19 Ridiculous Myths Foreigners Still Believe About Americans

People form strong opinions about the U.S. based on media, entertainment, and secondhand stories. Hollywood movies, news coverage, and social media all contribute to the global image of what it means to be American.

As a result, some stereotypes have stuck around for decades, even when they no longer reflect the true picture, or never did in the first place. Here are some common things foreigners still assume about Americans.

Everyone Lives in the Suburbs

While suburbs exist and remain popular, they do not define where most Americans live. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have millions of residents living in high-rise apartments and walkable neighborhoods. Apartment living is common in urban areas and even in some medium-sized areas.

Americans Only Speak English

Over 67 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Spanish leads, followed by Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic. Schools in several districts offer bilingual education or foreign language immersion programs. Immigrant communities continue to pass languages on to younger generations.

Everyone Walks Around with a Gun

Americans own more guns than any other country, but that doesn't mean you see guns often. Most citizens keep them at home for personal reasons like sport shooting, hunting, or security. In many places and states, open carry is either heavily restricted or rare in practice.

Citizens Don’t Travel Abroad Because They’re Uninterested

Flying from Miami to Seattle covers more ground than a flight across Europe, and to many, that is enough. Locals take around 2.3 billion domestic trips each year, according to U.S. Travel Association data. International trips do happen, but people explore other U.S. regions first, especially since passport costs and limited vacation days can make international travel harder to plan.

Public Transportation Doesn’t Exist

New York City has the busiest subway system in the U.S., serving over 3 million riders daily. Other cities like Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco also have active public transport. In suburban and rural areas, buses and trains are limited, and residents rely more on cars.

The Country is Dominated by Religious Extremism

According to Pew Research, over 25% of American adults describe themselves as atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular.” Large mainline Protestant and Catholic populations maintain traditional practices without political involvement. The country protects religious expression, so public displays exist, but they don’t reflect a single national mindset.

Patients Without Insurance Are Not Treated

Under federal law, U.S. hospitals must treat patients facing medical emergencies, regardless of insurance status. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), passed in 1986, mandates this. Patients might receive large bills later, but they are not turned away in urgent situations.

Patriotism Is Only This Visible in the States

While the States shows patriotism openly, it's not alone in doing so. Countries like Brazil, India, and Turkey also celebrate national identity through public rituals and strong symbolic traditions. Visibility doesn’t always equal intensity—some nations express pride through laws, customs, or historical remembrance rather than everyday displays.

America is The Only Country That Spies on People

It is true that America has well-known surveillance programs, such as those run by the NSA, but similar efforts operate in various countries. Germany, the U.K., and France also maintain intelligence agencies that monitor digital communication and security threats. American tech companies only tend to draw more attention due to their size and influence.

Locals Are Terrible at Geography

Studies have shown that many students across developed countries struggle with geography. International surveys have even revealed gaps in European countries. The myth that Americans alone lack geographic knowledge stems from viral videos or pop quizzes, not comprehensive data.

People In New York Are All Rude

Tourists visiting New York usually expect rude or loud behavior, but the reality tends to be different. Locals move quickly and keep conversations brief, but they help when it matters. If you need directions, you are likely going to get them. In crowded environments, direct speech and speed aren’t signs of hostility, but a way to keep things moving efficiently.

Southern Accents Are Made Up For TV

Southern U.S. accents are real and vary by region. Linguists identify distinct dialects in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and even within regions like New Orleans. Those unfamiliar with it tend to assume it’s exaggerated or created for TV, but these accents developed over generations and continue to evolve.

No One Uses Public Parks or Sports Courts

Across different parts of the States, there are numerous public basketball courts, swimming pools, and tennis courts. In summer months, these spaces often fill with citizens playing sports or attending lessons. Parks departments manage these facilities and offer low-cost or free programs.

Health Takes a Backseat

Obesity is a serious public health issue in the U.S., but the broader picture is more mixed. Fitness culture is prominent, especially where gyms, running trails, and health-focused stores are easy to find. Participation varies widely based on region, income, and lifestyle.

Red Party Cups Are Just a Movie Prop

You may have seen red plastic cups in American college movies and assumed they were just a prop. In reality, they’re used at parties and informal gatherings. Their popularity comes down to being cheap, disposable, and easy to find.