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Americans Are r aiuel
They laugh more, rush more, and go to more hall games than any other people in the world! A world traveler looks at her own people and finds in them the simple secrets of their staying power.
BY MELITA O'HARA
Americans are naive, but definitely, thought I upon returning to the United States. Fd been gone several months — long enough to gain some perspective. The old bromide about "not seeing the forest for the trees" is always applicable when you're too close to things to have any way of establishing a sense of values. But if you can get away and come back — what a measuring stick you have!
Old memories, forgotten idioms and customs crowded in upon me last month as I sped into Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City. Impressions of this returning American collect hodgepodge in the back of my mind. Most vivid among the impressions are these : the free-wheeling gait and attitude of everyone in stations, restaurants, and sidewalks; the carefree smiles that, thank heaven, haven't been wiped from the faces; the quick alert response to a request; talkative taxicab drivers just being friendly; the telephone operator who calls everyone "honey"; cocktail bars in stations; the array of bottles in drug and liquor stores in certain states; rayon stockings not at a premium; the
many colored people traveling and in uniform; the freedom of speech on political issues; the absence of restraint or inhibitions; the accelerated tempo; the terrific crowds; the lack of adequate help everywhere; the high cost of meals; the machines in stations featuring small editions of famed tones for 10c; the bevy of new exciting looking magazines on the newstands; and the generous openmindedness of everyone that seems to border almost on a childlike curiosity and trustfulness and which on first encounter, after you've been away some time, strikes you as naivete!
It is easy to understand, upon returning, why Europeans or Orientals draw such conclusions about us. Upon first landing in this country they are struck by this naivete and mentally file us away — in the kindergarten class.
In some ways, they're right. Americans are naive, and this accounts for many of our blunders and philanderings. But it also is the real secret of our great progress and success as a nation.