‘Are you by chance an American?’ is a phrase often used online to refer to someone who lacks awareness or is oblivious to the obvious. It stems from the stereotype that people from the US aren’t as knowledgeable as those in other parts of the world. It’s hard to say how this generalization came to be, but it sure can sometimes make even Americans themselves chuckle.
The truth is that we all do silly things, so why not just laugh about them together? That’s exactly why our We team put together a list of instances when common sense just slipped Americans’ minds. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget that it’s all in good fun!
#1 Savage
#2 “There Has Never Been Another Nation That Has Existed Much Beyond 250 Years”
#3 Native Americans Aren’t Native?
It’s clear from this list that the lack of awareness among Americans is hard to miss online. But where they really shine is when they travel, and even Kim Davis, TV presenter and journalist at CNN, can’t deny it.
“It’s a hard pill to swallow, but sadly, we’ve gained a reputation around the world for being, well, ‘stupid Americans.’ Is it offensive? Yes. Could we get upset about it? Sure. But with tens of millions of Americans traveling abroad every year, the likelihood is that you’ll encounter us wherever you are in the world. Therefore, our reputation is completely understandable,” she admitted in one of her travel articles.
#4 Non Us Flag In Username Yet Still Assumed To Be American
#5 As A German. What Is Snow?
#6 Celebrating A Foreign Holiday Is A Requirement
“The reality is, we ALL do ‘stupid’ things, especially when we are in foreign places and we don’t know the local customs, cultures or surroundings. No one is immune from this humiliation, not even genius scholars,’ she continued.
“However, smart travelers know that doing “stupid” things abroad can not only be disrespectful and embarrassing, but it can put you at risk of being arrested, hurt or the victim of crime,” Davis warned.
#7 Online Was Invented In The U.s
#8 Mike Has No Problems Paying Thousands A Year Just To Feel Superior. I’m Pretty Sure That’s A Sign Of Mental Illness
#9 Ok Racist
That’s why, instead of finding the labels offensive or upsetting, she chooses to focus on how she can become a smart traveler. And after more than 20 years of exploring, she believes she has cracked it and decided to share her best tips on how to become a ‘smart American abroad.’ Her first recommendation is to read social cues.
#10 We Have Trees Older Than Europe Itself
#11 Am I Missing Something?
#12 I Bet Those People Keep Asking Themself “Why The Language Is Called “English” And Not “United Statesish”?”
According to her, people in most countries are polite and won’t ever say to others what they’re doing is offensive or socially unacceptable, which makes it hard for tell-me-like-it-is Americans to catch on to social cues.
So she recommends trying to notice if people they come into contact with are genuinely interested, like asking a lot of follow-up questions, making eye contact, building on their stories, asking to join in, etc., or are they just being polite? “If your Spidey sense starts to tingle, it’s probably time to change the subject or move on to a new activity,” Davis advised.
#13 Something Good Happens, Must Be Us
#14 Is This Serious?
#15 “North America Law Is Law Across The World”
Her next tip is to keep the volume down. “It is very true that most Americans have a wonderful zest for life. We don’t think twice about gabbing away with friends (or strangers) on public transportation or laughing whole-heartedly at the dinner table. That’s just our way of being friendly. However, in many places around the world, speaking loudly is considered extremely rude and highly uncommon. […] When I’m traveling abroad, I’m always careful to keep it to, what feels like, a quiet whisper.”
#16 That’s The Language 570 Million People Speak In Latin America
#17 Americans Are Master Orators As We Know
#18 Oh My God, It Literally Says “Australia” On The Currency
Another recommendation she has is trying to blend in— but not for the reasons you might think of! “Normally, I’m all for originality and standing out in a crowd. However, when you’re traveling abroad, even to a place you know well, standing out is like wearing a flashing sign that says, ‘I’m a tourist, come take advantage of me!’”
Pickpockets or someone else with malicious intent can spot someone who isn’t a local from a mile away, that’s why it’s better to blend in with the locals. “Not only will it make you a smart American, it’ll also make you a safer American,” she said.
#19 American Education System Be Like
#20 Black South Africans Are African American Now
#21 I Am Confused Is There A Rome In Italy?
When abroad, she additionally advises being curious and asking questions instead of telling how things are done back home. Davis also suggests doing homework beforehand to avoid getting ripped off or taken advantage of. “Know the local scams and know how to reject people who approach you with their games. Stranger danger is real.” For this, reading the local news can be very helpful.
#22 Turns Out She Was Spanish, Not White
#23 On A Post About The Cleopatra Show
#24 I Honestly Don’t Know How To Respond To That Level Of Stupid
Lastly, she recommends learning the basics of the language, which includes words like ‘Hello,’ ‘Goodbye,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘Please,’ ‘I don’t speak …,’ and ‘Where is…?’
“Even if you butcher the words, most people deeply appreciate it when you at least try to speak the local language. It shows respect that you made the effort, and you’ll be surprised at how many doors it can unlock for you.”
#25 Speaks With An Ireland Accent
#26 I Don′t Even Know Where To Start With This One
#27 Americans Really Do Think That Everything Is About Them
#28 We Would Just Take You Anyway
#29 American Women Don’t Have Armpit Hair
#30 It’s For People Like This, That The Rest Of The World Thinks Americans Are Stupid
#31 Wait Until They Learn How British People Spell “Color”
#32 I Guess Even 2l Is Bigger In America Than The 2l Of Everywhere Else
#33 Oh. Oh Wowwww
#34 “We Rank Higher Than Most Countries In Food Health And Safety”
#35 10km Is Me Just Going For A Walk Around Town
#36 What Kind Of Welcome Was He Expecting?
#37 “Military Time”
#38 Please Tell Me This Is A Joke, Right?
#39 Most History Is American History Apparently
For context this was on a post about Yuri Gagarin and why he isn’t as well known as the Kardashians.
#40 Don’t Use A Spanish Word Because Of Us Race Issues?
#41 “You Can Pay With Them Anywhere In Europe, Unlike Euro’s”
#42 “Why All The Comunists City All Looks The Same ?”
#43 No Respect For Cars
#44 Europe Isn’t Very Big
#45 Their Whole Account Is About “Cultural Shock For An American Living In Amsterdam”
#46 They Were Walking Through London
#47 If This Is The Case, Shouldn’t We Call Portuguese Brazilian, Or Call Spanish Mexican Too?
#48 “I Think All Of Europe Would Fit In The State Of Texas”
#49 God Bless The Internet
#50 What Did Those Dinosaurs Ever Do To You?
Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.