Do you remember those special presentations in grade school, when the principal would ask everyone to gather in the gymnasium and we would be taught that smoking was bad, or bullying was not tolerated, or that stereotypes are false and not to be paid any heed? Yet, while nowadays everyone agrees that smoking kills you and bullying is damaging, stereotypes continue to pervade our perceptions of those around us. They can be hurtful, if not looked at critically, but usually there lies a little grain of truth (as is the case for all great lies). Because of this one, little, grain, we accept the whole tree as fact. The definition of a stereotype, according to merriam-webster, gives us a clue as to why people are so eager to validate stereotypes: they are big ideas made “simple.” This is why, when someone says the word “American,” a number of ideas, and images rush into everyones minds. Let’s take a look at the grain of truth behind these images:

Stereotype: The lazy American

Reality: Sure, the standard of living is high, but is life leisurely for most American’s? Not really. In fact, many visitors are surprised to find out that on an average work day, American’s between the ages of 25-54 spend 8.7 hours at work, 1.1 doing household chores, 1.1, helping others, and 1.5 hours doing “other activities” including going to school, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Stereotype: The loud, rude, and obnoxious American

Reality: What is acceptable in America may seem foreign to you. Americans tend to be more informal than people of other cultures, and could be interpreted as rudeness. The definition of rudeness, however, varies widely from one culture to the next. Americans value honesty and frankness, and they feel free to speak their minds in social settings. Generally, if an American is told he is in the wrong, he takes the criticism well, and he expects others to do the same.

Stereotype: The rich, snobby American

Reality: There is a wide range when it comes to economic status. As in all cities around the world, you will find the businessman at the top of his game alongside the unemployed and homeless. According to the Bureau of Labour, the unemployment rate in the US is currently hovering around 9.1 percent, and the average hourly wage is $23.12.

In short, even what is true in general about Americans, could never encapsulate every individual in the country. Furthermore, as stated in the opening definition, stereotypes are “simplified,” and as such even if you find a stereotype to be true of a certain individual, this could never express the depth and complexity of that person’s character.