Quote:
Originally posted by Curiousgirl:
I know Americans have their quirks and are annoying (and on average obese), but in terms of general hygiene we are miles ahead of the rest of the world. Culture as an excuse? Lets not hide behind that argument please.
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I've lived in Germany and as a Canadian (i.e. North American), our water and energy is much more plentiful. In terms of Canada (and also USA), our respective countries' populations are far less populous than European countries, when you consider how rinky-dink some European countries are in land-mass (some are tiny and have zillions of people!). My Mom always said to me, "When you're staying with your guest family in Germany, always shut the shower OFF when you're lathering your hair and soaping your body, etc. It costs money!". Same with the phone, don't call your friends in town and gab for hours. Here in North America, locals calls are covered under your monthly bill. You can call your friend down the street and gab for hours at no charge. Europe is not like that. You have to pay by the minute, even if you're calling your friend down the street and its a local call.
In Europe, the cost of living (in the cities) is generally more expensive, and so that's why perhaps Europeans put up with a bit more, err..."dirtiness", than we North Americans do. Similarly, North Americans have a heritage where Puritan value are still felt (i.e. "Cleanliness is next to godliness") so that factors in as well.
Have you been to Singapore? You can eat off the street...it is IMMACULATE.