different strokes for different folks - what major cultural difference to you find between Europeans and Americans?
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:20 PM
#21
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A lot of what people have discussed so far doesn't relate to cultural differences. If you address the culture, I think you would find the following characteristics of Europeans that are not the same as Americans:
-More relaxed attitude toward sex, nudity, gays, etc.
-More interest in family, family history, family integrity.
-More sensitivity toward family and national heritage.
-More interest in the arts and history.
-Less concern about job performance and more concern about just doing what's expected.
-Less of a disparity between the average employee's pay in a company and the pay of the chief executive. In Europe, rank in a company tends to carry more perquisites but not such extraordinary pay levels as in the U.S.
-Attitude toward mealtime; it is viewed as more of a delightful experience and is enjoyed for a longer period of time. (that is, except breakfast, which is sparse in continental Europe but plentiful in England).
I realize many of these things were already mentioned in one way or another. I hope I added some distinction between "culture" and "living conditions," which I think get blurred frequently.
-More relaxed attitude toward sex, nudity, gays, etc.
-More interest in family, family history, family integrity.
-More sensitivity toward family and national heritage.
-More interest in the arts and history.
-Less concern about job performance and more concern about just doing what's expected.
-Less of a disparity between the average employee's pay in a company and the pay of the chief executive. In Europe, rank in a company tends to carry more perquisites but not such extraordinary pay levels as in the U.S.
-Attitude toward mealtime; it is viewed as more of a delightful experience and is enjoyed for a longer period of time. (that is, except breakfast, which is sparse in continental Europe but plentiful in England).
I realize many of these things were already mentioned in one way or another. I hope I added some distinction between "culture" and "living conditions," which I think get blurred frequently.
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:22 PM
#22
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The tipping culture...
I was reading a primer on tipping in the US. All of these were mentioned: Waiters, hairdressers, doormen, taxicab drivers, the newspaper delivery person, maids in hotels, bartenders, food delivery guys, skycaps, casino dealers, bell boys, concierges and a few others that escape me now... I lived in Barcelona for a couple of years, and pretty much nobody expected a tip.
I was reading a primer on tipping in the US. All of these were mentioned: Waiters, hairdressers, doormen, taxicab drivers, the newspaper delivery person, maids in hotels, bartenders, food delivery guys, skycaps, casino dealers, bell boys, concierges and a few others that escape me now... I lived in Barcelona for a couple of years, and pretty much nobody expected a tip.
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:33 PM
#23
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Oh harzer, LOL!! I assume that you have no plans to make reservations at that hotel again? At lease the mess Creflors brother made and the ones I have made we can blame on the idiotic showers! Oh my, I bet you did leave in a hurry. 
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:36 PM
#24
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Thinking about this thread the one major difference I believe, in Italy, is the time element. Longer meal times, longer discussions, longer shopping times while really checking out the merchandise wanted in various stores, etc. Just a more relaxed attitude in that regard although in the major cities that is not as prevelant as it used to be.
Jan 25th, 2005, 02:55 PM
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We have experienced most of the things mentioned above and actually in most cases enjoy the differences.
The one thing I find outstanding about Europeans is their knowledge of world affairs. Many we have visited with knew far more about the United States' history, politics, economics, etc. than we knew about any of their countries, and we do try to keep up on things.
Another thing I admire is the ability to speak several languages. It is truly shameful how few of us in the US speak anything but English, and some not very good at that.
It's the differences I find so interesting and keep me wanting to return.
The one thing I find outstanding about Europeans is their knowledge of world affairs. Many we have visited with knew far more about the United States' history, politics, economics, etc. than we knew about any of their countries, and we do try to keep up on things.
Another thing I admire is the ability to speak several languages. It is truly shameful how few of us in the US speak anything but English, and some not very good at that.
It's the differences I find so interesting and keep me wanting to return.
Jan 25th, 2005, 03:09 PM
#28
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Geez, I don't see many positive reports of the cultural differances on the American side of this...hmmm, I find that a little disturbing....gee we don't do anything right do we... Is Europe SOOOOO much better? I think not...just differant. And I do not believe that Europeans in general are more accepting of "multiculturalism".
Jan 25th, 2005, 03:57 PM
#29
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1. I miss bread being served in restaurants in the UK, unless you pay extra or go upscale;
2. Americans tend to be far more critical of their actions and worry a great deal about offending. When I read this board, it always seems that the Americans are the ones criticizing themselves. It's not that I see anything wrong with this; we have a lot wrong here at home, but I don't notice Europeans criticizing themselves as openly or as often when you read this board. Things are not perfect anywhere.
2. Americans tend to be far more critical of their actions and worry a great deal about offending. When I read this board, it always seems that the Americans are the ones criticizing themselves. It's not that I see anything wrong with this; we have a lot wrong here at home, but I don't notice Europeans criticizing themselves as openly or as often when you read this board. Things are not perfect anywhere.
Jan 25th, 2005, 04:48 PM
#31
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As the minority population increases in many European countries, their supposed acceptance of different races, religions, cultures is rapidly declining.
How easy it is to claim a lack of racial prejudice when in a fairly homogeneous society. Of course, even before the more recent increase in the number of minorities in these countries and resulting rise in racism, there were the Jews and gypsies and Eastern Europeans and Basques and (fill in the blank) to be prejudiced against.
How easy it is to claim a lack of racial prejudice when in a fairly homogeneous society. Of course, even before the more recent increase in the number of minorities in these countries and resulting rise in racism, there were the Jews and gypsies and Eastern Europeans and Basques and (fill in the blank) to be prejudiced against.
Jan 25th, 2005, 04:56 PM
#32
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Boy, there are so many. Since the poster Kate is from England I'll talk about the UK. It is so nice to turn on the TV and not hear about all the murders in your neighborhood (gun control). England had such a violent past and it is now just the opposite, the people are very caring about the world's problems and try to do the right thing. You survive with just a few television channels and do not go completely bonkers when someone flashes their boob. 
Happy travels
Happy travels
Jan 25th, 2005, 05:01 PM
#33
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Very good suze!!! Toooo true, in some cases. The daily wine and better cooking for sure.
I don't think that discussing the differences between Americans and Europeans relate to Americans putting down their own countrymen, it is just discussing differences. Some better differences and some not so better.
For sure the European schools do a better job of educating most of the students, and for sure most of them speak more then their own language.
One reason IMHO is because we all speak (more or less
) the same language throughout the USA. If we had a different language for each state in the USA I would imagine that we too would speak more languages. And from what I have been told by business people in Italy international contracts are written in English. So they of course are inspired to learn proper English
Regarding the interest in world events, my observation these many years of being in Italy at least is yes, the average citizen is much more aware of what is going on in the USA and other parts of the world then we in America are. Having said that I would also like to say that the newspapers (again at least in Italy) do a much better job of reporting world events then the newspapers in the USA do. Even our "large city" newspaper the SF Chronical is a joke regarding covering world events. It get very disgusting.
Castleton, your comment was interesting because after I posted about Italians taking longer to shop, and checking the desired merchandise in several stores I thought to myself "well of course, in Italy one does not buy something, take it home and then return it, even if it is something like say a toaster that does not work properly".
My dear SIL who was born and raised in Rome and has been here 7 years is finally convinced that our stores accept returns. The first year here he was in a complete state of shock.
I bought a dress one time in a small town north of Milan. I tried on two sizes. One was to big. The other just perfect. When I got to the hotel and went to put it on to go to dinner that night I discovered the owner had wrapped up the dress that was to large. Needless to say I rewrapped it and put it back in the bag. When I went to the store the next morning to exchange it for the size I had wanted he absolutely refused. My only saving grace was our friend who lived in the town knew the owner well and went and talked to him (about a 30 minute animated conversation) and finally, begrudingly the dress was exchanged for the correct one. All with frowns, sighs and aggitation. That was one purchase that did not have a happy memory.
BTW, all the people I know in Italy love the USA! They think our country is so clean and sparkling fresh. They love the kindness of our people, they admire how many people go into business for themselves, the love the beauty of our country. Oh yes, they especially love the thought of the strong Euro against the weak dollars also, LOL. Now they can travel cheaper and make more purchases like we use to be able to do in Europe.
And actually everyone I know in Italy, regardless of their education, economic situation etc. complains about their government, the taxes they pay etc. etc. The students that have been to the USA cannot believe our school structures, the extra advantages such as sports, music, art etc. Their schools are in office type buildings with no greenery etc. And the teachers are very strict and not on a friendly basis with the students. They are there to teach, period. But they certainly do have pride in their country and heritage and culture as they should.
Now about that ice, yeeees, sometimes on a hot day ice is nice!
I don't think that discussing the differences between Americans and Europeans relate to Americans putting down their own countrymen, it is just discussing differences. Some better differences and some not so better.
For sure the European schools do a better job of educating most of the students, and for sure most of them speak more then their own language.
One reason IMHO is because we all speak (more or less
) the same language throughout the USA. If we had a different language for each state in the USA I would imagine that we too would speak more languages. And from what I have been told by business people in Italy international contracts are written in English. So they of course are inspired to learn proper EnglishRegarding the interest in world events, my observation these many years of being in Italy at least is yes, the average citizen is much more aware of what is going on in the USA and other parts of the world then we in America are. Having said that I would also like to say that the newspapers (again at least in Italy) do a much better job of reporting world events then the newspapers in the USA do. Even our "large city" newspaper the SF Chronical is a joke regarding covering world events. It get very disgusting.
Castleton, your comment was interesting because after I posted about Italians taking longer to shop, and checking the desired merchandise in several stores I thought to myself "well of course, in Italy one does not buy something, take it home and then return it, even if it is something like say a toaster that does not work properly".
My dear SIL who was born and raised in Rome and has been here 7 years is finally convinced that our stores accept returns. The first year here he was in a complete state of shock.
I bought a dress one time in a small town north of Milan. I tried on two sizes. One was to big. The other just perfect. When I got to the hotel and went to put it on to go to dinner that night I discovered the owner had wrapped up the dress that was to large. Needless to say I rewrapped it and put it back in the bag. When I went to the store the next morning to exchange it for the size I had wanted he absolutely refused. My only saving grace was our friend who lived in the town knew the owner well and went and talked to him (about a 30 minute animated conversation) and finally, begrudingly the dress was exchanged for the correct one. All with frowns, sighs and aggitation. That was one purchase that did not have a happy memory.
BTW, all the people I know in Italy love the USA! They think our country is so clean and sparkling fresh. They love the kindness of our people, they admire how many people go into business for themselves, the love the beauty of our country. Oh yes, they especially love the thought of the strong Euro against the weak dollars also, LOL. Now they can travel cheaper and make more purchases like we use to be able to do in Europe.
And actually everyone I know in Italy, regardless of their education, economic situation etc. complains about their government, the taxes they pay etc. etc. The students that have been to the USA cannot believe our school structures, the extra advantages such as sports, music, art etc. Their schools are in office type buildings with no greenery etc. And the teachers are very strict and not on a friendly basis with the students. They are there to teach, period. But they certainly do have pride in their country and heritage and culture as they should.
Now about that ice, yeeees, sometimes on a hot day ice is nice!
Jan 25th, 2005, 05:20 PM
#34
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Having read the title of this post on the left hand side I was quite surprised to find that it had been posted by a European (and a fellow Brit at that!)
I'm really not sure that there's much validity in trying to group together a Scot like myself with someone from, say, France or Greece to try to come up with some sort of typical European hybrid. To be fair to Kate (the original poster) she does make a reference to this point in her post.
For example, I will be making my first trip to Italy in April & although I'm very much looking forward to it I fully expect to feel pretty much like a fish out of water when I arrive - perhaps more so than many travellers from much farther afield.
Maybe this is more of a British trait - after all we do live on an island, which probably does give us more of an isolated attitude. For the record, however, I want to make it clear that I am in no way anti-European. In fact my political views are quite the opposite.
Of course, this is my view from inside, so to speak, & maybe visitors from outside Europe are better placed to see more common cultural & personality traits across the continent, which aren't so apparent to those who live here.
To look at it from the other side, I would guess that there might be a little more merit in making rough generalisations about typical (for want of a better word) American cultural traits but I haven't travelled enough in the US (just a couple of trips to Florida) to be sure whether or not I'm right in saying that.
I'd be interested to know how US Fodorites feel about this - hope I haven't offended anyone!
Jim
I'm really not sure that there's much validity in trying to group together a Scot like myself with someone from, say, France or Greece to try to come up with some sort of typical European hybrid. To be fair to Kate (the original poster) she does make a reference to this point in her post.
For example, I will be making my first trip to Italy in April & although I'm very much looking forward to it I fully expect to feel pretty much like a fish out of water when I arrive - perhaps more so than many travellers from much farther afield.
Maybe this is more of a British trait - after all we do live on an island, which probably does give us more of an isolated attitude. For the record, however, I want to make it clear that I am in no way anti-European. In fact my political views are quite the opposite.
Of course, this is my view from inside, so to speak, & maybe visitors from outside Europe are better placed to see more common cultural & personality traits across the continent, which aren't so apparent to those who live here.
To look at it from the other side, I would guess that there might be a little more merit in making rough generalisations about typical (for want of a better word) American cultural traits but I haven't travelled enough in the US (just a couple of trips to Florida) to be sure whether or not I'm right in saying that.
I'd be interested to know how US Fodorites feel about this - hope I haven't offended anyone!
Jim
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:03 PM
#35
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Americans think that the acquisition of money is the highest ideal.
Americans think that they are better than anyone else at doing anything.
Americans are not well educated regarding the horrors of war and invasion of their home. The recent events show that Americans are shocked when one major event occurs. Try being occupied for years and invaded for millenia.
Americans have very little taste.
Americans are loud generally and expect others to "smile" , if not they make sure they tell them to.
Americans simply do not understand European attitudes, will not take any time to reasonably learn what others care about.
Americans expect everyone to speak English.
Americans spew continually regarding their freedom and how everyone is treated equally, then they insult the FRench, the Belgians, Islamic people, and anyone that is not "with" there philosophy is "against" them.
Hmmmmm...cowboy politics.
Americans think that they are better than anyone else at doing anything.
Americans are not well educated regarding the horrors of war and invasion of their home. The recent events show that Americans are shocked when one major event occurs. Try being occupied for years and invaded for millenia.
Americans have very little taste.
Americans are loud generally and expect others to "smile" , if not they make sure they tell them to.
Americans simply do not understand European attitudes, will not take any time to reasonably learn what others care about.
Americans expect everyone to speak English.
Americans spew continually regarding their freedom and how everyone is treated equally, then they insult the FRench, the Belgians, Islamic people, and anyone that is not "with" there philosophy is "against" them.
Hmmmmm...cowboy politics.
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:18 PM
#36
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Laurensuite, may I ask where you reside? Talk about making "all" statements,,,there must be at least ONE American that does not fit your parameters. JJhboy. no you did not offend anyone, in fact you were quite civil and polite IMO....in fact you are the voice of reason IMO.
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:32 PM
#39
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Laurensuite-"Americans expect everyone to speak English"
ARe you sure about that, dear? Methinks you haven't traveled very much, because only an ignorant untraveled person could make the type of sweeping, silly generalizations you just did!
ARe you sure about that, dear? Methinks you haven't traveled very much, because only an ignorant untraveled person could make the type of sweeping, silly generalizations you just did!
Jan 25th, 2005, 06:33 PM
#40
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If driving a long distance, a couple in Europe would plan an hour or so to eat. In the US, we would not plan and might hit the drivethrough and keep on going. I was with this French woman from Paris who I met in the Bahamas. She came over to the US and we traveled the East coast. You should have seen the look on her face when I stopped by a Taco Bell to get a Taco to hold me over to dinner. That is when she told me about the planned lunch hour. An other item I see is the actions of a wait person. In a resturant in American, we wave down the waitor everytime we need something and Americans seem to expect a lot of service. I find the waitors in Europe work the tables in an order and will come to you in good time. Also is the case that in the US, you can order pieces of your meal at a time. Like get your drink order, than your food. In EUrope, it appears that they want all the order all at once. It goes to the factor of how we eat and enjoy a meal to how they do. If you can get use to their way,, it is a healtier life and not as much BS of getting upset like some people here in the US. . JMHO !!
