I do not know from travels that the expression of nice or what is embodied in the term nice, depends on the region. Atleast when people move to South America (in my case Brazil) people are wow they are the nicest people, always so friendly and kiss on the cheek, and stuff... but in reality they are being no more nice then in canada... it is nothing special for them to be that friendly, it is almost expected of them...

the oppposite can be say Asian culture or japan and chinese, they express there nicenes differently... it is not that they don't mean the same emotion, but they just express it differenty, so people may assume they are cold, but in reality, they just express there feelings different.

I think it may be even more basic.
It comes right down to the choice of the individual and the environment they're currently in.
Diginut and EKD had great examples but if you put that same person in different situations, they'll react differently based on a personal assessment of where they currently are; regardless of race, culture, or place.
It's not a huge change from my basic persona but enough of a twist to 'fit in' or just clam up and observe.
Some examples:
- If I'm out with my friends, I'll act a little differently than when I'm with my parents.
- If I'm with a group or women I don't really know (a any group of strangers), I'll probably clam up for the first little bit until I understand what my boundries are.
- If witnessing something 'different' like a cultural thing, instead of 1st impressions, I want to understand before I put my foot in my mouth

You get the idea...

this is partly true because i open up a lot more and become a lot friendlier myself when surrounded by the same types of people. This is why i like the personality that South America brought out in me. Sadly when you are this way here people think you want something or take advantage.

quote:

Originally posted by tw1tch This should happen yearly without any notice.

I agree! That night everyone came out and realized what a beautiful planet we had, and began to interact with those around them. Everyone was so helpful!

We need to slow this society down, because I think people are too caught up in their fast paced agenda, that they are so stressed out and forget to be friendly.

quote:

Originally posted by Theresa We need to slow this society down, because I think people are too caught up in their fast paced agenda, that they are so stressed out and forget to be friendly.

this is my whole point about north american culture and why i started this thread. Most places in the world act as if there were a blackout even when the lights are on.

quote:

Originally posted by Jayx1 this is my whole point about north american culture and why i started this thread. Most places in the world act as if there were a blackout even when the lights are on.

I think we saw this during last years blackout. people knew that they couldn't go to work and that stores wouldn't be open etc and people actually went outside and there was a sense of community. as soon as the electricity started pumping again everyone went back to their jobs and pathetic lives.

i like the quote that Tyler Durden uses in Fight Club
"it's only till you've lost everything, that you're free to do anything"

its too bad the power couldnt go off for a year so that wed get used to this and engrain it in our culture.

quote:

Originally posted by Jayx1 its too bad the power couldnt go off for a year so that wed get used to this and engrain it in our culture.

A big part of me really wishes that would happen as well.


It's funny how people just end up forgetting what they felt like in a time of 'crisis' (myself included i suppose)

quote:

Originally posted by Jayx1 this is my whole point about north american culture and why i started this thread. Most places in the world act as if there were a blackout even when the lights are on.

Funny you should mention this cause I was just outside today and was just thinking..."We need another blackout"