10 differences between the mentality of Americans and Russians

People lead roughly the same way of life throughout the civilized world. The process of globalization has affected almost all countries. When traveling abroad, we are not surprised by the metro scheme, traffic rules, restaurant service and other paraphernalia of everyday life, because here, in Russia, we see about the same thing. But still, the conditions of society and the peculiarities of culture leave an imprint on the thinking of each person. This is the reason for the cardinal differences in the mentality of people living in different countries. Our overseas neighbors, the people of the United States, have several differences in behavior that can cause astonishment in a Russian person.

10 In America, you almost never meet nepotism

It is very rare in the United States to find cases where a person is hired not because of a person’s talent, experience and abilities, but because of friendship or family ties. Your superiors will always treat you the way you deserve. This doesn’t mean you can’t communicate informally with your boss. You can safely meet on weekends and have a glass of wine with dinner. But Monday will come, and at the workplace, the same leader can scold you if you did something wrong.

9. Americans don’t discuss politics

In Russia, discussing politics over dinner or in a cafe with friends is completely normal, we are willing to talk about the country’s bills and leaders. We watch the news in the mornings and evenings and instantly react to this or that political event in Russia or abroad. Americans do not attach any importance to politics at all. In the morning, during breakfast, they also have a TV, but only they watch early shows or, for example, news from the world of show business. And politics in America is only interested in those who have anything to do with it.

8. For Americans, snitching and knocking is normal

The words “sneak” or “snitch” in our mentality are a curse word. We are ready to cover the back of a friend or relative and support him if he did something bad – he crossed the road in the wrong place or cheated during an exam at the university. For Americans, complaining about a person who did something wrong is the most correct decision in this situation. The government actively encourages denunciations, and signs like “If you see anything suspicious, call this number” can be found everywhere. Thus, society organizes itself and neutralizes violators of order.

7. Americans always leave tips

In our culture, it is not customary yet to leave a tip anywhere. We can give a small amount of tip to a waiter in a cafe or restaurant, but we do not always do this and only on our own initiative. In America, it has long been customary to tip absolutely all service personnel. In American cafes and restaurants there is a separate line “Tips are not included in the price, but are expected in the amount of 15-20 percent.” They leave tea not only for waiters, but also for bus drivers, cashiers in supermarkets and other representatives of the service sector. It is considered bad manners not to tip in this country.

6. The personal space of US residents is more spacious than that of Russians

A Russian person loves to pour out his soul to his neighbor or talk about his personal life. Therefore, we can talk about ourselves and our problems even to strangers at the bus stop or compartment neighbors on the train. And every day we report to friends and relatives about certain unpleasant incidents. Americans very rarely respond to the phrase “How are you?” start complaining and talking about everyday hardships. They will just smile politely and say that they are fine. For residents of the United States, this question and the answer to it are a tribute to courtesy and nothing more. In America it is also considered indecent to approach or lean too close to a person. If this happened, the American will definitely apologize to you.

5. An American will never ask another person how he ended up in the USA

America is a country of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of refuge for those who found themselves in a difficult life situation and therefore moved to the United States in search of a better life. It so happened historically that many people move to this country because of some difficulties in life and prefer not to talk about what provoked them to make such a decision. That is why asking about the reasons for moving to the United States is a sign of bad taste. In Russia, on the other hand, many people ask questions that are not delicate and sometimes put the interlocutor in an awkward position.

4. Americans almost never find out the relationship in a raised voice

There are quite emotional people in Russia. We are distinguished by a loud voice and sharpness in the manner of speech. That is why very often we find out personal relationships with people, accompanying the process with screams and sharp words. In America, it is customary to sort things out politely and with maximum calmness. And this applies not only to working moments and situations in public places, but also to domestic conflicts with loved ones. Americans always try to express their opinion on certain issues, smiling politely at the same time.

3. Americans never yell at children, let alone raise their hand to them.

The attitude towards children in America is very reverent. Children are the most important asset in life, and there are a number of laws that make it illegal to show negative attitudes towards underage residents of the United States. Therefore, it is very often possible to see on playgrounds how children commit real chaos, and parents calmly watch this. No one ever yells at children, much less hits them. If someone outside notices the improper attitude of a parent or another person towards a child, he will immediately report this to the appropriate authorities.

2. The people of the USA are very hardened

Russia is a snowy country and it is very important for us to dress for the weather. Sometimes we even overdo it in choosing seasonal clothes. In the US, things are completely different. Despite the changeable weather, snow, rain and wind, in America no one seeks to wrap up in warm clothes and does not worry about children wearing hats and scarves in the autumn and winter. Americans very often dress inappropriately for the weather. In the United States, it is not customary to open windows for ventilation at home, but air conditioners always work at full capacity. And most drinks are served with ice all year round.

1. Americans Don’t Judge By Appearance

In Russia there is such an expression “Meet by clothes, but see off by mind.” We often critically evaluate the appearance of people passing by, and even more so of our interlocutors. In the US, no one will even look in your direction if you went to the store in the morning in home clothes and slippers. Americans sincerely believe that everyone has the right to wear what he likes. Therefore, on the streets of American cities you can often meet people in the most ridiculous outfits, but no one is surprised by this.