In the United States, it's easy to think of ourselves as the default.
Other countries get stereotypes, but not the USA, right?
Maybe we'll see an over-the-top stereotype about ourselves in a foreign film, someone with the American flag on their clothes, loud, brash, and a bit arrogant.
But have you ever wondered what actual stereotypes about us are?
Thanks to the internet, we have unfettered access to people outside of our own country. And the one thing you'll notice is they have a particular fascination with our disposable cups.
Specifically, the famous, ubiquitous party accessory, the red Solo cup.
Just wondering, do you Americans actually use those red plastic cups like they do in the movies?— Lezbi Real (@Lezbi Real) 1357176051.0
The most exciting thing ever has happened. I have found red cups, like Americans have for outdoor parties in films.— Dave (@Dave) 1341073222.0
Life dream: To attend a party with red cups 😐 (the ones in the american movies) 😍— Siham (@Siham) 1411827437.0
Yesterday I did a program where you interact with french students. The organizers used red cups and the french were… https://t.co/VMSlXlwg8t— Carlos Jimenez (@Carlos Jimenez) 1539119857.0
#IveAlwaysWantedTo party like the Americans do and drink from the cute red cups— ciara ⛄️ (@ciara ⛄️) 1320495030.0
It's easy to see how this kind of stereotype gets started right?
We tend to use disposable cups for our parties. This gets mimicked in movies, especially since producers don't have to license actual drinks, and from there it's seen as the American party cup.
But it's still a strange association.
And it's widespread too. They have "American" themed parties, which have to include the iconic disposable cup.
It is probably the most neutral stereotype you could imagine.
Whenever I would meet Europeans and they found out I’m American I’d get one of five responses -“ooh this trump, he… https://t.co/V4zQ2bD9h4— Carter-William (@Carter-William) 1540748058.0
today a danish girl asked me if we (Americans) really have those "red drinking cups" to party with like in the movies— viv (@viv) 1503699232.0
In Australia they're throwing an "American" themed party with the description to dress as slutty schoolgirls and drink from red solo cups ..— Sarah Cohn (@Sarah Cohn) 1499127972.0
However, it's not an unfair stereotype either.
The Solo Cup started in America in the early to mid 20th century. They made all kinds of disposable cup innovations such as disposable coffee cups and wax lined cups.
However it was in the 1970s when the company founder's son invented the famous cup.
While movies might have spread it to other countries, they had to get the idea for the ubiquitous presence of the cup from us first. We even have a popular country song called "Red Solo Cup".
There is no one to blame but ourselves.
In the UK they don’t say “red solo cups” they say “American cups” and I think that’s beautiful— Kyle Mann (@Kyle Mann) 1513541209.0
Red cups like Americans cus we cool. https://t.co/MgJg0aSXzl— Katja (@Katja) 1505006809.0
Went to a stereotypical American house party last night with red cups & beer pong. I have experienced the American dream. ;)— Lucy (@Lucy) 1267984356.0
My Irish cousin just told me that red solo cups are the most American thing in the world.. I'll take it— Victoria Dempsey (@Victoria Dempsey) 1500618421.0
Maybe the next time you take a trip outside the country and find yourself partying with the locals, bring some red Solo cups and lean into the stereotype.
After all, there could be worse things than being known as the party country. Right?