I think the main problem with what Umair writes here, is that America is not one country, but many regions. These differ in levels of happiness. In much of California, people are happy, it’s great weather, lots of outdoor sports and activities, etc. In Nebraska, or Oklahoma, I don’t know what the index is, but we know that in poor neighborhoods everywhere, few are happy. This is true in France and Europe in general as well as the USA. The place I have visited where people are happiest, is Cuba. National health doesn’t stop a significant rise in xenophobia and nationalism in the UK.
When I first arrived in Europe 40 years ago, people didn’t speak to each other in queues. It’s more likely that they will now. A person entering a café or a waiting room will say “bonjour” reflexively, it’s a polite but meaningless custom. It is true that when you approach any counter or cash register, you say hello to the person. Don’t they still do that in the States?
What is correct is that universal health care changes life by removing the sword hanging over every individual. Bad enough the illness can kill you, but without the healthcare safety net, it can also bankrupt you if your employer doesn’t fund your insurance. It’s also true that vacations are not only longer, guaranteed by law, but more social.
Aside from that, the idea of a multicultural society, which I embrace, is not everyone’s cup of tea. The us vs them concept is growing worldwide. America has a president who is pushing that out daily. Other groups in Europe are acting to get power.
Finally, any mention of the yellow vests needs to be informed that their behavior is anti-democratic and very destructive. For months they have caused extensive damage by vandalism and many independently-owned small businesses have been hurt. When the protestors move through town, they leave a swath of destruction and fear, causing the public to avoid the city center and therefore dramatically reducing business. For those who depend on Saturday as a big day, their revenues have dropped to the point of permanent closures for some. The activity has cost taxpayers millions, yet they’ve refused multiple occasions for talks about what bothers them, a list that has changed over the weeks, because they have no real direction, only discontent.
