Jarosław Dąbrowski High School Students Discuss Cultural Stereotypes with the Embassy Diplomats

Cultural Attache Andrew Paul briefing the students about U.S. educational system

October 21, Meet America program hosted in the Embassy a group of 30 high school students from XXXVII Jarosław Dąbrowski High School in Warsaw to exchange observations with our diplomats on American society and culture.

The students opened the program by sharing the stereotypes that Polish young people nourish about Americans. They referred to Americans’ self-confidence, optimism, national pride in history and other characteristics of American society, as they see them. They also presented certain aspects of American culture, movies and music in particular. Vice-Consul Margaret Ramsay and Cultural Attaché Andrew Paul commented on the students’ presentation and further discussed with them different perceptions and stereotypes on American society that both Poles and Americans nurture.

Vice-Consul Ramsay followed the discussion with her presentation on how American values and ideals are depicted in contemporary American films by referring to such movies as Inception, Social Network, The Fighter and many others. Attaché Paul also briefed the group on U.S. educational system and encouraged them to study in the U.S. as another way to expand their views about America.

The Meet America event provided a nice opportunity for the students to verify the cultural stereotypes they have had about the U.S. with our American diplomats.