These days there are a number of typical stereotypes directed towards Americans ranging from materialism, arrogance, and even to obesity.  As an American, it is usually difficult to see oneself through the perception of others from contrasting cultures.  In his short story, “Hills Like White Elephants”, Hemingway is thought to be bringing up the issue of abortion through his couple’s arguments in the train station.  Although probably true, the bigger point addressed, under which the previously stated issue falls, is one of awareness towards one’s own culture.  An author like Hemingway puts great emphasis and importance on certain words, which can drastically alter the meaning or message behind a story.  The word, or in this case name, in which Hemingway hides a deeper substance is in the male character who can only be identified as “The American”.  This name seems curious, but after some of his behaviors and events within the story it is evident why Hemingway used this term to label his character.  Alternative to the commonly accepted theme in “Hills Like White Elephants”, Hemingway brings up a separate theme through the stereotypical behavior of the American.  

One of the more prevalent characteristics that Americans are viewed to have by other cultures is arrogance.  It is not only about this American hubris or egotistic behavior, but the childish manner in which it is sometimes expressed.  Hemingway makes this type of demeanor very visible through the constant bickering of The American and his girlfriend.  When she says that he probably has never seen a white elephant, which is most likely correct, he responds, “‘I 

might have… Just because you say I wouldn’t have doesn’t prove anything’” (527).  Not only is this an extremely childish response, but he completely disregards his girlfriend’s assumption and treats her as if her words are worthless.  This arrogant and pointless argument leads to another where the girl ends up using a phrase unacceptable in even grade school.  She says, “‘You started it’” (528).  This senseless comment goes to show the immaturity of the couple.  The American’s arrogance can even be seen in his inability to silence himself.  After relentlessly trying to convince the girl to have the abortion she finally says, “‘Would you please please please please please please please stop talking?’” (530). All she wants is to relax quietly and enjoy her drink, but he cannot wait more than a split second to continue his debate.  In all of these instances, Hemingway is trying to show us how arrogant The American is, therefore projecting this nature onto all of the American culture.  However, this is not the only way that Hemingway shows the stereotypes of Americans.

Another characteristic that Americans are perceived to have by others among the world is materialism.  To the rest of the world it seems as if Americans worship money and nothing else is of importance to them.  It is relatively safe to assume that The American is somewhat wealthy just by the fact that he and his girlfriend are traveling throughout Spain.  The main example of materialism can be seen when the girl says, “‘That’s all we do, isn’t it—look at things and try new drinks?’” (528).  According to her, all the couple do together is see nice places and try new drinks.  Even after trying it she says, “Everything tastes like licorice” (528), which can be seen as a disrespect to other cultures.  This feeds into the notion that Americans have a lack of cultural awareness.  Their relationship is one of materialistic and shallow nature.  Hemingway is once again trying to show the reader a facet of American life that is looked down upon by the rest of the world.  Lastly, there is one more way that Hemingway shows the American stereotype.

America is founded on the values of freedom and liberty which was set in motion during the infancy of the nation when it broke free from British rule.  Americans are viewed as freedom hungry and are unable to handle any form of shackles administered by others.  This thirst for freedom is indisputable in The American through his relentless nagging of the girl to have an abortion.  He wants to be free from the responsibility of having a child and maybe even from the responsibility of having the girl as a significant other.  It seems as if he is constantly bringing it up with quotes like, “‘It’s really an awfully simple operation’” (528), and, “‘I’ll go with you and I’ll stay with you all the time’” (529).  He even goes as far as to try reverse psychology on her when he says, “‘You’ve got to realize… that I don’t want you to do it if you don’t want to” (530).  He will do anything in his power to persuade the girl to have the operation.  The American’s need for freedom from this situation is just another way that Hemingway is exhibiting to the reader how Americans are viewed.

All of the aforementioned examples and ideas show that Hemingway had more of an issue at hand than just abortion when he constructed “Hills Like White Elephants”.  The major point portrayed in this story is the negative stereotypes that many have of Americans.  It’s ironic how within first dialogue the couple talk about getting beers, but not just any size; they must be “big ones” (527).  With things like Super Size Me and every fast food chain trying to top the other it is no wonder why America has received some of its labels.  Not every stereotype of this society is that simple to envision.  It is always hard to see how others view oneself and sometimes it takes a story or piece of writing to give one that insight. 
