Hard disagree on most of this, and saying that “Europeans don’t live extravagantly because they have no money” is a gross stereotype (and the kind of thing that gives Americans a pretty horrific reputation abroad). Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t consider taking my gas-guzzling SUV to a Starbucks drive thru for an $8 sugar-filled latte “li…
Hard disagree on most of this, and saying that “Europeans don’t live extravagantly because they have no money” is a gross stereotype (and the kind of thing that gives Americans a pretty horrific reputation abroad). Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t consider taking my gas-guzzling SUV to a Starbucks drive thru for an $8 sugar-filled latte “living extravagantly” — even though this is very much the cultural norm in the states.
It also feels like you've missed a major point of my essay. While yes, earning in dollars surely gives me an advantage over local wages, what’s been more impactful is that the hobbies and things I fill my daily routine with *simply happen to be* free. This is due to a greater emphasis on community spaces/third places, better public amenities, and several other cultural differences (like how you can linger at a sidewalk cafe because the waiter isn’t trying to turn tables). Here, unlike in the U.S., there are opportunities to enjoy life without being pressured to consume.
I’m not sure why, but it always seems like Americans are quick with the explanations for “why things are” rather than learning from other cultures and being open to “how things could be." Maybe a topic to dive into another day.
Hard disagree on most of this, and saying that “Europeans don’t live extravagantly because they have no money” is a gross stereotype (and the kind of thing that gives Americans a pretty horrific reputation abroad). Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t consider taking my gas-guzzling SUV to a Starbucks drive thru for an $8 sugar-filled latte “living extravagantly” — even though this is very much the cultural norm in the states.
It also feels like you've missed a major point of my essay. While yes, earning in dollars surely gives me an advantage over local wages, what’s been more impactful is that the hobbies and things I fill my daily routine with *simply happen to be* free. This is due to a greater emphasis on community spaces/third places, better public amenities, and several other cultural differences (like how you can linger at a sidewalk cafe because the waiter isn’t trying to turn tables). Here, unlike in the U.S., there are opportunities to enjoy life without being pressured to consume.
I’m not sure why, but it always seems like Americans are quick with the explanations for “why things are” rather than learning from other cultures and being open to “how things could be." Maybe a topic to dive into another day.