DEL-Understanding Europeans 2 Ed

by Jenifer Miller

Explores the character, psychology, culture, and politics of Europeans, offering insights for Americans abroad

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

Reviews

[Bryan Bradley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew it was going to be outdated, but I expected to find at least a few deeper insights of lasting value. There might be one or two, but they are not worth the effort.

[Glen Engel-Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Tell them you're a writer." That is a chapter title in this book, and it illustrates one of the differences between Europeans and Americans. For me, this chapter struck home. I have been working towards a career in writing recently, first by applying to graduate school where I hope to complete a Masters of Fine Arts degree. But when people ask me what I plan to do with that degree, I can not tell them the truth: that I want to write. Instead, I have to say that I plan to teach or take an editing position along with writing (which is true--I am not so naive as to believe in a magical diploma that opens up the world of publishing--but it is akin to someone who is studying to be a surgeon to say that they plan to work as an intern). In some ways, I feel like St. Peter denying Jesus; I cannot admit to my true purpose because of what people might think. And that is because writing is not viewed as a proper occupation by the majority of Americans, whereas in Europe, that answer would be sufficient.

This is indicative of my feeling for this book of Stuart Miller's, which is supposedly about those folk across the water, but ends up helping describe my neighbor and myself much more. Although we are mostly aware of the Puritan and commercial streaks in our national character, to have it compared and contrasted to the Europeans makes it much easier to understand. There are some basic differences between our world views that Miller is able to pinpoint with some accuracy.

Understanding Europeans benefits from Miller's use of his own marriage to a French woman as examples, but there are not enough of them to overcome some of the drudgery of his psychoanalytical approach to his subject. While slow at times, perseverance was rewarded by a comprehensive overview of the European state of mind.

Although global communication is helping to homogenize the world (not a totally positive thing in my opinion), culture differences are still strong and go much deeper than the simple talk and entertainment that we might share. Nationalism, something Americans only understand to a small extent, once again is making itself known in Europe, and we would be wise to be aware of its past impact in history. Miller helps explain the psychology of Europeans, from the lingering effects of feudalism to the most recent trauma of a war that affected the entire family rather than just able-bodied men.

[Viktoriaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to give this book 3 stars because
1. It has been written about '70s - '80s - some things would not apply today.
2. it has some racist passages (ex. superiority of one nation over the other)

The book is written by an American who lived in Europe and noticed Europeans. But... his "Europe" is limited to only a few countries France (his wife was french)and Italy, some comments found about Germany and Netherlands. Speaking about today, this book would no longer serve as a true guide for "understanding Europeans". Migration and globalization have made things change.

The author describes differences between Americans and Europeans based on his experience and, I would dare to say frustrations. Some of the arguments that he brings in order to explain why people behave this or the other way are very subjective. I am sorry, but how can an american explain the motivation behind an European's behavior, seriously? I like though, the historical and geographical interpretation that he uses in 90% of the cases.

It is a good read for a new perspective on things. I read it from curiosity. The author says when Europeans learn things about you they use it against you. Did I have that thought in mind when starting the book? No! I was curious to answer to the question How to understand Europeans, but the author taught me that I need to use this information against somebody... it is funny how things turn out to be today.

Enjoy.

[Angelique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think you can talk about Europeans as a whole, but he sure did try (although it was more about the handfull of interesting stories and Europeans he met in his life). I learned more about what it is like to be an American than what Europeans are. It had the typical blah blah, tradition and Europe has been at war forever and that is why they are the way they are. There are a few bits I want to remember:

p 229
No one can imagine the evntual results of the Europeanization of America. When the Romans imported Greek civilization, they got more than Pindar and Homer - they also received all of decadent Hellenistic thought

p 236
(travels to Europe from America)
Arrive. Fight jet lag and get out of there.
Day 1: That wonderful museum
day 2: that charming cafe by the fountain
day 3: that three-star meal
day 4: that beautiful square
Repeat five times in five cities
return home after three weeks, soaring.

Finish

(haha)