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Geography has more of an effect on the culture than we might presume. randome Mar 2014 #1
How so? Would traveling outside of the country help us change the isolation lifestyle? nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #2
It would have a subtle effect, I would think. randome Mar 2014 #3
True. Maybe we would notice the radical difference. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #4
What are the stats on Canada? They live more like Europoeans. SleeplessinSoCal Mar 2014 #32
Don't know. But Canada is made up of larger 'states'. randome Mar 2014 #47
Canada's entire population doesn't even reach California's 38 million. SleeplessinSoCal Mar 2014 #142
I saw a movie by Michael Moore Beringia Mar 2014 #57
I think that was Bowling for Columbine. roody Mar 2014 #169
well the geography of the center hfojvt Mar 2014 #9
If you live in Germany, you immediately notice that the system is completely different. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #12
Really? hfojvt Mar 2014 #15
Even here on DU, when we hear someone is broke or in need of money, we basically say... randome Mar 2014 #17
I'm a recent member from over Erich Bloodaxe BSN Mar 2014 #64
welcome to du--quite an alphabet soup you have!! I think the closest thing we have to what niyad Mar 2014 #213
Well I grew up in Montana zeemike Mar 2014 #26
I think things have changed here dramatically. :( nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #85
Tell me about it notadmblnd Mar 2014 #93
I don't think Montana has an overwhelming effect. randome Mar 2014 #14
the rest of the country hfojvt Mar 2014 #19
Good stats. randome Mar 2014 #20
well some did hfojvt Mar 2014 #23
Yes, thousands of influences, the country's ideology, its laws, who has the most power, etc. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #42
I think it works both ways though. wickerwoman Mar 2014 #63
Decline of religion, marriage, women's rights, etc. randome Mar 2014 #76
My grandpa was born in northern Spain, where villages were isolated from other villages Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #117
I think this is the core difference. Having worked in Europe, one is certainly exposed to RKP5637 Mar 2014 #86
That matters less than population density Spider Jerusalem Mar 2014 #150
Don't we have Canada.... llmart Mar 2014 #154
Capitalism needs to detach workers from their support networks. tblue37 Mar 2014 #206
+1. n/t Laelth Mar 2014 #233
Noam Chomsky on this: woo me with science Mar 2014 #5
SO true! Chomsky is spot on. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #6
+10000 dotymed Mar 2014 #48
Agree with Chomsky--this situation has been created & promoted marions ghost Mar 2014 #98
And the shows aren't much better than Ow, My Balls! nt valerief Mar 2014 #208
Mobile devices have usurped the television for pushing advertising. People are glued to their japple Mar 2014 #146
I've noticed this too. The less and less one does something, the less the habit of it... Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #226
I haven't watched TV in several decades, and I am neither lonely nor isolated. Zorra Mar 2014 #168
As with so many things, Chomsky's absolutely right about this. n/t Raksha Mar 2014 #229
There's a definite lack of real, personal contact here. sinkingfeeling Mar 2014 #7
Yup there are superficial & sporadic contacts, but few "for-life, give-your-all" friendships, family Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #8
Churches might work against society in your worldview.. MicaelS Mar 2014 #18
Did I say churches should be prohibited? I merely said they've turned right wing and quite fascist Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #133
Not all churches Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #34
Big difference in friendliness between US & Germany/Ireland/Scotland/England/France Divernan Mar 2014 #88
Yes, I went by myself to a concert at Edvard Grieg's home in Bergen, Norway Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #108
Every day the same message: We are all in this alone. nt Demo_Chris Mar 2014 #10
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss! Enemies all around us, you have only yourself to handle it, you Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #11
Chillingly insightful. nt Union Scribe Mar 2014 #13
While the article contains many valid points, I think it's important to remember that Sheldon Cooper Mar 2014 #16
Yep. People have "alone time" all over the world. But isolation (what we have here) is not Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #24
Lol Shankapotomus Mar 2014 #141
I enjoy my solitude, but... meaculpa2011 Mar 2014 #21
Isolation doesn't always equate with loneliness BlueSky3 Mar 2014 #31
Perhaps only someone who has lived elsewhere would notice the isolation in the U.S. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #45
A "good" lifestyle? BlueSky3 Mar 2014 #51
The Japanese are known for their "introversion" yet have very close friends and family, neighbors Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #52
There are plenty of isolated individuals here in Japan Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #152
There have always been isolated people, just as there has always been cancer. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #164
Unfortunately, there is decreasing reverence for the elderly in Japan Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #167
The greater the influence of capitalism, the less reverence for the elderly. I'd hate to think they Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #171
There is another growing social phenomenon in Japan Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #174
So they're trailing behind us, but are definitely there. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #175
That's basically what they say here in Japan Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #177
Unrelated, but here's a very brief explanation of differences between American and Japanese Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #179
Yeah, those differences can make it very frustrating Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #185
I'd seen a hugely long documentary on the respect required for communicating in Japan Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #191
Maybe we do Art_from_Ark Mar 2014 #193
My brother, who now lives in Spain (but was raised here), traveled to Japan for business Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #202
Influenced by us, perhaps? Cal33 Mar 2014 #231
I agree. Too much discourse and "conventional wisdom" is framed by extroverts Populist_Prole Mar 2014 #112
This...is so true! pipi_k Mar 2014 #131
I'm with you. Blue_In_AK Mar 2014 #132
I spent seven years in a town that is widely deemed "a good place to raise kids" Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #109
I've noticed that many lonely people cannot stand their own company Skittles Mar 2014 #151
I have driven cross country alone... meaculpa2011 Mar 2014 #197
fascinating article justabob Mar 2014 #22
Agree with you, Sarah. As Americans, we are expected to ALWAYS be ON. closeupready Mar 2014 #25
Exactly. Always expected to do things as 1 isolated, helpless unit. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #56
Yes. Spot on article. Skidmore Mar 2014 #27
Like in "The Killing Fields" - remember that part where closeupready Mar 2014 #36
Yes, in this case we've substituted capitalism for family, neighbors, of-the-heart friendships, etc. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #61
Isolating them emotionally, you mean? nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #38
Yes. If you are removed from those who could support you, Skidmore Mar 2014 #49
Well, in much of Europe (where there are better govt social support systems), people also have Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #54
"However, it makes a workforce of individuals that can be treated like widgets" woo me with science Mar 2014 #198
Americans are also more distrustful and more fearful. Spitfire of ATJ Mar 2014 #28
Wow. I never get lonely or feel isolated. No wonder my multiple personalities Zorra Mar 2014 #29
You totally made my day! JustAnotherGen Mar 2014 #33
Awesome! Zorra Mar 2014 #35
LOL SunSeeker Mar 2014 #209
Corporate dislocation and suburbanization ErikJ Mar 2014 #30
Well said. YoungDemCA Mar 2014 #216
Live alone yet don't feel lonely or isolated. Since I stopped driving, though, feel more connected. pinto Mar 2014 #37
Yes, I was happier when I didn't have to drive Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #41
This article is from 2001, but it still rings true Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #39
What a great article and post. Thank you. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #50
Excellent. woo me with science Mar 2014 #101
Its pretty much true... yuiyoshida Mar 2014 #40
Many Americans are descended from immigrants who came by themselves or with 1 or 2 others FarCenter Mar 2014 #43
DU rec n/t Catherina Mar 2014 #44
Just because one lives alone... Helen Borg Mar 2014 #46
If that's true, why is "solitary" a punishment in jail? Why is it that putting people by themselves jtuck004 Mar 2014 #58
we all need to be around people SOME Celebration Mar 2014 #147
It depends. If they are introverts because they are happy with the solitude, proud of jtuck004 Mar 2014 #156
anything taking to an extreme can be a pathology Celebration Mar 2014 #199
I agree with you. I've noticed that a few here have said they prefer to be alone, despite the fact Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #205
Some are. :) nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #203
"Solitary" is not just lack of contact with other people. Helen Borg Mar 2014 #219
Perhaps I should have bolded... jtuck004 Mar 2014 #224
The article merely discusses the person found dead to make the point of the rest of the Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #225
Worlds greatest discoverers and scientists ErikJ Mar 2014 #65
But it was a mission, which is a temporary period of time, and they went elsewhere to do this Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #212
K and R n/t JimDandy Mar 2014 #53
I think the only thing worse than forced isolation Orrex Mar 2014 #55
Socialization in places where people are close, tight and warm, is not forced. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #59
I'm not sure that I agree with the premise, to be honest Orrex Mar 2014 #69
I wasn't born here, so I'm commenting on what I noticed and added this article. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #70
So it's simply your own witnessing based on anecdote? Orrex Mar 2014 #72
No. Actually I performed a 25-year study. LOL! omg. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #87
Yeah, that's about what I figured. Orrex Mar 2014 #90
you are a skilled straw-man fabricator. that's a compliment. high paying job in today's world. ;^p Adam051188 Mar 2014 #113
"the only thing worse than being alone is wishing you were" Skittles Mar 2014 #182
I kinda put myself into forced isolation. Vashta Nerada Mar 2014 #60
The wealthier we are AgingAmerican Mar 2014 #62
Very interesting observation. Do you think it's because of the physical separation of homes? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #67
When I lived in a poor neighborhood AgingAmerican Mar 2014 #74
You grew up in a real neighborhood. What a pleasure. Kids nowadays don't go play outside. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #75
My parents couldn't keep us in the house AgingAmerican Mar 2014 #80
LOL! I also grew up "outside." We went inside to eat, shower, sleep, do homework or if we were in Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #83
The cheaper the energy, the less we need other people The2ndWheel Mar 2014 #81
A consequence of progress in general, hm? A valid point, too. randome Mar 2014 #92
I have this wonderful friend who just turned 94. toby jo Mar 2014 #66
Good point (about TV). I wonder why we Americans were so willing to isolate ourselves for it? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #68
tv is addictive and we are raised on it. magical thyme Mar 2014 #99
When my husband and I got home from work in Spain... Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #115
I can't speak to working in Spain, but here in the U.S. magical thyme Mar 2014 #126
I think you're right. Work here in the U.S. is a hostile environment that leads to exhaustion and Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #129
Anyone ever read Walden n/t sailfla Mar 2014 #71
Yup, where he decided to live 2 years out in the wild alone? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #77
My son's experience living for a year in 2 very remote, tiny Indonesian villages. Divernan Mar 2014 #73
Not surprised at all, Americans are bred to be competitive and combative, it's what RKP5637 Mar 2014 #78
I agree they're raised that way. I'd be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on this. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #79
No, just my ramblings on DU. Part of my background is in the social sciences and out of RKP5637 Mar 2014 #107
Ok. I also find that in other countries there are introverts (for ex., the Japanese) but they have Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #110
This might not be the best word, but I've heard some describe American behavior as RKP5637 Mar 2014 #124
What worries me is that Americans might not even have real cliques? Just the illusions of cliques? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #127
And especially in older age. There are IMO doubtless millions of heartbreaking stories that RKP5637 Mar 2014 #135
It's horrifying. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #137
Agree--competition is definitely rewarded & sociopaths take full advantage marions ghost Mar 2014 #94
"But often in the past I found myself investing in friends that were really just competitors." Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #136
With ya marions ghost Mar 2014 #157
I think MSM fear mongering has played a role in people isolating themselves. notadmblnd Mar 2014 #82
That's such a good point. I hadn't thought of how the MSM instills fear which leads to further Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #84
Yup - everything is to be feared. Plus, the self-defense industry chrisa Mar 2014 #95
Except then all you get is to share the problems... marions ghost Mar 2014 #97
Fear-mongering, yes! Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #119
Rugged individualism! moondust Mar 2014 #89
Do you think the more successful a country is, the more broken down its social ties? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #111
I don't know about "country." moondust Mar 2014 #144
Good post. YoungDemCA Mar 2014 #217
Absolutely. If we all got together, we could write the definitive book on why our society is broken Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #222
Too true. It breaks down society. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #221
There's more to it than that. nt meaculpa2011 Mar 2014 #214
I guess I'm the oddball. I like my life the way it is. riderinthestorm Mar 2014 #91
No you don't. You think you do, but that's the real tragedy. Orrex Mar 2014 #103
The question about "confidants" seems relevant marions ghost Mar 2014 #114
I have no confidante. I write in my journal about hopes, fears, dreams. riderinthestorm Mar 2014 #161
Yup, when we die, only we die for ourselves. However, having a confidant used to be a vital part Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #163
I don't think of it as "others having answers" marions ghost Mar 2014 #200
Once I realize how sad and lonely I am...what is the next step? Rex Mar 2014 #121
I can enjoy solitude for days at a time, but eventually it depresses me Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #122
Exactly. Here's a good article about isolation and what it does... Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #165
That's the way I read it. Le Taz Hot Mar 2014 #158
Some of us just are not very social LostOne4Ever Mar 2014 #96
Not the same as being "social" necessarily marions ghost Mar 2014 #100
What I mean - in the countries I lived in, even introverts had tight relationships with family Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #104
exactly right geretogo Mar 2014 #102
I'd be very interested in hearing more of your observations. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #166
observations geretogo Mar 2014 #218
Thank you for taking the time to type this out. I feel exactly the same way. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #220
Oddly, the article you link is about Facebook and loneliness and does not cite Bluenorthwest Mar 2014 #105
It includes Facebook in the article and title, but isn't exclusively an analysis of Facebook Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #106
No, the title is 'Is Facebook Making Us Lonley'. No nation is compared to another Bluenorthwest Mar 2014 #116
Did you read only the title? Or did you read the entire article's assertion as to isolation in the Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #118
It's about modern society, it is for a US audience Bluenorthwest Mar 2014 #138
Within all societies are extroverts, introverts, loneliness and happiness, but all societies are Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #140
Defend against? This is not combat, kid. I will not combat you. Sorry. Bluenorthwest Mar 2014 #211
You apparently have not read through the threads here. You should. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #223
Suicide is what Japanese people do instead of murder Lydia Leftcoast Mar 2014 #125
I feel so guilty about being happy. deaniac21 Mar 2014 #120
Only about that? How about feeling guilty about not having read the article? :) nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #123
I think many Americans think if a stranger starts talking to them, that raccoon Mar 2014 #128
Yes, and on the other hand, they think if they say "hi" to someone daily, that's a true friend, Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #130
I live in Ecuador. Puglover Mar 2014 #134
I have thought about moving out of America, if I can ever get enough money shenmue Mar 2014 #143
I'm sorry you are lonely. Puglover Mar 2014 #145
Thank you. shenmue Mar 2014 #148
I'm so sorry. Maybe it helps to hear that this is a nationwide problem nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #178
I am in the same boat as you. Vashta Nerada Mar 2014 #186
K&R Solly Mack Mar 2014 #139
When you are an introvert in a society that expects you to be an extrovert, it's tough. alarimer Mar 2014 #149
Pretty much this Fumesucker Mar 2014 #155
There's a difference between introversion and social isolation. Look at the Japanese... Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #162
But the thing is, I pretty much hate my fellow Americans. alarimer Mar 2014 #187
Well, maybe it's the system of life here that you detest, and the way people are affected nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #190
Fumesucker and Alarimar, you are right. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2014 #230
This is a well commented op, and a needed one. fleabiscuit Mar 2014 #153
I agree. The greater the insecurity, the higher the isolation. And may I add: Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #160
No, I think you make a good point here YoungDemCA Mar 2014 #215
And here I thought it was just me . . . . . n/t Dem_in_Nebr. Mar 2014 #159
Keep this in mind when you are discussing the best ways... Shandris Mar 2014 #170
I agree with you. The whole country is hurting. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #172
Thanks for this thread...! WhaTHellsgoingonhere Mar 2014 #173
I'm so sorry. Perhaps there's something we can do. Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #176
Oh, I know it sounds sad so let me explain (of course, you may still be sad for me :) WhaTHellsgoingonhere Mar 2014 #188
Thank you for explaining. It's definitely a societal problem. nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #189
Another thing: being an outlier (GLBT for example) is impossible in many "close" communities riderinthestorm Mar 2014 #180
Yes, but I've heard that being an outlier can create a closely-knit group? Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #181
If you have close friends, you can organize Dirty Socialist Mar 2014 #183
That's exactly the #1 thing the corporatists don't want us to do - organize nt Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #192
I know this is true, but I absolutely roody Mar 2014 #184
It depends on the people I'm around. Manifestor_of_Light Mar 2014 #194
K and R. Interesting ideas. LuckyLib Mar 2014 #195
The outsourcing of manufacturing has contributed greatly to this isolation. Enthusiast Mar 2014 #196
Thanks for the awesome post. Job loss does destroy extended families, friends, neighborhoods, Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #201
I think some "massive overhaul" or other is bound to happen -- rather sooner Cal33 Mar 2014 #207
Yes. I think too many of us became like cattle, just moving forward on to the slaughter - Sarah Ibarruri Mar 2014 #210
Past Histories and Experience 4Q2u2 Mar 2014 #204
Recommended. H2O Man Mar 2014 #227
Thank you for posting this. Raksha Mar 2014 #228
k&r for the truth, however depressing it may be. n/t Laelth Mar 2014 #232
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