Understanding the Hispanic consumer has been a hot topic for marketers the past few years and companies large and small have spent millions on this effort. It’s not only Hispanics either, the current fad is to understand Gen Y consumers – the first generation to grow up with the Internet. But as an immigrant from Asia, I’m also trying to figure out White People. They represent the majority of my client base and referral partners. Not only that, since I’m married to a Caucasian woman, I’m trying to understand the family on that side too. Believe me it’s not an easy task.
You can imagine my joy when I came across the blog “Stuff While People Like“. It’s a gem of a blog with daily insights on white culture in America. It’s funny, but also very insightful. Apparently white people like the following:
#86 Shorts – After a prolonged cold snap, white people are very excited at the first hint of a warm day. It is their opportunity to go back outside, to enjoy nature and thrive.
#77 Musical Comedy – This style of humor involves a person or group singing a song but rather than singing about something serious, it has funny lyrics. It’s not any more complicated than that, but white people can’t get enough of it.
In order to get the most possible enjoyment out of these days, white people turn to one of their most trusted allies: shorts.
#83 Bad Memories From High School – The most time and cost efficient way of gaining a white person’s trust and friendship is to talk to them about their time in high school.
45 Asian Fusion Food – Fusion restaurants offer a mix of all Asian foods (except Indian, but most don’t know that India is part of Asia) in an atmosphere that resembles a cocktail lounge in the West Village as opposed to Hong Kong. Basically you can eat exotic, in comfortable surroundings. Many are not shy to admit that the food is subpar and overpriced, but they still line up for hours to get in because they love the decor and the mix drinks.
#27 Marathons – White people will train for months, telling everyone who will listen about how they get up early in the morning, they run when it rains, how it makes them feels so great and gives them energy.
# 15 Yoga – Although its origins are from India, one can find more yoga studios in white neighborhoods such as Kitsilano or Orange County than in Kolkata. Participation in this activity requires large amounts of money and time, both of which white people have a lot of.
#8 Barak Obama – Because white people are afraid that if they don’t like him that they will be called racist.
Visit the blog (there is a complete list so you can go directly to an item) and if you’re white you can figure for yourself how accurate it is, but for me it sure was a good read and I walked away with los of insights! 😉
Mike Farmer
March 13, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Dang, I just found out I’m not white, although I do like warm weather.
Tyler
March 13, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I get the feeling this might get crickets of people nervous on what to say. I thought it was pretty funny.. but could be offensive to some.
…I’m hoping this crowd has a better sense of humor than the comment count says so far.
I still haven’t bought my Apple Computer.. So, I’m not 100% white yet.
This was a good find. Thanks Shailesh.
Faina Sechzer
March 13, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I just failed your test. Must be because I am from Russia:) Now I know why my husband can’t figure me out:)
Bob Stewart
March 13, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Shailesh,
I’m white and have been following this blog for the last couple of weeks. It is absolutely hilarious. On almost every post I can think of some friend (or myself) that it relates to. That author is destined to have a bestseller on their hands! The traffic to that site is through the roof. An amazing piece of cultural observation and an engaging read……..
Andy Kaufman
March 13, 2008 at 4:31 pm
As someone who lives in San Francisco and works in Berkeley, #60 has been KILLING me for the past few weeks.
Andy Kaufman
March 13, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Sorry bout that. Apparently I left my brain in Austin
“Some white people decide to pull the ultimate move. Prius, Apple Sticker on the back, iPod rocking, and Democratic Candidate bumper sticker. Unstoppable!”
Benn Rosales
March 13, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I can certainly get what you’re saying, awkward subject, but I’ve been guilty of not knowing about cultures of clients, and potential clients.
I once reached out to shake the hand of a young woman only to see her shy away. I felt horrible and ignorant of her culture, but lesson learned. Thank God that western folks can laugh at themselves- I noted that was missing from the list.
Great find.
Lani Anglin-Rosales
March 13, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I’m not going to lie- I just about had a coronary when I saw your article! All of the flashy red “fair housing” light bulbs started strobing off and on at our place until I realized it was all in fun. That blog is toooo funny!
Shailesh Ghimire
March 13, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I think this is all in fun and I tried not to include any of the more “controversial” stuff on the list on this page – instead folks can just mosey on over and read it themselves.
Thanks everyone for being such a good sport about this.
Larry Yatkowsky
March 13, 2008 at 9:44 pm
#75 Threatening to Move to Canada
I want to be clear – we got no room in B.C. We are pinched between the mountains and the ocean.
Norm Fisher might have some room in Saskatchewan. He lives on the prairies and nobody wants to live there except Norm. You’ll need a commando course to survive the mosquitoes and a very warm outfit to survive the cold. .>)
David Williams
March 14, 2008 at 3:28 am
In my opinion, I think people will be very nervous to talk about it. It may be funny for some, but it also maybe unpleasent for some. They should have wittiness than the comment. I’m not a white but still I don’t find anything funny.
Bob in San Diego
March 14, 2008 at 11:40 pm
#27 just proves how off stereotypes can be.
Mariana Wagner
March 15, 2008 at 9:49 am
I am always learning about different cultures, in my business. And it’s not only “white” people, but that even breaks down to “east coasters” “1st generation Americans from Europe” … etc. There is always a lot to learn about a person and why they do what they do.
Eric Bouler
March 15, 2008 at 10:08 am
It only goes to show you how different people can be. Being white and living in the deep south, none of the examples you sited would fit people who live in South Louisiana. We just may be a little different than the rest of the country. I will look at the rest of the points but found it interesting none the less. I still do not understand California but enjoy the area and the people.
Jen
March 18, 2008 at 7:02 am
Many people may not like it . They may feel to be open. There should be a comedy than a comment. But the things should not be displayed where it hurts the people.
Reverse Merger
May 13, 2008 at 4:17 pm
This is great, because seldom do you see anything that makes fun of white people. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves, so this is great.