Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with europe and america

Farewell gift for a traveler?

pixxie — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:45:21 -0800

I have a 20-something friend who's leaving on the 22nd of this month, he plans on traveling for a whole year throughout Europe and South America. I want to get him something that is useful/meaningful for the journey, any ideas? For example: A watch? A Compass? (good or bad?)

What was a "Modern European Hotel" in the US in 1920?

tnygard — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:55:31 -0800

What was a "Modern European Hotel" in the US in 1920? Hi all, I am researching a cartoonist who lived in an American Midwestern boarding house that advertised itself as a "Modern European Hotel" in 1920. Do you have any idea what that meant? What amenities might there have been? Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry? Did this indicate a "nice" place or a not-so-nice one?

My sense is that this was a cheaper boarding house, and people were mostly living there long-term. Using the census records I determined that fellow boarders included a bookbinder, a waitress, five salesmen (one travelling), a grocer, two musicians, an auto tire worker, a live-in staff of four, the proprietor, and eleven unemployed wives and children. Perhaps some of you have seen "Modern European Hotel" used in novels or some other source from that era? Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks for your thoughts!

=D =) =| =( =O

Corduroy — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:21:44 -0800

I use instant messaging a fair amount to talk to people all over the United States and in Europe, mostly Austria, Germany and England. Why is it that smiley faces (as in =) and :X) are so much more prevalent in Europe (at least Northern Europe) than in America? It feels like one pops up every other line, sometimes twice in the same sentence. I should mention that I am young (18) and so are the people I talk to.

Anyone know if the old gods protect anyone outside Europe?

Deep Dish — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:49:25 -0800

I came across a reference to the "Pillars of Hercules" and a notion that the old European pagan gods had never intended their followers to live beyond the Pillars of Hercules (so roughly, nowhere west of Spain, south of North Africa, and I am unclear on other boundaries). Does anyone know a source which expands on this notion? I am more interested in the spiritual implication of living outside the pillars, as I got the impression the gods would not protect anyone outside this territory. I may have seen this in a political piece which referenced the Monroe Doctrine or Manifest Destiny. Anybody know where I could read about this idea or study it in depth?

Subtler Disdain for America

time to put your air goggles on! — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:40:51 -0800

Partly inspired by this question, what are some examples of Europe's subtler disdains of American culture in the 60s and 70s? To put it differently and more focused on my research purposes , where can I find commentary on France's/Italy's anti-American response to the information gathered in Servan-Schrieber's The American Challenge ? In a way, this has to do with stereotyping. (e.g. the American who is always in a rush, or is always working.) Thanks for your help.

The View from the Iron Curtain

jne1813 — Sun, 13 May 2007 02:41:58 -0800

What was the attitude toward Americans and America in East Germany and the former USSR? What are some interesting propaganda campaigns, or stereotypes? Okay, so I just saw "Goodbye Lenin!" and I want to know more about attitudes towards the USA. Links to articles or academic papers would be awesome-- really anything that provides commentary works. Thanks!

Assessing Europe's view of America in the 20th century.

time to put your air goggles on! — Mon, 07 May 2007 13:11:44 -0800

What are some books, essays, or maybe even films that assess Europe's view of America in the 20th century? I'm looking for some varied, but authoritative sources, on America's image in the 20th century-- particularly from a European perspective. For instance, the cultural differences between the American and the European lifestyle in terms of business seems to ripe for stereotype. I guess this question leans more toward sociological and political texts if that helps.

Also, I know using the term 'Europe' seems to amalgamate the diversity of the continent. So, if you'd rather think about in terms of a country in Europe, that'd be fine.

Links would be appreciated. Thanks!

Where to Expatriate?

pissfactory — Wed, 03 Nov 2004 06:15:12 -0800

Of Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.:

Who hates Americans least?
Who is the least conservative?
Whose language is easiest to learn?