Elevator cultures

A careful observer will notice that, when trapped in an elevator, Russians and Americans behave differently. Our Russian culture is more Eastern, is a "group culture". It manifests itself in diverse ways: long feasts with many people around the big table and lots of sophisticated toasts, sayings like Mir ne bez dobrykh ludey (People kind and fair are everywhere) and Na miru i smert krasna (Meeting your death is no fear/is a blessing when there are people near you), etc.

In Russia, people in elevators stand in a circle, while in America and Europe they stand in rows. I surfed the Net looking for any observations about elevator culture in different countries. That's what I found at http://invisiblehandinyourpants.wordpress.com/ :

"Elevator culture in Chile: The first person onto the elevator holds the door open, temporarily assuming the position of elevator attendant. He/she waits for everyone in sight to enter and then allows the door to close.

"Elevator culture in America: Everyone stands in the back of the elevator, hoping it will shut in the face of the fat woman stampeding towards the closing door and thus enabling them to begin their journey 2.5 seconds sooner. If successful, smirks and furtive glances are exchanged."