Edwina'sMommy -


I don't believe perceptions are either right or wrong, they are simply subjective pieces of information. The sum of a person's experience can not be categorised as being correct or not, but it can still be valid.

Outsiders (be them American or not) have experiences that are valuable for the Insiders to know. If we talk to non-Americans and ask them what their perceptions of Americans are, we can learn a lot, regardless of whether or not those perceptions gel with our own. They are a valid piece of information that helps to get us closer to the truth.

When people here ask me what I think of New Zealanders, I give them my perception based on my time here. I don't think too many people are foolish enough to not realise that there are exceptions. But regardless if my take on NZers is what they think, they now have an idea of how they project themselves to the outside world, which can lead to a greater understanding of themselves.