4 Questions NOT TO ASK Americans

4 questions to stay away from when chatting with Americans.
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[@faithimbored7174]

I'm American , why am I watching this

[@theguystealingyourinternet3712]

to see what other people do in other countries

[@beckysberries4441]

Bean Love cats Same😂

[@issac9930]

Bean Love cats Me too. I watch this stuff a lot, just to see what people say about us :P

[@lil_vault_boy4201]

Bean Love cats Because Texas is really different from the rest of America.

[@ryanroberts2598]

Same. I just think it's crazy how other people view us as

[@Tukemuth]

There's really no need to ask an American who they voted for. You can usually tell that after a very short conversation.

[@jamesslick4790]

Not always true. I'm a genuine Conservative American who wouldn't have voted for Trump, even if he literally PAID me to. He ain't no Reagan!

[@fireflyfireworks668]

And you sadly only have a 50/50 chance... most the time

[@Tukemuth]

Feuerwerks FunGE There aren't only 2 political options.

[@user-oe8cw8uj8y]

+Feuerwerks FunGE In the Primary's you Can only vote for Republican or Democrat in most states. And only people from those 2 parties can take part in Presidential Debates (Actually that's not just for Presidential Elections). But you are right there are more options so it's not exactly 50/50 It's more like 49.8/49.8/0.2 give or take, and only the 2 main parties will win state's popular and district votes, so in a Presidential election only they can get the Electoral votes, and one needs 270 to win.

[@isaacadams6898]

or just look and see if theyre a millenial and if they are fat or their hair is dyed

[@ludwigneuman261]

1. "Who did you vote for in the last election?" Why? Because the country is divided 2. "How much money do you earn?" Why? Too personal 3, "How much did your -insert expensive item gere- cost?" Why? Too personal 4. "So what religion are you?" Why? Too personal I just saved you 10 minutes

[@yhvhdrdar]

Are you fat or just pregnant?

[@SWLinPHX]

Would be more, "Are you pregnant or just fat?"

[@rushii4108]

legend

[@mard1_a]

Ludwig Neuman Thaaaaankkss

[@XxMadnessXx]

Ludwig Neuman thank you, I'm out of here already

[@sandrarivera1262]

Honestly, in America, you can start a conversation with anyone

[@michaelmier9512]

America is a country. I should know, I live in America.

[@ianmichalski7997]

Sandra Howell that's not true. There are unfriendly people like me living here.

[@ivylasangrienta6093]

Except foreigners.

[@gihrenzabi7271]

It seems to be about 50/50 between the willing people and he people that get pissed off. The trick is telling them apart.

[@Thesdr666]

Andre Soria Cardenas- America is a Part of the North American Continent- and the world over, when someone says America or American, everyone knows they are referring to the USA.

[@garnetcookley2012]

"how are your college applications going"

[@matthewvanderbach9331]

man that gets me the most!

[@iiLitez]

good one, fucking hate when i get asked that or anything similar

[@JE-vv3nj]

"what are you doing with your life? what's your plan for the future?" what is this a fucking job interview?? 😂😂 hate it!

[@jelonek7790]

Jenna Fite tbh it's normal question for europeans that you ve met once or twice. we just really care about our friends future ahahahaah

[@HawkinaBox]

worst question to ask

[@babybabekiss]

I noticed that Germans (including me) have no problem talking about how much they earn on a side job, like how much they get paid per hour, but when it comes to real jobs and a fixed income it feels much more personal.

[@n.a.2329]

yes exactly. a lot of my friends have a part time job and it's no problem to ask them how much they earn per hour. but i would never ask someone that has a full-time job about their salary.

[@FiveOClockTea]

the same :) my mom actually explained to me as a kid that I should never ask about how much money someone earns :-)

[@FJAYpd]

That's actually very true.

[@silver924]

Same here. In my experience its not a problem, if you ask a teenager how much they make, but its really really uncomfortable if you ask or are beng asked how much o you earn, if you are in "the real world". So I thing point 2 is not really 100% true.

[@Nutzername92a]

Agree. I also think it depends on the person's age. I would never ever ask someone above 40 years how much he/she earns. I know this person would be really really offended by this question. But younger people are generally okay with this question.

[@emmabemma7467]

98% of people watching this is from the US and just is trying to see what other people say about us lol

[@bestgameralive1]

lmfao

[@tacosandanimearelife3207]

I'm American. I feel really uncomfortable with people trying to make small talk to me.

[@drsnova7313]

As a German, I don't find it strange at all to get into a deep conversation with strangers at a party, but not into any conversation while queueing in a supermarket. We Germans tend to have very compartmentalized lives. Our private life, our work life, and so on. A party is a social event, so we socialize. A supermarket is not, so we don't. "How much do you earn" is also a pretty rude question in Germany. You don't ever ask that. The exception being, of course, unusual jobs where you don't have an idea what even a usual salary is. Like being a youtuber. Asking about the price of an item you bought...yes, that seems pretty normal to me. Religion, again, pretty much the same over here as you describe. It might come up for a certain reason (for example if you have a church wedding), but it's never something you just randomly ask someone about. As for myself: I would not mind being asked about religion, politics, or how much I paid for something, but I would refuse to discuss my salary.

[@CanadianMonarchist]

As a Canadian, I would feel the same way.

[@W4ldgeist]

Spot on. Salary is off limits.

[@Siegbert85]

You would ask "can you live on that?" if it's an unusual job the other one hasn't necessarily heard about.

[@Sssadow]

I'm American but I totally agree with you in that going to the grocery store isn't a social outing so I don't enjoy socializing with anyone there. My family thinks it's odd, but if I am going to the store, bank, church etc I'd prefer to just accomplish what I planned to accomplish and leave the chatting out of it. But if I'm at a party talking is welcomed and often fun.

[@0MoTheG]

"refuse to discuss my salary" Why? because it is obscene? Because you would like to let people think it were something else? It is true that one does not generally talk about it but I see nothing wrong with it. Only people who think a person is worth as much as it makes or who think that they make more than they contribute to society would not talk about it.

[@pathologicallydead7210]

I wouldn't ask someone how much money they make anywhere in the world

[@amandaconstanza]

Why not? is a good way to rate a temporary job for example

[@mktulpa]

I'm gonna assume you're American, so, as a fellow American, I'd just like to tell you that the only reason why Americans don't ask about salaries and wages is on account of the suppression of the labor movement here. Now, it is illegal to do this and has been since like 1948, but many companies will tell their workers that they aren't allowed to talk to other employees about their wages and salaries. This forces employees into a situation of unequal bargaining power -- if they don't know the going rate for their job at their company, how would they be able to figure out how much more money they should be getting when their union renegotiates their contract? This sort of practice has become so common since the late 60's, 70's, and 80's that even people outside of professions or jobs that typically have associated unions (which would be most people nowadays) conceal their salaries even though they don't go through the collective bargaining process at all. This is a case where American culture was manufactured by businesses and a collaborating government that wanted to reduce the power of labor unions. The crazy thing to me is that people still wonder why the labor movement in the US failed! Even human resources info sources that tell you the truth (most of it at least) are full of ideology in the US: www.payscale.com/career-news/2015/05/'silicon-valley'-illustrates-why-salary-transparency-is-so-important

[@cy8125]

I had a colleague I was very comfortable with and viewed as a friend. I made the mistake of mentioning my income. The next day she went to our boss saying that I told her how much I make and that she is upset that her income is less and wants a raise. My boss didn't scold or punish me, but things weren't the same after that. I wished then and still wish I had never opened my mouth. That is why you don't talk about it.

[@mktulpa]

+C York That's why you should talk about it, you goof. Your boss needs you, but you don't need your boss! Demand fair pay!

[@cy8125]

My state is a right to work state. Basically, they fire you and replace you in a flash if they want. Demanding does not matter if you have no union, and hardly any job has a union. Teachers have them and you constantly hear people complaining that they do, even though they would be worked into the ground even more than they are if they didn't have unions.

[@neptaliramirez5840]

"What gender are you?"

[@squirrel_of_mistri8565]

LoL Is there any place on earth where that goes over well?

[@tobyrowland1679]

I class myself as an apache helicopter

[@miamazingness]

hahahahahaa

[@9999plato]

That was clever and oh so true sadly. It should never even need to be a question. In NYC if your gender was unclear either they were messing with you or you were looking for a problem. That's how things were, and for the most part still are. People who say no have probably never seen someone beaten to an inch of their lives with a tire iron, or other things that happen when backs are turned.

[@anonymousperson748]

Yup, that can get you killed or injured badly in some places. As well as talking about politics. That is a great divide. I know of a certain political group in the wrong political area. The group is in a secret location, but their house has been shot at. Tattle tales or blabber mouths aren't appreciated.

[@tapewormrage]

"How's your healthcare?" "Any luck with those student loans?" "The constant threat of nuclear annihilation kinda sucks, huh?"

[@bastianhirmann7714]

“How bout that school shooters, huh?”

[@neverhavingfun]

“How does it feel that you and only 4 other countries can literally take over most countries with ease unlike the persons country who commented under this?”

[@jackstealo7518]

@@neverhavingfun Makes me feel secure.

[@teacub5986]

You have to pay for healthcare?

[@whackenough]

“Your healthcare doesn’t just fix a broken arm?”

[@marks2807]

basically us Americans don't like sharing personal information until we trust you. Even then their is some information that is not on the table.

[@tombixler3512]

@Anel Zukic and Mark S: I agree with you, Anel Z., that knowing what you're up to this weekend or what you're going to eat is very personal! And the details are none of our business unless you want to tell us, and even then, we ought to be good friends in order for you even to do so? Laughing and smiling here in recognition of similar values and understandings. But seriously, yes, I can see your point of view! This entire string of great communication here has to do with things so much deeper than mundane things such as eating and entertainment! Your spirit of kindness and equality toward others, Anel Z., is evident. I believe (I am an American) that what Mark S. was trying to say is that as Americans we are guarded even if we may seem friendly? Mark S. may correct me here if he believes I am wrong, but here in America there has been over the span of several decades a severe erosion in union protection for workers who only want to make an honest living. In fact, the law has not in some cases been honored at all. Pay is not always fair, even though our Federal Government tries to regulate fairness and equality in some very honorable ways. Even by mentioning the Government to Mark S. I may have lost him in my prayer here, but I hope not; I trust not. Blessings to you both, A.Z. and M.S. Very sincerely and very imperfectly - - Tom.

[@marks2807]

Honestly I live in NW Ohio near Michigan so know all to well about the Unions slowly dying, and companies using underhand tactics to break unions, and agree with most of what you have said. When Detroit started suffering so did the area I live in.

[@tombixler3512]

Thank you, Mark S., for commenting. You have validated my whole reason for praying here. God bless you. It would be interesting to hear back from A.Z. He is in Germany; he is about six hours ahead of us. He has a kind heart; we should look forward to any comments he might want to share. BTW, I live in the suburbs of Detroit. Livonia, MI.

[@marks2807]

I live in the suburbs of Toledo (Perrysburg, Ohio). Small world. Toledo got hit pretty hard when Detroit went into decline around 2008. Most of our Unions where broken, and now many of the companies in the area are now none union, and the owners pay what ever they want while getting rich.

[@jerricho11]

Funny you say it like that because in British English (from what I've been told) if something is on "the table" it's something you DON'T talk about But in America, it is something you DO talk about. So (from my understanding) what you said has very different interpretations depending on what country you are from. If an actual Brit is out there please let me know if I've misinterpreted all this. I'd really love to know.

[@snoko2]

I'm Dutch, and I think we are alot like Germans about what we are comfortable with. I think that the big difference with Americans is that they are so sweet and polite, that they are afraid the hurt someone and come of as rude. Which is ofcourse very kind, but to Dutch people (and I assume Germans) this sometimes seems fake, like you don't really care but just ask how they are doing because you want to be nice. We would rather have a serious conversation about things you are passionate about and that tell us something about yourself, and even if it differs from our opinion, if you have good reasons to stand for what you believe in then we will most likely respect that. Don't be afraid you will hurt us or be rude, we respect you standing up for what you believe in, and if someone asks you something you don't want to share? Well tell them! You don't have to feel obligated to answer when someone asks you something, just say that you do not feel like sharing that, or if that feels to direct make a joke about it like: "yeah a bet you would want to know ;)" I appreciate that most americans are so kind and sweet, and I do think that's a great quality to have, but make sure it genuine. You can talk to someone in the store, but make it something that shows interest. If someone is holding spaghetti and you ask: "Hey, are you going to make spaghetti?" you can expect an answer like: "No I'm going to feed it to my dog" or a simple "yes" So if you see someone you want to talk to say for example: "I just love your jacket, where did you get it?" Now they have something they can help you with. It's important to say it with a question. Just saying "I love your hair" is going to make them say: "oh thank you" And then it will be really awkward because unless you truly have beautiful hair, they are not going to compliment you back, because they don't want to lie to you. Wow this became a long comment. haha

[@Melissa-wx4lu]

I wonder if this comes from the many decades of being called "Rude Americans." ? I think I would have a hard time in cultures like this. Because I would never really talk to anyone. @.@ not that I don't have an interest in making friends but we're raised to "Test out the waters" By using small talk. Now I would be paranoid that I was coming across as fake and therefore would just stay silent.

[@snoko2]

Melissa Lewis Ofcourse you should always just be yourself, and if you mean what you say, nobody will think you're fake. Just be ready to stand up for yourself. Americans might seem like they are 'faking' being nice. But we have to problem that we are so honest that we come across as rude and mean. Which we obviously aren't trying to be. If someone wants something from you they will ask, if someone doesn't like you they will tell you. This seems hard but Dutch people just don't like to complicate things and make it confusing. But please don't be afraid of us, we are very loving and openminded people. Don't be scared away because we are so direct, we are also very forgiving, so don't be afraid you seem fake, be yourself, because we want to get to know who you are, and your american culture is part of that.

[@Melissa-wx4lu]

Hopefully one day I'll be able to travel to These wonderful places. We're told as children to be truthful but also that if we have nothing nice to say to not say anything. Not sure where this fear of being rude comes from in much of the USA culture. Although things seem to be changing as people tend to be more upfront with their feelings about things or other people and will voice them even if it's not nice. I Never really had "Fake" Small talk. I ask all those common questions or comments yes, but I'm always interested in their answer even if I'll never see them again.

[@calmyflory]

Truer words have never been spoken. You deserve more upvotes, good sir.

[@snoko2]

calmyflory Well I appreciate your kind words sir, However I have to inform you I'm in fact not a sir. The compliment was received very well nonetheless, thank you.

[@zacktaylor4823]

As an American, I personally find it obnoxious when people standing in the same line as me at the store comment on the groceries that I'm buying, not that it happens much. Other than that, a little chit chat while waiting in line is fine. As for politics, I find that a lot of Americans enjoy talking politics. But you should not ask someone who they voted for unless you're well antiquated with them or already discussing politics. Also, our diets consist of foods other than hamburgers and hot dogs.

[@donbeck8835]

Zack Taylor SAME. I try to be nice to them back, and like I don't find it creepy, I just find it SUPER annoying

[@ZackeryCochran]

Personally I'm SUPER uncomfortable with small talk. If I was invited to a party and knew no one I knew would be there, I simply wouldn't go. If I didn't know that before I showed up, I would promptly leave.

[@kschell286]

Zack Taylor this is why I utilize self check out lanes. I don't want to talk to the cashier and I definitely don't want to talk to the idiot in line behind me. Small talk is inane garbage

[@zacktaylor4823]

+Alannah K I wasn't offended.

[@SunRabbit]

Yeah, because I'm the guy whose diet consists mostly of white wine and I don't need people looking (down) at what I buy. Wish you could just put it in your bag and have an RFID detector scan it at the register so you don't have to show everybody what you're buying.

[@kimionishi9899]

It's interesting about todays's your show. I'm Japanese and I can agree with both ideas in Germany and America. In Japan, we have different ideas depends on the place. For example, it might be hesitated to do chitchat or ask personal questions to unknown people in the north parts of japan, such as in Tokyo. Whereas in the south parts, especially in Osaka, they love talking even with strangers and they are so opened to talk about money issues. I've grown up in Osaka. So when I moved to tokyo, I had a bit of culture shocking. Not only about this, it's also different about manner, behavior, or lifestyle in each places in Japan. I think It's because of the roots of Japanese history. Can you find these things as well in Germany? Thank you for reading my comments.

[@hkw242]

For sure you can find these things in germany as well. There are things that are common all over the land and there are things that differ a lot from region to region. It starts with languages and dialects, a person from the northern part of germany will probably have a hard time to understand a southern dialect and viceversa. Some of the dialects are even considered as own languages (like frisian, a old language people in the north-west seaborder of germany and the north-west seaborder of the netherlands as well). Political excurs: We have a multi-party political system which for the most time have been dominated by the party CDU (conservative, business-friendly- maybe just like your LDP), another big party has been the SPD (labour party, union-friendly). For a long time there only has been one more party the FDP (liberal-business friendly). Those three had to form coalitions to get the majority and therefore, depending on the percentage they got voted, they have to find compromises along each other (altough the smaler parties in the given coalition hadn't realy much to say). Around the 80's another party came along the Gruenen (Green, focused on enviromental themes and human-rights). So the former dominating parties have to adjust their own programs toward these topics to. After the collaps of the DDR (east-germany) one party showed up origin from the former communist state-party , die Linke (left-wing, soft washed communists, human-rights). Relativly new is the AFD (anti-EU, anti-refugees, anti-democrats, on the hard edge to be a neonazi-party). The politcal system was capable to adjust to the Linke and the Grüne by picking up ideas from them and find compromises in coalitions. Right now, this doesn't seem to be possible with the afd, mostly because some party-members are saying things that are clearly antidemocratic and glorify the ww II, maybe like the guys in japan who visit these shrine fully aware that it will piss of the korean people. On the other hand afd is way much better with the using of social medias then the others and there are rumors that they get money from russia (like in: it's for russias best to destabilize germany and eu). Afd just fits in fine with a groing size of ultra-national parties all over europe. There is no european country without them right now. A lot of people in europe sympathise with these ideas because they feel afraid to loose there own culture if to many foreigners come into their countries. For eastern europe (which have a percentage of foreigners less then 3% by the way, germany has around 12-18% with foreign vita) it's also part of nation building, which they couldn't do before, because they were occupied by the russians (sowjets). And sadly for nation-building it sems to be a common thing to make up inner and outer enemies to get a definition who belongs to nation and who not. Thats often spiced with racist ideas. And as the eastern part of germany had the same experiences as most of these countries they think along those lines. Plus, they often feel not well accepted by people of west-germany and not represented in the political parties at all. I could imagine that there are people in ossaka as well, who don't like the rest of japan, since , as far as i know, ossaka has been it's own kingdom and relatily late in history was included/occupied by the japanes. There are sure hard feelings left over because of the behaviour of the japanese army during the battles of ossaka, i could imagine. Right now, germany is divided politcally, much more then it has been since Weimarer Republik (german state inbetween the world wars) and the formula of finding compromises doesn't seem to work as good as before. The world seems to want germany to take on a more leading role in europe and at the same time many countries are afraid of just that. End of politcals. I live nearby Frankfurt (Main), in a part of germany called Hessen (Hessia) , which is somehow in the middle (along with thüringen, another part of germany). The names of the parts (regions) of germany often origin from the ancient tribes that once lived there (Franken, Friesen, Sachsen, etc.) which had there own languages and habbits. So some of these languages resulted in dialects and some of the habbits stayed as well. The habbits often corrospondent to the landscape. Northern people live at the sea, they are considerd open minded because of that and also sometimes as harsh, just like the sea. Southern people are considered more homely and conservative, living in small valleys at the mountains without contact to the rest of the world. My region, Hessen origined from mostly small farmers, which made them considered as stubborn and less-talkative then others. By the shire length of the comment you might realize that this is not true allways. Same goes for the other things i said, highly simplified and full of stereotypes, but hopefully understandable. I think you'll come along these things all over the world. That's what spices things up sometimes and on the same hand, makes things difficult. In my opinion there is no such thing as superior culture, they are all good - humanity has just yet to learn to accept that peole are different and that this is a good thing. We just need to talk to another with an open heart and mind.

[@inspiringer6418]

Same for America's North and South. More people are friendly and talkative in the South. In the North people are not as friendly.

[@prterrell]

No small talk? Sounds like heaven. I hate small talk and I'm terrible at it.

[@soupywistle3716]

Come to Michigan than we hardly make eye contact.

[@EthanL21800]

Soupy Wistle it's like that everywhere in the Midwest

[@soupywistle3716]

Ya I like it because I don't have to talk to anyone. I went down south and they all acted like they were on molly.

[@johnsmith-dy8yb]

Because so many Germans settled there.

[@VestbiYT]

ffs i try it with my girlfriend and its so freaking awkward...

[@Chesonate]

German Saying: Über Geld spricht man nicht.

[@lelexoxo303]

Geld hat man.

[@lorettastan9101]

Ich weiß, meine Freunde verdienen >4500€ im Monat. Der eine ist arbeitslos, aber seine Frau verdient viel Geld, eine Ärztin im Krankenhaus, ein Dozent+Doktor an der Uni, Lehrerin, Lehrer, Duales Studium mit Freundin, die auch Doktorin/Prof. an der Uni ist und von einem sind die Eltern eben stinkreich und er studiert schon seit x Jahren... Also alles recht eindeutig. Ich selbst war echt arm, aber seit ein paar Monaten bin ich auch reich ohne Ende. Über Geld reden? Ist in meinem Freundeskreis recht lässig.

[@yeapea]

Prinzipiell schon, doch unter Freunden spricht man ja schon öfters mal über die Jobsituation oder bei Bewerbungen, was sie vorschlagen sollten. :)

[@LaMiriabelle]

Unterschiedlich. Meine Freunde und ich reden da auch offen drüber. Auch über das exakte Einkommen.

[@jorgschimmer8213]

+LaMiriabelle . Nö. Das ist die Frage nicht beantwortet wird. Also was verdienst du ?

[@laurenc.1253]

Here are the 4 questions she said so you don't have to watch all ten minutes lol: 1. any politics question 2. how much money do you earn? 3. how much did your new {insert expensive item you just bought} cost? 4. what religion are you?

[@yhvhdrdar]

Why is anybody with a pulse allowed to walk around with firearms?

[@Diminished402]

yhvhdrdar Because 'merica

[@treyriver5676]

yhvhdrdar because people without pulses can't walk around at all.

[@tylerl.2268]

because they offer a ton of protection and can save lives when necessary

[@yhvhdrdar]

Nem vagy erős elme

[@chronoarcadia3437]

Whenever anybody brings up the 'no politics' rule I remember chapelle's bit: Dave enough with the voting. I'm trying to tell you how I screwed my wife and you keep asking me all these personal questions

[@tarc2037]

The other day my mom called me. She was baking but she somehow managed to ruin her whipped cream so she needed 4 fresh cups quickly. I went to the store, grabbed my four cups and nothing else and headed to the counter. There was this old lady in front of me and when she saw the four cups she commented "sometimes we just forget a couple of things, right?" I chuckled and explained to her that it was a baking emergency. So right behind me there was a young mom with her little daughter. Baking must have been the girl's cue because all of a sudden she started to mumble "Backe, backe Kuchen, der Bäcker hat gerufen." I totally cracked up at that point, but the mom made some angry comments at her. So I told Mommy that it was probably my fault. We laughed it off, after which I curiously inquired about the insane amount of carrots she had in her cart. So now I know two things: She has rabbits. And even Germans can open up to strangers if the stars align.

[@WantedAdventure]

+Tarc :D :D :D great one!!!

[@milascave2]

What does it mean?

[@tarc2037]

What do mean? The "Backe, backe Kuchen" song? It's an old German children's song about, well, baking. Works also fairly well while playing in the sandbox with little cake molds. You can find various versions on youtube.

[@hooleyqueen]

How nice, your mom wastes food while thousands starve.

[@tarc2037]

hooleyqueen I'm sure four cups of whipped cream would have fed five families somewhere in Africa for at least a month. Please accept my sincere apology on behalf of my utterly reckless mother for such an unthinkable atrocity. Shame! *ding ding ding* Shame!

[@VikingMarksman]

Why does it take 10 minutes to say 4 questions

[@IM-lf5qp]

VikingMarksman to make more money

[@dirtybirdz0911]

Maybe you should make your own video on the topic. Let's see how many likes you get. I bet it's a whole lot!

[@roman_cer3074]

Because you have to say it "nice and fluffy".

[@Kable472]

@Boci Levu best comment of the day!!!!!!! :D

[@sagrammyfour]

Because she LOVES the sound of her own voice.

[@MrSkippingpig]

She finally gets to her first question at 4:12

[@jeremypenn2430]

MrSkippingpig thank you so much. SHE TALKS TOO MUCH

[@heyarno]

Thanks a lot. She loves hearing her self talk too much.

[@brianflores6448]

thanks

[@feemuller7107]

MrSkippingpig Yeah, sometimes she talks too much, but I like it actually!

[@premiumaccount4166]

thanks!!!

[@ahawkuafie]

I love how you're so happy. It gives off good positive vibes. Thanks for the good videos.

[@jimnewton4534]

When the waiter comes to your table in Germany, he gives you the bill and you announce out loud how much you wish to pay. In the US the waiter brings the bill hidden in a binder. You silently put some money or a credit card inside the binder. The waiter returns collects the binder and brings it back. You never mention the money. Money is tabu in the US.

[@WantedAdventure]

+Jim Newton true!! I hadn't thought of that, but yeah that's a great point. now I'm used to announcing, but at the beginning I also felt weird announcing in front of everyone how much I was giving as a tip to the server.

[@pacofrommonaco2640]

Everybody listen up, I'm gonna tip the waiter right here 100 Euros right now!!! I repeat... lol

[@tygattyche2545]

+Patryk well, if the dinner was for EUR 1000,-...

[@tygattyche2545]

+Patryk that's true. but here in germany is no general "tip-rule" as the waitres has a fix monthly income and so tips are an additional income. if anyway, people here give typically less than 10%.

[@Volteer]

+Patryk are these 15% actually such a strong rule in the US that you just assume that's what people use for calculating their tips?

[@TimbavatiLion]

As a german, i agree that i HATE useless, content-void "smalltalk" that is just conversation for the sake of conversation. I don't even consider it conversation, but mindless blubbering. Whats the point?

[@jackster1212]

As an American... I don't like small talk either.

[@notallthatbad]

It's usually used as a bridge to non-small talk conversation. It's like jogging which leads you to running. If you jump straight into deep, meaningful conversation with Americans, you will probably be seen as weird or awkward. I didn't make the rules, so don't yell at me (I also think smal talk is silly).

[@nummersieben3489]

m2 samltalk is so usles and anoying. somebody-hey how was your day? me-fuck off! (only in my mind)

[@fatheadsnake]

And this is why Deutschland is going to Germanistan soon. Du müsst mehr Offen mit anderen Deutscheren sein!

[@HailKale]

+jackster1212 yup I'm american as well and I hate it as well! I'm glad I'm not the only american to find small chat annoying and pointless.

[@missceciliajo7360]

A lot of these questions are mainly ones as an American you'd never ask people because fellow Americans would automatically judge you, stereotype you, and "pinpoint everything about you" by your answer which is sad :(

[@sciencenotreligion5607]

Great point, so true

[@ashlee5634]

I agree.

[@CeeKayz0rz]

"So who did you vote for?" Actually, you don't want to ask it because you DON'T want to open that can of worms..... Everyone in the USA thinks their political opinion is the only one that matters, and that they MUST try and convert every nonbeliever they come across..... It's not exactly offensive, it's just that you don't want to deal with that crap, cuz people rarely know when to stop.... :P "So how much money do you earn?" I'd have to agree, though many people in the US do ask this... Mostly in the US though, when you say you got a new job, or you mention your career, someone will simply ask "do they pay you well?" or some sort of version of that... The exact dollar amount isn't the important thing, most people just want to hear that you're doing well, or maybe if you're doing not so well with an endeavor, etc... "How much did it cost?" I've been asked this plenty of times, in the US.... Honestly, I don't see this as offensive at all, it's just part of the conversation on something huge... Again with the second point, it's more a conversation piece, where the amount doesn't matter, they just want to know if you got a good deal or not from wherever you bought said big-ticket item... "So what religion are you? See the first question.... It's not that you'll offend them, it's moreso that they'll NEVER SHUT THE HELL UP about it.... :P

[@LarsSveen]

I have a theory that the whole taboo wage question is because of the influence of corporations throughout our society. Large companies want to pay workers as little as possible, and keeping your mouth shut about your wage helps them do that. Otherwise you'd be like "wait, why did I get hired at $2 less than that other person?" and demand better pay.

[@tomgiles1484]

No, it's just nobody's business what you earn, unless it's public information (i.e. Warren Buffett's net worth). It's between you and your employer. And no, large corporations don't "want to pay workers as little as possible." They pay what the job is worth. Many corporate employees (not only those on the top) do quite well. But remember, the ONLY purpose of any business (unless it's non-profit) is to maximize profits, not to hand out jobs to everyone. They'll hire you only if they need you.

[@jemandanders6160]

Paying as little as possible is inherently part of maximizing profits. Ofc any half way competent employer will pay just enough to keep his employees, but paying more would go against the aforementioned doctrine. And if the exchange of such information is generally frowned upon, an employer is in a more confortable position. I would however expect the root of this ... convention, not to be found in american corporate culture, but rather a function of puritan and calvinist beliefs, wich encourage you to gain wealth in order to worship, but never for your own benefit. Telling someone how much money you make would've been understood as boasting, if it's much, or indicating a lack of faith, if it isn't. Fast foward a couple of decades and you get to where they seem to be. Though coporations certainly won't have any real incentive to change it. In germany, money never really was a religious matter and certainly isn't today. Your wage is a means to pay for your life, and that's about it. You evaluate it the same as you would any other tool: Compare it to alternatives.

[@LarsSveen]

"They pay what the job is worth." That's a laugh. I've known several people who have been getting paid way below what the job was worth simply because they didn't know any better. One of those people wound up quitting because of it (he was getting paid way less than new hires and was the best at that job), and there was such a backlash from the rest of the employees that he was hired back at nearly double his previous wage.

[@MsHojat]

Tom Giles, you're quite mistaken. Not sharing your earning with coworkers that do similar jobs as you can be a big problem for you or them, because chances are surprisingly high that one of you is getting screwed over. If there's anyone you should share your income earning to more than anyone else, it should be them.

[@tomgiles1484]

+Mshojat No, I'm not "quite mistaken." If you and I have been doing the same job at a company for a while, and you ask me about my salary and it happens to be higher than yours, it could be because I have seniority or that I received a raise because I'm better at my job than you are. So, asking me how much I'm making doesn't really provide a fully-accurate picture. Now, if we're both hired at around the same time to do the same job and we talk about salary only to discover that there's a discrepancy between our base salaries, that's a different matter.

[@Flushual]

I live in Austria. I personally am very bad at small talk. I'm not really used to it. it happens so often that the conversation turns deep very quickly and I love it that way. I love to discuss religion or politics. With finances I think it is actually important to share your experience. Maybe you can get advice or give advice.

[@ozdergekko]

Jo, bei mir is's des gleiche.

[@cc3204]

in america, small talk usually leads to deeper talks..once you "break the ice".

[@bernhardbaars7319]

seas

[@woodywoodverchecker]

I only tell former colleagues from my university. It's valuable information for them. Habe d'Ehre!

[@TheRichrocker]

Well, we in Austria love to complain a lot (or "sudern", as we call it). If politics and religion would be tabu - what would there be left to complain about? ;-)

[@sunshinem.7741]

I am American, but my mother is from Germany. She never really taught me specific cultural things, but maybe it happened on accident. I really don't like small talk at the store or wherever because it either seems a bit creepy or pointless because you're probably never going to see the person again or be friends. I don't like how people will ask "Hi. How are you?" and just keep walking by and not care. It's all about being polite, not sincere. Superficial conversation is real and it creates a general insincerity between people. Don't like it. The voting thing is true. People will very strongly judge you based on who you voted for, especially recently with such controversial candidates/beliefs. If you ask what party someone is in it may also be strange for the same reason. Many people will automatically assume that you believe in the extreme policies/beliefs of that party and dislike you for it. Be careful, though, because there are many people who do actually believe in racist, sexist, etc. things and won't just bring it up in conversation. In this way, the German culture is better because if applied in the U.S. it would allow people to easily know these very core ideals of the people they meet. I wouldn't want to be friends with someone for a year, then find out that they hated a specific ethnicity. That's just not the kind of person you'd want to hang out with. I think asking about income is rude in America because there is a lot of separation between the upper class and everyone else. People will judge you differently based on how much you make (Poorer people might give respect that isn't really deserved or wealthier people will look down on someone who earns less). Income is also a common thing that people consider when dating , when deciding if someone is good enough to make a stronger relationship with. Example: If someone's date said they earn less than $30,000 annually, they might think that the person would be unable to support them. Alternatively, if a date says they earn 6 figures, the person might continue the relationship even if they don't really like the person, because they can get materialistic things out of it. Yeah, there are a lot of things about American culture that I dislike. Mostly a lot of judgments and insincerity.

[@beankaty2651]

@masha I’m pretty sure they mean asking these to someone you just met, not a potential partner.

[@LittleImpaler]

As a German. Why are you so bother by people asking you hi, how are you? They do that in Germany as well. If I said "Hallo, wie geht es dir?" It's a greeting. As I am an American. I believe in freedom. Whatever you want to talk about is up to you. Freedom is a wonderful thing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX-7dYBvjb2bh5Y

[@sunshinem.7741]

@@LittleImpaler It's bothersome because here in America people will just say it and not even stop to hear your response. Just keep walking away. They could just as easily say hi and wave instead of asking a question they don't care about the answer to. It's not the greeting of "hey, how are you?" it's the insincerity of people who don't really mean to ask but do so to be polite.

[@LittleImpaler]

@@sunshinem.7741 You are taking it way too serious. It just a greeting. Don't you say hi to people walking by and they say hi, or give little nod. Why does someone need to stop and say hi, how are you? And you don't have to respond. Like you don't have enter small chat if you don't want too. Nobody is forcing you to talk to them. Or you can tell them. I don't want to talk to you. You live in America you're free to do anything within the law.

[@sunshinem.7741]

@@LittleImpaler I don't think you get what I'm saying. I'm not saying anyone has to stop to talk. I am saying that if you ask how someone is, you should actually be interested. Not ask "how are you?" then ignore them and walk away. If you don't want to chat more, then just say hi or nod like you said.

[@Whysoshort]

she so right. In America it's not uncommon to hear "you don't talk about Religion, money, or politics in polite conversation." those are considered topics reserved for 1 on 1 interactions with close friends. they also NEVER supposed to be brought up in group settings, even if the group are family members.

[@aperson22222]

Don't say anything rude or offensive while you're here, or the Republicans will nominate you for president.

[@Siegbert85]

That's tremendous!

[@DisturbingRainbow]

HA

[@klaratogsverd8472]

This is amazing

[@brymackmoney]

How much money do you earn?.... Every penny.

[@lisakglbr2515]

have you thought about doing a video about the differences between german and american weddings? i think it would be so interesting :)

[@ozdergekko]

yes! I always was curious about that.

[@cc3204]

Good one! The differences are so huge.

[@freakodemusico6013]

I don't think it is possible. There are so huge differences even in Germany. Also wir Westfalen feiern ja mal so anders als dieses seltsames Volk namens Bayern :D

[@lisakglbr2515]

+freako de musico ich denke trotzdem dass die deutschen hochzeiten sich doch irgendwo ähneln :)

[@freakodemusico6013]

+Lisa Koglbauer das stimmt. Ich glaube der größte Unterschied liegt zwischen Stadt und Land. Bei uns feiern wir 10 Tage, meine Freunde aus der Stadt sind mit zwei Tagen schon überfordert 😂

[@oLawlieto]

As a european, we don't just give a fuck.. we can talk about anything and everything. Sex, politics, religion and racism, we don't care if your opinion is opposite our own. If it is opposite then we just wana talk about it more, because its intresting to hear stuff from a different view.

[@OfftoShambala]

this is why I don't fit in in the U.S. LOL ... I like to talk about all this kind of stuff, but people don't seem interested in it... but, the real problem is that I have taken a lot of time to really learn about a lot of topics, whereas, most people have not looked very deeply into any one thing and often have attitudes that are reflective of the kind that you have about a topic before more is known and different angles are considered... business on the other hand... this is a topic I love and it's much easier to get into deeper conversations with people in the U.S. about business on deeper levels as many people have taken the time to understand that ... and many people far surpass my base knowledge.

[@baba-sm1fm]

The average American keeps very little knowledge about politics, or about what happens in the rest of the world. They become very annoyed with those people who know more,or want to discussed the subject in depth. Europeans are often very interested In sharing what they know, but also hearing the other person's opinion, the agenda is to learn from each other. On the other hand, Americans come in to the conversation with the taboo' of judgement. Due to this preconception, the conversation is seen as threatening from the get go. All very very dysfunctional. I had never experienced anything of this sort until I came to the US.

[@9999plato]

Speak for yourself and all will be well.

[@ozlenenkas797]

Myrre because this is being an educated person! I have been living in Florida since 2016 and I really loved the country it's beautiful but just because of this mentality I realized I can't live here. Actually I didn't come here to live, I am here just to improve my English and visit an acting school. Btw I am also a German teacher :) Ich liebe und vermisse Deutschland ❤️😢

[@oLawlieto]

Could be, if such a person would willingly discus it without resorting to threats and violence. A good example of this could be an Antisemite talking with a Jew about Judaism.

[@anonymousperson748]

Are you for or against gun control? Just shut up about it. Some "gun nuts" are the nicest people you'll ever meet. Smoke started pour out of the hood of my husband's car. There was a car repair shop in a very rural road. We went up and the guys looked at it. They didn't charge us anything for the repair. I politely asked if I could use the rest room. They nicely said yes and told me where it was. I went to a very clean bathroom. In the corner was a shotgun. Don't believe what you see in the movies about rural people. Yeah, you got your crazies, but most of the people are nice. Much nicer than city people.

[@sofiamiau3420]

people that kill animals for fun (aka hunt) are not nice

[@nanakatz1492]

Hey! First: I am German, just to state my point of view. Personally, I do not like small talk for the exact reason you stated, I think of it as rather superficial and it makes me feel bored or even uncomfortable if I just can't get myself to appear interested in what the other person is talking about. So that's in line with your observations, but that might just be because I'm an introvert... ;) But the likeliness of engaging in small talk while waiting in line is for sure near 0%. But I think it is a question of custom. In Germany it is just not done very often. So, if someone does it, it kind of stands out and hence seems to be a little personal. What I cannot confirm is a general German openness towards talking money. I would say amongst my German friends/relatives about one half is very comfortable with the topic, the other half is absolutely not. In fact, I once heard an American complain about how uptight Germans were when it comes to what they get paid. And for what it's worth: I really enjoy your videos. What I am saying is just to share information we both seem interested in. Never to hate. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@WantedAdventure]

+Nadja Katz thanks for the feedback! nice to hear about your take on the topics :) yeah, when I first moved to Germany I thought that people didn't chat with me at the grocery store because I didn't speak German....so I learned German! lol but after one or two times of asking the cashier, "Wie geht's?" and getting blank stares in return, I learned it's just not how things go here :)

[@miasolala8415]

i think it depends. i grew up in a small town and there it was absolutely normal for the people to make smalltalk whilst waiting...at the grocery store, the post office or anteroom...even at the bus stop (or in the bus^^). but i admit that when it comes to 'strangers' the majority there reacts aloof at first, just to check out the person. but in the end most people in my (german) hometown were behaving just like you described the american way. maybe if you would have asked someone there 'wie gehts' for the 1st time, they would have ignored you, but if you would have asked them another time/ the 2nd or 3rd time, you possibly would have get a light nod or smile in your direction as an answer. and given time you would grow into it and could make smalltalk to everyone just as you like without really knowing someone.^^ anyways it was to close for me, so i moved to the next big city. city-folks are not better but (in)different...

[@Leschwa89]

The only thing that germans talk about in a waiting line is like 'Oh hey, you do not have much stuff you want to buy, you can go in front of me because you do not need to wait so long then.` which is really nice

[@buchbummelant8980]

I would like to add that we also ask if the space in front of us is needed before we put our shopping on the line (?) if there is no stop-thingy that signals the end of the other persons groceries. We also prefer to talk about the weather, e.g. if you ask the cashier "It's hot out there, right?" he or she is much more accessible, because our "how are you doing?" is a much more personal question than it is in America, because it signals concern. In the US, you just expect a "I'm fine, thanks." Or "Fine, you?", but in Germany, you really want to know how the other person is feeling and we don't simly say "Mir geht's gut." most of the time - at least in my opinion. Safer topics in grocery store lines are: Weather, complimenting clothes / bags / hairdos whatever (if you really think it is worth complimenting for, otherwise it might be insulting...), ask for directions or if you don't know something on the line, you can ask if they know it and if it's good and if they would recommend it... Asking someone if they are going to have a party at the weekend seems to be like "Hey, you are having a party, I would love to have an invitation" ;D

[@mladenstific2459]

I absolutely love both of those traits of Germans; respect for personal space on one hand, and intellectual openness with people who are already in your personal space on the other :)

[@mariebbgon]

Also, on the subject of money: I think it's actually important to discuss how much people earn. I think the whole system of silencing this issue is profitable to companies who try to pay their employees as little as possible. If people don't discuss money with their friends, they are less likely to notice the wage gap or that they're being f*d by their boss. Personally, I wouldn't ask a stranger how much they earn, but I discuss wages with my friends. Also, I'm originally from Russia (but I live in Germany), and Russian people are often happy to complain about their income. :)

[@Sasha1234575]

absolutely true.

[@PierreRipplinger]

I was thinking of this very video too.

[@alanmjohnson]

Agreed. Getting us to internalize discussing salary as an important cultural taboo is one of the greatest tricks ever played on working people.

[@mariebbgon]

Thank you for the link, it's really interesting.

[@dats3]

In the US income was a taboo topic from the older "Baby Boomer" generation. I'm a Gen X'er and it feels to me like less of a taboo and I really don't care if people know what I make anyway. Having said that, as Dana has pointed out, we were all taught that asking is impolite. I don't go around asking people, strangers or even close friends. Mostly it's because I don't really care as long as they're able to live comfortably but I personally do not care if I am asked and do not think less of the person doing the asking. I left a comment mentioning that if you ask the person's profession you can get a pretty good idea of what their income is depending on the region of course. In my opinion, the two biggest not to ask questions are religion and politics. There are so many revealing things about a person answering those two questions that it has the potential of causing an argument. Also, if someone mentions talk radio or Fox News there's a strong chance you've just met someone who is a right-wing conservative. If you are not a right-wing conservative and want to avoid an argument, either change the subject or walk away.

[@markbaumbargt3430]

You also don't ask about somebody's sex life.

[@mistymornings]

I just LOVE your channel!!

[@felixsocke2434]

lol, its also not appropriate to ask how much money people earn or what they voted in germany

[@stonent]

Oh that Merkel, she's such a silly head. :)

[@DerTolleIgel]

Well, I'd say money question is something I only talk about with people in totally unrelated fields. I would not talk about this with my colleagues for example.

[@felixsocke2434]

DerTolleIgel i guess ur colleagues earn pretty much the same :D so thats no problem

[@caspar1999311]

Well I'm from Germany and I would say it's totally fine to talk about these topics why wouldn't you these are extremely interesting topics (especially the party to vote for, cause then you can have a deeper discussion about these topics. Not so much the money)

[@D3g0nGirl]

it is ... a gray zone I would think. We have those nice "that's none if your business" answers like "Ausreichend" or "über Geld spricht man nicht, Geld hat man". I think it's polite to just dodge answers to those questions and switch over to another topic.

[@caspar1999311]

Well I'm German and I don't like small talk at the grocery store or anywhere at all , it just feels like a waste of time to me, you can't really talk about what you're interested in and you can't say your opinion on different topics you alway have to remember being nice to the other person and not saying anything that could offend anyone and overall it is just boring. But that's just my experience

[@andrewITstyle]

So what do you do when you wait in line? Check facebook? ;) Sometimes it's nice to just talk with someone when you have to wait :)

[@kyromani]

Stand there quietly? Unload your shopping cart? After all with our cashier's break neck speed it doesn't take that long.

[@caspar1999311]

+Andrew ITstyle well usually it shouldn't take to long in opposite to an American grocery store cashiers try to be fast as possible and not let you wait (so small talk would only slow down the system)

[@andrewITstyle]

Otto Caspar I agree. But do you really need to go out so quick? Take it easy.

[@andrewITstyle]

kyromani But why stand quietly? Isn't it better just to say few words to other person in the same line? When you go to a party, do you talk only with people you know? What do you do when you go alone to a party?

[@avelezusmc7929]

you have nailed it on the pros. and cons.great video

[@divejumpshooter6947]

BTW you seem super happy and fun to be around- one of those people who is contagious with the happiness. And I am grouchy as hell.

[@bethanyredd2948]

The BIGGEST small talk topic is the weather.

[@buciallstar]

it's also the most awkward

[@WantedAdventure]

+Bethany Redd where I'm from, talking about the weather is a last resort (unless of course a hurricane is coming, or something extreme like that!). If you talk about the weather it means you really can't think of ANYTHING ELSE to say lol

[@uwehaleksy]

It's a big topic in Germany. Espacially on radio stations, more especially on local private radio stations.We even had one station announcing the "Stadtteilwetter" several times a day.For people without windows.

[@evannearen]

In England they love to talk about the weather. ;)

[@riketvs]

All Dutch small talk starts with the weather, and then quickly spirals down to more serious topics like politics or the persons life in detail XD

[@anjasimone3113]

In Germany everyone hates small talk

[@SpectralInk]

stimmt nicht, ich liebe es :D

[@Doctoriuseful]

Stimmt, smalll talk suckt :>

[@annore68]

Würde ich so pauschal nicht sagen. Aber die Gelegenheiten, bei denen Smalltalk angebracht ist, unterscheiden sich.

[@JustCurious2watch]

Ich glaub, das ist genau der entscheidende Punkt. Ich glaub, zumindest die reflektierteren Zeitgenossen differenzieren mehr, wo welche Art der Unterhaltung angebracht ist und wo nicht. Und das wiederum ist fast mehr eine Frage der persönlichen Reife als der Nationalität. Die einen haben das Gespür dafür, die anderen trichtern Dich distanzlos mit ihren unausgegorenen Weisheiten und Konstrukten zu. Heinz Becker lässt grüßen. ;-)

[@barbredgreen3403]

Ich war schon immer schlecht in Small Talk.... fühle mich dabei wie ein Heuchler, jemand der kein echtes Interesse an anderen Menschen hat.

[@crickle47]

Very good insight, right on the money, so to speak.

[@DHawkBeats]

lol I love that you can just talk to people. I got into a nice conversation with some elders at In n Out, and it was after I graduated from 8th grade, and they encouraged me to aspire for my dreams in high school, it was very nice they said they would pray for me and I prayed for them, it definitely made my day

[@alaskau9175]

In a strongly capitalist country like the U.S. status is based on how much money you have or make or can spend on luxury items. Being forced to admit low wages is like being forced to admit your status is low. Being forced to admit that you just bought a very expensive luxury item, conversely, makes you sound like you're bragging about your high status, and as if you're saying everyone else who can't afford it is a loser.

[@FortMat31]

Tara N. That is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO not true, being called a rich boy is a INSULT

[@alaskau9175]

Swag Master Only if it's unearned riches (inherited) is it considered a jealous insult. In a capitalist society being called a rich boy because you earned it is an envious compliment.

[@masonsalinas1340]

Plus when you make more than a friend, random person who is curious. They can become angry,upset, jealous and here most people don't like confrontation.

[@FortMat31]

Tara N. yeah I can agree with that

[@ZweiZombies]

As a German, as far as I am concerned with the talk about money: I don't think that we ask anyone about his or her salary out of the blue, except those, who just got a new job or are KZbinrs :) I mean, no one seems to know what KZbinrs earn ^^

[@andrewITstyle]

But that's not a simply question to answear 'how much youtubers earn?' It depends on many many things. How many views you have? Do your viewers use Adblock or not? From which countries they are? Do you use 'patreon-style' sites? Do you make deals with corporates? It really depends on case.

[@RedHeart64]

KZbinrs making money? Seriously? Enough to make a living? I know people have talked about "hits" and I get really riled at the advertising I sometimes encounter (I block all of it I can because all it does is turn me off and make me really irritable). I don't see how anyone could make a decent living off of it, however.

[@crappiefisher1331]

+ReadHeart64 are you kidding? on of the bigges youtubers "pewdiepie" made 6 million euro in 2014. so yeah you can earn money as a youtuber

[@RedHeart64]

crappiefisher13 No, I'm not. I don't understand how anyone could earn a living on KZbin, at least not legally and ethically. The only thing I could think is that they cram advertisements down the throat of anyone who checks out their channel... maybe that way (and I don't consider that ethical).

[@crappiefisher1331]

RedHeart64 ok i see you dont have a clue how the internet and all the "free stuff" you get there works. let me tell you: most of the internet is payed by advertisments... you really think it does not cost money to offer a service like youtube? all those servers pay for themselves?.. youtube itself makes all the money due to advertisments.. thats all that keeps this site going... as a youtuber you have advertisments before your video starts and thats how you make money... if you think advertisment is unethical you should stop to use the internet right now and also not watch any private TV stations or listen to private radiostations... btw: by using an adblocker you are the one who actually acts unethical and like a freeloader aka schmarotzer...

[@ginapoe6345]

You sum it up perfectly!

[@AshesAMW]

I am American and really enjoy small talk. I like getting to know people even if I might never see them again. Sometimes other people have to most interesting stories and it opens up your world a little to how other people live their lives. Also its a good way to start a friendship. I have made many friends by starting off small with a little chat here and there and then we eventually really get to know each other and become good friends.

[@thekaiser4333]

Politics, religion and finances are my only party topics. Who on earth talks about or even has phone apps?

[@andreatomassini202]

haha right

[@mrs.w5539]

I agree. These are the only topics I like talking about. It makes no sense not to talk about things that matter.

[@podiumman2]

I like your name. The Kaiser was my 12th cousin (so was Czar Nicholas II)

[@thekaiser4333]

Mrs. Waldrop Are you married?

[@mrs.w5539]

The Kaiser Yes. :)

[@scallywag1716]

This video really could have been 3 minutes long and just as effective, or more effective for that matter.

[@normsti000]

here's a good example of a comment you wouldn't make in a conversation with an American.

[@scallywag1716]

+cogsys cogent now that all depends...personally I wouldn't mind even though I'm an American. That said, a lot of Americans would be annoyed by this.

[@ericmartinez4053]

Exactly! No way I'm sitting through 10 chirpy minutes.

[@mattiaspingwinski184]

All those cuts would be too obvious squished into 3 minutes.

[@lianeli5406]

ahhahahahahahaha.. yes. but at least he is HONEST. I hate this superficial dishonesty >:-/

[@kcowluckee1]

Totally agree with you!!!

[@ltcajh]

You're right on these points.

[@thebutterytoster5721]

I live in the USA Just don't make fun of America and you are a-okay

[@torifab109]

The buttery toster true, many have very nationalistic personalities and are proud

[@thebutterytoster5721]

Cobra0798 Yes that is very true

[@thebutterytoster5721]

Victoria Lee Indeed we are :)

[@MrJuwarra]

well, nationalism is a sickness of society.. i do understand some degree of patriotism is fine and all, but look at where is world heading with the new rise of nationalist ideology and sensitivity about ideologies

[@meljusttalent1]

The buttery toster I do to... most of us don't seem to mind making fun of ourselves

[@Slartibartfas042]

Let me (as a german) bring it to the point - why doing chit-chat and "fluffy" talk when not having anything to say? ;-)

[@kerstinola6141]

Slartibartfas042 why not ?

[@Slartibartfas042]

If there's something to talk about and I do have something to contribute, no question, I'll do that. But why doing something like "lovely weather"-talks? They are completely pointless, as everybody knows exactly what the others would reply. If I do not have anything meaningful to talk about then I just give a friendly nod to my counterpart and just shut up my mouth and listen! Maybe my counterpart has something he really wants to talk on and my attempt to do chit-chat would prevent her/ him from talking on the themes that matter?

[@kimghanson]

+Slartibartfas042 Because we like to laugh. Why don't you? ...Yeah, that was a little trollish wasn't it? Sometimes I have nothing to say too and so I say nothing. A typical conversation at the grocery checkout might go something like this: Cashier: Did you find everything you wanted? Shopper: No, I couldn't find the AA batteries. They re-arranged the aisles and now I don't know where they are. Me: Don't you hate when they do that? Shopper: I just figure out one layout and then they change it. (rolls eyes) ...And the conversation takes off from there with everyone smiling over the vagaries of the universe. Does this seem unreasonable or silly to you? This is an honest question, I am curious.

[@carlnapp8673]

Kim Hanson

[@Slartibartfas042]

+Kim Hanson OK, you got me. ;-) Yes, sometimes at the shop that is OK and there I do have short smalltalk as well. What I did relate to was more or less parties, somebody has some interesting things to talk or discuss or do a joke all the time, so there normally is no need for chit-chat. If there's really really nothing to talk, then.... OK! :-D

[@askquestions4634]

You're a really nice person. Keep being you.

[@Brighe-2007]

This is so true!!!

[@susan6408]

If you forgive me for not answering, I'll forgive you for asking.

[@RightAway87]

It depends on what part of the US you're in.

[@savagepenguin0489]

RightAway87 totally

[@Krazycutiegurlxxx]

69th comment whoop whoop.

[@gungaginga4398]

South is the most polite

[@dontbother9473]

RightAway87 California is super triggered while states like Nevada are allot nicer.

[@savagepenguin0489]

lil fazeboy eh I guess i'm from the south and i don't think we are

[@richardc5202]

Agreed. Some questions are more private, but we can answer back in a discrete and polite way. Like it helps pay the bills or it pays decent, I can’t complain, etc. or along those lines.

[@Sophie-kx8nj]

The lighting makes it look like you have hearts in your eyes

[@tralala609]

all of these questions seem like questions not to ask older Americans. millennials generally don't have problems w these questions

[@sophiefilo16]

IKR, people at my school talk about this stuff allll the time. And I always hear people in my family talking to other family or even just casual acquaintances about pay, particularly if they are looking at jobs. And America in general is becoming a bit more secular with each passing year, so religion isn't as controversial as it used to be because most people are now just like, "well, that's your belief and I respect that".

[@sophiefilo16]

But what I said doesn't really apply to only millennials, since I was (thankfully) born before 2000. Our points is that some of these questions aren't that big a deal for a lot of Americans. Also...if you say millennials have been groomed poorly, whose generation do you think is to blame for that?

[@GingerCaddy]

It's true. These are rude questions. You have to feel people out before approaching any of these. I am a millennial.

[@sophiefilo16]

Person Pierson"Rude" is a matter of what is socially acceptable. If society is moving towards becoming more open about these topics, it's no longer considered as "rude" as it may have once been. Now, whether your answer is anybody's business is another matter entirely. Personally, I would never ask these questions because 1. IDGAF 2. I don't want to have a conversation about this stuff. Even if it is not as rude as it once was, it is still very controversial, and in my opinion, just generally uninteresting and none of anybody else's business...

[@sophiefilo16]

1buffyhutch Ha, you say it as though the educational system in America was EVER good. This country could really take a few lessens from the educational systems of other countries, such as France.

[@GrandmaterP]

ha I know the difference now :p Americans consider socioeconomic topics private :P in Germany we consider our mundane everyday life as private

[@issac9930]

Grandmaster P Lol.

[@imiguifurr]

i guess not private, just unsubstantial, crude, materialist, superficial, uninteresting, useless and stuff...

[@CappuccinoTX]

miguel trejos where do you live?

[@issac9930]

miguel trejos I always think people who have "small talk" comes across as really genuinly nice people, who take time out of their day to nicely chat with you.

[@issac9930]

i love it, I'm American though :P

[@mostsatisfying4308]

I live in America it's great everyone

[@randomlysavage298]

Most Satisfying love the sarcasm lol

[@flooflemon8113]

Yeah it’s great! :3

[@galaxce.]

Not anymore😎

[@eliseweusthuis]

In soms ways I feel like ‘deeper’ questions make me feel more comfortable because they kind of show that that person is really interesting in having a conversation with me and they’re not just chatting because that’s just what you do.

[@domemvs]

Hi Dana! Regarding the salary of people you don't really know: I've made the exact opposite experience! Germans are very uncomfortable sharing that with you and won't while americans (the ones i've met) talk about this stuff very openly!

[@kalyschnackt4308]

So erlebe ich es auch immer wieder.

[@ozdergekko]

Ja, diese Erfahrung habe ich u.a. auch gemacht. (s. mein Kommentar von eben - Reaktionen auf meine anderen Beobachtungen wären willkommen.)

[@nicoleisabelle3012]

Also ich fände es auch komisch Leute die ich nicht kenne nach dem Gehalt zu fragen. Die einzige Situation in der ich es mir gut vorstellen könnte, wäre in einem Praktikum, wenn man ja eh den Job anstrebt den die andere Person hat...

[@ozdergekko]

Nicole Isabelle - Ich glaube sie meint, dass es auch unter guten Bekannten oder Freunden außer den allerengsten tabu ist. Jemanden bei einer Party einfach so zu fragen, fände ich auch äußerst unpassend.

[@Patbwoy]

German saying: "You don't talk about money, you own money" (Über Geld redet man nicht, Geld hat man)

[@carmen5267]

I live in Austria and I would also not like to tell someone who I votet for, because especially after the last election our country is torn into two pieces ans opinions....

[@alexandrahenderson4368]

Carry Smith Same in the usa

[@MrJuwarra]

Oh, here in Estonia, I would talk long about politics and have never felt invaded about someone asking whom i voted for. I would answer even if i wouldn't view that person a possible future friend. And i would also explain why i voted like that. Possibly one of us, but possibly both of us can learn important things in that conversation. I never have lost any friend because of having different opinions and discussing about these. It is easier to lose friends if you hold these opinions hidden and suddenly they feel that you have become stranger to them.

[@robertwymer4952]

I like your adult attitude -- reveals you value knowledge, learning, growth and creativity.

[@carmen5267]

Private Eyes not Australia (AUS), but Austria (Europe, AUT)

[@TheSaifear]

you re serious? I dont hope so, because .. no you cant be serious^^

[@lizzieelizabeth2561]

Random Stranger: Hey how are you today. Me: Why do ya wanna know Random Stranger: Just because Me: Shut up and leave me alone ( Well that's basically how my personality is )

[@steveapplegate2425]

Right on.

[@aaron9828]

In Germany it's also not okay to ask someone about who he or she voted. It's the same thing with asking how much they earn.

[@PhilFromMars]

Bei uns weiss im Freundeskreis jeder was der andere verdient, das ist die erste Frage wenn man den Job wechselt und wird ganz von selbst erzählt. Welche Partei die anderen wählen interessiert neimanden da es auch völlig egal ist wen man wählt, es kommt ja immer dasselbe dabei heraus ;)

[@daath912]

+Phil M Demokrarie ist die Freiheit, zu wählen wer dich verarscht...

[@lianeli5406]

das ist aber auch der Freundeskreis und keine Party, wo du niemanden kennst ;) oder verrätst du Fremden, was du verdienst? Glaub nicht ;)

[@Ari33sa]

Ja hab ich eigentlich auch so gelernt. Aber ich glaub das ist teilweise nen Graubereich. Meine Eltern haben mir das auch beigebracht, aber kaum hab ich das erste mal gewählt, wollte jeder wissen, was ich gewählt hab. Man muss natürlich nicht antworten, aber das war dann plötzlich irgendwie doch kein Tabu. Man fragt das natürlich nicht völlig fremde. Was den Verdienst angeht...Ich glaube das hängt wirklich von der Situation ab. Wenn man bspw. mit jemandem über nen Beruf redet, an dem man selbst interessiert ist, dann ist das denke ich keine so unangenehme frage. Ansonsten unter Freunden und Verwandten kann man das schon fragen, aber da bekommt man gewöhnlich (wenn es nicht gerade die engsten Verwandten und Geschwister sind, die gerade das erste mal in ihrem Leben ein Gehalt abstauben und den Erfolg gerne mit der Familie teilen würden) keine wirkliche Antwort. Da sind dann so anworten wie "Reicht zum Leben" oder "Könnte besser sein" oder "oh ganz gut eigentlich." eher der standard, denk ich. Da bekommt man keine konkreten Zahlen hingeklatscht.

[@BobKovacs]

I'm American and am a lot less shy about answering the questions you mention. In fact, I made a video about how much I earn on KZbin videos. And how much you paid for something can be easily looked up on Google in most cases -- even the cost of a house. I do agree that *some* Americans are wary of these questions, but certainly not all. I would avoid sexually charged questions like, "Have you ever had an abortion?", "Who was your first sex partner and when was it?" and "How many girls have you screwed?" I wouldn't expect an honest answer, anyway. Otherwise, I'm okay with most questions -- maybe not broadcasting the answers on the Internet, but not squeamish in person. Nice video, though... well made.

[@Blox117]

Yes, yes and yes!! Next question!

[@nialljamesbuckley]

this rule of thumb advice; i don't think there's any expectation that any of these generalizations describe 400 million people without exception.

[@Angela-pj5xy]

Yes, but no one will open up about their credit card and pen numbers. Sad, dark, fake place. No real relationships.

[@thomasfaz4442]

"How much money do you make?" Me: "not fucking enough!"

[@leahrink1995]

I lived in Germany for almost 5 yrs and I " oh that looks like its going good!" and I got some amazing recipes from people! loved it there

[@maryshaffer8474]

Don't go to the south if small talk bores you.

[@redphantom4329]

And never refer to Southerners as "Yankees". That can actually start a fight.

[@kennkid9912]

My Uncle in the AIr Force in officer training was called The YAnkee Guinea from Boston. The ultimate southern insult. After a few dukeouts that stopped and everybody settled down to flight training.

[@kennkid9912]

If you are born in the north you are a Yankee. Born in the South you are a Southerner. If you move you are what you are still. My wifes great grandfather was born in the north-(Maine) His mother had to move south to Florida after the death of her husband to live with a brother . This G grandfather went south with his family at the age of 2. He later fought for the South in the CIvil WAr. In later life he was still called the YANKee!! He lived his whole life practically in the South. So this is nothing new. Also there are real Yankees in the NOrth-Protestant Anglo SAxon English from NEW ENGLAND. . Those are the real deal. Others born in the North are Yankees only to Southerners.

[@kennkid9912]

Well if u were in the North and they called u REb in a joking way its no big deal. In the South among friends its probably the same. Still my wife(Southern born but ancestry on one side from the Pilgrims) went to Alabama to the small farm town where her family had lived for a long time. She eventually made contact with some people that remembered her fathers family and was kind of accepted as ... not so bad. Kinda local roots, Not so Miami. So they let down their guard a bit to her. Their order of hate was Yankees first. So if you lived there it might not be so great. We are not talking a cosmopolitan area here. Heck I remember buying a boat once and the guy asking me if I was a native New ENglander. I had to think about that for a while because we never talked that way.Natives were the folks in those African movies.

[@kennkid9912]

On a very local level this stuff doesnt go away. I mean where are you from? Boston-Oh way out east. Never been there. Farthest east I have been was Western NY.-That was in Nebraska. What do you think of Nebraska? Its a good place to dry clothes!! The wind always blows. That was me. How long have you been here? A week. SAw everything I bet. Nebraska. In Maine they hate people from Mass. Mass. owned Maine until 1820. Mass. people go there for vacation . Mass. people have $$. If you want to strike back just say Mass, is Maines mother and she doesnt like how you turned out. Easterner-Westerner- and etc are just general terms to get your bearings of the other person.

[@nightlightabcd]

In the US, companies encourage one not to discuss income with other employees! The reason for this, is because the company does not want you to know how much more, or less, you are making than the person beside you with the same experience as you, or that women make less doing the same job, or how much more the people at the top are making than those the workers, and it will get much worse!

[@forever_ariana3462]

This is so true

[@Dowlphin]

Asking how much money someone earns even in Germany should be limited to conversations where it's established to be OK to compare and be competitive. But if the difference is too great, expect it to be treated like a dick move to ask it. In other cases it's to be understood as a solidarity thing, like us-vs.-the-employers, and/or exchanging advice about good opportunities.

[@Traumglanz]

Americans really should talk more about politics, religion and finances. Hearing different than your own opinions and all these topics should help to make better decisions and form better opinions in all these fields. Small talk at the other hand is just that, small talk, irrelevant and forgettable. Though I have a real follow up question on your video: As american social norms have all this small talk as base for human social interactions: How do you get around the problem of that stuff being irrelevant, boring and forgettable? Do you need to fake interest or is it perfectly fine to be not very commit to the talk and just move along for lack of something better to do? I never got really behind that concept of this fluffy talk which you seem to love, so you might be actually help me to understand it better and feel less unfortable with it.

[@NodDisciple1]

I think that's why we're in the bind we are now. We can't talk about these sort of things w/o it being a drag-out fight any more.

[@Melissa-wx4lu]

Many Americans can't talk about Hot-button Issues without things becoming violent. It can get especially bad when religion is thrown into the mix and when politics clash with people's beliefs things get down right nasty right away. Gay marriage, birth control, abortion, ect...you never want to bring up unless you want to risk a fist fight at worse, name calling at best. About the small talk...(my personal opinion) It's light and fluffy because more than likely you will never see that person again.so yeah, forgettable. A good small talker will not have a boring conversation. but sometimes it does happen. If it's a party/gathering and you may make friends, people tend to commit more to the conversation. the fluff is the break the ice...test the person out, are they in a good mood? do they even want to talk to you? do they seem to have a personality that you can get along well with? if so the conversation can go on longer and turn to more and deeper topics. but never anything personal unless they give that information themselves.

[@shmeet]

"You'd get less problems from farting in public than letting anyone know your political opinions in Germany." __Is there a law that doesn't allow one to fart in public?

[@rivenoak]

the law is called " being polite".

[@shmeet]

rivenoak __There is no such law. Perhaps i'm just naive, i AM from the US after all, but a law governing something like manners?! Seems to me such an alien-like concept that i simply can't imagine it.

[@eavesdropenglish]

So true. Language is very cultural and cultural differences are so clearly seen when people ask questions that are considered taboo. It's something I always teach my Korean students.

[@rajathapa87]

Comfortable because it's just feels fine. I am happy to talk about this. I am Nepali.

[@brown029]

I guess I failed at being an American

[@christophercole5219]

How long does it take for her to get to the listed topic?

[@lianeli5406]

maybe to look at.. I cannot stand her shrieky voice... o_O

[@patagualianmostly7437]

I managed 3 minutes of that torture....the voice from hell!

[@AndersEngerJensen]

Gonna quote Chandler Bing (aka Chanandler Bong): «Could she GO ANY HIGHER in pitch?» Or «Monica: Only dogs can hear you now!»

[@iRideuWatch]

too long

[@lianastephen8349]

Wow...you're entitled to your own opinion, but is it really necessary to be so mean? :-(

[@Slenderman.]

Time to move to Germany...

[@veronicamay209]

Slenderman Please go youre scary

[@gungaginga4398]

Slenderman slendy u traumatised me😢

[@loltubexd6362]

Jeder ist hier in Deutschland willkommen

[@michaelmier9512]

Danke! Ich liebe Deutschland.

[@peterhalfter5916]

Dont go to eastern of germany: to many nazis and racist out there.. and a lot of anti-americanists.

[@michaelmaddox2536]

Finally someone who actually made a video and didn't copy 99% of everyone else that made the same god damn video... Good job!

[@eskiltester3913]

that's exactly what's wrong with Americans. superficial talk but when it comes to important things it's too personal. you need to talk to each other and learning the differences between people to understand eachother. the lack of communication is one of the biggest problems in the usa

[@williamlucas4656]

I dont think that is quite the case as many people speak to each other about the issues both social and political in many forums but politicians are often narrowly focussed on their party direction. State and local politics is very different, but foreigners rarely see examples of such on TV much less in public.

[@danaanthereal3687]

that's exactly what is wrong with generalizations. This person making this video has no place speaking for a country. Not all of us are empty headed and superficial.

[@williamlucas4656]

Danaan the real the person speaking in the bideo may askthe questions as she has done . I was relying to the commenter above my last comment implying Americans communicate poorly and are superficial. It is quite tiring to hear criticism from those who know little or nothing of country they know only from tv.

[@avszefst5537]

I am an American and I agree.

[@eskiltester3913]

+William Lucas where did I say I know little about the USA? I actually know a big deal of the USA. I'm very familiar with the social constructs of the country and everything I said is true

[@nicklockk]

So in america you are not allowed to have an intresting conversation?

[@danaanthereal3687]

you are, this is ONE extrovert from the USA's opinion, and she really should not be speaking for everyone.

[@jonnystange4017]

As an American, I can say that conversation with strangers can be boring, unless you find common interests, then you can go a lot deeper and find out way more about the person by reading between the lines

[@riddlewrong]

Generally speaking, most *young* people don't appreciate being approached by strangers outside of a social situation. We're taught to be polite, so you'll rarely see someone protest an interaction, but it's unlikely that they felt entirely comfortable with it. In some cases, people can actually hit it off really well, but I worked in a grocery store and saw a lot of customer interaction (all day every day), and most of the time people weren't very responsive to small talk in checkout line. Middle aged people and the elderly seemed far more receptive to social interaction in general.

[@NickRoman]

@Riddlewrong That is my experience. I didn't know how to talk to people when I was younger, but I am one of those people who can have a casual conversation with a stranger now. I think it's about understanding what information is ok to share with a stranger and just how this process of engaging in stranger small talk works. However, I've had an apparently homeless guy come up to me on my driveway in front of my house while I was there doing something with other people and try to talk to me. I get the distinct impression that he's there to try to get something from me and interrupting what I'm doing and coming onto my property... Not cool. That's a totally different situation. See, I could have said more about who was with me and what we were doing, but I feel like that information is too personal to share with the entire world; so, I hold back certain things.

[@scurvofpcp]

A loaded question, but I will bite. As an American I would say that most interesting discussions dependent on two things, peoples comfort with discussion a topic with the other person and shared interest, and for an example let's talk about wages. I would freely talk about wages and benefits with anyone in my profession. most likely they already have a fair idea what I am making, but I would not do so with a stranger that I just met and doubly so if they are the one to broach the topic. That causes me to ask why they are asking such a thing. When it comes to religion that can be a huge taboo topic here, because as a melting pot ( less so today as it was in yesteryear ) the discussion is not only sharing information between myself and that person but anyone who might happen to be in hearing range as well. It is not uncommon to have relations who range from Ultra-Orthodox Roman Catholic to casual Baptists. And I've known more then one person who is one flavor of Christianity but goes to a church of another flavor of it due to "reasons" It is a thing that happens and as a rule if the person you are talking to changes the subject, let the subject be changed. As a last consideration, you don't ask questions of another person here that you yourself would not want to answer.

[@claudiaf.2236]

I found your thoughts very interesting about why people are not talking in a queue together, but on a party suddenly you should share personal things. I also find it sad that here strangers do not talk more, but as I am raised like this I am kind of used to it.

[@AnnBajou]

It is so funny watching your videos considering the non-small talk culture over here. Because I have to be American then. :D Since my youth everyone tells me things like: "oh wow, that is so YOU to go into a store and find yourself helping another shopper while making small talk to another one". And yes, being talkative, open-minded and outgoing, wherever I go, I find myself in those situations and I REALLY LIKE IT. I just wish I could have met you while grocery shopping. :D I guess we would have talked a lot.

[@jedy90]

I think, the ting is that in Germany it is quite easy if somebody asks you a question you don't want to answer, like your income you can just say like "It's enough for a living" and the guy asking will know that you don't want to tell him exactly and everybody feels comfortable still.

[@Siegbert85]

Yeah, that's how I would handle it. But actually no one asks casually asks you that in my experience.

[@Traumglanz]

Context is key for those things. I have heard the question a lot for new jobs, when people are simply honestly curious about the job and how well it pays. So the question is usually a lot less personal then it seems.

[@JohnRobertsTV]

As an American if I heard these questions my impulse would be to lie or exaggerate, humorously if possible. How much money do you make? Oh about $400,000 per year, in a bad year. What religion are you? Jewish on Saturdays, Orthodox Christian on Sundays. How much did your car cost? It was free because I stole it. I agree religion and politics are best avoided if you want a conversation and not a monologue reply.

[@MagXZaru]

But aren't conversations pretty boring then after a while? Also nI could never be friends with a person if I didn't knew their political opinions

[@JohnRobertsTV]

MagXZaru Wow. I don't know the politics of most of my friends. I don't believe in being divided by politics, just like religion.

[@MagXZaru]

I really don't care at all about religion but if I new a person was racist or homophobic i could never have a close realtionship with them, it's not about knowing what they voted for but what opinions one has

[@rastar6569]

You are stealing cars? :-) Im austrian and I know the opinion from all of my friends and most of my colleges. Not exactly what they voted, but the general direction. Of curse I do because this is one of the major topics at work or when going out after sports.

[@JohnRobertsTV]

Of course we talk about politics too, but it would be impolite to directly ask someone who they voted for. Such answers have to be volunteered or else it is awkward.

[@kahjioctaviusdovej3257]

It took me 5 minutes to find 10 good questions in the time it took for you to finish your video.

[@thelongboarddude95]

That small talk thing is really accurate. It really took me by surprise when I was in the US for a couple months. But not only small talk, rather getting compliments by complete strangers was weird. Kinda miss it now that I think about it

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

Sharing wages is good you need to do it to make sure your employer isn't bending you over.

[@WAQWBrentwood]

Guaranteed, Your employer is ALWAYS bending you over.

[@Autumn_Forest_]

The U.S. Is so corrupt that many of our employers actually have you sign a piece of paper saying that you realize that you will be fired from your job if you're caught discussing salaries with your fellow employees. True story.

[@camillefazel657]

Um it is a violation of the National Labor Relations Act for employers to prohibit employees from discussing wages unless they are in a position to know other people's salaries, like HR. If your employer has such a policy, I urge you to consult with the NLRB.

[@Autumn_Forest_]

Camille Fazel Wow! I didn't even know that! Why would some of my employers (even large companies) have had this policy then? Wouldn't they be afraid of getting in trouble?

[@FilosofiadiCazzeggio]

You didn't know, did you? If you were fired over that, you wouldn't have complained. Apply that to the majority of workers, and you can see why they weren't afraid

[@poohoff]

And besides, what's the use of having an opinion if you only express it in a close circle of lifelong friends?

[@poohoff]

George Carlin spoke about how Americans refuse to be realistic and actually talk about things that are important openly. He called it "the United Strokes of America". Here's a quote: "It's nothing but a big stroke job in this country. The government strokes you every day of your life. Religion never stops stroking you. Big business gives you a good stroke. And it's one big, transcontinental, cross-country, red, white and blue stroke job... Do you know what the national emblem for this country ought to be? Forget that bald eagle. The national emblem of this country ought to be Uncle Sam standing naked at attention saluting, and seated on a chair next to him, the Statue of Liberty jerking him off. That would be a good symbol for the United Strokes of America."

[@ticnatz]

Gotta love George......like just about everything he said, this one was spot on!

[@stevinie7free]

PEOPLE WILL GET INTO A FIGHT. DO U GET THAT?

[@psammiad]

I think the point is you should leave people to express their opinions naturally, not interrogate people about their beliefs, politics and finances as soon as you meet them. It's an invasion of privacy. These things come out in the course of conversation. You'd think Germans would've learned that aggressive interrogation of foreigners doesn't go down too well ;)

[@thePacman175]

But if an an American hasn't ever discussed a political subject in his whole life, maybe he will not get that you can still be friends after the argument. (I once discussed a refugee related topic with a friend fo 4 hours, after he told me which party he will vote for and that didn't change our friendship at all.)

[@FaithOfGod]

From experience, asking about religion usually doesn't matter to many people, I'm American by the way

[@tobis3175]

The question of salary is in germany also not really common. It may depends on the business

[@herecomesthsun]

Also, RACE. Never, ever, ever, ever comment on someone else's ethnicity or ask a question about it. If the person is born and raised in the US and especially non-white, offense will be taken no matter the intention of the comment.

[@alyctus]

I'm actually quite interested in knowing what mix an American is and what heritage they have. I didn't know it was seen like this.

[@Floral_Green]

Bethany Hagensen This goes for any white country that has to put up with non-whites. The general entitlement isn't nation-specific.

[@StarlitLilies]

I think it has more to do with the beliefs of the person being asked and how you asked them. If I were asked 'what is your ethnicity' I would not take offense at all, being a Mexican-American. The question 'where are your parents from' is more tricky however because you don't know when their ancestors immigrated.

[@shinlanten]

Not a taboo topic in Hawaii. Here, everyone is interested in your ethnic makeup for so many are of mixed heritage.

[@echolalia682]

It's really not, by white people anyway, White people love to speak (usually ignorantly) about their heritage. Don't ever ask an "Irish-American" about their Irish heritage unless you have a few hours to hear them talk about how awesome the Irish are and what THEY did for this country, as if the person talking was a part of it. Same goes for "Italian-Americans" and Chicanos. Really Caucasians in general. Non-whites (except Hispanics) not so much, simply because they usually either don't know their heritage, don't know much about it even if they do know, or simply assume that the intention of the question is malicious, and immediately go on the defensive, assuming you are getting ready to derive some misguided assumption about them based on their answer. It is not generally a good idea for a white person in America to ask a black person a question about being black. It's ultimately pointless though to ask an American about their heritage, as most of them don't actually know, and usually will either make it up or go off of what their parents, who also don''t actually know, told them. One of my good friends growing up prided himself so much on being super Italian. You would think this guy was the most Italian guy who didn't speak Italian that you had ever met the way he talked about it. I finally convinced him to do 23andme, and it turned out that he was actually mostly Greek and French. Only like 12% Italian or something.