Quote Originally Posted by Fisherking View Post
I think I have it deciphered.

I also think you are confusing National Character with aspects of culture.

The character is to get things done. Not to bother with precise instructions but to do what works. Experimentation and free thinking inventiveness have helped in some of the country’s achievements. Of course it has lead to some disasters on Christmas Eve or when assembling Swedish furniture.

When Europeans speak of the US lacking culture they are talking about High Culture. That would be Classical Music, Art, Stately Architecture and all those things that get a blank stare if you talk about them in a bar.

So, does this make a difference in your stance?
I made particular reference to pop-culture, not high culture, but know, it does not. The problem is that people have a tendency to associate aspects National Character with culture, and that is where you get the problem. (Ex. Only intellectuals are not racist. Intellectuals dress in X way and listen to X music. You don't listen to X music or dress in X way, therefore you are a racist. You see what I mean? That is of course only an example of the stereotyping that can come from it, which is only one facet of the issue, but I think it demonstrates the problems inherent to associating moral/intellectual culture and beliefs with material pop culture.)