Swaglords wrote:
Yeah I think you're right. Even small European towns have stuff going on as far as nightlife and things to do. The big cities generally are cleaner and have some humanity left in them.
Just in general, Europeans still value the nice things in life that give life some value (this is changing though). Americans in general (just generally) are in a race to the top, grabbing a pole that gets slimy from everyone's hand sweat.
Everyone in America, once they've been exposed to the corporate world for a few years, seems to just be out for themselves. They just want to earn enough to get a house, and then keep to themselves and not build the greater community.
There is a lot of truth to the post above, and let me expand.
I grew up in France and moved to the U.S. for both education and work opportunities, but mostly, because it seems, and still is exciting almost 15 years later.
The fundamental difference I see in mindset is linked to what it means to enjoy life in general. In Europe, most countries are very close to what we think in the U.S. as the "left". Salaries are low, very low (to our standards) and wealth is distributed. Less than 1,000 euros a month is low, 1-2k is medium, over 3k is nice, over 4k is A LOT. In America, wealth is distributed very differently and extremely.
In Europe, there is very little point fighting for that 1-3% raise a year. In America, it makes total sense to fight your way. I live in New York City, rent, yet I SAVE (after taxes, after expenses, after cost of living) more than I would EARN (before any expense) in Europe. My cost of living is high, but wages CAN compete.
As a result, Europe is more about enjoying the present, and your friends and family. You have healthcare, a good life, and your 2500 euros a month get you through everything that you need.
On the other hand, America is more about fighting for a better future, for you and your family. Healthcare is linked to your job, and enjoying life means having some money. Americans have nicer, bigger houses, and bigger expenses in general. Kids cost a lot and require extreme planning (I am personally in DINK relationships).
When Europeans go on vacations, they go 2-3 weeks but dont spend lavishly. They go to Rimini and crowded crappy beaches. Americans go to Mexico,Hawaii, and the Caribbean. We spend quite a lot. We fly far, we don't drive 8-12 hours with the family in a van (admittedly, some do).
Of course, I am guilty of generalizations. Midwesterns resemble Europeans more than coastal cities/people do, for example. But still, a house in Ohio, a car in Ohio still is vastly bigger than in central Germany.
This attitude also translates to running. In Europe when I say I run marathons or 50-60 mpw the reaction is: you're going to ruin your knees. In America, people get excited: "oh so cool, my sister is running DC to raise money for leukemia!"
Hence, this is why I prefer the U.S. but everytime I go back to Europe (4-6x a year) I can see why some would be envious. Want a system that protects you, take care of you, but also costs you (taxes/paychecks)? Europe is the place to be. And there is nothing wrong with that. But if you like to work, like to live life to the fullest (work hard/play hard), are willing to look up and try to do the very best? Then America is a much better place. It was, still is, and will be the land of opportunities. Just know that opportunity is not served on plate for you ready to consume.