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Improve Your Personality (1951)
An American culture landmark
Around the world--and particularly in Europe--people are keen to note that "Americans smile all the time, especially when dealing with strangers" or that "Americans outward emotions don't seem to express their inner feelings." These observations are not just stereotypes; they actually reflect cultural differences. This movie registers the shift from a "character" to a "personality" culture that the USA pioneered and which is now taking place all over the world due to modernization and economic development. As societies become larger and increasingly urban, people shift to dealing primarily with strangers. Character ceases to matter because it can only exist in face-to-face societies where people keep track of each other's personal background. Without knowledge about character, one must use personality as an index of self-worth.