I agree that I don't like generalizations, and that there are many people to whom stereotypes apply across the board. That said, my older brother, who's no fan of bigotry or racism (we've both received a good bit of it), does point out that some stereotypes exist for a reason.

So: the Swiss really do tend to be punctual; Germans don't like being reminded of WWII; and I've known dozens of Greeks whose fathers (or another male relative) does run a diner/restaurant. As a son of foreigners, I have observed something I call "immigrant parent syndrome," where parents from Korea, China, South/Latin America, and many other places all want their children to (a) become doctors or lawyers, and (b) marry someone from the same background.

Look at it the other way: in an effort to be "appropriate," I politely asked an Indian-descended friend whether he likes spicy food. He looked at me and called me an idiot.


I don't know whether they were socially or politically conservative, but RJ was raised by like 6 women. This gave him what I think must be an unusual upbringing for a southern gentleman. I was raised in NYC too, but I find that some of his comments are terribly accurate.

Then again, RJ dated two women at once who were completely fine with that arrangement; I haven't necessarily tried this, but I haven't exactly found two women that I think would agree to that. Those were some progressive ladies...