Don’t bother trying to fit in. Not gonna happen. It’s less that they “hope you’ll fit in” and more “they truly can’t imagine anything else” (Source: used to live in Sweden, know exactly what you’re getting on about). Imagination among average people anywhere is generally quite limited though, it just takes this form in Germanic Europe.
The Germanic rigidity/emphasis on conformity/strong nature of “in-group.” I think stems from their tribal days back some 1500-2000 years ago as barbarian raiders on the fringes of the Roman Empire and on Europe’s geographic peripheries in general.
In contrast, Roman citizenship was far more permissive and flexible with regard to who is one; a mindset that definitely continues to influence Latin Europe today.
This mindset is actually hinted at in the Bible of all places, by Paul the Apostle during his travels throughout the empire. He actually described his treatment as a Roman citizen when in dispute with the authorities (in comparison to his similarly Jewish, non-citizen counterparts) and how having Roman citizenship gave him A LOT more benefit of the doubt.
Don’t bother trying to fit in. Not gonna happen. It’s less that they “hope you’ll fit in” and more “they truly can’t imagine anything else” (Source: used to live in Sweden, know exactly what you’re getting on about). Imagination among average people anywhere is generally quite limited though, it just takes this form in Germanic Europe.
The Germanic rigidity/emphasis on conformity/strong nature of “in-group.” I think stems from their tribal days back some 1500-2000 years ago as barbarian raiders on the fringes of the Roman Empire and on Europe’s geographic peripheries in general.
In contrast, Roman citizenship was far more permissive and flexible with regard to who is one; a mindset that definitely continues to influence Latin Europe today.
This mindset is actually hinted at in the Bible of all places, by Paul the Apostle during his travels throughout the empire. He actually described his treatment as a Roman citizen when in dispute with the authorities (in comparison to his similarly Jewish, non-citizen counterparts) and how having Roman citizenship gave him A LOT more benefit of the doubt.
Hope this helps explain it!