I do not think people who live here in New England necessarily *hate* the cold. They do, after all, live here, knowing full well what the weather is like, including its freezing temperatures and inconsistencies. I cannot speak for everyone, though. Personally, I really enjoy this weather. Pulling on thermals and leg warmers every day and sliding stiffly down the street is an experience only had for a brief while each year and you must relish in it.
So question...when you say 'cultural conditioning'...what exactly do you mean...are we conditioned to loathe the cold weather, to complain about it incessantly? To the point that the only subject people can talk about to anyone is the weather? Why is that? Weather and traffic. But at the same time, as we are complaining, I sense we all feel a certain growing nervous excitement in our stomachs as our eyes are glued to rj heim and gary ley for the latest 'winter storm watch' a love/hate situation i think is what it is, as well as a love of bad fortune, dark times, perhaps the romanticization of being stuck in your warm house as the snow rages on...but I have really only experienced winters in new england, so I cannot comment on what other locales are like, how the people respond to them elsewhere (norway,ex.)
I do like your comment on the feelings of abandoment in the cold and capitalistic society...if we did more things for ourselves and not expect others to do so, the winter indeed, I think would be an exhilerating time for many. But I feel as if people often times become helpless at the slightest stray from the usual, the few extra inches of snow, the *sale* they could not get to because of the snow...
etc., etc.,,,
so, good thoughts.
anyone else?
*belle*

to winter, indeed! automated response: after reading your post, i felt your sentiments exactly. to experience a winter that is anything less than what i am used to, the cold, new england winter, would not seem like winter at all. i picture you in cold, rainy london, torn between thoughts of winter and spring and remember days i have felt like that; unusually warm days in winter or sudden cold days in summer (which i prefer to the warm in winter, though). being comfortably embedded in a season is what i love. i have always had problems when the seasons started to change, the early spring days that are cold and cool and rainy, but perhaps one day warm...maybe because i am prone to colds and sickness during this time. but suddenly having a really warm day in winter makes me uncomfortable and a little upset...but i would like to hear a bit more of the weather in london, especially as it relates to the new england weather in winter, which is what you know the best. what about a few years ago, when you were traveling around? or winter in spain? how was that? i would love to hear more on this...
*belle*