As much as we'd like to think we're beyond such things, the truth is that we all kind of believe in stereotypes.
Stereotyping people isn't nice, but if you can own up to it, there is some humor to be found in poking fun not only at yourself, but at your own habit of stereotyping everyone else.
That's exactly what teenage artist Martin Vargic has done with his insanely detailed and absolutely hilarious world map of stereotypes. If you can think of a stereotypical attribute, it's on there — even if those stereotypes don't always hold up in real life.
Countries have been renamed with their most well-known attributes, including Canada ("Maple Syrup"), Madagascar ("King Julien"), Uzbekistan ("Tjzspjxqwostan"), and Ukraine ("Putin's Precious"). Vargic himself hails from Slovakia, which he has gamely labeled "?????"
And it's not just the names of the countries that have been replaced, but the cities and natural features have, as well. The Arctic Ocean is now the Santa Claus Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico is simply labeled "Oil Spill."
He doesn't shy away from the fact that people may find his labels offensive — but hey, as long as you poke fun equally, and he does, it's all good.
(h/T: Lost At E Minor)
Vargic focused his map on exploring the most prevalent stereotypes that people in the West cling to when they think of other areas of the world.
The map is full of classic stereotypes, pop culture references, and plenty of snarky, cheeky humor. Politically correct, it is not.
To collect his stereotypes, Vargic did extensive research online and interviewed his friends and family members about the first things that came to mind when they thought of a certain place.
Most of the time, we only think of what we've seen on the news or heard from others, and we miss out on the complexities of other cultures — and all the things we have in common.
No one likes to be stereotyped, but we have no problem doing it to everyone else. So if a stereotype about your region or culture rubs you the wrong way, watch out that you don't do the same to someone else.
But at the same time, there's something refreshing about laughing at yourself.
In addition to the geography, the map also features world facts and a few mini-maps that measure such important information as beer consumption.
If you want to take a look at the whole map, you can check out the full resolution here.
And the next time you find yourself quick to paint all people from a certain country with the same broad brush, remember that somewhere, someone might be doing the same to you.
Open up a conversation about stereotypes by SHARING this hilarious map with your friends!
