American society is muchmore informal than that of many other countries and, in some ways, ischaracterized by less social distinction. The American(51) _______of pride inachievement and sense of“I'm just as good as anybody else.” alongwith lack of importance placed on personal dignity, is difficult for aforeigner to understand. Americans in general do not like to be considered (52)_______,and they grumble loudly about inconveniences ornnot getting a"fair deal." Yet they do not make a point of their personal honor. Asan illustration of the difference(53) _______ European and American reflectionin this respect, John Whyte in American Words and Ways gives the followingaccount.

A...[European] professor[visiting in America] was once sent a bill for hospital services which he hadnever enjoyed. The bill was accompanied by a strong letter(54) _______payment.It was obvious that a mistake in names had been made, but the professor,thoroughly aroused by this reflection on his character and financial integrity,wrote(55) _______ letter of reply (which an American might also have done). Butin this letter of reply he demanded that the creditor write him a formal letterof apology ...for this reflection on his honor. Since no publicity couldpossibly have been given to the mistake, for(56) _______it was, most Americansin that situation, after getting the matter off their chest (or without doingthat) would have let the matter(57) _______.

An example of the same thingmay be that although Americans like to talk about their accomplishments, it istheir(58) _______to show certain modesty in reply to compliments. When someonepraises an American upon his achievement or upon his personal appearance,which, incidentally, is a very(59) _______thing to do in America, the Americanturns it aside. If someone should say, "Congratulations upon being electedpresident of the club,"an American is(60) _______to reply, "Well, Ihope I can do a good job" or something of the sort.

(From American Social Relations)
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