Are Americans governed more by reason and interest than emotions?

Question

why is it that foreigners find Americans "distant", "less prone to making friendship", "less interested in long term friendship","detached" etc. I've been to Europe and even there, they think that way of American students and visitors. Is this "detachment" cultural of us?

Answer 1

Americans are governed by money, in this country people worship $$$$$$ than God is second.

Answer 2

No doubt. I've lived in the States and Canada and people in those two countries have pretty much the same idiosincracy. Come to countries in Southern Europe and people tend to be friendlier and even though they make as much money you never hear anyone talking about how much they make, which is considered to be rude. You talk about family, vacationing, a good book etc. In brief, in North-American people are always competing against one another for who knows what (the rat race) and they live to work. In Europe, the opposite is the case.

Answer 3

I think as Americans today race and color are at the forefront of our emotions toward each other. We have had a long history of racism towards each other. So I think we remain guarded when we're around others that don't look like us or talk like us. It may also have to do with how much pride we have for our country. I have noticed how white Americans don't display much emotion to white Europeans here in the U.S. That's where reason and interest comes in. Sub consciously we think of other ways to connect with them without all the hugging and kissing. I have noticed in Hispanic families they are more open and more willing to show emotion with each other or a stranger by hand shaking and hugging and other physical contact. They also get to know each other much faster. That's my view anyway. Peace!

Answer 4

That depends on which country. British people are considered even more so by nations such as Italy, where to be honest, they come across to us as being too touchy-feely.

Answer 5

Because the Americans' are governed for money - although the dollar imprinted "We trust in God"!

Answer 6

It's sad but I think American's probably have some serious trust issues due to crime, violence ect .. especialy when traveling abroad i.e.: terrorism.

Answer 7

Yes, I'm afraid our society has bred us to be focused on all of our "things and interests" rather than spending time with our family or friends. (Unless it's to do partying)