Each place in the world is unlike any other location out there, hence the differences in everything from language to eating habits, and even traffic-related matters. And while some things are not that drastically different, others can seem difficult to comprehend to those unfamiliar with them.
Today, we wanted to shed light on some of such differences; we have gathered instances highlighting certain things that are arguably not that commonplace in the US, as shared by netizens online. Bearing in mind the size of the place, it’s clear that there might be significant differences between life on one of its ends versus the other, but here’s what people online consider to be things locals in the US might not be familiar with.
Below you will find not only the images but Bored Panda’s interview with Social Psychology Area Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University, Michael E. W. Varnum, PhD, who was kind enough to answer some of our questions regarding cultural differences.
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While cultural differences can cause all sorts of situations, from confusion to resistance, even, and beyond, they can also show just how diverse and beautiful our world is. It’s no secret that getting acquainted with different cultures is one of the main reasons people travel to places previously unexplored or read books and watch movies seeking to learn more about them.
“Given the fact that we tend to live in more diverse and globally interconnected settings, it strikes me that it's very useful to know about how cultural groups vary in their ways of thinking and patterns of behavior,” Dr. Michael E. W. Varnum told Bored Panda.
According to Dr. Varnum, people’s open-mindedness in regards to different cultures depends on numerous factors, one of which is the extent to which they are used to certain things or actions done in a certain way.
“If we are thinking about the personality trait of openness to experience, then this might likely play a role,” he told Bored Panda. “Some people prefer the familiar and hew closely to tradition. Others seek out and relish trying new and different things. To the extent one is more open, one might expect greater curiosity, tolerance, and acceptance of people who may have different cultures than oneself. And indeed, a recent meta-analysis finds evidence for this relationship.”
You got us there. It used to be that in the US you could count on being off around the holidays of a few different religions. Now you just work every day until you die.
Only because Kei Cars and Kei Trucks are illegal here for "safety" reasons. Really it's lobbism from the Big 3 keeping them out. I'd love a tiny little truck or car.
“There are numerous theories about where cultural differences come from,” Dr. Varnum pointed out, discussing the main factors leading to said differences. “Some emphasize the role of institutions, like the Catholic or Protestant Churches, others focus on how mode of subsistence—the way people make a living or what types of crops they grow—may shape cultural norms and values. Yet other accounts posit that such variation is basically the product of historical accidents.”
Why would we not comprehend this? I mean....we have bikes... and bike paths. And people who bike interstate. not me but healthy people
LOL here in Portland, Oregon that space would be flooded with equally drunk skaters grinding down that hand rail.
An old American like me sure can. People smoked everywhere back in the 80s.
“My work with my colleagues like Oliver Sng and Alexandra Wormley, as well as research by many other scientists, suggests that at a deeper level much of the variation in psychological tendencies, norms, and behaviors that we see around the world may have to do with adaptive responses to ecological conditions,” Assoc. Prof. Varnum continued.
“These basic features of the environment like climate, levels of infectious disease, and population density have important implications for our evolutionary fitness in terms of survival and reproduction. And it turns out they explain a sizable amount of the variation in culture that we observe around the world. Interestingly, research also suggests that we often see some parallels in terms of links between these features of the environment and patterns of behavior among non-human animals as well.”
But it wasn't a component level item was it? RS finally went out of business in the USA because they stopped selling anything anyone actually needed that they couldn't get at a bunch of competitors like Best Buy, Walmart, others. I used to work in one. But I stopped shopping in them long before they closed.
I overheard the news earlier, apparently there is a dangerous cyclepath on the loose.
The Swiss Alps? A lake in Northern Italy? I am quite aware of these places.
The expert pointed out that nowadays, human groups vary in many important ways. “How likely are people to copy others' behavior? How much personal space do we prefer? What values do we think are important? The list of ways in which cultures vary is quite long indeed,” he suggested.
“We live in a world that is increasingly interconnected and in societies that are increasingly diverse. Knowing not only what makes us similar but also how we are different is key to fostering understanding and cooperation.”
LOL I learned how to drive stick when I was 10yo. Granted it was on a tractor. There isn't a gearbox invented I can't handle.
Yep, my dad was born in the 40s, you bet your patootie he taught me to drive stick shift XD not on a tractor, but I still know how, just in case.
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Tell me you've never been to America without telling me you e never been to America
I would if I could find one. They are extremely hard to find.
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What we can't understand how to drive stick shift??? That's pretty ignorant thinking.
Hmmm. My van has this. My truck has this oh and my tractor has this. Guess I have to move
Another stupid post. You think we don’t have manual transmissions in the US?
What? Half of my friends drive stick. This is a weird one. Stick shifts are no longer necessarily superior. Automatics have come a long way. That's why they've gone by the wayside.
When my folks were buying cars in the US in the '60s, they couldn't afford automatics, and some brands, like Volkswagen, didn't offer them. Five of my first six cars were manual, and the sixth was $100, so I wasn't picky
Oh come on! Don't waste my time. We were driving a stick when we were eight years old. Couldn't even see the road or reach the pedals without blocks on my feet. Hang-ten baby!
hell yeah we can?? isn't it like a "Manly" American man thing to do, is drive stick shift. also most of you guys don't drive because of your PuBliC TrAnsPoRt(Nah fr I want the public transport)
Seriously? Come on. These stereotypes are insane. My first car was a manual. You know you can STILL order manual cars here.
I have a 2001 Toyota Echo that I refuse to get rid of cuz it sure does seem that no newer cars have a manual transmission. I like to be in charge of the power in my engine. (Live in US)
Story time. My mother once asked my brother if she could borrow his car. He said, "Of course, but just so you know, it's a manual shift." She gave him The Look and said, "I learned to drive in 1951. That's all there was."
American geezer here. I've been driving for less than 50 years, but not a lot less. I had an automatic car once, for a few months, and I still hate myself for it.
I was able to buy a Fiesta ST(my choice) when they first came out because nobody drive sticks anymore
If we went back to writing cursive and had only standard transmission vehicles, we could immobilize an entire US generation
My South African-born British mind can't comprehend American manual gear-boxes that are next to the steering wheel? All the cars/trucks here have them in the middle of the front seats.
Oh, I comprehend it just fine. Even drove the equivalent on an 18-wheeler for a minute (hate that - do not recommend). My problem is I'm not coordinated enough to get the hang of it. It's like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time - while going 70mph with everybody else doing 120.
Lol, I've yet to meet any American Gen Xers that can't drive stick.
Truck and tractor drivers are sniggering at your basic five speed manual. Four over four, splitters, Eaton and Fuller boxes, overdrives, car drivers have it easy!
I still drive a manual. Admittedly they are far less common now, but there are still some that prefer them.
I drive manual. And comprend it while doing so. The issue is they are rarely being made here. If you want a new car with manual you are either out of luck or paying a lot more.
True in the US. There are manual cars, but fewer and fewer every year.
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While some things on this list might not be something people in the US are familiar with, they seem to put effort into getting to know other cultures, when traveling, at least. A survey of over 2000 Americans found that more than half of them believed that it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with new cultures and gain perspective on new ways of life when traveling.
The survey also revealed that after visiting a foreign country and meeting the locals, four-in-ten viewed them differently than before; roughly half of the respondents said they felt a great affection for locals, and close to 40% believed they shared many social values with them.
If you’d like to browse more differences netizens have noticed by comparing other corners of the world, continue to this list of everyday things that differ in Japan and other countries, as portrayed by a comic artist, or check out what differences these women saw between the US and Italy or the former and Spain.
Bar food? Granted that is some seriously looking delicious bar food, but honestly I'm starting to think most Europeans are just as ignorant of America as most Americans are ignorant of Europe at this point. This thread is ridiculous.
Having cap stuck to lid so it pokes you in the face while trying to drink, you guys can keep this one.
Notice bottom of OP..."from Baton Rouge, LA" last time I checked that was in the US.
I love how all the Americans on here are taking these so seriously and getting so offended, whereas they are the same people who love the equivalent « the European mind can’t comprehend this » list. You’re just reinforcing the typical « Americans are so sensitive » sterotype.
Um, yes we can. Every grocery store I've ever shopped at has a fresh bread section.
What is so strange about this? Half this list is nonsensical. Can we have some context?
Yup, no one in America drinks beer near bodies of water...what a concept, need to try that! /s
Don't know how to break it to the Europeans... mugs are illegal in North America /s
I can honestly say I've never taken that much luggage with me anywhere, and we are avid road trippers.
Because no American has ever had Swiss cheese or used a cheese slicer. /S
Cooked dough? You're right, we've been just chowing down on raw dough for 250 years.
"the american weak mind". b***h please 💀💀 some of us are idiots but not like the ones here
Huh? I mean.... I guess this is about the Flint water crisis. They may be assuming that all America has unclean tap water because of that. No joke that was a horrific example of wealthy people screwing over poor people and poisoing a community, but it is not exactly normal. I drink from my tap
Aldi has paid shopping carts. One of the most well known grocery stores in the US
I own a pasta maker. It looks exactly like that pasta maker. I have used it.
There is an IKEA literally thirty kilometers (another thing we can comprehend, the metric system!) from my home. You can get there in half an hour. It sells this exact meal. And those exact desserts.
Alrighty, since apparently it needs to be pointed out: the entire twitter thread was europeans taking the absolute p**s out of Tucker Carlson after he ran a stupid "things the european mind cannot comprehend about america" segment on his stupid show (pre-firing). In response, Europeans flooded his twitter timeline with nonsense things that "american minds cannot comprehend" about european. All of this is literally just mockery of Tucker Carlson.
Okay, in this context it makes sense. The posters KNOW those things are easily understood/relatable but are doing it as a clapback cause Tucker insulted them. Yeah, this info at the beginning would make much more sense
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Aussie here. What the hell was this list? Was there some serious lost in translation going on here or just random European photos with that "Americans can't comprehend "line slapped on?
Apparently it was twitter taken the p**s at Tucker Carlson for something he said (@Rayne OfSalt thank you for clarifying).
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Okay there's a lot of upset people here so let me explain. This is a response to Americans posting "The European Mind Cannot Comprehend This" with photos of stuff like water with tonnes of ice, or a taco bell in the middle of nowhere. So the Europeans responded with stuff above, and now a lot of Americans are here on BP being salty about it.
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/the-european-mind-cannot-comprehend-this
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I think this Europe vs America thing is stupid. Yes, they are different, but both places are good in their own way and bad in their own way.
I would just like to see the good sides of each country..stunning art or nature..without comparision.
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Can we talk about the harmful stereotypes going both ways for real? If the rest of the world is entertained by the most ignorant Americans who have time to post ignorant things, then that speaks to their own ignorance. Even things like making fun of US healthcare are ignorant. I didn't setup the system, choose where I was born or profit on it. Can the world start being honest please? There are ignorant and power hungry scum everywhere.
People are so sensitive. The comments were basically "Oh, a picture? I've seen a picture, and I've lived in America my whole life."
All those "Things [Enter group] can't comprehend" posts are pretty much BS
this is ignorant, stupid, and somewhat insulting. at least name something that americans dont have, like (edit to add) *access* to good healthcare or something.
Americans have good healthcare, they just can't afford to access it.
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This is just about the most stupid, ignorant, and insulting article i've seen yet on BP. And i'm not an American.
Apparently Europeans can’t comprehend that Americans have bread, food, trains, and other stuff. You did get us on the metric system, though. Well played.
BP needed another click bait-"haha Americans dumb"-shitpost.
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Just as the "Things Europeans can't comprehend" posts are against Europeans - doesn't keep Americans from commenting with glee on those posts.
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False. https://ceoworld.biz/2024/04/02/countries-with-the-best-health-care-systems-2024/ https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/countries-with-the-most-well-developed-public-health-care-system https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/
Load More Replies... Alrighty, since apparently it needs to be pointed out: the entire twitter thread was europeans taking the absolute p**s out of Tucker Carlson after he ran a stupid "things the european mind cannot comprehend about america" segment on his stupid show (pre-firing). In response, Europeans flooded his twitter timeline with nonsense things that "american minds cannot comprehend" about european. All of this is literally just mockery of Tucker Carlson.
Okay, in this context it makes sense. The posters KNOW those things are easily understood/relatable but are doing it as a clapback cause Tucker insulted them. Yeah, this info at the beginning would make much more sense
Load More Replies... Aussie here. What the hell was this list? Was there some serious lost in translation going on here or just random European photos with that "Americans can't comprehend "line slapped on?
Apparently it was twitter taken the p**s at Tucker Carlson for something he said (@Rayne OfSalt thank you for clarifying).
Load More Replies... Okay there's a lot of upset people here so let me explain. This is a response to Americans posting "The European Mind Cannot Comprehend This" with photos of stuff like water with tonnes of ice, or a taco bell in the middle of nowhere. So the Europeans responded with stuff above, and now a lot of Americans are here on BP being salty about it.
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/the-european-mind-cannot-comprehend-this
Load More Replies... I think this Europe vs America thing is stupid. Yes, they are different, but both places are good in their own way and bad in their own way.
I would just like to see the good sides of each country..stunning art or nature..without comparision.
Load More Replies... Can we talk about the harmful stereotypes going both ways for real? If the rest of the world is entertained by the most ignorant Americans who have time to post ignorant things, then that speaks to their own ignorance. Even things like making fun of US healthcare are ignorant. I didn't setup the system, choose where I was born or profit on it. Can the world start being honest please? There are ignorant and power hungry scum everywhere.
People are so sensitive. The comments were basically "Oh, a picture? I've seen a picture, and I've lived in America my whole life."
All those "Things [Enter group] can't comprehend" posts are pretty much BS
this is ignorant, stupid, and somewhat insulting. at least name something that americans dont have, like (edit to add) *access* to good healthcare or something.
Americans have good healthcare, they just can't afford to access it.
Load More Replies... This is just about the most stupid, ignorant, and insulting article i've seen yet on BP. And i'm not an American.
Apparently Europeans can’t comprehend that Americans have bread, food, trains, and other stuff. You did get us on the metric system, though. Well played.
BP needed another click bait-"haha Americans dumb"-shitpost.
Load More Replies... Just as the "Things Europeans can't comprehend" posts are against Europeans - doesn't keep Americans from commenting with glee on those posts.
Load More Replies... False. https://ceoworld.biz/2024/04/02/countries-with-the-best-health-care-systems-2024/ https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/countries-with-the-most-well-developed-public-health-care-system https://www.statista.com/statistics/1290168/health-index-of-countries-worldwide-by-health-index-score/
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