Climate and National Characteristics

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Some of those who knew me in the Other Place may remember that I spent 10 wonderful days soaking up the Bajan sunshine in early October. It was a marvellous few days, and we managed to see much more of beautiful Barbados than we did on our last visit. This was partly because we were more aware of what those high temperatures (the low 30s C or high 80s F) would feel like in practice, and made a determined attempt to get out and about anyway. In the UK, we sometimes hit those temperatures in the summer, but only fleetingly. We did find the heat taxing. The smallest movement produced perspiration. I usually wear a fringe (bangs), but I was finding that my hair became drenched in no time, so I had to pin it back. Flattering – not! However, we didn’t let the heat stop us too much this time. One thing I noticed was that people who actually live in Barbados tend to move at a much more leisurely pace than the (mostly) British tourists. Rik was actually laughed at once or twice for walking too fast! I found also that, in general, the attitude of the Bajan people was much more laid back. Of course, when you get on to national characteristics, you risk straying into mass generalisation. For instance, in the UK many people think of the Germans, Scandinavians and citizens of the northern states of the US as being more energetic and work oriented than we Brits, and the citizens of southern Europe as being less so. I’ve no idea if there is any truth in this. However, it does leave me wondering whether national climate has anything to do with national temperament? So, what do you think? Firstly, do “national characteristics” exist? If so, what causes them and how much are they affected by climate?