Avoiding Stereotypes

Once of the greatest challenges facing students who travel to a new culture is carrying with them stereotypes or incorrect images of the target culture. Such images can be seen in the media (movies, music, and newspapers), and these images can lead to negative judgments about others. A simple example of a stereotype is that all North Americans love fast food and pizza. This is obviously not true. Some North Americans do eat a lot of fast food, but even more and more restaurants serve healthy food choices. What stereotypes do people have of your culture? How can this affect how they interact with others. Please share your ideas.

Randall