A great deal of Americans can't locate Canada on a map and a good percentage of educated Americans actually believe Canadians live in igloos... you're surprised that they can't name a Scottish city? As for the Willie stereotype - I'm glad to see someone finally calling it into question. Even deeper than a "Scottish" stereotype, it's the typical "Highland" stereotype that the Gaels have to face on a regular basis. Speaking for my part of the country in Canada, even those of us with a Gaelic-speaking heritage have been ingrained with the notion that the culture is "backwards" and not worth saving. I don't want to get into a blame-the-English debate, but that's what a systematic cultural genocide does over centuries. It also doesn't help things when Lowland or English-speaking Scots look down their noses at Gaelic or anything to do with the Gaeltachd regions. For Scotland to gain any respect in the world, it's important to know and respect your own history before asking someone else to.

Em, Nova Scotia, Canada

Hey it's a step up from 'Fat Bastard' in Austin Powers! 8 years ago I worked on a summer school of US kids and they kept asking me to say 'He's a baby, I want him in my belly.' I had NO idea why and then I found out...

Regardless of stereotypes, as a Scot who is getting married to an American and adjusting to living here, as is my brother, we have both been treated with nothing but courtesy and friendship. Who cares if the first question one leering guy asked me is 'Do you have marijuana in Scotland?' or if it was part of England; what matters in life is kindness, warmth and courtesy, not knowledge. Most people's concept of knowledge is what they read in the newspaper yesterday anyway.

David, Newark, Delaware

You can't expect students to know much about anything, including Scotland. After all, they've been taught at government room schools for decades, and our liberal Democrats have been in charge of the education process for over 40 years.

I've actually been to Scotland, as have most of my extended family. While our Southern accents amused the locals greatly, we found them friendly, helpful and interesting. And you do have some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, from the sea to the Trossachs.

Mary McLemore, Pike Road, Alabama, USA

What? Scotland in my eyes is Sean Connery and Kilts and Loch Ness and Tartans and highland clans and generations of steamship engineers and Scotty from Star Trek and whatever else I can learn. Willy's a cartoon charachter : ). And it's obvious your reviewer's on the make for a controversy because Groundskeeper Williy is not incompetent, merely foiled by bad administration. Alot like the Nanny State that way.

Seic R. Apple, San Diego, CA, USA

As someone who is Scottish myself, I am very angry that the Simpsons have stolen my identity without compensation. Groundskeeper Willie looks like me, talks like me and acts like me...

I am currently in contact with my lawyer.

Willie Winkler, Glasgow, UK

I've never watched the Simpsons and never heard of Willie before stumbling upon this article. Having been to Scotland for a few weeks I didn't think that Scots were much different from Americans, except for their obsession with plaid, golf, single-malt whiskey, and bagpipes.

Seriously though, when I think of Scotland I think of a tenacious, independent spirit and a knack for engineering and business. No dice on the invention of the television though. Philo Farnsworth conceived of the technology behind it while plowing a potato field in Idaho in 1920 at age 14, and then built and tested the first working television in San Francisco in 1927. He never went to college.

Ross, Wyoming, USA

Billy Connelly's song "Evil Scotsman" comes across to me as a Scotsman's parody of the British, and therefore the world's stereotype of a Scotsman. I imagine that Groundskeeper Willie is meant to come across to the public in the same way. Only problem is, most Americans are unaware of the true Scot, and so they accept the stereotype image provided them. I would be interested in what specific settings, regions of the country and number of people polled. There are a lot of Scots decendents in this country who are fiercly proud of our heritage. I was this way before I visited Scotland, I am more so now. I never have felt more at home than I did while in Scotland. I'll be back....many times.

Janice Nash, Whittier, USA/North Carolina

Are you crazy?! Why in the world would you want Scotland's beauty, culture, and yes, even some of its nightlife, to be "discovered" by the American masses? Whenever I'm asked for European vacation recommendations by people here, particularly people with children, I always say, "Oh, France, you must visit France." I figure the French deserve them.

Michael, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

I think what irks/saddens Scots regarding this article is nothing to with Willie from the Simpsons. We are no angry aboot him, ye ken...

It is the remarks made by Americans in this survey which seem frankly astonishing. Questioning whether Scotland has the internet or even electric light and the inability to name even one Scots city ('Glas-gou'?...'Edinburrrell'?) is saddening if not frightening. We are talking about basics here, not an indepth knowledge.

Annoying, but ultimately their problem not ours...

Iain Hamilton, Ayr, Scotland (Ayrshire)

What's funnier is that the American's think that there are no computers or microwaves in scotland. An english friend of mine was over in the US about 10 years ago as a student, and she said that she was continually asked if we had electricity in England. I think this report says more about the American's than it does about the Scottish.

Kay, Leicester,

This article is so full of malarkey! Americans aren't stupid! Talk about stereotyping......

I've seen a number of British shows depicting Americans only as Texas oil Tycoons, in white suits, big belt buckles, cowboy hats, and boots. How many Americans even OWN cowboy boots? Not many.
Every country is guilty of Stereotyping... heck, here in the US... there are many who think that if you come from the South, you must live in a trailer and marry your cousin; If you come from the West Coast, you must be a bubble headed blonde with fake boobs and an agent; if you come from up North, you must be an angry Italian.
Get over it already! Why let a cartoon character ruin your day? Wait a tic! Were we talking about Scots or Muslims?

Cindy, Jacksonville, Florida USA

So the point of this article is that the media significantly affects people's impressions of the world? There's a real news flash!! Getting to know people changes some of these stereotypes (the article's reference to "...those who had visited Scotland..."), again not an earth shaking revelation. The phenominum that the author is revealing is that often the "media" promotes stereotypes (e.g.: "Scotsmen;" "cheese eating surrender monkeys;" and "neocons") rather than dispels them. Again, not exactly a "neorevelation!"

John Smith, Maitland, Florida, U.S.A.

My only reason for relating ginger hair to the Scots is my flaming-haired Scots ancestor, responsible for several generations of red-haired relatives. I no more take my impressions of Scots from Groundskeeper Willie than I do from "Trainspotting".

JD, Cottage Grove, WI USA

I represented Scotland and the Scottish Tourist Board at the LA Times Holiday Show in LA in 1995, resplendent in kilt and armed with bagpipes. It was a public event & every ethnic group was represented, those of European descent being in a small minority. When the doors opened I thought that no-one would have heard of Scotland but I was amazed both by the depth of knowledge and by the detailed questions that were thrown at me.

More recently I was club secretary at The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, where wealthy Americans make up a large proportion of the membership. These people return time and again to Skibo because it is distinctly Scottish and because they find a lifestyle and atmosphere that exists no-where else in the world.

I would suggest that Scotland has more instantly recognisable icons than almost any other country in the world - certainly any country of similar size - and that they earn us more money from Americans than the many bland high-tec European alternatives.

David, Dornoch,

The comic has been around 10+ years, and *now* some people are upset? Sounds like a scam to me, some group looking for a handout.

Dave, Largo, USA,FL

Yes, Scotland is beautiful and the people are very warmhearted and intelligent.

Hoever, walk through several well-known cities at night and there are crowds of drunken morons fighting.

Want to fix our reputation? Change this. Send them to London, perhaps.

Scotty Macphairson, Glasgow, SCotland

The area I came from in Canada (around London, Ontario) was largely settled by "Scotch Presbyterians." As a result of this, we had many communities that were "dry," and woefully bound by religion every Sunday, and yea, the rest of the week as well, as I recall.

It wasn't until I went to Scotland to visit old family friends that I realized what an earthy, passionate and generous bunch they are, and fond of their 80-shilling ale, and single-malts as well.

The Scots rock!
God bless 'em all. I've had many a discussion with Scots "in our cups." They'd keep buying me drinks just to keep me in the pub, and therefore the discussion. We'd never come to blows - just an agreement to disagree. I would go back in a heartbeat should the opportunity present itself.

By the way - Scotty was in no way Scottish. He did the Scottish accent to get the role. He was pure Canadian - and a decorated World War Two veteran to boot.

Laurence Hudson, Ottawa, ON CANADA

" . . . many Americans of "Irish" ancestry are actually of Scots Irish ancestry, including both Bill Clinton and George Bush and other prominent historical figures such as Davy Crockett."

True enough, except that Mr. Crockett actually came from a long line of Huguenot surrender monkeys. Ahem.

Many of the iconic stereotypes of contemporary U.S. character (and many of its documentable cultural traits) trace their own lineage to the culture of 18th century Scots immigrants. For example: distrust of government, admiration of self-sufficiency, conflating violence and honor, independence and self-isolation, and even the roots of country/western music.

For a well-researched view of this, see "Albion's Seed" by David Hackett Fisher. For a more popular one, see "Born Fighting" by (anti-Iraq war) Sen. James Webb.

Tande, Segovia,

Calm down. All this says is that (duh) Americans tend to not look beyond their own borders. It's not a reflection of Scotland (aside from perhaps the unwarranted cultural insecurity that gives people a need to be CONCERNED about this), this is a reflection of typical American ignorance about the rest of the world.

Relax. If more Americans knew more about Scotland, you'd have even more tourists in Edinburgh. That's not really what you want, is it?

And let's consider...who's the individual most people associate with the U.S.? George W. Bush, perhaps? I'd take Groundskeeper Willie any day.

jt, Washington, DC

I'm an American, and I have lived in the mid-west my whole life. I am college educated, employed, free of disfuntion, a husband, and a parent of three. I watch every Simpsons episode I can, many of them with my kids. We can tell the difference between Willie (who we enjoy as a parody of sterotypes) and real Scots. The article implies that we Yanks can't do that. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our collective delusions are limited to electing morons to the office of president.

John, West Saint Paul, MN (USA)

Lighten up, you guys. No one gets a worse stereotype in the Simpsons than us Americans. As a matter of fact, is there a character on that show that is NOT some sort of overblown one-dimensional joke? Equal Opportunity Offender they call it... and it is hilarious.

Moy, NH, USA

Having had the pleasure of visiting Scotland myself, I can second the article's mention of the friendly people, absolutely gorgeous scenery, and the fabulous castles. But while planning my trip, when people learned of my destination their first question was often "Why would you want to go to Scotland?" I tried to enlighten as many of them as possible, telling them about the things I expected to do and see while there, but most of them remained baffled as to why I wouldn't rather go to London. Though upon my return, and hearing of the marvelous trip we had, many of them seemed more interested in Scotland than they were before.

As for the Scots themselves, my friend and I found them to be friendly, helpful, sincere and utterly delightful. From the charming owner of the bed and breakfast we stayed in, to the wonderful lady that went out of her way to help us find the right bus stop in the Borders, they were all lovely, and we couldn't have felt more at home in that beautiful country.

Jen, Atlanta, GA

Though my ancestors hailed from Ireland, I have tremendous admiration for the Scottish people. We know about the Irish Potato Famine, but how many Americans (or others for that matter) know of the Clearances and the sorrow it brought? There is much we do not know about each other, but through my travels, I've pretty much learned people are people wherever you go. There exist certain characteristics of a country and its people that can be magnified into a stereotype but that doesn't define the entire country. I live in Kansas, the "Land of Oz" and that's a stereotype I endure each day! No, I don't know Dorothy. Or Toto. Or the Tin Man. I think it's a human tendancy to categorize people.

Deborah, Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

"How times have changed. When I was younger, back in the 1960s, Scotsmen had the reputation of being engineers and practical men. James Doohan got the position of Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer of the Enterprise, on the TV show Star Trek, due to this reputation"

Doohan was Canadian

Mikey, Bromley, Kent

Braveheart and The Simpsons are both fictions, but The Simpsons is funnier and better-acted.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Amusing that Americans don't think we have technology when we invented the television and telephone.

Amused Scot, Glasgow,

Better to be thought of as a rampant male whose total nakedness is saved by a small ensign of 100% Tartan wool than to be thought of as a huge bloaty ignorant pariah. It's hard out there for an American.

Jordan, Tucson, Arizona

at least the scots get groundskeeper willie as their mascot - the yanks have homer as theirs.

argus mcbutt, Londres,

Stereotypes always exist. I enjoy Willie, but I never thought of him as representative. I think I have learned a small bit about Scotland, however, in the novels of Ian Rankin.

kurt, Atlanta, USA

This article reminds me of the Kazakhs freaking out over "Borat." "The Simpsons" is not making fun of the Scots, it's making fun of those Americans who actually believe those types of overblown stereotypes. Relax.

Christopher, Ferndale, Michigan, USA

Groundskeeper Willie is a definitive Scot the way that Homer Simpson is a definitive American which is to say certain elements have an air of truth but the overall package is a caricature of steretypes...Really, satire is completely wasted on some people.

Liz, Athens, GA

I have visited 37 countries, and find humans are much the same everywhere. But Scotland is my favourite. I love the scenery and the friendliness, humor and pluckiness of the people. When there, I sense that I am visiting the land of my cultural roots. Also, it helps that they almost speak my language.

Ken Goodrick, Houston, Texas

"If you're offended, talk to Matt Groening. It's a show, it's funny" - Jeff Morrison, Sacramento / California, USA

Er, no one is offended, Jeff.

Pete, Cov,

"The Simpsons" didn't invent this. Nor did Warner Bros. in their 1948 classic cartoon, "My Bunny Lies over the Sea," wherein Bugs Bunny sees an old woman being attacked by a horrible monster, only to discover it's a Scotsman playing his bagpipes. The Scot stereotype is a tradition brought over from England.

TJ Cassidy, Arlington, Virginia, USA

I doubt whether it's just Scotland; in fact, Scotland does quite well here, given that Americans are generally very ignorant about all European countries. Wasn't it George Bush who asked a Welsh visitor whether Wales was past of Ireland?

Andrew May, De Panne, Belgium

Dont look too much into it. This says more about the Americans than the Scottish. Why do we care anyway, dont especially want them over here talking loudly!

Matthew, Enfield,

Another non-story! I'm in my forties and live in England, but would have no end of trouble picking out Bulgaria or Belarus on a map, and they're virtually next door. How would the average young American know where Scotland is?

The article says that Groundsman Willie is “pretty much key” to shaping this opinion of the Scots - but the stereotype is there already of course. Has anyone ever seen "So I Married an Axe Murderer"? Mike Myers' dad is virtually a live-action version of Willie.

Graeme Davis, Gravesend, Kent

Mel Gibson was born of American parents in Connecticut and only went to Australia in his later childhood. He has never taken Australian citizenship as he woud lose his American citizenship thereby. So let' scotch this myth that he is an Australian!

wilson, London, UK

willie is a good example of a typical scot. just like our english neighbours we'd rather be in the usa oz or nz - anywhere as long as its not blighty

jim, perth, uk

C'mon, Gerald Warner of The Scots on Sunday, sharpen thy sword and put these Yankee ignoramuses to the flight! Admittedly, not all Americans fall into this category of benighted souls but if this is their conception (or lack of) of good old Scotland I am hardly surprised as they too probably think that Malaysians still live on coconut trees, if they know this country exists at all in the first place!

SD Goh, PJ, Malaysia

I don't know what the big fuss is all about. It works both ways after all, epsecially seeing as we in the UK seem to judge all Americans by the standards set by either George Bush and/or Homer Simpson.

Will, Glasgow, Scotland

Two comments:

1. 99.999+% of US citizens haven't a clue what's going on in their own town and country, let alone any other country (which may as well be on another planet).

2. Scotland - and any other country except China - is simply irrelevant - so who cares?

Bob, Carslbad, USA, California

As a Scot i find it amusing.Dont know how anyone could be upset by it,I saw a road sign Welcome to Scotland the worst is over! Cheeky but funny,Im from Edinburgh .And Glasgow Scotlands largest city is my fav city in Scotland.I like Edinburgh for its old charm.And Glasgow for a mix of both old and Modern dynamic image it sells for Scotland with it s Unique Subway etc,
The welsh sing .Irish play,Scots dance ,English watch! :P

D paterson, Glasgow, Scotland

And Homer Simpson, should you be unfamiliar with him, is possibly the most offensive, angry, feral, fictional American ever invented.

The show is satire. Get a clue.

Charles, Baltimore, MD

Well, I suspect a whole generation of Southerners over here grew up thinking that all Scots were like Private Fraser.

Let's be satisfied that the word "tight" no longer figures in the list of characteristics!

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

It could be worse, people around the globe might think we are a nation cast in the mould of Alex [ two salaries] Salmond. Greedy and mean with it !

John Breslin, Sopot, Poland,

Don't let's forget that the finest English is spoken ....... in Inverness, in the heart of the Scottish highlands. Scotland's biggest export is its people, not all of whom share Willie's rather over-blown characteristics. However we just love going back to the space, fresh air, slower pace of life and friendliness which typifies life in Scotland. And as ex-pats , we're not all like the unreconstructed Willie. Gordon Brown, Jackie Kay, Ewen McGregor ....

e murray, London, UK

I am a Scot. Willie is a funny character and sadly or not reminds me of some of my relatives. Quick to fight and cry and mourn and laugh. Ready for anything and not always publicly acceptable.
But that is where the humour lies. I don't think there is anyone who would be stupid enough to think that a simpsons character is 'typical' anymore than Chief Wiggum is typical of the average American cop.

The ministers and others getting upset by it obviously are not spending enough time looking at the real issues in Scotland

C Murray, Lanark, Scotland

The fact that so many of the Americans questioned would have been surprised to learn that the Scots have the internet and modern appliances speaks volumes about their own ignorance and inward-thinking mentality, and ultimately says a lot more about them than it does about the Scots.

Gareth Dowling, Belfast,

Warren McDonald, Cincinnati, OH/USA

You are NOT scottish you are American so don't pretend that you are.

What is it with americans claiming to be Irish or Scottish just because their great great great great great grandfather was from there? I've probably got more Scottish blood than you Warren (and so have most english people) but I don't go around saying I'm Scottish because of it.

I know it's difficult having no culture of your own since you betrayed us and went off on your own, but it's just something you americans will have to learn to come to terms with.

James Roberts, Manchester, UK

Is that the Davy Crockett with 3 ears, a left, a right and a Wild Front.

This of course say's more about Americans than the Scots, being fully English, I mistrust and dislike the Scots, but I'd rather they come "cap in hand" be be close to England than suffer those insufferable septics.

Michael Holloway, Sydney, Australia/ NSW

Groundskeeper Willie isn't a negative stereotype! He's a very funny exaggeration of some key Scottish traits with the glaring chip on his shoulder, flinty sarcasm and hardy, spartan lifestyle. No Scot could fail to laugh at the scene where he goes back to visit his family near Loch Ness and they say: "Aye son, yer home then" "Aye" "So you'll be away again soon".
Or when Willie is being born and his father says: "He can cut his own umbilical cord! It's time he learnt life's not all one big party!". Priceless.

MB, Edinburgh,

This is actually a flattering picture once you know what we think of continental Europe!

Marianne, cleveland, Ohio, USA

In a North Carolina and other parts of the southern US, much of the population is of Scottish descent, so there are bagpipers, kilts, scholarships to attend Scottish universities, the whole deal. Of course that creates its own stereotype problem.

David Martin, Vero Beach, Florida

There are continents outside the U.S. and Mexico? Most Americans have problems finding the U.S. on the world map. I don't think the Scottish Executive should be kicking themselves.

Calvin Hobbes, San Francisco, CA

Better the Groundskeeper Willie stereotype than the Trainspotting one. There were a lot of Scots immigrants in my home town who were keen to raise their kids away from the violence and drugs of Glascow in the 50s & 60s, It may be better now, but I believe it got much worse.

This article is more about American ignorance than anything else. In 1987 I had to explain endlessly that Mick Crocodile Dundee was a parody. Even in LA they didnt seem to understand that Paul Hogan was an actor, albeit not a good one.

PS Mel Gibson is an American. Similar to the Bee Gees being British. Born there, lived here for a while, went back there; although Mel does visit from time to time and his wife and several of his kids are aussies.

Carmel, Adelaide, OZ

Being a Scot who emigrated to New Zealand at aged 2 I had to go back and check out my country of birth. Its fair to say that Scotland has like all countries in the past 50 years seen the good and bad aspects of the world we live in. But the underlying thing that binds a country is its people and culture.

Ive been fortunate to meet some great people from all over the world, and I count Amreicans as genuinely warm people, although like all cultures they have a proportion of their population who can be ignorant of the world just as much as in my country or anywhere else. The point is to get over the negative stereotypes and focus on the quirky whcih makes a country and culture unique.

Maybe the Scottish tourist board should embrace the postive aspects of what the world sees about the Scots. If the country, sheep, whiskey and the general personality of a Scot is what people see then embrace it! after all, that is the kernel of the culture. Im proud to be one of them!

Robbie Garscadden, Wellington, New Zealand

I've never watched the Simpsons, but when I think of Scotland I think of plaid, golf, bagpipes and whiskey. Is that about right? Seriously though, Scotland has had more than its share of prominent inventors, engineers, and business tycoons. Quite a capable people. Many great Americans throughout our history can trace their lineage to Scotland. Not me though; I'm aout half German, half English.

Ross, Wyoming, USA

For Simon (and for Don in Rigby)

You are both right - sort of ... IN 1925, Baird demonstrated his mechanical "television," which did not show moving pictures but mere silhouettes. However, in 1923, a Russian-born American inventor, Vladimir Zworykin applied for a patent for his iconoscope but it was not truly successful. He was working for Westinghouse at the time. Philo Farnsworth was 14 when he invented his first moving picture scanning machine -- and eventually, he won the patent for RCA ... Baird was unable at the time to achieve a moving picture - something that Farnsworth could and did ... Television was largely defined by what Zworykin and Farnsworth did ... and pushed by David Sarnoff ... and that's another story.

Marlene, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

My image of the Scots is that they are much like everyone else in the world--except unike us Yanks, they're harder for most Americans to understand, as they speak better English then we do. :)

I've never seen the Simpsons (akin to a punishment in Hell, to me)--but sadly that's the basic mentality over here, especially with the under 40 set.

Nancy, Upstate, USA NY

The Scots should be proud of having a seperate identity in the minds of our transatlantic cousins. In my experience, not many Americans can readily conjour up a swift stereotype of the Welsh, or indeed us English (who, across the Atlantic, are often mistaken for just being "The British".)

I raise a frothing pint of haggis juice in toast to my Scottish ancestors (my grandad was Scotch) for leaving a lasting impression on the world.

And in any case, having a nationality stereotyped as being quick and ready to start a fight isn't a bad thing; it ensures no-one will mess with you.

Edward, Manchester,

Yes, people, get a life, the Simpsons is a parody. No one seems to have a problem with sterotyping Americans as ignorant and stupid. As an American of Indian descent, I was initially offended by the Apu character, but now think he's great. He's actually the most honest and moral character of all of them, but still hilarious.

Alka, New York, USA

Marlene: The capital of Burkina Faso is Ougadougou, and it used to be called Upper Volta. I lived in Scotlad for 3 great years while a graduate student. The people are fabulous, the history is fascinating, the scenery breathtaking, the architecture is evocative and so ... well, Scots. I could go on and on. Since that time, my husband and I rented a car and drove around Scotland and saw the most amazing things, met wonderful, open-hearted and open-handed people, and would go back in a heart-beat. I love Scotland. The weather, maybe not so much, but hey, it's played its part in shaping the country and the people too.

Sarah, Ottawa, ON, Canada

To Helen in Perth,

I am an American. I have been to the UK 32 times and have been as far north as Inverness. I also know the capital of France (Paris) . Playing world and state capitals was a game my parents and I played during car trips when I was a child. I also know the difference between knew and new ... it is not surprising that Americans did not new the capital of Paris (as Paris is a very old city). Perhaps if you asked them if they knew the capital of France -- and they would have said, Paris, of course.

I have never seen the Simpsons. BY the way, Helen, do you know the name of the capital of Burkina Faso? Do you know what Burkina Faso was called before it changed its name ... I also know the capital of Scotland ...

Marlene, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

"I've been to the states once (all I could handle) and asked several locals if they new what the capital of France was, the answers varied from Normandy to Rome, even Moscow."

Why on earth would you go on holiday and start asking local people what the capital of France is????

Helen , Perth , UK

Whenever I've been to Europe and someone finds out I'm from New York, the question I always get is -- "So, how rich ARE you?!"

Catherine, New York, New York

Wow, that stereotype is news to me. My family and I couldn't wait to get to Scotland this summer because we heard such great things about the people and the sights (and the golf). We had a wonderful week in Stirling, Edinburgh and St. Andrews this past August. I can honestly say I've never seen or heard a negative stereotype of the Scots in the U.S. (but I don't watch the Simpsons). My kids couldn't wait to watch "Braveheart" when we got home.

Bill Barker, Philadelphia, PA

"Many could not name one Scottish city, and were unsure of its location in relation to other European countries."

Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow. north of England, in the area known to the Romans as Caledonia.

life long simpsons watcher,

oh and David Hume rules

ray, IA, USA

Willie = stereotypical Scotsman
Apu = stereotypical Indian
Homer = stereotypical American

If you're offended, talk to Matt Groening. It's a show, it's funny.

Jeff Morrison, Sacramento / California, USA

Gary, in London...
I know, Americans are exceptionally uninformed about geography.

I got confused just the other day, when a French friend of mine said that the Church of Rome had had political power, and even military power. My first thought was, "Is there some difference?"

Nonetheless, your story about the survey you performed in the US is not true. Americans don't know geography... but every one of them knows that Paris is the capital of France. In fact, to the American psyche, there is basically one foreign city in the entire world, and that is Paris.

If Americans speak of foreign travel, the image in their minds is that of Paris, France. It is the essential foreign city worth visiting, in the American mind.

But. there is a lot of US for Americans to visit, before many of them think about overseas travel.

I once drove with an English friend to Niagara Falls.
"Is it far?" she asked.
"No. About 7 hours."
"7 hours!?"
No place in England was 7 hours' drive from her home.

Benjamin, Cleveland,

Don,

John Logie Baird (Scot) demonstrated a mechanical TV in 1925.
Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the electronic TV in 1927.

but glad you love my country :)
----------------
but back ot the actual topic - does it matter if Americans think of all Scots as being like Willie? ask the average Scot to describe an American and it wont be very flattering....

Neither country can be called experts on the other country's geography, langauge or any other aspect.... they only see what is in the media.... and most often that aint pretty!! If it helps the English are still considered to be the tight upper lipped bowler hat and umbrellla types...

BTW as a Scot I love Willie - hes absolutely hilarious!

sandra, Phoenix, US

Don't feel too bad, we in Canada are used to Americans
thinking we all speak French and live in Igloos and have
snow all the time.

E. MacKenzie, Paisley, ON

Oh, get tae Fochabers wi ye. If you're nae a ginga mibbe ye were niver a Scot. Even the squirrels are gingas.

Tony, London,

Most Americans, as you can see from your statistics and reader responses have a very favourable view of Scotland.
Groundskeeper Willie is a POSITIVe character!

Willson, Pleasanton, California,

i only managed to get broadband earlier this year...before, i was on dial-up. i bet if you did a similar survey about americans and how we perceive them, we'd probably say fat, ignorant but loud and opinionated rednecks..so what's the difference. the fact is, scotland isn't a major world player as the usa and so it is inevitable that a lot of people outside of europe have very limited knowledge however twisted and skewed about scotland. how much does the average person in the uk know about korea? team america, kim jong il, noodles and dogs...oh and the world cup with japan...lets get off our pedestal

scottishdude, edinburgh, Scotland,

The rest of the world, have Homer Simpson to use as the stereotypical american male.

Sitting Bull, Norfolk, Va. USA

It's funny how different people see things so differently. Groundskeeper Willie is probably my favorite minor character on The Simpsons and while he's clearly a stereotype, I never thought it was an unflattering one and in any case it's precisely the fact that he's an exaggeration of the stereotype that makes him so funny. As for the people here in the U.S. who think that Scots don't have microwave ovens and such, it's not exactly a newsflash that Americans tend to be very parochial in their view of the rest of the world. Oops, now there I go stereotyping Americans, but here's a tip from someone who's lived in America all my life: like most stereotypes, there's a nugget of truth to it.

Terrell, Plano / Texas, USA

Can't believe Scotland would spend money on an image makeover. Why can't they spend it on something important? Like advancing their World Cup team a little farther.

Phillip Scott, Franklin, USA / Indiana

Oh my, JL from London... who is sterotyping? I bet if you asked a sample of Scots or Brits where a random list of countries are they would not be able to tell you, much less anything about the culture other than what they have learned from adverts or derogatory comments in tabloids or on TV. I doubt you have ever visited America.

viv, london, england

I think the only thing that the survey results accurately illustrate is how ingorant and close-minded Americans are about the rest of the world

Dan, New York, United States

This isn't so much a slur on Scotland. It goes to show that American geographical knowledge is nonexistent, and it's a rare example of Americans turning sharp wit inward on their own lack of international perspective. The joke, as the Simpsons writers would tell you, is on the US for assuming cultural superiority and failing to realise that many of the technologies that built the modern world were developed in Scotland. They get their skewed world vision from too much TV and instituitionalised ignorance about the outside world in their education system. This is clearly not our concern, so let's not waste abymore cash on marketing ourselves to halfwits.

JL, London, UK

Most of the people I know DO act like characters on the Jerry Springer show.

All my sterotypes of Scots come directly from Braveheart.

John, Dayton, Ohio / USA

Lee, wasn't James Doohan Canadian though? His Scots accent was painfully bad - though not as bad as Jessica Lange's howlingly awful (but very funny) mangling of language in Rob Roy.

As many here have said, there are stereotypes, negative and positive, of every race and nationality - anyone who actually takes them seriously is to be pitied, why bother getting annoyed with feel glaiks (= fools in Doric, Aberdonian Scots)?

Ruth , Salwa, Kuwait

You know you've truly made it when you've been lampooned on the Simpsons. Congrats Scotland!

Lewis Salem, Charlotte, NC, USA

Audrey Moats from California....

Where do you get your information? You say many Americans can't identify their own state or country on a world map. Does this include you? According to your statement, many Americans are complete morons. Is this what you truly believe? What a shame!

Lighten up people, the Simpsons is a comic parody and pokes fun at all sorts of cultures. I certainly don't think anything less of the Scottish people as a result of a Simpson's Character.

Renee S., Woodbury, MN, USA

Hey MC: Is Midland in Texas?

TCF, Houston, TX

As an American (of Scottish descent) I associate Scotland with the finest engineering and scientific traditions of Europe, James Clerk Maxwell and James Watt. Not to mention much of Europes semicondictor production, and of course, the "best engineer in Star Fleet - Montgomery Scott". Perhaps I'm a wee bit prejudiced by heritage, but I am exceedingly proud of my Scottish ancestry. Most Americans, with any Scotts in their ancestry feel the same way, and there are quite a few of us.

Ed Johnson, Socorro, New Mexico, USA

The explanation is simple, folks. Americans assume Groundskeeper Willie is your average Scot based on how accurately Homer Simpson portrays your average American.

Cam, Redwood City, CA

Dear Simon in Aberdeen, I beg to differ with you, the television was invented by Philo Farnsworth from Rigby Idaho. I do love Scotland.

Don, Rigby, Idaho

Gary,

If you can tell me where abouts in the US Nebraska is, or pinpoint the rough location of Seattle on a map, you have nothing to be snotty about on the geography knowledge front.

James Brown, London,

In California, I was asked: "do you get television in Scotland?".

I was pleased to reply: "we invented it!"

Simon, Aberdeen,

Aren't stereotypes wonderful? Any time I travel outside my home state of Texas, people repeatedly ask me to say y'all, want to know how many horses I own and if I have an oil well in my backyard. Most of these questions came from Californians.

MC, Midland, TX

Please! All educated Americans know that Scotland is a delightful country with super-friendly people who, in general, like Americans. It's kind of unfair to pay much attention to a cartoon show that pours contempt on every people group. Please don't get a completely false impression going that Americans have negative views on Scotland. It's simply not true.

Jim Robb, Alexandria, VA

There can be only one...

Chris Atchley, Cincinnati, OH

"When asked to describe the Scottish character, the respondents used the words hearty, traditional, family orientated, fighting and principled."

Well, if that's what most people thought about Scots when asked... I can't say I'd have any complaints if those words were used to describe me :)

Nelson Eddy, Toronto, Canada

Maybe some ignorant American peasants see Scots that way, but American citizens probably see Scots more in terms of the example of William Wallace, whom Mel Gibson brought to American consciousness with his film, "Braveheart".

I'm an American of Scots-Irish and German extraction and a citizen, not a constitutionally-illiterate peasant. I know the origin of the belief that it is the people who are in charge of their own limited (except in these "modern" times...) government. While all mankind understands individual liberty/individual sovereignty (every man a king...), it is largely due to the influence of the Scots that it is encoded in our founding documents.

Frederick P Blume Jr, Denver,

This article emphasises ow stupid people are.

Grounds Keeper Willie, Springfield, Springfield

"Many could not name one Scottish city, and were unsure of its location in relation to other European countries"

Nothing new there then.
I've been to the states once (all I could handle) and asked several locals if they new what the capital of France was, the answers varied from Normandy to Rome, even Moscow. One person said Paris, if the country doesn't speak English they don' t care!

Although I was in Florida, maybe I need to go further north o find intelligence of that magnitude!

Gary, London, thats in England!, UK, in Europe!

WHAT????? Grounds Keeper Willy isn't what real Scots are like? Next thing you'll be telling us that ol' Nessy isn't either..

Anyway, I have to put on my cowboy hat go outside and round me up some varments.

Stereotypical American, Idiotsville, WY

WHAT??!! No mention of Scotland's Greatest Gift to Mankind, Real Whiskey! Laphroig, and the other, lesser single malts? What an egregous disservice to the country!

How about Ian Rankin and the Rebus novels? I believe his neigbor in Edinburgh has written a few successful children's books as well. I could go on but I am supposed to be working. This American thinks that the world is a much better place thanks to the Scots and Scotland!

Al Streeter, Omaha, Nebraska

I guess now we'll have to add "thin-skinned" to the list of adjectives that apply to Scots. Funny thing, but it seems that the rest of the world has a stereotypical view of Americans as well, yet the TimesOnline doesn't seem to have a problem with viewing Americans as spoiled, snotty, uneducated, self-righteous twits.

Can't we all just get along?

Dave Gore, Omaha, Nebraska/USA

Oh for Pete's Sake!! It's television show, people! Homer is a stereotype, too! That's what makes it ludicrous, they're ALL stereotypes, not real people. I'm born and raised in the USA, and I have never encountered anyone who actually thought real Scots were like Willy. And I've been to Scotland where I never met anyone who thought American men were all like Homer. One or two, maybe - and I think I dated them - but please remember it's a TV show.

MK, SLC, USA

Groundskeeper Willie is a funny character, and that's all. Neither I nor anyone I know consider him to be some kind of derogatory Scottish stereotype. I think this is a case of someone not getting the joke.

What makes the Wilie character funny is that they get the stereotype completely wrong. He wouldn't be funny if he was portrayed as, say, a bog-dwelling miser. Secretly filming people in parked cars ("...every Scottish person does it!") was a funny joke; I don't think people actually think that's true.

I am proud of my own Scottish heritage, but I realize that I am American, (I wear a kilt and play bagpipes. I reckon that I would look just as ridiculous as a Scot wearing a novelty cowboy outfit in NY). So maybe I'm not an authority on whether or not the character is offensive. But I've seen a lot of American stereotypes, and I can usually laugh at them, so long as the joke's funny. And if it isn't, well, I can typically handle it without my feelings getting bruised.

David Grimes, Winston-Salem, NC

""Backward, old-fashioned, rural country" sounds more like the American Mid-West. Of course that's nothing but a dumb stereotype."

The American mid West - colonised ironically, by a prevalent contingent of Scots (albeit via Ulster).

I've lived in scotland, and the Scots are marvellous, but contradictory people.

Whilst they definitely don't walk away from fights, and they have a thrifty streak without a doubt, they're also incredibly warm and generous to strangers and their stoicism is tempered with a stratum of emotionality.

The Scots played (mainly through the aforementioned Ulster branch of the family) an often unrecognised role in the colonisation of America, and many Americans of "Irish" ancestry are actually of Scots Irish ancestry, including both Bill Clinton and George Bush and other prominent historical figures such as Davy Crockett.

roy, london, UK

I have an Australian mother and a Spanish father, and I have lived my life in both countries. Ask anyone about these two countries and you hear the same stereotypes- passionate latins fighting bulls in the street while dancing flamenco, and beer-swilling kangaroo-riding outback crocodile fighters. Every country suffers from stereotypes, it just depends whether you like the stereotype or not. Groundskeeper Willie, Fat Bastard, Scotty, Ewan McTeagle, John Rebus, Desmond from "Lost", Jamie from "Doctor Who"- they're all affectionate portrayls of Scots in some regards.

JS, Adelaide, Australia

How could you leave out Scotty from the Star Ship Enterprise? Engineering is what Scots do best, along with the Highland Games held in my area every year.

Robert Meyer, Savannah, GA

A co-worker who hailed from Manchester told me this...
The best thing to come out of Scotland was the road to England. What would Willie say about that?

K. Woodman, Barrie, Canada

I think the majority of people realize that the Simpsons character is a parody, and not an accurate portrayal of the Scottish people as a whole!

Wendy, San Diego, USA

Hoots mon. Groundskeeper Willie is not representative of your average Scottish person. He's not once been shown eating a deep fried mars bar. Or tossing a caber. The noo.

Steve Berry, Birmingham,

The best Willie quote: It won't last; brothers and sisters are natural enemies. Like Englishmen and Scots, or Welshmen and Scots, or Japanese and Scots, or Scots and other Scots. Damn Scots! They ruined Scotland!

Jamie Wring, Bristol, England

I wouldn't worry about the image of Scots in America nor the fact that young Americans can't seem to picture its location...many of them can't find their own state nor their country on a world map! I've never heard of Willie on the Simpson's but Sean Connery has been my heart throb for over forty years! I've also visited many locations in Scotland and my favorite city in the world is Edinburgh. I've always had great admiration for the Scots...even though my family are all transplanted Sassenachs!!

Audrey Moats, Santa Maria, California

"Backward, old-fashioned, rural country" sounds more like the American Mid-West. Of course that's nothing but a dumb stereotype.

Matt, Wuerzburg, Germany

How times have changed. When I was younger, back in the 1960s, Scotsmen had the reputation of being engineers and practical men. James Doohan got the position of Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer of the Enterprise, on the TV show Star Trek, due to this reputation.
Scotsmen were also known for being honest, but cheap. A popular joke was a Scots father asking his son how the date went. "Ok" said the lad. "How much did you spend?" the father asked. "Only half a crown," the boy answered. "Why so little?" the father inquired. "Twas all she had."
Well, it was funny in the 1960s.

lee, sterling, va, usa

Lighten' up willya?

The Simpson's was created to make people laugh at all nationalities, and mostly at themselves. The people most offended should be Americans, who are targeted more than any one culture.

I am of Scottish descent and laugh out loud at most of the Willie jokes.

Doesn't penetrate my tough Scottish hide!

Warren McDonald, Cincinnati, OH/USA

Another classic Willie quote: "there's nary an animal on earth that can outrun a greased scotsman" (when barts dog gets stuck in the heating ducts in the school and willie is sent in after it)

eamon, Baldock, Hertfordshire

But who could forget his memorable line: "There's nothing faster than a greased-up Scotsman!"

C.A., London,

This is typical of American thinking....they are taught American history and that's it. Perhaps European history, North American history (Canada) and World history in general, should be taught in public schools, high schools and universities!!
Scotland is a beautiful country and should be visited and explored. The people are welcoming, friendly and helpful.

Francine & Steve, Toronto, Ontario Canada

Francine &Steve, Toronto, Ontario Canada

Willy's funny. I know he's a national stereotype, but there's always some truth in them. It doesn't bother me - why should it? If you can't see yourself as others see you (good quote, that), and see what's ridiculous, you're too conceited!

Favourite line: "Grease me up, wumman!" - to the school cook, before he enters the ventilation ducts in pursuit of Santa's Little Helper.

Norman, Anstruther, Scotland, UK

I suppose the view of some of us Americans relating Willie the Simpsons character to Scotland, is about the same as the many times that I've been asked while in England, and Scotland, if all Americans are like the characters on the Jerry Springer show.
Both views are ridiculous.

Lawrence Cline, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA