http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-201785-132-expat-voice-individualism-vs-the-all-for-one-and-one-for-all-approach.html

"[...] Like the archetype Blanche Dubois in Tennessee Williams’ classic play, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” I can say that in Turkey, “I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.” I don’t worry too much about being stranded in a place where I’m lost, unable to access money and no one speaks English, because my experience tells me the Turks will take care of me. They’ll lead me by the hand to someone they know who speaks English, stay with me until I’ve found my way or even spring for the cost of a cab or bus ride until I’m able to access cash. Such hospitality “is part of our national character,” one student told me [...]"

It was an interesting article to read. I´m even surprised about some of the things in the U.S., which are already different then in The Netherlands. The part you´ve quoted is so true. I´ve done the same as well Even if there is nobody around who speaks English, with some hand and foot work I can always communicate. I had so many nice experiences (mostly with bus-drivers, no pun intended) who have helped me travel across Turkey safely.

 yep,very true.It never ceases to amaze me how hospitable and generous Turkish ppl are on average.I can compare it with Portuguese hospitality in western part of Europe only.

When in Turkey I feel ashamed that my nation lost such attitude although some hospitality features are still preserved like putting up guests for longer not demanding anything in return or feeding them.With borrowing things,especially cars most of my compatriots tend to believe in old saying´ cars and wives are not for rent´.

It is absolutely true that Turkish people are very kind and friendly to strangers. It is one of the very pleasant things one encounters in Turkey.

However, I don´t think that this should be in any conflict with individualism. I think that ´individualism´ defined as valuing the individual´s feelings and choices vs imposition of the choices of the tribe is a great accomplishment of the western culture -- it leads to the breakdown of tribal behavior and mindless following of obsolete and inhumane ideas, it also leads to progress. But I don´t think that it has to be contradictory with kindness and hospitality, there is no reason why these two should not coexist.

yeah, thats how amerikans discover the world. they touch the outside of the complex culture (that is for an exhibition for westerners) and then go WOW I discovered a neverending hospitality.

He doesnt realize that the more he praises the more he gets. we easterners do absolutely everything to make a good impression, to receive more praise. and a hospitality is our domain.its our pride. we put our hospitality in front of us and think we are better than others (esp. westerners), although we are lame in many many aspects of life.

as for the renting cars, when you have a car insurance you know you cant give your car even to your friends. if accident happens you dont get covered.

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come on, this is a praise and pride compaign for Turkey! you dont like it?

Turkish students say so and a silly amerikan repeats it.

When I was a student I did the same. I told a hell lot of lies to westerners.

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dont let me shoot, plz.

No, question. You are free.

I am beeeeeeeeeed!

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