Yes, the advice you received is
extremely common and reflects widely held, long-standing stereotypes and consumer experiences in the United States. Many Americans are wary of these specific professions and services, often due to high costs, technical complexity, and, in some cases, a high potential for dishonesty or excessive billing.Here is a breakdown of why these professions are often highlighted to newcomers:
1. Autoshops (High Caution Recommended)
- The Issue: Many consumers feel that mechanics overcharge, recommend unnecessary services, or do not perform repairs correctly. Studies indicate that a significant number of U.S. drivers distrust auto repair shops, with high skepticism regarding unnecessary repairs (76%) and overcharging (73%).
- Recommendation: Always get a second opinion on expensive repairs and check reviews for local, independent shops rather than relying solely on large chains.
2. Dentists (Moderate to High Caution)
- The Issue: While most dentists are professional, the U.S. healthcare system makes dental care very expensive. Because many treatments are elective or subjective, some people feel pressured into expensive procedures they may not need.
- Recommendation: Look for dentists with transparent pricing, solid reputations, and check if they are in-network with your insurance.
3. Lawyers (Cautious, but Necessary)
- The Issue: Lawyers in the US are generally not considered people you want to deal with because they are expensive and usually involved in stressful, adversarial, or complex situations.
- The Nuance: While lawyers have a bad reputation for high fees, they are also essential for protecting your rights. For a newcomer, an immigration lawyer can be critical, but they are expensive, making them people you want to hire only when absolutely necessary to avoid mistakes.
4. Politicians (Highest Caution/Skepticism)
- The Issue: Similar to many countries, public perception of politicians in the US is generally poor, with high levels of mistrust due to political polarization, perceived corruption, and the belief that they do not represent the everyday person.
Why This Advice is Common for Newcomers
- High Costs: All of these services can be financially overwhelming in the US compared to other countries.
- Complex Systems: Navigating legal, health, and vehicle repair systems requires specialized knowledge.
- The "Scam" Risk: Because of the high cost, there is a risk of being taken advantage of by dishonest practitioners.
In summary, the person who warned you was trying to help you avoid common "money pits" or difficult situations. Always do your research, get written estimates, and trust your gut feelings when dealing with these, or any, professional service providers.
