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Thread: How do Western cultures generally view hierarchy?
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[quote=PETERJOHN,246699]Age is not nearly as important here. Of course, we are taught to respect our elders, but of highest importance is experience, and the ability to put innovative plans into action. Have they shown the ability to accomplish things? If so, they will do well. In fact, performance is so important, that even someone who is young, with no college education can become very wealthy (for example, Bill Gates -- he left college before finishing his degree; of course, he's not young anymore). But to answer your question more specifically, hierarchies are considered by many in America to be a "necessary evil." In some contexts, they are highly valuable, and necessary, such as in the military. But in general, the less visible the hierarchy, the happier the people are, I believe. A very big part of the American mindset is that anyone (and I do mean anyone) can become as successful as they want, if they are willing to work hard, stay flexible and are willing to learn. It is common for mothers to tell their children, "one day, you might become the President!" Even if people never reach the pinnacle of success, they still feel happier just knowing that it is a possibility if they want to work hard at it. But that is also a reason that foreign immigrants often become much more successful in America than we Americans do... they say," all I have to do is work hard and make smart decisions and I can be successful? OK!" [/quote]
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