I do not mind a thread on cultural differences - not at all.
I do not mind such differences being pointed out in order to achieve a better understanding, as Alrik defined his intention.
I was ticked off by the generalization in the examples. The fact that in some (few!!!) states of the USA weapon laws are less restrictive than in Germany, does not allow to claim that this is "American culture" - it is just a cultural tradition in some parts of the USA. The fact that public and circumstancial nudity is a lesser scandal in the German media or society does not necessarily mean that this can be construed as German culture.
For the purpose of understanding "culture" this is too limited, too superficial.
What makes the British British (the English English, the Scottish...), The French French, The Germans German, etc.?
What makes the Europeans European - culturally, not geographically, of course; and for that matter, what makes "the American"? Is there such thing as THE "You name it"?
Before pointing out differences we should come to a common understanding of what we understand by and how we define "cultural identity" - only than can we begin to understand "differences".
Otherwise this will be a cultivation and repetition of prejudices, which, by the way also have their tradition and origin.
Why?
The answer to this question could be a clue to understanding cultural differences, could it not? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
