About Us
Mission Statement
Rules of Conduct
 
Name:
Pswd:
Remember Me
Register
 

Hemispheres
Author: BobR    Date: 2013-11-21 11:40:25

The problem with constantly being surrounded by people like you and familiar stuff is that it becomes so much a part of the fabric of your life, you cease to question it or examine it for what it is. This is true in politics, in racial or economic strata cultures, or - in a broader sense - our common American experience.

It's always interesting and educational to step outside those boundaries, and look in from the outside. It's good to see what others consider normal and abnormal in their circle of life versus yours. I was reminded of this once again as I read this link about things that non-Americans find odd about America. Surprisingly, our health care "system" wasn't a common theme.

What I did find interesting is things I've noticed as well: there's sugar in everything. The common complaint was that our bread was sweet. There was also the observation that sodas were huge and refills were free, American chocolate is crap, and we have way too many flags and guns. I would absolutely agree with all of that.

I've been lucky enough to travel in Europe, although it's been over 10 years since my last visit. Here are some things I noticed over there that I found interesting compared to my American "norm":

  • There's nudity on broadcast TV - in the commercials.

  • People not only drink alcohol during the lunch break at work, they drink it in the office. I remember visiting a customer there, and a woman had a glass of wine at her desk. Having a beer or a glass of wine during lunch was normal - no one got soda or tea. In France, the typical lunch prix fixe menu included a glass of wine as part of the deal.

  • Restaurant menu prices were what you paid - no taxes, no tips. Also - no 14.95; they don't like to deal with the small change.

  • If you buy something at a store (like a bakery), they hand you your change back on a little tray instead of putting it in your hands.

  • Being smart and informed is expected. Being proud and stupid is frowned upon.

  • People are quietly religious in their private lives, not in their public ones.

  • People smoke everywhere (that may have changed)

  • Cash is preferred. A lot places (at least back in the late 90s) did not take credit cards. Compare that to America where we pay for a $2.30 cup of coffee with our checkcards.

  • Guns are nearly non-existent, but the people do not fear their government. On the contrary, if they want something, the entire country goes on strike, and the government caves.


Quality and craftsmanship is preferred over cheap and crappy. This goes for food, housing materials, domestic goods, etc. They have less of a selection than we do, but it's all good stuff.

These are just some of my own personal observations. Realizing that the way we've "always" done things isn't necessarily the best way is one of the best benefits of stepping outside and into another sphere. Our sphere could improve if we can take the best of all the spheres out there and combine them. We just need to break our addiction to our bad products and habits, and recognize that those who market those inferior ideas and products are doing so only to benefit themselves.
 

88 comments (Latest Comment: 11/21/2013 23:15:31 by Raine)
   Perma Link

Share This!

Furl it!
Spurl
NewsVine
Reddit
Technorati