[CULTURAL REFECTIONS] A DIFFERENT PACE

So this is the first of what I will call my “cultural reflections”.  Granted, I have been reflecting all along the way; I just want to take some time to draw special attention to some cultural observations I have made on this trip.

The other day, one my fellow classmates made a simple comment to the effect of, “People move at a different pace here, don’t they?”  I would like to center on that thought for this reflection.   Pace.

What paces do different cultures set?

I do not wish to make any sweeping generalization in these reflections, so forgive me if these observations do not always hold true… or that they are even contradictory to what is written in texts.  They are simply things that I have observed. 

Starting in Munich, it was apparent that certain cultural norms indicate a more relaxed and slower paced lifestyle.  The simple presence of beer gardens was the first “new” item we experienced on our trip.  We do not have these in America, and we do not drink in public space in America (unless they are walled off by gates/fences).  In Bavaria and in Austria, this leisurely activity is very common place.  Why is that?  Well, one could go into a history of brewing in Europe and how the beer culture has always held a significant place in society.  One could also extend the conversation into a larger theme of dining and drinking. 

What is the day's special?

From the brewing halls of Munich to the small cafes in Linz, Austria, dining is primarily a social event.  It is what many Americans might consider a “slow” process.  It is interesting to watch Americans become fidgety and anxious when certain parts of the dining processes are prolonged.  It takes significant time to gain the waiter’s initial attention.  If fact, getting the table itself can be a challenge!  It then takes time to wait on the food and drinks.  The waiters will attend to tables much less frequently than American waiters, and finally, the check will not come to the table automatically or quickly.  It is always necessary to flag down a waiter in order to pay.  It is not unusual for a meal to take over an hour.  Anything less would be abnormal, unless it was at a street vendor or an American chain restaurant.  Any European I have observed will be less anxious about their time dining.  The meal will end when it ends.  Work, play, or excursions planned after the meal will still be there when the meal does eventually finish.  Live in the moment.

Enjoying lunch in an outdoor cafe

Sitting down for an extended meal with a great city view

Another example of a slower pace is observed at street lights and bus stops.  While we, as Americans, are not hesitant in j-walking or crossing streets on red lights, very few Austrians or Germans will do the same.  In transportation, we like to drive at the times we set.  With public transportation available in many European cities, the majority of locals will patiently wait to be on the train’s time and not necessarily on their own time. 

Public transportation in Europe

In the workplace, these observations continue in work hours, vacation time, and in general work weeks.  Most employees will work 35 hour work weeks.  Most do not work on Sunday (retail chains, grocers, and most businesses are closed).  Vacation time is given in large amounts.  In the Bavarian state, employees starting work will already receive nearly a month’s worth of paid vacation.  These are almost unreal concepts in the mind of an industrious American.  For me, this was a shocking concept. 

We walked through the park of Vienna on our first Sunday, and it was amazing to see people of all ages (teens to elders) just enjoying the weather.  Couples, old and young, sat and talked on park benches.  The park lawn was covered with groups on blankets.  Very few electronic devices (cell phones or iPods) were noticed.  Were these Austrians wasting time that could be productive?  No!  They were simply observing a day of legitimate rest.  What a nice concept, right?  My own Catholic faith demands such a day of “no demands”.  Although much of this region is very rich in Catholic roots, many do not practice actively.  Still, they do observe some basic tenants of their faith in their lifestyle.  I think that much of this slower pace has stemmed from earlier religious influences.  Companies may take work off for the day known as Pentecost because it is an important Catholic calendar day.  In today’s society, however, this is just a day that has traditionally always been taken off. 

Enjoying parks on a Sunday

Outside of earlier influences by the Church, I would also argue that the difference in pace has also to do with what we could call a more collectivist culture.  According to Geert Hofstede, cultures are largely influenced by certain dimensions.  One of these is the idea of an individualistic versus a collectivist culture.  While in America we strive largely for individual success and gains, in Europe, the effort is more communal or “collectivist”.  In this way, it becomes more important to have a prolonged meal with friends or a day in the park with family.  By and by, I think both cultures have much they can learn from each other.  I think we could use a little more patience in America and perhaps ease up on the accelerator pedal.  In Europe, I think they could learn from a little bit of America’s “set the bar higher” mentality.  In a growing global society, we already see some of these learning experiences occurring.  I find this to be an exciting thing moving into the future.  There is much to learn from one’s neighbor, whether they live across the street or across the ocean.