How I View the USA After Living in Germany: 4 Things That Stand Out

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Jay Stephan

Jay Stephan

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 1 000
@annemarieosborne2787
@annemarieosborne2787 Ай бұрын
Your perspective reflects our experience as ex-pats living in Germany. Each time we visit family in the US, we are shocked by the cost of food, housing and other basic necessities, as well as the brand-driven, overpriced consumerism. We live in a small village in Bavaria, we can buy eggs, milk and produce directly from the farmers in our neighborhood. We enjoy the spirit of community and the softer, gentler lifestyle.
@daffyduk77
@daffyduk77 Ай бұрын
I'm struggling to understand why food prices are so high in the US. Yes, they have much greater distances for transportation & hence costs, but then again, food production is on a much bigger scale, very industrialised & with cheaper/inferior ingredients/chemical additives to prolong storage life etc. so that should work the other way. It has to be about profit margins of the big food retailers / distributors/ manufacturers. Retail stores are over-staffed relative to Aldi's model & there's scope for a benefit to consumers. There's far too much unnecessary "choice" of near-identical products, advertising wasted on branded products as opposed to supermarket own-brands of similar quality also hugely distorts the market against consumer interests
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
@@daffyduk77 Big agro business (farmers+supermarkets) got rid of the smaller outfits (small farms and small shops) by having insanely low prices which the compettion could not sustain . Once they were the only ones standing and had the consumer over a barrel, they yanked up the prices: no alternative. This is what will happen everywhere if governments do not stop it.
@NebucadLaVey
@NebucadLaVey Ай бұрын
@@daffyduk77 major cost problem in the usa, in my opinion, is capitalisation. if you are looking to make money every single day and everything has to be "profitable", the only way to become a billionaire is to raise the price or lower the cost to get more money every single time. it's a vicious circle. the lie of eternal growth and infinite prosperity. The blindness is incomprehensible. You can see who has to pay the price to make just one person ‘rich’. many others must inevitably become ‘poorer’
@dacat8171
@dacat8171 Ай бұрын
@@daffyduk77 Food is expensive everywhere. There is no competition. There are some market makers who are doing the business together - oligopoly.
Ай бұрын
@@daffyduk77 US grocery prices are high because the US grocery chains know that no one is going to stop buying groceries just because the prices are high. Now that Trump has been elected, he's already backing down from his campaign "promise" to lower grocery prices. Gullible American voters fell for his campaign lies.
@MichaelSmith-on1ig
@MichaelSmith-on1ig Ай бұрын
As a German I’m flattered to hear someone talking so positively about my country! Sometimes I forget.
@radomirsretenovic8492
@radomirsretenovic8492 Ай бұрын
Nothing wrong with you country.
@daffyduk77
@daffyduk77 Ай бұрын
@@radomirsretenovic8492 I like Germany & its people & visit when I can. There are always aspects I'd have trouble with. As a Brit, the tyranny of the red man/green man for pedestrians would (and did) bother me but it's even worse in "anti-jaywalking" USA. Obviously there are loads of things ridiculous about the UK also
@radomirsretenovic8492
@radomirsretenovic8492 Ай бұрын
@@MichaelSmith-on1ig Actually i have complaints. German trains are always late since 2022. I travel Frankfurtu international Airport to Heidelberg few times per year. I am always an hour behing schedule.
@biggic2004
@biggic2004 Ай бұрын
I know so many people in Germany who have worked hard all their lives and can't afford healthcare/ insurance... We definitely are going into the same direction like the USA, unfortunately (healthcare -wise).... Had been better decades ago...🤔
@Alexandra-dh9kl
@Alexandra-dh9kl Ай бұрын
@@biggic2004 Then these people are independent and it's their own fault.
@the.Danishlady
@the.Danishlady Ай бұрын
thanks for the video :) Im Danish, and sometimes i forget how lucky i am, living in Denmark.
@TroelsNybo1st
@TroelsNybo1st Ай бұрын
We do not generally compare ourselves with USA. They are simply not a relevant comparison. But sometimes we do get a reminder.
@mitchrapp9354
@mitchrapp9354 Ай бұрын
@TroelsNybo1st so true !
@AliasSchmalias
@AliasSchmalias Ай бұрын
Denmark is in my opinion more chill than Germany! :-)
@philipxxxdj
@philipxxxdj Ай бұрын
im going to asia way cheaper than denmark
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
@@AliasSchmalias Probably, and they have a much better education system . Respect from Germany.
@roza9428
@roza9428 Ай бұрын
We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.
@TheChiefEng
@TheChiefEng Ай бұрын
A perfect description of an American.
@luckyqualmi
@luckyqualmi Ай бұрын
@@TheChiefEng and that quote from fight club is quite old, but fits today even better than when the movie aired
@achimschroter8046
@achimschroter8046 Ай бұрын
@@roza9428 George Carlin
@nemo227
@nemo227 Ай бұрын
But not all of us.
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
Well put !
@tabithan2978
@tabithan2978 Ай бұрын
I have taught my daughter how to be frugal and save. She is following that path and rejecting consumerism. So happy about that.
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
My daughter: everybody can look good in expensive clothes. It takes real creativity and elegance to look good in clothes which are not expensive or not the newest. I say: Buying good quality and keeping things for many years means saving money and not impacting the environment.
@paulszki
@paulszki 3 күн бұрын
​@@annepoitrineau5650 One issue is, that good quality is increasingly harder to come by. This has been going on for a while but even "trusted" brands or materials have just been continually degraded in quality. E.g, Merino Wool has whatever great properties but because of high demand, merino sheep have been bred with regular sheep which may or may not impacts the quality of the wool. Also the length and thickness of the wool is important and where you shave a merino sheep (the belly, the back, etc.) has a big impact on what wool you will get from it but since they'll shave the whole sheep, they can still say "merino wool". And not only that, if some clothing item says "merino wool" it might just have 10% of the already watered down "merino wool" mixed in with regular wool and polyester-materials, even for super high quality brands. So the same clothing item that might have been nearly 100% actual high grade merino wool 10-20 years is now some watered down version of that but somehow costs twice as much because prices and profits go up and up while the quality diminishes. But my points isn't about merino wool. I don't care about that wool. I don't have a single merino-wool item. The point really is: It's like this with EVERYTHING nowadays. I feel like I basically can't buy anything anymore, before doing at least a 2-hour deep dive on whatever product, no matter if it's clothing or electronics or food or a matress or furniture. Add to all that ethics and sustainability and it's become nearly impossible to find something that's actually "good". It's maddening.
@GordonRobert-r1s
@GordonRobert-r1s Ай бұрын
Healthcare is not free in Germany. We pay every month into the system and then when we are sick or go to hospital, we don‘t have to pay again.
@lythalls
@lythalls Ай бұрын
@@GordonRobert-r1s So it’s free at source not barbaric like aMErICA.
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
Exactly, and the money is better managed than what happens in the USA.
@tmarxde
@tmarxde Ай бұрын
And it's not cheap either. I pay around 900 Euros per month (my part and my employer's combined). But, first of all, it would cover my kids and wife, too and secondly it depends on your income. It starts at around 200 Euros if you have a very low income and will still cover all treatments, etc. I would get.
@ahogQ
@ahogQ Ай бұрын
@GordonRobert-r1s I don't live in Germany but I believe that even if you're jobless you still have full access to healthcare.
@Wonzling0815
@Wonzling0815 Ай бұрын
While true, I don't think it is necessary to mention that "there is no such thing as a free meal". This notion is often used to díscredit "socialist" structures in lieu of substantial arguments. In the context of citizens' life, we can assume that "free health care" or "free child care" means "people who pay their taxes get this without substantial additional costs".
@maryreese4822
@maryreese4822 Ай бұрын
I love the calm demeanor with which you express yourself.
@frofrofrofro900
@frofrofrofro900 29 күн бұрын
Because so many Americans don't speak but shouting
@brick_james
@brick_james 29 күн бұрын
One thing regarding vacation days here. Companies in Europe encourage people to take days off not only because we value time for ourselves but also because we believe that people are better and more productive workers when they get time to recharge their batteries.
@leemckee7230
@leemckee7230 27 күн бұрын
We have that mindset in Canada as well.
@robertplant2059
@robertplant2059 25 күн бұрын
sure as we see more Germany companies are just as bad or do we forget Volkswagens emission scandal?
@robertplant2059
@robertplant2059 25 күн бұрын
@@leemckee7230 sure we see how that has worked for the quality of life and cost of living.
@brick_james
@brick_james 25 күн бұрын
@ please elaborate what the diesel scandal has to do with workers rights and the public reception around work life balance!
@robertplant2059
@robertplant2059 25 күн бұрын
@@brick_james proof that German companies and ultimately the people are just the same as the rest of the world, only concerned about themselves when it really comes down to it. Why you are now rethinking supporting Ukraine due to how it affects your lives but had no problem enriching Russia with Nord and similar. Your ex PM Schroder works for Russian gas company. Germany has a lot of blame for Russia feeling they could get away with invading Ukraine, as Europe had allowed them to do over and over again. Pay your fair share of NATO.
@AMOSS1970
@AMOSS1970 Ай бұрын
There is no “healthcare” in the US, it’s a health business….That’s one of many reasons why I also left the US…
@Mike-h8m
@Mike-h8m Ай бұрын
Tell me one better country than USA lmao. Y'all Europeans and Aussies want to be Americans.
@dylanflynn1
@dylanflynn1 Ай бұрын
Not true! I have received free healthcare for the last decade since Obama care. I have massive health issues and it has saved my life repeatedly. No cost to me!
@mgtowski395
@mgtowski395 Ай бұрын
Sick maintenance.
@mgtowski395
@mgtowski395 Ай бұрын
@@dylanflynn1 I'm paying it for you, along with everyone else.
@dylanflynn1
@dylanflynn1 29 күн бұрын
@mgtowski395 I've paid it too. It's necessary when someone has bad health issues. Are you complaining? Would you rather be in my position?
@jeffDwyer1
@jeffDwyer1 28 күн бұрын
American dream will continue to be “a dream, More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.
@Amberabove
@Amberabove 28 күн бұрын
The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.
@michaelwiebeck3
@michaelwiebeck3 28 күн бұрын
This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.
@SteveEstrada-js9nu
@SteveEstrada-js9nu 28 күн бұрын
Please can you leave the info of your invstment analyst here? I need such luck
@michaelwiebeck3
@michaelwiebeck3 28 күн бұрын
My CFA Annette Christine Conte a renowned figure in her line of work. I recommend researching her credentials further... She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market..
@SteveEstrada-js9nu
@SteveEstrada-js9nu 28 күн бұрын
Thanks for sharing, I just looked her up on the web and I would say she really has an impressive background in investing. I will write her an e-mail shortly.
@jm7578
@jm7578 Ай бұрын
I loved Europe beyond words could describe. I was in Barcelona and Madrid Spain as well as Toulouse France. Beautiful places with amazing people. I as a native New Yorker was truly humbled by my time in Europe. I lived in Taiwan and also in the People’s Republic of China. Great places yet, Europe was completely awesome!
@kathrynstewart-mcdonald
@kathrynstewart-mcdonald 13 күн бұрын
@@jm7578 yes Europe is best.
@heardistance
@heardistance 29 күн бұрын
Thanks for your Opinion. Im Russian-German, living in Germany for 25 Years. I have to disagree with your last point 9:40 Nothing wrong to let the people live their lives. I believe this is good for one person or maybe small group, but not for big societies, like a country. Let me explain. From past experience (History) we know how it can end, we saw what is happened to Germany after WW1, it turned to fascism. Russia now is turned to fascism. That is what happen if we just watching, and let people "live their lives", "decide". People can be fooled easily, that is what happened in Germany then and Russia today. And in US also. I hope im wrong, but US desicion this time, will bring suffering not only to residents, also in whole world. Das sind meine Gedanken dazu...
@Wednesdaywoe1975
@Wednesdaywoe1975 28 күн бұрын
It's the tolerance paradox. Tolerance of intolerance leads to fascism.
@hanneswurstbrot6902
@hanneswurstbrot6902 27 күн бұрын
religiously speaking it´s said. Satan cannot create, he has to take gods creation and twist and warp it. that´s why most things can be great in local societies, but become exploitable when used in massive proportions
@toms2882
@toms2882 21 күн бұрын
Thanks for you point. "Unfortunately", I have to agree with you. Unlimited tolerance leads to the disappearance of the tolerance. That's what Karl Poppers postulated. Recently, I've read of an article about the current form of "journalism": they try to render both "sides" as equal although one side suggest horrible human atrocities. Such things can never be on equal grounds! We should also call liars and enemies of democracy that and stop spreading false facts. There is certainly no panacea. Happy holidays!
@yarpenzirgin1826
@yarpenzirgin1826 10 күн бұрын
@@heardistance Care to explain how exactly Russia turned into fascism? Do you even know the meaning of this word?
@heardistance
@heardistance 10 күн бұрын
Im not writing to explain tons of details to a nobody in comments on YT. All information is availible online, including comparisons of retorics of 3 Reich Germany and today Russia. Watch their TV if you understand russian, their words and rethorics in TV shows (Solovyev and others) are very similar to what came from german nazis back then. Also an unjustified war and constant lies and propaganda, militarism, rallying around the Führer - all this is exactly what happened in Nazi Germany back then. This is exactly what is happening in Russia today.
@peterweiss123
@peterweiss123 Ай бұрын
I see the same issues,, you do about Germany becoming more and more like the US in many points like consumerism! I hope that we can turn it around!
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
Das hoffe ich auch ! In einer Welt voller Unsicherheiten scheint Konsumieren das Belohnungssystem zu triggern.
@peterweiss123
@peterweiss123 Ай бұрын
@@grandmak. Klingt leider allzu wahr
@pixelschiebr
@pixelschiebr Ай бұрын
me too! Wich is why i cannot understand that not more people vote for Die LINKE
@ffqm
@ffqm Ай бұрын
Not only Germany unfortunately. The Netherlands is wat ahead of you. And all these right-wing governments want nothing more than to give big companies more power.
@peterweiss123
@peterweiss123 29 күн бұрын
@@ffqm yes, sad! Great, socially liberal, innovative country otherwise! I hope, views of the voter will change soon, neighbor! Also here in Germany, people have to realize that Friedrich Merz and the CDU want to do the same thing as in the Netherlands, but with more upside for the elite. Only Robert Habeck is the possible solution in a backwards going country
@louaceveu1925
@louaceveu1925 Ай бұрын
As a European I always tried to apply my philosophy although I live in California. Wealth does not apply to the person who has the most but to the person that needs the least.
@louaceveu1925
@louaceveu1925 Ай бұрын
@@antoniogarcialopezvazquez4806 Yes, I am
@louaceveu1925
@louaceveu1925 Ай бұрын
@@antoniogarcialopezvazquez4806 You too, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
@ajmulsharifi
@ajmulsharifi Ай бұрын
@@louaceveu1925 maybe he should go back to Iran, We’re he comes from
Ай бұрын
Being truly wealthy means not having to ask the price of things.
@nahha9529
@nahha9529 29 күн бұрын
Wise words my friend!
@EpicDestiny222
@EpicDestiny222 Ай бұрын
Same experience with US dental health issues. I went to Ukraine for a rock concert and was able to fixed my mouth or my infections in my mouth could lead to death. I just got back. I really liked the honesty and great service I received in Ukraine especially given they are in war.
@jesseward568
@jesseward568 Ай бұрын
@@EpicDestiny222 I got a tooth removed for $200 in USA and the dentist tried to sell me a $2000 implant operation to stop my 'mouth collapsing'. Luckily I met a dental assistant at a party the night before and she told me that Cleveland dentists make up things to upsell and get more money.
@edenhundsdoerfer7971
@edenhundsdoerfer7971 Ай бұрын
Am proud being a German citizen and I ❤🇩🇪!
@sibyllefischer-steffan3989
@sibyllefischer-steffan3989 20 күн бұрын
Me too, I'am a very lucky person to be born after the NAZI-time and have the chance to grow up with one of the best constitution in the world, with nearly no cost in learning, with a very beeing be aware how politics is working, because of Hitler. Of course we have a lot to work coming up from the Nazis, building up our country, find ourselves in a new world. I think we took advantage from that. For the rest of my time have to be thankful for the allies, who liberated us from Hitler. We had a chance to start with a lot of experience again. And sorry to the world the german Angst is because this country of thinkers and whriters and so much good has being changed very easily, because, we lost any hope after loosing first worldwar. We were treated in a way, that we could not fulfill the demands. Out of this feeling to have no chance, people hoped for easy solutions and vote people, telling they have easy solutions. This is, what's happening again. All over the world. And again it will not work.
@gohumberto
@gohumberto Ай бұрын
The US don't have Health Care, they have Health Business. Patients are just an inconvenient cost on the bottom line. Hospitals are profit centres with shareholders. Insurance Companies are profit centres with shareholders. They all have costs such as electricity bills, employee wages, building rental .... and patients. Patients will be the most expensive line item and the one they try their best to cut.
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
Amen to that no healthcare and people who want to do something about it sickening ‼️
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
Gouging the people the hospital is the whole system insurance company owns the distribution of prescription drugs I mean it's ridiculous and they also dictate the price of the drug..... Unbelievable
@ivanilnicki6345
@ivanilnicki6345 29 күн бұрын
I live in California and can confirm everything Jay is saying. I have had similar experiences here. Can't wait to leave
@andalusianspirit9932
@andalusianspirit9932 Ай бұрын
I live in Spain and I share the same views and I even write books about it. Life in America is extremely depressing and empty. I was so unhappy there. It is all work, consume, and sleep.
@margaretmacneill3133
@margaretmacneill3133 24 күн бұрын
@@andalusianspirit9932 spent 7 yrs there in a quiet state but that was def true. Had our own small business and still had to work second jobs to survive, eventually in 2009 everything tanked and we lost all we invested in our business. We left in 2010
@Lepewhi
@Lepewhi 29 күн бұрын
I have lived in Belgium for 20yrs. And what you said was spot on. I love my life here. No place is perfect. For exemple the politics here are so complicated that many don't understand. But, Belgians don't take things so seriously. We vote and what happens, happens. They say, every party does the same thing anyway. There is no stress. And money is not involved in political campaigns. I was getting out of the métro. The mayor greeted me with a handshake and asked me to vote for him! My doctor visits 40-60euros and I get half back from my mutuelle. If you can't afford that, don't worry. The gouvernement takes care of it. University is 800euros a year. Again, if you can't afford that, you can pay what you can or even go for free. No gun violence! It seems in the US, people have become numb to it. They offer thoughts and prayers and it's just another day. I visited the US last year. I did experience reverse culture shock. But, I had a good time visiting old friends. I was a bit taken aback when I said to a good friend, well I'm going home tomorrow, meaning Belgium. It is my home now.
@barrysteven5964
@barrysteven5964 Ай бұрын
For any Americans reading this - I live in the UK and our healthcare system (the National Health Service) is creaking and under huge pressure first and foremost because 15 years of Conservative governments have left it seriously underfunded. Many things in the UK used to be nationalised (heavy industries, all public transport, phone system, electricity and gas as well as healthcare). The Conservatives sold them all off and privatised them but they never dared touch the NHS because it is so popular. But they never really liked it. Nevertheless, it still works. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago. Since then I have had a long list of appointments, tests, various scans, drug treatments, a major operation and radiotherapy. The idea of being presented with a bill for these things makes my blood run cold. My son who is 35 has had epilepsy since he was 8. Again I could write a long, long list of his past and ongoing treatment including expensive daily drugs all covered by the NHS and as he has a chronic condition he does not pay for prescriptions. For these reasons alone I feel thankful not to have been born in the USA. That probably shakes your belief system somewhat. And to counter the arguments of many Americans against our system. No, we don't have committees of bureaucrats deciding certain people have to go without treatment or even just die because the state won't pay for it but it does seem the USA has such committees in the form of insurance companies refusing payment. No, we don't pay extortionate taxes. In fact the poorest in the UK pay less tax than the poorest in the USA. The amount of tax the average Brit pays towards the NHS is considerably less than the average American insurance policy. The Americans pay through the nose for policies yet they still pay tax to fund Medicare etc and they still end up paying bills because insurance rarely pays 100%. A triple whammy. It's a scam.
@AlienatedNortherner
@AlienatedNortherner 29 күн бұрын
The NHS is not underfunded. It is badly managed, with vast numbers of non-jobs in the managerial ranks. It is also swamped with demand by millions who have not paid into the National Insurance system, and many never will.
@gabriellaanderson2216
@gabriellaanderson2216 29 күн бұрын
Yeah-yeah... Bad conservatives. It is sooo much better to have commies adn socialists in power. Oh, wait. NOT
@hujiosnurgio2940
@hujiosnurgio2940 29 күн бұрын
@@AlienatedNortherner Yes, Germany and England spend almost the same amount of GDP on health care. It's a cope that it doesn't get enough money. The NHS is massive and fat. You can tell that when you see that any blatant tax increases and budget benefits can be measured in minutes instead of hours of the NHS budget.
@oneworld1160
@oneworld1160 29 күн бұрын
@@barrysteven5964 As a German living in Portugal and having lived in the UK, I can only say that the NHS is really antiquated and inefficient. I was surprised that the health service here in Portugal is even better and much better organised than in Germany. And as resident you have the right to free, tax-paid healthcare - no insurance necessary.
@jackkruese4258
@jackkruese4258 4 күн бұрын
@@barrysteven5964 I’m English and yes our health service is in a mess but 6-7 years ago I needed a minor knee operation but because the NHS couldn’t do it within a month the state paid for me to have my operation in a private hospital. Cost £6000 to the state, cost to me £0.00.
@Ariansiss
@Ariansiss Ай бұрын
Imagine more USA citizens speaking out. I hope you start a trend. I would join a video chain, but the issue for me is that I have not lived in the USA. So I don't have a good feeling about creating a video message for Americans flexing my state insurance (second tier in Germany). So yea. My heart goes to fellow humans in the USA and I believe in you! You can do it! :)
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
There are countless video accounts by Americans living in Germany who discuss the advantages of living here.
@Ariansiss
@Ariansiss Ай бұрын
@@grandmak. MOAR!
@lindam4259
@lindam4259 Ай бұрын
Speaking out? People have testified before Congress for years about the death and suffering of children...nothing changes. The insurance industry has a strong lobby which nothing can change. Too many are profiting...horrible system.
@Ariansiss
@Ariansiss Ай бұрын
@@lindam4259 Yes. You are right. But I have to believe that "speaking out" will work. How this manifests itself (murder on the stream? Strikes of solidarity across industries? More protests? Storming of capitol?) is up to the American people. I hope they manage to make themselves heard. The issue is not just insurance. And the issue is very old. I think there is much to learn from the Haymarket affair... if we had taken these men seriously then, prehaps it'd be ok now.
@macaccount4315
@macaccount4315 Ай бұрын
We are so similar. I split time in LA and Zurich with my partner. I share your observations.
@davidhimmelfahrt3732
@davidhimmelfahrt3732 Ай бұрын
@@macaccount4315 how do you even do that job wise? Do you spend summer/spring in Zurich and then fly back to LA for winter/autumn?
@macaccount4315
@macaccount4315 Ай бұрын
@ we do although we have a home together in Portugal which is ours. After 5 years back and forth, I am selling everything and moving abroad 100 percent of ether time. New challenges ahead 😁
@Positivecuriosity46
@Positivecuriosity46 Ай бұрын
I loved in Bavaria that stores were shut down on Sundays. It really helped regroup and spend time with family and friends.
@ogkendrick6392
@ogkendrick6392 26 күн бұрын
Not only Bavaria
@logografia
@logografia Ай бұрын
Great video; you're part of a growing trend ie Americans leaving their country in search of a better life. Many of your fellow country men would never admit to it but what the US needs is social reform: universal healthcare, improved food standards, affordable housing, gun regulation etc. I'm a fan of your motherland and travel there regularly for business and pleasure. I like the go get it attitude, the energy and the fact that you can strike up a conversation with anybody. The BBQ is also great as are the cocktails. Stunning landscape and some amazing cities. Greetings from London
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
There will never be social reform under a Republican leadership. Look at the read states : without financial supplementation by the blue states they wouldn't survive.
@lindam4259
@lindam4259 Ай бұрын
Well, Democrats certainly admit it
@SneakyKestrel
@SneakyKestrel 14 күн бұрын
I don't understand why "socialist" is such an insult in the US . I don't think americans know the real meaning of this word.
@Th3SilentObserver
@Th3SilentObserver 27 күн бұрын
I like how calm and nuanced you speak about things
@tHiNk413
@tHiNk413 22 күн бұрын
Your perspective on consumerism is 100% on point, thanx for sharing your well picked and formulated view!
@bigN-422
@bigN-422 Ай бұрын
Absolutely loved the vibe of this video. Love from Munich ❤❤❤
@ChrisShelley-v2g
@ChrisShelley-v2g Ай бұрын
Life got in the way and I lost contact with online things, crap health happened, but it's being dealt with now and I started looking online again. I am so pleased to have found your site again, I will now go and start to catch up with what I have missed, my best wishes to you both and I hope that you are making your Christmas/winter videos like you did a couple of years ago, they were something very special, take care to you both, I really am so pleased to have found you again ❤
@yovee5912
@yovee5912 Ай бұрын
I'm not sure that "let the people do what they want" attitude towards political leadership is the right mindset. Politics plays a crucial role in shaping the reality we live in. Sure, the life will go on one way or the other, but the quality will be different. I am Polish and we have been through communism, then the transition period and into democracy and capitalism. The oppressiveness of some ruling systems is very real. In so-called western Europe and in the USA, people do not believe that the choices they make when it comes to political leaders can change their reality significantly, but that's not true. They can. If you give power to the wrong people, the consequences can be catastrophic. I read about some choices that Trump already announced, and I can see the Russian style oligarchy in the making. That will have huge repercussions.
Ай бұрын
But hasn't the US had (pretty much) oligarchy for decades and decades already?
@yovee5912
@yovee5912 Ай бұрын
No, billionaires are not automatically oligarchs. Oligarchs have control over strategic resources and influence state administration. So, no, but Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are on a fast track to get there. As soon as they control US administration, they gain real power. In Russia, that power bows to one man only as they live in autocracy. The US calls itself democracy... . Well, the show will soon start, but the trailers are rather alarming.
@bretonneux3389
@bretonneux3389 6 күн бұрын
well, i'm not polish, i can not claim to lecture poles on their own history. But wasn't communism forced on Poland, and kept for 45 years, by the Red Armee ? then, it's not a people's choice. And, well, if Poland without a doubt did well for itself since the fall of the Berlin Wall, is it really all pinky ? poles enjoy more freedom, have access to more consumption goods, and poles have a reputation as excellent and skilled workers all over Europe, a lot of modern buildings and infrastuctures owe them thanks. But at the same time, it seems that eastern europeans still struggle with very low wages while the cost of living, although far lower than in Western Europe, is still far higher than what their local wages allow, that workers abroad who amounted enough money in the West can live like kings back home while those who never worked abroad struggled in poverty, that the education system and the health system took heavy blows and have been vacillating since 1989, the fact the fertility rate of eastern european countries collapsed since the 1989 is not really a great economic indicator, and most of eastern european cities look like, frankly, grim old shambling places, while eastern european workers build beautiful appartments and homes in western Europe. Like if communism had been replaced by a savage capitalism, that turned eastern europe from the playground of russian soldiers to a factory of underpaid workers for western europe. Plus, the US is already a russian style oligarchy, since at least the late 1970's, it did not start with Trump. Elections are a joke and an auction of politicians for oligarchs, the political system is locked by two political parties who have the same fundamentals, as hegemonic and unremovable as the communist party used to be in Poland, or that United Russia currently is in Russia, there is no real rule of law, USA actually have a higher detention rate than Russia, a condemnation rate as high, the US society is judicialized in every fiber, and a prison system just as inhumane.
@yovee5912
@yovee5912 6 күн бұрын
@bretonneux3389 @bretonneux3389 Well, I can see you come to some false conclusions. Yes, the communism was forced upon us, I brought it up as an example of an oppressive system. Yes, savage capitalism is oppressive, too. You seem to see just those two choices. Savage capitalism is a US thing, not European. So between savage capitslism and communism, there's a lot of room for a more balanced approach, and western Europe implemented exactly that. Had Poland benefited from Marshall Plan like the countries West of East Germany post-war, there would not be those discrepancies in wages and salaries. We have only been rebuilding our economy for 30 years, we are in pursuit, and we will catch up rather sooner than later. And no, it has not been pinky. The road you have to take, from a living where all is decided for you to a living based on your choices and decisions, is a hard one. For many, the 90s were a nightmare. Yes, we are determined to get better and better because we finally can. Yes, we are skilled workers. Resourcefulness came with limited access to goods for a very long time. No, we didn't Nowwant communism, but US citizens have always had a choice. You say it's not true, but you're wrong. US citizens could always leave their country, and my parents and I couldn't. They didn't get reported to authorities for simply commenting on the empty shelves in shops, my mum was. They didn't stand in a TWO WEEKS line just to buy a piece of furniture, my parents did. I could go on and on. No, there's no oligarchy in the US. Read more about it. Yes, the US is ruled by corporations and billionaires, but it's through business and ownership, not being granted the industries by an absolute ruler in power for 20 years. The same president can take those industries back anytime he wants, or he can appoint some other puppets to manage them. Can US president do that? Etc. Etc. Etc. Like I said, Americans could always choose, and they don't know what a truly oppressive country is. They can't imagine that anyone could take their freedoms. Well, let's hope it remains that way. You know, the difference between Russians (people with no power to change their reality) and Americans ( people who pride in shaping their own reality) is that although both nations are subjected to heavy propaganda, only one of them has a choice. Only one of them can switch to a different source of information if they wish to.
@deborahking2367
@deborahking2367 27 күн бұрын
Hi Jay, watching from Canada. Totally agreed with your points and have to say you are a superb speaker. Easy, easy to listen to.
@cinziam457
@cinziam457 Ай бұрын
👉👉👉I know of an American living in Germany who was called into his manager's office. He thought he was going to get into trouble but it was the opposite: He was called in because his manager was concerned by the fact that the employee was working while on vacation and that it could lead to burnout. BTW, I haven't finished watching the video yet...In Germany, it's been ILLEGAL for employers to contact employees outside of work hours. #civilized 💙💙💙
@JohnSmith-xx9th
@JohnSmith-xx9th 27 күн бұрын
Really enjoyed your video. Everything was spot on!
@CS-bi3hh
@CS-bi3hh 16 күн бұрын
I am German and sorry but I have to say that in Germany many dentists try to push you for unnecessary treatment too. And there are a lot of costs which aren’t covered by health insurance. For example, if you need dentures you have to pay thousands of euros yourself. The German healthcare system has a well-deserved reputation for offering equal treatment and easy access at moderate costs. But currently in Germany, one in four doctors are leaving the profession. The quality of healthcare is constantly deteriorating. And grocery prices, energy costs and rental prices are continuously on the rise. It isn’t that simple because you have to compare people’s income with the cost of daily life either.
@tinagaughan6297
@tinagaughan6297 Ай бұрын
I went to a dentist in Minnesota. He said I had five cavities. I was eighteen at the time and was paying my own bills. I was really upset because in 1977 it would have cost me $500 for five fillings and I was making around $2.80 and hour. I went to another dentist for their opinion, and they said I had one cavity. In 2002 I went to a dentist in Colorado. They said I needed five crowns. I told them to just do the two worst ones. I went to dentists in Minnesota over the years after I moved from Colorado. Not another dentist said I needed any crowns. Don't trust dentists.
@madmark1957
@madmark1957 Ай бұрын
The company in Germany allowed you to take less than the statutory minimum number of days off. I find that hard to believe as they would be in a legally difficult position.
@Steeler-wg5zo
@Steeler-wg5zo Ай бұрын
standing already with one foot in prison...so to say...
@amerubix185
@amerubix185 Ай бұрын
Is he an employee at all? He speaks of gigs, so maybe he works as a freelancer. Would also fit to half a year in Germany for one company and half a year in the US for another company. At least, that's what I understood.
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
There must have been some arrangement, have no fear. These things are always done legally.
@duke6321
@duke6321 Ай бұрын
@@amerubix185 Jay runs his own business in the USA (JS fashion label) and lives alternately in Germany and the USA. His partner is German, so they share a place of residence in both countries.
@amerubix185
@amerubix185 Ай бұрын
@@duke6321 Thank you!
@sunflowermyeyes9758
@sunflowermyeyes9758 8 күн бұрын
Love to hear these thoughts and your honesty ❤ it was good to hear some of the positive sides to Germany. I sometimes forget ❤
@Antreas_1994
@Antreas_1994 Ай бұрын
02:05 as a European who takes free and high quality health care for granted, that hit REALLY hard. The fact that parents can't afford to protect their children from health issues that might arise is... Frightening.
@witlesswonderthe2nd883
@witlesswonderthe2nd883 Ай бұрын
It’s not free they confiscate huge amounts of our money in taxes to pay for it
@warnemunde
@warnemunde Ай бұрын
the health care is not free !!!!
@Checkpoint33333
@Checkpoint33333 Ай бұрын
@@warnemunde compared to what the per capita is spent in the US, yes it is haha
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
@@warnemunde But it costs less and covers you better than what you have to pay monthly to your commercial Health Insurance made in USA. All the Americans who live in Europe (even in Brazil/India/Canada) agree that it is worth paying more taxes. They should know.
@Billy-the-Kid
@Billy-the-Kid Ай бұрын
@@Antreas_1994 Please tell me where its free then... I live in Europe too.
@tabithan2978
@tabithan2978 Ай бұрын
Thank you for this!!! I wish every American would watch this.
@wanderingwarrior5626
@wanderingwarrior5626 Ай бұрын
Most Americans will quickly tune out, get angry, call the messenger lame names, as soon as they realize the messenger is talking truths, about the U.S./Americans that so-called patriotic Americans don't want to hear, acknowledge.
@tabithan2978
@tabithan2978 Ай бұрын
@ If you tell a Republican American that things are better somewhere else, they say ‘Move there!’ Tell a Democrat and they listen with an open mind. 🤷‍♀️
@v2ike6udik
@v2ike6udik 29 күн бұрын
muricans. chewbaccas made you proud slvs
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
@@wanderingwarrior5626 You're right, but also because KZbin has so many US bashing websites, and most are filled with inaccuracies. There are over 335 million people in the US, experiences vary. Even on this page, people use the phrase "Americans", when it should be "some Americans". The country is very different in every geographical location. The other thing is this comparison to Germany. It's nonsense. Germany is so small it fits inside several different US states. Germanys economy is failing, the workforce is aging..it's not like the US at all. Just my opinion, nothing more.
@GoldenPhoenix101
@GoldenPhoenix101 Ай бұрын
I'm surprised you were allowed to not take days off. In the UK, you're required by law to take a minimum number of days off per year, and HR gets really pissy with you if you don't sort them in advance. We'd always have a few people in the office who hadn't taken enough leave at the end of the year, and they'd essentially all be forced to stay home at once, which was annoying for the rest of us.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
He needs a different job if he can't take days off.
@catslikewitches1332
@catslikewitches1332 Ай бұрын
Re consumerism: I believe a lot has not only to do with what Social Media shows, but also how the society overall has changed. This is a very philosophical topic and I could discuss this over hours, so I'll just leave it at that.
@JayStephan
@JayStephan Ай бұрын
Would love to hear more. I’m all about philosophical discussions 😀
@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv
@RedbadvanRijn-ft3vv Ай бұрын
@@JayStephan Do i need the newest most fancy mobile phone,for a lot of more mony than an good enough mobile?? No. I can even replace it after several years,with an more modern mobile mobile,,,and stil safe mony
@v2ike6udik
@v2ike6udik 29 күн бұрын
a lot o has to do with not having any balls and acting like monkey see monkey do. full blown narcs.
@ane-louisestampe7939
@ane-louisestampe7939 Ай бұрын
It looks like USians are approaching each other - to my surprice. Apparently y'all agree that health insurance companies are leeches. In stead of focusing on all your diffences and disagreements, find out what you AGREE on, and work together towards it. Decent health care would be a good place to start! Don't just pray to God, it doesn't help!
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
wise words. Good luck USA, and yes, stop praying, start acting. xx
@doju4166
@doju4166 27 күн бұрын
Das Problem bei denen in den USA ist, dass sie den anderen nicht den dreck unter den Fingernägeln gönnen, wenn sie hören, dass sie mehr eingezahlt haben, als jemand mit niedrigem Einkommen, oder gar keinem.
@LambentIchor
@LambentIchor Ай бұрын
Another aspect of the brainwashing is that you have work whenever they ask to show loyalty to the company. As if your neck isn't on the chopping block the minute they need to downsize. The loyalty only goes one way.
@Queensland-girl
@Queensland-girl Ай бұрын
America is the only country in the developed world that does not have universal healthcare. Why isn’t this a deal-breaker for voters?🤷🏻‍♀️
@peterflohr7827
@peterflohr7827 Ай бұрын
Years of propaganda about European "socialism".
@lindam4259
@lindam4259 Ай бұрын
@@peterflohr7827 Definitely...they used to call it being a "nanny state"...brainwashing of the highest degree
@v2ike6udik
@v2ike6udik 29 күн бұрын
voting does not matter, all teams, same team. if you do not understand that, you are properly grainwashed.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
@@peterflohr7827 No, the reality here is that government doesn't run things very well.
@elizabetht5259
@elizabetht5259 27 күн бұрын
@@1972Ray Bureaucracies always have some issues. The Medicare/Medicaid system works pretty well though. Most people’s complaints are that they don’t cover enough. I have used the VA system for years and it’s similar to universal healthcare models from other countries. Never had an issue. Not everything should be giant corporations squeezing folks into bankruptcy for their products.
@wimschoenmakers5463
@wimschoenmakers5463 Ай бұрын
One thing is for sure. Europeans would never make a video in that outfit. We use a shirt like that to wipe the oil from the cars dipstick, not for wearing.
@JayStephan
@JayStephan Ай бұрын
😂
@blochspin
@blochspin Ай бұрын
🤣🤣🤣 i love europeans 🤣🤣🤣
@annepoitrineau5650
@annepoitrineau5650 Ай бұрын
He can do what he wants. His channel. Also, what's wrong with it? It does not look dirty and does not show anything offensive :)
@helgaioannidis9365
@helgaioannidis9365 Ай бұрын
​​@@annepoitrineau5650it's a question of what's considered appropriate clothing in public. A European would see the holes and thinks it's a very old shirt that has been damaged and would either wear it in occasions where the clothes get very dirty with difficult stains or just at home where nobody sees them. As most European countries offer their citizens a minimum guaranteed income, people can afford clothes that are in a good state. So that's what's considered appropriate to wear. It's a cultural thing.
@jennyh4025
@jennyh4025 Ай бұрын
@@annepoitrineau5650 it’s the same as „going grocery shopping in your pyjamas - it’s just something we grew up with as a no go. You „get dressed“ to be out in public, it doesn’t have to be fancy, but there shouldn’t be holes all over the place, it should be clean and not for specific circumstances (like athletic wear, which is fine, if you’re on your way to or from a workout, or pyjamas).
@Quotenwagnerianer
@Quotenwagnerianer Ай бұрын
What I realized over the years, watching all those american produced movies and shows, that a lot of the things, even in the fictionalized stories, like Blade Runner or Batman, are not so much a commentary about humanity as a whole but come from the perspective of writers who live in a society that is headed this way. "Falling Down" was especially eye opening in that regard and that was 30 years ago. You tend to think that all of this is made up, but it is just putting the reality of U.S. society under a looking glass and magnifying it.
@LowPlainsDrifter60
@LowPlainsDrifter60 Ай бұрын
Yep, life imitates fiction & dystopian movies become documentaries. America is heading for a very dark place.
@v2ike6udik
@v2ike6udik 29 күн бұрын
@@LowPlainsDrifter60 it is not imitation, it is programming. hun_ger_games_ia_now
@izabelasiczek3547
@izabelasiczek3547 29 күн бұрын
👏👏👏
@lennyjay22GbgLALV
@lennyjay22GbgLALV Ай бұрын
Great video! Swedish born and raised, lived in L.A. for 26 years. Now living in Las Vegas for the last 4 1/2 years. The observations are so true. I finally found a good dentist in Hollywood (and she is from Egypt) and before that I got ripped off for 5K with another dentist that said the same thing they told you (gum disease etc...) what a crock....it is all about $$$.....and the same with work. No vacation time at all for the most part in the USA. I love living in the USA, but there are a few things that are better in Europe for sure.
@JayStephan
@JayStephan Ай бұрын
I also love living in the USA just as much I love living in Germany but for very different reasons 😀 .
@kjwilson862
@kjwilson862 Ай бұрын
Absolutely bang on mate 👍
@RustyDust101
@RustyDust101 Ай бұрын
Hehe, Jay, you really put that company in a pickle by not taking your vacation days. If you were an employee at the time, not a freelancer, you actually forced them into a situation of violating employee protection laws. A minimum of 20 days for eight hours per day, five days a week, is the minimum. More days for more work days. However most companies sign employment contracts with 28 or even 30 days of vacation days.
@johnbrennick8738
@johnbrennick8738 Ай бұрын
USA poses a vibe that entrepreneurs are heroes, but USA makes it harder to be an entrepreneur because of the health insurance system and laws and lack of basic healthcare coverage.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
Nonsense. The US is the best place to start a business. Over 95% of all business in the US is small business. We own an accounting firm, healthcare is expensive but affordable.
@johnbrennick8738
@johnbrennick8738 29 күн бұрын
@ many people stay employees of large corporations for the healthcare benefits … fewer entrepreneurs … more incentives than in many European countries but many people don’t take the risk because of healthcare
@Siegbert85
@Siegbert85 Ай бұрын
I find it funny how many movies and shows made in the US are centered around people having medical dept of some sorts and go into crime to solve it. Those shows would never work in a European setting.
@v2ike6udik
@v2ike6udik 29 күн бұрын
3mznz make ppl go evil
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
European setting? Every country?
@Siegbert85
@Siegbert85 29 күн бұрын
@@1972Ray I wouldn't know. Not in the major industry nations at least.
@impopquiz
@impopquiz Ай бұрын
My team always plan our PTF (private time off) every year to check if any clashes with any teammates will be an issue. Also, you will be given priority over the “last min” applications.
@noddycool2703
@noddycool2703 Ай бұрын
I really enjoy listening to your musings.
@joergrauber1541
@joergrauber1541 27 күн бұрын
Danke. Sehr interessante Einschätzungen 👍 Indeed we in Germany often forget how good and save our living is compared to others ...
@berndhofmann752
@berndhofmann752 Ай бұрын
You describe it quite good! I live as a German Management consultant in Spain. It's much better living. Relaxed. I don't need all this things! I need my freedom! That's all. ❤😂❤😂
@nahha9529
@nahha9529 Ай бұрын
So what's better-Germany or Spain?
@berndhofmann752
@berndhofmann752 29 күн бұрын
@nahha9529 Spain definitively! Sunny, Sunny people, relaxed Lifestyle
@rainerhorn3524
@rainerhorn3524 23 күн бұрын
That is interesting: I am from Germany and I was living in the US between 1997 and 2001. And I made the observation: A lot Americans are so focused on what they can afford. To be accepted in society, to feel better for themselves or just to impress others. Of course, we have the same phenomenon here among lower education levels, but the subtile pressure from society to consume just does not exist here in Germany and I like that very much about my country.
@achimschroter8046
@achimschroter8046 Ай бұрын
The expat communities in Europe are full of complaints over the us healthcare system overseas, more so nowadays. But I think the complaint is wrongfully addressed at the government. It's part of the truth that the citizens, the voters, don't want public healthcare. Period. For what reason ever. They gather around the flag for what reason ever but when it comes to unifie for a really good project they will say : nah it's my life. Deal with your own problems. Hard to understand but there are the people themselves to blame. No insurance company no government no political party. It's only the people and the mindset
@inuendo6365
@inuendo6365 Ай бұрын
It's both the culture and the government being run by big business. The US culture is extremely individualistic, especially since the Cold War, and their media keeps that feedback loop going by promoting stories of singular "winners" of the populace even though it's a mostly false narrative. Meanwhile the government officials have been bought and paid for by corporations, including the massive and greedy healthcare business over there, so the government itself is incentivised to help their donors' keep the money flowing.
@chrysalis4126
@chrysalis4126 Ай бұрын
They are brainwashed to think anything "socialist" must be very bad to the extent that even if you point out it is much cheaper to pay some of your taxes and get universal healthcare than it is to pay for private insurance they don't believe it.
@klugblogger-mitsharyreeves8229
@klugblogger-mitsharyreeves8229 28 күн бұрын
I also lived in California as a young person, and when I was born, we even lived in New York for a while. Later, we moved to England and then returned to Germany. I grew up in Germany and was born there, holding a German passport. My parents are from East Africa, and my father worked as a diplomat in the U.S., which is how we ended up there. Having experienced both sides, I can make some comparisons. And honestly, I have to say that while we complain a lot in Germany and are dissatisfied with many things, when I compare it to the U.S. today, I am quite grateful to live in Europe-specifically in Germany-rather than in the U.S. I feel the same way as you do, and by the way, you really inspire me. It’s true: when people surround themselves with negative individuals, they quickly absorb that negativity and act accordingly. It’s like a plague. And that’s exactly what happened during the election in your country. On the other hand, I still firmly believe that the election didn’t run fairly, and I have hope that one day this will come to light. At least, that’s my belief. Nevertheless, thank you for sharing your perspective-it might help me see Germany in a different light again and realize that things here aren’t so bad after all. Sure, there are areas we can and should improve to create a better future and foster better relationships. Finally, social media has changed the entire world-and unfortunately, our country as well. You’re absolutely right about that. Thank you for your post. 🇩🇪✌🏾🥰
@JayStephan
@JayStephan 28 күн бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@J10044
@J10044 Ай бұрын
Hope you'll be able to buy a proper t-shirt soon.
@JayStephan
@JayStephan Ай бұрын
😂…that’s actually funny - thank you
@michaelashley2855
@michaelashley2855 Ай бұрын
@@J10044 German wages are another story
@peter_meyer
@peter_meyer Ай бұрын
Um, why? Looks like a good t-shirt to wear for work...
@stahlknecht7872
@stahlknecht7872 Ай бұрын
you are such a nice, self reflecting guy! i wish you all the best!
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
@@stahlknecht7872 Amen to that
@grace-yz2sr
@grace-yz2sr Ай бұрын
You are right about consumerism in Germany, I am afraid... However, with inflation and the economy going down overall, many people will need to think more about what they spend their money on.
@youradhere5761
@youradhere5761 Ай бұрын
@@grace-yz2sr so long as a person has enough money to stay of trouble, has good health, loves and is loved, what else do they need?
@natalyaa4928
@natalyaa4928 29 күн бұрын
Healthcare is the first thing you notice when you move abroad - how easy and affordable it is. No one can afford the US healthcare prices anywhere in the world so you never see them as high. Especially when you buy meds in the pharmacy, it is mind blowing how cheap Rx meds are everywhere else!
@cathywithac
@cathywithac Ай бұрын
True about dentists. I am terrified of going to the dentist. Always have been. My goal is to get out of that chair as fast as possible. I turned down an extra treatment that they offered that I did not need. They said, 'But it's covered by your insurance!" I found a new dentist.
@Kritiker313
@Kritiker313 Ай бұрын
Years ago, when my private practice dentist was on vacation and thus unavailable, I was lured into a big dental clinic by a low price tooth cleaning. Surprisingly, the hygienist there spent less than 10 minutes cleaning my teeth, while all the while she explained to me that my teeth were so clean, she didn't need to do much. Needless to say, I was very disappointed because the hygienist at my regular dentist's practice spends probably 35-40 minutes cleaning my teeth. After the so-called cleaning, a dentist looked at my teeth then told me I had 4 cavities that needed filling. I'd never had even one cavity in my life so I was really taken aback by this news. Upon returning to my private dentist, I was assured that I had no cavities. I'll never again trust big box dental clinics. They are a scam and there's nothing honorable about a dentist who after taking the Hippocratic Oath, lies to a patient so he can make money by performing an unnecessary procedure.
@toms2882
@toms2882 21 күн бұрын
Just discovered your video by accident. Thanks for your external view. This is very important for both for our countries. I think, we can learn a lot from each other! From an outsider's perspective looking at the US, it seems to me that the US has lost sight of its goal. In the past (around 80-00), the big dream for many Germans was to live and work in the USA. From dishwasher to millionaire was a vision that you could earn a certain level of prosperity through hard work. That was tempting for many Germans. And some may have found happiness. But the US lost its reputation and not much is left of this dream. I now have the impression that many Americans feel the same way and are fed up with this consumerism, polarization, and the divide of society. Black and white, but nothing in between. Maybe my impression is wrong, but ironically, more and more Americans seem to be discovering Germany and Europe as a good place to live. Now we have to watch helplessly as our friends in the USA fall prey to the very fascism we had overcome 80 years before. We are not immune to fascism, but we have had experience of it. I sincerely hope that my fears do not materialize. But if the USA now has to learn this hard lesson too, it won't end well. Ultimately, we need to find a way to be at peace with our neighbors, although we might not share the color, income, sexual orientation or identity, or its origin. I really hope Americans find a way. Good luck!
@KoenVandevelde
@KoenVandevelde Ай бұрын
What a wise speech! Thanks!
@j.d.445
@j.d.445 11 күн бұрын
Dane here 👋. There's a huge difference between European countries vs the US in regards to quality of life. I'm grateful living in a country with universal healthcare etc. and I gladly pay my taxes. I get my money back and make sure that other people in need can get the help they need or the education they want. Thank you for sharing 👍
@arthurzengeler8296
@arthurzengeler8296 Ай бұрын
I went to Germany last summer, for one month, from the U.S. I liked it so much, I'm now studying German, and plan to go back, next summer. I was going to Ukraine, every summer, for many years. I met with many Ukrainian refugees, which Germany was helping, and they were very grateful for that. However, in the U.S., things are very good for me. I was disabled in a car accident, and the government put me on Social Security Disability, then gives me a monthly allowance, and covers most of my medical expenses. It also started giving dental insurance, a couple years ago. And ironically, in Germany, I was once wearing my best shirt. There was a label imprinted on the pocket, which said "Boss". A German man said it is a German shirt. In the U.S., I think I paid only 2 or 3 dollars for it, at a 2nd hand shop. And I noticed a salad spinner, which gets the water out of the produce. In Germany, it was on sale, for $24. Here I got the same one, which looked like new, for $1. I got it at a yard sale. Still, I noticed how cheap the food was in Germany, and better quality than here. To me, that is most important.
@dudeduderino875
@dudeduderino875 27 күн бұрын
Remember a couple of years ago the news mentioned that only 17% of Americans own an international passport. So only a minority could leave the country to explore other places. On the "work life balance side": always surprised to see that my US co-workers only take a few days off as break and when I ask them all said that it not common to be away from work for longer or even weeks. Maybe to scared to not climb the corporate ladder. Run up debt, consume over your means... I fully agree that is the wrong path to follow. Thanks for your openness and transparency ;-) Keep it up
@abolishthemonarchynow
@abolishthemonarchynow Ай бұрын
i love your tshirt!🥰
Ай бұрын
I've lived in Californian all my life and have always had medical and dental care. Until I turned 23, I was fulled covered under my father's employer-sponsored medical and dental insurance. After 23, I was covered under my employer-sponsored medical and dental insurance. When I became self-employed, I was covered under medical and dental insurance that I paid for.
@Dutch1961
@Dutch1961 Ай бұрын
There's so much wrong with the American employment system. At will employment agreements, the lack of a federaly mandated minimum of pto, health insurance as a 'benefit' instead of as a right are devastating to the wellbeing of employees.
@camiller4916
@camiller4916 Ай бұрын
I took a job once Becuz the hours allowed me to pick up my kid from school. Well come to find out, I was expected to work until 8 or 9 pm each night, when I was supposed to get off at 3. So surprise, I got fired for leaving work “early.”
@Dutch1961
@Dutch1961 Ай бұрын
@camiller4916 I work 4 days a week, of which 2 days from home, and I basically get to decide my own working schedule. My performance metric is my output, not whether I'm 'in' between 9am and 5pm or not. I even worked a couple of hours yesterday, on a sunday, just because I could. I'll compensate these hours sometime during coming week. I've already planned and booked three vacations for next year. My coworkers don't mind to do (part of) my work because they will go on vacation too and then I'll take over part of their work. As an elder person with no kids going to school I always plan my vacations outside of the school holidays so my younger coworkers who do have small kids can take theirs during the school holidays. And when I m on vacation I leave my work phone at home. I'm incommunicado for most people. Only the coworkers that are taking over my work have my private phone number so they can call if they have any questions. Hasn't happend so far.
@marcmanchesterunited6212
@marcmanchesterunited6212 28 күн бұрын
Thanks for your sharing this video.
@suziewoo2820
@suziewoo2820 Ай бұрын
Healthcare in germany is not free. But it covers every thing what is necessary.
@joesoy9185
@joesoy9185 Ай бұрын
Well, it´s undergoing big reforms at the moment. It needs it, as there is a lot of waste in the system, It´s still a problem for many people to get a doctor´s appointment. Let´s wait and see what happens after the upcoming elections.
@Dancing_Alone_wRentals
@Dancing_Alone_wRentals 29 күн бұрын
Excellent points on the healthcare. I gave up on the healthcare, realized that it was up to me to eat properly. I'm walking on thin ice each day but at one point I was paying 2,000 per month...eventually I just could not keep up. I've been to the dentist in Europe and have been very pleased.
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
The fact that he puts a spotlight on the ignorance of Americans and their false pride is wonderful but it still has the long way to go before that makes a change in this country they're just too stupid to do something about it they don't want to do anything about it the government gets elected and nothing is done.... Thing I hate the most is you always have to look over your shoulder who's trying to scam you and cash money off of you for most of the time that you don't need to pay out just because they want to make money ‼️
@frapo-cu2um
@frapo-cu2um Ай бұрын
as an european we do not go to the usa any more!!
@tabithan2978
@tabithan2978 Ай бұрын
Smart.
@oceanwave4502
@oceanwave4502 Ай бұрын
I would say high-performant Europeans go to the US anyway, for oppportunities. You know economic situation in EU is getting worse and worse? France/Germany's government broke up... Great uncertainties and turbulence are coming!
@leviathon2
@leviathon2 Ай бұрын
@@oceanwave4502 Go there for economic opportunities but live in Europe.
@Henning_Rech
@Henning_Rech Ай бұрын
@@oceanwave4502 US is going straight to hell after January 20.
@kayleekayt3306
@kayleekayt3306 Ай бұрын
Haha because Trump is not going to be turbulent at all. Also a coalition breaking up happens an election is not the political system falling apart
@l.t.m.a.6968
@l.t.m.a.6968 29 күн бұрын
I’m with you, brother. Same exact experiences living in the US and Europe.
@HolgerJakobs
@HolgerJakobs Ай бұрын
Actually, similar things have happened to me in Germany as well. In ~1983 a dentist told me after examining it with an xray that a tooth was dead and going to give a lot of trouble soon if not extracted. Mind you, I still have this tooth and no other dentist ever saw any problem with this tooth again. A similar story happened again just a couple of years ago. My advice is: always get a second opinion if some dentist wants to extract a tooth or apply some costly treatment.
@delightfulsquirtle
@delightfulsquirtle Ай бұрын
@@HolgerJakobs a dead tooth doesn't meant it's useless right? It can be treated, and stay in your jaw for many years or decades.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
Nope, it only happens in the US, you must be mistaken.
@planetofthepete
@planetofthepete Ай бұрын
The political observations are quite apt - Europe is showing the emergence of L/R wing extremism, but this is noticeable for its stark contrast to the decades of centrist politics. The beauty of centrism has always been the dialogue. At its heart is an engagement with the details - with the complexities of political visions. Engaging with the dialogue from a 'grown-up' mindset means that compromise is possible and adjustments are baked in.
@wudgee
@wudgee Ай бұрын
Interesting hearing your viewpoint which corresponds to how I see America. As a Brit living in France I feel lucky, we are the free ones. Having time off is a right and needed for good health and also mental balance. We don’t tip and prices shown are what you pay. With respect American culture sounds horrendous to me. I was a bit distracted by all the holes in your tee shirt, but caught most of what you said. I’m glad to hear Americans realising the problemss with their country, hopefully this will change things.
@zman4444
@zman4444 Ай бұрын
Never understood this kind of thinking, I never ever cared what other people think about me. Always go for experiences and friendships, no for disposable soon to be obsolete garbage.
@shonaharris9328
@shonaharris9328 Ай бұрын
Consumerism is the saddest thing in America. There’s so much waste of money on things instead of experiences and security. It’s also bad for the planet.
@ColleenC-n5v
@ColleenC-n5v 29 күн бұрын
Hi Jay….I really appreciate this discussion. Do you notice a difference in the wisdom/intellectual/cultural aspects of the two cultures? Is one more dumbed-down than the other? I’m not phrasing this very well. But when I lived in the UK, the feeling was that Americans weren’t as in tune or on-the-ball with what was going on in the world around them, and that this spilled into the arena of academia and university cultures, etc. Thanks for your thoughtful perspective. Peace and Love and Light.☮🎄☮🎄☮🎄
@johnholkham2420
@johnholkham2420 29 күн бұрын
America is the best county in the world, till you leave it then you realise it’s a country run by the rich for the rich.
@wasylowskir
@wasylowskir 28 күн бұрын
When I graduated I got a job at Arthur Anderson in Chicago. The newbies were treated to a lavish welcome buffet then herded into an auditorium where we were told the following: Look to your right. Now, look to your left. One of those people will not survive a month here. Forget a 40 hour week, that is bare minimum.
@Patrik6920
@Patrik6920 Ай бұрын
Things are usually not black and white, and its refreshing se a Merican understanding that .. hope u take this mindset back to US .. thay need it more than ever .. make small rings in the water ... teach another way ...
@scheinchen70
@scheinchen70 12 күн бұрын
Coming from Germany 😇 I saw the torn shirt first 😇 then the dirty wall😇 And felt very german 🤐 But I spend the 90s in the USA with my very own Gi-Jo. And must say that all of this is true. But the ppl (strangers) in the US are much kinder and helpful than any German (stranger) They all got their own success and views on their mind. Where as ppl in the US get together and help an individual that is down on their luck. I realize it has been 24 years since I left the US but I will carry that kindness with me for the rest if my life! Stay kind folks 🫂♥️
@DanielMuniz-pz4hm
@DanielMuniz-pz4hm Ай бұрын
i l have lived in Germany going on 4 years now. lived in France for almost 10 years (not that it is really germane, but I am a homeboy born in East LA). I agree for the most part with your perspectives about life here in Germany vs. USA. However, there are 2 things worth mentioning about life here (Berlin). The smoking!!! hate it and it is everywhere. And, a great many people apparently do not consider a daily shower/bath as a necessity.
@ingridvonschoenholtz4455
@ingridvonschoenholtz4455 Ай бұрын
Wenn diese letzten Dinge Ihr eigentliches Problem beschreiben, können Sie sich glücklich schätzen, keine schlimmeren zu haben. Und im Übrigen, unsere Grenzen sind offen. Jedem steht es frei, unser Land zu verlassen. Ich wünsche Ihnen ein glückliches Leben.
@fridocalifornia6276
@fridocalifornia6276 Ай бұрын
Smoking in public places is legal in some states e.g. Nevada, and Arizona. I would rather be around people who don't shower daily than people with guns. Also, dermatologists don't recommend using soap for daily showers.
@taralynnhoffmann5831
@taralynnhoffmann5831 Ай бұрын
I have spent a lot of time in Germany and I am from Canada, married to a German. I disagree with you. Germans are much more hygenic and clean than Americans/Canadians. People here walk around with neck beards and bushes under their arms. Dirty and especially slovenly clothes. Both men and women are much more clean and trimmed in Germany. Here, people wear pyjamas and slippers to school and work, I have never seen that in Germany.
@taralynnhoffmann5831
@taralynnhoffmann5831 Ай бұрын
There is much more smoking in France, I find. But I liked it when we were there. It gave an ambiance of freedom and ''Vivre et laisser vivre''. Here in Canada people complain about absolutely anything fun. We let off fireworks for our Indian friends at their Diwali festival and my friend was arrested. I don't smoke but I like things maybe smokers don't like...we all have to be a bit less anal in America. You onlyl live once, get over it.
@rushrunner7
@rushrunner7 Ай бұрын
Agree. You can feel calmer when you’re not in the USA especially since we are on the brink of war here. Really liked this video.
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
How about if you try the insurance company refused my treatment so I'm going to die in 6 months does that make you feel safe I'm sure it does......
@lotusjp
@lotusjp 29 күн бұрын
Unintelligent comment really
@michaelme1548
@michaelme1548 Ай бұрын
It’s currently hard to find good workers in the US. There is a generational problem. I’m not saying that there are not any good young workers. I’m saying that percentage wise there are a lot fewer of them. It seems to be getting worse every year.
@winterlinde5395
@winterlinde5395 Ай бұрын
… and to force them into hiding or deport them won’t help either.
@Marcosteve-q7d
@Marcosteve-q7d Ай бұрын
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@AnthonyVargas-b7h
@AnthonyVargas-b7h Ай бұрын
This name sounds mighty familiar!
@Marcosteve-q7d
@Marcosteve-q7d Ай бұрын
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@Marcosteve-q7d
@Marcosteve-q7d Ай бұрын
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@Marcosteve-q7d
@Marcosteve-q7d Ай бұрын
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@Derrickriggs-m7b
@Derrickriggs-m7b Ай бұрын
"Having a mentor is essential for accountability. I've been guided by Evelyn Vera for years and highly recommend her. Initially, I was hesitant to let someone manage my finances, but I'm glad I took the leap."
@andreaswoehler26
@andreaswoehler26 27 күн бұрын
A very smart analysis.
@grandmak.
@grandmak. Ай бұрын
I really like your thoughtful reflections on the differences between the USA and Germany. As to the healthcare system it's beyond me why a super wealthy country like the US has such a bad system. I guess it's because of the right wing's weird perception of the 'American Dream' and their obsession with any social accomplishment that helps people to allegedly being ' socialist', 'communist' and/or 'marxist'. Which of course proves their ignorance of political concepts and the fact that in the 21st century being poor doesn't mean being lazy - not even to mention the systemic racism that is on the rise again. As to consumerism I just had the idea that maybe it is some kind of substitute for the lack of free time for bonding with friends and family and taking good care of yourself ? As a retired teacher in Germany I often experienced that parents who generally spent very little time and didn't take much care were the ones who bought their kids the most expensive presents. Work - life balance: I totally agree with you. What's the point of working your a.. off instead of living your life ? I was married to a workaholic for 35 years and finally left because I had never felt so lonely in my life and had nothing to talk about with him because all he could talk about was is job. A bad waste of time. Politics : I've been watching American politics on a daily basis since 2015 ( I admit I can't cope with FOX so I watch msnbc, cnn and some progressive channels and as opposed to you I'm extremely worried. I also find it ridiculous that people plaster their front yards with signs and over decorate their cars with all kinds of huge flags including the confederate flag. But I wonder if you have noticed that the German political landscape has changed, too ? Since the extreme right wing AfD has become part of Bundestag the tone has become vulgar and offensive. There are also threats going from right to left, especially members of the Green Party have become victims of threats, hate speech, misogyny and xenophobia - very similar if not yet quite as bad as in the USA. My guess is they all are consumers of the same Russian influenced propaganda machine.
@WailuaMark
@WailuaMark 28 күн бұрын
Greetings from Tucson, Arizona! The dental care experience hit hard for me. In 2018 I was diagnosed with gum disease and was told told a back tooth was bad and needed to be removed. I wasn’t happy at all but I agreed to have it removed thinking that I would have a permanent synthetic tooth placed there. After healing time, I returned to the dentist office to have the pulled tooth area prepared for the permanent replacement tooth. I was negligent by not asking the cost of the replacement tooth before the removal of the back tooth. I was assuming it would be around $2k (USD) max. But I was WAY off! It was going to cost me over $7k (USD) on the low end estimate!!!! I was shocked!! I couldn’t afford that and that $7k would be my responsibility to pay (AFTER) my insurance paid their part. Needless to say, I still haven’t replaced that back tooth. I was taken advantage of and lied to. I realized at the time that I was lied to and that tooth most likely a healthy tooth. Over six years later, I haven’t returned to see a dentist. I’m diligent with my own daily oral care but over these past years, I now need my teeth to be professionally cleaned. This experience took place in Spokane, Washington. I move are around all over America, by choice, as I please because I can. I’m just a Nomadic guy with itchy feet. I’m currently residing in Tucson. I won’t ever return to that dentist in Spokane! I have no pain in my mouth but I do understand that cavities (or something else) could be lurking. I’m just fearful to see another dentist. Medical corruption seems to be an understated issue in America. I don’t have the luxury of going to a dentist in Germany. I am about 80 miles/129 km (from the Mexico side of Nogales where I could find a dentist. That’s an option, I guess. The other things that you touched on in this video are absolutely valid, in my opinion. Good video! Thanks for giving me a place to vent my frustration. New subscriber here. All the best!!!
@GuntherBalda
@GuntherBalda Ай бұрын
7'24This way of thinking can be found all over the world in some countries more in others less.Only in the usa is this way of thinking common among almost everyone,becouse they are told from young age that they should have as much of everything as possible but that is only why ther are born.Meanwihille they do not realise that the majority of them were only brought into the world to make a very,very small number of people incredible rich.They are kept as ignorent as possible so that they continue to believe that anything that would make things more comfortable for them is communismus and the majority believe it.
@DartsGondel
@DartsGondel Ай бұрын
Sadly, as a German I feel that cosumerism is growing here indeed. However, second hand clothes have become a popular thing
@burkhardstackelberg1203
@burkhardstackelberg1203 Ай бұрын
Politics: In Europe, they talk to each other. In the US, they yell at each other.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
Europe? All of Europe, talking to each other solving problems, no yelling in all of Europe.
@a5cent
@a5cent 3 күн бұрын
This is too superficial. It's also not true. I've seen fistfights in European parliaments. The real issue is this: In Europe we still agree on what the problems are (security, climate change, income inequality, etc). In the USA we don't fight about solutions. We fight about the state of reality and what even needs to be solved. It's impossible to find common ground in that environment.
@burkhardstackelberg1203
@burkhardstackelberg1203 Күн бұрын
@@a5cent Thank you for clarification!
@luislaborda4347
@luislaborda4347 29 күн бұрын
Jay, born in Argentina, I've been living in Canada for almost 21 years now... Even when Canada and USA have different health system models, the problems are not so different.. In the case of the dentist, for example, the service in here is horrible and expensive... I never understood why I have to pay here hundreds of dollars for the same service that cost me almost nothing in Argentina and, most of the time, the service in Argentina is infinitely better. Take care.
@anne-lillandersson3752
@anne-lillandersson3752 29 күн бұрын
to me as a Swede I find it unbeleivable paying so much for education, with absolute no guaranty of getting a good job, having an education that serves the population, such as teacher, nurse etc, and still not be able to afford daily lifes expensives, not to mentioning those without education, needing about tree job for having food at the table, same thing about medical care, beeing the richest country in the world it is repugnant.....and all the money going into these election campagnes .....what a waste...
@markbridges2309
@markbridges2309 29 күн бұрын
To get rid of comsumset is always about awareness. Knowing what are you doing, why are you doing it and which results does it have on you and others. My first big insight was that I don't care about others what they think about me. It is also impermanent, they can think what ever they want. For me it ment to grow up. 😊
@aaronbono4688
@aaronbono4688 Ай бұрын
What you need to understand is that Trump and his ilk do not want to let us live the way we want to live they want to tell us how we should live and force it down our throats. And as for you not being stressed about him winning well I guess you can leave the country if things get bad.
@1972Ray
@1972Ray 29 күн бұрын
You have it backwards. It's the liberals that want to dictate how we live down to the terms we use for sexuality. Liberal culture is cancel culture. Besides, put up a better candidate in 4 years and Trumps gone. Don't put up a Kamala Harris, the weakest candidate in decades.
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