if this phenomenon has become part of the language then there is a reason for it.
Well, yes, mentality affects the language, and language affects the mentality. It's like a chicken or the egg paradox.
In other words, grammar constructions we use without thinking reflect the history of the nation,and they still influence us on some level. For example, Russian language is famous for its lack of 'initiative' in grammar.
e.g. "Мне холодно"~"Something is making me cold" vs "Я замерз"~"I'm feeling cold" (the latter is quite fine, but the former is used more often)
or "У меня есть сестра"~"There's a sister by me" (?) vs. "I have a sister"="Я имею сестру" (the latter is unacceptable)
Some people draw all kinds of conclusions from that (a fatalistic outlook, passive nature, etc.). You can decide for yourself if it means anything.