But what are they really like?

I've written often on the topic of 'what New Zealanders are like'.  But I got to wondering, what do New Zealanders think of Americans?

So I put this question to some work mates during lunch.  They exchanged glances and grinned-- I could tell they had some answers ready and waiting!  Their interactions with Americans have primarily been with tourists, on NZ soil, so it should be noted that their opinions largely reflect the way that relatively affluent Americans behave while on vacation.

Before revealing anything, though, they made certain to assure me that I wasn't the 'typical American' and that none of these things applied to me, personally.  Thanks guys, that's nice of you and I won't get offended, now make with the stereotypes...


---Americans are loud.  They are much more inclined to shout or to bellow laughter.  Even in a 'normal' tone of voice, Americans' voices are tens of decibels louder than they need to be, and carry for long distances.

Personal reflection:  Do the Kiwis have a point?  Yes.  This is true!  Early on, I noticed that I was much louder in meetings or on the phone than anyone around me.  I have made a effort to keep my voice down.  My office mate nicely acknowledged that my volume has indeed become more pleasant in recent months.  Funny, I never would have thought of myself as 'loud'...  (Arram, though... that noisy little kid is CLEARLY an American!)

---Americans are crass.  They'll discuss bodily functions or reveal sensitive personal information anywhere, any time, and they don't really care who hears.

Also true.  The last time I was out on the sidewalk doing errands, I overheard a young guy telling his buddy about last night's conquest, in great detail.  I realised that I hadn't randomly overheard that kind of talk in a while, and then I realised that the guys were Americans.  But as a counterpoint, I think it's rather odd that NZers would consider American conversations as crass, whilst Americans see the commonly-accepted level of nudity and cursing on NZ TV as scandalous. 

---Americans aren't capable of having fun without it being scheduled.  They can't just find themselves in a situation and find a way to enjoy it.  This is why 'vacation packages' and tour guides are so popular with Americans.  It gives them a structure and a-plan-for-fun, within which they are able to let loose a little and enjoy themselves.

Although I don't think I agree that this is widespread enough to generalise to all Americans, this one actually provoked a little introspection on my part.  Now that you mention it, I DO tend to feel a little guilty unless I'm being 'productive', and I DO tend to schedule Fun, rather than being fully engaged in the little moments that arise organically.  So I'll watch that.  Thanks, NZ, for the psychotherapy!

---Americans wear track suits and runners everywhere.

It's probably just confirmation bias that I'm noticing this everywhere now that I've thought of it, but yes, it does seem to be the case that most of the examples of sweatpants and athletic shoes I've seen outside of a exercise scenario have been worn by Americans.