WHAT ARE CZECH PEOPLE REALLY LIKE? PART 2 (Czech mentality)
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- Опубліковано 29 тра 2024
- If you haven't seen part 1, definitely check that out! • WHAT ARE CZECH PEOPLE ...
00:00 intro
00:40 Straightforward and opinionated
03:54 Complaining as a sport
05:24 Political incorrectness
06:22 Live and Let Live
07:24 Low aspiration, low perspiration
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I complain, therefore I am.
I feel you dude
Queror, ergo sum?
@@radeksmid6593 Recte. Linguam Latinam bene didicisti.
I love it!
Complaining is best ice-breaker. You can see in a train. People are so quiet, read books or play with their phones. Than the train brakes down. Suddenly many people start chatting with each other how railways sucks, how is always delay, how they miss a bus or school or a date...
So true :-D
So true, last week I bonded with another woman at Arbesák tram stop over complaining about late tram arrivals😂
Kdo se umí zasmát sobě, ten má právo smát se všemu :D Tam kde hynou vlci i sobi, čech se přizpůsobil :D
A ti šikovní Japonci, se silami jsou na konci.?..
Kdosi vyprávěl, jak se kdysi zeptal jednoho Holanďana, co si myslí o Češích. Řekl: Češi jsou dokonalí Hobiti. Milují dobré jídlo a pití, nevyhledávají konflikty, mají rádi svůj "klídek" a "pohodičku". A co se týče stěžování si, jsme v tomto sportu dobří, ale myslím, že bychom po Evropě našli důstojné soupeře. Napadají mne napřiklad Francouzi. Ovšem projevuje se zde rozdíl národních temperamentů. My si stěžujeme nejraději v hospodě u piva, Francouzi milují barikády. Patrně rozdíl beer nation vs. wine nation.
Zrovna Holanďané (alespoň za mě) jsou dost uremcaní a možná malinko lakotní.
@@Justin18K Jeden frankofonní Belgičan mi vyprávěl vtip: Holanďani jsou původně skotský kmen, který byl kdysi ze Skotska vyhnán pro lakotu.
@@Justin18K Já to znám v podobě: Co Skot zahodí, Holanďan ještě sebere.
Tolkien v lazaretu za 1. sv. války ležel vedle Čecha a hodně si povídali. Takže to, že Češi jsou hobiti, může mít reálný základ.
@@Alche_mist Lol.
If I may add one, I'd say that we Czechs are rather self-reliant and flexible. I worked for multiple international corporations. Czech engineers have one quality which distinguishes them nicely: when we encounter a problem with a decision that had been taken, a plan isn't working (well) any more and so on, we just figure out a way around that and implement it. We don't wait for official approval to do that. We don't organise a meeting or five to "discuss it". We just fix it and get on with the work; the formal "paperwork" can wait...
I think that stems directly from the communist times. We're a nation of DIY people; if you wanted something back then (and you weren't well-connected), you just had to get it done yourself; shops were empty and craftsmen were expensive. Even now, if I need something, my first thoughts are "how do _I_ make it" rather than "where can I get it" (my father taught me that). And I think that sort of attitude projects to our engineering (at least) and is in fact rather appreciated.
I love this! I like the DIY mentality a lot, especially not waiting for higher-ups to okay everything.
I have experienced both sides of it with both teams. If they are good it's a pleasant surprise. If they are contended or indifferent, you're left scratching your head while I don't know what they do 😂
@@suyashshandilya9891 Good point, I think some of my managers would heartily agree with you... :-) It may be problematic from the managerial point of view, even if the guy _is_ good.
Czechnology is a real thing. I often witnessed such innovations.
If you are embarrassed about how to react to political incorrectness, which is unpleasant to you, my advice is simple. We Czechs have the saying "a rough patch for a rough sack". That means stopping being politically correct and polite and answering completely honestly. Feel free to say that it offends you or that it is foolish to sue about Americans when the man has never been to America. The Czechs perceive political correctness as cowardice to state their opinion honestly. Therefore, Czechs sometimes just provoke the other and wait for what the other will say. I do that sometimes. But I'm not an idiot, I usually know very well that what I'm saying is rude. But when the other person leaves his comfort zone of polite pretense and tells me heartily and very critically what he thinks about the matter and me - then he will gain my respect and I will appreciate it.
That may be the most useful advice I’ve received in this country. Thanks David.😏
Bravo
We kinda like to shock the foreigners by our dark, politically incorrect humour. I met an American girl at a party. I told her some Czech jokes about Jewish people. She said: "Well, some of my ancestors were Jews..." I was like "Oh sh..." And she "Just kidding!" :-D Well, she gave me a lesson. So this is another way how to deal with the Czech political incorrectness.
@@martindurrer9044 😂😂
But still western style of PC slowly growing into our culture.
Pěkné Jen. Jak tam říkáš, že jsme upřímní a klidně Ti řekneme kritiku, platí to i obráceně. Pokud Ti někdo bude říkat, že jsi skvělá, tak to nebude ze slušnosti. Bude to buď proto, že jsi skvělá, nebo že Tě chce sbalit, ale nebude Ti to nikdo říkat jen tak ze slušnosti, nebo jako úvod k nějaké kritice. ;)
To je trochu "Česká past" když vás někdo chválí " mysli to vážně? Nebo tím něco sleduje?"
@@Justin18K Prostě rádi vždy mrkneme i na druhou stranu mince
@@Justin18K Past je jenom v tvým zamindrákovaným českým mozku, nikde jinde. 😜 Neber si to osobně, myslím to obecně.
Už Reinhard Heydrich říkal o češích, že to jsou smějící se bestie. Tím bych nás taky charakterizoval! Řídím se celý život citátem:
"Neberte život příliš vážně, stejně z něj nevyváznete živí!"
[ Elbert Hubbard ]
On lhal, já se vrátím jako robokop :D
To je zas vztah k autoritám, který autority z venčí neumí pojmout. Většina světa funguje v režimu poslušnosti nebo rebélie. Ale navrch poslunšost, v pozadí minirebélie, to většina kultur nechápe
"Nejúžasnější je argumentovat tím, co řekl největší zločinec v dějinách lidstva. On měl samé takové skvělé argumenty." Bravo. :-/
@@Edson.Arantes Myslíš autora bible?
@@FluffySylveonBoi Ne, myslim někoho kdo si rád hraje na hloupého a hledá v tom chytrost.
Hahahaaa! That was amazing to watch! Well done. It's super interesting, having someone not from your culture describe your culture. I'm a Czech Kiwi and over the last 12 years I have for sure found myself being too blunt and too 'confrontational' for my Kiwi peers, both socially and in work environment. You've hit all the key points on the head! In terms of the 'lack of ambition' though I'd add that it is not due to the lack of wanting to achieve. It is due to the acute recognition of having a privilege. The privilege of high level of education and it's quality, high level of social wellfare, of opportunity. Compared to the US for example, and your strive for doing more with yourself, to get yourself in a better place in life, Czechs don't necessarily need to do that because there are fewer roadblocks in achieving an ok life without killing themselves and their persieved competition. It is in very recent Czech history where we had no freedom. The result is a realization that true freedom is not freedom TO (to do, to have). True freedom is to be free FROM (from opression, from greed, from inhibitions, from exploitation). And this can present as non-ambition.
Obviously a massive generalisation. 😊
I live in Canada and I miss lively discussions with people who actually have opinions. Only small talk here, and it's killing me. LOL
This is a great though provoking comment. The freedom NOT to…. Americans would have a hard time learning that, and it’s the lesson Honza and I have been learning for 10 years.
@@BetwixtDandD yes! I know what you mean! I crave deep, interesting conversations too!
You're either a fruit, bird or a New Zealander but if you said:LOTR you still could be a bird since kiwi's are endemits of New Zealand or you're a cultist, anyway i'm quite lost with this
I couldn’t agree with you more. The Czechs, the Germans, the French have all discovered that magic work-life balance that only recently has been a trendy topic with the American Millennials. Putting in your hours and then having a life outside of work. Popular saying in the USA is “work to live, not live to work”. So…. Seems the Czechs are ahead on the point.
Jen just becomes more and more Czech when she can openly criticize some aspects of our nature. If it's not overdone, most people will appreciate it. If you sometimes criticize someone and they know it's true, then they value praise and recognition more.
Yeah, as Czech, I do agree: I remember (I am now out of country but when I was in Prague) how I drove many people crazy by saying: " I don't really have any opinion about that" :)
😂😂
Pro těžké časy se tu praktikuje: "Mám svůj názor, ale s ním se neztotožňuji"
It drove me crazy just reading about it :D
@@danielrehak3819 😆
Yeah because it usually means I have an opinion but I won't tell.
"I když nám začne docházet jídlo, stále máme jeden druhého." Hannibal Lecter.
Jo, tohle bylo trefné. Akorát bych tu závist neviděl tak spatně. Já si věci nekupuji spíš proto, že je vlastně nepotřebuji a né proto, aby mi to nezáviděli sousedi. Jinak se snažím teda končit už ve čtyři, mám malé děti, tak si je chci užít...
Complaining makes brotherhood in misery.
Btw. a friend of mine met these cultural differences while doing his postdoc in the USA - he needed to explain himself for sexism, as he started his email to lab co-workers "Hi, girls," because ... well... they were all girls (which doesn't make them lower beings). Luckily, his boss was wise enough and closed the case with: "Well, he's from the Europe. They are different."
I like your videos, your always interesting point of view and sense of humor. That being said, we probably live in different social bubbles. Yes, Czechs can be sometimes very laid back, they have their beer culture, pubs, ice hockey etc. But compared to, for example, South Europeans or East Europeans, they can be also very organized, planned, systematic and also quite ambicious. The fact that Czech economy is doing so well even in these troubled times doesn't exist only thanks to its strong ties to the ever strong German economy. Czechs are also quite innovative, which can be confirmed by anybody interested in technologies, engeneering, medicine, pharmacology, armament industry etc.
To be fair, compared to south europeans everyone is organized, planned and systematic. Lived in Greece for a bit. Very friendly and kind people but trying to get anything done properly and on time is enough to make you go insane.
Thanks for pointing this out. The czech economy is roaring along, so someone must be working!
Yes, if you have a meeting with a Czech, be on time.
German economy is making our economy worse, not better. They are siphoning wealth after they destroyed much of our heavy industry right after revolution. (Bought the factories and closed them to kill off competition).
Yup, I constantly get banned on Twitch because I make a "Czech" joke or a remark and forget to mellow it down for the non-Czech creator 😅
This is a goddman perfect video. As a Czech who has live in the UK for 75% of his lifetime, it is interesting to see that 90% of still generalisation still describes me and my personality with scary accuracy, despite the wider environment I have grown up in...
Jakub! I’m in the UK at the moment. It’s so different from the CZ, how can you put up with these people??! 🤪 seriously though I’m noticing so many differences in 2 days, I imagine it’s so stark for you!
@@DreamPrague In all my time living abroad I never met people I liked less than british to be honest. It made for a great bonding opportunity when I had irish flatmate though :-D :-D :-D
@@Turtle1631991 Did they take offense at any slightly improper behavior?
@@FluffySylveonBoi I mostly came into contact with the younger ones and I found them generally naricisstic, unpleseant. demanding and obnouxiously uncapable to know when they had enough booze. Not that I am judging the whole nationality but my personal experience on average has been such.
Then there are few of these old brits who are exquisitely adorably racist in a way you would think that died out after 1930s in USA, the kind where even other white people aren't white *enough* for them. The kind of racism we should probably protect as some kind of historical monument.
@@DreamPrague Hey Jen :), honestly I agree, and you have to super careful with the Czech no limits humour and things like that at first. But 1) You can find people who appreciate that in every country, 2) The Brits often get a kick out of someone who tells it like it is, since basically no one ever does and 3) Most of the things you mention in the video (e.g. refuting self-worth based on career achievements) are individual things that you can control/ don't affect others, so the Brits might not agree with your stance but they have no objection to you taking it :)
And last but not least, 4) London, and British univeristies, are jam-packed with people from all over the world- diversity being one of the UK's greatest assets!
We complain in seek of empathy, to feel validated in our misery 😄
I hear that!
Yes. Czech likes to "dive in" in ourselves misery. I think sometimes it has some cleasing or purificaton effect. :)
Exactly, (I am Slovak but we are the same "complainers" 😁), that is why we dont need group therapy as often as displayed in American movies 😅. Like they have support groups for everything and we just use everyone around as a free support group 😁😁😁
@@ZuzkaButterfly that’s a great way to put it.
Já jsem Češka žijící v UK, a musím říct, že máš úplnou pravdu, jak jsi srovnávala podání kritiky v Česku a Británii. Fakt mi trvalo, než jsem vůbec dokázala dekódovat, že mi někdo dává nějakej negativní feedback v práci :D Ale má to i svoje výhody, lidi tu nejsou na sebe zbytečně nepříjemný kvůli každý krávovině :-)
I lived in Prague for 3 years (I'm Polish) and what you said is exactly what I observed about Czech people. I also studied Czech culture and language and this is what Czech professors at the university taught me about Czech culture. I would say I met a variety of different people, too, but you generalisations in my opinion are true, at least for Prague. Obviously, people are different, as in every country, but I met a lot of people you describe in Czech republic. Even though there are a lot of differences in mindset between me, as a Polish person, and the generalised Czech mindset you describe, what I enjoyed is the relaxed work culture, because Polish work culture is a lot tougher compared to the Czech one. Czech people taught me how to me more relaxed about work and the fact that life need to be enjoyed the way it is (as you pointed out in the "low aspiration, low perspiration" part).
❤ great, great video analysis of the Czech people. We had some bad experiences recently in Prague and very much wish we would have watched your video beforehand. Thank you.
Asi se pohybuji v jiné sociální bublině. S tou práci tu bude hodně lidí, kteří se derou na vrchol kariérního žebříčku a zas naopak lidi, kteří se moc v práci nepřetrhnou. Obecně bych však neřekla, že tu lidé tvrdě nepracují. Spoustu lidí tu nemá práci jen do 5h, ale často lidé musí dělat dvanáctky. Být v práci od rána do večera není smyslem života.
Ono zalezi na tom, do jake generace spadame. Dnesni 20leti lide mi nepripadaji stejni Cesi, jako jsme my, 50tileti. Docela s Jen souhlasim. A taky jsem na zapade USA pres 25 let zila.
Áno, ale po 12ke ti tiež padla a ideš na pivo. :D Myslím, že to bolo skôr myslené tak, že ľudia si menej veria a sú menej ambiciózni. Češi majú problém požiadať o zvýšenie platu, povýšenie alebo často zostávajú v otrasnej práci celé roky, aj keď v skutočnosti majú už skúsenosti na to, aby si našli niečo lepšie. Lebo lepší vrabec v hrsti, ako holub na streche...všakže. Sledujem situáciu v USA a tam je to úplne šialené. Od covidu kedy nastali turbulencie na pracovnom trhu, tam presne toto rieši hlavne mladá generácia. Že je úplný nezmysel sa upracovať k smrti alebo byť na mieste, kde ťa nonstop len využívajú a nerešpektujú, že by človek mal mať jasne oddelený pracovný a súkromný život. V USA je bežné, že šéf chce po matke, aby išla na šichtu 3 dni po pôrode alebo že nechce dať zamestnancovi voľno, keď mu zomrie rodič a potrebuje ísť na pohreb. Môžeš byť ten najlepší zamestnanec, ale akonáhle raz nie si ochotný spraviť niečo navyše pre firmu a povieš NIE, tak ti šéf hrozí výpoveďou a má keci "že nie si tímový hráč" a pod. A teraz sú v USA šéfovia prekvapení, keď im zamestnanci povedia, že "fajn, už neprídem, pošlite mi poslednú výplatu na účet a bye".
@@ratinhat3574 tak tohle bych vůbec negeneralizovala - zrovna toto je hodně individuální
@@ratinhat3574 To je dobře, že se tam mění mentalita v tomhle. Pracovat dlouho pro cizí firmu nemá význam. Chápu, když někdo maká na svém byznysu, ale opravdu nemám potřebu dalšímu kapitalistovi vydělávat na jeho osmou jachtu.
Tou poslední větou jste to vystihla: "Být v práci od rána do večera není smyslem života" -> Pro Američany to ale často platí. Takže to nemyslí tak, že tady se nepracuje, ale za oceánem se prostě pracuje víc.
I agree. Very good observations. I’m Czech - Moravian living in America for 40 years. You really put finger on the thinks that irritates me when I go back home visit. I’m born Czech but living in America has put different mark on me.
Souhlasim se všim. I studied in Scotland and suddelny my international friends were like (probably couldn't stand it anymore): "Stop complaining all the time!" And I was really strucked. I didn't even realize I am complaining. In my head I was just having normal friendly small talk :D Now I know, I am trying not to but unfortunatly it's very deep in our DNA.
My grandmother was Czech from South Moravia. . Bless her heart she lived to 98 ...I so relate to your points of interest here lol.. love it ! God Bless Czech republic ❤
You, Americans, dont like us being direct (which may include complaining) and we, Czechs, dont like American hypocrisy. To be honest I prefer this eastern european (but quite surprisingly also German) straightness than some honey-mouthing and at the same time being trashtalked behind my back in American way.
Regarding aspirations, working harder, etc - I dont live to work. I work to live a comfortable life. Why would I work 12 hrs a day and earn very high amount of money if I wouldnt have time to actually use them? And now I speak for my own experience. I work on mid-senior managerial position in big corporation. I earn a lot (for Czech conditions), but I spend long hrs at work. And then I dont have time for my hobbies or friends. I try to find the balance. Earn enough money to have comfortable life without need of thinking whether I can afford this or that, but at the same time having some time for myself, my family, friends and hobbies. As old saying goes: you wont take money to your grave.
I agree with you 99%! Only one thing, we Americans might be a bit fake in that we are honey-mouthed. But that doesn’t mean we trash talk you behind your back. Those are two different things. We just can’t be negative to your face but that doesn’t mean we are negative behind your back. Do you get what I mean?
@@DreamPrague yeah I guess Brits are more trashtalky. I found Americans like their whole life is networking. They want to be nice and friends with anyone, because network make opportunities and you never know if little small talk in grocery turns into great life changing contract.
@@Desperoro omg, this one 💯
@@DreamPrague I don't know, how to put it, but it feels me a little bit strange when you are doing something in a wrong way a nobody is brave enough to tell you so you can do it properly... How you can get better? ..... And most Czechs don´t mind anothers affairs because we says: I dont´t mind what you are doing, when you aren´t harming with it someone else... I think most of us hate harming someone weaker (or an animal)
To be fair, I had at least one experience of Czechs being very nice to me when dealing withh me, but then "talking trash" about me behind my back (and to my boss, no less).
I abslolutely love this video, both of them. I think you pretty much nailed us. 😀 Your work is inspiring please keep going.
Spot on, Jen. You're a good observer and I'm proud for your not steering clear of difficult subjects!
Glad you agreed, thanks for watching!
It’s interesting. One of my closest friends-we haven‘t even been friends for too long, but his kindness and general mentality quickly won me over-is Czech. And while I do love him dearly, it’s … not always easy. These two videos, interestingly enough, mention a LOT of the things that are a bit difficult for me to take from time to time, as a (very Americanized, I guess) German. It’s crazy HOW many, really, are spot on, even to this one individual person.
It’s very nice as a frame of reference, to put them into perspective! So thank you!
"...Czechs can be envious people, they envy their neighbours goat..."
Yes ,Jen, I actually do envy my neighbours' goat, he's a super chill guy with a fun beard (I mean the goat)
🤣🤣🤣
Very helpful and useful👍👍👍
Skvělé video. Zařadila bych tam i ochotu pomoci. Při záplavách a jiných neštěstích se zvedne velká vlna solidarity.
Všichni se nesnáší, protože nemají co lepšího na prácu, v momentě kdy se něco posere, tak jsme okamžitě jeden národ, jedni Češi a možem se rozkrájet. Ostatně proto si myslím, že si furt na něco stěžujeme, protože fakticky nemáme žádný větší problémy a žije se nám dost dobře. Za což jsem samozřejmě rád.
Amazing video, spot on comments and very accurate explanations. I truly appreciate your presentations, Jen ;-)
As i always liked to say. Czechs are slavs in heart and german in their work. Our strong ties to german culture and economy across the history is shown when things need to get done. In the same time however, we really like to be innovative, think about what we do, explore our passion. The result is "Golden Czech hands". Quality, yet uniqueness. Thats of course is just in the ideal circumstances. We have lot of our own issues :D
I've heard that definition from your neighbors. Slavs who think they are Germans etc.
Other than that, this is one of your most accurate videos, hands down! Spot-on. Amazing observation skill.
I so agree, you are so right! I lived in the US for 20 years and now it's been 3 years since I moved back home. I cannot agree more with what you notice about living in the CR.
Myslím.že umíme žít a povětšinou žijeme dobře.
no že jo ? :-)
A to mnohé sere. 🤣🤣
Great channel! n different aspects as per you experiences.... 👍
Dobre video. Dekuji za uprimny nahled z jine perspektivy na ceskou mentalitu...
Good video. Thank you for an honest insight into the Czech mentality from a different perspective...
You really discovered Czech mentality! Thumb up!
Love the closing!
Thanks for the video, Jen. Regarding directness, it is a trait we share with a couple of other European nations, in particular with the Poles, Danes and the Dutch. The Dutch especially; they are so direct that we pale in comparison. :)
I work with Dutch folks daily since 2017 and I love it. They might be a bit too laid back sometimes but other than that it's difficult to find something to complain about, which is terrible.😁
i do love that is the reason i watch ur videos.. hope i will survive this night and week. ur oresident said something about volunteers
I love your perspective, it's so true 😂
I'm so glad you finally embraced, that Czechs love the honest raw unplesant truth! I remember your video with Michal Šopor (which I also like watching) and is kinda opposite of you Czech living in the US. I think he wasn't in the best mood that day, but I felt soo sorry for you, when you tried to stay positive and he was complaining about the drugs and LA ghetos of homeless and dirt and bad stuff. He really was a Czech on a rage mode (which he usually isn't) that day and I remember having very mixed feelings from the video and feeling really sorry for you and also a bit for the "typical czech complaining", but still love you both guys!
Love that part at the end where you say "you'll definitely want to CZECH that out" :)
Hi Jan, I absolutely agree, but... I want to complain, because I do not compliant 😁 Thanks for a great video. All the best and a am looking for your another vids.
These roasts are just great. 😁
Oh, nicely put. Do not make me tell you how many times my american friends went like "we do not do that. That´s a thing." You made my day. Again. Thanks.
hey! i keep coming back to your channel from time to time. wonderful to see you adapt and understand:) i always like to see yt videos about czechs, so I know in what we are different from others and how others perceive us. cizinci always notice something i take as granted, thats whats so fascinating about it. like, things youll notice just from not being in the same mindset. anyway, i know you watched Pelíšky, but did you try films by Miloš Forman? the guy who directed Amadeus or Hair or Cuckoos Nest in USA did some of my favourite films of all time when he was in czechoslovakia, and im not talking just about Hoří, má panenko, but about Černý Petr or Lásky jedné plavovlásky. It was part of 60s Československá "Nová vlna" in cinema and, like, reaaally funny in the most czechish way you can even enjoy a movie, I believe. It's sincere, cruel, embarrasing, sweet and all these feelings often together in one scene where you can just laugh them off. you kinda can just accept it through the laugh and let in and understand. I think you could appreciate these kind of movies now, when you see beneath the czechs better and you know our language a naše fráze. These movies are even harder to understand by not czech than the Pelíšky kind of humor (hlavně protože s titulkama přijde divák o vtip ve výstižném použití český hantýrky) It's actually related in that style. I also wonder if you saw comedic classics like Limonádový Joe or Cimrmani. It would be interesting for many czech viewers. It's something a lots of generations here grew up on, thanks to television and dvd. We're quoting it often. My parents love it. I and my friends (~20) love it. And it's like internationally important thing, our movies by the time of Československá Nová vlna were high quality in intelectual, artistic and humoristic ways and very special. It makes us proud too. It's something recognized by film enthusiasts. Anyway, thanks for opportunity to improve my english, great duo of episodes, it gave me a lot actually. I always learn something I didn't know I already know. I think that we, czechs, are just struggling with our own national identity. when we abandoned the austrians/germans (finally) the slavic oriented hopes didn't serve us well in the end. like, we're walking through constant desilusion. Couldnt believe a neighbor (protektorát/komanči, máme bohužel historii v udavačství). Anyway, thank you
Excellent. In my last comment I said that you are far from being a Czech. But with this level of understanding on your part ... I may have to temper my viewpoint.
Těch deset let vás už změnilo. Už nás znáte. A nejspíš jsme vás i poznamenaly. My Češi jsme zvláštní národ. Už jen tím, že si myslíme, že jsme zvláštní. Možná je to tím, že si pořád říkáme, jak jsme malý a nic nezmůžeme. A právě proto je nám všechno jedno. Chceme si ten náš život užít, projist a propit pivem. Nějaké mocenské ambice nás nezajímají. Jsme opravdu hobiti.
"Sugar coating" isn't really a thing in Slavic countries as it is seen as fake.
We really appreciate honesty no matter how harsh the truth is 🙂
Svatá slova !
Honestly, why would I stay at work until 17:30 when I've been working since 6:30? I have two young children and I'd much rather spend my afternoons making sure they enjoy their childhood and that I have time to raise them properly. Otherwise, I agree with your view of the Czechs and appreciate your courage to tell people so. Just honestly, just the way we like it and expect it :-)
super, velmi přesné dle mého... vzbuzuje to ve mě lásku k mým lidem :D sem tam si zanadávat, nevěřit v boha a ve všem najít důvod pro smích.. není to krásný? Na většinu času utlačovaný národ naprosto dokonalé.. málo komu by po naší historii bylo do smíchu, ale my jsme silní :D
Keep being as you are.
You’re so good! 😂 love from 🇵🇹
Jen, love your vlogs. I’m well traveled and have lived abroad a few times, although never for a decade in Czechia as you have. One explanation I had heard for both Czechia and Poland is that they are guarded in part to their suffering through the Nazi and Soviet occupation without the west coming to their aide. You obviously have an in-depth PhD level understanding. Thank you for sharing, I love Prague and hope to return one day.
As a Czech - yes, 1938/39 is considered a treason, cause it was expected that France and UK are friends, but on the other hand some people say we were never a true alliance and it was decided that we will be sacrificed to Germany. About 1968 - I don't think that anyone hoped for help from the west, but we hate Russians since then. So we sort of feel we have no allies - there were some territorial disputes with Poland and Hungary (vs Slovakia) after 1918, Germans were always our enemy except last 30 years (or at least we were tough this in history.
And about political correctness and multiculturalism - it never worked. Czechs were not felling respected and independent enough in Austro-Hungarian empire, German minority was not feeling respected in Czechoslovakia and having single nation in one state feels just least problematic.
Sympathy with Ukraine comes from experience from 1938 and 1968 combined - someone claims territory to protect their minority and Russia wants to keep country as their puppet state and destroy any hope for democracy.
@@pavelperina7629 Thank you for a better understanding.
You are definitely right Jen! Also, why not complain, when life is generally a mean b*tch? It is often said in this definition: "Pessimist is an optimist tried hard by life." and also "When you are a pessimist, all of the life's surprises are pleasant ones."
Excelentní 👍😂 take care & ahoj Bob & Lenka
Finally part 2 is out, I couldn't wait :))
Omg you nailed number 4! I have to ask my Czech wife(WHEN she gets on a roll) if there is something I need to fix or does she want me to listen, nod my head and commiserate!
I’m czeck, and I uncharacteristically envy your husband. You are easy to hear and watch explaining the czech life. Keep talking. Diky.
As an American with Czech blood, I found your take on The people familiar, within myself! Having lived in other countries, as a Christian and returning to the US, I clearly see the differences. Americans are polite to a fault. Preferring honesty over polite agreement, being able to agree to disagree is wayyy better then silence or blatant inability to have a conversation. Something common here in US. Also if I can complain...lol about my country...a lack of interest and concern, betterto live in the bubble then care about other world events..drives me nuts. Anyway, enjoying your videos.
Just wanted to add an addendum to my comment about Czech baroque music from yesterday. Zelenka is my favorite Czech composer, and his Missa votiva e minor ZWV 18 (1739) is , perhaps, his best composition. Here is a performance by Collegium 1704. The Benedictus that runs from 56:25 to 1:02.41, sung by Stanislava Mihalcova, is one of the most beautiful baroque compositions I've ever heard. Enjoy. ua-cam.com/video/ephoNJcmu38/v-deo.html
Your video is amazing, Jana! I like it. I am native Czech and I totally agree with you at all points and views that you presented. Long time I have considered to do something similar for people, and inspire them to change something in their behavior. I think that your video is extremely useful, especially for complainists - faithless pesimists. Your video is necessary for some people to see themself (those who are open to know the truth about themself. I think that the problems of the behavior of most people here in Czechia are caused by the lack of care about ethics and moral since the democracy slowly developped in 1990s. Before the Velvet revolution, the socialistic education about moral and ethics was better in many points of view. I think the democracy and freedom havr been misuderstood by polititians here. The democratic polititians see freedom as "anybody can do anything" he wants, which gives a lot of space for evil to grow up. This needs an action, the education needs to change, the media infuence also need to change to teach some ethics, and not only to show troublemakers with their bad deeds (without any effort to eliminate them). :-(
Stop complaining 😀
From my point of view, 90's in CZE. were really "wild east", but I think it's a process which every country have to go through during democratization after comunism and it takes several generations to change mindset of people. Also majority of these "democratic" politics are relic of comunism.
Yea, you've pretty much described my dad's Bohemian-American family to a tee. I'd say a common theme of all your observations is the Bohemian reluctance to hold anything sacred. It explains not only our lack of religion, but our lack of boundaries and our willingness to broach topics others take to be off-limits. If something isn't sacred, we're not going to get worked up over it, so live and let live. Your last point, about our lack of aspiration, is the one thing about my cultural inheritance that I struggle with. There's so much untapped potential in the Bohemian psyche. It's a shame we prioritize drinking the best beer in the world over making the best art or winning the most Nobel prizes.
Spot on!
I am American and love your analysis and your personality! It's obvious you love your neighbors and they should leave their doors open as you walk by to get a good dose of your uplifting humor! Is your husband American too?
It's interesting to see how someone from another country sees us and what they think about us 👍
In an Irish pub:
Irishman "Does anyone want to lose in drinking beer against me?"
Stranger: "I am Czech"
* Czech UNO reverse card * :D :D
Ahoj Jen. Jsme národ co si stále stěžuje to je pravda a že nešetříme kritikou. Ale též nejsme zase tak otevření někomu do očí říct že mu to nesluší. Mě spíš zaráží ta rozdílnost s vámi. Že vy se neustále smějete (American smile) , klabosíte s prodavači ze zdvořilosti aniž by vás to zajímalo. Neřeknete negativni názor protože nekritizujete i když si to myslíte. Nastává otázka. Nežijete v jaké si slušně falši? A úhel pohledu co je správné. Být otevřeny ze slušnosti nebo nebýt ze slušnosti. Pokud se mne prodavačka zeptá kde jsme koupil svetr že je nádherný. Bereme jako neupřímnost. A nic co by potěšilo. Rozhovor s prodavačkou je u nás také. Jen u nás na to musí přijít nenucená náhodná konverzace o nějakém tématu který prostě vyplyne. A ne proto že zákazník se cítí lépe když je prodavačka "dotěrna" A máš pravdu kritizujeme jiné státy i když jsme tam nebyli. Vyplívá to s izolovanosti po dlouhé roky a čerpání názoru dle například filmu. Z toho se mentalita dá poznat. Je francouzský film a americky a i podle toho jsme si dokázali udělat nějaké sympatie nebo empatie k různým národům viz tyto dva zmíněné. Například v americkém filmu boty v obýváku . Už podle toho jsme si udělali obrázek o Američanech i když jsme tam nebyli. A to je stejné že se dá udělat z českého filmu obrázek o nás. Jsou to taková zrcadla mentality..
Dále jsi hovořila že my se nijak neženeme v nějakém osobním růstu kdež to Američan ano aby se měl lépe a ne jen dobře. Nemyslím si že to tak úplně platí. V Americe jsou určitě města jako LA, NY apod. Kde se lidé pachtí za kariérou a růstem abys e mohli chlubit že se mají lépe.jsou to asi kancelářské pozice než třeba dělnické . Ale určitě ne nějaký John Doe v městečku kde je největším vzrušenímí dne, když poletuje ulici sáček. A totéž je u nás, jsme ale malý stát tak že u nás se to dá shrnout jako u vás v nějakém velkém městě. Jsou lidé co chtějí víc v životě a lidé co jim stačí co mají.
Naprostý souhlas..
To mi připomnělo ženu v USA, musela mít roušku, ale blbě se v ní dýchalo, tak si do ní vystřihla díru. Chlap se jí smál na TickTocku, ale v reálu jí řekne zdvořile, díky, taky to zkusím. Prostě v USA se nemůžete nikoho ani trochu dotknout 😇
Nejhorší je že ta jejich kultura se už dostává i sem a když dáte třeba negativní recenzi mizernýmu výrobku, nebo to někomu řikáte jak jste si něco koupil a je to zase krám, tak (hlavně u mladejch s vysokou školou) často narazíte na ten problém že váš považujou za negativního stěžovatele, ale právě kvůli tomu že dnešní zákazník je strašně nenáročnej stojí všechno za hovno a nikdo to neřeší. My vyrábíme pro Německo, to byste koukal co oni reklamujou a jaký píšou nasraný maily. 🙂 Češi jsou v tomhle ještě celkem v klidu.
@@Pidalin přesně tak. Navíc to stěžování si například na výrobky nám právě posouvá kvalitu. Viz potraviny a dnešní boj respektive to stěžování si že tu máme odpad a ne jídlo. Američan nekritizuje 🤔 prostě ze slušnosti mlčí. A jí. A když se člověk podívá třeba na Michala Sopora. Tak Američani mají jídlo plně chemie. Ale neřeší to. Oni si přece nestěžují. A hlavně jim to chutná. To je to smutné že oni tu chemii tam vlastně potřebují . Aby jim to chutnalo. Ale též to nechci paušálizovať. Určitě v Americerice vaří doma jako u nás. Někdo. Ale asi spíš koupi něco na ulici hotové než si uvařit. Tedy zase se tím dostávám k těm co se právě honí za tím aby se měli lépe(kancelářské profese) Nějaká klasická střední americká Dělnická rodinka podobná té naší raději uvaří než si objednat čínské nudle z bistra za rohem.
Sry ale John Doe se užívá jak ofiko termín pro bezejmenou mrtvolu, viděl jsem to ve filmu, jinak souhlas, taky asi v dnešní době nepojedu do Severní Koreje abych zjistil, že to je komoušská, totalitní žumpa, kde lidi umíraj hlady, v americe můžou furt ještě tu svojí pakárnu legálně reflektovat bez obav z represálií ze strany státu, pokavaď si troufnou na lynčování od sousedů a veřejný zostuzení, vyhazov z práce atd. Viděl jsem video s černoškou z ameriky, co jí v práci řekli ať si narovná vlasy, že ty její kudrny jsou "offensive", to už je postavený na hlavu, a nesmíš říct nic, jinak seš kverulant.
Hey, I love your videos, I have been learning Czech for a couple of years as I am interested in that mysterious country. As I am Austrian I can fully understand most of the Czech way of thinking (in fact it is not so much different from the way Austrians think and behave) and every time I visit CZ I tend to fall more in love with them because there IS in fact something special to them, that is very enticing. I wonder what made you stay in CZ for so long, as they are truly very opinionated about Amercians specifically. 🙂
We're very opinionated about... Well everyone 😁 but again, I can tell you multiple things we hate about you as a nation/country yet still enjoy your presence and welcome you as one of our own, as a Moravian.
Also having opinions about everything - I think part of it might be that we are aware of the difference between opinions and facts - to have an opinion, you don't have to know basically anything about a thing, because you're not trying to be factual about the thing. You are expressing your opinion, meaning... the impression you have about the thing based on however much or little of whatever correct or incorrect information you have about the thing. When we express our opinions, we are not trying to be factual about the topic, we are trying to be expressive about ourselves, since... that's what opinion primarily is. It reveals something about who YOU are, based on what impression YOU have about the topic. The topic itself is then just a tool of letting others get to know you, and others letting you to get to know them. The topic itself is not the main point of the conversation. Same principle as when someone tells you they don't like dogs. They're not talking about objective qualities of dogs, they are talking about their own personality via expressing their attitude towards dogs.
I wish that "Czech Golden hands" were mentioned here. Czechs are known for being incredibly skilled, artistic and super precise in their work. I wish I hired a Czech contractor to remodel my bathrooms LOL. I know I would not be able to find a flaw. Look at the Czech art of Easter egg decoration, fantastic Czech crystal or jewelry, etc. The precision in work or art😀 and almost OCDesness is very common in Czech people and I am one of them.
"Mom, Mom, I don't want a little brother!"
"Shut up and eat what's on your plate."
You've just made me fall in love with them. Děkuji.
I am English by birth but my mother was Czech and I was brought up as a Czech in England. I suppose I have a mix of cultures here, because I have advanced myself in my life with success an money, but I draw the line with having to strive for more and more, and see when it is enough and be grateful. I see this as being sure of yourself rather than an insecurity that appears especially to be "baked" into Americans, who have lost touch with who they are as individuální
Omg spot on! Thanks for psychoanalyzing me for free.
greetings from South Moravia,great vid! I also love your TV cabinet handles (?) :D visited Germany lately?
asi tak ;) 1-5 úplný souhlas, no A? =D
Opět supr Jen, pokračuj pls ;)
Mafia 1's (a Czech National Treasure of a videogame) ending quote sums our way of work life perfectly.
You know, I think it's important to keep a balance in things. Yeah, balance, that's the right word. Because the guy who wants too much risks losing absolutely everything. Of course, the guy who wants too little from life, might not get anything at all.
Přesné, díky.
u got it. love u! :)
As a Czech I have to say: absolutely spot on! ... and I was laughing my ass off as well. :D
A great statement by an author I read long ago "I've worked my demons to a draw, but where was the laughter in the night?" Yes, I did that in America, it is why I love the laughter in the night in Czechia. The balance of life is so much better here.
Je opravdu správné hodit každého, kdo je "bez vyznání", automaticky do pytle "ateista"? Ateista popírá, že bůh (nebo Bůh, nebo bozi) existuje. Člověk bez vyznání může v boha/Boha/bohy věřit, ale nehodí se mu žádný z předkládaných způsobů, jakým ho/Ho/je uctívají církve. "Vyznání" je tedy spíše společenská záležitost...?
Pořád je ale drtivá většina opravdu ateistů. Podle posledního sčítání máme 1,37 milionu lidí hlásících se k nějaké církvi a 0,96 milionu věřících, kteří se nehlásí k žádné církvi. Celkem je v Česku 10,52 milionu obyvatel, tedy zbývá 8,19 milionu, tedy 78 % obyvatel ateistů.
@@Vojtaniz01 Však o to právě jde. Když budu příkladně věřit v Boha, ale po historických zkušenostech se nechci hlásit k žádné církvi, dám do formuláře "bez vyznání", protože tam nemám jinou vhodnou kolonku, budu tedy považován za ateistu?
@@aleskastner5816 Ta "vhodná kolonka" pro věřící, kteří se nehlásí k žádné církvi, v tom formuláři ale je. Sám jsem ji zaškrtl.
Už si nepamatuju přesně, jak to tam bylo napsáno, ale bylo to něco ve stylu "věřící bez příslušnosti k církvi či náboženské organizaci"
O Češích se hodně říká, že jsou "něcisté". Věří často v "něco", co nás přesahuje, než v antropomorfního Boha. Ale i tak je pravda, že velká část je opravdu ateistická.
@@NaralaCz K "něcismu" se při loňském sčítání přihlásilo necelých 10 % lidí.
Regarding the opinions - I was a bit dumbfounded by my father's attitude a couple years ago. When I became an adult and graduated university, he started asking me about my opinion on various things. Sometimes I would have a clear opinion, sometimes I would say I do understand both sides of the argument to an extent - and he would be happy with that answer.
But then once he asked for my opinion about something that I knew nothing about. So I said I do not have an opinion because I simply don't know. He got really mad at me and started telling me that I am an educated adult man and I simply MUST have an opinion. He refused the idea that I could be simply lacking enough data and facts to form an opinion.
Also, regarding the Czech humor that you talked about last week - I feel very similar about British humor. If you don't find a joke funny, they just say "oh you don't get it, it's a very British thing" even if it's just a very stupid joke :D So I do get your opinion on Czech humor.
Re opinions - yes, even Jen put it in some of the former vlogs, that Czech tend to "have opinions" even on things they know nothing about. So we meddle up "opinion" with just "picking up a topic to chatter away about". So "názor" tends to have a different meaning from "opinion"...
Straight forward & opinionated: Yes, everyone who has a hole in their arse has an opinion. Most of the time, if you are education in that way (or at least know signifikanty more), you can educate, they will gladly listen and even actively ask/(dis)agree, or question some unclear/undecided parts (exceptions exist). Yes, we have an opinion, but you slightly change it slowly if you talk (and it takes time and more explanation).
I am very opinionated, but I love discussions wit people educated and asking them a lot of questions based on my education.
In case of Americans - I don't like many things about America, but I like to work with them (their "I don't know" is the best honesty I can not appreciate enough and saves my time).
You are also another point for me to learn how they think.
Complaining: We want to fix it, but we gave up. It became our national sport. We all know what's wrong, but either we do not agree how to fix it, or we can't at all.
Political correctness is a plague. It should be cured. If Czechs are politically correct to you, you have not gained even the elementary trust. If they like you, they will be absolutely incorrect.
There is a guy (hated by many people in the group for his over-activity and loudness - like on cocaine with no cocaine). Well, few people explained him to be "less black", explained and try to slow down. This time he was not so annoying and we thing we might invite him more, if he keeps "on-cocaine personality" away. At least we might have some more minority (just for fun).
Let people live their life: Some. I wold like if it would be more.
Non-aspiration: I don't get the American way. Maybe it is a big-country problem. For example in Russia you want to at least try to show off.
nicely spoken 🙂
Nice, Jen! I agree with most of your opinions. Nothing is safe from our humor. We don't like political incorrect but we are not offence this groups - live and let live (here is the problem in the activism of these groups - many of Czech see it like forcing them to change their minds).
I think many things are very ironic in Czech, for example: we are atheists but we live more modestly ("you have a good place to live and a nice life you don't need something more") than people whose religion leads them to modesty ("always aspire to be more, to have more"). I think thats why we 'blame' US, RUS, Brits... for wars.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J.R.R. Tolkien
I was in Prague for 3 weeks and COMPLETELY fell in love with the Czech republic. I would die to live there. Is there any tips you could give to help me find a permanent home there. I'm from the USA btw.
You are awesome and right with everything 😃 Czech living in US 😉
Happens to me in Finland. Every one was questioning me Biden and Trump . My response was “listen guys . They are not my neighbors or friends. I know what you guys know by the news “
Love I, thanks for sharing. With the exception of the religion, this would work for most of the people in Eastern Europe.
Nice video, Jen!
Omg you are soooo accurate!
6:21 / 10:12 - Politická nekorektnost: Do you know why the British can't play chess? Because they miss the queen. - A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF THE CZECH SENSE OF HUMOR. (this joke was created within two days of Queen Elizabeth's death)
I mean, when else would you joke about it?
So as Czech-American who was born and grew up in the US, it's surprising that these videos completely described me. Probably due to the way my parents raised me, but I never realized how much the culture influenced how I think and behave.
Excellent perception, it made me laugh......
Really wish I could visit I just found out my bloodline came from the check to Ohio in the USA to escape the war and power hold I would love to visit and thankful for video like this to help me understand a lot more about the bloodline homeland