Despite the fact that the United States (for good or bad) is becoming a more homogenous society, Yankee culture still survives, particularly in Maine. Here's my intro. Understand that regional differences do certainly exist and that cultures can vary wildly...even from one town to the next.
Lesson One:
1) Yankee frugality
Although I have seen a definite shift in the 18 years that I've been here, particularly in the more affluent communities where the majority of folks have moved here from away, as a general rule, consumerism, "keeping up with the Joneses", having the latest and greatest and being on the cutting edge of the latest decorating trends are NOT big here. We are not early adopters:) I'm sure part of this stems from many Mainers not having the means. (although judging from the country's negative savings rate and level of consumer debt, this hasn't stopped people:)
Yankees tend to be "ants" rather than "grasshoppers". We try to live below our means, eschew consumer debt and save (for a rainy day and our retirement.) We'd rather add to our nest egg than buy that plasma TV. We also like to save a buck when we can. And we'd rather buy something decent and have it last a while than buy a piece of crap and have to replace it next month. Hence the popularity of discount places like Reny's and Marden's. A true Yankee will brag to you about the great deal he got on an odd lot of something he needed rather than tell you how much he had to pay to get his home theater system "just right".
If you're looking for a place where people with be impressed by your Hummer or Prada bag...look elsewhere:)
Conspicuous consumption is seen as just that..and not in a good way:) To quote a line from my favorite quilt site http://www.quilterscache.com (owned by a fellow Mainer:)..."Use it up, pass it on, wear it out"
Important definitions! It's vital to understand these terms in order to understand Yankee mentality.
