This is a generalization, but I always hear Europeans say that Americans are stupid, lazy, and poorer than people in the EU. Why is this? In Europe only Norway has a higher GDP per capita excluding Luxembourg for obvious reasons (60% of the work force doesn't live in your country and it is a tax haven) and it is $10,000 greater than France and Britain according to the World Bank. The average IQ in America is the same as most of Europe. Same as France, Norway, UK, Finland, Spain etc. We also have the best universities in the world ex. Harvard, Yale, MIT. Finally, from personal experience I would consider Europeans lazier than Americans with short work weeks, long vacation, and government housing. I just want an honost answer on why there is such a negative stereotype.
Other - Society & Culture - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Europeans are jealous of America's wealth and military power.
2 :
They are jealous perhaps?
3 :
You're stereotyping all of Europe by asking this question...Isn't that ironic?
4 :
because we won!! and we have had to rescue them fro mevery war since we beat them they cant fight there own fights and are jelous that they are not the greatest most powerful nation in the world this applies mostly to england of course. the french are just cowards
5 :
Why? Because Americans have something to do with their lives and an impact to make on the world while Europeans have nothing to do but whine and moan over not being admired and cared about anymore. Anyone know who is in charge in France? *coyote howls and complete silence* Now everyone in the world knows who Obama is. Don't worry America, us Asians love you guys, let the Europeans whine, they aren't significant anyways. Also, it is jealousy indeed, we have the best universities in the world, the ones Europeans would love to come to. Notice how Oxford has to actually give out scholarships so people can come to their campus?
6 :
With all due respect, who cares? Our ancestors left Europe for a reason. If Europe wasn't good enough for them, it certainly isn't good enough for us. And neither are their opinions. So let them think as they may . . .
7 :
They must be mad that a lot of Americans are European descent and we are doing better than them. lol. Their silly ancestors, didn't come to an awesome place when they had the chance.
8 :
Look at the answers that Americans have given to this question and it will explain better than I ever I could.
9 :
Studious ambition: Europe isn't significant? I think you'll find it extremely significant to the history of the USA.We have Oxford and Cambridge, I think they completely own your universities to be honest and also because you like to think you had a significant role in defeating the Nazis.To me the USA is a liability, the UK public didn't want your stupid war in Iraq and Afghanstan, which lead to us being bombed in 2005.Nice. America has on impact on the world ? Oh right, you mean starting wars for oil, mcdonalds and KfC, plus extreme obesity? As for Europeans wanting to go over there, how do you explain the Americans coming over here? The French leader is Nicholas Sarkozy.That's just common knowledge.
10 :
It is because TOO MANY Americans make such generalizing statements, lacking subtlety, insight and effort. With regards to comparing wealth, the attached website might interest you: http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2007/06/10/131-us-states-renamed-for-countries-with-similar-gdps/
11 :
Because Americans are "Harry", kitchy bad taste, everything exaggerated. The people there are not down to earth, but boasting, shallow. No refined culture. And worst of all, Americans think America is THE world. I'm thinking about movies; when aliens attack/vistit the world - they of course go to America, nothing else matters. And they don't care to know anything about Europe, which have a real history and where most of them(americans) actually originate!
