How Hollywood Shaped My View of America as a Colombian Kid

Growing up in Colombia, the perception of American life I formed was heavily influenced by Hollywood productions. Movies served as my primary introduction to the United States, leading me to believe in a dazzling and exaggerated version of reality. Now, as a 22-year-old resident of the U.S., I reflect on the many misconceptions I held about American culture, which were shaped by the films I watched as a child.

Misconceptions About American Life

From parties to high school experiences, my understanding of what it meant to live in America was often skewed. Here are some key beliefs I once held, and the realities that followed.

One of my earliest assumptions was that every American party featured red Solo cups. Films like Project X and Pitch Perfect portrayed these cups as a staple of youth culture. The reality, however, is that Americans also use a variety of other cups, making the red Solo cup just one option among many.

I also believed that every child owned a bicycle and rode it to school, thanks to movies such as E.T. and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. While many American kids do have bicycles, the idea that they all ride them everywhere is far from accurate.

Another misconception involved high school culture. Watching High School Musical made me think that students frequently expressed their emotions by singing on cafeteria tables. In reality, such behavior would likely result in detention rather than the camaraderie depicted in films.

Perceptions of Texas and Cheerleaders

Growing up, I imagined Texas as a land where every resident donned a cowboy hat and attended rodeos. Movies like Walker, Texas Ranger and Yellowstone contributed to this view. While some Texans do enjoy rodeos and wear cowboy hats, this is not the norm for everyone in the state.

I was also led to believe that cheerleaders wielded significant power in high schools, as depicted in Bring It On. The reality is that cheerleaders are simply students balancing their schedules, not the political leaders of their schools.

Another significant belief was that individuals in minimum-wage jobs could afford spacious apartments. Shows like Friends and New Girl painted a picture of young adults living comfortably in large homes, but the truth is that rent in many American cities is exorbitant, making such lifestyles unattainable for most.

Holiday Traditions and Teenage Life

I also assumed that every American household went all out for holiday decorations, influenced by films such as Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. While some families do embrace extensive decorating, many opt for simpler displays, such as a single inflatable decoration.

Movies led me to believe that high school life was divided into dramatic cliques, as shown in Mean Girls. In practice, while students do tend to sit with friends, the cafeteria atmosphere is often much less segregated and dramatic.

I thought that every teenage boy in California surfed before school, thanks to the constant beach imagery from Disney Channel productions. In reality, many teens in California face traffic jams on their morning commutes instead of enjoying the ocean waves.

The notion that teenagers received brand-new cars for their sixteenth birthdays was another misconception, largely fueled by teen films. In reality, many young people rely on public transportation or save for their own vehicles over time.

Lastly, I believed that every American family dined together at 6 p.m. every night, influenced by shows like Full House. The truth is that family dinners are often chaotic and do not adhere to a strict schedule.

Reflecting on these misconceptions reveals how Hollywood can shape perceptions and beliefs about a culture. For those who grew up outside the U.S., these experiences may resonate. It raises the question: What assumptions did you hold about American culture based on film?