Brazil
I find that Brazilians don’t think twice about having a “pissing contest” noisily enough for their neighbors to hear. In the 5 months I’ve lived in my apartment complex, I’ve heard quite a few arguments loud and clear. It’s almost like a live soap-opera taking place before me and, I must admit, getting some popcorn has crossed my mind (kidding, I’m not really into Schadenfreude). One must be weary of what hour they schedule their yelling matches because, officially-speaking (and as Danielle recently stated), Brazil does have noise laws. Apartment complexes have their own noise rules also, by the way. Luckily, arguments are almost always quick to finish…I should know, I’ve been *that* neighbor a few times as well.
US
I’ve had my fair share of apartment living experiences in the States and I can’t recall ever hearing anyone else within earshot arguing. Could it be that, for some reason, walls are more soundproof in the US? Meaning everyone argues just the same, no matter where they are in the world (except, perhaps, the Japanese with their polite nature and rice paper-thin walls). Personally-speaking, while living in houses throughout the US, I can readily recall many an argument that took place in my presence so I’m definitely not saying that Americans are civilized and Brazilians aren’t. It could very well be that Brazilians let loose while Americans keep it all pent-up.
I liked this line “I must admit, getting some popcorn has crossed my mind”. rsrsrs
I would say that Brazilians don’t care much about what their neighbors will think about them. Maybe I’m wrong. Just a thought.
Concordo com você, Adam. Muitos brasileiros (não podemos generalizar, hehehe), realmente não se preocupam se estão ou não incomodando os seus vizinhos com barulhos, e isso é irritante com certeza. Infelizmente a lei do silêncio não funciona quando se trata de torcedores de futebol fanáticos, que ficam berrando de suas janelas quando o time faz gol e acham que o mundo todo tem que torcer junto com eles…. é irritante. E nesse caso ai, além da falta de educação, entra a falta de respeito também :-)
Adam,
Great material — with most of this stuff right up my alley I’ve had quite a few laughs here.
Keep it up!
Daniel Penn