[slibhb]

The point is that there are many cultures of which people claim "they are so direct". I've heard it said about Bangladeshis and Israelis too.

It may be true. A significant part of the world may be outside the "always lie to avoid offense" way of conducing yourself.

I would also say that "being direct" and "saying difficult things" are often not be the same. The former may just be "saying whatever pops into your head" whereas the latter is much more carefully considered.