Anyone else thinks that some Americans are anti-social because of the suburbs and the cars?

[Archibault]

Hey guys,
I think Winston was right than compared Europeans Americans are much more anti-social. My theory is that America the suburbs, property ownership and cars makes people that way. In contrast in Europe they don't have this type of problem due to apartment living, high density and public transportation. noticed that even the people who left the suburbs and relocated in cities like Florida have this very "anti-social" mindset. What are called, "NIMBY's" (Get off my lawn types). Only the biggest cities don't have people like this, most people seem to not care nor "patrol" the neighborhood.

What is the suburban personality? (I'm not saying everyone but some people definitely have this traits)
-Close minded/Insular minded
-Dislike visitors, tourists
-All about "wasteful consumption" buying things you don't need
-Lonely
-Anti-social
-Fearful of the world, doesn't like learning about it

What do you guys think?

[Winston]

That's partially true. But it's not that simple. How come people in NYC and Chicago are not open and social? But if you go to small towns in rural areas the people are much more relaxed. American cities are built for business. Also not all cities are the same. In Moscow the girls are very open and flirtatious and approachable. See the videos in my links for proof.

[jamesbond]

Hey guys,
I think Winston was right than compared Europeans Americans are much more anti-social. My theory is that America the suburbs, property ownership and cars makes people that way. In contrast in Europe they don't have this type of problem due to apartment living, high density and public transportation. noticed that even the people who left the suburbs and relocated in cities like Florida have this very "anti-social" mindset. What are called, "NIMBY's" (Get off my lawn types). Only the biggest cities don't have people like this, most people seem to not care nor "patrol" the neighborhood.

What is the suburban personality? (I'm not saying everyone but some people definitely have this traits)
-Close minded/Insular minded
-Dislike visitors, tourists
-All about "wasteful consumption" buying things you don't need
-Lonely
-Anti-social
-Fearful of the world, doesn't like learning about it

What do you guys think?

I think that people who live in suburbs lead very insulated lives. For example, since in the suburbs you have to drive everywhere, you don't get a chance to meet any people like you would if you lived in a big city and could walk or take public transportation instead of driving.

Also, the suburbs are made up of mostly married couples and children. So, if you are single or divorced, you are going to have a hard time meeting other single or divorced people.

In addition to all of this, there is not much to do in the suburbs except go shopping. How are you supposed to meet people when there is no place to go and meet people?

[Winston]

Yeah in the middle ages the towns had a square where you could socialize and meet people. These days in Taiwan and America meeting people feels like a sin or crime. Very weird and creepy. Worse than any horror movie.

Small town America can still be friendly though. The folks there are more relaxed and down to earth and good natured. However, most of them are older folks.

It's the cities and suburbs that are isolating and anti-social.

[hebtas]

Interesting question. But I doubt properties and cars can make people more anti-social. I think there are many factors that can impact it.

[komei888]

I don't like cars either but everyone in Edmonton has one except me.

[hb2345]

What about Japan? Pretty close quarters, yet they have a big problem with social alienation, which gave birth to an entire Hikikomori culture. You can move to NYC, but you will still feel lonely and alienated despite living in a vibrant city with extremely high population density. The answer to your problem is simple - If you don't have any friends or you lost them as the time went on, then you will be lonely anywhere you go. Things are much different when you get older. You can't make friends as easily as when you were a kid/young adult. It's especially hard to maintain friendship in the US, because Americans relocate often.