[Graeme]

Evolution And The Hive Mind

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he study, from the University of Chicago, makes the claim that people living in the United States have difficulties with accepting another person's point of view, which they put down to US culture prizing individualism. They say that in China, where a collectivist attitude is encouraged, quite the opposite is true, with Chinese citizens being much more in tune with how others are thinking. As a result, the researchers argue that there may be more scope for communication confusion among Western citizens relative to citizens of China. "Members of these two cultures seem to have a fundamentally different focus in social situations. Members of collectivist cultures tend to be interdependent and to have self-concepts defined in terms of relationships and social obligations," says Boaz Keysar, a Professor in Psychology at the University of Chicago. "In contrast, members of individualist cultures tend to strive for independence and have self-concepts defined in terms of their own aspirations and achievements."

[jboogy]

I'd have to agree with the study. My own personal experience is that americans in general are intolerant,bigoted,judgemental,opinionated to a fault,and generally stupid when compared to many europeans I've met.However,we can also be very kind,compassionate,understanding,giving people.The trick is to keep your mouth shut so whoever you come in contact with thinks your one of them.Just wink and nod at whatever they say and you'll be invited over for beer and potroast before you know it."What's that you say?,Bill and Hillary are just animated blobs of satanic ectoprotoplasm brought to life to subjugate evangelical christians?...Hmmmm ..yes, I can see how this might be true....got anymore beer in the fridge there Bubba?" (julius erving during his ABA days.)