>
>Yes, but if this is true, we are Americans different? In other words, what makes us more materialistic than other cultures?

Interesting related opinion piece in the local paper today.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/editorial/pages/010104/5041769.html

While it probably doesn't explain the subtler differences between similar
countries like Canada and the US, it looks at an angle we probably don't often
consider in the West. Even here, I've heard stories of how much easier it is
in some industries to set up small businesses in the US than in Canada - much
less red tape, Govt. levels to deal with.