outsid3r wrote: ↑09 Nov 2017, 13:26
CBeck113 wrote: ↑09 Nov 2017, 12:24
Come on people, does everyone need to be offended by every second sentence? That stance kind of kills the idea of a forum, where everyone should be able to speak their opinion, and then get support or critic for it. And let's be honest about the thinking before speaking or acting part: Sebastian Vettel maybe? A general statement about a culture doesn't mean that everyone meets those criteria, but a large percentage. So have a little more backbone for yourself if you don't believe that you share said trait, and bring constructive criticism instead. I've been watching the intellectual level drop in this forum, but since I haven't found a better forum, I'll do what I can to help this one.
Well said! I am Maltese, probably the southern most part of Europe and very similar to Italians culture-wise. I actually agree that sometimes we are too blinded by passion and emotion, and that we speak before we think, but that it what differs us southern Europeans. And the fact that sometimes even Vettel is showing these attributes may not always be a quality to cheer about but certainly indicates that he is at one with the team and that he is adapting well.
Thanks:-) I am an American who's been living in Germany for over 25 years, and I do carry traits from both cultures, while also adapting and changing in the process. I can't understand being offended when someone speaks before they think, they tend to be more honest and show their true fears in a situation (not a bad thing!), my German wife is the perfect example of this. She's typically German in her will to exceed in what she does (try something she's baked or cooked and you'll understand), but also carries her heart on her tongue and reacts before thinking about the consequences of her actions...sounds alot like Vettel actually
. It is easy to see when I've overstepped her limits, which has certainly helped maintain our 24 year marriage. On a second personal note, I love the Italian mentality - it's a great counterbalance to my engineering and statistical backround, and helps keep me social.
So, back on topic - the emotional response embedded in the Italian culture should be seen as a blessing, even if it can block a common sense approach in certain situations, it offers endless drive for success, especially when channeled correctly. Ferrari is in a position to do so, for the first time in a long time with primarily Italian management, and I certainly hope they can do it in 2018.
“Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!” Monty Python and the Holy Grail