National Stereotypes

DISCUSSING NATIONAL STEREOTYPES

A. Preparation.
1. People often say such things as “Italians are good lovers” or “Englishmen are cold-blooded”. What other generalizations of this nature can you think of?
2. Do these generalizations serve any useful purpose? If so, what?
3. What do foreigners say about your own national character?

B. Read the text. Learn the words in bold.

We are repeatedly warned of generalizations yet, paradoxically, it seems that the human mind cannot resist categorizing people and things. We love to pigeon-hole, to make order out of a universe that frequently seems to us confusing and even chaotic. Nowhere is this tendency more evident than in our willingness to generalize over nationalities. We create national stereotypes and cling tenaciously to our prejudices. To illustrate this point, we shall take a look at the findings of a survey carried out by the market research firm, Parkland Research Europe.
This organization carried out a detailed study of European attitude by questioning 185 business executives, lawyers, engineers, teachers and other professional people from seven European countries. These countries were: Germany; France; Britain; Switzerland; Italy; the Netherlands; Belgium. The resulting publication, Guide to National Practices in Western Europe, gave some idea of what some Europeans think of each other. It revealed many widely-held stereotypes, but also came up with a few surprises. In the chart below, some of the data from this survey is summarized.

C. Research Findings. Can you guess who they are?

Liked themselves best of all. Most Europeans agreed that the __________ had the highest proportion of good qualities. They considered themselves very tolerant, but nobody else did. They saw themselves as fashionable. Others found them square.

Not really admired by anyone except the Italians. Other Europeans found them conservative, withdrawn, chauvinistic, brilliant, superficial, hedonistic. Also, they are not supposed to be very friendly. The __________ agreed on the last point!

Mixed reactions. Some found them calm, reserved, open-minded, trustworthy; others deemed them hidebound, insular and superior. Everyone was unanimous that the __________ had an excellent sense of humour. They most admired the Dutch.

Showed considerable lucidity and powers of self-analysis. Saw themselves as serious, trustworthy, but too money-minded and suspicious. Most Europeans agreed. The __________ liked the Germans best.

Generally considered by everyone to be lazy and untrustworthy, and the __________ agreed! Most also found them to be vivacious, charming, hospitable and noisy. They admired the French and the Dutch. Hardly anyone loved them except the French.

Most admired people in Europe (except by their neighbours, the Belgians). Everyone agreed that the __________ are supposed to be hard-working, thrifty, good-natured, tolerant and business-minded. The __________, however, was not considered a good place to live in.

Least admired in the group. The __________ see themselves as easy-going and diligent workers. Other Europeans consider them undisciplined and narrow-minded (and lousy drivers!).