[BariumBlue]

Bit of speculation here... The US has a cultural emphasis on delivering results, more so than other cultures. I think there tends to not be a lot of focus on how things are done, or on the process behind things, but instead more on how people perceive the end result.

The US still has a very individualistic culture and I don't think people put as much emphasis on reputation as more collectivist folks, but I think Americans glamorize success (or the appearance thereof) in and of itself more than other cultures.

Essentially, as long as you LOOK successful, you ARE successful, because that's all that people care about!

Again, not 100% on this analysis, but that's the overall impression I get as an American

[SuoDuanDao]

This reminds me of an interview with Donald Trump in which he said that his net worth fluctuates wildly from day to day, because it depends so much on who is willing to lend him money.

I suppose there's a reason he was chosen as a representative of America, and why so many Americans were uncomfortable with the implications.