Stereotypes, LOL

[Billie Bonce]

Here is how the Americans imagined a Russian boxing Champion - evil and cold-hearted Ivan Drago
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-conte ... paper3.jpg
Here is how he looks like in reality. Intelligent and handsome Nikolai Valuev.
http://s2.kanalukraina.tv/images/valuev_ch1.JPG

[Duncan Edwards]

Billie, please, that's Hollywood's stereotype. Most Americans would prefer not to be associated with the movie industry's depiction of virtually anything. Sometimes I am troubled that the world thinks there are no Americans outside of New York City or Southern California. The people in both of those places are likewise surprised to find that I am literate and have most of my teeth because of the way my region is typically portrayed.

[Billie Bonce]

Billie, please, that's Hollywood's stereotype.

I'd say, in this case the reality proves to be more scary than Hollywood could imagine

We would be very proud if many of us looked like Dolph Lundgren

[Mynock]

I'd be way more afraid of fighting the bald hairy guy. :laugh:

[Lomax]

Here is ... Russian boxing Champion ... Nikolai Valuev.

Champion? Didn't he lose to David Haye?

[Billie Bonce]

Here is ... Russian boxing Champion ... Nikolai Valuev.

Champion? Didn't he lose to David Haye?

He did. He was WBA champion in 2005-2007 and then in 2008-2009. In 2007 he was defeated by Ruslan Chagaev whose height is 185 cm (6'1"), while Valuev's height is 213 cm (7')

I know who are the champions http://www.boxnews.com.ua/photos/356/Kl ... thers5.jpg

[bbjohn]

Ah, stereotypes. They're what writers use when they're trying to convince you not to like someone or they're too lazy to create an actual character.

There were plenty of Russian stereotypes in American entertainment during the Cold War. Most were not as blatant as the Drago character in "Rocky IV" (or was it III? It's hard to keep track of them all). Some were hilarious, like Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale from the "Bullwinkle" cartoon series. This series was and is notorious for its puns, and Boris's last name is a pun on the expression "bad enough."

I don't think any group has been stereotyped quite as much as Native Americans. I've found even the positive portrayals go into stereotypes. For example, it's now popular to see Native Americans as lovers of nature and "Mother Earth." This is a stereotype of what some in Hollywood want to think Native Americans are like. What you hardly ever see is the remarkable diversity found among the many tribes.

I live within the boundaries of a reservation, and I can tell you much of what comes out of Hollywood is hogwash. There are some native film makers who are trying to correct all this, which is good. However, they have a long way to go.

One thing that never comes out in Hollywood is Native American humor. I know something about this because I've been on the receiving end of it a few times. Each tribe has its own humor. Mohave humor is full of teasing and pranks. The Hopis use humor as a teaching tool. The Navajos have a very dry sense of humor, and I know of no people who can deadpan better than they can.

In the movie "Blazing Saddles," director Mel Brooks had Native Americans speaking German and Yiddish. That was funny in and of itself. What I've learned, however, is the movie portrayals of Native Americans often had things like them speaking Sioux while wearing Navajo costumes and having Hopi music playing in the background. Having them speak German and Yiddish makes almost as much sense.

Some years back, the British cartoon series "Danger Mouse" had the characters visiting America. Seeing this was an eye-opener for me. I got to see what stereotypes these Brits had of us Yanks. It can be quite revealing to see yourself as others see you.

It looks like stereotypes work both ways. Of course, once we learn to know each other, we realize how silly stereotypes are and can then set them aside. That's how we become fully human. It's a beautiful thing when it happens.

Big Bad John

[Nessie]

I honestly never heard of either of those guys but...were I to be given a choice between the two based only on the pictures...

"Nessie, which one do you want to take to mudpit? The blondie or the baldie?"

I choose the bald fella. He looks like he's got personality and character. The other guy looks a bit like a "Male Model" and the picture seems too Photoshopped to be real. But the bald guy? Looks natural. It's gotta be the real him.

Nessie

[DangerGirl]

Billie, please, that's Hollywood's stereotype. Most Americans would prefer not to be associated with the movie industry's depiction of virtually anything. Sometimes I am troubled that the world thinks there are no Americans outside of New York City or Southern California. The people in both of those places are likewise surprised to find that I am literate and have most of my teeth because of the way my region is typically portrayed.

Now if we could just get you to ditch the straw hat, hem the bottoms of your pants, and put on some shoes and socks...