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This, once
again, should convince us that stereotypes are not only dangerous, they are
unrealistic as well. The idea of making generalizations and provide
information about different cultures is not new. For instance, look at this
very interesting illustration. It’s one of the so-called Volkertafel
(“table of people”), which gave descriptions of people in different countries
for the use of travellers. It was quite common to find tables like this in
inns and other places in Germany and Austria in the 18th century (Gibson
2000). If we look at this table, we’ll find descriptions which may sound
naïve and even funny today: for instance, it says that English people are
good-looking, good-natured but restless, dress in the French style, love
sensual pleasure and are heroes at sea!
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