Do Americans Envy the European Lifestyle? (compared, state, claim, 2014)

[Gunion Powder]

That may be the dumbest article I've ever read

Europe is older so of course it will have more history and culture in a general sense. The architecture and infrastructure in their cities is incredible. If there's something I'd envy it would be that. Aside from that I think people from the Americas are far better looking and give me soul food over anything I'll find in Europe. Though I do love cibo Italiano!

[Craziaskowboi]

I envy German driving laws; that's for Moderator cut: language sure.

[Scotty011]

This American doesn't envy the European lifestyle. Why would I?? Europeans flocked to this country to have a better life.

[allenk893]

The only thing I envy about the European lifestyle is the standard of dress, the hours, the pay, and the vacations. Europeans have that down pat and I love them for that. Other than that, I like the American lifestyle.

[CityScape0322]

I'd give living in Europe a chance in a heart beat.

[BajanYankee]

Originally Posted by Scotty011

This American doesn't envy the European lifestyle. Why would I?? Europeans flocked to this country to have a better life.

Maybe they wanted to stay, but couldn't hack it. The immigrants were just European rejects. Maybe Americans are still a little raw about this and have developed an inferiority complex towards all things European.

[nep321]

The only thing I like better about Europe is shorter work hours, more vacation time and certain socialist policies that just make sense.

[BajanYankee]

Isn't it true that America doesn't have high culture? The things that are associated with high culture in America are associated with Europe. Take New England, for example. America looks to Europe for culture and prestige, not the other way around.

[A.J240]

Originally Posted by BajanYankee

Here are a few things some people say makes the European lifestyle superior.

-better architecture, cities

This is true, for the most part.

-more vacation time

Yup

-deeper, more meaningful friendships

I doubt this true

-better wine and food

Hard to know, cuisine in Europe isn't uniform.

-better fashion

Maybe, but by who's defintion

-more pedestrian/transit-oriented lifestyle

Not everyone would say this is superior lifestyle, some prefer using cars.

-better-looking people

Doubt this is true, I don't even know how you could possibly calculate this.

-less income inequality

This is true

-worldy rather and cosmpolitan than insular and provincial

Not true for all of Europe

-slim rather than fat

Generally true, but overweight people are the majority in some European countries such as the UK.

-contemplative and considerate rather than stupid and boorish

Depends more on the individual, and again, culture varies significantly across Europe

-Bistros vs Walmart

Not exactly equivilants.

[EclecticEars]

Originally Posted by BajanYankee

Isn't it true that America doesn't have high culture? The things that are associated with high culture in America are associated with Europe. Take New England, for example. America looks to Europe for culture and prestige, not the other way around.

But don't forget the performances largely originating from the Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Lincoln Center scenes in NYC. Some of it can be construed as high culture, some not, but the rest of the United States and much of the rest of the world actually looks to Manhattan for inspiration and ideas. I'd even argue Chicago, although to a much lesser extent.

Now, I wish I could say the same for Los Angeles; yes, we have high culture out this way, but in a Californicated sort of way. And Hollywood most certainly does not count as high culture.