The Trial of the Chicago Seven (1969–1970): This trial of anti-Vietnam War protesters was notable for its highly public, contentious hearings, with defendants, prosecutors, and witnesses confronting each other in court. The proceedings were widely covered and became a symbol of open, adversarial justice in the U.S..
Mean
An uncut scene from Bridesmaids where Kristen Wiig and the teenager argue in the jewelry store. This is improv at its best! Who says Americans can get in each other’s face?
YouTube comments:
“This girl was only 14 when she held her own with a professional comedian for 10 minutes.”
“Kristen Wiig is an absolute improv genius and not afraid to set herself up as the punching bag for the little girl.”
“They clearly were having way too much fun with this scene. Mia starts to smile too much because it’s such a joy to go so unhinged on somebody. The director probably said to go in there and completely go off on her but don’t overlap lines so we can edit. The editors probably had too much fun with this scene too. Can you blame any of them?”
“Props to Kristen but that girl annihilated her.”
George Carlin
New York Times. May 11, 2022. One of America’s greatest stand-up comics. A satirist in the deepest sense. George Carlin. Always critical of his homeland. Its short-comings. Its deceits. For many a true patriotic American.
Telegraph (1840s onward)
The invention and rapid adoption of the electric telegraph by Samuel Morse in 1844 revolutionized how Americans communicated. For the first time, it was possible to send instant updates and confirmations across great distances, enabling businesses, government, and individuals to maintain real-time status checks and coordinate actions efficiently. This technological leap fostered a culture of frequent follow-up and immediate communication, laying the groundwork for the American expectation of regular updates and ongoing alignment in agreements.
Take risks
Jeff Bezos. Founder of Amazon. About being bold: 0:00 to 2:45 minutes.
migration and survival
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. In this story of migration and survival, the Joad family’s journey is marked by constant communication, checking in with each other, and following up on leads for work and shelter. Their progress depends on regular updates and ongoing discussions, reflecting the American value of staying informed and aligned as circumstances change.
Auf Augenhöhe
Augenhöhe. Literally at eye level. Equals. On equal footing.
It is said that Germans will work without stopping until they have completed the task. A prerequisite for such effort is that the parties involved are partners at eye level, are equals, the opposite of a master-slave type of relationship. Germans, as employees and as companies, want to work more as consultants, as experts, than as mere service providers or as servants.
Germans are self-confident about their abilities and skills. Even when the relationship in terms of the contract, the law or societal expectations cannot possibly be one of equals, they expect, and often demand, a business relationship auf Augenhöhe, at eye level, to be treated like colleagues.
To collaborate at eye level is not just a matter of good form. It is a serious demand especially from small- to medium-sized companies, the famed German Mittelstand. Many German companies advertise their willingness and ability to work together with business parters auf Augenhöhe, signaling their desire to be open, transparent and honest.
Companies which promise collaboration at eye level are stating that they treat all partners, regardless of size or prestige, as equal partners. Respect is critical, not the size of the contract or the nature of the partnership. This includes informing the other partner immediately when things go wrong. One‘s expertise is put to good service for the other partner. Neither side looks to gain advantage.
Germans strive for a high level of openness and honesty from the very beginning of a business relationship. As a well-known German company once stated: Zusammenarbeit auf Augenhöhe sichert Qualität. Colloboration at eye level guarantees quality.
aligned on goals
The Intern (2015). This comedy-drama features a modern workplace where constant communication, feedback, and follow-up are central to the company culture. The characters regularly check in with one another, hold status meetings, and use follow-up to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and responsibilities.
Billy Beane
Moneyball (2011). The management team, led by Billy Beane, holds frequent meetings to review player statistics, discuss strategies, and follow up on recruitment and trades. The film’s structure is built around ongoing check-ins and data-driven updates, emphasizing the importance of regular follow-up to achieve team goals.
group performance
Die Welle (The Wave, 2008). Context: A high school teacher conducts an experiment to demonstrate the appeal of authoritarianism. Illustration: The feedback given by the teacher to students – and among students themselves – remains focused on behavior and group performance, not on individual personalities. The film explores the consequences of depersonalized, performance-based evaluation in a group dynamic.