Who are the Americans? (Part 1)

Welcome to a brand-new series in the Lindy Newsletter, dedicated to exploring the distinctiveness of Americans.

The onset of Covid in America catapulted me into the world of remote work, affording me the opportunity to live part-time in Europe and embark on extensive travels. The more I ventured and resided overseas, the more I recognized the distinctiveness of Americans, a realization that compelled me to write down my observations.

Oftentimes, Americans are misinterpreted abroad due to various factors. The portrayal of Americans in foreign lands is predominantly influenced by media, which does not accurately reflect the actual populace. Consequently, if you are an American, you may be oblivious to the uniqueness of your country or behaviors, as they are all you have ever known. It is like being a fish being unaware of the water it inhabits.

Given that this nation is a global hegemon and a primary exporter of culture, figuring out who the Americans are is important.

Eight Traits That Make Americans Different

What sets Americans apart from the rest of the world? Its’ distinct laws that are exclusive to the United States, coupled with the remarkable surge in economic and technological growth during the 20th century. Other factors include the American Dream, a rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship that has propelled advancements in various fields, from technology and science to arts and culture. This culture of innovation, fused with a steadfast focus on individual rights and freedoms, renders Americans distinct in the global landscape.

In this series, I will delve into a spectrum of topics that elucidate why Americans are remarkably different from other populations worldwide. Some disparities are attributable to the country's legal framework, while others stem from the unique experiences of the 20th century that shaped the American psyche. I have previously discussed how Americans predominantly reside in suburbs rather than urban areas, unlike the majority of the global population. Throughout the 20th century, Americans constructed the most magnificent suburbs globally, and even today, the aspiration is to relocate there, acquire a home with a yard, and establish a family. However, the distinctions do not end there. Here is a preview of what other traits make America different:

1) Free speech: The privilege of free speech is quintessentially American. In every other corner of the globe, uttering certain words or incinerating books could land you behind bars. A quick glance at the responses to this tweet reveals a multitude of individuals who are content with curtailing speech. Yet, for me, as an American, the very notion of incarcerating someone for their words is staggering. For me, the freedom to speak, express, and inquire is indispensable for a flourishing society and culture. However, this is a cultural characteristic ingrained in the American ethos, one that is absent in the psyche of those from other parts of the world.

2) Americans Fully Embrace Technology: A key reason I have the liberty to reside in Europe for several months annually and indulge in travel is the remote nature of my work. The concept of remote work has not garnered as much popularity in other nations as it has in the United States. America has most zealously embraced this phenomenon, akin to its enthusiastic adoption of smartphones, the internet, and a myriad of other innovations. Americans test out the future before everyone else.

3) Skeptical of the Government: It is hardly astonishing that America was the epicenter of resistance against vaccine mandates and lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. The global community was bewildered, as America contested any government intervention. This American distrust of government has roots in the very genesis of the nation, when the United States severed ties with British rule, instilling a profound wariness of centralized authority that has been etched into the national consciousness. This skepticism has been amplified by a succession of historical events and government actions, including the Watergate scandal, the contentious wars in Vietnam and Iraq, and, more recently, apprehensions regarding privacy and government surveillance. Consequently, a considerable portion of Americans approach government with a healthy degree of skepticism, cherishing checks and balances, and the doctrine of limited government as vital bulwarks against potential power abuses. This skepticism manifests in various ways. For instance, Americans prefer to regulate safety through legal liability and insurance rather than government regulations. This, in practice, elevates the significance of the court system while diminishing the importance of government regulations.

4) Assimilation: Immigrants arrive in America, and within a mere 1-2 generations, the ability to converse in their parents' language diminishes. It is exceedingly rare to hear of immigrants or their descendants, spanning the first to third generations, relocating back to their ancestral lands. Once individuals set foot in America, they tend to establish roots and assimilate into the fabric of society. It is, essentially, the culmination of their journey. Contrast this with Europe who continually struggles to “integrate” immigrants and achieve stability as a multi-cultural society.

5) Dynamic system: Things are moving in America. Either they are getting better or declining. There is no sitting still. Take food for instance. American food was good, got bad, then got good again. It then has gotten a lot better during the past 30 years.

6) Real World Success: The notion of boasting about underperforming in school yet flourishing in life is intriguing and multifaceted. This sentiment, encapsulated in the tweet by @pitdesi, delves deeper than the surface-level interpretation of defying academic expectations. It underscores the reality that traditional education is not the sole determinant of success in life in America. The ability to thrive despite not excelling academically challenges the conventional narrative that equates academic achievement with future success. It emphasizes the value of resilience, adaptability, and other life skills that are not necessarily honed within the confines of a classroom. Ultimately, this perspective highlights the diverse paths to success and the importance of recognizing and celebrating achievements outside of the conventional academic framework.

7) Optimistic about the Future: Americans are generally characterized by a sense of optimism about the future, a trait deeply ingrained in the national psyche and reflected in the enduring allure of the 'American Dream.' This optimism is fueled by a belief in progress, the idea that with hard work and determination, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve success. This contrasts sharply with the more cynical outlook prevalent in other parts of the world, where a history of turmoil, socioeconomic challenges, and a lack of social mobility often lead to a more pessimistic view of the future. While this optimism can sometimes be viewed as naive or overly simplistic, it is also a driving force behind the innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience that have come to define the American spirit.

It’s no surprise that the most famous advertising slogan is Nike’s Just Do It.

8) Americans Prefer the (Artificial) Cold

You might be unaware, but as an American, you have a penchant for all things chilly that surpasses the average global citizen. It's not just a mild preference; Americans adore the icy embrace of cold drinks, the refreshing gusts of cold air, and refrigerators that are set to temperatures colder than most around the world. This affection for the cold is not a recent phenomenon; it's a characteristic that has been deeply embedded in the American culture for ages.

Certain foreigners have noticed. The French-German composer Offenbach traveled to NYC in 1876 and noted the strange habit of restaurants serving ice in water. A few years ago, Clotaire Rapaille, a famous French Marketer wrote in his book about how he regularly hears Europeans complain that American stores are too cold in the summer. “Again, the conflict lies in the cultural schemes. Americans like to be cool, even extremely cool. Research has shown that the coldest stores in America tend to be the most expensive. Extreme air conditioning conveys a sense of luxury.”

Every country has air conditioning now. That’s not unique. But American stores really, really crank up the air conditioning. This German Youtuber was shocked.

In This Newsletter

1) Ice-Cold Drinks: The 19th century American writer Mark Twain once wrote, “I think that there is but a single specialty with us, only one thing that can be called by the wide name ‘American.’ That is the national devotion to ice-water.” Today, Starbucks sells more iced coffee than hot coffee. Where did this come from? And why is always drinking ice-cold drinks sometimes not always good for you?

2) Air Conditioning. America was the first country to fully embrace air conditioning and allowed this one invention to completely transform its’ environment completely. It changed how houses were built, where people could live and life today in America seems impossible without air conditioning.

Ice-Cold Drinks

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