This is one of those generalizations that just doesn't work for a country with hundreds of millions of people. You think those in the South and Midwest are hyperactive? Hardly. Those in sleepy beach towns? Nah.
If you think that there are defining traits of that many people in a country that varies so greatly in terms of geography, lifestyle, religion and culture, then you just don't know what you're talking about.
As a European, I have had numerous work relationships and occasional acquaintances with Americans from California, Arizona, Idaho and NY. Yes, everyone has a different personality and the region matters, but compared to my own Eastern European culture, the difference in mood, confidence and talkativity is rather consistent. Maybe my sample of American people is not completely representative, but these are just my observations as an outsider.
It’s actually interesting those are the samples as I would probably characterize the West & (North) East they’re all from as the most “hyperactive” parts of the country vs the South & Mexican Border at the other end of the spectrum, with the Mid West & rest of the East somewhere in between (but probably closer to the coasts than the south & border).
Look out for any exciting opportunities to visit El Paso, Texas or Birmingham, Alabama for a proper comparison sometime if you can.
Bonus points for Brownsville, Texas where you can get a well steeped mix of the South & border along with a rocket launch!
I definitely think Europeans and others from homogeneous or smaller countries struggle to understand the variety and diversity of culture of the United States.
That isn’t really accurate. There is much more diversity in individual states depending on where you are than in most European countries.
That statement is kind of what I mean. I don’t think most people outside, and to some extent inside the US, appreciate how much diversity of culture exists in the US.
I'm from Miami. Years ago, I was visiting my wife (girlfriend at the time) in the keys. We went out to dinner. I was apparently still in Miami mode. The server said to me (and this took about a minute for him to say): "Relax ... man ... you're ... in ... the ... keys ... now."
