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Question about culture?

[c=#002673]USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Scandinavia, Spain, Greece, Australia, New Zealand etc. These are all considered to be “western” countries. They all have different cultures BUT they do all share some commonalities between them that define them as “western”. What do you think are some of the qualities that all “western” cultures share?[/c]

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Cr3ami · 36-40, M

All definitely share the period of enlightenment when the secularization between state and church occurred. This is the basis for a free and open discourse, which is also again a precondition to express oneself. As I think. But due to economic inequality democracy got undermined in the last decade. Either the inequality is a reason for religious fundamentalism or it is another step away from an open society.

SW-User

@Cr3ami We see this breaking-down in the US with the rise of religious exemptions from the law and an increasing willingness to have Christian prayer in public institutions.

Cr3ami · 36-40, M

@SW-User Unfortunately, that was what I quietly referred to. I think there is a link to inequality, racial and economical. Look at the scandinavian countries. They do not have such a thing. And they are the most egalitarian countries in the world (egalitarian unequal to socialistic!)

As I read a couple of weeks ago, 50% of Americans (in 2010) are poorer than the average of the people in the old Democratic German Republic (DDR) in 1989!). Inflation included.. That worries me because the US is still the riches country in the world.

SW-User

@Cr3ami When wealth is so concentrated at the top (and more to come thanks to Trump and his minions) this can happen.

Cr3ami · 36-40, M

@SW-User I think that is not what originally was meant by the saying "From a dishwasher to a millionaire". I mean if you are white, male and educated you don't have a problem. But that thought is pretty disgusting.