Stereotypes

I hate to admit it, but my ideas of America were solely based on Television and movies I watched from my couch all the way in Sydney, Australia. For college I expected cheerleaders, jocks and you know, all the stereotypes the portrayed in the movies. Even harsher, I have always visualised that most Americans would be overweight, unhealthy and junk food obsessed. Nothing could prepare me for my shock of moving to San Francisco. The locals are not at all overweight and I don’t think it’s just walking up enormously steep hills that is keeping them fit but also the amount of fresh, organic and healthy food available, I have more fast food near my house back home!

I decided to ask my housemates what their first shock was about San Francisco:
Maria (From Copehagen, Denmark): I was initially shocked at how many homeless people frequent the streets. I am grateful that I come from a country that would support me if I become ill in anyway. It is clear to me that I come from a privileged background and I believe that the lack of universal healthcare is mostly responsible for the large population of homeless people in San Francisco.
Marilou (From Paris, France): I’m surprised at how easy it to make friends with people on the street, everyone is very social and keen to meet new people. I’m also surprised at how smoking is very much frowned upon, in France it is very different.

San Francisco cannot be mistaken for any other place, its amazing culture, food, music and art have made it an amazingly versatile, vibrant and unique city. Yes, I’ve eaten pizza slices the size of my head here, seen overweight people and witnessed things that have fitted Hollywood movie stereotypes but nonetheless, I have learnt not to ever judge a place before visiting it and personally immersing myself in the culture. San Francisco- I thank you.

Stephanie Kerr
steph.kerr94@gmail.com
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