Does an American have regard for what others think

@mydanods (6513)
Nigeria
March 11, 2018 10:34pm CST
I live in a society in Nigeria where people highly regard the opinion of others. Although it is a city, one would be aghast if the neighbors did not approve of the way he carries out certain activities. So, in our dressing, grooming, attitudes etc we try not only to please ourselves but also to take others into consideration. But I find that different when I discuss online with Americans. Their mantra seems to be that you have the freedom to do whatever you like without regard for any other person’s opinion as long as you feel good about it. Although other parts of the world envy America’s creativity and economic prowess, I think this lifestyle choice has created a selfish, egocentric society. Maybe that is what America is – a fabulously wealthy, selfish, egocentric society. Do Americans have regard for what others think or is it only their rights that they are interested in at all times even if they have to step on the toes of others to get that right?
9 people like this
8 responses
Anna
@LadyDuck (461823)
• Switzerland
12 Mar 18
It's not only Americans who do not care about the opinion of the others. In Europe people dress, eat, do things as they like and they are not interested about the opinion of the others. Freedom is what is important. Do what you like, and hurt nobody, this is a golden rule.
3 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
That is not a golden rule. That is the rule of an immodest generation. It is the root cause of several societal problems rocking the western world.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
@LadyDuck I'd like to live in a developed country to see how it works.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (461823)
• Switzerland
12 Mar 18
@mydanods I think that on this we have different habits and a big cultural gap. It works from centuries this way in Europe.
2 people like this
Judy Story
@jstory07 (134734)
• Roseburg, Oregon
12 Mar 18
Most Americans do their own things and as long as the way thy dress etc is legal no one cares.
2 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
In Nigeria, we care about what others think. It is not only about being legal. What if the way you dress offends others and is very extreme. I have seen protesters go about with only their pants on. I wonder why they would want to do that.
1 person likes this
Louise Crisologo
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
12 Mar 18
That is what I like about Americans because they do not really care about what you do with your life. They are straight forward in a way that they are saying that not to judge. It is more of a constructive criticism. Here in our country, every small detail counts. Which can be annoying.
2 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
@mlgen1037 Can you give examples?
2 people like this
scarlet_woman
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
12 Mar 18
i do have regard for others..but i hate when people shove us all in the same cattle shute.not every american is greedy and rude. i'm not saying you're saying that,but i have had people say that on line.there's a few gems about in a pile of rocks..
2 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
There are a few gems but the pile of rocks seems to not allow anyone to see the gems. I am happy you are different. The entertainment industry and the media are also responsible for creating that perception and making youths to be that way. That's just my take.
1 person likes this
Sanjeev
@sjvg1976 (41132)
• Delhi, India
12 Mar 18
I am not American but I don't feel the way you feel. In my opinion they do what they like it hardly matters for them if others like it or not and that's play why should we care for others unless we hurt them.
2 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
That's what I am saying. They do what they like and they do not care how it affects others. Is that not what I said?
DianneN
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
13 Mar 18
@mydanods I disagree. You are misguided in your interpretations.
1 person likes this
DianneN
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
12 Mar 18
I'm an American and a very proud one at that. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave. I think your opinions are rather bigoted. We have many freedoms, but follow the rules.
2 people like this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
I am only responding to what I read in the news and watch on the TV. They seem to relish having a devil may care attitude. Sorry, if I sound bigoted but I have respect for Americans especially for their achievements in several fields. I just don't know if I'd feel comfortable living there.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
@DianneN Okay if you say so. The entertainment industry makes one think it's really scary living there although it is a prosperous place and with great standard of living.
1 person likes this
DianneN
@DianneN (247205)
• United States
12 Mar 18
@mydanods Don't believe everything you read. lol I've traveled the world, back and forth, up and down, visited most of the greatest cities in the world and many third world countries. I feel blessed to live where I live and wouldn't live anywhere else.
2 people like this
What'sUp_Cel
@rheicel (7065)
• Philippines
12 Mar 18
Americans are liberal people. They're always expressing their freedom of speech.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
@rheicel But many of them are.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
Everyone wants freedom of speech but I think it is being taken too far. People are no longer modest again because they want to express their freedom. They do not care for their fellowman if what I read in the news is true. It is as if it is a dog eat dog situation over there. I wouldn't want to spend my vacation in such a place.
1 person likes this
What'sUp_Cel
@rheicel (7065)
• Philippines
12 Mar 18
@mydanods It's their culture so it's kind of hard changing how they grew up. But I think not all American are rude they still have good values.
3 people like this
Patsie Hatley
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
12 Mar 18
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1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
Thanks.
Louise Crisologo
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
12 Mar 18
Hi! I have American friends who are nice and accommodating. They are open-minded and kind. I do not generalize all of them, though it is a connotation that Americans can be too highly and selfish. I guess, it depends.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
I am saying this because I get the impression all the time when I listen to talk shows on the TV involving Americans. They seem not to give a damn about what others think except to satisfy their own desires. I hope I am not generalizing though.
1 person likes this
Nnaemeka
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Mar 18
@mlgen1037 So, they want to put up a show of strength by stepping on the toes of others to demand their rights. That should be a reason. It's not easy to be the center of the world.
1 person likes this
Louise Crisologo
@mlgen1037 (29886)
• Manila, Philippines
12 Mar 18
@mydanods Possibly it is the persona they have to put. Being from one of the most powerful countries in the world, they are expected to be resilient and brave. Showing weakness can is another story .
1 person likes this