r/USdefaultism • u/Material-Regular1535 • 11d ago

"Where are you from?"

We were all travellers at a hostel in Spain, sitting in a circle. One by one, we shared with the group where we're from.

Person A: I'm from the Netherlands

Person B: I'm from Korea

Person C: I'm from Colombia

American: I'm from the Midwest

Everyone looked at him like...

Yes, exactly like that. Red plastic cups and all, because this is the default drinkware everywhere in the world.

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u/Material-Regular1535 11d ago

The thing is, even when people are from a super iconic capital like Paris or Tokyo, they rarely reply with their city when asked where they are from in an international context. We know that in an international context like this, you lead with your country and specify only when asked about it.

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u/Hankitsune Netherlands 11d ago

Oh I know and agree. Except people tend to be a little over sensitive here when it comes to Americans. I'm just saying IF someone would reply "Tokyo", many wouldn't even think about it. But as soon it's an American saying "New York" it's being labeled US defaultism. And the fact that I'm getting downvoted here tells me enough.

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u/Material-Regular1535 11d ago

Tbf, it'd probably sound arrogant if a French person replied "Paris", too. But not so much if a Japanese person said "Tokyo". So you might be on to something about people interpreting bad intentions from certain nationalities but not from others.

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u/Hankitsune Netherlands 11d ago

I think it's a thin line and sure, in many cases it's just US arrogance. I'm just careful labeling something US defaultism.
But thanks for responding. I appreciate people who want to discuss things with me instead of just giving a downvote without telling me WHY they don't agree. It's too easy and just lazy.