Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by M5x7wI3CmbEem10 1476 days ago
Yes.

Americans are far more violent, crass, and "independent" (selfish) than their European counterparts, despite having greater opportunities for a high income.

I've seen someone get knocked unconscious because he called a gentleman out for skipping to the front a restroom queue. I've seen trivial altercations over nonsense[1]. Words (air) lead to violence far too often. Whereas in Europe, people just ignore you, or brush you off as ridiculous/insane.

And you can't complain about crime because it's racist[2]. The ethnic strife is increasingly reminiscent of the Balkans. I wouldn't be surprised if the U.S. fractionalizes within the next few generations.

I don't feel safe, ever. I work from home and order everything via Amazon.

My plan is to earn enough to buy a house plus a 5-year cushion, then return to Europe or explore Southeast Asia.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muS3adntVf0

[2] https://nypost.com/2022/06/08/san-francisco-da-chesa-boudin-...

2 comments

In the suburbs I'm about as safe as in Europe. Americans outside of big cities roll their eyes at what's "accepted" in big cities too. If you're in the cities and recoil at reading this, it doesn't have to be this way. It's not about rich/poor, developed vs developing, etc. Go experience cities in Asia/Europe where the "bad parts of town" are much smaller or even non existent, where you can walk home at 3:00AM with zero fear of being mugged or assaulted for no reason.
Thank you for sharing. I've considered the suburbs, but noticed that they are limited in amenities, require significant driving, and tend to get lonely. And do I need to mention the elevated risk of school shootings?

Even if you try to meet in the middle–such as a small, walkable college town–it seems they also have issues, e.g. being rife with belligerent, violent drunks because alcohol is paramount to the "college experience" and virtue signaling is at all-time highs.

Europeans tend to hold their liquor better because it's introduced earlier on. I've also yet to see dominance displays[1] used to signal high status, a behavior akin to primates. I attribute this to sexual competition, which isn't as stressful in Europe because of more lax attitudes towards sexuality and stricter penalties/attitudes towards violence.

I personally think the best option is to make your money in the U.S., or have a thriving business that can be operated remotely, then move ~15 minutes outside of a European or Asian city center, though I'm open to alternatives.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhgwy9y5ttA

You sound like you might need some assistance mentally. You should probably head back to where you have a support network
You’ve got no idea whether this person needs help or not. You should keep your speculations to yourself. Cities are lonely places. They’re rife with the issues mentioned in their comment. Casual violence, unprovoked racial tensions, reckless drivers and other scores of brutal, alienating behaviour.