Re:Two Mindsets That Can Create Rude or Polite Coworkers
by sandman008 on Saturday February 03, 2024 @12:31AM
(#39237780)
Thanks for your insight. Can you share examples of superficial homogeneousness but deep differences in Europe?
Re:Two Mindsets That Can Create Rude or Polite Coworkers
by braza on Saturday February 03, 2024 @03:08AM
(#39238413)
From an outside perspective, I see that most of them are proud of the European values and how they permeate their societies since integration with other countries 'till a more friendly aspect from the richer countries (Central Europe) to the less fortunate ones (Eastern Europeans).
But as soon some of the traits of those countries starts to appear in a slightly fashion, those friendly societies will fight tooth and nail to establish their values even over the European ones (e.g. social integration, education, etc). DHH made a great summary over it [1].
For instance, in some parts of Central Europe, if you're speaking a different language with your child on a train people feel entitled to ask you to stop and speak their language since you live there.
I lived in US for a while and I never have seen that.
[1] - https://world.hey.com/dhh/the-reality-of-the-danish-fairytal...
I can relate to that as a Latin American working in Europe; in the USA specifically this balance is way easier to find and there are more checks and balances.
My first year here I came from this Humanistic Mindset which is the standard in America as a whole; however being in EU I found out that most of the people run (not are, but run) in this Mechanistic Mindset.
Initially makes sense because when you have a a different background, the best you can do is equalize the communication style.
Someone said something interesting about those differences that relate to the article: In the US the culture is more or less like a salad, where maybe all the ingredients are sliced but more or less you know each one, and the result is something good. In Europe, the culture is more like a soup or a Fundue where differences are below the water but the surface is homogeneous, or all the ingredients are melted together.*
* N.B: I do not have a horse on this race or any preference over another.