Lee Wochner: Writer. Director. Writing instructor. Thinker about things.


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What sets Americans apart

This list, of Ten Japanese Travel Tips for Visiting America, reminds me of old Star Trek episodes where Kirk or Jean-Luc would get tips on correct cultural behavior on an alien planet.

But here is something I have found, in my trips around this country and others, to be true:

“In America, you can make mistakes, fail, and it doesn’t matter. It is a fundamental feeling that to sometimes be incorrect is natural. In addition, rather than thinking about mistakes and failures, Americans have curiosity and say, ‘Let’s try anyway!’ ”

There are worse things than being the curious people who say “Let’s try anyway.” That’s the spirit that put a man on the moon.

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