Before becoming an exchange student, most of what I knew about American high schools came from movies and social media. But now that I am actually here, I can finally answer the question: How accurate are the American movie stereotypes?
Stereotype #1: Everyone is obsessed with football.
True. I have been to only one game, but honestly, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Even though I didn’t fully understand the rules, the band playing, cheerleaders performing (which I loved the most), and the student section yelling, the energy was unforgettable.
Stereotype #2: Every school has lockers.
False. Not all of them. I was mentally prepared to decorate my locker with Shawn Mendes photos and dramatic locker moments, and to slam my locker door whenever I was mad, but it turns out our school doesn’t have lockers. Hollywood owes me an apology.
Stereotype #3: High school is full of dramatic cafeteria moments.
Again, not really. No one has spilled a drink on me on purpose, and no one has started a slow clap in the cafeteria. Most people are eating and just trying to get their homework done. I expected scenes like “Mean Girls,” where the cafeteria is divided into clear groups, and everyone knows exactly where they belong. In reality, it feels much more normal and relaxed.
Stereotype #4: Cheerleaders are always mean.
False. “As long as I don’t get close to the cheerleaders, I’m going to be ok.” This is what I wrote in my diary before coming to the US. I was afraid of those mean cheerleaders coming up to you and warning you to stay away from their boyfriends and shoot the glare of the century at you, but it turns out movies lied. Cheerleaders are not mean at all. In fact, they are the sweetest people I have ever met.
Having a completely different experience than what I had expected gave me memories that I will never forget.
