Whether it's movies, music, or the news, the media can definitely draw unflattering, unfair and often completely untrue images of different people, cultures and places around the world.
Egypt, like many misunderstood Middle Eastern and African countries, has had its fair share of those. The good news is, they provide great entertainment.
So here are 10 ridiculous misconceptions people actually believe about Egypt.
1. Egypt is just a block of desert
It also has the longest river (or second longest - it vies with the Amazon for the title) in the world running right down its center, a green river delta and a couple of shores overlooking two major seas known as the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, but whatever, no big deal.
2. People in Egypt "Walk like an Egyptian"
I'm sorry to crush your dreams of rocking out to The Bangles by the Nile, but no, Egyptians don't "walk like an Egyptian." It's not a real dance. I repeat, it's not a real dance.
3. If you come near a monument in Egypt you'll get the "Curse of the Pharaohs"
Perhaps Howard Carter really was afflicted with the "Curse of the Pharaohs" when he opened Tutankhamen's tomb, that must be why he went on to live 16 years afterwards and become one of the most famous and prominent archaeologists in history.
4. There's nothing to see in Egypt but the Pyramids
Apparently people just forget about all of the legacies left behind by other civilizations, the scenery, the people and the culture. How about we stop cornering countries by one famous landmark?
5. Egypt is in the Middle East, NOT Africa
Geography time! Egypt lies in the north-eastern corner of the African continent, it's bordered by Libya and Sudan, that is as African as it gets. Despite what the news makes it seem like, geography matters too.
6. Everyone in Egypt knows how to belly-dance
Despite what Hollywood blockbusters want you to believe, the Bedouin, the mummy and the exotic belly-dancer are not the three main characters in Egypt.
7. All Egyptians are Arab Muslims
History time! Christianity existed and was already well-established in Egypt long before the Muslim conquest, and it actually still exists today.
Also, people from many different ethnic groups other than Arabs settled in Egypt over the centuries, including Europeans, Turks and Africans, so Egyptians are not just Arab, some of them aren't even Arab at all.
8. Camels are common methods of transportation in Egypt
The response to this is quite simple: No, they're not. People in Egypt are familiar with the invention of the automobile.
9. Egypt doesn't have an art and entertainment scene
Unlike what many Westerners believe, the people who inhabit planet Earth enjoy many shows, movies and music that are not the products of Western pop culture.
In the Middle East and Arab World, Egypt has had an especially pioneering role in the arts and entertainment industry, including film, theater, television and music in both of their mainstream and independent variations.
10. Egypt has sandstorm-ridden and extremely hot weather
As is mentioned earlier, Egypt is not a block of desert. Moreover, it's known for having a very moderate climate, it's not extremely hot and it's not extremely cold. And yes, it actually rains in Egypt.