07-11-2009, 08:55 PM | #1 (permalink) |
Misanthropic
Location: Ohio! yay!
|
European women (with pics - slightly NSFW)
Why is it that I can always tell when a woman is European by the way she looks? Blond hair, brown, black, blue eyes, green, brown... It doesn't matter. Put here in an American Flag shirt and blue jeans, and I would still be able to tell! I am not speaking of race, and she doesn't even have to talk.
Why is that? Granted, it's not 100%, but I would say it is at the very least about 95%. I can't tell the difference between an Aussie woman and an American, until she talks. I have seen South African WHITE women that I would believe lived in Utah if you told me. English girls are usually distinguishable, but not always. Also, I have not noticed that men from different areas look so different as to be able to look at them and tell where they are from. Perhaps, because I am a man, I can only see it in women? Maybe one of the girls on here can let me know if it works the same way for them? I do have a theory... People who grow up speaking a language develop distinct facial muscles that shape their appearance. One language brings about certain "typical" features. I have no clue if this is true, and I have not heard it anywhere else. Can you look at a person, be it man or woman, and tell which area they are from?
__________________
Crack, you and I are long overdue for a vicious bout of mansex. ~Halx |
07-11-2009, 09:34 PM | #3 (permalink) |
Delicious
|
I feel like I can distinguish between American and Europeans too. I think it's just a case of remembering the times you've confirmed they weren't American and forgetting every time you're wrong.
It could also be that there are actually differences. The minerals in your drinking water can have an effect on your appearance. The food you eat and maybe even as you say, the facial muscles you use to speak the language. I notice this a lot on shows like Cash in the Attic or that other auction show. I can change the channel, see someone and know if it's the American or UK version of the show without hearing a word. I just kinda figured it was all in my head but this thread is making me think differently.
__________________
“It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick” - Dave Barry |
07-11-2009, 11:51 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It!
Location: Southern England
|
Body language is a language, and there are dialects which you learn without realising.
__________________
╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝ |
07-12-2009, 04:32 AM | #6 (permalink) |
Eponymous
Location: Central Central Florida
|
I'm not sure, but I know exactly what you're talking about.
I always thought it was slight nuances such as the way they dress (European women seem to appear put together in anything) and their carriage. Perhaps we Americans are too cocky? Je ne sais quoi.
__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain |
07-12-2009, 04:40 AM | #7 (permalink) |
Too Awesome for Aardvarks
Location: Angloland
|
Well, that depends exactly how orange it is
There are differences in body language, in facial features, skin colour e.t.c. Generally it's not so much a case of 'shes european, obviously', but rather 'she's doesn't look american, so that probably means she's from europe'.
__________________
Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information. |
07-12-2009, 05:11 AM | #10 (permalink) | |
Junkie
Location: Ontario, Canada
|
Quote:
__________________
Si vis pacem parabellum. |
|
07-12-2009, 06:46 AM | #11 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
Agreed - there's a grace, poise, and confidence for European women that is lacking in the upbringing of American women (myself included).
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
07-12-2009, 07:01 AM | #12 (permalink) |
Junkie
|
That's it exactly, unfortunately. At least in the case of Czech, Slovak, and Polish women it seems to be largely composed of a kind of brassy self-confidence...I've known American ladies who mimicked the poise and dress of European-born women, but none yet who have learned that particular flavour of out-in-your-face self-assurance. Any woman can look like a Queen once she learns to act like one, and the current generation of young Central European women have grown up with memories of the end of Communism and the beginning of an era in which the world was their oyster and they knew it. They've witnessed, and been part of, one of the most astonishing social transformations in recent history, and I think the knowledge of this is a large motivator of this kind of confidence. Friends who've worked and studied in Russia report a much, much more concentrated and developed form of the same attitude, which makes even more sense.
Nothing against our American ladies, of course; the personally independent streak in American women is not something I encountered often overseas, and something I find very attractive. Most of the Czech and Slovak women I knew put a huge emphasis on having a family and raising children, usually starting fairly young by American standards (mid-20s or so), and sometimes go to rather extraordinary lengths to make sure such things work out. American ladies seem much more inclined to go it alone if needs be, and in some ways more emotionally secure in the absence of a husband and family of their own. Last edited by The_Dunedan; 07-12-2009 at 07:05 AM.. |
07-12-2009, 08:05 AM | #15 (permalink) |
The Reforms
Location: Rarely, if ever, here or there, but always in transition
|
Is this what you mean (second case)?
__________________
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world (that is the myth of the Atomic Age) as in being able to remake ourselves. —Mohandas K. Gandhi |
07-12-2009, 10:08 AM | #17 (permalink) |
Crazy, indeed
Location: the ether
|
When I first came to the US, I noticed 3 things about American women that were different, in general, than either Brazilian or European women:
- American women use more make up. - American women do more things with their hair (painting it blond, perms, etc) - American women use less tight fitting clothes, but more padded bras and such. |
07-12-2009, 10:17 AM | #18 (permalink) |
part of the problem
Location: hic et ubique
|
i think it's the hair and face, the skin and nose, that tell me they are not from 'meerka. and body shape as well, euros seem to have a different overall body shape. i'm not all that great with telling europeans from non euros though. oddly enough, i can usually distinguish asians, if they are from korea, japan, thailand, phillipines, or china. cambodians and laotians and others throw me.
__________________
onward to mayhem! |
07-12-2009, 10:32 AM | #19 (permalink) |
We work alone
Location: Cake Town
|
Every region has its distinguishing features. Not that surprising. It's how you can always tell if an Eastern European is walking toward you.
Mannerisms play a huge role as well.
__________________
Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques |
07-12-2009, 01:17 PM | #21 (permalink) |
follower of the child's crusade?
|
Pretty much all the women I know are European...
__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." The Gospel of Thomas |
07-13-2009, 05:32 AM | #27 (permalink) |
Leaning against the -Sun-
Super Moderator
Location: on the other side
|
I really think this is quite a silly assumption. It's not at all as clear cut as you seem to think. Sure, there are cultural differences, but differences in appearance or attitude that are so accentuated that you can tell women's origin apart just like that? Methinks you bullshit a tad. A very large part of the American population is descendent from people from European countries, so how does this make any sense? It's stereotyping. Since I agree that this thread is useless without pics, and also, a lot less fun, allow me to try and prove you wrong.
Please tell me where these women are from, Europe or America: If you need hints, I can tell you how many of them are American and how many are not. Let's see how good your deductive powers are 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 -
__________________
Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918 |
07-13-2009, 05:42 AM | #28 (permalink) | |
We work alone
Location: Cake Town
|
Quote:
__________________
Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques |
|
07-13-2009, 05:54 AM | #29 (permalink) |
part of the problem
Location: hic et ubique
|
i don't think pictures prove anything. especially pictures of models. they are so retouched, modified, altered, that's not how they really look in real life. there is a huge difference between some random human on the street and a professionally taken picture of a model.
__________________
onward to mayhem! |
07-13-2009, 06:04 AM | #30 (permalink) |
Leaning against the -Sun-
Super Moderator
Location: on the other side
|
I don't think throwing out random statements that other people in this thread disagree with is proof of anything either. If you wanted to discuss the topic, then why not play ball? I'm European, and I don't get it. Not all of the women pictured are models. And how would retouching photos change that essential American/European quality you speak of? Well, I'm coming to the US in August and I will try and work out what this 'American' attitude is all about. I have plenty of American friends out here and I don't see it.
__________________
Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918 |
07-13-2009, 06:25 AM | #31 (permalink) | |
Future Bureaucrat
|
Quote:
On the other hand, there are other Americans here who're pretty cool. |
|
07-13-2009, 08:26 AM | #32 (permalink) |
part of the problem
Location: hic et ubique
|
what exactly did i say that seems to have pissed everyone off? what did i say that was rude or crass?
---------- Post added at 10:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 AM ---------- really? they are just average people on the street? i'll play. 2, maybe 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, are european, although i thought 9 was australian
__________________
onward to mayhem! Last edited by squeeeb; 07-13-2009 at 08:37 AM.. |
07-13-2009, 09:44 AM | #33 (permalink) |
WHEEEE! Whee! Whee! WHEEEE!
Location: Southern Illinois
|
I started a thread about this on another message board recently.
American women, the ones who are promoted as feminine "ideals," anyway, are generally more athletic than European women, save perhaps for the German and Baltic women who are considered "ideal." The French seem to put more emphasis on "feminine," and the Spanish/Hispanic and Italians put more emphasis on "sexy." The French, Spanish, and Italian "ideal" is softer than the American or German. Of course, those are broad generalizations; one would not have to look very hard to find examples to the contrary, but I think it is fairly accurate on average.
__________________
AZIZ! LIGHT! |
07-13-2009, 10:31 AM | #34 (permalink) |
Eat your vegetables
Super Moderator
Location: Arabidopsis-ville
|
LittleTippler - poise and grace are not always captured accurately by a photograph. Most people in this thread are describing a way a woman holds herself, or the way she respects herself. An American who has spent considerable time in Europe is more likely to pick up these dignified mannerisms, but will not always do so.
Funny how a thread that seems in my eyes to be complimentary toward European woman has been construed as derogatory.
__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy |
07-13-2009, 10:37 AM | #35 (permalink) |
lightform
Location: Edge of the deep green sea
|
My heritage is Irish/German. I was born and raised in America.
Before I speak to people the often assume I am from Germany. I don't know why this is, except I am not a typical American woman. Edit: When I was in Germany, I had a few German guys that were very surprised I wasn't from Germany, and that I didn't speak German.
__________________
We're about to go through the crucible, but we'll come out the other side. We always arise from our own ashes. Everything returns later in its changed form. - Children of Dune Last edited by lostgirl; 07-13-2009 at 10:41 AM.. |
07-13-2009, 10:46 AM | #36 (permalink) | |
Cheers
Location: Eastcoast USA
|
Quote:
__________________
..."Say what you think. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss |
|
07-13-2009, 11:30 AM | #37 (permalink) | |
Crazy, indeed
Location: the ether
|
Quote:
And at no point I implied that those things are "superficial," or that American women are more superficial. Beauty standards are no more or less superficial, they just are what what they are. And to back up my claim, as not to make my personal experience the norm, per capita spending on cosmetics and toiletries: US, 128 Euros, original 12 EU nations 98 Euros (at purchasing power parities, so this takes care of differences in price) And as far as tight fitting clothes go, all it takes is a stroll to the mall to see that women's fashion in the US includes a lot less form fitting clothes than in Europe or elsewhere. |
|
07-13-2009, 12:04 PM | #38 (permalink) | |
Cheers
Location: Eastcoast USA
|
Quote:
...maybe you need to visit Rodeo Drive...well okay, that's on the other end of the spectrum but there is an average in there somewhere that is "generally" more accurate. You've been influenced by the not-so-kind media or just hanging out at the mall too much perhaps.
__________________
..."Say what you think. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss Last edited by Shell; 07-13-2009 at 01:45 PM.. |
|
07-13-2009, 01:56 PM | #39 (permalink) | |
Crazy, indeed
Location: the ether
|
Quote:
All one needs to do is to compare swim suits in both continents, or look at how miniskirts were first popular over there, or how American pants tend to be baggier, etc. And this isn't to say that that is worst or best, just that there are differences that one can note on the aggregate (and it can be said for male fashion as well). Most reviews of fashion in the print media carry the same opinion (about differences in fashion for both continents): Review/Fashion; American Sportswear, French Elan - The New York Times "Americans favor sportswear and simplicity, while the French, with few exceptions, still like to dress up." http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/fa...=2&ref=fashion "“The old idea of the American fit for pants is shapeless, almost sexless,”" And we could go on and on about how they are becoming more alike, etc, etc. But I don't see how noting a difference is equated with somehow putting either side down. Or are you suggesting that there are no differences in fashion and casual wear between the two regions? Or that Ive gotten it backwards, and it is American women who in general prefer more form fitting clothes? In any case, I think we are getting off track here. This was supposed to be a chitchat about differences and somehow is being construed as an attack in either. Ive stated my opinion about general differences, at no point implying everyone is the same or that a style is somehow "better." Last edited by dippin; 07-13-2009 at 02:16 PM.. |
|
07-13-2009, 02:13 PM | #40 (permalink) | |
Junkie
Location: Ontario, Canada
|
Quote:
Recently, we've had an Eastern European invasion at my workplace and even without anyone opening their mouths, it's not hard to spot. Perhaps it's easier for men to spot the differences - as has been pointed out many times, we men are visual creatures.
__________________
Si vis pacem parabellum. |
|
Tags |
european, women |
|
|