white, who are gay, and who aren't Christian.....so we have to deal with them too.
As long as you aren't going to need to fill up your car from a gas station in the the middle of Kansas, a bayou in Louisiana, or the backwoods of West Virginia, you'll be accepted just fine.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the tip.
spunkyenigma@reddit
Even in those places I’d only really worry about older folks being that way. Everyone has grown up with the Internet and know people from all over nowadays
WichitaTimelord@reddit
Rural people can be very curious about foreigners. A lot of them don’t see foreigners other than migrant workers.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
A large part of the citizens of my country (Brazil) support Trump, open any YouTube channel in Portuguese and watch news about Trump, there will be comments from people saying "Viva Trump", even if they are not Americans.
BreakfastBeerz@reddit
If you read the third paragraph, and this is what it is in referece to, I deleted it as I felt it was unfair. There are a lot of places that voted for Trump that still embrace, or at least accept, diversity.
rott@reddit
I’m Brazilian and I have been living in the US for 3 years. Most Americans I met are pretty chill, smart, thoughtful and cheery people. There are assholes in all countries.
ShitCustomerService@reddit
We can’t afford therapy here.
allan11011@reddit
just a personal anecdote. I am half Brazilian(but am very American, lived here my whole life, only visited Brazil once as a baby) but in high school my cousin moved here for a few years to finish high school here and he was like a mini celebrity. Everyone thought being from Brazil was so cool. only problem he had was nobody being able to pronounce his name (no one here can pronounce a ão even a little bit) so he went by his initials. You’d probably have quite a nice experience here(but you never know)
AgeOfReasonEnds31120@reddit
I'd say most people I interact with aren't horrible, but go to a gated community and see how batshit insane the people are.
Fappy_as_a_Clam@reddit
for the most part, yes they are a minority. most of us are pretty chill and easy going.
oh hell yea. most of us are goofy as fuck once we get comfortable and/or have a few beers.
Lothar_Ecklord@reddit
A lot of people think of New England as home to an unkind people but it's really more about being guarded and independent - till we get to know you and it's constant ridicule, or as the British say "taking the piss" but it's meant in good humor. If a New Englander is making fun of you, it's not out of being bad-tempered or hostile, but rather because they like you. Confusing, I know. Think of an entire region filled with Bill Burrs.
Ok_Sheepherder_9985@reddit (OP)
I realize that American humor is very direct, you are sincere.
Sekshual_Tyranosauce@reddit
Some may be.
Just remember the people who seek foreign exchange programs are probably the most open minded people who want to learn about other cultures.
But generally I do not think most Americans are overtly rude. But I am from the Great Lakes part of the midwest and we are known for good manners and friendly disposition.
Thasker@reddit
Yes, and they are almost exclusively on Reddit.
Spud8000@reddit
racist?
dude, there is every type of race, color and creed of people here. they are all welcome.
where did this "racist" stereotype come from.
what Americans do NOT want is illegal aliens breaking into the country without a visa. we deport all of those, gladly, and race has nothing to do with it
STLFleur@reddit
I've lived in the U.S for most of my adult life and have found that for the most part, Americans are very warm, kind, and generous. Of course you've got the occasional angry nut jobs but they're definitely the minority.
Gladyskravitz99@reddit
I've found that the people I meet are mostly pretty nice to extremely nice. You can make an observation to any nearby stranger and will very often get a whole conversation in return. We all like small daily connections, even many of us who count ourselves introverts. And we really love meeting new and interesting people.
That said, the Americans who have gone to the trouble of traveling are going to often be special, and exchange students imo are just really intellectually and culturally curious. So Americans like the ones you've in your country might not be quite as common here, but you'll definitely find them.
Own_Box4276@reddit
American we are either nice/kind or rude/miserable
Remarkable_Table_279@reddit
Depends on what part of America…we southerners tend to think people up north in big cities like New York are rude & grumpy…and they probably think we’re suspicious because we tend to smile a lot & can be excessively polite. But it’s probably more a city vs country thing than a northerner vs southerner thing
Remarkable_Table_279@reddit
I think many/most are are a bit crazy & can be silly…but some only show that side of them to their closest friends/family…some to the entire world and some in the middle based on occasion.
MmmIceCreamSoBAD@reddit
Americans are generally laid back and outgoing. Maybe a little less than Latin Americans, but certainly more than the western hemisphere nations.
zebostoneleigh@reddit
Having been to over 50 countries (but sadly not Brazil), Id say most stereotypes are inaccurate and you'll find both serious and playful people in any culture. My friends and I are extremely nice, inclusive, playful, chill, relaxed and fun. I do also know some people who are less fun, more serious, and unfriendly.
And that goes for people I've met all over the world.
DeputyTrudyW@reddit
Depends on the day, the headlines, the location! I'm cranky. And I'm sorry. Burn out levels are very high in a lot of places, but I think that's world wide. Hostile? No. I'd say most people are pretty decent.
Afromolukker_98@reddit
People who travel to other countries will give you a different perspective to someone who has never left their State or City or Town in the US. And that's the majority of Americans. A percentage of those people can be hostile to foreigners based on an idea that foreigners are coming to the US as poor migrants taking American jobs.
Different set of people. Also the folks you met are in higher education and most likely come from some money.
like_shae_buttah@reddit
Americans are regular people just like everyone else
RodeoBoss66@reddit
Not since November 6th.
JoeMorgue@reddit
Are you just gonna dump passive aggressive veiled insults all evening and pretend you're just asking questions?
Traditional-Job-411@reddit
I hate that you’re are showing the grumpy part lol. Just take it as good faith. They are trying to expand their horizons and not fall into stereotypes. People really think Americans are “evil” even if their experience with people as a whole is there are some grumpy and some nice everywhere. Stereotypes does actually make people think otherwise.
MaryOutside@reddit
There are hundreds and hundreds of millions of us. Some are hostile, some are not.
winteriscoming9099@reddit
Your experience is much more representative of typical Americans. We have a bunch of bad apples that keep making world news and a handful of bad apple tourists.
StarSpangleBRangel@reddit
I think the odd thing is that you would so casually believe a stereotype like that to begin with.
DOMSdeluise@reddit
yes most people here are not cranky and ill tempered
MisterCarlile@reddit
Most of us are like what ya experienced. There’s rude people, too, but I’d say they’re more uncommon.