[ 1 ] Don’t believe all the stereotypes you hear about Americans. Even the ones that are true in general may not be true about specific individuals or a large segment of the population. For example, although Americans tend to be louder and more hyperactive than people from other cultures (especially at athletic events), many of them you meet will be quiet and polite. Some may be intolerant and xenophobic, but most will be pleasant and welcoming. Remember that American films and television exaggerate in order to cause excitement. They present a distorted picture* of what life in the United States is really like.
[ 2 ] Americans tend to be more informal than people from other countries. It is common for Americans to wear casual clothing to school and to greet their teachers by first name. However, good manners and politeness are always appropriate. If you are courteous and polite, and if you dress a little more formally than your American friends, it will only reflect well on you. However, there are situations in which formality is the norm*. Some companies require their employees to wear a uniform or a suit. It would be inappropriate to wear a T-shirt and blue jeans to a job interview. Most prestigious restaurants require a coat and tie. Americans tend to dress up for cultural events (the opera, theater and ballet), but they dress down for athletic events. Formal wear is required at weddings , funerals, and religious events. One other popular stereotype is that Americans eat too much fast food. This is well reflected by the popular “fat American” stereotype.
[ 3 ] Rid yourself of any prejudice about American behavior or life style before you arrive. If you rely on prejudice, you will likely put yourself into awkward, embarrassing, and even dangerous situations. In other words, you may offend* your American acquaintances and get a violent reaction that you might not like. Prejudice and stereotypes today can be found in all cultures. They are often shown in America’s own television and in the media’s representation of America as seen in other countries. They can also be spread by literature, art, and public opinion.
Comprehension Questions:
A- Are these statements true or false? Justify
- [ ….. ] All Americans are loud and hyperactive.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………… - [ ….. ] Americans dress formally to sports events.
……………………………………………………….. - [ ….. ] Before visiting the U.S, you should change your prejudices and negative opinion about American people.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
B- Answer the following questions
How are stereotypes and prejudice spread ? And why can they be dangerous ?
D- Find in the text words that mean the same as:
- part of (paragraph 1 ) : ……………………
- inacceptable ( paragraph 2 ) : ……………………
- risky ( paragraph 3) : ……………………
E-What do the underlined words refer to in the text
– Some : …………. – their : ………………. – They : …………….
F- The italicized word “ stereotypes” in the text means: …….
- the language and culture of a group of people.
- fixed ideas or opinions about a particular group of people.
- the way of life of a group of people.
G-The italicized word “prejudice” in the text means: …….
- your personal beliefs and social values.
- your people’s beliefs, traditions, and social practices.
- your negative feeling, opinion, or attitude towards a particular group of people.
Teacher : Mr. Abdelkarim Foulfoula
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