What common assumptions and stereotypes do people have regarding the city and residents of Portland, Oregon? And regarding Oregon in general? It'd help to know where respondents are from.
posted by thinman on Nov 19, 2009 - 107 answers

[AnimeCostumeFilter] What are some elements that could make up a 'generic anime costume'? [more inside]
posted by jacalata on Oct 25, 2009 - 13 answers

Parenting techniques, insight, and maturity needed before I completely ruin my kid's life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 8, 2009 - 36 answers

How have issues of cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and diversity been tackled in art and popular culture? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Aug 17, 2009 - 16 answers

I am curious about different varieties of hip-hop style (basically, the kinds of things I see cool [mostly] black teenagers and young adults wearing). I'm interested in looking at pictures of it (are there street fashion blogs for this kind of thing?) and also in finding out more about the history, origins, and cultural associations of this kind of dress (anything from academic articles to fashion magazines). [more inside]
posted by bubukaba on Jul 24, 2009 - 13 answers

Is it possible to alter your physical appearance in a way that will prevent you from being stereotyped (from STRANGERS), without trying too hard or not being yourself? [more inside]
posted by sixcolors on Dec 23, 2008 - 53 answers

Why is it that any portrayal of police officers in movies, or television always include a love for donuts? [more inside]
posted by lifeonholidae on Oct 30, 2008 - 23 answers

What do you think about Kansans? What are the stereotypes? [more inside]
posted by metricfan on Sep 19, 2008 - 43 answers

Neon and skinny ties in the 80s; flannel and nose rings in the 90s. What will be the signature, stereotypical fashion or clothing item of this decade, the one that will be used in the future to instantly reference and signal this time period to others? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell on Sep 11, 2008 - 67 answers

I have a job interview on Wednesday for a very interesting non-profit organization involved with animal research (for good purposes). All of my suits are skirt/jacket combos. I'm very short...too short for pant suits, and no time for alterations. The skirt suits wouldn't be a problem if I didn't have a huge tattoo on my leg. In my former career in creative arts, tattoos were acceptable and even commonplace. I'm not sure if this is a big deal with the new field. Nylons look silly over the work, and tights make me look like a little girl. Plus, it's very hot out. Is showing the tattoo something I should worry about? Do you think it will be viewed negatively? Any suggestions to help make me look more professional? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 16, 2008 - 32 answers

I am looking for foreign (non-American) films wherein the antagonists are a nefarious bunch of Americans, doing stereotypically bad American things. [more inside]
posted by daveleck on May 30, 2008 - 10 answers

Looking for depictions of surfers in mainstream media. Examples by people who aren't actually surfers (actors, reporters, wannabe surfers) are great, but people in the surf community are good too. The more common, well-known examples are better. I'm thinking of scenes from movies, passages in books, news stories, documentaries, blogs, comedy skits, but unscripted examples are best. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam on Feb 25, 2008 - 25 answers

Is there a version of this representing attitudes from people within the US about their neighboring states? [more inside]
posted by bjork24 on Feb 20, 2008 - 28 answers

What stereotypes do Americans have of Massachusetts and New England? [more inside]
posted by gregb1007 on Jan 1, 2008 - 64 answers

Why is europe portrayed so badly on US TV? [more inside]
posted by daveyt on Oct 10, 2007 - 41 answers

Racist stereotype filter: Do African-Americans really prefer grape soda? [more inside]
posted by papakwanz on Sep 30, 2007 - 70 answers

Not About Cookies: What the opposite of an "oreo"? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey on Aug 16, 2007 - 48 answers

Help me trust my gut instinct, and not feel bad about using stereotypes, in regards to teaching to pretty much life in general. [more inside]
posted by every_one_needs_a_hug_sometimes on Jun 29, 2007 - 20 answers

Fancy Dress advice needed. I need to dress to conform! [more inside]
posted by informity on Apr 17, 2007 - 22 answers

FormerLesbianFilter: Can you give me any insight about men and/or the way men think and function? [more inside]
posted by hyperfascinated on Jan 22, 2006 - 56 answers

How come Tex-Mex restaurants attract so many big SUVs and pickup trucks? [more inside]
posted by zek on Jan 8, 2006 - 18 answers

Why do Americans have such odd ideas about the British? [more inside]
posted by salmacis on Nov 17, 2005 - 81 answers

California stereotypes: What do East Coasters really think about Californians? [more inside]
posted by slimslowslider on Jul 27, 2005 - 45 answers

What are some persuasive points to make to help someone realize that stereotyping isn't a desirable way of categorizing people? Say that the person's main argument when you say, "Hey, that's stereotyping!" is, "I'm not saying I hate them; I'm not saying they're bad; I'm just saying they talk loud/don't tip well/act just like that skit on SNL." How also to explain the sometimes subtle difference between saying: "People from this region/culture talk like this," (accents) and "People from this region/culture act like this," (possible stereotype)? I already immediately say that I don't like to hear sweeping comments about particular races/cultures/religions/genders in order to get the person to stop saying that stuff around me (and potentially around others)... but the chance to make a comment that could be thought-provoking is very tempting.
posted by xo on Jul 14, 2005 - 31 answers

If an English speaker wants to pretend to speak German (and be completely obnoxious), he might say something like "Ach Bach Ze Hooverhoffen!" Or if he wanted to mock Spanish, he might say "Ahblo babblo ahblado el babblado!" Swedish might sound like "Hurky gurky pookety borkety!". What sounds do non-English speakers use to mock English? [more inside]
posted by 4easypayments on Jul 7, 2005 - 21 answers

I'm looking for anecdotes & observations regarding stereotypical cigarette brand choices. [more inside]
posted by obloquy on May 5, 2005 - 41 answers

A question for any male gay mefi members -- or those in the know. It's my understanding that a good percentage of gay men are either exclusively "tops" or "bottoms". My question is this: how can you tell? Are the stereotypical gay mannerisms in fact just a subtle form of communicating this preference? Do you come straight out and ask? Or do you wait until the moment is upon you and hope for the best? [more inside]
posted by Civil_Disobedient on May 9, 2004 - 30 answers