No Sex Please, we're British!

[tammyhowells]

i think generelalisation gives an idea of how people from other country are but its not always right. people are different according to way they were brought up, the education they had etc... im a brazilian married to a british, didnt know much about english culture before going there, the only thing i could remember of is that they were very punctual and drink tea with milk. ok, they r not that punctual but they love their tea!!!! but still think its good to give u an idea about the main characteristic of the other culture.

[sweethuman]

Actually it is good to be aware of different cultures and we should always try to implement the similiar points among each other.

[Annaslm]

We may all admit the fact that people who come from different countries think and behavior in a different way. So before we get to know foreigners, the only way we can obtain an idea about them is from generalizations.Obviously, during the communication with foreigners,if you are equipped with the up-to-date generalizations,you can understand your parter more and feel more comfortable,at the same time, make your parter feel at home.In addition, more information from the generalizations can avoid the misunderstanding ,sometimes even culture conflict to the greatest extent.

In my opinion, cultural generalizations can people help to intergrate in a foreign country. I totally agree with Judy2004, the only way to obtain an idea about the country is from the generalizations. But there's a difference between helpful cultural generalizations and cliches or stereotypes. I think, stereotypes are sometimes funny to hear. (When I hear the american thoughts of my country, Austria, and the lack of similarities between the film "The sound of music" and the real austria) Stereotypes can even humiliate someone, so I think we should take care while talking about prejudices.

[Annaslm]

Stereotypes are as old as people I think. "The problem" lies in different culture and mentality. I'm partly writing my MA thesis on this topic and I find it very interesting. Why? Because I'm a Pole and I dislike general opinions about my nation, especially given by the Americans as far as I know :( But isn't it a stereotype either?? I'm not going to tell you I don't like the Americans, contrary, I would like to meet some of them :) And the British? Personally, I think they are very original and interesting. And what about us, Polish girls? We are just different, and so are the girls from Germany, Britain, Russia, Slovakia.... With Polish greetings - Polish Lady (not Makbeth )

I strongly agree with PolsihLady, it's a fact that cultural generalizations are helpful, but you shoud pay attention when talking about a foreign country. "cultural generalization" doesn't mean that EVERYONE in this country is like that or does it. e.g: I would say that british people drink a lot of tea, it's a cultural generalization and I think it's true and it's helpful to know when I go to Britain. But I keep in mind, that not everyone in Britain drinks a lot of tea. We are all different, you can't make a generalization about ALL people.

[ritzkevin]

There are some people who make generalizations about my country and my people. I think they have to see or experience it themselves if it is true or not.

[itschocolate]

Actually it is good to be aware of different cultures and we should always try to implement the similiar points among each other.

I also think that it's helpful to know about different cultures. But I have to strongly disagree with you, sweethuman, because I can only be content with stereotypes and prejudices if they don't effect that people think negatively of different cultures. For example I, as an Austrian, have no problem with foreign people thinking that Austrians wear "Dirndl" and leather trousers all day and everywhere. Because that is nothing that makes the Austrians seem mean or even hazardous. But if I think of the prejudice that the Polish are known for stealing (which isn't true, I know :) ), then I have to say that stereotypes are childish and old-fashioned.

(No offence! )
itschocolate

[klarazeba]

Here in Austria it's not much different. One week ago in my school, a british women introduced herself and the topic of the lesson was STEREOTYPES. She asked us to speak about some British stereotypes (like all the British love drinking tea) and in return she told us some Austrian. I couldn't believe it but some people really think that we are drinking bear all the time, eating Schnitzel, singing or "jodeling" in the mountains and wearing our traditional "Dirndl" or "Lederhose". In my opinion everybody is unique and it's not possible to summarise the population of one coutry and generalize it.

[Studentlike]

Of course there are a few stereotypes in each country and I think the older generation has made them to show that everyone is different and have other stereotypes. I think this is what makes the whole country so special and unique.