Originally Posted by amideislas

OK, well, it's not exactly a secret. The Germans even have a special word for it, "schadenfreude", which doesn't have a direct-translation to English, but the closest technical translation is "Harm-Joy" or the "Joy of others' misfortunes".

But that's only the technical translation. The word is equally used in the context of "jealousy", or "Neidisch" or "Neidischkeit" (a sort of slang variation).

But in the context of this discussion, the word equally applies to both "looking down the nose at those with less", and "despise for those with more". In fact, that connotation is probably the primary "meaning".

Both are rather common German stereotypes (that the Germans openly acknowledge), but it's not limited to Germans - most Europeans intuitively identify both those of lesser economic class, and those of greater economic class with some degree of segregation or even discomfort. The intensity of those emotions varies with the local culture and character, but it's more prevalent in larger cities and suburbs. For example, Munich and Hamburg cultures are well-known for exhibiting schadenfreude, for example.

Your watch, your car, and your shoes are amongst the first impressions that people will judge you by. If you don't appear to be in the 'right' income bracket, many may keep their distance - on that basis alone. Politely, but distant.

If you show up at a middle-class gathering with a Porsche and a Rolex, don't expect a warm reception, regardless of your personal character. Drive the Volkswagen and wear your Timex. The same applies if you're a salesperson. Showing up in a new Mercedes doesn't mean you're successful, it means you're a "shark", and should be avoided. Because, well, "success" is often associated with something dubious.

In contrast, if you're having a little get together with your middle-class friends, it's best not to invite your struggling divorced single mother colleague at work, or your wealthy boss. Associating with people of another class is a little questionable. The classes are well-defined. Best not to step too far into a zone you don't belong.

Now, I'm not suggesting that's some fixed set of rules, but only that Europeans in particular, are quite conscious of class differentiators right from the start, and socially, it's important to be aware of how you may be perceived in that context. Whether they like you or avoid you on that basis varies depending on the character of the beholder.

Now, having said all that, I find the same social stigmas are far less defined in America, nor that a person's character is first identified by their perceived economic class, and I simply find that refreshing. That's all I was commenting on.

Originally Posted by Hotscot

I see all kinds everywhere.
People are people.

Originally Posted by Moses2013

I don't know where you got your impressions from Germany, but I did not experience any of that. Of course you'll find different areas (wealthy, not so wealthy). Again no different to the rest of the world. 9% of Germans actually drive a Mercedes.

Originally Posted by amideislas

Well, I lived in Germany for nearly 20 years. OK, that's not a lifetime, but it's long enough to absorb a little of the local culture.

And it's not the brand, it's the model.

Originally Posted by amideislas

..... OK, I understand that you may not agree, but the fact is, socially, Americans exhibit a much foggier, less defined distinction of the classes than Europeans, and I find that pretty refreshing. That's all.

Originally Posted by Pulaski

That is not a fact. I will be surprised if any of the regulars here on BE who live, or have lived, in the US agree with you.

Originally Posted by amideislas

Oh, and Mrs, Danvers, you obviously haven't ever lived in Europe, where the division of classes are much more defined.

Originally Posted by amideislas

If you went to an estate agent to look for a home, or if a supplier for you company showed up at your office, what first impression would most influence your opinion of them?

Originally Posted by amideislas

If you went to an estate agent to look for a home, or if a supplier for you company showed up at your office, what first impression would most influence your opinion of them?

Originally Posted by Owen778

I think people are laughing at you more for the irony of your patronising tone instructing us how we don't know what Europe is like, while simultaneously making claims about the US that are ridiculous to anyone who has lived here.

Two that stand out are firstly, claiming that European goods are widely available in the US (actually in most small towns, even the range of American goods is pretty poor), and secondly, claiming that Americans don't judge others based on their wealth (which is actually the American equivalent to class, and just as common).

Originally Posted by Pulaski

I don't know where you're going with this question. ..... More or less the same as in the UK: whatever is most distinctive about them, which could mean anything: appropriate clothing, personal hygiene, accent/ grammar, demeanor/attitude, what car (age/ quality/ state of repair) they showed up in. People form immediate impressions of people they meet, that's human nature.

Originally Posted by amideislas

and would you feel intimidated, fearful, even angry... and reluctant to "mingle" with them?

Originally Posted by amideislas

What if you went to a dinner gathering, and met a well-dressed bloke and his wife. Both obviously well-off, sporting Rolexes and driving a high-end car of some sort.

Originally Posted by Hotscot

Only if you had personal issues to be honest.

Originally Posted by manekeniko

In Texas, this is referred to as "all hat, no cattle." Lots of people of so-so means put on a show to impress others, while many wealthy drive older cars and live in modest houses. Frugal rich people use their money to invest and improve their businesses instead of squandering money on stuff. Stupid non-rich people take on debt to fund their showy lifestyles.

Even Warren Buffet, whom you probably recall is a billionaire, lives in the same modest home in Omaha that he bought decades ago.

"The Millionaire Next Door" is a book that explains this mindset perfectly.