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It's interesting how an article like this provokes multiple reactions that come down to "the American way is the right way". Also, unlike the article suggests,
by bowlofpetunias 13y ago
It's interesting how an article like this provokes multiple reactions that come down to "the American way is the right way".
Also, unlike the article suggests, I think Russians are closer to (fellow!) Europeans than Americans in this respect. The way the Russians described in this article perceive Americans is not that different from the way most Europeans do.
- ryanackley 13y agoI'm not really picking that up from the comments. Most of the discussion I see is debating the root causes and/or the validity of sweeping generalizations of different societies.
- bowlofpetunias 13y agoI read several comments in support of smiling as a universal form of politeness, which in itself is a sweeping generalisation that doesn't acknowledge cultural differences. BTW, I'm not pissing on Americans, in my experience Americans are generally considerably more polite, friendly and open than most other Westerners. But the way that is expressed is not a universal language, which tends to lead to misunderstandings.
- RivieraKid 13y agoThat has a simple explanation, people naturally try to maintain positive self-image about them (ie upvote comments that make them feel about themselves). And most hn visitors are american (who are also above-average patriotic).