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Comment by icantdrive55 | Hacker News Reader

I have a few questions for Swiss expats.

Could you tell me about the Swiss culture--at bit? I know it's a huge topic. Just some of the differences you see between the Swiss, and say Americans.

I mainly interested in the Millenials.

What do they think of Americans?

Do they basically have the same hobbies?

Are their any stark differences in what they value?

Do they view Americans as spoiled?

Do they fear us?

This next question is very specific, and probally weird. I heard teens love 50's Cadilliacs. I love them too, but I heard they are more desired there, than in America? What is it about older Caddys?

Are their fashion differences? Here we have kids spending hundred of dollars on tennis shoes, specifically Nikes. Has that fad hit Switzerland?

Are women more, or less fashion conscience than Americans?

Just any insider observation?

I've been interested in Switzerland since I began Watch Repair a decade ago.

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This is a weird list of questions. I am a migrant to Switzerland (trying not to use the word expat anymore).

Swiss people are not very different to Americans in what they value, what hobbies they have, etc. They are much less outgoing, however. In America you can walk into a bar anywhere, at any time, sit down and have a spontaneous conversation with the barman or strangers sitting at the bar. This never happens in Switzerland. Do not expect it even if you speak good German. People in Switzerland keep to themselves. Because this makes it very hard to make friends there are a lot of "expat" events for immigrants to meet each other, and at these events you can go to a bar and start chatting to people of a similar age and background to yourself and make friends. This is how I made most of my friends: I have a few good Swiss friends, but overall most of my friends throughout my time in Switzerland were other foreigners.

Swiss people do not "fear" Americans, why would you have that idea? They do not spend a whole lot of time thinking about Americans in particular. The vast majority of people who live in the cities (and you want to be in the cities), and especially teenagers, do not own cars at all. Not only is there no need (public transport and taxis can get you everywhere) but there isn't usually enough parking and it's very expensive. People generally only buy a car once they settle down and move out of the cities.

People on the street in Switzerland tend to be well dressed and fashionable, and the women especially so. The high streets are dominated by fashion brands and shops. I can't compare this to the USA because I've only been to a few places there, but it's definitely a brand and fashion conscious place.

This is a pretty good overview of how Swiss people see Americans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-l59gZKLEI

Its from a comedy show which do shorts like this on all sorts of stereotypes, however this was the one of the most controversial ones. The US embassy even got involved in the end.

Are these serious questions?

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