IR and Prejudice: The Unbearable Lightness of Stereotyping

Disciples of my area, International Relations (IR) are probably among the pioneers of political correctness. After all, we are the students of foreign affairs, which includes equal parts of hypocrisy and double-crossing served on a generous platter of “diplomatic language.”

Here is an example:

In our professional jargon, the proper way to refer to genocidal maniacs or narcissistic kleptocrats is “Heads of State in the Developing World”. Yet, despite the long years of socialization in this PC language as scholars, diplomats, civil servants, journalist and pundits, it is interesting how some prejudices and stereo-types can linger on rather bluntly.

Bearing in mind the very international audience of my blog –extending from US to Russia and Turkey to Singapore- I thought my readers would enjoy the stereo-typical images of their countries’ in the eyes of the British government!

Below excerpt is taken from the official documents of Tourism Bureau of United Kingdom. As part of their preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London, they have distributed this "info" to the British business, so that the businesses can “take into account the cultural needs” of their international patrons.

I suggest, don’t make travel plans for the London Olympics, before reading what the Brits think of you…;-J

· Cleanliness is of major importance to Austrians.

· Brazilians do not travel lightly.

· The French will begin eating only after someone says “bon appétit!”

· Russians may come across as cold and not very open or polite people.

· In America, time is a very important commodity. People “save” time and “spend” time as if it were money in the bank.

· The Dutch do not believe in lining up and show almost no consideration in public for a person’s status, gender or age.

· Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner.

· Don’t ask personal questions to a Brazilian.

· Avoid discussing personal matters or linguistic divisions with a Belgian.

· Mexicans drink huge quantities of soft drinks and beer. Good conversational topics are Mexican culture, history, museums. NEVER discuss the Mexican-American War, poverty, aliens, or earthquakes.

· The Japanese (particularly women) could be said to have a childlike air to them.

· Although Italians give little care to public places, they are scrupulously clean in their own homes.

· Don’t be offended by Argentine humor, which might mildly attack your clothing or weight.

· Koreans are not Chinese!

And I say: what should the rest of the world think, when they look at that odd-shaped building sticking out in London skyline? Typical British carnality?