Stereotypes of White Americans

#perspective

Stereotypes of White Americans in the United States are generalizations about the character, behavior, or appearance of white Americans by other Americans in the United States.

As the definition of white Americans has changed over time, so have stereotypes about white people. Different groups of minorities have different stereotypes about white Americans.

Historically, stereotypes about white people were more likely to be based on specific ethnicities. Stereotypes of white people also generally tend to vary according to class lines.

In the media, White Americans are often stereotyped to be white-collar suburbanites who are middle class or wealthy. The term Chad refers to a handsome, athletic white man who is seen as the most desired by heterosexual women, while the terms Karen or Becky refer to white women who are annoying or aggressive. source

The blog Stuff White People Like addressed early 21st century stereotypes of white hipster bohemians in a humorous way. There is also a stereotype that white Americans cannot dance. And that whites erupt into frenzied dancing every time they hear an electric guitar.

Stereotypes of white Americans have been shown to vary according to socioeconomic status. In general, stereotypes of white people portray upper class white Americans as WASPs and they portray lower class white Americans as "backward", "barely-educated" rednecks. Rednecks, conversely, are seen as "racist, hot-headed, too physical, violent, uncouth, loud, mean, undereducated—and proud of it."

An early study of stereotypes of white people found in works of fiction which were written by African-American authors was conducted by African-American sociologist Tilman C. Cothran in 1950. White Americans were commonly viewed as feeling superior to African Americans, harboring hatred for Blacks, being brutish, impulsive, or mean, having a sense of pride, and anti-Semitic beliefs.

In a 1972 study, American whites were stereotyped as "materialistic and pleasure loving" when compared with Asian and African Americans. In a study among college students of different races in 1982, White Americans were described as materialistic, ambitious, intelligent, conventional, industrious, and conservative. The study's author noted that the white stereotype had decreased in favorability over the years while the black stereotype had increased. source

In a 2018 study of children of different races, six year olds chose photos of white men as being "really smart" over photos of white women or black and brown people.

Negative Stereotypes of specific groups of white people:

Before the 1980s, ethnic groups such as the Irish, Italians, Armenians, and Polish people were portrayed in popular media and culture in a negative fashion. Stereotypes of West Virginians and Alabamians include incest and inbreeding. Poor whites in the Appalachian region have often been stereotyped as hillbillies. source

What We Talk About When We Talk About “White People Food”

The stereotype of “white people food”: bland, pale, unseasoned stuff, and flavorless. source

Riffs about all “white people food” being casseroles or mayonnaise or mild in flavor started appearing in the annals of content farms, food publications, and comedy videos.

White American Fashion:

White American fashion has a rich history and has significantly influenced global fashion trends. Like sandals with not socks, designers like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren have set the tone for American style with their casual, preppy, and sporty aesthetics. These designers have popularized items like jeans, polo shirts, and casual wear, which have become staples in many wardrobes.

Stereotypes about White American Kids

• Spoiled or Privileged: One stereotype is that White American kids are often seen as overly privileged, with easy access to resources like education, technology, and material goods. This view may overlook economic diversity and the fact that many White families also face financial challenges.

  
  

• Sheltered or Naïve: Another stereotype is that they are sheltered from the harsh realities of life, particularly social injustices or hardships faced by other racial and ethnic groups. This assumption ignores individual experiences and the diversity within the White community.

  
  

• Culturally Insensitive or Apathetic: Some believe that White American kids are less aware or concerned about issues like race, ethnicity, or cultural diversity. This stereotype overlooks many kids who are educated and involved in social justice issues.

  
  

• Entitled or Disrespectful: A common stereotype is that White American kids, especially from affluent backgrounds, are seen as entitled, expecting to get what they want without working hard for it. This image often comes from media portrayals of rebellious or spoiled teenagers.

  
  

• Overachievers: There is also a stereotype that White American kids are pushed by their parents to excel academically, especially in suburban or wealthier areas, to secure a competitive future. This pressure is not unique to White families but can be perceived as more common in this demographic.

  
  

• Lack of Strong Family Values: Some stereotypes suggest that White American families, and thus their children, have weaker family bonds compared to other cultures, often characterized by more individualistic values over collective family loyalty.

  
  

• “All-American” or Mainstream: The notion of being an "All-American" kid, which can imply participation in traditional activities like baseball, cheerleading, or attending public school, is often tied to White kids, even though it doesn't apply universally.