Adopting other cultural mores.

[Rain Man]

What is something done in another culture that you wish was done in the U.S.?

On the other hand, what is something done in another culture that you would NOT want done in the U.S.?

On the positive side, I'd have to go with Japanese bowing. That's so much nicer than grabbing someone's sweaty hand two minutes after they left the bathroom without washing. Let's all adopt the Japanese bowing thing, okay?

On the negative side, there are about a zillion options. Arranged marriages spring to mind, since as all men know, about 99 percent of women are unmarryable. There are all sorts of things like Islamic law, stifling of a free press, corruption, and stuff that I'm not sure apply, but if so, organized government corruption (more so than we already have) would be a bad thing.

[Hammock Parties]

In Scotland during my school years I went home for lunch quite a bit. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing.

I only experienced the "at-home" school lunch during my last 1.5 years of high school.

[Rain Man]

Does haggis not hold up well in a lunch box?

[DJay23]

I think a good thing would be like in Africa where the women walk around topless. I think our women should do that when the weather permits.

Of course, the bad thing would be that not all women should be walking around topless. Put a weight limit on it or something.

[KC Jones]

siestas

Every afternoon everything should shut down for 2-4 hours so we can all take naps, have romantic rendevous, eat massive midday meals, etc.

[Saulbadguy]

In Europe, on average, they work 30-35 hours a week. I'm all for that.

[Simplex3]

I'm all for any custom that makes my competitors work less.

[StcChief]

In Europe, on average, they work 30-35 hours a week. I'm all for that.
Refects in their cost of products, unemployment, socialist nature.

The 4 week vacation when starting work doesn't set a good example of work ethic. Like it's deserved.

Not impressed having worked with them on a project at how slow they are to make desisions and get things done.

They don't work smarter at 30-35 hrs/week, they just take longer to get it done.

[JBucc]

Women should be alowed to go topless, but not fat ugly ones

[CosmicPal]

1. Hashish Bars
2. Hashish Bars
3. Hashish Bars
4. Running with the bulls
5. Bullfights
6. Red Light District
7. Hashish Bars
8. Hashish Bars
9. Hashish Bars
10. Absinthe made legal.

[StcChief]

1. Hashish Bars
2. Hashish Bars
3. Hashish Bars
4. Running with the bulls
5. Bullfights
6. Red Light District
7. Hashish Bars
8. Hashish Bars
9. Hashish Bars
10. Absinthe made legal.

1. sounds good.
4. help weed out the gene pool
6. sounds great on paper.
10. another great idea that could go south.

[Iowanian]

I enjoyed several of Spain's customs..the afternoon naps, the late night bars and busy streets where everyone was out and about....however they can keep their $3, 5oz can of soda, jail cell sized apartments and work ethic.

Cultural things I wouldn't want to have? I don't think I'm a big fan of many things I'm hearing about the Middle East.....They can keep the sex with young boys, donkeys, goats, sheep, shitting on the floo of a room in their house, among other disgusting things like wiping their asses with their hand.

America is good.

[KC Jones]

Refects in their cost of products, unemployment, socialist nature.

The 4 week vacation when starting work doesn't set a good example of work ethic. Like it's deserved.

Not impressed having worked with them on a project at how slow they are to make desisions and get things done.

They don't work smarter at 30-35 hrs/week, they just take longer to get it done.

meh - I know plenty of Europeans that bust ass working long weeks - that 35 hour crap is for the wage minions not the salaried (except a few ****ed countries like France). Switzerland for example has much lower taxes and better social programs than us, but they still get 4-8 weeks vacation a year and more national holidays. Americans spend a lot more hours at work but ARE NOT more productive for it.

[Extra Point]

Not talking during certain public musical performances. Went to a marching band expo tonite. Some of the parents wouldn't shut up while other bands were playing, and some wouldn't shut up while their kid's band was playing. PMO!

[patteeu]

Well, I don't know that much about international cultures, but I wouldn't mind it if Kansas City would adopt the Dallas custom of having great looking cheerleaders. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to import the KU customs of low academic standards, bad football teams, and man-on-man love. Oh, and I don't think we should pick bugs out of each others hair and eat them either.

[listopencil]

Would want- Siesta

Would not want- female circumcision

[Rain Man]

Oh, and I don't think we should pick bugs out of each others hair and eat them either.


Oh, sure, you say that now. But get a few bugs in your hair and you'll be singing a different tune, I bet.

[Amnorix]

I'll ignore the third world, because it still has such interesting practices as cannabilism, as well as other things such as huge plates in ear lobes, lips and the ever-popular neck stretching.

So, sticking to first world only:

I would take:

1. Europe's overall more relaxed attitude towards regulating individual conduct. In other words, everything the religious right hates.

2. I'll rip off Rain Man's thought, and take Japanese bowing.

3. I'll also take Europe's increased vacation days.


I'll leave behind:

1. Europe's overly socialist policies.

2. Japan's overly rigid social customs.

3. The generally poor hygene habits that predominate in many areas of Europe. Bathing daily is a GOOD thing.

[joesomebody]

First off on the bowing, I must say its not a bad idea, though its taken to extreme measures... I don't shake the McDonald's fry master's hand when I go to McDonalds, yet in japan you have to bow to everyone...

Culture I like... Germany's party atmosphere... the beer garden... sure America has beer gardens, but its no where near the same... Germany knows how to party, its a social thing that American's lack...

Things I'm glad we dont' have... Soccer (yeah yeah I know it exists here, but come on... we don't really have soccer.)

[greg63]

1. Hashish Bars
2. Hashish Bars
3. Hashish Bars
4. Running with the bulls
5. Bullfights
6. Red Light District
7. Hashish Bars
8. Hashish Bars
9. Hashish Bars
10. Absinthe made legal.

Did you mention Hashish Bars?

[Goapics1]

Multiple wives. Check that, I can barely handle one..................

[PunkinDrublic]

Definately the increased vacation days. 2-3 weeks off a year is just not enough. When the majority of your family lives out of town I use 1 week for Christmas and only get like 1 week of vacation if I'm lucky. 4-5 week vacation weeks a year would be awesome. I think it's a fact that workers in the U.S get less vacation time a year than in any other industialized country. When overseas I've constantly ran into Aussies and people from European countries who are on month long vacations. That is one thing I'm insanely jealous of.

[Phobia]

The only Islamic custom I'd welcome is chopping of the hand of thieves.

[greg63]

Definately the increased vacation days. 2-3 weeks off a year is just not enough. When the majority of your family lives out of town I use 1 week for Christmas and only get like 1 week of vacation if I'm lucky. 4-5 week vacation weeks a year would be awesome. I think it's a fact that workers in the U.S get less vacation time a year than in any other industialized country. When overseas I've constantly ran into Aussies and people from European countries who are on month long vacations. That is one thing I'm insanely jealous of.

"...get up at twelve, start to work at one. Take an hour for lunch, then at two we're done..." -Munchkin land.

[Rausch]

Liquid lunch you find in England and other parts of Europe. I think carribean music would be much better than standard elevator music. Love Japanese architecture.

Don't want inferiority complex Europe has...