I always though it had to do with the education system. During the Franco’s regime spanish schools had “Formación del Espiritu Nacional” (lit: Formation of the national spirit) that basically was learning about how spain is super great under Franco’s benevolent mandate with the grace of god and how we are UNITED, GREAT and FREE (in spanish Una, Grande y Libre)
I guess if you grow learning about how your country is United, Great and Free you either believe it or despise it with all your energy.
More info about FEN. It was not imparted by teachers, but by members of the FET/JONS (Falange Española Tradicionalista, the local fascists), so basically the equivalent of party comissars and consisted, in their own words:
The questionnaires and teachings of the Formation of the National Spirit will be mainly oriented to instill in the students from the first courses the knowledge of the characteristics of the mission of Spain in History; its service to the high values of the Catholic conception of life; the significance that its most representative men and events have had in universal History; the action of Spain in America and the value of the community of Hispanic peoples, and the fundamental institutions and principles of the National Movement, especially religious unity, social doctrine and service to the common good of the Fatherland.
It also included segregated education for this subject starting second grade, as it was important to teach the woman “the necessary virtues”
But how could they have a wide range of emotion if they’re always exactly as happy as a clam?
(Apparently the original saying was happy as a clam at high tide. When they open up to the water and feed, instead of staying hidden from the world. Honestly being willing to come out seems like happiness enough for me to appreciate it.)
