and why not?

"I even discovered the key word of American culture, namely 'Why not,' starting with the traditional invitation such as 'Why don't you have dinner with me tomorrow?' and ending with a declaration of love such as 'Why don't you sleep with me tonight?'  Europeans do things due to emotional or rational reasons that speak for such an action whereas Americans do things when nothing seems to speak against such an action.  That explains the admirable activity and hospitality but also the lack of purpose and taste to be found in America, as well as the horrible cuisine in this country.  Pineapple and mayonnaise--why not?  There are, of course, reasons against this combination but there will probably be no longer any Europeans capable of explaining these reasons until the average American will be able to understand them."

--Erwin Panofsky, in a letter to Walter Friedländer, quoted in Karen Michels, "'Pineapple and Mayonnaise--Why Not?':  European Art Historians Meet the New World."

Comments

[max]

Please tell us, what is the date?

[JL]

I don't have the book handy, but I believe it's from about 1932, when he was spending time at NYU. I'll check the citation this evening.

[JL]

Bingo. Exact cite: letter from Panofsky to Friedländer, February 3, 1932. In the Friedländer papers, Leo Baeck Archive, New York.

[max]

Awesome, thanks.