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#Post#: 12436--------------------------------------------------
The cool guys
By: Allie Date: February 12, 2019, 3:41 am
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Have you ever noticed that some nationalities seem to be more
appreciated than others?
Let me give you an example:
An Italian girl was telling a story and then she added “Irish
people seem to like Italians”
Without even thinking, I commented “everybody likes Italians”
As she started blushing, the Irish guy added “everybody likes
Italians”
Still blushing, she said “thanks, maybe some people like
Italians…”
Then the Koreans and Latin Americans intervened “EVERYBODY likes
Italians”
On the other hand, I’ve already seen guys from various places
discussing why French are the worst.
What are the popular nationalities where you live?
And what about your own nationality… do you think you’re among
the cool ones?
(Needless to say these are just general superficial perceptions
and that there are nice/not-so-nice people from every
nationality. I love French people and not all Italians are
great)
#Post#: 12439--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Alharacas Date: February 12, 2019, 5:00 am
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I'm glad I'd already heard of this phenomenon from one of my
language partners:
"And then he just turned away. I'm sure, if we'd said we were
from a cool country, he'd have been more friendly." - "What do
you mean, a 'cool' country?" -
"Oh, you know, like from Australia or Ireland or something.
That's cool. Where I come from is not cool."
"Er, why...?
"Don't know. That's just what it's like."
Otherwise, I'm afriad I'd have thought your were hallucinating,
Allie.
Agree with "everybody likes Italians", but otherwise... If I had
to hazard a guess, I'd say Scandinavians are probably considered
"cool" here.
Sorry I can't really answer your question, but I'd guess being
German would be sort of in the middle? Mostly not seen as really
cool, but overall not seriously uncool, either?
#Post#: 12440--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Allie Date: February 12, 2019, 5:26 am
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Yes, Ireland and Australia are usually seen as cool countries. I
think I could add Japan to the list too (have you ever seen
anyone saying anything bad about Japanese people? Now compare
with the number of praises)
Scandinavians are not considered cool in the South.
I mean, probably because they are too cool (I will explain).
The popular countries are usually Latino/Latin countries
(possible exceptions are Argentina and France)
The rest of the world is usually perceived as cold.
I don’t think I can say Brazil is a “cool” country, but it seems
to me to be quite popular.
From an irony of fate, I don’t benefit much from it.
People usually like Brazilians because of the parties and stuff
(and I am a weirdo).
Brazilian women have a certain popularity too… which in my case
leads to situations like:
“Shut up! You’re not Brazilian!”
#Post#: 12441--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Alharacas Date: February 12, 2019, 6:02 am
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Ah! I thought there might be a difference between "countries
it's cool to visit" and "countries it's cool to be from". Isn't
there?
Because from what I hear and read, Berlin's quite a "cool"
destination right now - or isn't it? But I'd be surprised to
hear Germans were "really cool".
As to Brazil, yes, I think it's considered cool in both
respects.
Japan's definitely a cool destination for any traveller, but
there aren't that many Japanese back-packers about - or are
there?
[quote author=Erik link=topic=844.msg12440#msg12440
date=1549970776]
People usually like Brazilians because of the parties and stuff
(and I am a weirdo).
Brazilian women have a certain popularity too… which in my case
leads to situations like:
“Shut up! You’re not Brazilian!”
[/quote]
;D That's really funny, Allie!
#Post#: 12442--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: SuKi Date: February 12, 2019, 6:05 am
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I don’t think I can say Brazil is a “cool” country, but it seems
to me to be quite popular.
Tá brincando? Brazilians are as cool as cool can get! I'd sell
my pale-skinned northern soul to be as a cool as a Brazilian!
#Post#: 12443--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Nikola Date: February 12, 2019, 6:43 am
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I agree that Italians are really cool. I think with
nationalities, it's about how approachable they are. The most
popular ones seem to be those who have this non-threatening,
almost clown-like quality to them (the opposite of stroppy
patriots who take everything personally).
Here's what Dylan Moran said about Irish people on Conan.
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln5Ad1YaxM0
It starts off as a discussion about the difference between the
UK and US audience but they end up talking about Irish people.
My Irish friend said it was spot on. What do people here think?
The strange thing is that this "baggage" of theirs doesn't seem
to affect how they're perceived by people from other countries.
I think that Czech people are quite similar, they have a lot of
grumpiness in them but somehow they always turn it into a joke.
Alharacas, Berlin is definitely a cool place to be. I heard
Munich has become very trendy, it seems to be the ultimate
hipster destination.
#Post#: 12444--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Alharacas Date: February 12, 2019, 7:02 am
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Ah, Allie, now I get it - people from supposedly warm cultures
are perceived as cool, while those from cultures seen as cold
are not. Correct?
(This reminds me of quite a long and - at least in parts -
rather interesting discussion on italki. Can't be bothered to
try and find it now, maybe somebody else will?)
Okay, in that case, Germans are definitely at the opposite end
of the cool-scale. :D
#Post#: 12445--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Allie Date: February 12, 2019, 7:21 am
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@Alharacas
Yes, I was thinking more about people than destinations, but
Berlin is indeed a trendy one.
Germany, in general, is a place people want to know (if my
question was about destinations, then my answer would have to be
US and Europe)
Please don’t feel offended.
It’s just a very general and superficial notion and that can
change easily.
All Germans I’ve met are great people. And in my Youngers years,
when I still had energy to partying, an amazing company.
#Post#: 12446--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Allie Date: February 12, 2019, 7:21 am
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@Nikola
First your brilliant rendition of the Duck Song and now Dylan
Moran (I love Black Books!)
You’re becoming my new crush!
Now about the actual content of your comment.
I don’t know for sure what makes certain nationalities be
perceived as cooler than others.
I always thought it was about cultural affinity and even the
history between different countries (hence the Argentina
situation)
But what does Brazil have in common in with Japan?
Maybe it’s indeed about a certain attitude (but then shouldn’t
Canadians be beloved?)
Still, sure, I think it has do to with how we perceive a certain
nationality to be approachable, although this notion may vary
from country to country (that’s exactly why I started this
tread)
On Czechs, I must confess I’ve never been to the Czech Republic,
but I have met some of your compatriots and they stood out as
particularly friendly and approachable.

#Post#: 12447--------------------------------------------------
Re: The cool guys
By: Allie Date: February 12, 2019, 7:23 am
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[quote author=SuKi link=topic=844.msg12442#msg12442
date=1549973131]
Tá brincando? Brazilians are as cool as cool can get! I'd sell
my pale-skinned northern soul to be as a cool as a Brazilian!
[/quote]
Thank you very much for your comment.
Now I am blushing like the girl in the story.
The day you want to trade, I am all for it!
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