Before he had to go to Afghanistan I asked my best friend:
How come that Americans are more self-assertive, more optimistic than Europeans? Is it in the genes? Is it education?
Here is his answer:
I can tell you that part of the reason (at least why I believe) why Americans are more assertive, optimistic, and individualistic is this very fact: When my ancestors came to the new world they did so with little more than their hands. They cut down forests to clear the land for farms, they had families, they worked as a team/family, and they did not normally live in villages like Europeans did. Even with the threat of hostile Indians, settlers chose to live on the land. This required skills and determination that most village dwellers did not have. That is also the reason why most Americans believe we have the right to own firearms. Even today America is a very large place with very little population and the police can sometimes take a long time to get to one”’’s house in case of an emergency.
I would like to know more about this. So, if there are any optimistic Americans out there reading my blog, let me know what you think:
Are Americans more optimistic and if, yes, why? Write to Karin.Quade (at) anti-anti-americanism.com and let me know whether I may publish your mail on my blog and whether you want me to add your name, nick-name, initials …
Looking forward to hearing from you!